Parenting now is not a kid’s play

Yesterday a huge newspaper advertisement about a baby show at neighborhood school glared at me. I looked at it and then ignored it and then gave it a sly look. I knew for sure that my Mr Right doesn’t get excited about such shows. His reason: “my baby is not to be upheld for advertising of any sorts, whatever he is… he is good enough for me”.

Right then a neighbor – who is also a close friend and has a son about the same age as my son – popped a Whatsapp message, “hey lets go to this baby show tomm…. It will be a good exposure for kids”.

The school in question is located in the next corner, so all sorts of excuses ran futile. On the pretext of inquiring about school fee and curriculum I dished out a proposal for attending the baby show to Mr Right. Surprising he agreed (may be because I mentioned the school curriculum and admission inquiry instead of the baby show).

Today, it was icy cold but I was surprised to see harried parents running towards school along with their kids. And kids, my my, were dressed in attires cut straight from Bollywood. A little girl had put on fairy dress, a boy was dressed as krishna, another one was dressed as politician, and my kid was in the rockstar avatar. I had done the basic minimum – put him rugged jeans and jacket and spiked hair do. Every kid beamed with smile, chased balloons at the school campus, got busy drinking cola and munching chips.

Of course there were the regular rounds to judge a kids’ activities, parents’ awareness and other things. What struck me was that there were so many parents even from very humble backgrounds. This whole glitz wasn’t just about middle class people alone. Also the awareness rounds proved that every parent had a decent knowledge about hygine, good eating habits and even about inculcating good habits in kids. A decade ago the numbers for such parents would have been less. Almost all parents inquired the school staff about curriculum, schedules etc.

Given the fact that most kids there were below 3 years and the concern that parents had for these kids and learning processes was really noteworthy. I cant really say if so much concern is a good thing or not but then in a society where good schools = good marks = good future equation holds prominence what else can you expect from a parent?

More challenges coming by

I work in the brand communication team of a MNC. From outside it looks like a very glamorous job, inside things are more messy than any call center desk. I still haven’t disclosed the ‘news’ in workplace to anyone, its just too early since its still the first trimester– technically it’s the second month. Only a handful of friends know it besides family.

Mood swings and sudden hungers pangs are taking a toll. It’s come to such an extent that the moment I step into the canteen a sudden urge to have something will come calling, no matter what time of day it is. Just yesterday morning when I stepped into canteen to have my favorite cuppa of coffee, this abrupt hunger call struck me and I got busy buying chips and biscuits instead! This, when I had hogged on bread slices before heading to workplace. With these growing hunger pangs I feel like a monster.

On the work front, things are getting more challenging. The yearly audit is around and some hot shot black suit people are around to do the thorough check on things. I have to be at desk at sharp 9am, no leaves allowed.  I have to stretch also at times, and that very day the war of Mahabharat breaks out at home. Husby insists that I shouldn’t take too much stress in this condition (as if I have had dengue) but I wanna work till whatever time because it save me from unnecessary questions and worries that keep troubling my mind. This argument eventually ends up as a longish phase of silence :(

When reality strikes

Bracing up for a new challenge, this time at the work front. As I battle morning sickness, mood swings and haphazard eating schedules there's a new matter that must be handled with care. When should I disclose the 'news' to my boss? Fortunately, I work with a lady boss. he has a five year old son... I m assuming she will understand my situation too well but there's a bigger question that must be addressed - will I continue working after the baby???? my heart says yes, but what about the little one? Who will take care of the kid? 

My Mom has a traditional north Indian mindset. Her advise is simple and straight - "don't disclose or discuss about your pregnancy to anyone till you complete the first trimester." Old wives say that the 'news' should be disclosed only after the third month is over that too only to close relatives. Else you will receive unforeseen attention which may not be good for both the mother and the baby.

Of course I also dont to make a hue and cry of my health condition but there are practical situations at hand.... If I discuss my health and changing situations in advance at the workplace, a good chance is that my boss will understand lot of things and avoid tagging me for late evening meetings.  But more questions will arise - do you want to work after the baby???? If yes, then how are you going to manage work? if no then should we start looking for an alternative resource right away? 

Questions, questions and more questions... Looks like its going to be a bumpy ride at workplace as soon as I let the word out. 

When ‘good morning’ turns into bad morning

All of us want to wake up to a cheerful face wishing us ‘good morning’ and if possible it has to be with a power packed puch – like the patent ‘goooooooooood mooooooooooorning’ from Munna Bhai MBBS. Unfortunately my mornings suck now…. Usually at home I’m the first one to step out of bed urging others to `rise & shine`. My mornings aren’t the same now….ever since I have the kiddoooo kicking inside me I usually rise with a heavy head, sullen face and that sickly feeling that I will throw up right now. This legendary morning sickness just won’t end here.. It will take a toll on the rest of your day as well. While everybody around you is greeting you to have a nice day, I secretly wish if this morning sickness fades a bit and I actually get to have a nice day after all. My favourite egg and bread, paratha look like crap… can’t stand the sight or smell of them. Have to live of biscuits as my doc feels that I will throw up lesser if I have stuff like biscuits, rusks etc. First trimester I hate you….. when will this madness end? The worst thing about this whole schedule is that you shouldn’t expect anyone to empathize with your situation. If you discuss a bit about it, suddenly everyone around you will try to goad you like a grandma. General reactions will include statements like “Its ok. “It will end” and some stern ones from mom are “You are not the only one facing this, grow up and don’t throw tantrums”. "Tantrums".... really, i wish that was true :(

When new life starts ticking inside you...

Imagine this - You are sitting in a video conference discussing the communication strategy for an upcoming product launch  and then suddenly you feel 'blip' in your tummy. All your professional aura goes out of the window, and you sheepishly look around thinking, "Did any one notice this?"

Its a new life ticking inside you and happily nudging you. This has happened to me many many times now, and every time I felt super elated, but then I shyly hide my excitement thinking, "I am in office for God's sake."

Had I been at home, I would have jumped with joy and urged the hubby to feel the blip and may be even gloat about it, "How will you realise this feeling? You are not as blessed as me, you can never carry a baby :)."

Its a beautiful feeling to even realise that a new life is clinging on to your system, breathing within you, quietly feeling the world from your perspective. Has this happened to any of you? Do share your experience in the 'comment' section.