Planning & Dreaming

I always pictured my life being simple, planned out and living the dream.

Fall in love,

Have a child with the man I love,

Buy a beautiful place to call home

Go to work, be the boss

 come home cook, clean, relax, drink wine, read a book, cuddle, bed.

Every woman's dream, right?

See, half of that list is already checked off. I fell in love, I have a beautiful daughter. I am renting a place to call home, for now... We are currently looking into buying a house, and I found one that I LOVE!!!

We both go to work, I am the" boss" (one of them), I come home

and clean, do the dishes, on rare occasion I will cook.

We put Lennon to bed, we relax, watch a movie, drink a beer, or wine.

Whatever.

Cuddle, if we aren't too tired

and usually pass out.

Every woman's dream?

Hardly.

I pictured this whole full-time, hard working, super-mom thing totally different.

Damn, movies.

I love my family, I love my apartment and I love where my life is right now. Sure, I would do some things different if I could. Like, go to school full time and work part time. Or find a stay at home mommy job that compares to the money I am making now. Yeah, right! Work in retail, or restaurant management not in an office with no windows, fresh air or even a hint of sunlight. Which, by the way if one more person comes back from their break and says, "Oh, my goodness it's so nice and warm outside! Can we leave early?" I will scream!

So, I have decided that I am going to do all that I can do right now.

Scream, pull my hair out, and suck it up like a big girl.

I have planned out my life the way I have always wanted it to be, and it didn't turn out that way.

So, back to the dreaming... Back to the planning.

Time to start over and live my new life as a mom, a full time working mom, a loving, caring, crying every time my baby leaves my sight mom.

It's time to focus, take a deep breath and say...

"You can do this, every mom has to at some point..."

I can do this, right?

Riiiiiight.

PS. Thanks to my wonderful boyfriend for listening to my horrible rants about work, and rubbing my back for me when I get home. I love you :)

This REALLY sucks

Things that royally sucked today

-getting up at 6 a.m & rushing to get ready
-not cuddling with my daughter like I do EVERY.SINGLE.MORNING
-watching my daughter leave the house with daddy and go to daycare
-driving to work
-crying on my way to work
-walking into my office and hearing my boss to tell me I have mascara on my cheeks
-going into work, having a million.AND.ONE things thrown at me
-not getting everything done
-not eating lunch, or breakfast for that matter
-not peeing until I get home
-getting home only to remember the things you forgot to do today!

Can I scream now?

Good things about my day

-cracking open an ice cold BEER! (even though it's not the first good thing about my day, it sure as heck tops the list!)
-maybe not eating will help me lose weight? Nah. Forget that idea!
-picking my daughter up from daycare
-holding her while she smiles and giggles at everything I do and say
-the big kiss and hug I got from my boyfriend even after me freaking out and venting to him about work the whole way home!

Can I rip my hair out now?

Aggggg.

Projects for Home

I've been working on making my plain-jane, white-walled, boring, no-character apartment look & feel more like home. Problem is, the lanlord here won't let me paint, which is understandable but how boring is that?! White walls?  No thanks. So, I have decided to improvise. I made my own wall art & home decor starting with Lennons room.

Another Pinterest inspired project:

I got a great deal on cavas at JoAnns a while ago, so I decided I would put it to good use!

Since I am overly obsessed with my daughters name I am putting it everywhere, and against my boyfriends wishes I continue to paint her name on everything I can! Oh, well. :)

So, I began with painting the canvas all black and then as it was drying I went over it with a dry foam brush to make it look a little worn, and more vintage.

Have you ever wrote on a canvas with pencil to paint over it, and then the pencil never comes off?

I have, many times! That is, until I realized I had chalk and it did the same thing, only better! It comes right off!! Genius, right?

The paint I had from Hobby Lobby that was only .99 was definitely not worth it! I should have spent the extra .50 to get better quality paint. Don't try to go cheap, you'll definitely regret it! I had to go over everything about 4 to 5 times to get a good coat.

It isn't quite done yet, but all there is left to do it put a black and white picture of Lennon in the middle, and then apply a coat of Mod Podge on top. Which, by the way I found a good recipe for on Pinterest too! I never knew that it was just glue and water? Hmm!

A big letter above her crib. Only 10$ for the letter, and only took a couple of hours to paint!

A big cavas that I bought and covered in fabric to make a photo board.

