Lucie Theresa

On Saturday my beautiful 10 pound and 7 oz niece was born.  Lucie Theresa.  First name works with her Mommie's, Jennie.  Middle name for her great-grandmother who passed away in July.  Within minutes of entering the world she was greeted by her family with so much love.

I am so excited to be a real Aunt!  And, cannot wait to spoil her.  I will be her godmother too!  Lots of fun years ahead.

When we were planning Jennie's shower I pulled together a list of advice from fellow Moms, which I paste altogether below. The goal was that the Mom would write their note of advice to Jennie, and then sign it with the name of their child, birth year, and place the child grew up. (if you gave me advice, and I have your kids wrong, let me know!).  I wrote each of these sentiments on a different sticky, and put it in one of the board books we had from my boys.  The goal is she will read the book to her little one, and read the sticky to have a boost of energy too.

Here is hoping for a long, beautiful, happy and healthy life for this little lady who really is so, so blessed!

Collect take-out menus --- only from places that deliver!  Julie, 1979 NJ

My husband always yelled "safe" and did the baseball sign every time one of our kids took a digger instead of picking them up and cuddling them.  They'd just get up, brush off and keep going.  Madelyn, 2009 and Emerson, 2011 NH

Bandaids and popsicles can fix nearly every and any boo boo! Bandaids are like magic with our girls.  Madelyn, 2009 and Emerson, 2011 NH

Our secret weapon during a kid freakout was just taking a crying kid outside.  The change in temperature and scenery instantly distracted them.  Right out the front door. Worked every time. Madelyn, 2009 and Emerson, 2011 NH

“Cleaning and scrubbing can wait ‘til tomorrow, for babies grow up, we’ve learned, to our sorrow.  So quiet down cobwebs; dust go to sleep, I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.”  Ignore those dishes soaking in the sink and soak up every moment with your sweet little girl instead!  You’re doing great!! XO  - Grace, 2014 CT

When you feel like your not doing things right, just remember he/she is new at this too. There is no wrong way to do things only what works for you and your new bundle. And what works today may not work tomorrow. Enjoy every moment because it flies by so fast!! - Abigail 2007, Joshua 2010, Benjamin 2013 MA

Everyone will tell you to "sleep when baby sleeps" but sometimes it feels even better to stay up and watch baby sleep. - Dustin, 2014 FL

Your spouse and other caregivers will not do things exactly as you do them and that's okay. Always trust your instincts and definitely sleep train.  - Ned & Penny, 2008 and Josephine, 2012 TX

When the baby has a blow out diaper do not pull the onsie over the head take the onsie down...  My hubby did not know what the purpose of the slanted arm holes were for and took the onsie up and over while changing Luke while we were out for dinner...  Needless to say a half a box of wipes were used to clean him up.

Enjoy your kiddo wanting to cuddle with you.  It only last for a short time….  Luke, 2005 and Landon, 2007 OH

Choose games and books you like. Your children want to spend time with you, be sure you are enjoying the read/game then they will too -;).  Mara, 1980 and Clair, 1983 IL

The days Are long but the years are short- enjoy every second. Anna, 2006, John, 2008 and Caroline, 2010 NJ

Be the person you want your child to become. Anna, 2006, John, 2008 and Caroline, 2010 NJ

Don't get discouraged eventually they will sleep. Anna, 2006, John, 2008 and Caroline, 2010 NJ

Love the one your with- whoever your with (hubby, baby, parents, or friends) be there mentally & physically- stay focused! Anna, 2006, John, 2008 and Caroline, 2010 NJ

I love you can never be over said.  Anna, 2006, John, 2008 and Caroline, 2010 NJ

You are the perfect parent for YOUR child.  Aeneas, 2007 and Lilija, 2009 NH

If your baby is a poor sleeper and requires you to rock her/him to sleep, or seems needy or eternally clingy, try to remember that a day will come when they won't want you to hold them and savor the moment-- at least a little.  Elise, 2012 ME

Sometimes, if they are alive at the end of the day…it's a good day!  Alex, 1992 and Ian 1996 NH

Always put date night on your calendar.  Make sure to take time for yourself.  You will be a better mother. You will be teaching your child you are a person too and that it is important to value yourself. Plus it’s great bonding time for baby and hubby and he'll appreciate all your hard work a little more.  Don't think you can do it all ask for help when you need it.  Hannah, 2008 and Fiona, 2014 MA

Be a baby-hog, they are small for such a short amount of time.  Georgia, 2006, Sydney, 2008, Hadley, 2008 and Henry, 2014. ME

