Friday, May 2, 2014

I'm Inspired by Pampers to Say "Thanks, Baby" to Both of My Children {$75 Target Gift Card Prize Pack Giveaway!}

Pampers logo
With Mother's Day quickly approaching, the focus tends to center on finding the right gifts, cards, flowers and more to show Mom just how much she is loved, right?

And, while I'm sure that each and every one selected is appreciated, it's really the thought behind it all that matters most to Mom. After all, it is undeniable that there is a incomparable bond between Mom and Baby — it takes the birth of her baby before Mom becomes a mom and her life will never be the same!

In celebration of this amazing event and the 100th anniversary of Mother's Day, Pampers has put together an incredible video thanking Baby for the life-changing love they give every day. Highlighting the wonderful and sometimes unexpected things Mom learns from Baby on the journey of motherhood, you're not going to want to miss a single second of this...

But, wait! As well as the touching, heartwarming message, every view that this #ThanksBaby video receives between May 2nd and May 25th will result in Pampers donating one diaper to Feeding America (up to one million diapers)!

PRESS PLAY!


Dear Big Sister E and Little Sister B,

Although I did exist before you two were born, I'm not wholly convinced that it wasn't a completely separate lifetime than after you arrived. How is it possible that there was a time that you weren't around? That my understanding of Elizabeth Stone's quote...
"Making the decision to have a child - it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."
...would not only happen once, but twice?

No matter how much I learned in my years before becoming a mother, the two of you have taught me an immeasurable number of lessons about life. I'd never be able to list them all, of course (who knew that eating the frozen peas while they were still frozen would be better?), but the five that come to mind first are:

There is more than one way to do things. As adults, we think that we have all the answers (or can Google them, at least) and know all of the best ways of doing things. But from the time you were babies, you showed me that everything from making homemade baby food to taking a walk to the park can be done differently. And that's okay. Be flexible!

creative kids

Forgive and forget. If anyone can teach me about not holding a grudge, it's the two of you. No matter what the situation or how offended you may have been (usually at each other), you're able to bounce back to being perfectly happy and content a minute later. Would I be much happier if I could move on just as quickly? Absolutely.

Love people for who they are. One thing that has always amazed me is the way that the two of you can make friends with anyone, anywhere. Boys, girls, younger, older, every possible race, it doesn't matter, there is no judgement. Child you've never met in the sandbox? Two minutes in and you'll be laughing and building together as if you've known each other for years. New kid has transferred into your class? Instant BFF's.

large sandbox

Who cares what people think? Seeing the two of you grasp life with both hands, use your imaginations and make the best out of any situation no matter what has always inspired me. Why waste time and energy worrying if I'll look silly or what other people think when I should be confident in myself? Besides, it's much more fun to pretend that there are alligators dressed up as old ladies while waiting at the bus stop instead of just standing there!

Love and laughter truly is the best medicine. No matter what kind of mood you two are in, all it takes is a pointless knock-knock joke, a crazy face or even the merest hint of a burp or fart, and you two convulse in giggles. Laughter has a way of connecting us and bringing light to any situation, so if we all stopped taking every single thing quite so seriously, the world would be a happier place!

happy sisters

Bonus #6: Patience. You both know that this one is a work in progress and a continuing struggle of mine. How is it possible that the people that mean the most to us are the ones that frustrate us so much more than anyone else? It takes so much more patience to be a parent than I ever could have imagined, but you know what? You're both so, so, so worth it.

When a baby is born, a mother is born and, my darling Big Sister E and Little Sister B, you two have made the past 7½ of motherhood more remarkable, memorable and completely exceptional than I ever could have dreamed. Thank you both for everything you've taught me. You're my heart, you're my soul, you're my everything.

Love, Mama



Ready to talk even more about the amazing bond between mothers and babies? And win prizes at the same time? Then join in the #ThanksBaby Twitter Party!

When: Thursday, May 8th at 9pm EST (that's 8pm CST and 6pm PST).

Where: #ThanksBaby

Hosts: @DoubleDutyDivas, @BridgetteLA, @CeceliaMecca, @AngieKcom, @WhatMommiesNeed, @RamblingChick and party sponsor @Pampers.

