Baby brain

Baby brain, does it really exist? Not sure I can answer that scientifically but it is my current go to excuse for my poor memory. But whether this is baby related or just due to being on the go all the time; 2 kids, full time work and pregnant it's a lot going on.

It might have its downsides but I'm trying to use these mishaps as an excuse to laugh at myself and share funny stories. The only problem is that I have to write them down as guess what? I forget them!!

I've mentioned previously things that I had forgotten: my daughters coat, laptop, lost mobile etc but I have more to add. One of the funniest is a recent bathtime with my son. Whilst he was in the bath I was wondering what these dark things were that kept appearing in the bath. I then realised that I hadn't taken his socks off! Poor boy having a bath with socks on. A downside and serious side effect was that I forgot his jabs. At this point I pointed out to my husband that perhaps child appointments shouldn't just be my remit. He agreed and luckily sorted the appointment and took him along, phew. 

Luckily most of the forgetful moments don't have consequences and I have people to remind me about things. For exams my friend who reminded me about the fact that we were going to see Peppa Pig on stage later that week. Oh dear - not of had I forgotten the date, I had forgotten all about the booking like it had been erased from my memory! After changing a midwife appointment and booking a days holiday from work we got there and I had a lovely day with my daughter. 

We got to Peppa Pig with a little bit of reminding from friends. 

I would love to know - is this just me? Or does anyone else have funny stories on baby brain to tell? 

10 things about being pregnant for the 3rd time

So as you can imagine each pregnancy is totally different. Different for both physical and psychological reasons and of course the general publics reaction. Here's my 10 observations about being pregnant for the third time. 

1. Some people really can't understand it. "But, why? You've already got a boy and a girl?" 

We have things in pink and blue so surely wouldn't want to add to this?!

2. You can't remember how many weeks pregnant you are, or what day it changes. This isn't exclusive to number 3 but this time I don't feel guilty about it. 

3. Daydreaming now consists of being slim and those gin drinking days that are ahead of me. 

4. Of course being slim usually means exercising but we won't worry at this point about how I will find time for that. Although I'm imagining I'll never sit on the sofa again so I'll burn millions of calories running in 3 directions?

5. Not many people talk about this pregnancy. Some people never even congratulate you (yes several people fall into this box). It's assumed that it's all been done twice before so you're a pro (I wish I was a pro, someone would be paying me!!) 

7. Those pregnancy aches and pains? Starting much earlier this time. Even dreaming about how sore my back is. 

8.  The third pregnancy will be much quicker. Two kids plus a full time job means it will go much faster... Surely.... Hopefully... Please....

9. Baby brain x3 is the worst. Whether it's the baby or the fact that life is generally busy I have no ability to retain information. 

10. Busy - this sums up life. Although when I tell people I'm pregnant and they reply that I "will be busy" I just look at them confused, it's not exactly like life is quiet at the moment with two! But busy plus baby brain means nothing gets done: "you must be on the countdown to maternity leave?" Erm, no. I haven't had the chance to think about it yet! 

But this time I also have experience on my side. Last time I worked until 38 weeks as I wanted time "at the other side" but this is my last maternity so will finish earlier and make the most of the "me" time and what spring cleaning I can get done in October / November. 

Knowing what to do for the best

Growing up there was always one person who knew best. My mum. Never faltering or seemingly questioning what was best but always knowing and going with her gut instinct. Perhaps it was because I was number 3 or perhaps it was a front, parents are often good at having a front for their kids. I'm not quite sure whether I've perfected this front or not or whether my kids will just know that I'm feeling clueless most of the time. 

I never know when I should call the doctor or not, never wanting to come across as a panicker. And sometimes I just don't know what's wrong. Like at the moment I am very much clueless. My son who is a year keeps having recurrent sickness. Just once in the day but it's been 3 times in the last week, plus many unsavoury nappies. However there is no fever and he's coming out of a grumpy phase and is really happy at the moment. Obviously we're having to'ing and fro'ing with nursery and I've made a doctors appointment but it's not until next week so I'm full of questions. The main one being "what the hell is wrong" and "shall I go to the doctors tomorrow" and mainly "would should I do for the best". It's giving me sleepless nights and it's times like these that not having a mum anymore really hits home - the person who was always calm and knew what to do isn't here leaving me feeling a bit like a train crash! 

I am going to be decisive and go to the doctors, the poor boy shouldn't be going through this especially as he's already literally had a raw deal on the skin front (probably all connected) and perhaps I will just cry in front of them instead of alone in my room to make them take me seriously. Wish me luck, I'll keep you informed.