25 things I want my daughter to know PART I

I saw this on Pinterest from this blog: Click to read another mom's blog! and felt very inspired.

I am in the midst of all of my baby's clothes (while taking a much needed study break) & I am in awe that a little human is slowly growing more and more everyday in me. 

Looking at all her future clothes makes my heart smile but also makes me nervous. I can't believe one day these tiny little onesies will grow into a woman that will have her own family one day...and maybe a daughter of her own to raise. 

So I wanted to share with you the "25 things I want my daughter to know"...and I will also be emailing this to her :) I realize that my list may change or need additions as she grows and as I grow as a new mother, but I couldn't help but start the list now;) 

I will be sharing this with you in two parts- #1-15 today! :)

1) Enjoy God's creation!

Your dad and I in San Diego

All the craze with video games- xbox, ps3, etc etc & advancements in technology has kept people indoors. Go outside. Breathe the air around you. Enjoy the beautiful nature around you. Get your hands dirty. Swim in the ocean. And sink your toes in the sand. Be amazed at the world around you that God has blessed you with.

2) Read EVERYDAY. 

A book handed down to you from your dad:)

Don't just read gossip magazines or facebook posts, but pick up a book. An actual one. Go to the library and soak in the smell of old pages. Read about the past...present...and future. 

3) Love God with all your heart.

I pray that your dad and I will raise you to LOVE God and all He has blessed you with. In times of trouble, doubt, sadness, happiness, joy, success- we hope you seek Him for the rest of your days. 

4) Open your heart to everyone.

No matter what someone looks like, where they came from, their choice of life or career, etc, LOVE them anyways. Remember that someone is someone's mom, daughter, son, father, etc. Even when they don't show you love, LOVE them anyway. Respect them always.

5) Value FAMILY.

The day we found out you're a girl! :) 

When all else fails, FAMILY will always be there. Don't forget everyone & always make time to visit with them and spend quality time with them. Always respect your elders and LOVE them at all times. 

6) Explore your heritage. 

Exploring the beauty of Laos! 

You're fortunate enough to have roots on your dad's side & mom's side. Be open to the differences, engage in the culture, the language, the beauty, and the FOOD. Don't lose sight of what made you who you are and be PROUD. You are one of a kind:)

7) Do not let people underestimate you.

Be a strong, independent, and level headed woman. Do not let people take advantage of you & always rise above the standard expectations. You have no limits- especially those set by people!

8) Take care of yourself.

Before a 5K run in Chicago. 

Be mindful of the health of your body and your mind. Eat foods to make your body thrive and your mind survive. Stay active. Embody the beliefs your dad and I raised you with. No drugs. No cigarettes. and Drink responsibly. Be open to all forms of medicine from allopathic to what your dad and I do! Everything has a potential to have a negative or positive effect on your health! 

9) Expand your horizons! 

All the lovely people I met on my adventure to Barcelona, Spain :)

Travel the world. Experience other cultures...foods...and languages. This way you will become more well rounded, respectful, and appreciative of everything around you. 

10) Dress to impress.

First impressions mean a lot (whether that is good or bad). Respect your body and wear what will only enhance the beauty you already have. I'll make sure you are the most fabulous little girl around but it will be up to you when you have your own daughter ;) 

11) Appreciate and value your EDUCATION.

At my 2nd Doctorate graduation- you were 19 weeks along here! :)

Work hard in school so you can play hard later. Value the English language and its importance in our society. Text lingo doesn't fly on a research paper! Correct grammar is important to gain respect and allows potential employers and/or colleagues to take you seriously! Be ambitious! Set high goals!

12) Be yourself. 

Ok..don't be a clown! But realize that life can be FUN and don't let people get you down:)

Don't let society define your boundaries and who you are. The right people will accept you for YOU and the others will just have to miss out! Realize that everyone is different AND that is what makes them beautiful.

13) Respect yourself and he will respect you too.

Marrying your dad was one of the best experiences of my life- other than getting this opportunity to be your mom:)
He is everything a man should be. Find someone like him and you will never ever be unhappy:D

Having high standards/morals will not close you off from meeting the man of your dreams. If he is worth it & he knows you definitely are, he will LOVE you for you & all your morals that we've raised you to appreciate. Do not let a man force you to do anything that can potentially harm you or that you may regret. Instead, seek out a man confident enough in himself to let you shine, be a better version of yourself, and who also LOVES God as much as you do.

14) Be a role model.

You will be a big sister. big cousin. aunt. MOM. a grandma one day. Be someone not only that we can be proud of but that those younger than you will look up to. Seek to be an inspiration so that others may not stray. 

15) Laugh EVERYDAY.

Your dad and I with your big cousin, Xander! Xander is REALLY good at laughing and finding JOY- maybe you can learn from him too:)

If you need to laugh, just ask your dad to dance (hehe). Don't take life TOO seriously and realize that there's always time to have a good, belly deep, breath taking laugh. It will help you find the JOY in the sadness. No matter what...you will be able to overcome your obstacles! God never allows anything to come into your life that you cannot handle!

--------Stay tuned for the rest of my list tomorrow with some pictures from the baby shower!-------