A nice warm bath fixes almost everything. Georgia, 2006, Sydney, 2008, Hadley, 2008 and Henry, 2014. ME

If you're having a hard day, kiss those baby toes, your troubles will disappear. Georgia, 2006, Sydney, 2008, Hadley, 2008 and Henry, 2014. ME

Let them pick their own clothes.  Bryce, 2007 and Laurel, 2009 NH

I once heard a mom say "It's long days but short years" and that stayed with me.  Baby days can feel like they'll never end and before you know it they're 5.   Madelyn, 2009 and Emerson, 2011 NH

There are a thousand books and opinions on how to raise kids "do this not that" says one expert and the next says "well that can ruin your child, do this instead"  - take what works for you out of whatever you want and remember - No one can parent YOUR child better than YOU. No one knows your kid and what works for your family.  Madelyn, 2009 and Emerson, 2011 NH

None of us are doing it right. None of us are doing it wrong.  Madelyn, 2009 and Emerson, 2011 NH

Bring that bucket seat everywhere! It feels like a ticking time bomb in that carseat but you'd be surprised how the loud din of a restaurant can put them to sleep.  You can jam them into booths, they fit under tables (just cover with a blanket so food and liquids don't spill on them down there). And most importantly, if they do wake up just don't make eye contact!  More than likely they'll fall back asleep or just look around and take it all in.  Madelyn, 2009 and Emerson, 2011 NH

You're not supposed to enjoy every second- (kids need to hear "no", they need parent made boundaries they won't like, etc) but beer and wine helps. Madelyn, 2009 and Emerson, 2011 NH

Make up fun house rules to add humor to shitty situations: "I do input (feeding) so you do output (diapers)."  "You wake em, you take up" (meaning if you poke the bear and they wake, you're stuck putting them back to sleep) Madelyn, 2009 and Emerson, 2011 NH

Don't poke the bear. Madelyn, 2009 and Emerson, 2011 NH

Ask your SIL Drew for sleep tips/training- she has the best sleepers ever! Madelyn, 2009 and Emerson, 2011 NH

Don't be surprised to find that you drastically lower your standard of company you're willing to keep after baby.  Anyone who can bring you coffee when they visit, anyone with a kid to play with yours so you don't have to spend the day on the carpet, anyone who won't judge that you haven't showered in days…anyone will do.  Madelyn, 2009 and Emerson, 2011 NH

Mommy's groups with kids the same age and adults you love will be a lifesaver! Find one. Madelyn, 2009 and Emerson, 2011 NH

Brush your little girls hair even if she's bald to get her used to the feeling.  Soft brushes, of course. Madelyn, 2009 and Emerson, 2011 NH

Mother's instinct first.  Doctor's advice second.  Britt 2010, Sasha 2013 MA

Unless you want a baby that requires total silence to sleep by all means vacuum, blow dry your hair, etc even when the baby is asleep! Britt 2010, Sasha 2013 MA

Have the courage to let other people help you.  No mother is perfect!  Britt 2010, Sasha 2013 MA

Cherish every moment. Time goes too fast. Love every crazy thing that happens, play, laugh, make messes and enjoy. There are memories to be made. Jeffrey 1988, Serina 2002, Ana 2005 and Jose 2009

Expect the unexpected & go with the flow.  Jeffrey 1988, Serina 2002, Ana 2005 and Jose 2009

Successful mothers are not the ones who have never struggled.

They are the ones that never give up, despite the struggles. Teddy 1978, Timmy 1980, Katie 1982, MA

You are allowed to get frustrated, you are allowed to be moody, you are allowed to be short with the people you are closest to, BUT don’t blink.  Hold that baby as much as you can. Joel, 1978 and You, 1986

Don't read too many baby /parenting books. Trust your instincts and do what is best for you and your baby. They grow up fast!  Davis, 2007 Sarah Cate, 2009 and Annaliese, 2012 MA

Don't dismiss any piece of advice you are given.  Respectfully accept it and tuck it away in the back of your mind.  It may not apply at the moment as the baby just arrived but you will be surprised how often throughout the years these little ditties you may have identified as useless come in handy.  Dismiss nothing!  Sara, 2001 NY

When you are up in the middle of the night, cherish the peaceful solitude with your baby.  Kiss the top of her head.  These moments will be gone in the blink of an eye and you will really miss them.  Kristen 198?, Elana, 2001 and Jeffrey, 2002 TX

Let each word and each hug as you read this book carry you through the years and be the foundation for a lasting and joyous mother and child friendship.  Jenny, 1984 and James, 1986 NY