One-third of a year staying at home

My good friend, a mom of three little ones, said it best when she told me that the hours and days go by slowly, but the weeks and months go by fast. Here are a few things I've learned so far:

* Time flies. It can't have been 4 months already.

* We made the right decision. Ainslie is just blossoming. She doesn't speak in complete sentences yet and I'm the only one who understands half of what she says, but I honestly understand her about 98% of the time. She learns words and expressions so quickly. We go to play group and classes and she plays in the kids' room when I go to Mom's Chat at church or to work out--so she is getting to play with other kids, but still be with Mom most of the time.

*Milk stains are hard to get out of couches.

*Dogs are great for eating rejected food hurled from the high chair.

* My house isn't any cleaner, mainly because we are in it so much.

* I get a lot done during the day. I'd get even more done if I could step away from the computer.

*I worry about money, but I am blessed that I don't really have to worry about the Big things. We can pay our mortgage and utilities.

*I am learning to be even more grateful. I'm grateful when Ainslie is whining that she is intelligent enough to express her displeasure. I am grateful that she has lungs strong enough to scream so loud. I am grateful, so very grateful, that she has the arms, legs, and ability to climb on every piece of furniture. I am grateful, when we are watching Veggie Tales for the millionth time, that she can remember which dvd she likes best, and that she knows the characters and sings along. Mostly, I am grateful for her, and the chance to spend so much time with her at this time in her life.

*Kids really do repeat every single thing they hear.

*Dragging all the pots and pans out at 7am doesn't really make for a bad day.

*Elmo is freaking hilarious.

*TV is not a bad thing, especially when winters are long and cold. Didn't we all learn a thing or two from Sesame Street?

*Just because a woman stays at home, it doesn't mean she can do crafts.

*My daughter is her own very special, unique person.