Birth Story & Home Coming - The Sequel

I recall my post on Anushka’s birth story where in I ended to Madmomma with- “About doing it a second time- well that requires another post.”

Here is the other post a good 4 years after Anush’s birth.

This time, in 2009, I was not sure about the LMP and based on scans and reports we were debating the due date- ranging between mid Sept – Oct 5. Finally the doc confirmed 18th Sept. Only to change it post another review to 25th Sept. I was happy with this change, since I got to spend a week as planned, off work and with Anush’s vacation underway – enjoying her and giving her exclusive time which I felt may fall short once the new one came along.

The doc meanwhile, indicated that it would be better to opt for a c sec, given the baby’s weight, my water retention problem, the previous c-sec and so on. There went any hopes of a vbac. But I was not very distressed by this either.

I had reviewed the hospital and done the prelims for the insurance process- hoping it would be a better choice than the one we went to the previous time which had been grossly lacking in service. We could not opt for my doc’s clinic though it would have been best , since my insurance did not cover the facility.

Navy and I had prepared Anushka amply and in advance. We left her with my mom and grandma and set off to the hospital early on 25th September, 2009, enjoyed a few moments together. After a not so rigorous round of my being shorn of fuzz in unmentionable locations, we spent time chatting and reading – me The Visitor by Lee child and Navy- The latest Dan Brown.

I mentioned to Navy that I was sure it would be a girl though I had been wishing for a boy. He as usual mentioned that he was okay with either and also reassured me that I would be impartial and good to the next child as well.

Around noon , just before I was taken into op, amma and Anushka joined in to wait with Navy and welcome the new addition to the family.

I recall the anesthetist administering the dose and asking me to breathe deeply a couple of times. Post that I woke up to” Big Baby huh?” in my doc's voice sounding very proud and a very tired sounding croak repeatedly asking ” Is the baby fine and healthy?” which turned out to be my own voice- very feeble unlike usual.

I had a severe burn where I had been cut up but otherwise I was okay and gained conscious pretty soon. Sent out smses myself , received the bouquet from my office, chatted up with my dad, requested him to post on the blog from my drafts with suitable info on gender and weight.

Spoke to Navy, Anush and amma. We all exclaimed that the baby was so like Anushka had been. Anush began to parrot that and still tells all that the " baby is exactly like me"

Then Navy took Anush back home and Amma and me were left with Aditi for the night. Aditi was as a baby should be, a little demanding but overall sleeping a lot and providing us enough rest at intervals.

It was in the quiet of the night, during one of the feeding sessions, when I was admiring the baby's perfect little toes and fingernails that resembled her father's, that I was flooded with love for the new born ( replacing the self doubt as to whether I would have enough love to give a second born.)

I was up and about by next morning and insisted that I be allowed to have a bath. Was even keen to get back home the same day but was told we could go back the next day. It was nice to see the expertise with which the nurse bathed the baby. Navy and Anush returned early morning with my grandma( a great grandma for the second time) . Anush’s queries knew no end and the hospital staff were very indulgent.

On day 3, Navy and Anush came to pick us up mid morning but by then the blood report indicated that the baby needed exposure to the UV light due to the mild jaundice she had and she was kept there till 5, post which we headed home, all excited.

In all that anticipation, I did not notice the heavy rainfall we drove in and the power cut at home as we reached. But we have back up and also in a matter of minutes the power supply also resumed. Baby and I stepped in after the conventional aarti, my grandma had been waiting with.

Navy and Anush had readied Aditi’s crib that morning, the welcome sign from Anush’s home coming had been amended and put up and the new Ganesha for Aditi- were all shared with much frolic by Anushka.

It all has just been magical for me and I am thankful I got to relive the whole miracle of life. All I want now is a lovely life for my two lovely little ladies.

Babies- Then and now

Yesterday we had a lot of elderly relatives come over.

As usual, I was amazed to see how seasoned/ comfy they are at handling kids( even at 80 yrs of age) having had over 4 children minimum and handled about at least 6-8 grand kids!!

Joint set ups ensured there were always little ones around.

Not much ado was made or attention given but the kids grew up just fine. Privacy was an unknown word and kids were often entrusted to the family driver or peon to be taken for walks- you won't see me doing that even if I am dead tired, despite the loving and loyal staff that I have.

Times change the great grand aunt told me, nodding her understanding. Babies were and still remain precious, no matter what , just the manner and intensity of interaction with her/ him is different.

