2 Year Checkup

Today we had Nolan’s 2 year checkup, healthy as can be and on track.

Height 37”, this puts you in the 97^th percentile; you have grown 4 inches since December

Weight 27.8lbs, 42^nd percentile; you are still long and skinny

You have hit all the milestones for a two year old- holding a fork and spoon, saying more than two words at a time, pointing, walking, sleeping through the whole night, running, jumping, kicking a ball, throwing and catching

And you even have accomplished a few things off the 3 year old list already- potty training, putting your clothes on, and knowing your colors!

Week 33

33 weeks down and 7 more to go. We had a doctors appointment yesterday and you are right on track for length, development and weght. You are about 17 inches long and 4lbs 10oz from the sonogram.

How Far Along: 33 weeks

Baby Size: 17.5 inches, 4.5 lbs (a pineapple)- Yum did someone say pineapple!

Total Weight Gain: 22lbs, this might be the last week I answer this question J

Maternity Clothes: Absolutely!!

Sleep:  Not very much I have been waking up by 4:00am and not able to go back to sleep. Baby girl this better not be a sign of how you plan on spending your mornings. We are going to need our beauty rest.

Best Moment This Week: This past weekend Grandpa Bill and Aunt Sheila came to visit and celebrate Nolan’s birthday!

Miss Anything?  Nothing pregnancy related but I really miss having family close, it was so nice to spend some time with them this weekend.

Movement:  Still moving, I don’t feel as much kicking, it is more like you trying to stretch out and not being able to because there is no room.

Food Cravings:  No appetite for food this week, eating very bland foods, cereal has been dinner the last few nights.

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick? No just not really interested in food but I’m making myself eat

Gender: Girl

Baby Milestone of the week:  Lung Development! Your respiratory system is almost complete. You can detect light, and know the difference between day and night. You are rapidly losing your wrinkles and your skeleton is hardening.

Labor Signs:  we had your 33 week checkup yesterday and I got hooked up to a Non-Stress test in the Labor and Delivery area. You still have plenty of room before labor, but I have been having mild contractions, still on a scale of 1-10 a 1 sometimes a 2 but I think that is more you stretching out and have no room to go. We did learn you have a very low baseline heart rate ranging from 116-120

Belly Button in or out? It is in but the top of it sticks out and you can see it in my shirts.

Wedding Rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time:  All over the place, happy one minute grumpy the next

Looking Forward To:  Kissing you! Counting your fingers and toes, I love looking at how little baby fingers are and they grow so fast!

Birthday Weekend

What an incredible 2nd birthday celebration we had! It all started on Thursday, June 13th your actual birthday. We brought Oreos to school because those are your favorite cookies. Your teachers and friends made you a birthday book with drawings and notes from everyone. It was very special. When we picked you up from school we had a birthday dinner, chicken strips your favorite! Followed by presents and birthday cake. You loved blowing out your candles. We relit them four times for you so you could keep blowing them out.  You then dove into your gifts- a baseball tee and home depot toy power tools.

Friday night Grandpa Bill and Aunt Sheila flew in from Chicago to hangout and celebrate for the weekend. Saturday morning you ran around with Grandpa and showed him every single truck and all your new power tools. Then off to the splash park we went. It was the perfect morning. You and all your friend’s road the bouncing ducks, horses and frogs and then ran off into the water. You swung on a big boy swing for the first time with daddy. Then we had snacks and cupcakes followed by some “bubble time” Grandpa and Sheila taught you how to blow bubbles like a pro and not put your mouth on the stick.

Naptime what is that- you had so much fun at your party you didn’t want to stop. We got you to sleep for about an hour and then you were up and ready for the next event. We opened Grandpa and Aunt Sheila’s gifts. They got you a bunch of sports stuff to play with including a soccer/hockey net. Your favorite gift was your first bike which included a Mickey Mouse helmet and a bell! We spent time outside teaching you to pedal and going up and down the sidewalk. After dinner the Blackhawks were playing in the Stanley cup finals. Aunt Sheila bought you a jersey to match hers but you didn’t want to wear it that night. Then the real fun began- they taught you all about hockey and let you shoot into the net while they took turns playing goalie- you were all smiles and having so much fun!

Sunday morning was Father’s Day and it was nice to celebrate with John and my dad. I cooked breakfast and then took Grandpa and Sheila to the airport for them to catch their flight. The rest of the day we just relaxed after a very busy and fun weekend!

Father’s Day- What are a Father’s Greatest influences?

