Dear Mom,

I used to think you were scatterbrained.

Now I know why. I interrupted you every 2.8 seconds, didn't I.

I know because now I am Mom.

And my kids think I'm scatterbrained.

I used to wonder why you took naps every day.

It makes sense now. With four kids, you probably rarely slept through the night.

Not to mention those wearisome interruptions every 2.8 seconds.

I used to think you were overly emotional.

*tear* Now I know that this is just one side effect of the literal brain changes you go through when you get pregnant and have children.

And also no sleep. *sobs*

I used to think you hated music.

Now I know that needing silence is not equal to hating music. The need for silence is directly proportional to the number of interruptions. EVERY 2.8 SECONDS.

I used to wonder how a small child like myself could actually inflict that much pain by accidentally stepping on your toes. 

I still wonder this. but from a completely opposite vantage point.

I used to wonder what on earth you did because all of the chores were assigned to the kids.

hahahahahahahaha

I knew nothing.

I used to wonder why foods were rationed out.

This is obvious now - nobody has any self-control or awareness of appropriate portion sizes.

I used to wonder why we never went anywhere.

Now I know how long it takes and how much stress it causes to get everybody out of pajamas, into CLEAN clothes, socks on, shoes on, coats on, diaper bag packed, snacks packed, water bottles packed, shoes put back on (because they will have already taken them off by now), bladders emptied, lights turned off, people in the car, snacks in the car, people buckled.

all while being interrupted. all while not having slept in 8 years.

I used to wonder why you needed us to cut out so many coupons.

You're basically an extreme couponer now, so that makes sense. But also, genius time-killing, small motor control activity.

I used to wonder why your choice was always: "whatever everyone else wants."

Now I understand what it feels like to be happiest seeing your kids happy.

I used to wonder how you could love me no matter what.

I get it now.

I remember you often saying, "You'll understand someday when you have kids of your own."

You were right.

Thank you.

I'm sorry.

I love you.