Long term memory

I remember when they took my tonsil's out.   It was around the age of 5, and I remember little to nothing - about anything - before that.    I remember my house getting robbed at around the age of 10, but don't remember much else.   I remember highlights and major events from childhood, but nothing else.    I don't remember what I ate for Lunch on Friday.

This struck me today, and it's kind of a relief.    It means that these first few years with the kids is memory free, so long as nothing traumatic happens.

The early years still matter.   In fact, we are learning that even the time before a kid arrives matters more than we thought before.    Kids will remember words and language and maybe even general character things (mom & dad don't lie, etc) and they probably learn how to sit in front of a TV (if you let them).  

Still, it's good to know that every detail won't be analyzed.   They are like computers booting up, before the hard drive powers on.   It's a very important time - don't jostle them - but not every misstep is going to be logged.  

Last night I asked Lily if she remembered sleeping in a crib (like Nate's) and she looked bewildered.   I took the walls off her crib to make it a little bed just 6 months ago, and she doesn't remember it.    That's somewhat comforting, for some reason.