I haven't yet decided what I am going to do with these... I am currently pinteresting some ideas!!

I save my old wine bottles, you never know what fancy thing pinterest will have next! I bought a can of spray paint (with primer in it) and sprayed away! I got a little carried away so I thought I would spray paint my knife holder-thingy too! Matches my kitchen now :)

Thanks, Pinterest!!

Lennon is 1 month

Can you believe it?

My daughter is 1 month old.

Every parent out there tells you to cherish every moment because your children grow up so fast and before ya' know it you're at their high school graduation wishing they were just in your arms again.

I finally know that feeling.

Waking up this morning I realized that my daughter is growing so fast and every parent that gave me the advice is right! My daughter is now aware of whats going on, she is smiling at us and making noises, getting excited when we pick her up and talk to her, and she stares at her toys when she's in her pack-n-play. My daughter is growing up, and it seems like yesterday we brought her home from the hospital.

A new baby, swaddled up. Her head fit in the palm of my hand, and her toes were smaller than my finger nail. She slept more than a sloth and didn't do much of anything else.

Watching your baby grow is bitter sweet.

I miss the newborn days, and how small and sweet she was.

Although, I look forward to the days she is crawling and saying "mamma" & "daddy".

Being a mother is the best gift in the world.

Every day is a new challenge, a new funny face, a different sound.

Every day is a blessing.

Challenge Accepted

Today I laughed to myself as I got dressed and in my head I hear Barney Stinson saying "suit up!"

Suit, diamonds, heels and out the door. Offs to my interview with the big man, the most important man within our company.

I walked through the door, ran up two flights of stairs and I was sweating bullets, heart racing thinking I'm going to have word vomit, or worse...

I introduced myself to the big man and sat in the office. Two seconds in and we began the much anticipated interview, which was more like a test to see if I would crack under pressure! I answered 5 or 6 questions and he stood up, shook my hand and said "welcome aboard!"

Whew! Was it really that easy? The most anticipated interview of my life and I aced it! My former boss introduced me to the new members of our team, and said "this is your new manager, Kaila". It feels so good to hear that! I feel so accomplished!! :)

On to the next chapter of my life and in my career. I'm going to kick butt! ;)

The Light Switch Effect

Love is a strange and beautiful thing.

I always thought I knew what love meant. I grew up hearing those three words said everyday to my brother and I. It was on TV, in books I read, and most of all within my family. Love was everywhere. I thought I knew how to love someone. I was told that love was a warm, fuzzy feeling inside your heart when your mommy & daddy hug you or kiss you, like the feeling you get when you're holding your favorite blankie or teddy. I had that feeling, but never realized it until something bad happened.

I began associating that warm fuzzy feeling with hurt, pain, angst and depression because those were the times I needed it most, and too many times it was hard to find. I found comfort in my writing, my books, and my blankie (yes, from when I was a baby and still own to this day!) because they didn't judge me, scold me, or hurt me.

The big-ugly-hurtful D word. I was young when my parents divorced. I went to a Catholic school, I believed in God and believed that with God all things were possible. Divorce wasn't. It was unheard of in my mind. How do you listen to someone tell you they're getting a divorce from the one and only person you've ever had in your life to rely on? The two people who taught me about love didn't love eachother anymore. As a child that is the most hurtful, damaging feeling you can have - the feeling of your heart being crushed. My world felt like it was falling apart. How do you still believe in love after that? What was love anyway? I thought it was that feeling that wasn't supposed to go away, between two people - especially a mommy & a daddy. So where does the love go? So many questions ran through my mind, that day, that year, and years after that I still don't have answers for today.

Thus I began my journey into my teenage years and adulthood. Learning how to be a woman, a compassionate friend, and a loyal lover. It was hard to say the least. I began finding compassion in those who hurt me, and those I hurt. I wanted the love-hate light switch relationships because that is what I was use to. I didn't know how to love without hurting. I found myself craving the relationships that were toxic.

"As an adult, toxic relationships come in the form of parents, siblings, other family, friends, spouses, partners, bosses, co-workers. It can be anyone you are involved with who has the ability to impact your life or your thoughts. The toxins that are let forth poison your mind and soul. It eats away at your self esteem and slowly your mind starts to attack itself."

