"You hear laughter, which is almost more terrifying than crying." Yes. Or you hear nothing. You know that your kids are (probably) still in the house, but you don't hear them. That's when you should really worry.
Rob Fee of Mandatory describes life after you become a parent. Perhaps you used to sleep in on Saturday. But those days are over.
In my home, Saturday morning is my turn to get up with my kids. I'm always exhausted, they always wake up early, and I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.
-via Pleated Jeans
Don't forget 'whispering'. omg That's never a good thing.
WITH KIDS
You look into their eyes and remember all those Saturday mornings and all those diapers and how they grew from little wildlings into successful people with kids of their own. They hold your hand and express their gratitude for all the suffering you put yourself through for them and assure you your memory will live on in them and your grandchildren. This brings you fulfillment and the peace of knowing you lived a life worth living and made a difference in at least several lives.
versus
WITHOUT KIDS
You lay alone wishing it would all just end already. All the money you saved by not having kids isn't going to bring you comfort and love in your final hours, but, hey, at least maybe you'll be at peace knowing you're dying with lots of money in the bank and no one to leave it to except your cats.
Ring ring
You: Hello
Your grown kid: Mom! What do I do? These kids won't settle down, and I haven't had a decent night's sleep in weeks!
You: Ha! Enjoy your payback.