This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Pampers. I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine.
Almost everything I know about being a mom is what my kids have taught me. Does that seem strange? I mean, you would think as the more experienced person (as opposed to kids with limited life experience, having just been born and all) – I’d have the answers. Instead, I’m looking to these sweet faces with as many questions as answers sometimes.
You parents know, parenting comes with a lot more questions than you would think. And while some things you can research or ask for advice about (What do I do about this diaper rash? When will those first teeth make an appearance?), many of the questions you really have are things your child will teach you about themselves.
Like… How will I know if I’m doing a good job as a mom?
Yeah. I’ve pondered that a lot more than I care to admit.
Parenting is tough. Not just because it’s a round-the-clock gig, but it tests you. You discover things you didn’t know were in you, and it’s your kids that bring them out in you. And for that, I want to say thank you to my daughter and my son – for teaching me what means to be a mom.
Dear Raya,
I had no idea that babies were born with a will as strong as yours. From day one, you knew what you wanted, and you weren’t shy about telling us. At just one day old, you were the loudest baby in the nursery. But you know what? That helped me to know what to do. I didn’t ever have to worry about when to feed you, to change you, to rock you, or when to let you sleep – because you helped me out and let me know just what to do. I relate well to the direct approach, and that’s 100% you! You and I are going to drive Daddy crazy, because we’re just alike once we’ve set our minds to something. And it cracks me up every time I see you follow my lead.
Dear Roman,
Your sister paved the way, so by the time you arrived, I wasn’t terrified about what to do with a baby. So thank you, thank you, for being such a happy and easygoing guy. You love to laugh and smile. You love just spending time together. You’re just like your Dad like that.
The number one thing that being a mother has taught me is to respect who you are, because it wasn’t until I met the both of you on that first day of your life that I understood that babies are born with distinct and recognizable personalities. So I am here to support you in being true to yourselves, and be the best you both can be. Because you sure bring that out in me.
Love, Mom
So what does this all have to do with Pampers? Well, I think moms everywhere deserve to enjoy this time in their kids’ lives, of getting to know their kids, embracing their developing personalities, and just taking joy in the giggles. But for some moms, even having enough diapers for their kids is a financial burden. How stressful it must be. I think about how blessed I am to be able to enjoy my time with my kids without the basics on my mind. So Pampers has partnered with Feeding America, and they’ve made the commitment that for every view the following video gets, they will donate a diaper to a baby in need – up to a million diapers. So watch it, celebrate the mom-baby bond, and help out a mom in need.
Pampers has a special thank you for you, too! One Happy Hour Projects reader will win this “Thanks, Baby” prize pack! Worth $100, there’s a gift card to Target for setting up a family portrait, a silver photo frame, an activity book of games to play with your baby, and diapers and wipes, it’s a great celebration of your bond with your own little one. Just follow Pampers on Facebook and on Twitter, and Rafflecopter will walk you through the rest!
For more chances to win great Pampers goodies, join us for a Twitter party on May 8th, from 9pm-10pm EST. You can RSVP at this link: http://www.twtvite.com/thanksbaby. To participate, follow your hosts @DoubleDutyDivas, @BridgetteLA, @CeceliaMecca @AngieKcom @WhatMommiesNeed @RamblingChick, and our sponsor @Pampers. You can win any of the following prizes:
- 2 packs of Swaddlers and a $50 Sephora Gift Card
- 2 packs of Swaddlers and a $100 Kohl’s Gift Card
- 2 packs of Swaddlers and a $100 Gallery Direct Gift Card
- 2 packs of Swaddlers and a BOB Revolution Jogging Stroller
($350) Stroller and FitBit Zip($50) - RSVP: 2 packs of Swaddlers
So, what has parenting taught you, or what have you learned from the mothers in your life?
I learned to be responsible.
I learned to enjoy the simple things in life more
i have learned patience
I learned strength and endurance from my kids and patience from my grandkids.
I have learned unconditional love from my little ones.
I have learned more patience, love and understanding
Be flexible! I’m not very good at it though.
Even when your kids grow up, you definitely need more patience
I’ve learned patience.
I learned how to be more patient
I’ve learned that it takes a lot of patience to be a parent.
I learned I am less important in some ways than I ever imagined and much more in others.
I learned a lot of patience and that I’m very able to function on a couple of hours a sleep a night.
I learned that patience is one of the most important things a parent can have
I have learned to have patience and to take one day at a time.
I have learned selflessness.
I learned that days may go by slowly, but the years fly by! Can’t believe that my kids are now grown!
I have learned to love unconditionally and to be patient.
I have learned how to be truly patient!
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned as a mother is to choose your battles; not everything is worth fighting over!
i’ve learned to be a better person, more patient more honest. and just how to love better
I have learned to have more patience
The biggest thing I’ve learned is to set my priorities – can’t do everything!
thank you
I Learned To Treasure Each Moment, That The Small Moments Are The Greatest!
Have patience and try and see things from their perspective.
I never thought that I could love someone so deeply. A messy house didn’t seem to bother me anymore as I valued my time with my child. They grow up too fast.
One thing I learned from them is it is ok to be not perfect, messy can be fun.
Being a parent has taught me how precious life is
I learned to love and be honest.
Ive learned lots of different ways to show love from my mother
I learned that you have to be a lot more flexible with your schedule.
After 13 years of infertility, and then becoming pregnant without any medical intervention whatsover; I learned what it truly means to never give up HOPE! I now have two beautiful daughters that I am thankful for every day, when I look at them, I am reminded that miracles happen when we least expect them.
As a parent, I learned to be flexible with my plans since they can always change with kids.
I learned not to worry so much about things I can not control and to go more with the flow and have more patience.
I learned to be more patient!
I learned patience from my kids and now even more with my grands.
I learned to have a lot of patience and understanding and to learn to loosen up.
To slow down and appreciate time more and to just relax and enjoy every moment with a smile.
The most important thing I try to remember is that the days may be long, but the years are short.
I’ve learned to be more patient and to let my house be messy :-)
With 4 kids I’ve learned that no matter what 2 kids are not the same.
I learned to be more patient
This was beautiful, Adrianne!
I learned to love my children with unconditional love and that I know I am a loyal person and can stand with my child and help them no matter what.
I learned to love my children unconditionally.
I learned to be more patient and to not let the little things bother me.
I learned patience, something I did lack a bit of.
I learned to enjoy each moment, take those little kisses and hugs as often as you can because they grow too quickly and the day soon comes they don’t want them like they did when they were babies