Now that Cooper is officially one year old and we’ve decided he is not that big of a fan of cake, I’ve decided to take some time to reflect on the things I’ve learned in the past year.  While I’ve watched Cooper grow and learn everyday, I realize that at the same time, I’m growing and learning as well.  Here are the Things I’ve Learned as a Mom.

1. Patience is a virtue but we sometimes lack it.  Everyone thinks moms are so patient that they can sit there and teach their children how to do something or how not to be naughty in a calm, clear and sweet voice waiting for the little light bulb to finally click above their child’s head.  In reality, my patience will sometimes run thin when I’m in a hurry, he repeatedly fights me on things he needs or when I’ve picked up a piece of food from the floor for the millionth time in the last 20 minutes.  As someone who used to be so efficient, it can be frustrating to take two hours to get out the door.  The key to losing your patience is to not let it show.  Sometimes I feel frustrated on the inside but I try to channel it outwardly in a more positive manner.
2. Children respond to your facial expressions.  That means when you look excited, they feel excited!  And when you look a little sad, they feel a little sad too.  But, when you look upset, they think it is hilarious!  Apparently the exuberant face is too close to the surprised/shocked/upset face for babies to tell the difference.  So, best not to look too upset when your baby takes all of the clothes out of the wardrobe and throws them on the floor while laughing maniacally or when he gets his diaper off and has his hands covered in poop.  A simple and firm “no” is more effective.
3. Giving in is the easiest option but not always the best.  Yes, my child will fall asleep if I rock him and yes, if I let him stay in the bath for another 30 minutes it will avoid a tantrum and yes, if I let him play with the Hubs’ razor, he will be happy but unfortunately, there are downsides way worse than the upsides in these scenarios.  
4. Caring for someone else is a lot harder than caring for yourself.  On rare occasions where I am not taking care of Cooper all day, I wonder what the heck I did with myself before I had a child.  How is it only 2pm?  What will I do for the rest of the day?  What exactly do I feel like doing right now?  These are thoughts that only rarely cross my mind.
5. Sleep is the best.  Life is good when the baby is sleeping, when you are sleeping and when the husband is sleeping.  If there is sleep going around, catch it and don’t let go.
6. Smiles are even better.  As much as being a mom is a full-time job and a lot of work, it is all worth it when they smile.

Readers, what have you learned from being a mom?  What is one major change you’ve made in your life that has impacted the way you do things?