I came across an article today that got me thinking as a wife, mother, sister, aunt and daughter. What were your father’s greatest influences? My dad and I have not always seen eye to eye. We are very much so the same person when it comes to being independent, stubborn and head strong, but as I have gotten older and developed into my own woman I see a lot of positives in a different light.

So in honor or Father’s day I have put together a list.

• He encouraged my talents, whether they were school, drama, ballet, cheerleading or playing sports, he encouraged me to try hard and I always had to finish what I started, even if I hated it. I was not allowed to quit until my commitment was over.
• With my passion for sports he always let me handle my work ethic and determination on my own. If I had a problem at practice, in a game or with a coach he did not get involved. He never got involved with my coaches or other parents on political issues. I had to prove myself to others through my actions and earn my own playing time, recognition and credit.
• He challenged me to back up my opinions with facts.
• He didn’t compare me to my sisters, I was my own individual.
• He taught me as a woman to do yard work, start a lawn mower, pick up an earthworm and bait a hook and get my hands dirty.
• He worked really hard to support and provide for our family.  His hard work allowed us to be given the opportunities to go to private schools, have a summer home, go on vacations, pay for college so we didn’t have student loans and give us a sense of financial security as a family.
• He taught me that I can have anything I want in life but it is not going to come free, I will have to put in the hours and hard work to get what I want, but I can achieve anything.

Thanks dad for helping mold me into the woman I am today!

Happy 2nd Birthday Nolan

Two years ago today I was blessed with the best gift I have recieved so far in my life. God has allowed me to be the mother of our incredible son Nolan Michael Connor. You entered our life fast and you have hit the ground running ever since. We love you so much, Happy Birthday little man!

 Two Years Old

1. What is your favorite color? Yellow
2. What is your favorite toy? Trucks of any sort- Yellow Tractor
3. What is your favorite stuffed animal? You like the Giraffe on your bed but are not really into stuffed animals.
4. What is your favorite thing to sleep with? Yellow and Green Blankie
5. What is your favorite fruit? Apple or cherries
6. What is your favorite cereal? Raisin Bran and cinnamon chex
7. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Cereal with milk now like a big boy
8. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Chicken nuggets
9. What is your favorite dessert? Cookies (Oreos)
10. What is your favorite drink? Milk
11. What do you want to eat for your birthday dinner? Some kind of Chicken
12. What is your favorite animal? Elephant or Alligator
13. What is your favorite book? Brown Bear Brown Bear, and How does a Dinosaur say Good Night
14. What is your favorite song? Wheels on the Bus
15. What is your favorite game? Ready.. Set… GO and you run
16. What is your favorite TV show? Mickey Mouse
17. What is your favorite movie? Madagascar, you love to dance to I like to move it move it.
18. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Bubbles, ride your bike, Basketball (slam Dunk!)
19. Who is your best friend? Tucker and Avelynn
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Mommy is still going to say Petro Physicist, next year I have a feeling you will be telling me.

Week 32

How Far Along: 32 weeks

Baby Size: 17 in, 4 lbs (large jicama)

Total Weight Gain: 17lbs, I gained back two!

Maternity Clothes: Absolutely!!

Sleep:  I am getting sleep, but it is restless sleep. Definitely get up at least once a night and I’m starting to get some heartburn L

Best Moment This Week: Your brother turned two this week, and it brought back a flood of memories of how much I loved holding him as a baby. I feel the exact same way about you baby girl, I cannot wait to hold you in my arms and watch you grow.

Miss Anything?  I miss lying on my stomach.      

Movement:  I have described your movement this week as if someone were to take their elbow and push on you as hard as they can. Your movements are starting to hurt as you are running out of room.

Food Cravings:  Chips and Queso sound good this week!

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick? Nope just tired

Gender: It’s a girl

Baby Milestone of the week: Your skin is becoming plum, smooth and soft. Your weight gain will increase in these last few weeks. You may or may not have a full head of hair at this point.

Labor Signs: I haven’t felt contractions this week but your movement takes my breath away sometimes. Pain level 1-10 I’m at a 2.

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding Rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time:   Happy but I’m still very emotional.

Looking Forward To:  You wearing the headbands and flower clips I have been making you.

Advice for Mommy

Rules for raising daughters...

I gave my advice to John and Nolan, now here are some rules for me.

This actually made me tear up in some parts... and I am not a terribly emotional person. Read on...

25 Rules for Mothers of Daughters. 
1. Paint her nails. Then let her scratch it off and dirty them up. Teach her to care about her appearance, and then quickly remind her that living and having fun is most important.

2. Let her put on your makeup, even if it means bright-red-smudged lips and streaked-blue eyes. Let her experiment in her attempts to be like you…then let her be herself. 

