Before You

Written Wednesday, January 23, 2008

He sits in his swing giggling at my attempts to do roundhouse kicks. Yeah, laugh it up young man. It's your fault mommy is out of shape. Before you, Billy Blanks and I were good friends. Now, I want to curse him when he says, "lean over a little bit more." I want to tell him to try pushing an eight and a half pound baby out of you know where and lean over just a little bit more.
Two days later, he sits in his bouncy seat, and laughs as I try to remaster the treadmill. Again, laugh it up young man. Before you, mommy had no problem jogging for miles on here. Now, two minutes and I'm about to collapse.
Before you, I thought I knew what pain was, and I thought I was modest. But after seventeen hours of labor, I don't care who's looking, just get it out.
Before you, I thought I knew what exhaustion and patience were. But then you were colicky. Before you, I thought I knew what guilt was. But then I clipped your little thumb while trying to get the nail. Before you, I thought I knew what fear was. But then you got sick.
Before you, I thought I knew what pride was. But then, you gained nine ounces after a week at my breasts. Before you, I thought I knew what joy was. But then, you smiled at me simply because I entered the room and spoke to you. Before you, I thought I knew what love was. But then there was you.
Before you, I never wanted to hear anyone laugh at me while I worked out.