What a Deal..

Check this out..I learned from another blogger mom. How awesome!

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3 Months

You are the best thing, that's ever been mine."
~Taylor Swift

Dear Mia,

Three months. Over 13 weeks. And well on our way to 100 days. Or, as someone pointed out today, a quarter of a year (to which Mommy immediately welled up with tears because her baby cannot be that grown up already!). You are already turning into such a little lady and now that you are really up for playing and discovering everything, the world is now opening up in so many delightful & exciting ways. You just discovered how to reach, hold and play with your toys. You coo more now, and I love hearing that sweet baby voice. I received the honor of your first peals of laughter one afternoon that I will remember forever now cause I made you laugh. I am so thrilled with your sweet smile, so rare & reserved strictly for those that you love. You are such a funny girl – the other day, Mommy was making funny faces and you were trying to imitate me. Tenacious almost to a fault, you love the outside but hate the sun in your eyes, full of joy, a complete attention monger, yet set in your ways…you are the best & worst of Daddy & I combined, but somehow in you it becomes perfection.

Just today, I started storing all of your newborn and 0-3 clothes into boxes and it made me cry cause you are growing up so fast. It is definitely true what they say about enjoying you now cause pretty soon you will be all grown up or in that teenager phase which I am dreading so much to have to go through. The other day I put you in a jumperoo/exersaucer toy and while you still couldnt really enjoy it I just stood there staring and I was almost in tears. I couldnt believe that the little 7 lb 2 ozs baby girl that I bought home from the hospital is already old enough for that. Pretty soon you will be rolling over (I see you already trying..You just got to learn to move the legs alittle more and you are there) then crawling and walking which I'm sure you will drive mommy crazy by getting into everything. So listen up, Mia, take your time and enjoy mommy doting over you.

I'm looking at you now, snuggled in your pink giraffe pajamas under a blanket, and knowing that I would willingly give my life for you in any situation. I feel this raw fire, down into the pit of my stomach, that knows I would & could do anything to keep you safe. I would gladly take any pain that you will ever feel, just so you never know how to hurt. I want to make this world perfect for you, just so you ever never know rejection, loss, or tears. But more than anything, I wish for you to be happy. In whatever you do, in whoever you become. I want you to be happy. And to always know that no matter what you do, I will always love you with the same protective, unconditional love that I felt the moment I first saw you.

I love you, Mia. In a way that I will never be able to fully explain but I pray you always know!!!

Love,
Mommy

Happy 3 months!!




3 month cupcakes


She was passed out from being so tired!!


Blow out the candles!


Here is your cupcake, Mia!


I love her so much!

My Road..

