DoolittleDesign: Raising a Toddler

Wow, what a ride ( to say the least). You never really know the enormous amount of love and sacrifice that you can have toward someone else until you experience it first hand. Having my little girl has taught me and CONTINUES to teach me A LOT about myself. Although we constantly hear what a good baby we have I must admit it is still difficult. The lack of sleep, extra expenses on top of a demanding, all consuming, helpless baby are just a few of the things that contribute to it. EVERYTHING we do at this point of our lives revolves around her: what we eat for dinner, where we go, what we watch on the television, how late we stay out, when we wake up, what we wear ( easier to wear sneakers than the cute shoes) and how we spend our free time in general. My parents were right when they said a baby takes all of you. I have had to learn to lean on my husband even more now than before. I admit to taking frustrations out on him at times not because of anything he has done but more because he is a safe person for me to express myself with. I even got my first wrinkles the first year of her life. That was quite an experience.
Sometimes I beat myself up for waiting till I was 32 to get pregnant. I think upon Delaney someday being 18 and myself 50 ( eek). However, God had a plan in allowing it to happen that way. Also, it seems a common trend these days for people to start having kids in their 30's. Much different from the days of my parents. I try to take all advice and words of wisdom I can from others because I only get one shot with her and I want to be the best mom I can. My goal each day is to stay positive, provide learning and teaching moments as well as a physical outlet. I want her to be exposed to all sorts of different people and have compassion for others. I want her to love and value family and God over everything else.

All the challenges aside I would not trade this experience for anything. Ben and I are now talking about child TWO and what that will do to our little family. I am excited to do this adventure again and a teeny bit nervous. However I feel way more experienced this time around. We have even been looking at baby names. I figure its never too early to look. It seems like with each child it is appropriate for me to plan some sort of house projects. I am focused right now on converting the garage into a giant playroom. The garage was sealed off when we first moved in so it was partially converted. It is also painted in horizontal stripes in blue, chocolate and a cream color. Next step build a dividing wall to separate the laundry room and the play room and then add linoleum and carpet. Stay tuned for pics

Thanks for following along!!!!