Monday, January 17, 2011

I Want My Brain Back


I was at the library Saturday and thought of a book I wanted to read but could not come up with the title. A call to Joseph for help sounded something like this:

"What's the name of that book that's written by that one guy? It's a classic, long, you've read it. They even made it into a movie starring what's his name. You know, the one I really like?"

I was dumbfounded when he couldn't figure out what I was describing. I finally came up with The Count of Monte Cristo on my own, but it took a looooong time.

Ever since having children I can't seem to remember anything. I used to have my whole week's schedule in my head and never missed a thing. Now if it's not on the calendar I'm toast. Simple words completely elude me all the time. At this rate I'm going to be 40 and not be able to remember my kid's names.

Joseph recently read a book that mentioned that during pregnancy certain parts of a woman's brain shrink considerably so that memory loss is a real thing. It said those areas aren't back to their normal size until your baby is 6 months old, either. So I've got a legitimate excuse for losing my mind, but I don't think mine ever comes back. With each child I lose more and more of it as it's slowly sucked through the umbilical cord and out with each nursing. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that if my children are smart one day you'll all know why. ;)

11 comments:

shelly said...

I hear you. I swear I've had that same convo. =)

kim said...

LOL! You sounds just like me.

I will say that once you go more than a couple years between kids, I find that a little more of the brain returns. Not all of it (some is definitely lost forever in that haze of pregnancy and sleep deprivation), but enough that I kind of felt like a normal person who just forgets things occasionaly. So there is hope, someday :)

Erin said...

I don't think the memory loss only has to do with pregnancy, because I have experienced the exact same thing. At the rate mine is going, I'm going to be brain dead by 50.

Sidsie and Derek said...

So true! I am glad I am not the only one.

Amy Eaton said...

Sometimes I really can't beileve the things that just escape my mind. I have felt it so much more this pregnancy. Sometimes I will leave a room and think I hope I didn't make a fool of myself because I don't recall what I even said in there.

Katie said...

I am so grateful my husband is a neuropsychologist and he confirmed with me right away that pregnancy for sure effects the brain. Not that it made it any less frustrating though ;)

Emily Widdison said...

soooo true. I want my brain back too. Oliver is 6 months today, does that mean I should feel smarter? Cause I don't.

Sabrina O'Malley said...

I totally understand. I have already reached the point of forgetting my kids names. Sometimes I go through the whole crew before saying the right one.

Matt and Rusty said...

Just one kiddo but I've done the very same thing...He is almost 6 months, I will let you know! LOL!!

Jessica said...

this is so true! i used to pride myself on what a good memory i had for remembering names and faces and now it is COMPLETELY gone. i am TERRIBLE about remembering names and i don't think it will ever come back. :(

Deborah Austin said...

You are so cute!! It is for real though I do the same thing. This may sound funny but try Taking fish oil it really does seen to help I know it sounds weird but It is so good for the brain, I take it everyday and when I remember:) I even give it to my kids. It's worth a try. Krill oil (mega red) from costco is my favorite, no after taste and only one a day.