Prizes include:
  • 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)
Find out more and RSVP here!

I hope that you'll join this great Twitter Party next Thursday so that you can talk even more about the incredible lessons that babies everywhere are teaching us daily (and hopefully take home a great prize at the same time)!

In the meantime, be sure to visit Pampers.com to find out more about all of their high quality products, as well as connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be ready to celebrate the special bond with their children as well, because...

One lucky person will win a "Thanks, Baby" Prize Pack*
from Pampers (ARV $100)!

Pampers giveaway
*Prize Pack includes a $75 Target gift card, Pampers size 5 diapers, Pampers Wipes, a silver picture frame and a Gymboree Baby Play book.


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.

358 comments:

  1. I learned patience; you must have patience when having children.

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  2. Bloglovin http://www.bloglovin.com/lisabrown

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  3. To listen to them with an open heart and open mind.

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  4. I learned to accept the things I cannot change.

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  5. I have learned to watch what I say. Little ears often repeat things they shouldn't.
    mendyd15 at yahoo dot com

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  6. I have learned to just let them be themselves. Some children are strong willed, and that's just their personality.

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  7. One lesson my children have taught me is to have patience and not let the little things bother me. Pick your battles!

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  8. No kids, but the lesson would be to laugh and not rush things.

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  9. I have learned patience from my children.

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  10. I have learned that great kids make great mom`s

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  11. I have learned to pause and think before I speak out of frustration.

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  12. I learned that everyone has different needs and needs different attention.

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  13. I have learned to be patient!

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  14. Ask yourself is it really worth the battle

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  15. Patience, it's so important to have lots of it with children! :)

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  16. I learned to not sweat the small stuff and to make every moment count.

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  17. I've learned that it is important not to jump to conclusions. I wish I had learned that when my son was a lot younger!

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  18. I've learned that they are not going to remember my clean house, so it's more important to enjoy them little and in my messy house because they will be grown before I know it.

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  19. It doesn't have to be perfect, enjoy the the mess while you can.

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  20. My kids have taught me to slow down and enjoy the little things in life!

    Maureen
    maureen.tenney@gmail.com

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  21. Kids teach us patience and joy at the small things.

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  22. i've learned to be more patient.

    oyinayo@hotmail.com

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  23. As a parent, one can try as one might to rear children the right way, but each child has a brain, a heart and a soul and one's parental influence can only go so far. But love those kids forever.

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  24. I learned to have patience.

    rounder9834 @yahoo.com

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  25. My kids taught me its okay to color outside the lines and color trees purple, red, yellow, blue, and pink, not just green.

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  26. I've learned to let the little things go.

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  27. i've learned to love a lot more and not be selfish!

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  28. I learned never pass up an opportunity to smile

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  29. Ive learned that kids have a great outlook on life

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  30. My son says that bood does not make family,it just keeps you alive.

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  31. I learned to act like a kid again and enjoy simple stuff, like looking at a tree or a bird or just blowing bubbles.

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

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  32. I learned it is so important to just give them the time alone with you and to enjoy the little hugs and kisses you get because it doesn't take long and they think they are too big for them hugs and isses

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  33. Always plan to be ready a half an hour earlier than you plan to leave! Getting out the door on time is impossible with a little one.

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  34. One thing I have learned from them is to have patience and to enjoy them why you can because they grow up so fast

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  35. I learned not to wish away time. I used to say I couldn't wait until my boys were grown on days that they wouldn't stop fighting. Now they are grown and I'd give anything to go back and relive those days again.

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  36. From my kids, I have learned patience, love, and understanding are all things kids need to thrive.

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  37. We have a 17 year old daughter with Down Syndrome and Autism. She is non verbal. Bethany has taught us although she does not speak she does communicate.

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  38. They help me appreciate the little things in life, such as a beautiful flower, nice sunset, or playing in the water.

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  39. That they are their own persons. That we get to take care of them for the early years but they don't belong to us.

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  40. To have fun and enjoy life.

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  41. i've learned to be more patient, because with boys, you have to be!

