Raising Baby K

I was that mom who did not cry or get emotional seeing her baby for the first time in L&D. Neither had a feeding bottle bought nor attend any classes on the subject prior to the baby’s arrival. Didn’t have a baby registry or set up a nursery. Car seat and stroller – that I bought, and few other sundry items from Walmart. While none of this means that I did not care, I was simply not the mom who was excited over her to be born child(ren). Being a minimalist and a pragmatic and simply cluelessness, added to the situation.

The third day while packing my bags to go home from the hospital, I was sort of disturbed. I had gotten too used to the nurture and safety at the hospital and round the clock nurse support with the baby. Although doting grandparents accompanied you, Baby K on the back seat- I could not stop asking my parents – is she alright, is she breathing, is her head wobbling, is her body steady and so on about your first ride home. You were completely nestled and sleeping peacefully on your ride home. That is the first indication of how we parents fret and will forever fret over things children, while children are actually okay.

Your initial days at home brought a ton of ooohs and aaws to anyone who saw you. Seeing the first grandchild brought immense joys to my Amma and Appa. You would bring the roof down with your cries for the little 2oz Enfamil ready to feed bottles of formula. They were your favorite and Thaatha used to call them your dessert. Thanks to his remark, he has never let you down in that area till today. You inherit the sweet tooth from Thaatha and Amma. My heart broke into million pieces when we brought you home after your 1^st set of shots at 2 weeks and you cried constantly for like 5 minutes out of discomfort, while looking directly into my eyes. The image is printed on my mind and will never fade. That day I learnt my lesson on giving Tylenol right after shots – be it painless or painful variety, regardless of what the clinic said.

You were always quick to learn and adapt to new surroundings. Our umpteen moves never bothered you one bit and you clocked a ton of miles on Air India while alternating living with Aachi and Amma. You are the apple of Aachi’s eye I can tell you. My parents do not support me anymore, coz you have taken over. I have fought that fight with my Appa atleast thrice till now. They are ready to run to your rescue at your  slightest of hints.

You appreciate me for whatever new dress I wear however it may be. You notice my shoes and my hair, you want me to wear makeup and get excited over every little cosmetic purchase I make, for myself. You also LOVE to dress up for yourself (esp. paapu pavaadays), and look to your Chitti for advice, courtesy fashion challenged mom. Besides dressing, you love love to watch me cook and set things around the house. You are a natural at keeping things in order. Makes it easy for both of us. You sing songs and draw, just free spirited. Keep this up Baby K and never let life’s problems take over this trait.

You grew up overnight when Thambi was born and fit yourself gracefully into the role of an Akka at a tender age of 2. You were never jealous or angry or upset. As you both grow together now, you always watch out for your brother and come running to me with whatever trouble he is getting into. Without you dear baby sitter, what would I do. Am not kidding. You are so mature for your age sometimes. You get it when am upset and come sit beside me, asking if you can be of any help. Full of emotion and love and care for people around you. Two different teachers you had have remarked on your empathy for others. The same two also spoke about your energy levels in class and how infectious it can be. Perfect for a moody day.

It would be unrealistic if I failed to list some of your bad girl traits here. Try to laugh it away when you read this as a grown up. You have a well of tears stored some place that is ready to burst open at the slightest inconvenience or upsets or tiffs with Thambi. I am SOOO waiting for the day you will outgrow this girl, I really do. You take FOREVER to eat; I mean FOREVER that lasts from a minimum of 1 to 2 hours per meal, left to yourself. You get uncomfortable over no tears baby soap saying it stings your eyes. You call it burning soap. You have been saying that since the day you knew to talk. I pray your threshold for pain also improves a tad bit. Even a tad bit can do wonders to those around you.

You are my first and will always be. You taught me several first lessons and will continue to do so. You make me a better person and motivate me to be strong, so I can teach you. You receive the bests from us as parents. You will also endure the many negatives of being the first – but always know that your Amma and Appa are by your side ready to scoop you up.