Not many people know the road I have taken to get where I am. I have chosen to withhold alot of my past to people so I wont feel judged...I mean who likes to feel talked about or hated. Now I should've done this when I started the blog but hey its my blog and I will do what I want..LOL. Now here goes:
My name is Shalamar Baez. I am 27 years old. I was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico. My parents are Lucy and Victor Baez. My dad was murdered when I was still a baby but I still forever keep him in my heart and I know he is watching over me, my sister, and now Mia. My mom is the best woman I know..She is my hero and who I aim to be. She had 3 kids by the time she was 21 years old and still became something of herself. She is so strong, smart and always there for me whether she agrees with my decisions or not (which most of the time she doesn't). I have 2 amazing sisters who have become like my best friends..the people who I go to for advice and fun. I adore them dearly. My stepdad Angel is an angel (which fits cause his name is Angel). He took me and my sister like we were his own kids with no questions asked (which man does that nowadays..VERY FEW!) He has been there for all of us and continues to be there. I have an amazing grandmother and great-grandmother who are so full of wisdom and I can't wait for Mia to meet them. They definitely cannot wait to meet her.
Now I used to live in Philadelphia but moved down to Miami when I was 10 years old cause my stepdad wanted to move down here to be with his family. So basically my mom uprooted us and left her family to be down here. One day, god willing, we will move back up to the place we call our home and where our family is at. But as for now, Miami is my home.
Now many things happened when I moved down to Miami. I guess its definitely true what they say when you move to Miami. You are forced to grow up cause everything here is so fast-paced. Hell, I didnt even know about drugs or sex but once I came to Miami and went to school, my innocent world changed. Now, hey, I know I shouldn't blame Miami cause I made my own decisions but people see it when they move down here from anywhere.
So lets fast forward alittle. I was never a really good student. I skipped class and hung out with the bad crowd. I was always trying to fit in which that became my downfall. I started to drink, experiment with drugs, have sex, lie to my parents, steal from everyone, etc. All in all, this was my life for a long time. I did straighten up long enough to go to the Army but that didnt work out. So I came back home and started right back where I left off. It was a vicious cycle of me doing whatever I wanted and screw you, if you thought anything of it. I didn't care cause I was having fun. In the end, my end caught up with me. My parents kicked me out and I had nowhere to go. So I came back crawling on my hands and knees to my parents and I told them I was on cocaine and I needed help. So they put me in rehab. Yup, in rehab. And what you see in the movies or shows of this nice place called rehab is not what it is. It was bad. It scared the crap out of me that I never wanted to do drugs ever again. And thank god, since 2007, I haven't touched any drug whatsoever. Have I drank? Yes. But my drinking was never the problem.
I came back home from rehab to my parents house and things were different. Of course, my parents didn't trust me. I mean who would. But I started to do better and moved out on my own. Eventually I, even, got myself a job at a hospital and I was studying in school to be a nurse. But with that little taste of freedom I got carried away and started going crazy again. I dont know what it is but I was going back down the same road I was before. I didn't do drugs but I was out partying and just being stupid. I got pregnant but ended up losing the baby. I was stealing from the very people who have been there with me from the beginning. I lost my best friend from middle school because I stole from him. I, pretty much, lost everything and moved back in with my parents. But they were not having it this time. And then I found love. I ended up with a guy who I never thought was anything but he ended up being my everything. His name is Oscar. I loved him so much and I thought I would spend the rest of my life with him. I ended up getting pregnant and decided to keep the baby. Many people think I tried to get pregnant or knew I was pregnant and didnt tell anyone but its not true. It was a surprise to me as much as anyone else. Then the problems started for him and I. He just couldnt deal with the baby and the thought of having to grow up. He cheated. And I took it. But then came my princess Mia Nicole Baez on June 21, 2010. My world forever changed. I wanted everything to be perfect for her so I knew that this relationahip I was in wasn't going to work out. She deserved so much better than what we could offer her together so we broke it off. She made me want to be a better person for her. She is my heart, entire world, universe, all caught up in one. I mean I never knew this kind of love for someone. So I am going to become the best for her. Yes, my past as bad as it has been has gotten me to where I am and I don't regret it at all cause regretting it is not going to do anything. It is all lessons learned. And when Mia gets old enough, I will not lie to her about any of it. I will tell her everything and hopefully she learns from mommy's past and doesnt repeat her mistakes. But even if she does, she knows I will be there through it all picking her up from her falls and telling her I love you.
I know my past is not a happy one but it is what it is. I am here striving to be a better person. And all I can hope is my family, friends, and my princess will be here when it is all said and done. The only person I have to answer to is God and when I die I will come before him and be judged for it all.
So this is all for now...I have to go back to my princess who just woke up from her morning nap. Oh, how I love that little girl!!! =)But I guess you can say my actions don't express that cause I lied to him and screwed him over. But he still remained by my side through it all and still is here. I ended up getting pregnant and decided to keep the baby. Many people think I tried to get pregnant or knew I was pregnant and didnt tell anyone but its not true. It was a surprise to me as much as anyone else. But who would believe me after all the lies I told. So here came my princess Mia Nicole Baez on June 21, 2010. My world changed. I want to be a better person for her. She is my heart, entire world, universe, everything. I mean I never knew this kind of love for someone. And she deserves the best. So I am going to become the best for her. Yes, my past as bad as it has been has gotten me to where I am and I don't regret it at all cause regretting it is not going to do anything. It is all lessons learned. And when Mia gets old enough, I will not lie to her about any of it. I will tell her everything and hopefully she learns from mommy's past and doesnt repeat her mistakes. But even if she does, she knows I will be there through it all picking her up from her falls and telling her I love you.
I know my past is not a happy one but it is what it is. I am here striving to be a better person. And all I can hope is my family, friends, and my princess will be here when it is all said and done. The only person I have to answer to is God and when I die I will come before him and be judged for it all.
So this is all for now...I have to go back to my princess who just woke up from her morning nap. Oh, how I love that little girl!!! =)