Toxic relationships have molded my past. I have never been able to mend the wound that came from my parents divorce, the fighting, arguing, cheating, and most of all the heartbreak. It really shaped me into this horrible person and I was exemplifying the manners I grew up knowing and being a part of. Every relationship I've had has failed. Whether it may be with friends, boyfriends, co-workers, you name it I've ruined it. For various reasons, some good, some bad I have ruined close relationships with people around me. Countless times I have sat and pondered the idea of what went wrong, who is to blame, and what could have made it better. I realize now that things happen for a reason, and so be it. Every relationship I have had has been the Light Switch Effect. A relationship that is on and off more times that one can count.

Truth is, I never knew how much love I had until I had my daughter and looked into her eyes. The first thing I said was "I love you". Three words that never meant a thing to me. I was saying them proudly, and with every single breath she took that love grew. But not only did I fall in love with her that morning, I truly fell in love with her father. Looking into her fathers eyes when we said her name for the very first timegave me chills. Looking up at him as I held our baby girl, and kissing him was that heart-warming-fuzzy feeling that I felt when I was a child. Those moments were the best moments of my life. Before this day we were the epitome of The Light Switch Effect. Our on and off relationship over the past two years has had its share of hurt, anger, and betrayal. But even through the rough times we were there for eachother and we made it. He stuck by my side when I needed him most, and never gave up hope that this relationship would last. He held my hand the entire journey, from the first night at the trashy bar we met in to the screaming, pushing and hours of labor. I couldn't see the love I had inside of me until something good happened in my life. I took a step back and thought of all the good times, smiling, and laughing. It was then that I noticed I do have people in my life that I love, that love me and aren't here to just hurt me. That will stay by my side no matter what happens. That is love. When the light switch is on more than it's off.

I truly fell in love, and falling in love is an amazing feeling!

Feeling Fab

Today I am feeling FABULOUS!

fabulous[ fab-yuh-luh s ]adjective
1. almost impossible to believe; incredible.
2. exceptionally good or unusual; marvelous; superb: a fabulous bargain; a fabulous new house.

I woke up this morning, no coffee, no breakfast, phone is still broken, bills are still piling up... Yet I manage to feel like my day is the best day in the world. Why? How? Because I wake up to my amazing boyfriend giving me a warm hug and kiss good-bye before he leaves for work, and minutes later I wake up to my beautiful baby girl cooing and squirming around in her bassinet beside me. I look at her, she stares starry eyed back at me and in that moment inspite of the no coffee, no breakfast, bills piling up and broken phone I realize I am the happiest person alive! It's funny how one person can change your life...

Since I found out I was pregnant my life changed, and still continues to change every day. Before October 2011 I was living life the way I thought every 21 year old girl should... Party like there's no tomorrow, wake up with no regrets, drink until its gone, and don't go to sleep until the sun comes up. My life was perfect... or so I thought. I was wrong. My life may have seemed perfect for me, a 21 year old who didn't have to have a care in the world. Truth is, I was on a downward spiral. Hurting my closest friends, breaking hearts so close to mine, and never turning back to say sorry. It was rough, and I didn't see it through the drinking, partying and all-nighters! Come October I was faced with the reality that I was pregnant and I had to make a change quick! That night I had my last cigarette, and walked forth as a new woman.

As the year 2012 progressed I made a lot of changes. I got a great new job, big apartment, new car (or used piece of junk, whatever works)! I was eating healthy, working 40 hours a week, and keeping a positive attitude! My boyfriend moved back home, we started to work things out and all was wonderful.

Being pregnant changed my life, and not just for the obvious reasons. I grew up, a lot. I lost friends that couldn't handle sticking around through it all or just cared a little too much about the partying than helping a friend... I gained friends, the fellow mommies. And most I all I gained a new respect for myself and my life. I realized that it's not the little things that matter anymore. I realized that I don't need to sweat the small stuff and I don't need my past or anyone from it! I love my boyfriend more than anyone in the world, I am so in love with my baby girl and so in love with life!

I took a step back, looked at my past and asked myself WHY?? If I could go back and erase everything I would, but I can't. It is there for a reason, and that reason was to teach me a lesson. I am a better person than I ever was, and I thank God for all he has given me and my beautiful family.

