Four Things Now That I'm A Mom

Okay. 

So the title of this post is really:

Four Things I Do Now That I'm A Mom, That I Think Are Totally Normal, 

But Are Probably Not Normal At All. 

And for the sake of this post, I will throw out there that my son is 

freshly two years old.

So... these habits are two years, and going strong, haha.

ONE

I hand wash each and every one of my little mans bottles, and now cups and dishes.

(And of course sanitize.)

I don't know why but I can not bring myself to put them in the dishwasher. 

And since we are on the topic of washing baby items-

I have a separate sponge that I use only for washing his dishes. 

I get weirded out thinking about washing his dishes

with the same sponges that we clean our dishes with.

Since for the most part, our dishes are way dirtier than his. 

I also have to dry each and every item.

Water spots give me anxiety, haha. 

TWO

I have never put a single item of my little man's clothing in the dryer.

I hang and air dry everything down to his socks.

Weird... I don't know, but I can tell you this. 

It keeps his clothes looking new and fresh, 

(a huge perk for, if in the far future he has a baby brother)

and he has gotten to wear everything much longer due to things not shrinking.

Win, Win in my book! 

THREE

I over pack to a fault now.

Something that has gotten much worse since becoming a Mom. 

Again, my son is two, and leaving for the house is like 

packing for a weekend getaway.

Food, Toys, Books, Snacks, Water, 

Light Jacket (especially in the summer since it's SO cold in most stores)

Taggie, Pacifier, Back up Pacifier...
all to go grocery shopping.

I thought the older he got, the less I could leave with

but it just seems to get worse! 

FOUR

I fear forgetting the little things to a fault. 

I have taken a picture of my little man every day for the first two years 

of his adorable little life.

I've relaxed a bit on the third year... but it's been hard for me haha.

I also keep a word document on my lap top 

where I write things down every day or two 

just little notes to myself about things I don't want to forget.

So... there you are. 

Some may be more normal than others, 
but either way,
weird or not, I do all these things for this little face.

(One day I'm sure he'll tell me I was crazy, and I'll just say... I know!) 

Are there more, of course.

But I decided to keep my list to four (for now) so that you all don't think 

I'm TOTALLY crazy.

How about you Mama's out there...

is there anything you do now that your a Mom that you think is 

normal... but probably isn't?!

Currently

I haven't blogged in a couple months,

so I figured this would be a good place to start!

Currently | 02.05.15

Watching | Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.
My little man gets to watch a little TV in the mornings, 
before we turn it off, and blast some toddler radio. 

Shows I'm currently watching via my lovely DVR:
Shark Tank, The Middle, Modern Family, Parks & Recreation
I don't have time to get into any new shows, 
it's hard enough finding time
to watch the four above!

(PS. Who else is SUPER sad that Parks & Rec is ending,
and that you won't get your weekly does of Chris Pratt?!)

Reading | American Sniper
Well... I am waiting for my husband to finish it,
so I can read it, so we can go see the movie.
(I have a problem with reading books after seeing a movie,
so if that is the case, and it's a book I want to read,
I have to read the book first!) 

Listening To | Taylor Swift "1989" STILL.

Who wants to go see her on tour with me?!
Really... she is so great. 

If I'm in the car, and the radio is on, 
I'm listening to the local country station, or the new alternative station. 

I'm also in love with this song (anyone else?!)

Working On | Getting a blogging schedule together.
Really, I took off time for the holidays, and never found my way back! 

I'm going to a blogging event in a couple weeks, 
so I also want to get new business cards that combine
both my blog and Etsy shop. 
(I'd love to hear who you use for your business cards below!)

AND I know it's a little early so 
*cover your ears*
I'm working on the Simply Sweet Prints "Easter Collection"
and I am so excited (I really do love ALL holidays!)

I switched programs in the middle of last year,
and I'm having to re-create everything,
so I'm also re-vamping and adding a couple new additions as well! 

Feeling | Like I can finally breath.

This holiday season my little man turned two. 
Between Thanksgiving, a 2nd Birthday party, Christmas, New Years
it's been a wild ride. So fun, but so non-stop!
Now that it is February, I finally feel like I'm able to sit down,
and try to get organized for the year.
Better late than never! 

Planning | NOTHING. :)

That's actually not true,
I'm trying to plan out my goals for Simply Sweet Prints for 2015
and start working on the new additions for the year.
(Banners, & Party Accessories)
I'm also going to start offering printing on all invitations / announcements...
it's going to take a little bit of time, but I will get there!

Loving | That it is February.
The weather is BEYOND BEAUTIFUL here in AZ,
and Valentine's Day is a week from Saturday.
We don't do anything big, but how can you not get it the Valentine's spirit
when you have the best husband in the world!
Plus...  I love holidays about LOVE
(yes, even the definitely made up Sweetest Day!) 
Baking. Hearts. Glitter. Hugs. Kisses.
Need I say more! *wink*

My Favorite Photo:
I took this photo of my little two year old right after the Christmas season... 
and I am still DYING. 
I'm biased for sure, but I think he is just the cutest! 

Lessons

The second I found out I was pregnant, 

I started thinking about the type of Mama I wanted to be, 

and what I wanted for my little one, and the lessons that would be important

for me to teach them.

This is an on going list, but here are the first few lessons I hope 

my little man will take and carry with him throughout his lifetime.

Keep a kind heart. 

In a world where there is so much negativity,

I want to teach Jackson to keep a kind heart.

I want to teach him to be aware of other peoples feelings,

and I want him to learn how his actions effect those around him.

I want to teach him to do things for people without expecting anything in return.

I want him to know that a small gesture can go a long way,

especially for those in need.

I want him to know that everyone goes through tough times

and those tough times will be when others will need his kind heart the most.

Give.

Your time. Your heart. Your smile. Your stories.

You will have so much to offer this world, 

and I truly believe you will be able to help make it a better place.

Don't be afraid to share what you have with those around you.

Interact.

Interact with those around you.

In a time where everyone is so consumed with their own lives,

and of course technology,

I want to teach Jackson to take the time to interact with others.

And not those close to him, those that we pass by in every day life.

Some days, I walk around my neighborhood, run errands, go in and out of stores, 

pass dozens of people, with zero interaction.

I hold doors open, and will say hi,

and just watch them walk by with not as much as a glance in my direction.

So Jackson, don't just look down, or look away. 

It's okay to actually look at someone while passing, and say "hi" to them, 

or just simply acknowledge them with a smile.

It will make the both of you feel good, I promise.

How about you? What lessons are important for you to teach your little ones?