Monday, November 17, 2008

The Listless Mother

My hubby recently changed our newspaper and now we subscribe to Times of India. I was reading the cartoon segment and I came across two cartoons that were about mothers who were really tired and listless because of their role as a mother. Hmmm.

Being a mother is a really challenging task. The other day I had to get ready for my cousin's cousin's reception (:P). I spent sometime trying to figure out which outfit to wear. I ensured that it was ironed and free of creases. Vidur looked really smart in his new shorts and white t-shirt. As soon as we entered the car, he got onto my lap (I know! I know! I have to fix the car seat in the car!). He stood on my lap and hung on the handle fixed above the window. He jumped up and down. He tried tugging at my earrings and realized that mommy is wearing studs and not those fascinating, very pull-able dangling earrings. Finally, he wanted to move to his aunt's lap. She was had also painstakingly ironed out her outfit. As soon as he got onto her lap, she yelped, remembering that the material would wrinkle easily. Why bother ironing in the first place! He promptly pulled my hair and ensured that it was in a disarray by the time we got to the wedding hall. No wonder, we (mothers) look distressed and disheveled.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Conquered the Nada Vandi





We bought Vidur a traditional, very Indian version of a walker. This is called 'nada vandi' (I am no expert in Tamil but the literal translation is Walk vehicle) in Tamil. The few times that Vidur saw this toy, he was most fascinated with the tiny bells on either side. The first time he tried walking holding on to it, he lost his balance and hit his chin (ouch!). He has been practicing by pushing a old, battered can chair around. This morning, he was in full form!

He was running up and down the hall (with my maid following him closely, ready to catch him if he were to fall). He has now mastered the art of balancing the toy and applies the right pressure to ensure that the narrow side does not come off the floor.

What I liked about this kind of walker is that the kid is not restricted within a closed space. There is a chance that he will fall. and it is absolutely essential to supervise him. But it gives him the freedom to push it around, learn to walk by mastering the art of balancing and also fall as all kids do as they grow up. At least, he won't be scared of getting hurt! I have this idiotic grin on my face everytime he pushes this toy around with no help from us. :)

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The Fussy Mother

The things I fuss about:

General:
  1. Is his shit the right colour and consistency? (His loosies drove me crazy, therefore the constant need to monitor...)
  2. What is his next meal and how much time do I have to get it ready?
  3. What veggies did I give him yesterday?
When traveling:
  1. Do I have EVERYTHING he needs in one tiny bag?
  2. Do I have all his medicines with me?
  3. Is his diaper and baby wipes easily accessible?
  4. How dirty is the destination going to be?
  5. What facilities are going to be available there?
  6. Will Vidur adjust to the new environment?
  7. Will others put pressure on me to feed him every time he cries?
  8. No new food to be introduced
Guess all mother's fuss atleast a little when it comes to their first child. By the time we have the next, we are used to the whole mother routine. When we plan to go out, getting his bag ready is a big task. I need to mentally tick things off in my head. His bag must have:
  • Food for atleast two meals incase we get stuck outside
  • Spoons (incase he drops on or I am not able to wash it for the next feed)
  • Bibs (he is very messy when in a naughty mood so i throw in extra bibs) and soft cloth wipes
  • Diapers (2-3)
  • Nappy cream (he gets a rash very easily)
  • A set of clothes (incase he dirties the one he is wearing)
  • A packet of baby wipes
If I am taking him for a movie:
  • A blanket ( the theaters are typically very cold..... brrrrrrr)
  • A pair of socks
  • A full sleeved shirt or a jacket
So, yes I fuss. And, think I know what is best for my kid.