Its Time For Shots!!

Nooooooo not those type of shots.. =P Mia got her vaccinations!!
This week was the day that Mia and I feared! VACCINATIONS DAY! She was suppose to get them a couple of weeks ago but we ended up having to reschedule, so finally the big day was here! I was nervous for her, but I tried to remain calm and not give out any bad energy. I think I did a pretty good job! As for Mia, believe it or not the first shot she was smiling and cooing..She didnt even notice it. But then the 2nd and 3rd shot she did a complete 180. She went from grinning ear to ear to crying bloody murder. I dreaded to hear her cry the cry that starts off with her face turning bright red, her mouth wide open but no sound coming out until a few seconds after she catches her breath. My poor princess was in pain and all I wanted to do was take away her pain. But after a few minutes she calmed down, I fed her and she went to sleep. At least at the end she had 2 tweety bird band-aids to show how tough she was.

10 Week Stats:

•weight- 13lbs
•length-22 1/3 inches
•head circumference-40 cm (wow what a big head)

Now here are a couple of pics from her appt..

She made a friend while waiting in the waiting room. They were so cute together touching each other..


Staring at her new friend Rachel...


Sleeping while waiting for the doctor (If she only knew what was going to happen)


And finally her poor thighs with her 2 tweety bird bandaids =(

Time for Halloween..

So I need some help in choosing what will be Mia's Halloween costume? I love them both equally!!

I think she will look so cute in this duck costume cause of her lips and cheeks. I think she looks like a duck!


But I also love this flower costume. I mean who doesnt love flowers!!


So please tell me which one you like best???

Now also I chose Mia's dress that she will wear when we take her to the pumpkin patch..Check it out!

Its perfect. It reminds me of Fall and I think she will look beautiful in it with some white tights, gold ballet flats and gold bow! =)

All about Mia!

I can't believe how fast these 2 months have gone by when I think about how slow the last 2 months of pregnancy seemed to go. My little princess is growing up so fast!

We had her 2 month celebration on Sunday and little Mia decided to sleep through the whole thing. I couldnt even put on her outfit or take pictures of her with the cake. I did, however, put on her outfit yesterday for her 2 month photo session and she looked absolutely beautiful.
* She is smiling and cooing alot now. I cant believe how much she is cooing and blabbing now. I LOVE having little conversations with her! Its like she knows what Im saying cause she smiles and squeals with delight at the right times.
* She hates tummy time but I put her on my belly when I am laying down and she just looks up at me. I learned a new trick from a fellow mommy which is to put a blanket under her chest to help her and that seems to help.
* She can "stand." Well sort of... we obviously have to hold her by her armpits, but she bounces & loves to try & walk with us holding her. Maybe she will be one of those babes that learn to walk before she crawls since she dislikes tummy time?
* She is even sleeping wonderfully at night. I have established her bedtime routine and she is getting really good at it. At 9pm I take her a bath (every other night with soap) then I feed her, then I read to her or sing to her while I dance with her, then I swaddle her and put her in her crib and she is out. By that time its 10pm and she sleeps around 5 hrs and if Im lucky maybe 7 hrs. I can't wait for her to sleep through the night but hey I can't complain..I have it easy compared to some!

As far as my weight loss, I have not reached my goal weight at all. I have chosen to not weigh myself because I think that will discourage me. I am just going by how my clothes are fitting and so far I'm still wearing my fat jeans but they are fitting alittle looser ::squeeeee::

Ok now I know you are dying to see little Mia. These are some from our little photo session yesterday and over the week!

