If I didn't notice it before, I get it now: There is a huge difference between my girlfriends who have kids and those who do not.

The latest proof came when my 2-year-old recently took down a Starbucks with my childless friend as a witness.

Here's what happened: I recently called a friend to see if she wanted to meet for a quick coffee because I was going to be on her side of town. She told me she was already meeting someone there, but I should come by and say hello.

My 4-year-old was in preschool, so I just had one beast — I mean child — with me that morning. I had to stop by a baby store first, but a quick errand turned into 45 minutes because the owner kept talking. The delay meant that Aubrey was already starting to lose her patience, and she began pulling out stuffed animals and hats and walking around the store with them.

I was on borrowed time. But for some stupid reason, I still decided to meet my friend.

The place was packed. I got Aubrey a cookie and sat her down, hoping the cookie would keep her busy.

Nope. She thought we were playing musical chairs. My friend and her coffee pal, who I could already tell does not have children, were confused at this game.

Her friend asked me something about being on a sabbatical.

"Yes," I said. "I took a break to be a stay-at-home mom."

She gave a slight smile as Aubrey started dismantling the Valentine's Day display by removing boxes of chocolate hearts and putting them on the table.

She had every intention of eating them.

While I tended to that, my friend said: "Is that your Mommy uniform?"

I looked down at my attire for the day. Heck, I didn't think it was that bad.

"Remember you said when you stopped working, you wouldn't have a Mommy uniform?" my friend continued.

Did I say that?

I have on corduroy jeans and what I thought was a decent sweater. OK, so I have these corduroy jeans in every color from the same store — cream, chocolate brown, khaki and gray. I also bought solid-colored long-sleeved shirts in every color — just like Easter eggs now that I think about it.

So does this mean this is my uniform? Ugh. Maybe it is.

I realized I had no makeup on. I think I washed my hair. Can't remember. But I know I took a shower.

I was slightly offended at her question.

But I didn't have time to be. Aubrey was emptying my diaper bag onto the floor. It was then that I noticed my friend's Coach tennis shoes. I didn't even know they made those. She was in slacks and a nice dress shirt and looked so relaxed sipping her coffee.

Her friend gave me an awkward smile as I picked up Aubrey's latest mess.

Then it happened. Aubrey threw herself onto her stomach and started a tantrum. She was actually lying flat on the floor screaming.

My friend's eyes grew wider and she struggled for words. Silence was all she could muster. Then Aubrey took off and started circling Starbucks. I ran after her as fast as I could.

Yes, I wanted to say, my child is crazy and I have no control over her. And yes, I am wearing a Mommy uniform. And yes, I am different from you. But I am trying here!

I slung Aubrey under my arm, grabbed my drink and we were gone. I don't think I said goodbye.

Later, I imagined the dinner conversation at my friend's home that night.

"So you know my friend Angie? Well, she took a sabbatical from her job to be with her kids more, and now she can't even do that right! Her child is out of control!"

That night, I thought about the outing and how wrong it went. I know another mother would understand it's just what happens to all moms sometimes.

But I am a bit envious of my friend's free time, her tantrum-free life. Maybe even of her Coach tennis shoes. I hope she doesn't think my daughter behaves like that every day.

If she does I'm just going to have to count on my friend to empathize a little — even if she doesn't have kids.