25 things I want my daughter to know-Part II

Today's blog is a continuation of my blog from yesterday (if you missed it, click here!).

I will be finishing the list off with the last 10 things I want my daughter to know. 

Enjoy & hope your heart smiles!

16) Do NOT let the past determine your future.

Enjoying a waterfall in Laos- traveling, degrees, success etc are NOT impossible for you! No matter what!

You will make mistakes. Probably too many for you to count. Unfortunately, unfortunate events may enter your life in some way whether directly or indirectly. Someone will make you upset. Someone will make you cry. Something will make you wish you could trade spaces. That is the raw truth...BUT don't you ever let that HOLD you back from your potential...don't ever EVER ever let that make YOU into something you know is LESS than what you're meant to be. Don't become apart of the statistics. They're just numbers. Take it from my experience...ANYTHING is possible. Let go & let God :)

17) SING as loud as you want! 

Singing karaoke! :)

Sing your heart out. Whether you sing like your dad (hehe) or sing like me...it doesn't matter! Sing your heart out in joy and sadness. Use it as a release, comic relief, or just for fun because you're bored. Growing up with me & all your aunties, you'll be accustomed to tons of karaoke so don't let anyone quiet you! 

18) EVERYDAY of your life- always think of one (or more) thing you are grateful for.

So grateful for our future family of THREE <3

Life is crazy. Life is fun. Life is amazing. Life can be so un-amazing. Through it all, always give thanks for something. Whether it is for another day to see the sun rise or if its for your annoying brother/sister. Be grateful. Someone somewhere is suffering...someone somewhere is rejoicing...keep your life in perspective. YOU HAVE A GOOD LIFE. 

19) DANCE your heart out!!

Recognize anyone in the video?! hehe Your grandma is going to be mad at me for posting this! But look at all the fun she's having! :)

Once you see your dad's awesome dance moves, you won't be able to refrain from DANCING. Dance...dance...dance! Your older cousin Xander will have to teach you some of his breakdance & hiphop moves, and maybe you'll teach him a couple of your own. Dance. Bring more joy in your life by letting loose & letting go!

20) RECYCLE to UPCYCLE.

The Earth was a gift to us. Take care of it. Don't litter! Recycle anything you can. Donate what you can. And when you want something, chances are you can find it from a thrift store! Re-use, use your creativity, and make it your own. Learn to appreciate the materialistic things that are super cute, vintage, and ultra fashionable in the world but don't let it overtake you! 

21) TAKE PICTURES!

Your big cousin, Xander, started a young age:)

You will be very aware of what a camera is since I'm your mom (hehe!) Always document your life. You will look back & be amazed at the life you've had the chance to live and it will make you only want to live MORE & MORE. Who cares if people make fun of you for taking pictures of your food or if you want to take a million pictures of your baby (I know I will be taking a million of you everyday!)- there might come a day you need to look back & be reminded of your blessings & those pictures will help. And one day, you'll be able to share them with your own family...

22) MAKE-UP should not MAKE YOU!

You should know by now, your mama loves makeup...& use to do it as a free-lance job. So don't get me wrong little girl, I LOVE it and wear it. But use makeup to enhance the beauty that you already have...not to hide who you are. You're beautiful with or without makeup:) But having fun once in a while with it is a-okay! ;) 

23) Listen to OLD-SCHOOL.

Lyrics now-a-days are not impressive...and I am afraid that when you start turning on the radio, it will be less impressive than it is today. Take time to enjoy the powerhouse sounds of old-school Whitney Houston...dance to the genius Michael Jackson...relax to mellow mixes of Babyface...transport yourself way back with The Beatles or the funky beats of Bob Marley...or be impressed by the elegant words of Adele & Alicia Keys...

24) Appreciate SIMPLICITY.

Taking a beautiful afternoon for a long walk with your dad & Oliver...enjoying nature!

Life in America (especially) is always ON-THE-GO. You can always find a drive-thru, fast food "restaurants", or you can even buy groceries ONLINE! Everything is about convenience. But take joy and pride in roaming through the produce aisles...plant your own vegetables even! Take time to just stay home on the weekends sometimes to make dinner & watch a movie with your husband, a friend, family, etc. Ride a bike around your neighborhood. Take a walk. Read and hold an ACTUAL book sitting outside. Cook your own breakfast, lunch, and/or dinners!

25) Lastly, when you need me- you can ALWAYS come home.

You were 19 weeks here :)
(photo courtesy: Jay's Photography)

Just like God has promised us, I will never leave you or forsake you. You will always be my baby girl. You can always come home...and the day that I am physically not here to hold you in my arms and tell you that everything will be ok...just close your eyes, hold your hand to your heart, feel the depth of your heartbeat, and know that is ME. 

I love you more than words can say...