Yesterday I saw something that made me stop dead in my tracks. The little girl had been put down in her pack-n-play for a little nap. What I saw was Suhaana laying on her back in her pack n play with her receiving blanket over her face upto her head. My heart skipped a beat.
I had read and heard enough about SIDS to freak out if there's anything within a one feet radius of her face while she sleeps.
But then when I noticed she was awake, and was actually pulling the blanket over head, I curbed my instinct to pull the blanket away from her face, and instead decided to just watch what was going on.
Turns out, she had just woken up and was done inspecting her toes and fingers. All of them were still around and looked pretty much in the same health and spirits as she had left them before the nap. She then inspected her surroundings. An unsuspecting cotton blanket was within arm's reach. She caught hold of it's end, then pulled it over her head. Then pulled it down again. And this time, looked around inspecting if the world still looks the same. Repeat several times.
She was doing her own peek-a-boo! Once I figured out what the game was, I gladly played background score of an animated "peek-a-booooo"!
And yes, receiving blankets only under close circuit monitoring.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
New Bundle Of ...
This is something that quite surprised me when Suhaana was just born. The newborn days are quite intense in that it's a big change for the parents - well, for first time parents. The relative carefree lifestyle we were living was completely overhauled as soon as the baby entered the picture. I was amongst the youngest kids in my family, so I never really knew quite what to expect, the true intensity of how much life changes when a baby arrives- overnight.
The first few days of parenthood were simply magical.. I was awe struck by this tiny little fragile thing, I could hardly take my eyes off of her. I remember the first night, I couldn't sleep a wink because I couldn't bear to close my eyes and not see her. When I told some friends and family about this, they laughed at me. Veteran parents know how quickly sleep and exhaustion catches up with you. And how intense it can be initially.
We were so exhausted, sleep deprived and sore, I must admit, there were a few times when I would look back at my life from not so long ago, with somewhat of a nostalgia. Not because I didn't appreciate this cute little bundle that had just gotten added in our lives. No, I was and am, so very thankful and grateful for it. But just nostalgic about the life we had lived just as a couple so far. I was having transition troubles.
And then I used to wonder: In India, everyone says a child cements the bonds that hold a marriage together. What I experienced was quite the opposite. For one, the initial days were so stressful and exhausting. I found out I'm not a very amiable or optimistic person when I haven't slept much for days. And the traditional outlook of children being just pure, overwhelming joy of bonding was in such stark contrast with what I was experiencing- it made me worry sometimes- am I the only one who's having a hard time? For whom this exquisite joy has come bundled in exhaustion to the verge of depression?
Then the other day i was reading this book: Brain Rules for children 0-5 by John Medina and there's a quote about conclusion of study by the Journal of Family Psychology: "In sum, parenthood hastens marital decline - even among relatively satisfied couples who select themselves into the transition." It seems most of the parents experience being overwhelmed by the thrust of responsibilities and sudden lack of even a moment for themselves, least of all for each other.
But it's not all hopeless. In fact situations improve quickly. And discovering and going through these incredible changes together does form a bonding relationship. Just don't expect that to happen in the first month of the baby.
The first few days of parenthood were simply magical.. I was awe struck by this tiny little fragile thing, I could hardly take my eyes off of her. I remember the first night, I couldn't sleep a wink because I couldn't bear to close my eyes and not see her. When I told some friends and family about this, they laughed at me. Veteran parents know how quickly sleep and exhaustion catches up with you. And how intense it can be initially.
We were so exhausted, sleep deprived and sore, I must admit, there were a few times when I would look back at my life from not so long ago, with somewhat of a nostalgia. Not because I didn't appreciate this cute little bundle that had just gotten added in our lives. No, I was and am, so very thankful and grateful for it. But just nostalgic about the life we had lived just as a couple so far. I was having transition troubles.
And then I used to wonder: In India, everyone says a child cements the bonds that hold a marriage together. What I experienced was quite the opposite. For one, the initial days were so stressful and exhausting. I found out I'm not a very amiable or optimistic person when I haven't slept much for days. And the traditional outlook of children being just pure, overwhelming joy of bonding was in such stark contrast with what I was experiencing- it made me worry sometimes- am I the only one who's having a hard time? For whom this exquisite joy has come bundled in exhaustion to the verge of depression?
