Before...

Before I was a Mother...I only wiped my own bottom.

Before I was a Mother...I looked at a screaming toddler in the grocery store and rolled my eyes. Now Im the one getting the dirty looks.

Before I was a Mother...my shoulders (and clothes) were stain free.

Before I was a Mother...I slept through the night consistently and slept in on Saturdays.

Before I was a Mother...I never carried a toy and/or candy in my purse...just in case.

Before I was a Mother...I never knew the names of the characters of Dora, Ni-hao Kilan, and every other cartoon...and sang along with the theme songs.

Before I was a Mother...I never found long forgotten sippy cups with curdled milk surprise waiting for me in the corners of rooms.

Before I was a Mother...I showered in privacy.

Before I was a Mother...I never knew the magical power my hugs and kisses had on "ouchies".

Before I was a Mother...I used the bathroom without an audience asking questions.

Before I was a Mother...I thought the only "foreign language" I knew was Russian.

Before I was a Mother...I did less laundry.

Before I was a Mother...I didnt worry about someone so much in the middle of the night that I had to go and check on them, and feel thier chest...just to be sure.

Before I was a Mother...I remembered things.

Before I was a Mother...I didnt wait in anticipation to hear someone say "I love you" or call me "so and so's Mom".

Before I was a Mother...I didnt understand how you could love someone(s) so much more than you love yourself and be willing to do anything to keep them safe.

Before I was a Mother...I never knew I could love and appreciate mine that much more.

Before I was a Mother...I thought I knew...

Happy Mother's Day to each and every woman out there that is a Mother; mother figure, Aunt, Grandma, etc. (biological or not) to someone else. I adore you.