The miracle of life

Life is mysterious and for me, the essence of this enigma is pronounced in the miracle of creation of life itself. When a mass of cells begins to get called a baby – that’s a miracle. And I’m glad God chose me to experience his miracle-working ways.

And here’s our baby update:



Picture credit: baby-gaga.com

Bless you!

I sneeze. A lot. It’s called rhinitis. Lil Reuel’s used to a blessing every time she sneezes and she returns the gesture every time someone at home sneezes. Naana-naani just have to get blessed by her hand when they sneeze.

Last night, as I put her to sleep, there was an inappropriately timed sneezing attack. As I cringed at the thought of the baby waking up, I felt a little hand on my head. Thankfully she was still sleeping but with every sneeze her little hand rested upon my head. My heart leapt with gratefulness at the tiny, selfless and unconscious gesture. May she be a source of blessing to hundreds around the world. :-)

Picture credit: bebo.com

Vaccinations continue to be painful

Lil Reuel’s used to always coming to me every time she gets hurt – scrapes, falls, bug bites, even the imaginary ones included. The hurts are hugged and kissed away so naturally she’s never seen me as the cause of any of her pains. I’m the one who makes them disappear.

A couple of months ago, she had to go in for a couple of shots. The nurse asked me to hold her in my arms as she injected my baby on her arms and thighs. The little one sat trustingly on my lap and then she suddenly felt the needle prick. I saw a momentary look of horror pass through her face before she let out a cry that reached into the deepest recesses of my heart. I imagined her question was how I could let someone cause her pain. I had no words to explain to her as I hugged her close until the turtle in the fish tank grabbed her attention. Thank God for that aquarium though. It’s quieted many-a-child’s injection related tears.

Picture credit: citris-uc.org

And now it’s Tom and Jerry

I was eleven when I first saw the universally adored cat and mouse team. The time coincided with the arrival of the television and the VCR at home. My brother and I fell in love with them and the cartoons. The videotape was played almost everyday until we knew the order of the sequences. They continued to remain among my favorites amidst Bambi and Simba and scores more.

And, in time, the cartoons were replaced by other favorites but they were in a cherished area of my memories. It seemed, therefore appropriate, to introduce our princess to them. However, I was horrified, to say the least. There just seemed to be a lot of whacking, chasing, destruction, vengeance and other undesirable attributes. At eleven, I enjoyed it no end but I’m re-thinking about allowing two-year-old Reuel to watch them.

I don’t think I’m ready for any Tom-and-Jerry style imitations, just yet.

Picture credit: blog.tystoybox.com

Yippee! The little family grows!

And so it is that we, Lil Reuel, dear B and self are expecting another miracle to join our family come February 2010.

Yes, it’s a time for a flurry of decisions, plans and what not. It’s thrilling, exciting and mysterious.

And that’s life. :-)

And here's the baby update:



Picture credit: Baby-gaga.com

Little hands in mine

One of the great thrills of being a parent has been when my little daughter sticks out her tiny hand and says “Hold” with her monosyllabic conversations skills. (It sounds like ‘ol’, though.)

It happens when she wants to step out of the house or negotiate a stairway or an escalator.

That one word is sufficient - for me to understand her need and she knows that I’ll hold her hands no matter what. It’s a statement of simple trust. A trust that seems to be ingrained into her being.

It makes me wonder: does God feel the same way? Does He feel delighted when we hold out our hands to him and say, “Father, hold my hands, please?”

Picture credit: thesimplicityelegance.blogspot.com

Nursery rhymes and what?

I find some of the nursery rhymes hard to fathom now that lil Reuel’s getting to hear them and I get to read them out to her.


One, Two, buckle my shoe
Three, Four, shut the door??!!

And on it goes …

And some of them are downright dangerous.

Jack be nimble, Jack be quick
Jack, jump over the candlestick??!!

And of course all those violent ones or ones where the protagonists are in pain.

Humpty Dumpty and his shattered self.
Jack and his broken brow and the resultant whacking of Jill by her mother.
Little Tommy Thin and Stout and their poor cat.

