What I've learned....

Since becoming a mommy over 4 months ago, I have learned SOOO much....

• I have learned that I must have done something right in my lifetime thus far for God to have blessed me with THE most precious gift ever... Malea Grace Hollenbeck.....
• I have learned that although I didn't think I could love anything as much as I love my husband and the rest of my family, I do.....
• I have learned that no matter what time we sit down for supper, it always seems to be when Malea gets hungry too.... but that's okay with Mommy, because....
• I have learned that cold food isn't so bad afterall:-)
• I have learned that there really needs to be a "normal" flow nipple.... the slow flow is too slow, and the fast flow too fast!  Why there isn't a "normal" flow is beyond Joel and my comprehension....
• I have learned that no matter how much time I spend trying to get her diaper on "just right", there will STILL be blow-outs....
• I have learned that if I cover myself in burp-cloths, the spit-up still manages to find the 1 inch of me that isn't covered.... but that's okay too because...
• I have learned to overcome the smell of spit-up:-) 
• I have learned a whole new meaning to my 5 senses....
• My daughter's giggle is the best sound in the world....
• Her soft skin is the best feeling in the world...
• Her sweet scent after a bath is the best smell in the world....
• Seeing her smile is the best sight in the world...
• Not so sure how taste fits into here though: )
• I have learned to enjoy every single little thing that she is doing, because tomorrow she might no longer do that, but something new instead....
• I have learned that no matter what, if she's going to spit-up in church, it will always be right before I get up to go to communion....
• I have learned that Daddy likes ponytails much better than headbands with big bows or flowers....
• I have learned that people are so right when they say "kids change so fast"....
• I have learned that if everything doesn't go as scheduled, it's OK!  Because afterall, Malea sets the schedule now: )
• I have learned that no matter how well the diaper pail conceals the smell of dirty diapers, the smell will still overcome the house when changing out bags....
• I have learned that if Malea goes an extra day without a bath, she doesn't seem to notice: )
• I have learned to become very useful with just one-hand.... while juggling a child in the other...
• I have learned that even though Mommy can't carry a tune, Malea still seems to like when I sing to her...
• I have learned that having Malea at the door to greet Daddy when he gets home from work really makes his day...
• I have learned that if we show up a few minutes late for church on occasion, God's just glad we're there...
• I have learned that something as simple as watching Joel read his daughter a book can bring me to tears...
• I have learned that babies can go from happy to sad in an instant...
• I have learned that often times I would rather just ENJOY what my daughter is doing and how cute she looks instead of feeling like I need to catch every moment on camera...
• I have learned that we don't always know everything there is to know about parenting... sometimes you learn as you go, and that's alright too!!!
• I have learned I don't really need 2 hands to make Joel's lunch in the morning... I have mastered the art of 1 handed sandwich making (although the mayo can be a little tricky to spread at times: )
• I have learned that I can never get the bottle warmed quite fast enough.... when she's hungry she wants to eat NOW!
• I have learned I could care less whether or not my television is on or not... playing with Malea is entertainment enough!
• I have learned that the housework can wait!
• I have learned that blowing on bellies is hilarious...
• I have learned to always pack Malea extra clothes.... 2 extra outfits are a MUST!
• I have learned that baby formula and diapers disappear really fast...
• I have learned that the best feeling in the world is holding my little girl...
• I have learned that while getting up in the night to pee is a nuisance, getting up in the night just to check on my baby is a pleasure....
• I have learned that there is nothing better than being a mother.... there is nothing in this world I could possibly love more than my baby girl.  MOMMY LOVES YOU MALEA GRACE!!!!