P.S. Maybe I'm really stupid but I'm trying to figure out how to change my background on here...HELP??

Her 2 month cake.


Her 2 month outfit.




I melt everytime I look into those big beautiful eyes!


Look at that smirk!


My little princess






Sleeping with Daddy (my 2 loves)

2 Month Letter..

Baby mine, don't you cry. Baby mine, dry your eyes. Rest your head close to my heart, Never to part, Baby of mine.If they knew sweet little you, They'd end up loving you too. What they'd give just for the right to hold you. From your head down to your toes, You're not much, goodness knows. But you're so precious to me, Sweet as can be, Baby of mine". ~ Alison Krauss


Dear Mia,
Wow! Another month has come and gone and you are two months old. It is still hard to believe that you are my daughter and I am your Mommy. Being your mom has been such an amazing experience. I love watching you grow. You change a little more everyday. You have just started to smile on your own and when you smile at me it melts my heart every time. Your little cheeks and legs are starting to fill out and I absolutely love giving them a good squeeze! You love to snuggle close when you start to get sleepy and I am more than happy to let you snuggle as close as you want to. I love having you close to me. I can see your personality starting to form, you are such a laid back little girl, always so sweet and peaceful(well...except for when you are hungry or when I take your bottle away to burp you!). How did I get so blessed? I Thank God that He chose me to be your Mother. I am so thankful for you sweet baby of mine.
I LOVE YOU!!
Love,
Your Mommy

Things Change..

When I was pregnant I knew that my life was about to change, what I didn't realize was how much it was going to change. I obviously knew that my sleeping habits would change. Gone are the days of grabbing my purse and going. Now it's: Wait for the baby to be fed, changed, dressed, pack up the diaper bag, and hope she's in a good mood. Then I will be able to get ready.

What I didn't realize is just how much my relationships would change. The first few weeks my friends would call to see how Mia and I were doing, but those have gradually tapered off. I've been seeing on facebook that they've been getting together and not inviting me. I understand that I probably couldn't or wouldn't want to go any way, but it still bothers me that I wasn't even considered. I had a baby I didn't die and neither should my social life.

My life is different now. I'm different now. But a part of me is sad, almost mourning, for the person I was before I was a mother. Not saying that I would give up this life for my old one because life without Mia is no life at all. But I'm slowly realizing that I can't have the life I had before and have a baby. My friends will always be my friends, but it's different then it was before. Our relationships and interactions are different. It's lonely sometimes.

Life is changed in so many ways. Some are so wonderful and others are more difficult. It just sucks that I feel alone even when I have this precious angel called Mia in my life. I LOVE YOU MIA NICOLE!

Oh Diet and Exercise..How I HATE You So!

I just started dieting and exercising this past week. I have about 20 lbs to lose so I can feel back to normal or sexy again. I'm determined to do this. I mix up my menu day by day, but here is general idea of what I ate in 1 day:

Breakfast: Special K Cereal / 2 egg whites with onions, green peppers and cilantro with turkey sausage and multi grain bagel. Keep in mind I only chose one of these options not all of them =)
•Lunch: Salad with walnuts or turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread
•Dinner: Brown rice with side salad and some type of meat or chicken/ steak or chicken tacos/ whole wheat pasta with marina sauce and chicken/ seafood.
•Snacks: I have lots of favorites! Fruit (nectarines, strawberries, blueberries)Fiber one bars in chocolate peanut butter / walnuts / 100 calorie yogurt with granola / Kashi bars dark chocolate and cherries/ pretzels/ 100 calorie packs of oreos or chocolate chips cookies/ banana nut muffins
•Dessert: Yes I ALLOW myself dessert..
fruit popsicles/ reeses peanut butter cup/ baked chocolate chip cookies
And last but not least a vanilla activia yogurt right before I go to bed with blueberries in it.
There are just a few of my favorites in each category, but I definitely switch it up everyday so I don't get bored! Its a mission to eat healthy but I realized as long as I don't buy the unhealthy stuff then I wont eat it. You know what they say out of sight out of mind. Oh but I do allow myself one cheat day a week cause if not I would go crazy. Like yesterday I had Hooters and a wendys twisted frosty with oreos in it.
Now as for my exercising..
Exercise regimen: I am going running/walking 3x a week. I'm also trying out Windsor Pilates. I'm going to ask my sister about p90x since her boyfriend has it. I go walking with Mia while I walk the dogs so its win-win for everyone and also go running when my mom gets home from work so she can stay with Mia.
So far all is working. I'm slowly fitting into my jeans so I can't complain.

