Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Mommy Brain

Since having Aubrey (well, since getting pregnant), my brain has gotten fuzzier and fuzzier. I have become very forgetful. Anyone who knows me well is probably thinking, "But how can YOU be forgetful? You write EVERYTHING down!" I used to be the queen of lists, but when I had Aubrey, I foolishly stopped making lists because making lists became another thing I had to do. Get what I mean? Well, I did not realize how much I needed those lists! Without writing things down the SECOND I think of them, it's very unlikely that I will remember to do that task. My lists are making a slow comeback. I'm not as anal with them as I used to be, but I am writing down more things to help keep me on track. So, I’m pretty sure I can get this problem under control.

However, it's not just the tasks and errands that I need help remembering. My biggest brain flop is when I am checking out at a store. Let’s take Target for example. I never remember my bags. NEVER.

This is how the scene plays out every time:

"Hi, how are you?" the checkout girl says half-heartedly.
"I'm good, thanks,” I say as I am fumbling through my oversized diaper bag for my wallet.
"Would you like to save 10% by opening a Target credit card today?"
"No, that's alright, I don't need any more credit cards."
Aubrey squeals from her stroller.
The 16 year old checkout girl acts like she's interested in the baby and says something like, "Aw, hi little baby," with a forced smile.
I swipe my debit card.
"Do you want cash back?"
"No"
She hands me my receipt, "Have a good day.”
"You too."
And then Aubrey and I stroll off. As I approach the doors to leave, I stop in my tracks. CRAP! I forgot my bags, AGAIN!
Now I go back over to the checkout girl, she pulls my bags out from under the counter, and I say, "I do this EVERY time and EVERY time I say that I won't do it again and I'll learn my lesson, and I never do!"
People either stare at me funny or laugh, depending on the crowd that day, and Aubrey and I go to the car with our bags.

I'm not kidding you. This happens every time that I go to a store now. The only exception is if Justin is with me or if I have a cart. If I'm using a cart instead of the stroller, then I don't forget the bags because they're thrown in there. But if I'm using the stroller, forget about it! I even think to myself while I'm in line, "Don't forget the bags, don't forget the bags..." But it doesn't work. I get too distracted by the stimulating conversation I have with the check out girl.

Oh well. I guess it's better that I forget the bags and not the baby...

4 comments:

  1. I so get this, I really do. I've even had to go back after forgetting the bags..

    Once I had to drive back to the store because I left a gigantic thing of toilet paper in the cart in the parking lot.

    And that was after forgetting to buy it and having to go back for it...

    so it was like the third trip back.

    Tracy

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  2. Hi. Great blog! There's an award waiting for you on my blog.

    http://lamammablog.blogspot.com/2010/05/blog-award.html

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  3. I wish I could blame my forgetfulness on mommyhood... but I have always been this way. lol

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  4. Hi, I'm a friend of your mothers from work and she told me all about the "mommy brain", which I started getting, oh, at around the time I became pregnant with my now 7 week-old daughter, Anna. Besides going to Target at LEAST twice/thrice weekly, I've been so forgetful myself. Forget the bags at the store, walk upstairs only to forget why I went up there in the first place, leave my car windows down, just to name a few. I'd like to think it's because the babies require so much attention and focus!

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