Well, we did it. My wife and I made it to the one-year mark. (Oh, and so did Lucy.) The first two weeks seemed like a millennium, the last fifty seemed like a millisecond.

So, what have I learned, if anything?

• It sounds so dang cliché to say, “It’s harder than I imagined, but better than I imagined.” It may be cliche, but is it ever true.

• I’m still trying to figure out what a “normal” schedule should be. I’m never quite sure I’m spending time correctly. I feel like I’m still trying to get in a groove. It seems like I should have it figured out by now. I also get the feeling that “normal” is gone forever.

• I can be with Lucy, OR I can work on something else. Either way I’m a pretty patient person. But trying to do both at once drives me insane and obliterates my patience.

• Baby diapers can really STINK. But I don’t mind changing them as much as I thought I would. I think dirty diapers are overhyped.

• Most of the world is out of whack when it comes to life balance. What most would consider standard operating procedure is way over the edge, if you ask me. I think we all need to slow the hell down for two seconds and stop trying to be and do and have everything.

• We avoided colic but got to experience the worst of teething. Pick your poison, I guess.

• My wife rocks. Holy cow is she a good one. Me and Luce sure are lucky.

• Parenting is impossible without communication.

• So is marriage.

• Being present is hard. Being present takes real work. Being present is the best way to experience life.

• At first babies are kind of boring. But they get better.

• I’m SO glad we didn’t have twins. I’d likely be unable to write this post. Cause I’d be dead.

• I don’t know how the Duggers do it. They must be some kind of crazy.

• The first year is all about change. Nothing stays the same for more than two days.

• Your kid being afraid of strangers and wanting you instead is the reward for all the sleepless nights.

• The first laugh, the first hug, and the first kiss…priceless.

• It’s been a year, and I’m just now STARTING to consider doing this all over again.

Finally, I had my suspicions, but this first year of fatherhood has confirmed one thing for me: Just like life, the first year of parenting is what you make it.

Jason Kotecki is a dad who also moonlights as an artist, author, and professional speaker. Jason and his wife Kim (a former kindergarten teacher) make it their mission in life to fight Adultitis and help people use strategies from childhood to create lives with less stress and more fun. Stop by www.KimandJason.com and follow them on Twitter @kimandjason