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  42. Pay attention! Live in the moment.
    Thanks for the contest.

    slehan at juno dot com

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  43. I've learned that it's stressful being a parent, but watching my children grow up and become productive adults makes it all worth it.

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  44. I have learned to not take things so serious and breathe before you react :)

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  45. you can never give to many hugs! my kids are my wold and i hug them all the time!

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  46. I have learned to slow down and enjoy the moment.

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  47. to forgive to the ultimate act of kindness

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  48. Just enjoy the moment! Stop thinking about the next thing

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  49. My children taught me patience and look for the small joys in life.
    traymona[at]aol.com

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  50. I have learned to enjoy the simple things more.

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  51. Motherhood has taught me how to be unselfish.

    G+ & GFC ids: abfantom fantom

    abfantom at yahoo dot com

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  52. I have learned to be flexible and not get too disappointed about it. Plans can change at the last minute with kids.
    kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

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  53. There are 10yrs between my daughters and I'm so much more relaxed with our youngest daughter. One can say it comes with age but I think it comes with realizing you don't have to be perfect and it's ok to not have all the answers.

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  54. I have learned flexibility. Plans change depending on mood and sometimes a trip to the park is just what everyone needs!

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  55. I learned to be more spontaneous because plans and toddlers just don't always mix.

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  56. I learned that the Brits probably had the right idea, after all.... that having a nursery wing and a nanny was actually a GREAT idea! LOL
    The kids ruin so many things, wouldn't it be NICE to have a "child's wing" so your good stuff lasts generations, too?
    And wouldn't it be nice to have a nanny, so they could just sit with a fussy one so you could actually clean your house?? haha Or, have maids?

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  57. That was an awesome post !!! Thank you for sharing because I feel the exact same way !!
    I have learned that it's ok to love someone entirely and truly love who they are. My son has taught me so much he amazes me with his knowledge and generosity , exactly what I was hoping for. My situation is complicated but no matter what that little boy is full of love and he's happy. It's all good :) <3

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  58. That was an awesome post !!! Thank you for sharing because I feel the exact same way !!
    I have learned that it's ok to love someone entirely and truly love who they are. My son has taught me so much he amazes me with his knowledge and generosity , exactly what I was hoping for. My situation is complicated but no matter what that little boy is full of love and he's happy. It's all good :) <3

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  59. I learned to not sweat the small stuff. I learned that having a clean house is not important, it should looked lived in and happy!
    like2sweep@gmail.com
    Beth H

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  60. I always head you need patience, well lol, you do. Especially after the 100th why.

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  61. There is no such thing as race...we are all the same

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  62. I learned to pick my battles carefully and to follow the child rather than shove him in a pre-determined direction.
    Mary Beth Elderton

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  63. I have learned that you must have patience, understanding and unlimited hugs!

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  64. I have learned what unconditional love is!
    Carly D.

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  65. I have learned to take the time to teach my son throughout the day with all of the little life experiences that present themselves.

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

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  66. My nephew has taught me patience and creativity.

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  67. I learned that nothing is more precious or important than the child my husband and I created

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  68. I have learned that children are always listening and will repeat the things you dont want them to repeat. Also, I have learned to always keep a sense of humor!

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  69. I learned to love unconditionally and to be endlessly patient.

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  70. My children have taught me how to love unconditionally and also to appreciate the time you have because it goes by too quickly.

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  71. I learned how to enjoy the simple things in life

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  72. My children have taught me patience above all.

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  73. i've learned to consistently be fascinated at the wonders this world has

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  74. I have learned patience from my children & now grandchildren.

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  75. They are often smarter than you are!

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  76. "When you knew better you did better"

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  77. I have learned to be a little more patient and I have learned to just let some things be. LOL

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  78. I have learned that I am just as important as my kiddos. I have learned that I also have to take time for myself occasionally to rechargeable no relax.

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  79. I have learned to have patience and learned to let some chores go and spend quality time with my children.
    mintstatesportswear(at)juno(dot)com

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  80. I learned to be very patient ooh that was hard and I have also learned that there will be lots of messes I just clean and deal with it because one day she will be grown and I will miss the little messes..