Is someone watching what our kids are taught?

Picture credit: host.evanced.info

Back at my blog and a note on a glow bug

It’s great to be back – chronicling our little family’s journey. I hope, one day, our lil’ princess will look back at these memories etched in words and know how precious her presence is in our lives.

Since my last blog, we moved to Malaysia (temporarily) and now are back for a holiday with my parents.

Of course, little Reuel’s basking in the glow of her grandparents’ love. It’s also one reason why we sleep under a mosquito net. My parents think Reuel is a prime target for all the mosquitoes in our neighborhood. I don’t argue with grandparental reasoning.

But we were in for a little treat for a little glow bug kindly deigned to visit us after the lights were out. As he/she scampered on our mosquito net, our daughter squealed with delight. Of course, bed time got pushed by an hour but it’s a holiday and there’s no train to catch tomorrow.

Thank you, glow bug.

Picture credit: sallyd.wordpress.com

My daughter’s best friend

If you were expecting to read about a dog or a stuffed toy, you’ll be disappointed. She has a three-armed (yes!) friend who follows her everywhere. This friend gets the most number of smiles from Reuel. They have regular conversations that make you want to join in.

And if you still haven’t guessed it, I’m talking about the ceiling fan. I know as much as it sounds strange, baby Reuel simply loves talking to the fan, smiling at it and even playing peek-a-boo with it!

If she’s upset, switch on the fan and her sweet little face turns radiant with joy.

Thou art truly lucky, O ceiling fan!

Picture credit: g2art.com

The virtue of patience

I have never prided myself on my patience. It’s a virtue I long for and manage to achieve on fewer occasions than I’d like to.

That’s changing,, of course with the arrival of our daughter. Baby Reuel has been an amazingly patient baby.

Babies cry when they’re hungry. However, in the nights, I’ve found that little Reuel likes to give me time to wake up. She keeps playing by herself until mama’s ready to feed her.

At times, I have felt guilty for making my baby wait. Now I feel she’s teaching me the virtue of patience in her own sweet way by exhibiting it.

Thank you, sweetheart.

Picture credit: balloonlife.com

Look into my eyes ...

I’ve found a new meaning for those words now that my daughter’s beginning to take in the world around her. If she’s awake, we’ve got to talk to her face-to-face and eye-to-eye. If the television’s on, we’ve learnt to ignore it, even if there’s news about floods and coups. Naturally, I ignore the inviting books, newspapers and magazines in favor of a far greater delight – a one-to-one tête-à-tête with the queen of my heart.

Picture credit: multi-medium.net

The cyclist

We’ve changed our mind. Our daughter is going to participate in the Tour de France.

How do we know? Try putting a blanket across her legs. She’ll kick it aside with a series of cycling moves. Every waking moment is spent kicking in the air and moving her hands in the same rhythm too.

I am told that’s the way babies grow and exercise their limbs. That’s fine by me except for the fact that a new realization has dawned on me. When a new mom says she’s busy, I know now what she means. She’s replacing the blanket the baby pushes aside every minute. By the way, ever since we began to time our baby, we found that she accomplishes the feat in 47 seconds at the latest or at least once, in just 7 seconds!

There’s a record maker for you!

Picture credit: bluebicycle.net

The singer

We are very happy for we think we have discovered one of the talents that our daughter will exhibit in the future. She’s going to be a singer.

How do we know? You ought to visit us when she’s in one of her singing moods which vary from moments of hunger to sleepiness to just plain annoyance. The lung power she displays is awesome. It might sound like screaming to some people but to my motherly ears, it all just music. Please pardon her lack of tune for she’s an amateur but a singer is what she’ll be.

That aside, this little bundle of joy is turning out to be a quick learner. My mom likes to sing the baby to sleep. One night, I heard the little angel making a new sound, something between a hum and a coo. I just assumed she was excited about a new discovery. Mamma understood immediately and said, “She’s singing herself to sleep!”