Then the other day i was reading this book: Brain Rules for children 0-5 by John Medina and there's a quote about conclusion of study by the Journal of Family Psychology: "In sum, parenthood hastens marital decline - even among relatively satisfied couples who select themselves into the transition." It seems most of the parents experience being overwhelmed by the thrust of responsibilities and sudden lack of even a moment for themselves, least of all for each other.
But it's not all hopeless. In fact situations improve quickly. And discovering and going through these incredible changes together does form a bonding relationship. Just don't expect that to happen in the first month of the baby.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
4 am changes
The fact that I was just about to say "this morning.." is itself a big change. Till about 4 months ago 4am and near-about would be logged as "last night" in my books. But no more. Those tables turned sometime back.
Moving on. This morning's diaper change turned quite interesting. It started off routinely. I got the little girl on the changing pad - which is lined with changing pad cover replete with thick waterproof lining - and also an additional second layer I add as a just-in-case measure. I got the girl to the changing pad. She was fussing a little bit, and I thought that must be because she's just very sleepy. (Kids are strange that way.. They get fussy also when they're sleepy. I'm sure veteran parents would wonder what's strange about that- that's as well known a fact as the earth is round. But it used to amuse me somewhat initially. I used to think, what's so difficult about sleeping? I mean, shouldn't it be hard wired in us.. Feel sleepy? Sleep! Feel like pooping? Poop! Anyhow, I digress)
So, I was changing the little girl. I removed the old diaper. Turned to dispose it. Turned back. And came face to face with a mustard yellow pool about 4-5 inches in diameter on the changing pad. I yelped in surprise! But then I have that extra layer of cover just for such occasions. I actually felt pretty smug about myself for that instant! All I have to do is remove this small cover that can be washed separately, and continue as usual.
I proceeded to open a new diaper, looked up, and was facing yet another 5 inches in diameter mustard yellow puddle. You have to be a newborn parent to get a clear understanding of what exactly mustard yellow color is.. Even if you're an artist or otherwise consider yourself an connoisseur of colors.
By this time, I was laughing so hard at the irony of my own smugness, that Raj woke up from his sleep to ask what happened. The little girl was looking at me with mischeveous eyes. We're sharing the puddle joke together it seems. Also seemed like the joke was totally on me.
By this time I gave up on the usual rituals of applying protective diaper creme et cetera and hastily switched my strategy to containment.
Never know what surprises you find these days!
Moving on. This morning's diaper change turned quite interesting. It started off routinely. I got the little girl on the changing pad - which is lined with changing pad cover replete with thick waterproof lining - and also an additional second layer I add as a just-in-case measure. I got the girl to the changing pad. She was fussing a little bit, and I thought that must be because she's just very sleepy. (Kids are strange that way.. They get fussy also when they're sleepy. I'm sure veteran parents would wonder what's strange about that- that's as well known a fact as the earth is round. But it used to amuse me somewhat initially. I used to think, what's so difficult about sleeping? I mean, shouldn't it be hard wired in us.. Feel sleepy? Sleep! Feel like pooping? Poop! Anyhow, I digress)
So, I was changing the little girl. I removed the old diaper. Turned to dispose it. Turned back. And came face to face with a mustard yellow pool about 4-5 inches in diameter on the changing pad. I yelped in surprise! But then I have that extra layer of cover just for such occasions. I actually felt pretty smug about myself for that instant! All I have to do is remove this small cover that can be washed separately, and continue as usual.
I proceeded to open a new diaper, looked up, and was facing yet another 5 inches in diameter mustard yellow puddle. You have to be a newborn parent to get a clear understanding of what exactly mustard yellow color is.. Even if you're an artist or otherwise consider yourself an connoisseur of colors.
By this time, I was laughing so hard at the irony of my own smugness, that Raj woke up from his sleep to ask what happened. The little girl was looking at me with mischeveous eyes. We're sharing the puddle joke together it seems. Also seemed like the joke was totally on me.
By this time I gave up on the usual rituals of applying protective diaper creme et cetera and hastily switched my strategy to containment.
Never know what surprises you find these days!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Glass half empty and leaking..
Ever since motherhood, I've discovered new levels in the state of being tired, that I never knew existed!
So, when they say life's a big discovery, this is what they meant?
It reminds me of certain days from my childhood when we would have gone on some outing, perhaps for the whole day, come back home completely exhausted, and my mom would then go to the kitchen and prepare dinner for everyone. And more often than not, we'll have company too. I used to wonder how she does it then. I still wonder today. I see my life heading into her shoes, and I don't quite like it. Sorry for the negativity but optimism is just too much work right now..
