Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to be a mom. I don't have a plan for when it is going to happen, how many kids I will have, or what their names will be (ok, maybe I have a plan for their names), but I do know that there are certain things I want them to know. Here are some of them.

1. I will take so many pictures of you. You will get sick of it, but I will have no regrets.

2. Please understand that I will try to dress you as fashionably as possible.

3. I'll kiss your cheeks way too much (while wearing red lipstick or at least lip gloss).

4. I'll keep every single picture that you color.

5. I'll probably hang them on the fridge.

6. I'll love you to the moon, even if you look exactly like your father.

7. If you have my eyes, I'll be pretty excited.

8. If you can't walk away from chocolate, I'm so sorry that you inherited that trait from me.

9. I'll support you in all of your endeavors.

10. If that endeavor consists of going to space as an astronaut, I'm down.

11. Please let me tuck you in for as long as humanly possibly.

12. I promise that I won't be a helicopter mom. Well, I'll try to refrain from it, at least.

13. I won't compare your grade cards to other kids' with their moms in the school parking lot.

14. If you would rather paint than play soccer, that's OK.

15. If you would like to play soccer (or any other sport) I'll sign you up.

16. I'm also cool with piano lessons, just let me know.

17. If you're anything like me, then you will probably be sensitive and get made fun of for it. Fight through it and don't let the world make you cold.

18. If you're like me, you will also probably be loud and ambitious. As a result, you won't get into too much trouble when you get a detention for talking.

19. I'm not out to be your best friend.

20. I hope that you know that your father and I love you very much.

21. Your step-parents will love you too if you end up having them.

22. Try to be as confident as you can.

23. Middle school will most likely ruin that for you, but you will go back to being confident over time.

24. Try to make solid friendships.

25. You will have ones that are awful, but you will learn from them.

26. Try to learn from everyone who you come in contact with.

27. High school will end, I promise.

28. You will have good memories from it when you look back, but you won't want to go back.

29. Write when you are upset, even if it is just a sentence.

30. Getting your thoughts out can help you feel better.

31. You can tell me anything, although I know that you won't tell me everything.

32. Boyfriend or girlfriend, I don't care, just make sure that they say please and thank you.

33. You should also say please and thank you. Manners are important.

34. Don't let others dictate how you live your life.

35. That said, listen to people when they give you advice.

36. You are going to be wrong.

37. That is OK, that makes it a learning experience.

38. When you screw up, don't get too down on yourself. It happens to all of us.

39. Spend time with your grandparents (even though I know the ones on my side will be crazy).

40. Go talk to your father. He appreciates talking with you, even if he doesn't say it.

41. When you go to college, call every now and then.

42. While I'm on the topic of college, never drink straight vodka. Mix something with it if you are going to drink it.

43. Don't get black-out drunk either, that's never a good idea, but you should go to bars and house parties. Have a little fun.

44. Remember: you don't have to have a life plan that is set in stone at 18 years old.

45. Also, remember that stuff happens. Life changes. People leave. Enjoy the ride that you have been given.

46. Voice your opinion when it needs to be voiced and be quiet when you need to be quiet.

47. Don't believe someone when they tell you that you aren't worthy of love because you are and so are they.

48. Be respectful, but don't get walked on. Be responsible and generous as well.49. Boys will be boys and girls will be girls. It's as simple as that.50. To my daughter: if a boy or girl breaks your heart, it'll hurt like hell, but you will get better.

51. The same advice goes to my son.

52. Don't cheat on anyone. I won't come to your rescue if you get attacked for doing that. (Or pay the hospital bill.)

53. Try not to wrong people in general. Do your best to do the right thing.

54. Raise your words, not your voice.

55. Fight for causes that you believe in.

56. Pursue a career that makes you excited to get up in the morning.

57. Throw your cap on high school graduation day as hard as you can. You deserve to. High school can be awful.

58. Do the same on any other graduation day that you have.

59. Thank the people in your life who help you through the different phases that you go through. You do not succeed in life without the help and influence of others.

60. Finally, don't ever forget how much I love you and how blessed I feel to be your mom and to be part of your life.

This is not everything that I want my future children to know, but it is a start. I am certain that the list will only get longer as I get older and I have more experiences.