I decided to test the theory and began singing to her. She stopped her ‘singing’ and was asleep in a jiffy!

We’ve got music running all day long now.

Picture credit: teachersparadise.com

The 24x7 tour guides

We’ve discovered a new vocation – that of tour guides.

Here’s how I envisage our brochure will read …

We offer you a choice of destinations – the drawing room, the dining hall, the garden, the terrace and the bedroom. We work 24x7 and are available at first cry. Dawn or dusk, midnight or the wee hours of the morning – we’re always at your service with a smile. For your extra comfort, we’ve mastered a cool language called baby talk, which consists essentially of coos, gurgles, unintelligible words and nonsense sounds.

We recommend the drawing room tour as it is features souvenirs and memorabilia from around the country. Each of these comes with a story that changes according to the time of day.

We’re completely dedicated to providing you the best of personalized service. Why, we even carry you in our arms. We rock you gently so you’re lulled to sleep. That’s how good we are!

You can choose from four specialist guides:
1. Tall, mustache-faced grandfather: Enjoy a panoramic view of the scenery! Known to pass on the tourist to grandmother when unable to satisfy.
2. Warm, ever-huggable grandmother: Highly experienced. Guaranteed comfort in her arms. Don’t forget to ask for a song! She’s got a great voice. Highly recommended.
3. Exhausted mom: Packed with a wealth of information but zero experience, she’s often the last resort. Good guide but needs to brush up on her skills.
4. Weekend dad: Lots of info, little experience but has the unique ability to talk you out of colic pain and frustration at being unable to sleep. Again highly recommended but difficult to obtain an appointment.

We regale you with stories – some imagined, some real. Of course, not that it matters – all you want is the soothing voice, right?

By the way, did I mention, our services are limited to those who weigh between 3 - 6 kgs. We don’t mind if you’re crying or colicky or sleepy. We serve all!

Welcome to parenthood!

Picture credit: exodus.co.uk

An ant and a thought

Last evening, during our daughter’s evening freshening-up, I noticed a tiny ant nestled tight in her skin. I was aghast and angry. I removed the ant, all the while wondering where it had come from despite taking all kinds of precautions from the insect world. She had not been hurt or bitten. Maybe I felt a little guilty too. Why had I not checked earlier?

And then another thought stopped by – I was grateful to God for having shown me the ant before she could be bitten by it. That helped. These small gestures make all the difference.

Picture credit: centralquestion.com

Amazing life

Every time I look at our baby, a thought runs through my head – over and over again – we have been invited to live an amazing life by God. When I see the perfectly formed little fingers and toes of my lil angel, her smile, wide-eyed expressions, I just know that life is a fantastic journey.

She’s amazing and she surprises me every day with something new.

Thank you God for choosing me to be her mom.

Picture credit: arafura.net.au

Welcome to the world, Baby Reuel!

12th June 2007 dawned quite ordinarily, if not a little cheerier than usual. It was also the day I was supposed to meet the doc for my weekly check-up.

I woke up feeling as though the rugby match within me had picked up pace. When I told mom about it, she decided to leave for the hospital as early as we could. The bags were already in the car.

The drive into Kerala was refreshing, as the previous night’s rain had left the earth looking beautifully groomed for the day.

I walked into the hospital bright and cheery, looking forward to the regular banana fritter treat that we allow ourselves when visiting the hospital. (Their canteen’s got some great stuff!)

My mom informed the nurse on duty that I had felt a little uneasy. (I actually thought the baby had been moving a bit too much.) The nurse decided to check me into the labor room, just in case.

The ‘just in case’ hunch proved to be fortunate. The doc walked into the room in a few minutes and announced to us that I had been in labor all night and that the baby would be born in 3 – 4 hours!

Well, that was at 10:30 am. At 1:45, I vaguely remember being moved into the ‘birthing room’ and the doc scrambling to get on her gloves and gown. At 1:50 pm I heard that distinguishing first cry and I remember thinking, ‘Is that the baby?’

