Some advice for Isabel (for when she's 30)

Well, I've decided that my blog is REALLY boring.  Boring to me anyway.  I look at it and see "me, Isabel, myself, blah, blah, blah, blah."  I don't know if there's anything I can do about this lack of interest in my own life, but I thought I'd just write down a few things that I've been thinking about lately (not just a monologue on the happenings in the Petersen household).

As I was laying in bed the other night and Isabel constantly kicked me in the face, I had a thought that it might be nice for me to write a note to Isabel for when she's a mother.  I've realised that as a woman, I'll probably forget a lot of the early years of my children unless I write it down.  This is not disparaging to women, I have just experienced the lack of memory from my mum and I also realise that you'd have to forget a LOT of things to even think about having another child.

So here's some notes for Isabel

• You can read any number of books that give you advice on raising and having children, but it's ok if you don't follow the "rules".  As my mum so perfectly put it the other day "You may have read the books, but your child hasn't"
• It's ok to let your child sleep in bed with you, especially if it's the only way you are going to get some sleep.  In the long run, I guess it's not going to be the best, but it's better to get some sleep than stay awake all night trying to do the "right thing"
• It's ok if you don't provide your child with constant attention and stimulating games.  Sometimes I find it's best to get your energy back by ignoring the child.... just make sure you can always hear her - if there's silence, it usually means she's doing something wrong
• Don't feel too bad if you are still in your pyjama's when your husband comes home from work or school.  You'd probably feel better if you did have a shower, but I prefer to be napping when possible instead of doing all the things I should be doing (shower, dishes, laundry, etc).  Just don't make it a habit

I'm sure I'll think of more little tidbits along the way... maybe I'll post them, maybe I wont.  It just depends on whether I start to get bored with that too.