I've only recently begun to realize the stuff I've stopped doing since I became a mom.
And I don't mean the things like going out to a movie or meeting friends at bars on weekend nights without first going through the hourlong process of establishing a baby sitter.
I mean stuff I used to do for other people.
Like, for example, sending everybody I know a birthday card and a small gift.
Or buying my friends those thank-you or thinking-of-you cards with the pictures of cute little puppies and kitties snuggled up together.
I just don't have time. Frankly, I don't have the extra cash anymore, either.
I recall phasing out the birthdays: First I made new rules that we didn't buy gifts for anyone past the age of 18, then we didn't buy cards OR gifts for anyone past that age, etc.
We're now at the point where we don't buy cards or gifts if there isn't a birthday party. If there is a party and we can't make it, well, sorry, kiddo -- that's also grounds for zero birthday recognition.
I'm not sure if this makes me a bad person. I'm certain it makes me less popular among my family and the few friends I have who tolerate me.
When did I stop paying attention to other people? Is it because I'm so focused on my kids now, or is it because I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday thanks to those babies sucking brain cells out of my head when I was pregnant?
Either way, here's a note to my family and friends who stop by here: Happy birthday! Your card and gift will arrive in the mail after Sam and Noah both graduate from college.
I'm with ya, Gulli.
My siblings, parents are lucky if I can remember the dates of their b-days...
I'll second that! I even forgot my husband's birthday on Sunday, that's how bad it is over here. And last month, I called my mother-in-law and she said, "Um, I can't talk now. We're out to dinner. For our anniversary." Ouch.
That's why my handmade Gulli Christmas scarf means so much to me. :)