Our first-born hurried into the world and into our hearts at 1:50 pm on 12th June 2007, four weeks earlier. (The last scan pegged the due date at 8th July 2007!)

So that’s the story of our daughter’s birth – the reason for this blog, the fruit of our love and the center of our universe.

Welcome to the world, Baby Reuel. We’ve waited for this moment all along! :-)

Some precautions just for moms-to-be

I’ve found that mothers-to-be can be prone to unthinkable accidents caused due to conflicts with the complex physical laws especially related to the center of gravity. Naturally, with a spine that progressively arches forward like a bow poised to shoot out an arrow, one can hardly expect stable bipedal gait.

So here are a few things I’ve taken to doing. Thanks to experience and of course, advice from parents, friends and well-wishers.

· Take it slow and steady. Most of us are career women who are used to a fast-paced life. But I’ve found it helps to walk a little slower.
· We like to accomplish things but if your growing tummy or the little one within demand your attention, you’re allowed to extend the deadline. The Universal Mom-to-be Law states so. :-)
· Try not to get out of breath.
· When getting out of a chair, do it slowly.
· When using a staircase, walk with a hand on the balustrade or handrail. Just in case…
· When going for a shower, don’t lock the door and let a family member know that you’re in.
· When around pets and children, ensure somebody is around. Kids and animals get excited and can inadvertently knock you over.
· Don’t feel delicate to put up your legs. Or you’ll hate the sight of your feet-turned-balloons.

That’s all I can think of for now.

And here's our 38 week baby! So near ... :-)

My faithful pretend predator

I’ve read several accounts of dogs looking after pregnant women. Of dogs being aware that the lady of the house was in a special state and needed to be treated with tenderness.

Of course, I had no such illusions with our Nan. She’s just as she ought to be - playful as a pup, a brat and bursting with a secret energy source.

However, there was a pleasant surprise – she does know I’m to be treated with special tenderness. So while she plays predator to the rest of us at home – stalking and jumping when you least expect it, I get escorted around the house like royalty.

She likes to lay down near me when I’m reading or working on the computer giving me a gentle lick now and then to remind me of her nearness. During my mandatory walks, she’s just a whisker away. I know she doesn’t understand this strange practice of walking up and down in the driveway but she’s faithfully there behind me. Of course, I would be exaggerating if I said she’s always there. You see, she’s competing for that perennial universal championship for the Global Ratter of a Lifetime Award for dogs. So a squeak means she’s vanished but she soon gets back. As sure as there’s sunshine after rain. :-)

And here's our baby at 37 weeks



Picture credit: mce.k12tn.net

All my bags are packed ...

Finally, all our baby clothes are washed. (It’s good to wash out those store-bought clothes with some baby-friendly detergent.) It was a memorable experience – sorting through those tiny tops, socks, mittens, onesies and all.

To know that those little clothes will soon be filled out by a little angel who has already captured our hearts and imagination.

Mom and I packed them into a little suitcase. I’m so tempted to take out those little clothes and look at them over and over again until I get to see our little darling in those clothes.

I’ll have plenty of time to do that now ... :-)

And finally, our baby's 36 weeks old!

Gold, honey and mustard seeds

Coming home has opened my eyes to some of the traditional, ancient (and fascinating!) practices followed by our people.

Here’s one of them: When the baby’s born, the first thing fed to the newborn is a jot (just a dab) of honey and gold mixture.

Another intriguing practice: To ensure that the baby’s tender head attains an even, rounded shape, lay the little one’s head on a tiny, homemade pillow of mustard seeds.

Hmmm ... sounds interesting. Need to do some research on the whys and the hows and ...

And here's our little angel:



Picture credit: fastcoin.com

A new doc, a new hospital

After visiting a doctor who’s been a great source of encouragement to us as first-time parents-to-be, we wondered how the new doctor near my parents’ place would be. Well, it’s been a lovely surprise.

The new doctor is warm, almost motherly and importantly (for me!), someone who smiles a lot. She’s very happy with our pregnancy. I have to visit her every week now. (Now that we’re so close to the due date – will she let me know if it’s a boy or a girl?)

