Exhaustion--thy name is mother

Have you ever noticed that before you had kids, you were probably tired, but not exhausted?
The difference?

Tired--you can take a nap to catch up.
Exhausted--you're kids can take a nap while you clean squash off of the ceiling fan.

Tired--you still have the energy to fool around.
Exhausted--if your husband so much as looks at you, you burst into tears, threaten to smother him with a pillow, and point at the children in accusation.

Tired-- a Venti Caramel Frappacino is the perfect pick me up.
Exhausted--you don't want to be picked up. the floor, although hardwood and cold, is so comfortable. And the dust bunnies peering out from under the couch don't mind the company.

I was tired before I had children.
Now I'm perpetually exhausted. I find myself fantasizing about sleep, daydreaming about sleep. I crave it. I need it. I want it more powerfully than I have ever wanted anything.
And it is an elusive dream, just outside of my grasp.
Held hostage in the chubby, grubby hands of my three small heathen children.