things I wish I'd known earlier

Some things I thought of while I was cleaning up after lunch today.  Mostly things that I am learning/have learned are important in making my life as a mother smoother and more joyful. 

• Get up before everyone else.  There just isn't any other way to ensure a smooth start to your day.
• Clean the bathroom while the kids are in the tub.
• Good or bad stage, chances are that it will be over as soon as you a) fully appreciate it or b) figure out how to discipline it.
• Two kids are always easier than one—the exception is at the grocery store.  Or anywhere that you’d like them to be well-behaved.
• Wear an apron.
• Sometimes it's more important for you to take a time-out than to send your kids there.
• Exercise is imperative, for everyone—we all need a chance to blow off steam (or metabolize stress hormones, if you want to get technical).
• Good food is worth the effort.
• Read together every day.  There is no better opportunity to cuddle your children while you’re building their brains and your relationship.
• 
  
  Don't mistake things that are urgent for things that are important.
• Drink lots of water.
• Lunchtime is a great time to prep ingredients for dinner—this gives you something to do besides say, “Please hurry up!”
• Communicate love.

What would you add?