The hospital is as good as it can get – Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences at Trivandrum.

So finally, this is where our baby’s going to be born.

Baby Reuel, welcome to the world in God’s own country! :-)

Picture credit: tciconferences.com

Alrighty! I’m online!

This has been a huge surprise for me! I had no clue how an online connection would work out for me at home but what do you know? Here I am! Thanks bro.

So the blog continues …

I’m with my parents - at home – secure in a place that holds the fondest memories and enfolds me with a warmth that cannot be replicated by anyone or anywhere else. (Of course, it’s going to be a little difficult getting used to having my husband here only for the weekends, but I

Amongst the three major challenges that faced us with regards to this decision to be with my parents, one has been tackled – that of arriving safely at home.

Two more remain. I shall reveal those when we cross the bridges …

And meanwhile, our baby’s grown ...

Leaving for home

Well, this weekend I shall be leaving for my parents’ home – for some long-awaited parental pampering and TLC! :-)

And, of course, to bring a new citizen into this beautiful world. Can’t wait to hold our cuddly baby in our arms! :-)

I might not have access to the www but will keep updating the blogs as and when it’s possible.

Bye for now!

We’re going home ...

We’re going home i.e. to my parents’ place! After eons of dragging our feet over this decision, and booking tickets for a tentative journey – we’re finally on our way home!

Of course, nothing like going home to breathe some fresh air and enjoy the refreshing monsoon winds as against Chennai’s burning landscape.

To be pampered by mom and dad.

To know that you can sleep with nary a care in the world.

To take a break before one gets into fulltime mom’s work.

To know that our baby will spend the first few months of his / her life in the bosom of nature rather than a concrete paradise.

Those were the good points.

And then there were those difficult choices.

How could my husband and I be apart for three months? Well, he's there on the weekends.
What if he can’t make it in time for our baby’s birth? We both hope that he’ll be the first to hold our baby.
What if we don’t make it in time to the hospital? The best hospital is a long drive away.

It’s not been easy but we’ve been led to appreciate the dynamics of family life. Sometimes, choices don’t quite appear with black and white options. There are areas of gray too. But we have been learning to just believe. And take decisions.

And our baby is 33 weeks old!



Picture credit: cozythread.com

I’m so grateful ...

I wonder why I’m so blessed.

I have a neighbor who insists on sending food to me.

When I suggested to my boss that I was willing to help out online during my maternity leave, he insisted that life changes with a baby around and that he expected nothing from me during those three months.

When I informed another team leader (who I was working temporarily with) that I would be glad to help during my maternity leave, he says, “No! It’s your exclusive time with your baby. I will not contact you during that time!”

These may be small gestures for many but I feel so happy knowing that there are many in the world who believe in the sanctity of a family.

God bless you all.

Picture credit: verysmallarray.com

Baby lists!

I’m grateful for lists! Here’s a list from J and J’s Baby.com (great site!) for the baby nursery. It was a great help for me. Sharing this for other moms-to-be:

In the Medicine Cabinet

· Rectal Thermometer: The most reliable method for measuring baby's temperature
· Rubbing Alcohol and Cotton Balls: To help keep the navel from becoming infected
· Fever Reducer: Infants' TYLENOL® Drops to reduce fever and relieve pain. Use only as directed.
· Infant Gas Reliever: Infants' MYLICON® Drops to gently break down painful gas bubbles in minutes
· Rehydration Solution: A rehydrating solution to replace fluids and nutrients lost due to vomiting and diarrhea
· Nasal Aspirator and Saline Nose Drops: To help relieve baby's stuffy nose
· Petroleum Jelly: For easier thermometer insertion
· Diaper Cream: Johnson's® Diaper Rash Ointment with zinc oxide to heal and prevent diaper rash
· Baby Nail Clippers or Scissors
· Cotton balls, squares or rounds

In the Baby's Room

Clothing
2 hats
1 baby bunting (a hooded sleeping bag made of napped fabric)
6–8 outfits
6 one-piece undershirts
a sweater or jacket
socks and booties
Stretchy suits
Onesies
6 sleepers
6 bibs

