they've found that a woman's i.q. drops measurably during the first year of her child's life. then it resets to normal. probably due to sleepless nights and focusing so much attention on someone who can't converse, not to mention your own physical recovery, which takes a lot longer than anyone leads you to believe.

at any rate, i've got another 4 months of stupid, myself.

Oh I can't WAIT to sleep a full night!

Oh, be encouraged! Don't let me get you down by any means! I just wish sometimes folks didn't try to minimize what happens in your life with kids. It is hard at times- a real rollercoaster, and no it isn't any better with the second child, or the third- it is different, and the rewards are at least as great as the hardships, but the idea that anything "gets back to normal" makes me laugh. "gets back to manageable" might be closer.

Jessica, I started this tribe so I could find comfort from other bellydancing mamas after my son was born. You Can get your brain and your body back, but they won't be the same as before, neither will your life. It takes time, patience and persistence.

Most women spend a lot of time obsessing about getting things back the way they were before, but pregnancy is like going through puberty again. Your undergo so many changes physical, emotional and mental in such a short time. You are different now and it might take time to adjust.
Things can be even better than before! Really!

One of my specialties is balancing. It took me a year to get back my center of balance. But once I got it again, I discovered I am much more solid than ever before.
My patience is better than before I had a child. Learning to live with a child helped me focus in a different way.
I can remain calm and chose my priorities under the most stressful of situations.
I'm more sensitive to the moment now.
I'm in Graduate school now and the fact that my time is compressed makes forces me to think and learn faster and more efficiently.

I hope this helps. I just want you to know that it does get better.

blessings to you and your new family, Christy

LOL! I truly believe "Mommy brain" is nature's way of making sure you focus on the baby (and your recovery) because if you get too involved in other endevors, then you and the baby don't get as much attention/care. and the first three years of a child's life are _especially_ important, (Occupational Therapist here...). so, don't sweat it. If you are having trouble absorbing new information, take it with a grain of salt. cuddle baby and enjoy. :) Drilling and technique are pretty great right now! Don't stress, and soon enough you'll be making up your own combinations!