So, when they say life's a big discovery, this is what they meant?
It reminds me of certain days from my childhood when we would have gone on some outing, perhaps for the whole day, come back home completely exhausted, and my mom would then go to the kitchen and prepare dinner for everyone. And more often than not, we'll have company too. I used to wonder how she does it then. I still wonder today. I see my life heading into her shoes, and I don't quite like it. Sorry for the negativity but optimism is just too much work right now..
Sunday, February 19, 2012
All The Problems In The World
I've just discovered there's no problem in the world that can't be solved by bigger flanges. I'm tackling world hunger next.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Valentines Day
Valentines' day just passed us by last week, and I was meaning to say this:
I'm positive no one can guess who is my absolute favorite this year, my darling companion and beloved sweetheart. My heat pad!
I'm positive no one can guess who is my absolute favorite this year, my darling companion and beloved sweetheart. My heat pad!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Blame it on the ...
Yesterday as I was preparing to turn in for the night, I took off my contact lenses and put them in their case. Was about to fill the case with fresh contact lens fluid to clean and disinfect the lenses through the night, when I realized the fluid bottle had finished. I took out a fresh fluid bottle which also came with new case to keep the lenses in.. I mused this might be a good time to use a new case, so filled the new case with lens fluid and kept it safely in my bathroom drawers. And put the old case in trash.
This morning when I was ready to put my lenses on again, what do I find? The new contact lens case has fresh fluid but no lens. Checked the case I put in trash yesterday.. It had the lenses but no fluid!
As always I blame it on the breastfeeding.. The forgetfulness. What irks me is that all those DHA laden walnuts are not quite working out, it seems ( DHA is a derivative of Omega 3 fatty acid and promotes brain development in fetus, growing babies/kids and their moms).
This morning when I was ready to put my lenses on again, what do I find? The new contact lens case has fresh fluid but no lens. Checked the case I put in trash yesterday.. It had the lenses but no fluid!
As always I blame it on the breastfeeding.. The forgetfulness. What irks me is that all those DHA laden walnuts are not quite working out, it seems ( DHA is a derivative of Omega 3 fatty acid and promotes brain development in fetus, growing babies/kids and their moms).
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Blowing Raspberies
There's a new phrase quite popular at the house these days: blowing raspberries. The credit for the term goes to Suhaana's dad, but the story began a fee days ago.
At home, we keep trying to do new things to keep the little girl entertained and interested. One such thing is to make the choicest sounds with the mouth. Lately, we tried the br-br-brrrr sound made when you put your lips tight together and blow hard. It reminds me of a noisy motorcycle. It amuses the little girl big time! But we hadn't really estimated how much it intrigued her till the other day, after listening to the sound intently for quite sometime, she decided to imitate it herself. But as she's been drooling quite a bit these days, the br-br-brr sound came with accompanying bubbles of saliva! It was hilarious to watch her do it every time blowing a fountain of spit.
We laugh uncontrollably while she tries the new sound game over and over. Today, she started practicing all on her own, during her early morning diaper change. She has a day full of games and activities and has no time to waste after all!
At home, we keep trying to do new things to keep the little girl entertained and interested. One such thing is to make the choicest sounds with the mouth. Lately, we tried the br-br-brrrr sound made when you put your lips tight together and blow hard. It reminds me of a noisy motorcycle. It amuses the little girl big time! But we hadn't really estimated how much it intrigued her till the other day, after listening to the sound intently for quite sometime, she decided to imitate it herself. But as she's been drooling quite a bit these days, the br-br-brr sound came with accompanying bubbles of saliva! It was hilarious to watch her do it every time blowing a fountain of spit.
We laugh uncontrollably while she tries the new sound game over and over. Today, she started practicing all on her own, during her early morning diaper change. She has a day full of games and activities and has no time to waste after all!
Role Model
These days I would be talking, or eating or busy looking something up on the laptop and I would notice this little girl would be intently watching me. Almost unblinkingly.
I know babies are avid watchers, they learn social skills and interactions by being face watchers. Social skills is something they continue to pick up, until much later into the childhood years. That's why over use of technology such as texting or Internet chat is bad for kids, cause it doesn't allow for good social face-to-face interactions.
But the way the little girl watches me, I just hope I'm doing everything right and not being a role model of what not to do.