Now enough about me..Here are a few pics of Mia from this past week!

The Joys of Motherhood..

Showering,washing your hair and changing into clean clothes almost guarantees that you will be spit up on...oh well, maybe this is a baby's way of marking their territory. Good thing she is sooo freakin adorable!!

So who thinks Mia is cute?!?!

And who loves me?


If you answered "me" to at least one of those questions... click here to vote for Mia on the gerber.com contest! I swore to myself I would never enter my child in these things or pageants, but I was forced into it. I saw the $25,000 scholarship and that was it for me. That will come so handy for her!! And I know she can win cause she is just the most beautiful girl in the world!

So lets help little Mia out so she's a happy girl :)

Go to this website and vote vote vote pleaseeeeee!

http://www.gerber.com/photo/?entryid=69104&/#/detail/

Damn you Gisele Bundchen

I have begun my mission today: baby weight loss! I went for my 6 pp check-up and I am all healed!!! Yayyy. When those words came out of her mouth, I was so ecstatic. I must have jumped off of that table so fast and was ready to go out to put on my running shoes and run, run, run! And this is why:







If Gisele can get her drool worthy, perfectly toned bod back after just 3 months of birthing a babe... so can I. This is my motivation. I WILL get rid of this bad case of "thigh jiggle" and rolls. I WILL be in the shape and sexy for my sparky again.


I know everyone says that I just had a baby and it takes time but I'm not happy and you know what they say Happy/confident mama= Happy Mia & everyone else :)

So who else will be joining me in the pursuit of a "nice" (whatever your definition may be) beach bod? What is your motivation?

And here is a pic of Mia sleeping on me..

I'm a blog slacker..

And I apologize. I feel like I always have something more important to do than to be on the internet when Mia is napping... laundry, cleaning, washing bottles, taking a nap with her, etc. And lately she has been only wanting to nap on top of me so that leaves me with putting her in the bjorn while I do what I got to do or napping with her.

But in other news: I've been kinda down lately about the way I look. I cannot wait till I get clearance from my doctor to finally exercise and get this baby weight off of me. I even cried the other day due to the fact that I feel so unattractive and Im still wearing my maternity clothes. People say "calm down you just had a baby" but then I see some mothers out there who look amazing after having a baby and I get so mad. So lets keep our fingers crossed for some good news on Monday.

So in bigger news..Lets talk about Mia!
We had her 1 month birthday celebration and it was a success. I know its only a month but still it was very important to me. I invited over Daddy's family and of course my family was there. I baked a delicious, moist, amazing red velvet cake. Of course Mia wont remember it at all but I took tons of pictures so later she can be embarassed and tell me dont show those pics to anyone like Im do with my mom.

As of her 1 month appointment she is weighing 10 lbs 10 ozs 21 inches. Can you believe that? She is getting so big and weighing like a butterball. =) She has finally grown out of newborn diapers & has moved on to size 1's. Her newborn clothes still fit, but are getting snug.

As of last night I was encouraged to use the SwaddleMe cause she will sleep on me forever but once I put her down she wakes up and cries, cries, cries. So last night her last feeding was around 8ish then went on to try to put her to sleep at 9 since that is her bedtime. and usually she will wake up at 11 to eat but nope, she left till 2. Man did it feel good to sleep. I'm not holding my breath for the coming nights because I know this little one just likes to pick & choose, but I'm hoping that she will continue this sometime in the near future!

