#1 I didn't know I'd look like I do, in my underwear, when I stand in front of the bathroom mirror. I can only stand it with underwear. Naked is too brutal.

#2 I didn't know I really shouldn't sunbathe with baby oil and iodine mixed together.

#3 I didn't know you never really catch up on lost sleep. And it shows. More with each passing year.

#4 I didn't know how much work it takes to be a good mother-in-law.

#5 I didn't know how many times I would completely blow it, and have to ask forgiveness, of the same people, over and over.

#6 I didn't know I would continue to be totally inept at math my entire life.

#7 I didn't know my children, in spite of their public behavior, would grow up to turn out great.

#8 I didn't know I would spend my entire time raising kids 750 miles or more away from our immediate family.

#9 I didn't know you can be a really great mother and not bake homemade cookies. Or sew halloween costumes. Or be the room mother. Or be queen of the carpool. Or accidentally, ever-so-quietly most of the time, curse under your breath, now and then. You can.

#10 I didn't know being a godly wife and investing your life's effort into raising your children is the highest calling, a worthy ministry, and should not be shortchanged to volunteer for ANYTHING!

#11 I didn't know "babyfat" can stay with you for life.

#12 I didn't know it's not how much you know, but rather how much you care that tells people they are an important part of your life. Superiority is overrated.

#13 I didn't know, at 25, that at 51 I'd still be in the process of growing up. Doing it daily. Blowing it, getting up, brushing myself off and trying again.

These are not listed in any order of importance, but I have to tell you, #1 bothers me on any given day...