Guest Post: Top 7 Mommy Tidbits

Baby Webb has finally made her debut! And while hubby and I get settled into being new parents, I've got a few fun guest posts lined up for you. The first coming to you by my friend, blogger buddy, and fellow mama, Vonna of Bottles, Bibs & Stilettos. Vonna's precious girl, Zoe, recently turned a year old so she was eager to share a few great mommy tips based on her experiences as a first-time mom this past year.

Enjoy and be sure to go check out her blog!

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When Angela asked me to write a guest post for Selfless Ambition, I felt excited and quite frankly, privileged. She is by far one of my favorite bloggers. I had no trouble with deciding on a topic for my post. In honor of Angela becoming a new mom, I thought it would be fitting to share what I've learned in my first year of being a parent. It's amazing how much information you retain in such a short amount of time. I won't say I feel like an expert, but I definitely know more about motherhood now than I did a year ago. Here are my Top 7 Mommy Tidbits - Year 1 and counting...

1. Take time for yourself. It is very hard, if not impossible, to be an effective parent when you are exhausted, full of anxiety and overwhelmed with feelings of defeat. Do something you enjoy...alone. This means no kids and no hubby. Take a walk, read a book or have a girls night.

2. Dive into your purpose with passion. Whether you are a Stay-at-Home Mom or a Working Mom, keep your passions burning. Yes, that includes for your husband, but it also means for your dreams and aspirations. My daughter inspires me to build my events business. What are your passions?

3. Don't forget Date Night with Hubby. When you bring a baby into the mix, it becomes more challenging to have alone time with the most important man in your life. Yes ladies, even if you have a son, hubby is still number one. Scheduling time together will help to maintain intimacy, and keep the fire burning in your marriage. You may even have to start scheduling sex. The last thing you want is for Hubby to start feeling neglected or even jealous of the little one.

4. You can't do it alone so don't try. It really does take a village to raise a child. Get in the habit of soliciting much needed help from close friends and family, especially those who have been there, and done that. My mommy friends offered great advice on everything from what baby items to buy to getting baby on a schedule. My mom visits once a week to help out with my daughter. There's also teachers, and ministry leaders that will influence your child's life. We all need help. It's okay.

5. You will not be a perfect mom. Get over it. I hate to be the one to break it to you, but you will make mistakes as a parent. It took 4 months into motherhood for me to accept this truth. My prayer and belief is that my God is big enough to fill in the gaps of my shortcomings. In my quest to be the best mom I can be, I strive to minimize mistakes to help my daughter become the amazing woman God created her to be.

6. Some of the inexpensive brands work just as well as the top name brands. You know the Luvs commercials that send the message, by the time you get to the second child you've learned that you don't have to spend a lot on diapers. That is so true. Before you automatically go for the more expensive brands, try some less expensive alternatives. Do your research, of course. Sometimes spending a little more is better.

 This is not an advertisement for Luvs diapers.

7. Pray. Pray. Pray over your children daily. I started praying over my daughter while she was still in the womb. You can never pray too much for your children. Pray for their health, their spiritual well being, their dreams, their relationships and more. Several of my Mommy friends have recommended  the book, "The Power of the Praying Parent" by Stormie Omartian.