Equipment
Crib
baby carrier
bouncy seat
swing
stroller
highchair
monitor
play yard or playpen
mobile
infant toys

Baby Blankets
2 to 3 blankets to keep warm and to change when you're away from home

Bathing Supplies
Plastic bathtub
Washcloth
Mild baby wash – Head to toe
Baby lotion
Baby shampoo
Baby soaps

Diapering Supplies
Diaper bag
Diapers
Baby wipes

That's all, folks! :-)

Picture credit: anthonysiciliano.com

Baby and Dad

I can sense a heightened excitement in my husband as he prepares for the DAY. He’s not a mass of emotions neither is he a cold, lock-it-all-in statue. There’s a wonderful mix of father-husbandness I can see emerge out of that fun-loving exterior that I’m so used to.

He enjoys establishing ‘contact’ with his baby. The baby gets smothered with kisses, first thing in the morning and as a good night wish.

He loves to feel the baby’s bumps. He enjoys the kicking and thinks it’s his child’s way of getting through to him.

Strangely, I’ve also noticed that once, my husband comes back from work and we begin our usual ‘exchange for the day’, there’s sudden movement within me. I can almost say that Baby Reuel recognizes his dad’s voice through all those layers of tissues and blood vessels.

Well, we’ll have to wait for science to prove it some day.

Picture credit: pbskids.org

Our world

As another day ends, I find myself increasingly aware of a strange phenomenon – I’ve become part of a very private world that I’ve only just begun to explore.

It’s a world that has two citizens - Baby Reuel and I. I talk to the baby and the baby nudges back. There’s a magic there that I can’t quite explain.

I find I can enter this world anytime I want. I just have to shut out the ambient noise and send my thoughts to our baby – and I’m in!

Boy, am I getting impatient! I can’t wait to see our darling! :-):-)

Picture credit: pure-force.com

My coffee adventure!

I have restrained myself from consuming caffeine in ALL forms. Anyway, since we have cut down on our social engagements, it was not so difficult to maintain the discipline either. However, the other night, we just had to check out this new pizza place which happened to co-exist with a coffee pub.

Since we were in the mood for trying out new stuff, I decided to throw caution to the winds and ordered a cold coffee with whipped cream sprinkled liberally with nougat. It was heavenly and I left with happy memories.

Only when I attempted to sleep that night, I was more than a little flummoxed. I just could not sleep!

I realized my body, which had been deprived of high sugars and caffeine, was probably experiencing something akin to an overdose.

Anyways, I got to sleep through the next day! :-)

Also here’s our baby update:



Picture credit: beveragenet.net

Absentminded? Me?

I would have responded with a resounding NO any other time of my life. And now, I’m stuck!

It’s been called ‘mommy brain’, ‘last trimester fog’ and ‘pregnancy amnesia’. At least this great article does! Thanks Connie.

Am I glad I read about it before I could attach this label to myself!

Here’s what I managed to accomplish in just one day:

· I left my ATM Card in the machine and walked out of the place with a broad smile on my face. Oh horrors!
· I was blissfully unaware that I had not turned off the gas after cooking. Thank God for my knight in alert armor!
· Scalded a couple of fingers in a freak accident, in the kitchen, of course!
· I left a particular kitchen window open that ought to have been shut. My husband woke up to find a happy pigeon couple evaluating the place for their future home.

That should do it, I suppose. I ought to be locked up or at least be placed under strict supervision.

Did I mention it’s temporary? Thank God, for small mercies!

Picture credit: fws.gov

Tender coconuts and saffron

I drink tender coconut water as I was told repeatedly that’s good for me.

Tender coconut’s good for pregnancy. Well, it better be! My husband sweetly picks up a couple on his way back from work and every morning he ensures there’s a cool, refreshing drink at breakfast for me.

