What I Wish They Would Have Told Me...

My dearest Molly,

Here it is -- Kindergarten Eve. So many thoughts are running through my head... emotional thoughts ("How can you be five?!?!?"), logistical thoughts ("I've got to pack lunch, make sure Molly's backpack is ready, and don't forget to send in the signed papers..."), and panic attack thoughts ("Are we ready for this???").

As I read you your bedtime story tonight, and we did our "We love our family" nighttime routine, I flashed back to you as a baby. Your daddy and I received so much advice (good and bad) when we were pregnant and when you were brand new. How to swaddle... why breastfeeding is better than formula (or vice versa, depending on the advice giver)... how to put you down to bed... what's the best way to burp you... why this toy is better than that toy... the list went on and on. But all that was gone in the blink of an eye. Here's what I wish they would have told us instead:

- The kind of high chair you choose really doesn't matter. They really don't use it that long anyway. What you really need to worry about is what you feed your child and how you'll nourish her... and not just at 2 months or 3 months -- but at 2, 3, 4, 5 years old... and beyond.

- Don't worry about what kind of toys to buy or spend days researching the best educational DVDs on the market. Spend time actually playing with your child -- engaging her, enriching her, and just making her giggle.

- Yes, picking the right stroller is important. But using that stroller to take her places -- the park, the zoo, around her neighborhood -- that's what's important.

- Don't worry about creating a perfectly decorated nursery. In less time than you can imagine, the zoo or circus or Baby Pooh theme as been outgrown and you'll kick yourself as you paint over the fancy mural you just HAD to have. Instead, fill the nursery with a COMFY rocking chair (this is where to splurge - you'll spend a LOT of time in it), a soothing nightlight, a good CD player with a remote, a clock that's readable at 3 a.m. despite the dark and your bleary eyes, and lots and lots of love.

- Take TONS of pictures and videos... not just of the firsts, but of all the little moments. But be sure to put the cameras down too and share the experience with your child.

- Read the parenting books and magazines, listen to the advice -- then talk with your spouse about what's right for your family.

- Soak in every second, because you'll blink... and you'll be sending them off to Kindergarten.

That's what I wish they would have told me. But then again - maybe they did... and I just didn't listen. Or didn't understand yet. Maybe parents have to learn all this for themselves.

I love you, peanut.

All my love,
Mommy