Friday, November 6, 2009

Mommy Brain

Once upon a time there was a very smart lady. One day, she had kids. Then that very smart lady was very forgetful and occasionally a little ditzy. Her friends would whisper when she did something silly. The lady thought they were cruel, but they were really just telling each other a truth.

"That lady has mommy brain," they would say.

"Poor lady, now she's just like the rest of us."

I sometimes joke that I pushed the rest of my brain cells out with my sixth child. I'm only partially joking. I do things now that I never did before. I can't ever remember the date, and even when I do, I get it wrong about half the time. I told someone yesterday that I was sure it was November 6th because it's my Dad's birthday. My Dad's birthday is on the 5th, which was yesterday. I rock.

I lose my keys on a regular basis. Although, I partially blame children for that one. A certain two-year old (cough, O, cough) likes to play with them.

When K was a baby, A was in afternoon Kindergarten and I had to go pick him up. It was during nap time and I was always in a rush waking up kids, changing diapers and getting to the school on time. One day, upon arriving home, I went to get K out of her car seat only to find her completely soaked. I thought she had peed through her diaper. Nope. I had forgotten to put a diaper on her. Who does that? I had actually forgotten to diaper my baby. Lovely.

I leave my cell phone at home regularly. Apparently getting everyone AND a cell phone in the car is a near impossibility.

If it's not written on the calendar, then it doesn't happen. And even if it is written on the calendar, I still sometimes miss things. I can't seem to remember to send L to her church activity every other Friday. It's on my calendar, but I must not be able to read on Friday.

I've learned, however, that I'm not alone. I just have Mommy Brain. I think it's all the hormones, lack of sleep, and chaos from children that causes it. I think it's irreversible brain damage.

Mothers, just realize that when they hand you your beautiful newborn babe, they are also handing you your brain.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I had to laugh at this. I like to think it is reversible but have no evidence to base this on. I used to hold down a very responsible job. Hell, I have represented people facing the death penalty. Right now I cannot tell you where my phone is or where my calendar is. I can tell you its friday because it is the end of the week but the date is an elusive mystery. I am sure your children, like mine, are putting your brains to good use and doing well at school.

Nancy@ifevolutionworks.com said...

It comes from juggling too many things at once. It ends when your child leaves for college. :)

Unknown said...

Great post! Laurie and I loved reading it. Laurie said that she doesn't have Mommy Brain yet, because, really, they haven't handed her her baby yet. (I think she has a minor case already!) :)

ZenMom said...

I hear you mom! When my kids make fun of my forgetfulness, I always say, "My brain's all full."

Jen said...

The number of times over the last couple weeks I've thought of something only to forget it 3 seconds later. The other day, I had this happen 4 times...

In bedroom: We need toilet paper. I should go write it on the shopping list before I forget.

In kitchen 10 SEC LATER: What did did I come in here for?

Anonymous said...

I read a few posts and what a great and funny blog! I am from MBC and am following you now!!

I have mommy brain too. I hate it.