What we've learned in just 8 weeks

• Home takes on a new meaning
• One really CAN function on very little sleep!
• My control went out the window about 8 weeks ago and I'm not sure if it'll come back
• I always wondered how/why people can do daily loads of laundry-now I know, we go through many outfit changes in one day.. and I mean Mollie AND us!
• On that note, thank God we purchased the pedestals to raise our front load washer/dryer- my back (nor patience) would have made it.
• A new mom can never have enough bibs and burp cloths- It's the bulk of my daily laundry.
• A shower every day is a wonderful treat and I welcome the alone time!
• I have eaten more ice cream in the past weeks than ever-also thanks to mom for always having a go-to dessert!
• When Mollie sleeps longer one night than the night before, of course I wake up early and then wonder if I should wake her up..what gives?!
• My parents & sisters mean more to me now than ever before. Didn't even know that was possible.
• Babies can blow through some diapers & wipes!!!! 
• I have the best parents-in-law and grateful they live so close to Charleston
• Pretty much every baby toy/piece uses batteries..go ahead and keep some extra on hand in case your go-to item, like our swing, starts to die!
• How does someone so little need so very much stuff! Our home and cars are totally taken over:)
• I am thankful everyday for my life and the people in it. We have some amazing friends.
• Taking care of an infant is non-stop..did I think otherwise?!
• When my confidence as a mom starts to waiver I just try and remember that if I didn't second guess myself that might mean I didn't care. 
• The internet and message boards can be your best friend, although make you question just about everything you are doing!
• Breastfeeding takes true commitment and dedication--and is worth every minute.
• Invest in a good rocker/recliner/glider for baby room..you will spend a ton of time in it
• Spend the first 2 weeks solely getting to know your new baby and taking time for yourself and to sleep! Let others do the laundry, cook, clean, etc. I cannot say this enough!!! Oh, and it's a great excuse to stay in pj's for 2 weeks..wish I really would have done it.
• I never thought I'd be getting in bed before the sun went down..and quite honestly I don't mind it one bit
• Getting a few quiet minutes on the sofa now with just me & Matt makes that time even more special:) Pretty soon, maybe we'll have some conversations that are not solely baby based!
• A swaddle blanket really can make a world of difference. I swear it's what helps Mollie sleep at night.
• Babies fight sleep just like we do sometimes..they cannot get comfortable or are even too tired and get fussy due to lack of sleep.
• We never watch any tv's anymore when they actually come on, everything is tivo'd
• I'm not sure when I last bought something for myself..even on brief shopping trips, I dart straight to the baby/kids section and or get something baby related. My how things change so quickly:) Even at TJ Maxx!!
• She is becoming an inchworm and scooting herself all around her crib in the night, even in her swaddle! It gives us a laugh to see what position she ends up in after her long sleep stretch.
• I am attached to my breast pump. Literally. I even bought a car adapter. Don't worry, I don't pump & drive.
• We could NOT live without our video monitor- it's the bomb and gives us peace of mind during naps and especially night
• We are in love. As soon as that girl smiles at us, it's over.
• Mollie is a water baby, hooray! She LOVES bath time and she loved the beach, ocean and pool too!
• She is growing so quickly- Matt & I adore watching all these new little developments. She kicks like a rockette, coos/giggles all the time, loves music and us making funny faces at her.
• Sleep is a learned skill...if you give them the tools and space needed, they will learn. (I am no pro, but we're getting there)
• Getting somewhere on time and with everything you need is a total feat. I still try my best to be somewhere a few minutes early, but hey, spit ups and poops happen RIGHT as you walk out of the door, it never fails.
• I can do more things with my left hand now more than ever, although eating left handed is quite odd I will say.
• As much as we have loved this baby time and cuddling, we are both pretty pumped to see Mollie's personality really evolve & expand. We cannot wait to really play with her!!
• It's crazy that I wake up in the middle of the night missing her face...I actually look forward to wee hour feedings sometimes!
• I need to be better about documenting us with photos. Maybe we even need a video camera:)
• Daytime TV is horrible. Just bad. At least DirectTV has all those music channels or Mollie and I would be in silence.
• 8 weeks feels like such a short period of time on one hand & so long on the other!
• It seems sort of strange looking back and trying to remember times/life without Mollie. I feel like she's been with us forever.
• At times when it feels overwhelming or a hassle, all it takes is one glance at her and it makes it all worthwhile:)