What Has Becoming A Parent Done To Me?

I have thought for many years that I live on, or somewhere near, Memory Lane. And I mean that figuratively, of course.

(2009)

Becoming a parent has done something wicked to me. Instead of waiting for the future, I sometimes find myself trapped in the past.

This makes me think that maybe Memory Lane isn't actually a lane at all.

And maybe I don't really live by it.

I think sometimes I just get stuck there.

I believe it's actually a crazy roundabout.

(2009?)

Why?

Because I keep driving around, and around, and around.

And while I'm consumed by the ever continuous, and somewhat comforting circle, my options for exit are:

Reality Drive: Gah! No way! That's dishes, laundry, cleaning...

Dreamland Avenue: Check! Frequent visitor of this one.

Future Street: I'm just not ready for this!

And

Get-it-together-and-live-in-the-now Boulevard: Dang it. I usually take this exit.

So here I am.

Owning up to my sappy 'back when' reminiscing.

I think becoming a parent has started some horrible fast-forward button in my life and I feel so helpless.

I believe this is why I have problems getting stuck in the past.

Why old memories suck me in, pull at my heart strings and keep me going in circles.

Lord knows I've written about it.

Here.
Here.
Oh yes, here too.

So I'm working on my coping skills.

I know it gets harder.

Babies were easy people.

I'm learning it's the older ones that give anxiety.

So, take lots of photos so you can hide in the pantry and scroll through the 'good ol' days' after your almost tween rolls their eyes and tells you, 'you have no fashion sense', like they just walked off a photo shoot for Vogue or something.

Then take a photo 'cause those are gonna be the good ol' days someday too.

And I need some company at the roundabout.