before I was a mom...

Before I was a mom, I never wrestled a stubborn booger from someone else's nose. With my bare hands.

Before I was a mom, I never said things like "I know who you are, I promise I do!" after running through a string of my children's names in search of the right one.

Before I was a mom, I never found myself thanking the Lord that my children were remembering to flush the toilet a just a little more frequently.

Before I was a mom, I never could have imagined that when three of my four children are at Grandma's house, it feels like an absolute vacation.

Before I was a mom, I never cried at children's programs.

Before I was a mom, I never spent any time wondering how crumbs procreate.

Before I was a mom, I never had an inkling of how much laundry a few kids could generate.

Before I was a mom, I never determined whether to go to a park, or not, by whether it had public restrooms.

Before I was a mom, I never understood how my own mother felt when she said things like "Why do I have to ask you to do things so many times before you do them?"

Before I was a mom, I never imagined how good it feels to teach my child something, and see them really "get it."

Before I was a mom, I never knew that I would find cloth diapers fun and exciting.

Before I was a mom, I never guessed that I would nearly burst with happiness when watching my baby's smile blossom on her face.

Before I was a mom, I never knew the joy of seeing a small child running to fling his arms around my legs.

Before I was a mom, I never understood how my heart could hold more love, every single day.