Ok here are some recent pics of Miss Mia.

1 month old!

I can't believe it... Mia turns 1 month today! Time went by so fast. I'm not going to lie... being a mommy is very hard, but I love it. It's the most rewarding job I've ever had & every time my daughter looks at me she just melts my heart. I seriously love my Mia!


I'm pretty excited right now because Im baking Mia a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting for tonight..Woot :) Everyone is coming over and we are going to spoil her love, hugs and kisses. This is just her 1st month celebration so I can imagine how it will be when she turns a year old. OMG! I dont even want to think about that! Yes I do want to see her grow up but also I want her to stay my little princess forever. On Friday she will have her 1st month doctors appt and I know she gets a shot soIm preparing myself cause I know I will be the baby and cry while Mia looks at me thinking "What the hell are u crying about? I'm the one getting the shot!" Lol. I'm also very anxious to see what she weighs now cause everyday I see her thighs growing alittle more and I can feel the difference when I hold her and I love it! I mean she still only fits in newborn diapers & clothes... she is still a tiny one :) But she has a closet full of 0-3 month outfits so I'm really hoping she can fit into them soon.


So here are a few new pics from the last week. Yeah yeah... I know I'm biased, but I think she is the cutest baby ever!

I cant believe I'm saying this but..

I think I miss being pregnant!!!


::waits for blank stares::


Dont get me wrong...I absolutely LOVE having an outside baby. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it more than anything as tough as it is, but everytime I think about feeling Mia moving around inside my belly or I look at a picture of me pregnant it brings back good memories. Ya ya... I know I whined like a banshee the last weeks or so, but I miss feeling inside me and having her all to myself!! :)


Oh, and not worrying about what I ate wasn't too bad either. I just downed Wendys (spicy chicken sandwich, fries and lemonade). Taking off this last few pounds of baby weight is mighty hard with all this delicious food around me!!

But onto Mia news, she is down for the night in her crib. I must say I love watching her sleep and seeing all the faces she does. She has been great with the whole gas issue for those wondering. But now I'm onto getting some sleep myself due to Mia wanting to be a little vampire these last few nights and not wanting to nap much during the day I'm going on almost 2 days with 3 hours of sleep. So good night my peeps! =)

Mia Madness..

As I sit here watching "I Am Sam" and crying my eyes out I look at my princess napping in her bouncer and I dont know what I would do if Mia was taken away from me. She is my absolute life now.
These past 2 days tested me because my poor princess was crying in pain and all I could do was watch her in tears as well because I didnt know what was wrong. Oh how I wish she can talk already and she can tell me what is wrong so I can take away all her pain. All I want to do for the rest of her life is take away all her pain and sadness. And so I called her pediatrician cause no matter what I did she would cry and cry and at that point I felt helpless...Like I was making it worse. No mom wants to feel like they are making it worse for their child. A mom is suppose to pick you up when you are feeling bad, clean & kiss your boo-boos away..not make you feel worse. Her pediatrician finally called me back after what felt like hours but it was only 20 mins (lol) I described to her what was happening and turns out it was gas pains even though I had been burping her after every feeding. I wasnt burping her enough and what I didnt know was to burp after every ounce of milk. (You learn something everyday) She also recommeneded gripe water and to get Dr. Browns bottles since I had been using Playtex Ventaire bottles and those apparently still let alot of air in despite what it advertises. The next day, I set out on my mission to Babies R Us and get those bottles and gripe water. I came home and she was up and hungry so I decided to test the new bottles. Boy, what a difference. She burped only twice, didnt spit up and no hiccups. Since then very little burps, hiccups only once and no spit up at all. These bottles are amazing and so worth it. Dr. Browns has a very happy customer and will recommend to all mommies. I havent used the gripe water as of yet but everyone keeps telling me its amazing as well. So as I sit her still watching my princess nap and feeling so much better on this beautiful Saturday morning after my first mommy crisis I know I will do anything for this little girl.



