Lessons Learned - Part 1

We've learned so much in the last (almost) two months that it is simply crazy. At the beginning of June we were a rather naive couple getting packed for China. While we had purchased the recommended formula, we didn't know how to actually make it (that might sound ridiculous, but it is very true!). I am going to try and remember some of the things we've learned during our journey...

1. Now I know why people buy the giant packages of paper towels! You can never have too many!
2. If you put half of the water in the formula bottle first, then the formula, then stir, then add the rest, it will be much better than if you add the powder first. Also...while we didn't do it, never shake the bottle if you can help it. We ended up using the swizzle stick from the hotel bar to stir the formula.
3. American diapers far out perform Chinese diapers, but neither make a baby smell "fresh" if they are not! Also, pooping is an event to be celebrated...no matter where we are :)!
4. She will inevitably fall asleep right as we arrive to our destination - today, we headed on a 5-minute car ride to Target and she fell asleep while we were parking (but this afternoon I drove around for 30 minutes trying to get her to sleep and she screamed the whole time!).
5. Toddlers are involved eaters. They haven't enjoyed their food until it completely engulfs them and covers their hair, face, hands, and sometimes even their feet.
6. If your daughter isn't dressed in head to toe pink, everyone assumes that she is a boy (we don't care, but it is really funny when they look closer and realize that she has on a dress).
7. Sleep is fleeting. Take it when you can get it and remember...patience when you wake up for the 15th time of the night (and no, I am NOT exaggerating) is a virtue!
8. Running the dishwasher on a schedule really makes a difference in my life! It might sound silly, but if I run it after her last bottle of the night everything is clean when we wake up for breakfast.
9. Our playroom is a lifesaver. Anyone who wants to stop by and play with some great 1-year-old toys, we would love the company!
10. Taking a ton of pictures, which we do, doesn't do anyone good if you don't share them! We are working to be better about posting them...