16 months

This smart little lady turned 16 months old yesterday.

16 months seems an odd milestone to make mention of. But this week I've realized a few things. I consider myself fairly well educated. I have a master's degree and am beginning to see (in the distance) the finish line of a phd, and yet I am quite sure I've learned more in the last 16 month of didactics from a mini human than I have in 25 years of formal education. Some of my favorite lessons:

I've learned (albeit begrudgingly) the days of planning every second of my life are over... For good.

I've found that the frustration of sleepless nights can be easily trumped by the idea of my kids(s) coming home for family love on the holidays (even if that means just walking out of a bedroom into the living room if we have a failure to launch issue...)

I learned that overnight, and without warning, I became one of the "cry-ers" I always rolled my eyes at, and I'm pretty sure there's no going back... I'll let you know in a couple decades.

I've determined child care workers and stay at home moms have the hardest, most complicated job known to man.

I've learned that lots of people (including strangers and acquaintances) have strong opinions about all the decisions involved in the functioning (or dysfunctioning, depending on the day) of my family.

I've learned that I don't care about said opinions.

I've decided I probably have the sweetest, most patient dog on the face of the planet, who often graciously moves (or rather, is shoved by tiny hands) away from her favorite spot on the couch or quickly gets over it when she is abruptly awakened from a peaceful sleep by playtime squeals.

I've discovered temper tantrums are sometimes hilarious (unless it's in public, of course, in which case it's mortifying), not only because they can be fake and occur over something ridiculous (e.g., wearing pants), but because she often runs into my arms for comfort, not remembering it was me who caused her rage roughly 45 seconds prior.

And finally, I've been taught that nothing in the universe can beat family cuddle time, and I'm hoping before she becomes a teenager I will find a formula for the magic potion that keeps her from thinking this amazing activity is uncool.