3. Let her be wild. She may want to stay home and read books on the couch, or she may want to hop on the back of a motorcycle-gasp. She may be a homebody or a traveler. She may fall in love with the wrong boy, or meet mr. right at age 5. Try to remember that you were her age once. Everyone makes mistakes, let her make her own.

4. Be present. Be there for her at her Kindergarten performances, her dance recitals, her soccer games…her everyday-little-moments. When she looks through the crowds of people, she will be looking for your smile and pride. Show it to her as often as possible.

5. Encourage her to try on your shoes and play dress-up. If she would rather wear her brother’s superman cape with high heals, allow it. If she wants to wear a tutu or dinosaur costume to the grocery store, why stop her? She needs to decide who she is and be confident in her decision.

6. Teach her to be independent. Show her by example that woman can be strong. Find and follow your own passions. Search for outlets of expression and enjoyment for yourself- not just your husband or children.  Define yourself by your own attributes, not by what others expect you to be. Know who you are as a person, and help your daughter find out who she is.

7. Pick flowers with her. Put them in her hair. There is nothing more beautiful than a girl and a flower. 

8. Let her get messy. Get messy with her, no matter how much it makes you cringe inside. Splash in the puddles, throw snowballs, make mud pies, finger paint the walls: just let it happen. The most wonderful of memories are often the messy ones.

9. Give her good role models- you being one of them. Introduce her to successful woman- friends, co-workers, doctors, astronauts, or authors.  Read to her about influential woman- Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie. Read her the words of inspirational woman- Jane Austen, Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson. She should know that anything is possible.

10. Show her affection. Daughters will mimic the compassion of their mother. “I love yous” and Eskimo kisses go a long way.

11. Hold her hand. Whether she is 3 years-old in the parking lot or sixteen years old in the mall, hold on to her always- this will teach her to be confident in herself and proud of her family.

12. Believe in her. It is the moments that she does not believe in herself that she will need you to believe enough for both of you. Whether it is a spelling test in the first grade, a big game or recital, a first date, or the first day of college…remind her of the independent and capable woman you have taught her to be.

13. Tell her how beautiful she is. Whether it is her first day of Kindergarten, immediately after a soccer game where she is grass-stained and sweaty, or her wedding day. She needs your reminders. She needs your pride. She needs your reassurance. She is only human.

14. Love her father. Teach her to love a good man, like him. One who lets her be herself…she is after all wonderful.

15. Make forts with boxes and blankets. Help her to find magic in the ordinary, to imagine, to create and to believe in fairy tales. Someday she will make her 5 by 5 dorm-room her home with magic touches and inspiration. And she will fall in love with a boy and believe him to be Prince Charming.

16. Read to her. Read her Dr. Seuss and Eric Carle. But also remember the power of Sylvia Plath and Robert Frost. Show her the beauty of words on a page and let her see you enjoy them. Words can be simply written and simply spoken, yet can harvest so much meaning. Help her to find their meaning.

17. Teach her how to love- with passion and kisses. Love her passionately. Love her father passionately and her siblings passionately. Express your love. Show her how to love with no restraint. Let her get her heart broken and try again. Let her cry, and gush, giggle and scream. She will love like you love or hate like you hate. So, choose love for both you and her.

18. Encourage her to dance and sing. Dance and sing with her- even if it sounds or looks horrible.  Let her wiggle to nursery rhymes. Let her dance on her daddy's feet and spin in your arms. Then later, let her blast noise and headbang in her bedroom with her door shut if she wants. Or karaoke to Tom Petty in the living room if she would rather. Introduce her to the classics- like The Beatles- and listen to her latest favorite- like Taylor Swift. Share the magic of music together, it will bring you closer- or at least create a soundtrack to your life together.

19. Share secrets together. Communicate. Talk. Talk about anything. Let her tell you about boys, friends, school. Listen. Ask questions. Share dreams, hopes, concerns. She is not only your daughter, you are not only her mother. Be her friend too.

20. Teach her manners. Because sometimes you have to be her mother, not just her friend. The world is a happier place when made up of polite words and smiles.

21. Teach her when to stand-up and when to walk away. Whether she has classmates who tease her because of her glasses, or a boyfriend who tells her she is too fat- let her know she does not have to listen. Make sure she knows how to demand respect- she is worthy of it. It does not mean she has to fight back with fists or words, because sometimes you say more with silence. Also make sure she knows which battles are worth fighting. Remind her that some people can be mean and nasty because of jealousy, or other personal reasons. Help her to understand when to shut her mouth and walk-away. Teach her to be the bigger -the better- person.