15 Tips & Tricks for Moms

Readers Beware: This blog is coming from an OCD, neat freak, over-think, over-plan for EVERYTHING, type-A personality-type-gal who loves to share all... Every, single detail!! Enjoy :)

1. Diaper Bag Essentials

You have officially become a mom when you give up your beloved Coach purse for a diaper bag. Let's face it moms, there is no way you're carrying an overstuffed diaper bag, heavy car seat AND a handbag! There's just no room. So you settle for the cutest diaper bag you can find (without making it too girly so daddy can still get away with it) and make sure there are lots of pockets for storage - especially one to fit your wallet, keys, Chapstick and iPhone!! I have just about everything in my diaper bag; the obvious diapers, wipes, and package of backup wipes, butt cream, baby powder, baby lotion, extra paci's (incase one falls on the floor at Meijer!), A formula dispenser so you don't have to try fitting the can in the bag, and MOST IMPORTANTLY extra outfits!! My mother always told me to pack extra onesies, pants, hoodie, blanket, etc. for baby but I never thought of packing an extra shirt or two for myself! It will happen; you'll be out somewhere holding the baby and they will explode in their diaper, it will leak out and it just so happens to soak your shirt and everything in the way! So pack a shirt or two for yourself and the baby! It will come in handy!

2. Beware of the poop!

On the subject of explosive baby poo... Make sure you're prepared for the expected at the most inconvenient times! Disposable changing pads are a God send to this family! My mom bought me a value pack of them from Babies R Us and I couldn't live without them! I have some in the diaper bag for those ever so thoughtful restaurants and stores with no changing table that's sanitary, and I have some for her changing pad at home so we don't have to wash her cute polka-dot changing pad every, single time.

3. Swing Time

Babies like to be rocked and although I love holding my baby girl I would never get the house cleaned, or bottles washed, or probably even take a shower if it weren't for that swing! Lennon's swing is a lifesaver. She loves it. It fulfills it's purpose ever so greatly as a swing, but it also plays music, different sounds and vibrates! Sleeping baby, instantly! A swing is a must have.

4. Routine

Lennon is 4 weeks old now and we finally have a routine down for the most part. Wake up, change, feed, rock, put her in the swing and I have a good two-three hours to get my things done or take a good nap! She wakes up, change and get ready for the day, feed, nap. Two-three hours later feed, play, nap until daddy gets home. He wakes her up, play, feed, get ready for bed and relax. Feed before bed and she sleeps most of the night, feed... Sleep... Repeat. Seems easy, right? Easy, yet exhausting! It's easy to get yourself in a routine but a little difficult to mold your babies routine into your schedule. Try your hardest and life will seem a little less hectic, and you just might have a full head of hair left!

5. Soothies & Stocking up from the hospital!

Who doesn't like FREE stuff? The hospital will have packs and packs of newborn diapers, wipes, lotion, soap, etc for your baby stocked under the little crib they bring in for the baby to sleep in. Hint: they let you take the extra stuff home with you! That being said, stock up on it. Shove extra diapers and wipes and lotions in your bag because they refill the baby supplies daily! Also, When your baby is in the hospital they will swaddle them in a nice, warm sleep sack. Make sure you take it home with you, they're amazing! (and 60$ retail value at Babies R Us) between my mom and I we now have 4 of them!!

Soothies! A soothie is a brand of paci that the hospital provides, and it smells like vanilla!! They are designed to replicate the breast and are made so the baby doesn't get confused between breast and paci. They give them to the babies when they're in the nursery to calm them down. They're not for the public, and they don't give them out when you ask but they will let you take the one they gave you home! So be smart about it, tell them it dropped on the floor or you lost it and get another! Cheating? Nah! I wish I would have, it's one of Lennons favorites and she doesn't much like the boring Avent ones. You can buy Soothie brand online, cheap! But don't smell like vanilla. Bummer!

6. Save moola'. Make your own wipes!

Baby wipes are over-priced and a waste of money. While you're on maternity leave try making your own wipes! Super easy!!!

1/2 Roll of Paper Towel (extra soft)
2 1/4 Cups Water
2 Tbs Baby Wash
1 Tbs Baby Oil

Use an old wipes container to mix it in, cut the paper towel down to desired size so you're not wasting any, and voila! Wipes for a fraction of the cost!!! Woo! They fit in a wipes warmer too, and if you can figure out a way to fold them so you can pull them out of the warmer without opening the lid every time then it's even more wonderful!

