Dear Carter

Dear Carter,

At only 6 months, you are already growing up so fast. Yet, you are still so perfect in every way! You do not lie, cheat, or steal. You do not gossip, judge, or hate. You accept anyone and everyone. You love unconditionally and never hold a grudge. You only want for what you need, and you need very little to be happy. I thought I would take this time, before time gets away on me, to let you know some of my hopes for you as you grow up.

I hope that you cherish your family and your friends. In life, very little can make you happier than the people you surround yourself with. All good relationships have both give and take so make sure to treat others as you would want to be treated. Treat strangers with respect, as they could someday be your friend. Try to give people the benefit of the doubt as it’s so much easier on you and them. When you wrong someone, an apology can go a long way. Some people aren’t meant to be in your life forever and that’s okay. 

I hope you always know how special you are and that you always accept who you are. There may be times when you don’t know exactly who that is, but that is all part of the journey. If you accept that and give it time it will become clearer. If you ever feel completely lost and lonely, I hope you know you can always come home for a reminder of who you are (and lots of love and hugs!) Always know that you can do anything you set your mind to. It may be a challenge at times, and you may need to ask for help along the way, but you can do it. 

I hope you can find success in your life. Success is not a dollar amount, a certain job, or who your friends are. It’s finding the things and people in your life that truly make you happy. There will be things you have to do in life out of responsibility and obligation, but always try to make time for the things that make you happy! Try not to take anything too seriously. All hard times pass in time, and happiness is just around the corner!

Last and certainly not least, I hope you always know that your dad and I love you unconditionally and always will! We aren’t perfect, and we don’t expect you to be either. We will always be there for you to help you through any challenges you encounter. We will always try to listen first, and talk second. There will be times when we disagree but we will always try to see your point of view, and we just ask that you do the same in return. We will try to guide you without being overbearing, and to lead you by example. We promise to always provide a place for you called home!

Love,
mum

What I've Learned

Well, Carter is 6 months on the 14th and I just can't get over how fast the time has gone. In the last 6 months he's gone from a tiny newborn who only eats, sleeps, and poops, to a little man who also smiles, laughs, talks, plays, and has his own personality. Today I started thinking about all the things that have changed in my life in the last 6 months and the lessons I've learned. I thought I would share some of them with you (in no particular order):

I have the best husband in the world
You can make a lot of new friends after having a baby, even really great ones!
I can get through the day on 3 and a half hours sleep
Epiderals don't always work
Breastfeeding is hard, but worth it and it does get easier
I love shopping for all things baby!
6 month olds are so much fun
Lack of sleep makes me do some really stupid things - there is such a thing as baby brain, AKA sleep deprivation brain!
I was definitely meant to be a mom
Everyone has an opinion and they’d rather tell you theirs then ask you yours
Most people mean well so take it in stride
People love babies – people LOVE babies in sun glasses!
Thinking you might be pregnant when you have a 5 month old is scary!
Sitting at home all day makes me stir crazy
It's so important to accept help and to ask for it
Talking poop becomes a regular thing 
It’s important not to get caught up in the rough moments as they get better before you know it – but do get caught up in the good ones because they're gone before you know it
Hearing your baby cry is heartbreaking!
You care less about what others think of you when you have a baby
You care more about what happens to you when you have a baby
I have a lot more respect for single parents!
You see your friends less but the good ones don't hold it against you and don't stop calling
Every rough day is almost always followed by a good one
Babies make you smile more then you’ve ever smiled before
It is possible to love unconditionally
You can never “zip out” with a baby
Taking care of a baby is one big guessing game, but it feels amazing when you get it right!
Family naps are the best
It’s fun to be a kid and play with toys again
It’s fun to read all the children’s books you use to read... “Clang, clang, rattle, bing, bang. Gonna make my noise all day….”
I’m amazed at what my body can do 
Your life revolves around your baby - if it didn't you wouldn't be a very good parent
It's important to still have time to yourself - everyone needs a break sometimes, no matter what

I’m sure I could come up with many more but those are the ones off the top of my head! 

What have you learned?