It’s a well-documented phenomenon that mothers exhibit selective recollection. The notorious “mom brain” often leads to a convenient amnesia regarding the anguish of childbirth, the relentless nights of sleeplessness, and the less-than-glamorous aspects of postpartum recovery. If we didn’t have this cognitive filter, it’s likely that no one would dare to have more than one child.
Fortunately, nature seems to equip us with a set of rose-tinted lenses, enabling us to bypass the more traumatic memories, preventing us from spending our days in a corner, rocking back and forth in despair. Trust me, I am quite relieved to have (mostly) forgotten the embarrassment of those unexpected public incidents, like, oh, losing control over my bladder… repeatedly.
My partner and I are both thankful that I’ve conveniently erased the fantasies of smothering him with a pillow during those sleepless nights when he snoozed while I managed a wailing infant. And I can only hope that one day I’ll also forget the emotional rollercoaster that undoubtedly accompanies the teenage years.
The human mind can only process so much, thus we must be discerning with the memories we choose to hold onto—or let go. Here are eight memories I hope my selective memory retains:
1. The Quirky Words My Kids Invented
When my eldest was a toddler, he came up with the most delightful names for animals. Gorillas were “giga-gas,” and rabbits became “hop-hops.” Who could forget the laughter that ensued from the accidental expletives that spilled from a toddler’s lips when they spotted a fire truck?
2. The Peaceful Sight of Sleeping Children
There’s something almost celestial about the way their faces relax into cherubic expressions during sleep. Watching a child peacefully slumber feels like a warm embrace amidst chaos, as if unicorns frolic nearby and glitter rains down. Given the tumultuous nature of life, I want to hold onto that sense of tranquility.
3. The Isolation of Being Home Alone with a Newborn
It was stifling and lonely, yet recalling those days reminds me to reach out to new mothers, even though I dread phone conversations.
4. The Stress of Public Tantrums
The sheer anxiety they bring is something I would like to remember—because empathy is crucial.
5. The Moment My Partner Held Our Sons for the First Time
Despite the chaos of childbirth, the expression on my partner’s face when he first cradled our sons is a memory I cherish. I wish I could erase the doctor’s comment about the excessive blood loss, though.
6. The Celebratory Dances After Bedtime
There are few moments that make me feel victorious in parenting more than the silence that follows after successfully getting my kids to bed. Those moments call for a little victory dance!
7. My Parenting Blunders
From locking myself out with my 4-month-old inside to my 6-month-old tumbling out of a Bumbo seat, these moments might be seen as failures, but I consider them learning experiences. They keep me grounded and humble.
8. The Triumphs of Parenting
Amidst the daily challenges, it’s easy to overlook the small victories. Whether it’s listening to a lengthy story about Minecraft without drifting off or successfully teaching a child to tie their shoes, these accomplishments deserve recognition. We need to remember these moments, as they can be the only things that prevent us from indulging in a little day drinking.
Memory is fleeting, and that isn’t always a negative thing. Who wouldn’t want to forget the infamous incident known as Poopgate 2014? As I often walk into rooms and forget my original purpose, there’s a strong chance that memory will fade quickly. Yet, I secretly hope it lingers, as one day it will surely become a hilarious anecdote.
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In summary, while some memories may fade, it’s essential to hold onto the moments that bring joy and connection, ensuring we remember the beauty amidst the chaos of motherhood.
Keyphrase: Maternal Memory
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