I survived the first year.

Today is my son Reese’s first birthday! Since it happens to be the middle of the week, we will have a party this weekend so friends and family can attend. After all, it’s certainly one of the most celebrated milestones of childhood! Aside from all the worrisome things like SIDS, food allergies etc., you have all of those exciting “first” moments. First bath, first tooth, first steps and more pictures than any one person would want to count!

So as I’ve been planning and reminiscing on all of those “firsts”, a question came to mind. How often do people overlook just what an accomplishment the first birthday REALLY is? Not only for the child, but for the parents! The trials and tribulations that is year one, with baby number one, is truly unlike any other. 

Here are a few things I have learned over the last year:
1. After the first two weeks the excitement wears off for family and friends. They stop offering assistance and stop visiting. Although you hear wonderful promises of “being there if you ever need anything”, no one is ACTUALLY willing. And hey I get it, it’s hard. But the last thing a tired worn out mother needs is false hope. She needs a weekend of solid sleep!
2. “What To Expect” books and all things like it are totally useless. There’s books, classes, digital downloads and the list goes on. Every parent I talk to tells me the same thing, every child of theirs is different. Ergo, instead of relaxing and enjoying the experiences, your busy stuffing your head with as much information as you can. Life is already going to be overwhelming and at the end of the day there is no perfect child raising method.
3. You have never been more appreciative of your parents/guardian until you’ve gone through life with a newborn. It’s the kind of gratitude that makes you call them and thank them for putting up with you. Having a new baby is stressful, despite what anyone says. So even if we don’t, as adults, have great relationships with those that raise us, give credit where credit is due.
4. Do not be hard on yourself! You’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to be moody. Sleep deprivation is enough to make any person emotional! You have to take all the “advice” coming at you and decide what works best, for you. Don’t feel pressured by others to do something a certain way if you don’t want to.

It’s been an amazing first year. So many ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve not only learned how to be a mother, but I’ve learned a lot about myself as an individual. I am stronger than I ever imagined, physically and emotionally. I am capable of absolutely anything, and I can guide him through his life with confidence in myself.     ![image](https://img.esteem.ws/2q6fwsmzwp.jpg)  ![image](https://img.esteem.ws/kkhgbx60vf.jpg)  !(https://img.esteem.ws/ici9ucbj27.jpg)