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  81. i have learned to live life to its fullest and to have as much fun as you can. it is great to laugh and smile and it makes you happy and a better person.

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  82. I learned to accept the things I cannot change.

    agnesye@hotmail.com

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  83. I've learned patience - children do things at their own pace, and, often, what I'm rushing around for isn't really that much of an emergency.

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  84. I have learned to slow down and enjoy every single day because they go by too fast!

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  85. I learned not to sweat the small stuff.

    rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

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  86. Something I've learned from my children is to forgive when we offend is difficult but I would rather be like my baby when someone offends me forgive and move on!

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  87. My children have taught me how powerful a teddy bear can be in healing wounds!

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  88. I've learned to accept that my kids aren't always going to be exactly what I want them to, but will be who they are.

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  89. I've learned more about myself and how much I have to learn, especially patience.

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  90. i have learned not to worry about the little things and enjoy every moment of life.

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  91. I have learned to be patient and also to stop and smell the roses. Appreciate the little things in life.

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  92. I have learned to appreciate even the smallest thing!

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  93. I have learned to have more patience.

    Thank you for having this giveaway!

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  94. I learned from my son that I can't take care of others unless I take care of myself. Thanks, Dylan!

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  95. Be silly. Soak it in. Life is too short not to enjoy it.

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  96. My son has taught me not to hold onto grudges and forgive easily.

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  97. I've learned patience for sure!

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  98. I have learned unconditional love!

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  99. I learned to be honest.

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  100. I have learned that little children don't hold grudges with their friends.

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  101. Kids just do what they like, and don't care what anyone thinks!

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  102. If you have some patience you will get a lot further.

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  103. I've learned to have lots of patience :)

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  104. I have learned they are all different, think different, react and play, learn and so uniquely loving - They have taught me patience and love

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  105. I have learned patience and consistence.

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  106. I have learned that they are always listening, even when they seem to not be paying attention. kekagel(at)yahoo.com

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  107. I have found that patience pays

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  108. I have learned so many, but the cutest is that they take everything literally! Under age ten, you really have to watch what you say!

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  109. that tomorrow will be completely different

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  110. Patience is the first thing I was taught, learn that fast with little ones.

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  111. Patience is the first thing I was taught, learn that fast with little ones.

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  112. Patience is the first thing I was taught, learn that fast with little ones.

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  113. Every new day means new opportunities for kids, that what I've learned! Thanks!

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  114. I have learned to have more patience and to relax more.

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  115. I've learned that patience is more important than I ever thought

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  116. I've learned that true wealth is family and those we love

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  117. Watch what I say, because you never know who is listening!

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  118. I've learned unconditional love from my kids

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  119. I have learned to really listen.

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  120. The value of patience! (CoreyOlomon at gmail dot com)

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  121. My oldest he has autism and you learn so much about everything from having a special needs little boy. You learn patience that you never thought you had and acceptance and the importance of family and love you learn so much from kids. My son and my daughter have taught me so much! the list goes on.!

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  122. I learned to enjoy them while you can as time passes fast and then they are gone.

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  123. I have learned to let them be themselves.

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  124. they develop at their own pace and each one is different

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  125. I've learned to just be still & listen.

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  126. Learning to Laugh at yourself...Laughter makes - ALMOST - everything better!

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  127. I have learned that children are born with curiosity, and that is something we should seek to encourage.

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  128. i have learned patience and unconditional love

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  129. i've learned to be more patient.

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  130. I have learned what true love is.I have also learned that life goes by too quickly and we need to treasure every day that we have together.Life is precious and there are no promises for tomorrows .

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  131. My Sophia, she's 7 years old and she has taught me many things! when I'm sad, she always tells me to be happy and don't cry because she loves me.

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  132. I have learned to enjoy the little things. He gets so happy and excited about everything.

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  133. Ive learned to have patience with my daughter and enjoy the time I have with her, and enjoy her being little.

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  134. I learned that it goes by too fast!

    ssgsweeps @ gmail .com

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  135. I have learned patience, which is very difficult for me.