7. Have a glass, or two

Make sure you take mommy-dates. Whether it's with your best friend, your partner or a bottle of wine, take a moment to relax without baby or you just might go insane. Even if it is a 5 minute hot shower by yourself, quick trip to Meijer alone, or even a walk down the driveway to get the mail! Take time to yourself. Being a new mommy is a wonderful blessing, filled with joy, laughter, smiles and though it is a happy time mostly all the time, make sure you are reflecting on yourself and taking a step back every once in a while to make sure you are okay. Being a new mom is overwhelming at times and like I said, you have to keep your sanity... Face it, waking up two times a night and trying to be a mom all day on little to no sleep is rough and will get the best of you, and those hormones! So have a glass, or two and relax. Or like my dear friend Katie says, go shopping and have your boyfriend buy you a "push present", you did all the work, you deserve it! ;)

8. Down & Dirty

Ya know, the stuff no one wants to talk about. No one warns you about, and you certainly feed awkward asking about. You get the drift, I'm talking about thaaaat part of your body after you had to push a baby out! Sorry folks, it's not a pretty sight.

Now, the mommy essentials in the bathroom no one likes to discuss... When you're in the hospital stock up on those lovely mesh panties, pads, ointment and spray. It will come in handy and as much as you love those sexy little mesh panties, you'll REALLY love them once you're home. Don't worry about being cute! Who wants to ruin those VS panties anyway? It's going to hurt to walk let alone try to sit like a normal person. So take it easy, and sit on a pillow. A pillow under your tush is a lifesaver and will ease some pain. Also, those little icepacks that come in diaper bags for bottles are a huge must have! Put one under your tush and you're in heaven!! Another tip: if you're breastfeeding talk to a lactation nurse in the hospital. They are so kind and so helpful! Make sure you ask them for Lanolin cream, it's expensive and they'll give you some for free that will last a lifetime! Also ask for nursing pads, they'll give you a box to take home. If you need a pump, your insurance might cover it! Mine covered over 80%. Cool, huh?

9. Go slow

We live in a fast paced world. Babies move and grow at a very different pace, as do new parents. Give yourself permission to move on baby time. Don't rush things. Dinner at your moms can wait until 6:00, running to the store isn't a two person job and like I said before, maybe you can use it as your mommy-time.

10. Errands can wait

You will only be a new parent for a few months of your whole life. Think about how you can make the most of it. Cherish every moment with your newborn baby. Lennon is already a month old and I don't know where the days went. I took lots of pictures of those little chubby cheeks, button nose, toes and fingers but I miss it now.

11. Sleep whenever you can

Try to rest whenever baby is asleep and take a nap as soon as daddy gets home. Rest can sometimes feel like a waste of time when there is so much to do, but it's okay to put off the dishes until after dinner! Rest = Sanity.

12. Every cry has a meaning

Get to know your baby. I used to think I would never understand a babies cry... Now I read into it and listen. Know when to feed them, change them, or just simply give them a pack and put them in the wonderful swing to "cry it out". Sure the first time you just let your baby cry is hard but you can't get anything done while holding her.

13. ASK!

The biggest argument I have is "why won't you help me?" and he replies with, "You didn't ask for help!" Many people, myself included hate asking for help and think it should just be given. Ask for help when you need it, when you're overly exhausted and need a nap, when you need to run an errand or when you just want to eat, pee or take a shower!! Seems silly but there are many times I haven't eaten or showered until Dan gets home... You just can't sometimes!

14. Have Play Dates

One of the hardest things about being a new parent is believing you are the only one feeling overwhelmed and confused. It can be very supportive to spend time with other moms!! My dear friend had her baby boy just a couple of weeks before Lennon was born. It's so nice to be able to hangout with her, have nice long talks about the babies, how they are growing and fun stuff they are doing! It's also nice to get out and have a shopping buddy! Talking and relaxing over coffee or a glass of wine is definitely a cure for those overwhelming feelings. You're not alone, every mom out there does what you do, and maybe even more!

15. Feeling Vulnerable

Bringing a new baby into your life changes you forever. Your feelings deepen with joy and love. You might find yourself drowning in tears or spontaneously jumping with joy and energy at a moment’s notice. If you know that this emotional life is a natural part of being a new parent, you may be able to relax, tolerate and even enjoy these new feelings. Having someone there to talk to and confide in really helps. I don't know what I would do without Daniel. He is my shoulder to cry on, punching bag, and best friend! Take the time to love each other and love being a new parent. It really is a blessing.