I know babies are avid watchers, they learn social skills and interactions by being face watchers. Social skills is something they continue to pick up, until much later into the childhood years. That's why over use of technology such as texting or Internet chat is bad for kids, cause it doesn't allow for good social face-to-face interactions.
But the way the little girl watches me, I just hope I'm doing everything right and not being a role model of what not to do.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Hell hath..
Hell hath no fury nor disappointment and sorrow than that of a mother over her spilled milk...
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Therapy
If I read what I'm about to say a year back, I would have rolled on the floor laughing.. quite literally. But, getting away from home long enough to run all the errands, coming back home with all the groceries needed (for now anyway), and taking out all the trash is such a great feeling! Right next to the therapeutic kitchen cleaning (another realization I was holding back on)!
Makes me feel how life has completely changed. Nobody warned me it would to such a degree. But then some things don't really hit home till you live through them.
On the other hand, if I knew this before hand, would I do anything any different. Certainly not.
Makes me feel how life has completely changed. Nobody warned me it would to such a degree. But then some things don't really hit home till you live through them.
On the other hand, if I knew this before hand, would I do anything any different. Certainly not.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Milestone Rollover -Part 2
Suhaana had cracked the code for rolling over from her tummy to back sometime ago. Mainly it was a discovery born out of her deep dislike of forced tummy time. She was glad she found a way to wiggle out of them. But this week she cracked the more tricky back-to-tummy code. Here's how it happened:
When we lay Suhaana down on her play-mat, she tends turns on her side. Often it is just so she can follow some bright lights or a person of keen interest (usually translates to her grand mother). I didn't really pay much attention to it till a couple days back she started leaning on to her side so much that she almost fell on her tummy. Almost there but not quite. Her hand would get stuck somehow.
But he little girl is quite a fighter. She kept trying and trying.. Rolling back on her back and then leaning on the side again to get some momentum.. I should probably mention that at this point both her grandmother and I were hovering like busy bees over her play-mat egging her on!
And then suddenly it worked. Due to the momentum, she finally landed on her tummy. I think she herself was a little stunned what happened.. But while she was musing over 'How'd I end up here', I was all over her! Loading her with hugs and kisses at an important milestone reached! Now I can answer "How's Suhaana?" questions with a proud "She rolls over" response.
When we lay Suhaana down on her play-mat, she tends turns on her side. Often it is just so she can follow some bright lights or a person of keen interest (usually translates to her grand mother). I didn't really pay much attention to it till a couple days back she started leaning on to her side so much that she almost fell on her tummy. Almost there but not quite. Her hand would get stuck somehow.
But he little girl is quite a fighter. She kept trying and trying.. Rolling back on her back and then leaning on the side again to get some momentum.. I should probably mention that at this point both her grandmother and I were hovering like busy bees over her play-mat egging her on!
And then suddenly it worked. Due to the momentum, she finally landed on her tummy. I think she herself was a little stunned what happened.. But while she was musing over 'How'd I end up here', I was all over her! Loading her with hugs and kisses at an important milestone reached! Now I can answer "How's Suhaana?" questions with a proud "She rolls over" response.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Infuriating!
I'm running seriously behind on stuff to report, but this little thing that happened today sticks out like a sore thumb. Until I catch up on momentous achievements with Suhaana that happened a couple days ago, here's some angry ranting coming your way.
I got a phone call today from a recruiter. After the initial "Am I speaking to" so-n-so.. He asked me where I'm currently working. I replied I'm currently on maternity leave. To which, he enquired "Really? Since when?". When I said since October, he informed me "Then that should be fine."
I just haven't been able to get it out of my head since this afternoon. Since when does a recruiter decide how long is 'enough' for me to spend with my baby before I'm to be termed as officially 'outdated' in his cookie cutter opinion? It's just infuriating how tactless people can be! And how effortlessly they sprinkle their implied opinions.
I got a phone call today from a recruiter. After the initial "Am I speaking to" so-n-so.. He asked me where I'm currently working. I replied I'm currently on maternity leave. To which, he enquired "Really? Since when?". When I said since October, he informed me "Then that should be fine."
I just haven't been able to get it out of my head since this afternoon. Since when does a recruiter decide how long is 'enough' for me to spend with my baby before I'm to be termed as officially 'outdated' in his cookie cutter opinion? It's just infuriating how tactless people can be! And how effortlessly they sprinkle their implied opinions.
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