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  136. that great kids make great mom`s

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  137. Toalways take time for some play

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  138. Patience is so important and goes A LONG way! =)

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  139. I learned unconditional love!
    elysesw@aol.com

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  140. I learned that life is beautiful and awe-inspiring.

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  141. I learned to watch what I say and do. Kids do everything you do, even if it's bad.

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  142. I have learned patience and letting my children be themselves.

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  143. Raising my youngest son was a challenge! I learned to pick the important issues and let the others go...

    CINDY BROOKS on gt

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  144. I have learned to love more and be patient with others

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  145. That kids are wise beyond their years and have great compassion.

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  146. I learned that being a MOM is a learning process in it's self...#1 thing is that each child is different and needs different thing form YOU

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  147. I learned patience from our children.

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  148. I learned to have a ton of patience for sure!

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  149. Sometimes you have to just go with the flow, cause things don't always go as planned.
    Brittney House BBrittBrat1398@yahoo.com

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  150. I have learned alot more patience, love and understanding

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  151. I have learned to be more patient and understanding.

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  152. I've learned to savor every moment because they grow so quickly.

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  153. From my special needs son, I learned that having a meaningful, happy life doesn't always mean going to college and succeeding financially. Parents really want their children to be happy and that means different things for different children.

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  154. I've learned to enjoy and treasure every moment.

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  155. My boys are very different. They have taught me to appreciate and celebrate the uniqueness in each person.

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  156. I learned to never lose my sense of wonder.

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  157. My kids have taught me to trust my instincts, always.

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  158. I have learned the importance of patience.

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  159. I have learned that snuggling always trumps housecleaning.

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  160. Don't sweat the small stuff!

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  161. Don't sweat the small stuff!

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  162. I learned a lot of patience and that I'm capable of anything.

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  163. My nephew taught me to be a kid!

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  164. Stop and smell the roses! (I'm always in a hurry and my daughter just takes her sweet time and takes it all in. Learning to be more like her in that way) :)

    Jessica Ledford
    cherriesjessilee at gmail dot com

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  165. Patience and love. Theladypreferstosave@gmail.com, http://thel;adyprefers2save.com

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  166. I learned that everything doesn't have to be perfect and to slow down and enjoy life!

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  167. To enjoy the little things!

    THanks,

    selinda_mccumbers at yahoo.com

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  168. I learned not to postpone fun.

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  169. As a former Special Education Teacher, I learn from the children in my life everyday. I learn not to make mountains out of molehills. I learn it's better to see a friend in every single person you meet than to live in fear and mistrust, and that sharing always brings many rewards!

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  170. I learned you can't control other people.

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  171. Good things come to those who wait - patiently.

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  172. I learned, there is a time to dicipline, but many more opportunities to listen as well.

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  173. I've learned to be a better listener and to trust my own judgment.
    thank you

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  174. I learned to live in the moment.

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  175. GFC & Google+ Barbara Montag
    Bloglovin barbaramontag

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  176. Sometimes it's okay to just stop and play in the dirt for no reason at all. :)

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  177. I've learned to see things through a child's eyes. Our 5 year old grandson has opened our world. Now we also have his 9 month old brother who is a sweet boy & look forward to the many moments we have ahead. There is nothing better than being a grandparent! Love those boys & the joy they bring us every week!

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  178. I have learned that play is important. you are never too old to have fun.

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  179. They have taught me how to have joy in every day!

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  180. I've learned to look at things with fresh wonder, as my children use to do.

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  181. Mine have taught me to let the little things go. If he isn't in danger, I don't mind him exploring our house and surroundings!

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  182. I used to be a clean freak but since becoming a mom I have let things slide. More important things to worry about.

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  183. I have learned that family comes before anything else!

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  184. my 2 year old teaches me how to look at life through someone elses eyes every day. being 2 isnt easy. it helps to understand how he sees things!

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  185. Enjoy the ride. Hard, easy, I can choose to be thankful and have joy.

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  186. I've learned to never leave anything out on the coffee table! Otherwise someone will eventually wander by and grab it with their little hands. :)

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  187. I have learned to be patient to love more then i ever have before and to be responsible for someone other then myself which I've realized is a hard thing to do but really i learn something new from my daughter everyday!

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