Baby Brain

An old friend tagged me in an interesting note today on Facebook. She titled it "Feminist Mothers" and was extremely brave about talking about her own issues and stresses with being a working mom. Her daughter is the same age as mine, and she was sharing how she is struggling with "Baby Brain" and trying to function normally when well... she just doesn't feel the same way. What is it that changes once you join the ranks of Motherhood? You cling to your old self hard, but yet, parts of you just seem unreachable.

Maybe it comes back. The smart you that can hold conversations till 2 am and memorize song lyrics instantly. Maybe your brain cells take pity on you and ultimately return. Or maybe not.

Is this new Mom thing just temporary?

There are days where my main concern is about just being plain rude. Not because I am intentionally forgetting to thank a host or return an e-mail, but because my child has sucked out my ability to recall such tasks. Nature makes us focus our little world around this creature so we don't leave him/her alone in the woods. Pretty smart, actually.

Anyway. I can feel myself coming back bit by bit as the months pass. I'm having moments where I am just myself again. But, it's like a brief visit. I think these baby years just consume. I'm coming to terms with that. If I appear rude or flippant, don't be hurt. It's merely my baby sticking a straw through my ear canal... and sucking out my brain.