It’s getting real. My to-do list, I mean. With Scarlett almost 8 weeks old, I’m well past my doctor-imposed restrictions as the busy fall season gets underway. School has started for Red, I’m picking up work again, and Chase’s schedule is really getting busy. It’s time for me to get back to the grind, but apparently my baby brain just can’t keep up. I can’t remember what I ate for my last meal, much less who I’m supposed to call, what appointments I need to attend or what posts I’m supposed to be working on.
My baby turned mommy brain recovered fairly quickly after Red was born, and I returned to designing costumes when he was only 6 weeks old. It was straight up too soon because (if you’re a stitcher, you’ll understand) it takes your full attention and two hands to operate a sewing machine. You’re attention can’t be divided. Though I was super busy, I had a great attention to detail and was capable of juggling a few projects at a time. This time, it’s not the same. Mom and Chase have both asked me to do things and as soon as the conversation is over, it falls right out of my brain. I can’t remember to return a voicemail unless I do it right that moment. Which, as you know, doesn’t always work when a baby is crying at you, or a pre-schooler is demanding that you check out his Jake and the Neverland pirates collection he’s perched on the toilet seat.
So I did the only thing I knew how to do. I made a list.
When I was in grad school, I’m pretty sure I kept (affiliate link…) Post-it in business. I had them everywhere, with daily to-dos, grocery lists on the fridge, voicemails by the charger, and even what to pack for a trip home. It kept me in check and on-task. Since I’ve picked back up this organizational habit, the last week has been better. I’ve been getting more done and feel much more accomplished when I can cross things off and put them behind me. Sure, I have stuff like “Make Dinner” on the list, but when 6pm comes faster than you realize while you’ve been trapped under a nursing baby for an hour… you need a reminder to prep early and often.
I’m also trying not to over-schedule myself and plan plenty of days at home to nurse Scarlett in peace and keep my wits about me. What are your best techniques to stay on-task and remember everything you have to do? I’m open to saving some paper and trying something new!
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