I feel like a princess. :-)

And then, a cousin called up and decided to courier some saffron to us. It’s supposed to be good for the baby. (Old wives tales say it’s supposed to bring some color to the baby. Try proving that to a passionate zoologist like me who understands the intricacies of genetics a little better than the average man on the streets.) By the way, it was the first time I laid eyes on saffron. I’d seen it only on magazines and television until now. So I was excited.

What’s amazing is that it’s traveled from Spain via Dubai to Kerala and about 4 gms. of it sits in our kitchen now.

Why am I excited? Because this cousin thought of us and the baby and took the effort to ensure that (through his various contacts) this rare spice arrives at home.

Now why would someone want to do that, I wonder? And then I realize, I don’t have answers for some miracles. Thank you, S! :-)

Picture credit: farhangsara.com

Of south-west monsoons and babies

The last time I thought about southwest monsoon was at Geography class in school. And would you believe my brain chose to retrieve that specific bit of information from deep inside my brain, now?

Well, let me explain ... We’re going to have a summer baby. Summer in this city is hot, sticky and bothersome. That’s when this southwest monsoon came like a beacon of hope. You see, southwest monsoon arrives on June 1st and our baby’s due on June 28th.

You bet, I’m praying and hoping with all my heart that monsoon will arrive dot on schedule! Also it'll prove that what I learnt at school still holds good! :-)

I can hope, can’t I?

And here's our baby update:



Picture credit: rustyvalentine.com

Fish curry and friendship

I love fish, in any form. Make it continental or Indian style - I’m game if it’s fish. Tuna salad or spicy fish fillets? No problem!

That’s why I was excited when a friend invited a group of girl friends over to her place for an evening of ‘fish curry and friendship’.

There were two mothers-to-be while the rest had already graduated into motherhood. It was a fun evening for us girls. Most of us had been together at school or college. We swapped stories, caught up with each others’ lives and had a blast. The evening’s highlight was the fish curry and fish fillet spread laid out by the hostess. It was yummmm!

How can I say thank you? You are the best, Bh! One more thing I want to remember to do for mothers-to-be.

Picture credit: fatsoflife.com

Keep cool when pregnant

A friend’s mom kindly shared with me a lot of tips on staying healthy (ier?). Since summer’s launching itself upon the city, here are some of her tips on staying cool:

1. Drink tender coconut water in the mornings. Yummy!

2. Drink this version of rice porridge (for the benefit of the rest of the world. In South India, it’s called kanji or rice gruel). Soak one-cup rice and a tablespoon fenugreek or methi overnight. Add salt to taste and pressure cook the rice with four cups of water. Pretend you’re indulging in your favorite porridge or cereal and enjoy it! Hmmmm ...

They’re supposed to help us stay cool especially since our bodies are warmer than usual now.

And now we have to find a regular source for these tender coconuts ...

Picture credit: thaitable.com

Of diapers and baby wipes

I know that sounds like a classic title on a family blog. And yet, here’s the punch line: Our baby’s a good two and half-months into the future! If there’s anything I want to stock up on, it's tons of diapers and baby wipes. I’ve been talking to many moms – old and new. And I’ve found some brands that’ll suit a newborn, I think.

According to statistics I found while trawling the web, a newborn uses an average of 12 diapers in a day. Well, that enables my logical brain to plan ahead.

And how’s Baby Reuel? 29 weeks old, in utero, of course!



Picture credit: allposters.com

Four weddings and an invitation!

Just the other day, a friend called to invite us for his wedding. No, it was not an invitation. He was merely informing us that he was booking our tickets so we could attend his wedding. Now, my instant response was to say no. I had to because my tummy’s getting bigger and I seem to getting tired more often too. A weekend is what I look forward to so I can just rest and sleep 'n rest and sleep.

Of course, I kept saying no until he delivered his punch line: After all, I came for all your four weddings! You can make it for just this one wedding of mine.

How could I forget? He was among the few who celebrated our wedding with us, all four of them! (Yes, my husband and I had four wedding celebrations!)

Picture credit: cakesbycathy.com

Our wedding anniversary

For the first time ever, yesterday, I was asked for my wedding date. I didn’t have an answer!