22. Let her choose who she loves. Even when you see through the charming boy she thinks he is, let her love him without your disapproving words: she will anyway. When he breaks her heart, be there for her with words of support rather than I told-you-so. Let her mess up again and again until she finds the one. And when she finds the one, tell her.

23. Mother her. Being a mother—to her—is undoubtedly one of your greatest accomplishments. Share with her the joys of motherhood, so one day she will want to be a mother too. Remind her over and over again with words and kisses that no one will ever love her like you love her. No one can replace or replicate a mother’s love for their children. 

24. Comfort her. Because sometimes you just need your mommy. When she is sick, rub her back, make her soup and cover her in blankets- no matter how old she is. Someday, if she is giving birth to her own child, push her hair out of her face, encourage her, and tell her how beautiful she is. These are the moments she will remember you for. And someday when her husband rubs her back in attempt to comfort her...she may just whisper, "I need my mommy."

25. Be home. When she is sick with a cold or broken heart, she will come to you: welcome her. When she is engaged or pregnant, she will run to you to share her news: embrace her. When she is lost or confused, she will search for you: find her. When she needs advice on boys, schools, friends or an outfit: tell her. She is your daughter and will always need a safe harbor- where she can turn a key to see comforting eyes and a familiar smile: be home. 

As you turn two

Nolan Michael,

This has been a year of milestones for you little man. You started walking last year before your first birthday, actually well before your first birthday, you were up and walking full speed by the time you were 10 months old and you have not slowed down since. You now literally run, jump, kick, spin, and do high knees. It has been incredible to watch you transition into the little toddler you have become. You have had your tears and triumphs but you do all of them with a smile and we are so proud of you. Since your first birthday you have learned so much, you are like a sponge who takes everything in. You are quiet as your teachers would say but you observe everything and let us know when the time is right to share your knowledge. I think you are just like your dad, he is also more quite natured and sits back and observes everything but that doesn’t mean he isn’t paying attention.

In the last year you have done a lot of traveling, we have been to Chicago, Lake Geneva, Arizona, Houston, and San Antonio. You are an excellent traveler and love to fly. You got to experience your first time in snow at Christmas 2012 in Dallas.  You spent your first night away from mom and dad with Ms. Kelsey while your daddy and I went out. When we returned in the morning you were all smiles and had no trouble being away from us.

You found out you were going to be a big brother, and have embraced it. We can’t wait to meet her in the next few weeks. I believe you understand that we are going to have a baby coming home into our house. When I ask you if you are going to help feed her and change her diapers you say “yes.” You also tell me she can sleep in your bed and have been very hands on in setting up her nursery and getting her toys and clothes together.

You absolutely love school. We could not be more fortunate to have found a school with more caring and loving teachers than Kids R Kids. You go into your classroom every morning and give the teacher hugs. You then sit down at your table and eat your breakfast with your friends and never cry when we leave. As your parents this is the best feeling, knowing that you feel safe and loved with your teachers and genuinely want to be there.

While your teachers say you are quiet when you come home you talk our ears off. You vocabulary has grown so much in the last 3 months. As you are about to turn two you are using sentences, yes saying 3-4 words in a row. This morning I asked you if your shoes were tight on your toes and you said “No not tight” when our cell phones ring you say “mommy iphone” or “daddy iphone.”

You started sleeping in your big boy toddler bed around 18 months and just last night you sleep in your real big boy bed, the queen in your room. We will transition you slowly into the big bed and then your sister will get the crib/toddler bed in her room.

You love to be outside. You have a basketball hoop on the back porch that you love to shoot “slam dunks”. We also spend a lot of the time in the garage where you throw and now catch a ball. You get so excited when you catch it you say “I did it!” with a huge smile. We recently got you a bike and you scoot around on it but are still working on figuring out the pedals, I think another inch in those already long legs and you will be flying down the side walk.

You are still our little water baby, you never say no to bath time. You like to put your head under the water and in the running water. It does scare your mother that you have no fear of water but I would rather you like it than fear it. Just please be careful little man.

As we approach your second birthday this week. I am reminded of the day you were born and how you have changed my life. I love being your mom and couldn’t ask for a better gift from God to allow me to be your mother. You constantly make me laugh and smile and have taught me to appreciate the simplest little things again. Like the sound of an airplane, never before I had you did I notice you could hear the airplanes in the sky even when you can’t see them. But you let us know every time there is an airplane and you do it by the sound of the plane not you seeing it with your eyes.

