It’s a well-known truth that moms often experience a unique kind of selective memory. The infamous “mom brain” tends to erase the painful details of labor, the endless sleepless nights, and all the physical mishaps along the way. If we held onto every single moment, no one would dare have more than one child. Seriously.
Thank goodness for Mother Nature’s built-in filter; it helps us block out less pleasant memories so we can avoid spending our days curled up in a corner, rocking back and forth while mumbling to ourselves. Trust me, I’m grateful that I’ve (almost) forgotten the embarrassment of peeing my pants in public. A few times.
My partner, Jake, and I are also relieved that I’ve magically erased the vivid fantasies I had of smothering him with a pillow when he snoozed through the baby’s cries. And I can only hope to one day forget the emotional rollercoaster that the teenage years are sure to bring.
Our minds can only hold so much, so we have to be selective about which memories we cherish and which ones we let go. Here are a few things I truly hope my memory retains:
- The Quirky Words My Kids Invented
When my eldest was a toddler, his unique names for animals were simply adorable. Gorillas became “giggas,” rabbits were dubbed “hop-hops,” and let’s not forget the priceless moment when he exclaimed, “Look at that fire truck!” with an accidental expletive. - The Peaceful Sight of Sleeping Children
There’s something utterly enchanting about watching my kids sleep. Their cherubic faces, all scrunched up in slumber, bring a sense of tranquility that feels like a warm hug from the universe. Honestly, in a world that can feel like chaos, those moments of stillness are pure magic. - The Isolation of Being Home Alone with a Crying Baby
While it was overwhelming and lonely, remembering those long days with a newborn serves as a gentle reminder to check in on new moms. Even if I’m not a fan of phone calls, it’s important to reach out. - The Sweat-Inducing Nature of Public Tantrums
Because, empathy. - The Look on Jake’s Face When He First Held Our Sons
Even amidst the chaos of childbirth, I’ll never forget the sheer joy on Jake’s face when he cradled our boys for the first time. I’d be fine with forgetting the doctor’s comment about my blood loss, though! - The Victory Dances After Bedtime
There are few things as satisfying as the sweet silence that follows a successful bedtime routine. Those moments make me feel like I’m nailing this whole parenting thing. - My Parenting Blunders
When my son was just four months old, I accidentally locked myself out of the house while he was inside. At six months, he tumbled out of his seat, and by eighteen months, he took a spill down the stairs. Some may call them fails, but I see them as learning experiences. Remembering these moments keeps me grounded and prevents me from judging other parents too harshly. - The Small Wins of Parenting
Amidst the chaos of tantrums and guilt trips about screen time, we often overlook our parenting victories. Taking the time to listen to a lengthy Minecraft story or teaching a child to tie their shoes without losing my cool are achievements worth celebrating. We should remember these moments, as they often keep us from resorting to day drinking!
Memories, by nature, tend to fade—and sometimes that’s for the best. Who wouldn’t want to forget something as traumatic as the incident that shall forever be known as Poopgate 2014? Given that I often walk into a room and forget what I was looking for, there’s a fair chance that memory will slip away soon. But part of me hopes it lingers, because one day, it might make for a hilarious story.
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Summary: Amidst the chaos of motherhood, certain memories stand out as essential. From the quirky words of toddlers to the peaceful sight of sleeping children, these moments shape the parenting experience. While some memories may be painful, they remind us to cherish our small victories and the love we share as families.