Reading Bringing Up Vasu- it is truly hilarious in parts but to sum up I feel it is a must read for first time Indian parents who do not blog. For others, one would have to breeze over some parts.

Size zero

Wanted to place on record for soon to be moms that the brands Cucumber , Zero and Babygro are the best size wise and also the softest fit for new borns. I must mention I prefer the tee type, banian material cottons without buttons.

Else one can always opt for Indian unbranded soft cotton jablas- pure white being my favourite.

While on baby clothes- a new outlet by name Half Ticket has opened on Velachery Taramani road- will be nice to have an alternative to Shantis, Adyar which is THE one stop place for infant/baby related shopping.

You know what? The baby has arrived

We are now a family of four! Thanks for all your wishes.

The baby is a girl and weighs 3.9 kgs

It was a C-sec but went off without a hitch

Anush as expected is mahaa thrilled.

Quick round up

Went to the Kapaleeswar temple and saw the mega golu there, before my check up today. Anush was tagging along being vacation time for her. She loudly asked " Why are all these uncles nangu pangu in the temple maa?" ( referring to the priests there!!!)

Had this week's check up and the day is around the corner. Anush was wondering if we could open my stomach and take the baby out at home itself!! She really is looking forward to the baby though she is reluctant to hold it in case it pees on her...

It is very touching to have people who know you, only virtually, checking on your progress. I have had calls and emails from so many ...

There was a veg carving class which came in for a demo today to our apartment. Cool na?

Nesting Instinct

Chox was the first to ask me if this had kicked in.

" ..........in humans...... commonly characterized by a strong urge to clean and organize one's home and is one reason why couples who are expecting a baby often reorganize, arrange, and clean the house and surroundings. " .....Nesting Instinct- courtesy wikipedia

I must say, pregnant or not, this urge is in place since I got my own room as a teenager.

All regular readers know that I love to shop. But this time for the baby , only one large purchase has been made. Reason being we have the crib- bed, pram, even the small bath tub from Anush's infancy!

Yesterday the baby's wardrobe/ cupboard was delivered. We had specified that it should at least kind of gel with Anush's antique one( which is in fact my childhood almirah) . Impossible to match, since it would be way too expensive to get a similar solid teak one.

Anushka already wants to buy baby clothes and toys and fill it up. I just asked her to place the toys we had sorted for the baby from her old stuff.

She is very particular that small toys are not part of this since I had mentioned to her that babies have a tendency to put everything into their mouths. . .

Oh yes! here are the latest Anushisms, centering around the baby-

Whaterrr....
She is aware that the baby is smiling, sleeping, eating, swimming and even "troubling" her amma in water in her stomach
" When doc aunty cuts your stomach all the water will come out na?"
Had to reassure her that
1. the baby would not need the water since it would also come out
2. doc aunty will ensure the water is cleaned/ mopped up

Boy or Girl
" Once baby comes out of your stomach, it will say its name and then we will know if it is a boy or a girl!!"
"If you have a boy, then the baby and I will be like Charlie and Lola" ( ceebebies)
" If you have a girl. then she can have all my paavadai chattais which have become small"

Inspired
" Amma I want a baby in my stomach. When will it happen?"
Offered her a simplistic reply- after her marriage!! LOL, though it may not be prerequisite as we know

Art by Anush- Anush( the big face on the right) and the baby( on the left next to the noodle?)

Yestersday .. .

Went to the hospital and had a look at the room I intend to have for the delivery.

Post that, had a check up last evening. All is well, except for some water retention and an unsightly skin problem both of which should go off post delivery.

Enjoyed some yummy chaat and vada pav at the new branch of Mansukhs.

Chanced upon a Garden sale and bought some fabrics for Anush for frocks for old times sake

Shantis- a favourite shop when Anush was a baby- got revisited for some basic essentials

Visited the CP centre for the golu exhibition- but it was a let down.

Since I am not keeping golu , hoping we will get called to a few at least for Anush to enjoy herself.

Trow, post my boss' s return, I go off work ( i should specify office work) till year end!!

Amul Baby!

I think babies look chubbier as long as they are being breast fed.

A child is usually weaned by 12-18 months. This coincides with the spurt in vertical growth and often gives the visual effect of the baby thinning. She also stops gaining weight at the same pace as before (upto 12 months ranges between 1kg to 0.5 kg a month, post that it is about 0.25 kg a month)

I have observed it in almost all the babies in my building and there are many of them.

And note I highlighted look chubbier - because weight wise there is no cause of concern and they may even be above the average.

What do the other moms out there think?

This post is credited to a casual comment by Kid in the previous post.