15 things I've learned since becoming a stay at home mom

1. If I get on the computer for five minutes, I can easily say good-bye to an hour.
2. To-do lists are my friends and accountability partners.
3. Menu planning is the only way I can stick to a grocery budget.
4. I detest planning weekend meals.
5. Popcorn makes a great Sunday night dinner.
6. Staying home is not just a career change. It's an entire life change. I wish I prepared differently.
7. Being able to say, "I stay home" was a huge, unexpected milestone.
   
8. Routine, routine, routine will define my day. And yet every day is sweetly unique.
   
9. It is possible to have a McDonald's sweet tea as the highlight of my day.
   
10. Madeline continues to be the best form of entertainment I've ever experienced.
    
11. I now know how dinosaurs go to school, say goodnight, eat their food and get well soon. Boo-yah.
    
12. Opening my first blueberry diaper was a strangely terrifying moment until I was assured Madeline wasn't going to pass away from Death by Strange Poop.
    
13. Laundry will never get done in one day.
14. A strong determination to not let my child watch TV until 2 years old will go out flying out the window the minute sickness enters our home.
15. Children are born with personalities and preferences. For example, Madeline was born as a social butterfly with an innate love for Winnie the Pooh. This stuff can't be taught.