Creating a Home

Rainy days are Gods way of telling us, "slow down and relax". At least that's my opinion on rainy days! It's a day to lounge in your fuzzy slippers, that ten sizes too big hoodie and yoga pants. Not to mention, crazy hair and best of all? No bra! Yep, no bra. Best feeling known to women everywhere. Comparable I'm sure to those men who long for football season to arrive so they can lounge in boxers and a beer in hand.

My day consisted of waking up at 9:30 am to a content baby - probably due to the fact that she slept almost all night - and moms everywhere know this rarely happens with a newborn! I got Lennon dressed and headed downstairs for bottle time. We cuddled, she fell asleep and I began racking my brain of all the wonderful Pinterest ideas I could create with canvas and paint and some letters for her room and some cute small ones for my bathroom with mine and Dans initials :)

Choosing your battles

Just imagine.

Imagine everyone getting along for the greater good. The greater good of love and family - the greater good of happiness. That pretty much sums it up.

I understand it's not easy. It isn't easy forgiving, much less forgetting. Bad things happen. And when bad things happen we tend to lean on those we love to get us thought the rough and tough times... Right? But what happens when that person we lean on to support us and wipe our years away ends up not supporting out decisions in the end?

Heartache. That's what happens. Heartache and choosing. Choosing your battles.

Tell me this...
Why can't everyone get along? You break a heart, you explain, you forgive. You hurt someones feelings, you apologize. You do wrong, you ask for your sins to be forgiven. Right? Like I have said before, I am not a church-goer. I am not free of sin, and I do not practice my faith like a good Christian woman but God taught us to forgive and that no matter the sin, he can forgive us. All I am asking is for a little peace and forgiveness.

I believe John Lennon said it best;
"Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world..."

Choosing your battles... It never ends.

25 Things I Want My Daughter to Know

Dear Lennon,
Here is a list of 25 things I want you to know. Read them and hopefully someday you can pass them along to your daughter.

1. Enjoy the innocence of your childhood.

In a world full of superficial values, peer pressure, and bullying, as well as a pop culture that pushes materialism and consumerism – you are being leapfrogged through your childhood. There is a constant pressure for you to grow up way too fast. I mean, when did 5 become the new 10, anyway?
Grow slowly. Enjoy life... It really is too short.

2. Smart is the new cool.

Never be ashamed of being smart or nerdy, having freckles or glasses, or loving science and math. Smart never goes out of style, it stays with you as you grow, and it will lead you down the most successful paths. Become a lawyer, a doctor, or a scientist. Don't worry about being the head cheerleader and dating the captain of the football team, that will only get you so far in life.

3. No matter how many times you hear it, “Diamonds are NOT a girl’s best friend.”

Friends are irreplaceable. They are trusting and loyal. They stick with you through good times and bad, happy or sad. Some will come and go, but your true friends will be with you always. Always tell your best friends how much they mean to you... Meghan, my best friend in the world passed away suddenly and I never got the chance to tell her how much she meant to me, inspired me, supported me, and helped mold me into the woman I am today. Take the moments you have now to tell your best friend how much they mean to you - it's worth it.

4. Go for it, get dirty! It’s good for you.

Besides the fact that getting dirty actually does help support your immunity, it’s also a great way to express creativity! Sculpt, draw, and stomp. Better yet, go “classic” and make some mud pies. I will always support your creativity, and different ways of expressing yourself. I will hang your art work in our home and display it proudly! Be who you want to be, and what better way to show who you are than a little art?

5. Be proud to "Throw like a Girl"

Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something because you're a girl!! Play football with the guys, build Lego towers, make a fort in the living room and pretend you're a pirate! Mommy & Daddy will make you the toughest girl alive. You will learn how to kick some butt when you have to! Be a tough girl, and be proud of it. I will regret saying this but when someone tells you "you throw like a girl", throw a punch and see how they like it when you "throw like a girl"

6. Be spiritual & Give thanks.

Find the desire to understand the universe and your place in it. Take the time to notice the earth and all of its beauty. Take the extra time to smell the fresh cut grass, steal some flowers on your way home from school and lay in the grass to stare at the stars. I loved doing that when I was little... I miss those times. And always remember to give thanks to God. He created this world for us, gave us a beautiful baby girl and now it's your turn to thank Him for all he has done.

7. See the world.

Experience new cultures, religions, people, and places. Open your heart and mind to the tremendous wonders of the world. Explore new places, fulfill your dreams.

