You Know You're a Mother When

Last night, while washing the dishes, I broke a ceramic baker, cutting my finger and sending me running for first aid. The only bandages I could find in the house were decorated with Toy Story characters and Angry Birds; not exactly what this sophisticated mama wanted to be wearing today. That was just one of the many moments I realized I knew I was a mom. We know that you've experienced those moments too, so we want you to share them — graphically! Grab your iPhone or Android, photograph something that illustrates motherhood to you, and upload it to Instagram, being sure to include the hashtag #lilsugar in your caption.
We'll pick our favorite shots from the upcoming week and share them with you back here on LilSugar. And make sure to follow LilSugar on Instagram (username: lilsugar1) for daily parenthood inspiration!

Before I had children, there were few things that sent my heart flying into my throat —misplaced keys and a lost wallet were two of them. Now that I'm a mom, there are countless instances that send me into panic mode. The strange thing is most of the time they are all for naught.

This morning I rode the bus to the office with my work bag on my lap. Five minutes into my commute, I looked down and broke into a cold sweat worried that my son's bottles of milk were leaking all over my computer. It took me a minute to realize that I was childless and surprisingly, bottleless.

To see what else makes me wig out, read more

Pre-baby, a hip lady may know all of the songs playing on the Top 40 countdown. When she enters motherhood, she may start humming a different tune. She may find herself singing "Elmo's World" while in line at the grocery store or bouncing around to "I Like to Move It, Move It" as she finishes up household chores. Cruising moms will find the old classic "The Wheels on the Bus" hard to remove from her memory. Her playlists will quickly be taken over by lyrics that will please her tot — mostly because those little fingers have taken possession of mama's iPhone. Husbands and wives trade late night karaoke sessions at the bar with impromptu duets of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, and "I Love You, You Love Me" in their little one's bedroom. Even if it means knowing all the words to every song in The Little Mermaid instead of Rihanna's latest CD, most mommies wouldn't have it any other way.

Along with the birthday cake and balloons, there's another reason mommies are jubilant on a child's first birthday — milk! When babes reach their 1-year mark, it most often means they can start chugging cow's milk instead of formula or in addition to breast milk. In most instances, it means mum can start stocking up on gallons of milk (about $8/week) rather than relying solely on the breast or expensive formula ($29/can). Instead of tossing on a nursing shawl or packing powder and bottles of water for a lunch date, mommy can relax and order a small glass of milk along with her soda. Moms who supplement with formula will be thrilled to cut that expense from their shopping list, leaving more room in the budget for wine and cheese!

Currently on the top shelf of my fridge? Skim for dad, 1 percent for me, 2 percent for my 3-year-old, and whole for the 1-year old. Yeah, we got milk . . . lots of it.

As a mom, I have learned that one can expect the unexpected at any time. This past Saturday started out with high hopes and promises. To get our day started, I took my tots to a jumpy house birthday soiree that was blessed with clear blue skies and red velvet cupcakes. After some time, we packed up and headed back home for naps, the Blue Angels air show and a pumpkin carving party. My kiddos, however, had something else in mind. To see what happened, read more

Remember when a "date" used to get a woman all hot and bothered? Before hitting the town, she'd take a long shower, deep condition her hair and shave her legs. Maybe even blow out her hair and flat iron it for a sleek look. After lotioning up and spritzing herself with her favorite perfume, she'd apply makeup like the MAC artist showed her at the mall. Then she'd slip into her tightest pair of denims and a slim fitting top that showed off her best curves. When she walked out the door with her man, she felt like a million bucks.

Fast forward three years and that same dolled up babe has got a different idea for "date" night. Now a mother to an infant, she only has time to strip out of her baby food splatted tee and hop in the shower for a quick rinse. After jumping out of her 60-second blast, she realizes she forgot to shave her pits, which haven't seen the likes of a razor in days. A quick application of soap to the underarms, a swift blade down the flesh and she's ready for deodorant and her wet pony tail. She grabs a comfortable pair of leggings and a billowy blouse that reveals nothing of her muffin top or hairy legs. She slaps on a bit of lip gloss and reaches for her bag, which doubles as a diaper bag and rushes to open the door for the babysitter. Not wanting to waste a second of her precious date night time, she and her man head to their favorite restaurant only now she feels like two million bucks with her beau in tow and her wee one sleeping soundly at home.

After spending 30 minutes kneeling on the ground and lifting couch cushions, mom suddenly realizes her sunglasses were on top of her head. Whether she puts the milk in the cupboard or her keys in the fridge, a busy woman is known to misplace her belongings — an occurrence that seems to become more common in motherhood. At the airport the other day, we got off the parking shuttle van with all of our vacation loot.

The strollers were popped and ready, suitcases lined up on the sidewalk and all heads were counted for. Before wheeling our way to the ticket counter, I realized my prize camera was not in tow. Panicked, I asked my husband to jump back on the bus to check for it. When he got off, he looked at me and said, "It's not on there. It's around your neck!"