I cannot wait to see what the next year brings as you continue to grow and develop and we bring another person into our family. I love you with all my heart and am so proud of you in everything you have become in these last two years. Always continue to be yourself and know you are smart and can do whatever you want. You will make mistakes but you will always learn from them and can make anything right that you did wrong.

Love,

Mom

Week 31 - here come the single digits!

We have entered the single-digit countdown, 9 more weeks! I am trying not to focus on nesting this week little girl because I am so excited to meet you; I drive myself and your dad crazy dreaming of you! Instead of nesting we are potty training your brother and getting ready to celebrate his 2^nd birthday in 2 weeks! After his birthday passes I will be finishing your room, and getting ready to start packing our hospital bags.

How Far Along: 31 weeks

Baby Size: 16 in, 3.5 lbs (four navel oranges)

Total Weight Gain: 15 lbs, yes I have lost 4lbs

Maternity Clothes: Absolutely!!

Sleep:  No complaints, I only get up once during the night, or sometimes sleep the entire night.

Best Moment This Week: Nolan is potty training and he has gone 4 days in 1 week with no accidents, did I mention he has only been potty training for a week! Proud mommy! Baby girl, you can follow your brother on this when it comes to potty training time! And I found out Grandpa Bill and Aunt Sheila are coming to visit next week for Nolan's birthday.

Miss Anything?  We went to the pool this weekend and I can say I miss just laying out in the sun reading a good book with no distractions. Perhaps I will take a pool trip by myself next weekend during naptime.

Movement:  Still plenty of movement, but I think you are running out of space, you still kick but they are not as forceful this week, Thank you for taking it easy on your mommy.

Food Cravings:  None

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick? To much walking makes me tired

Gender: It’s a girl

Baby Milestone of the week:  You can process all 5 senses. You can also turn your head from side to side,

Labor Signs:  Still have contractions but nothing painful. Stay in there for at least another 6 weeks young lady, it is for your own good.

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding Rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time:   It’s a combination, my patience is definitely shorter not that I’m a very patient person to start with. I can go from happy to sad with the snap of a finger; I say I’m carrying twice the amount of estrogen J

Looking Forward To:  Seeing if you have the same smile and eyes as your Brother.

A moment Cherished

This morning I woke up to a huge thunderstorm and Nolan screaming “raining, raining” in his bedroom. I went upstairs at 5:00am to comfort him and bring him into our bed. As he cuddled up in my arms and fell back asleep it made me think how amazing it is to be given the opportunity to be a mother. To have a responsibility that provide a security, comfort and love to your child words cannot describe and to have that moment where all they need to do is be in your arms and the thunder, lightning and rain, no longer scare them. It reminded me of when he was first born and all I could do was look at him and my thoughts and world around me completely stopped and I couldn’t stop smiling. It was a simple morning to have my son in my arms and my husband next to me but it was a small moment I cherish and I am thankful for.

While this was just a simple thunderstorm I did have time to reflect on all those affected by the massive tornado in Moore, Oklahoma that destroyed a city and took lives. I can only imagine what fear those parents and children felt while they clung to each other and how scared everyone must have been. I would like to take this moment to thank God for the blessings I have in my life and to also be there for the people who have been effected by the tornado and lost everything both homes, and lives.

A little adivce for my son...

 I found this on a friend of mine’s blog and I wanted to pass the information along to you, Listen closely Nolan…

1. You will set the tone for the sexual relationship, so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.

2. Play a sport.  It will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time and stay out of trouble.   And maybe even throw or catch.

3. Use careful aim when you pee.  Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.

4. Save money when you're young because you're going to need it someday.

5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom.  Now please go use them.

6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.

7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself.

8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.

9. Treat women kindly.  Forever is a long time to live alone and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.

10. Take pride in your appearance.

11. Be strong and tender at the same time.

12. A woman can do everything that you can do.  This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M.  Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.

13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.

14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private".  Please do not scratch them in public.

15. Peer pressure is a scary thing.  Be a good leader and others will follow.

16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.

17. Be patriotic.

18. Potty humor isn't the only thing that's humorous.

19. Please choose your spouse wisely.  My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.

20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you.

Love,

Mom

John,

I ran across this article and thought it would be great daddy advice for raising a little girl.

1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.

2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.

3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.

4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.

5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.

6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.

7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.

8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.

10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.

11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”

12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.

13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.

14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.

15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.

16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.

17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.

18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.

19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.

20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.

21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.

22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.

23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.

24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.

25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.

26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.

27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.

28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.

29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.

30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.

31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.

32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.

33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.

34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.

35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.

36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.

37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.

38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.

39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.

40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.

41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.

42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.

43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.

44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.

45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.

46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.

47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.

49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.

50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.