I’m starting a new series today called Make-A-List Monday. On Mondays, I usually try to make to-do lists of things to get done throughout the week, but these will just be random lists of things that come into my head.

A play-doh flower made for me by my three-year-old last Valentine's Day

Today I made a list of realizations I’ve had since becoming a mother.

1. I have a real fear of swimming pools, the strings used to pull up mini-blinds, and bumpers on cribs.
2. When I order food at a restaurant, I always think about what I can eat one-handed.
3. My threshold to handle anything gross has gone up 100%
4. My capacity to love has gone up 300% (for my three manaics!)
5. I (lovingly) call my children maniacs because they have so much energy and are easily amused. We are constantly laughing.
6. The sweetest things in life are open mouth baby kisses, handfuls of dandelions, and home made art projects, made by loving little hands.
7. Toys that make noises are an effective way to torture parents.
8. Name brand clothes really do hold up longer.
9. I’m so grateful for shopping carts shaped like race cars.
10. I love my mini-van.
11. I would much rather shop at Carter’s or Gymboree than Hollister or Express.
12. I am a more confident person in all aspects of life, and I’m getting better at decision-making. I have to. I’m the mommy.
13. God is in control, and “my” kids are just borrowed from Him. He loves them even more than I do. How amazing is that?