One of my dreams was always to live in NYC in a high rise apartment overlooking the city lights. When I was 21 I went to live in DC with your daddy and ended up moving back two months later. Truth is, I was scared to leave this small town. I was scared to leave my family, friends and everything I had ever known. A big city is intimidating, and unknown. The unknown is terrifying. I didnt fulfill my dream of NYC and the lights but I did experience moving away, and living in a big city and it wasn't for me. But if you don't try you will never know!

8. A strong hand shake leaves a lasting impression.

It represents self-confidence and ambition. A strong hand shake and eye contact exemplifies a mutual respect for one another and is a sign that you are friendly, trustworthy, and honest. Always leave a lasting impression - and not a bad one!

9. Choose your role models carefully.

Even though you are only 1 month old, I am so glad that right now you have absolutely no idea who Lady Gaga is!!

10. Read something everyday.

From the Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seuss to Junie B Jones, reading is exercise for your brain. It expands knowledge and vocabulary- and lets your imagination run wild. Just please don't let it be Fifty Shades of Grey!

11. When it comes to wearing make-up, there’s a general rule of thumb that applies – LESS is MORE! Oh, and don't expect to wear any makeup until you're 13!

12. When it comes to fashion, shorter does not always equal better. Fashion trends come and go and not all of it is fabulous. Half tops and mini skirts are great for an 85 degree day at the beach or if you’re an NFL cheerleader, but not for your high school yearbook photo.

13. DO NOT let yourself become someone else's property! Having a boyfriend, okay... Letting him dictate your every move and what you eat for lunch, not okay! No one owns you. Take pride in yourself.

14. Speaking of trends, I hope that by the time you are allowed to date, guys don’t wear their pants hanging half way down their butt like they do now. I really feel like this has been pretty popular for quite some time and I am praying that it finally goes away by 2030. Date a guy with class, not "swag". A suit > saggy pants and a cut off. Always!

15. Being an angel should not and does not mean wearing only your bra, underwear, and a set of wings for everyone to see on halloween, or ay time! Victoria's Secret is an amazing franchise to waste money on; smell good and look good, but keep it underneath your clothes.

16. Since you’re growing up in the technological age of iPad, iPod, iPhone, and texting, I have to address the horrendous lack of writing skills being used by today’s youth. This phenomenon of letters may very well be the Death of English (LOL). Bottom line, don’t use text lingo in your thesis.

17. Speaking of text lingo, verbal slang is just as unprofessional. OMG, ROFL, BFF, TMI, FYI, IDK… don't use it in your resume or in an interview. I don't want to say "I told ya so!"

18. Don’t let pop culture define you.

I don’t know why, but today we let pop culture manipulate us. It's hurting us emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. From the early on fascination with princesses, to the ‘need’ for a boyfriend and big boobs, popularity, teen moms, and all the other garbage being thrown in their face – be confident going against the grain.

Dress how YOU want to, not how Giuliana Rancic tells you to.

19. Accept yourself for who you are.

You’re one-of-a-kind and that’s what makes you beautiful. Tall, short, big, small, blonde, brunette, redhead, white, brown, blue, pink, yellow – we are all DIFFERENT.

20. Mainstream your health.

It’s life’s greatest asset. A positive approach to health encompasses physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well being. Healthy lifestyle choices in your youth will help lay a strong foundation for continued wellness throughout your adult life. Diet, exercise, stress management, chiropractic, self motivation, positiveness, and meditation, as well as a number of other approaches are guaranteed to make a huge impact on your quality of life, health, and happiness.

21. Have confidence in yourself.

A positive self image assures power, strength, ability, and value. It will enable you to conquer your goals and allow you to fearlessly pursue your biggest dreams.

22. Be a good student and a teachers pet. Be a friend and a shoulder to cry on. Be a protector of others and yourself, and stand up for yourself. Be a trustworthy person. Be your mothers best friend, and stay a Daddy's girl forever. Be a loyal girlfriend, and don't let other women have the opportunity to steal your man. If they do, "throw like a girl"!

23. Love with all your heart.

For where there is love there is life. Love is universal and felt by all living things. So strong is the feeling of love that it is said it makes the world go round.

24. Never be afraid to laugh at yourself.

Laughter is humbling. It inspires and motivates.

25. Wherever you are in life, you can come home. I will be here – always.

Love you always and forever,
Mommy