Things I have Learned Since Becoming a Mom

I've been a mom now for almost 9 years.  There is still a lot I don't know about raising kids (Hey, who can know it all??), but I have learned some things.  Here is are some of my most important pieces of wisdom to pass on to any other moms out there.

• Do you know what prize you get when you deliver a child naturally?  It's called a baby.  You get the same prize if you have an epidural or a C-section.  
• Likewise, both breast milk and formula result in the same thing - a fed baby.
• If you decide to stay home with your children, someone will think you are lazy/spoiled/ungrateful.  If you decide to go back to work after having your children, someone will think you are lazy/spoiled/ungrateful.  Do what works for your family.

• The dishes will never be done.  While you are in the process of emptying the dishwasher and filling it back up again and running it and washing the big pots and pans by hand...someone will be dirtying up more dishes.  It will never end.
• The laundry will never be done...especially if you have a little boy.  See above explanation and insert "clothes" for "dishes" and "washer" for "dishwasher."

• Siblings will fight - no matter what gender they are or how old they are or how much they love each other.
• It's important to eat with your family together at the table as much as you can.  Ask your kids about their day.  Ask your husband about his day.  Talk!  What's NOT important is how fancy your meal is.  Healthy food - important; fancy and time-consuming food - not important.
• There is an unseen button on your toilet.  When you sit down on it, it buzzes your children's brains and makes them "need" you for something.

• Every mother will have an opinion about one or all the above points and most likely it will be a different opinion than mine and a different opinion than yours.  That's OK.  Just remember - YOU are child's mother.  YOU are who God chose to raise that child.  YOU get to choose what is best for your child (with your husband's input as well, of course).

Those are just a few things I have thought of.  I'd love to hear your input.  What important things have you learned as a mom?