No, I did not forget! Just that there are three dates to choose from and I did not know which one to pick. So I promptly (and discreetly!), called up my husband who burst out laughing. He had a brilliant solution though – check the wedding ring! So it was the ‘family and friends wedding’ date that we’d gotten inscribed on the ring, that was given the honor.

Of course yes! That’s what I’d like to remember. Not the hot, stuffy, corrupt Registrar’s office or the two-months-later farcical, traditional ceremony where I was given a pseudo-name to suit my in-laws’ preferences (and was pregnant too!).

No, I’d like to cherish the memories of that warm evening where we were surrounded by smiling faces, cheering voices and lots of laughter. That was our wedding day!

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Dad and his daughter

Yesterday, I received a surprise letter from my dad. Yes! The paper and mailman kind of letter. I was amused to find that my dad had mentioned my married name in block letters, (just in case I miss the message?!) I was touched. He probably thinks his fiercely independent daughter needs a few reminders? Whatever the reason, I called him right away that I’d got the message loud and clear.

We love you dad!

And guess what, we’ll get to see our baby in just 84 days! :-)



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Shopping for the baby

One of the things that I’m really excited about and look forward to shopping for our baby - all those tiny clothes, socks, bassinet, soft towels, toys and more. I dream about it and every time the thought crosses my mind, it feels like the best thing in the world! So I’ve been asking around what to stock up on and the best places to shop. I also happened to ask my MIL and received quite a jolt! Apparently, in their (or is it ours now?) culture, they don’t buy anything for the baby until he or she is born!

Hmmmm ... that’s a sticky situation. We’ll have to tackle this very carefully.

Fortunately, mom’s cool as a cucumber! So there’s a lot to smile about ... :-)

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Attracting the wrong kind of attention

One of the things I’ve observed with people is how they love to regale you, especially if you’re pregnant, with stories of how they suffered through their pregnancy. With a few exceptions, most of them like to sound like martyrs. And of course, there’s a lot of negative advice – a lot more don’ts rather than dos.

Any day, I’d like to restrict myself to the happy crowd, the ones who pat you on your back and say ‘Enjoy your pregnancy!’ Well, every day I’m amazed at the miracle that I’m living through and how can I discount all the beauty and majesty of what I’m part of?

I say, let the nays be. Focus on the yeas!

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Dad ... what can I say?

Dad celebrates his birthday today. I think of all those moments when I’ve thought of dad and realized the hundreds of ways he’s been a shining example of parenting.

Quickly I can think of three ways he’s made me ready for life …

- It didn’t matter how well you compared against people but how well you compared against the best goal you could set for yourself.
- Speak up for the voiceless.
- Always, always let integrity and truth guide you.

Wonder how we’ll fare as parents. Well, I know we have great grandparents to support us! :-)

Happy birthday, dad!

And here's our baby update:



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Sixteen hours and going strong!

My last check up was uneventful which is good news. But there was a word of advise too from my doc. She would like me to put my feet up every once in a while and go horizontal when I get the chance. Doing an honest audit yesterday, I realized that on an average it takes approximately 16 hours before I can lay down my weary back. It’s just tired not aching or bothersome. Thank God for that!

However, I don’t know how good that is especially since I can see the arch in my back growing more pronounced. Is there a limit on the curve? I hope there is!

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It’s so amazing!

We’ve been amazed at God’s handiwork in designing this institution of parenthood including pregnancy. Most evenings as we walk we find ourselves amazed at the way a baby remains cocooned in his/her mother’s womb, sleeping, waiting, biding his/her time before entering into a bustling world.

And then about the bond … We’ve been realizing that even if there’s nothing in the world you can call your very own, your children always remain your very own. Of course, we haven’t forgotten Kahlil Gibran’s often-quoted verses on children.

And then about the gift … As each day of our pregnancy goes by, we realize that children are a gift from God. Yes, we’ll hear complaints from others, we might crib too but the bottom line remains – children are a gift from God.

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