Next week on Wednesday she turns one month and oh how sad I will be..she is no longer a newborn and all I will be able to think about is 11 more months till she is 1 years old and so on and so on then she leaves me for college or she finds a boy and I will have to put a chastity belt on her or lock her up in a dungeon like Fiona's parents did in Shrek but not to have her prince charming come and get her but to never let her out. Until then I will give my princess all the kisses, hugs and dress her up in all the embarassing clothes I want cause later she will say "Mommy stop embarassing me" or "I dont want to wear that." But oh how I love being a mommy!

Hello, my name is Shelly and I am 27 years old. I decided to write this blog to chronicle my life as a new mom and my life. I've had a crazy last year ending with the most wonderful gift ever. I had the most beautiful baby girl named Mia Nicole Baez on June 21, 2010 at 4:29am weighing at 7 lbs 2 ozs and 20.5 inches. It was the most painful and hardest thing I have ever done but she is very much worth it. She is the most beautiful, sweetest, and magical girl in the world.

But I must say what they say is true: Being a mom is truly magical. Its a gift, a miracle, and Im just SO in love with her.

Your life definitely changes when you become a parent. I am now overwhelmed with cleaning up after this burping, farting, pooping, peeing, and feeding my princess who is hungry all the time. Oh my, how my life has changed but so happy doing it all. Not going to lie I have cried during my sleep deprived nights or days where I cant even shower or go to the bathroom without her crying but I guess this is what they call the joys of motherhood. I, honestly, dont know how my mom did it with 3 children under the age of 5 at the age of 21. She truly is my hero.

I never knew the love you could for someone so small and how you want to protect them from all the evil and wrong in the world. All I want is for her to be healthy foremost, be safe, and feel the most love from everyone. There are many life lessons I want for her to learn and so here they are:

1. Manners: Always say please, thank you, your welcome, Sir, and Mam.

2. Go to school. Make something of yourself!

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Trust me, I have wasted alot of time in my life disliking people and when you think about it, its all petty stupid stuff that in life you shouldnt take so seriously.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. Laugh! Smile!!

5. Pay off your credit cards every month. Everything in life is based on credit!

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. Do not be stubborn or hardheaded like Mommy.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Believe in whatever you want to believe in. God or whatever you choose as long as you believe in something. This belief in the end will keep you warm and safe at night and that is what I want for you to always feel: safe!

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. Make mistakes. Make a ton of them if you need to cause these mistakes are your lessons and will make you stronger. And always know despite these mistakes Mommy and Daddy will always be here for you and love you regardless of what you do.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. Wear your seatbelt always. And dont text, talk or drink and drive.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living.

17. Dont be late for anything and if you are apologize. Tardiness is rude!

18. Remember the 3 R's: Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce. Respect the Earth. Its the only one we have for now and you want to make it last.

19. Have goals in your life and go for them. Dont let anyone or anything deter you from them. Dont take no for an answer!!

20. Give to the less fortunate than you. and Volunteer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. You never know when is your last day!

22. Takes tons of pictures. These are your memories of your life.

23. Always practice safety..that means safe sex, drive safely, fire safety, etc.

24. Be HONEST! Everyone will respect you more if you are open and honest with them. Trust mommy on this!!

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Fall in love wholeheartedly from your head to the tips of toes.

27. Go to the ocean cause I believe the ocean forces you to dream and my princess I want you to be a dreamer.

28. Travel. See the world and experience all the cultures.

29. Dont waste your time wondering what other people think of you.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Obey all laws!!

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Respect and listen to your parents and elders.

38. Exercise.

39. Get outside every day. Dont be a hermit crab or life will just pass you by.

40. Remember what is meant to be will be.

41. Karma really does exist..

42. Be careful with peoples hearts. Dont be reckless with them. But also dont let someone be reckless with yours. Treat people the way you want to be treated.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. Forgive and forget. Let it go. Move on.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Not everyone is going to like you so dont apologize for who you are.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

LOVE YOU MY PRINCESS ALWAYS AND FOREVER!! <3