Between the hoopla surrounding a certain cricketer’s retirement and 2013 drawing to a close, a life changing experience happened – twice!! While the eventuality of it was known, the sheer element of tension and surprise was unprecedented. A little baby girl and a little baby boy entered our lives on 11-December-2013, rendering the planning process entirely ineffective (for the most part). Consider this, the original planned date was 15th Dec (I prayed they “stay in” until the 15th, so I could officially be on leave starting 16th Dec until the New Year), and after some careful planning and discussions, we narrowed it down to the 12th, thereby entirely eliminating 11.12.13 as the probable birth date of our twins. In fact, we even called our doctor to inform the date as 12.12.13. Heck, K worked till about 1 AM on 10th planning to take 11th off for the delivery the next day. God, were we in for the shock of our lives, when the kids prepared to announce themselves a day earlier. The saying goes, precisely, like this…
Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans!!
While our friends and families were informed about 12th being The Date, an innocuous Whatsapp message from me (from the hospital) on 11th morning to all concerned certainly brought various responses ranging from utter surprise, to disbelief to plain ol’ good wishes.
And then the clock struck 11:00!!
10 minutes later, our doctor informs - a Baby Girl and a Baby Boy are what we are going to be bringing up. Frankly, when he said Baby Girl first, that was it for me and when he topped that with a Baby Boy – well, how to define On Cloud Nine??
That I was the first person to be told, while sipping my morning cuppa tea, instantaneously made me proud, happy and relieved, at the same time, Tea became my ALL TIME Favorite Drink!!
Pleasantries and wishes were exchanged between existing and newly made grandparents and out came the babies to say Hello!!
And then there were nerves!! Holy Cow.
For a first time dad, with a single new born, life is tough. For me, how much ever I might be methodical in my life and a tad bit responsible, this is unchartered territory. Well, no one is ready READY on Day 1, Period!!
Thus began the Fatherhood Experiment (only that this Experiment is for life). Through the course of their first month (among a few other things),
• I have learned not to fumble them (just kidding!!, never happened, trust me),
• Tried to ensure meds don’t run out,
• Have changed diapers very effectively, (as if I had a knack and years of experience to do this)
• Tried not to panic when they vomited as soon as they gulped down “food”,
• Braved their first vaccinations/injections – I had to be as brave and composed as I have ever been,
• Been as patient with them and with myself as I have never been (oh, the things you unlearn),
• Lastly, gave up a little on my sleep – this is going to be vehemently denied/argued/opposed by K
Coping with these new additions is a fantastic but grueling experience and anyone with babies will tell you that. What I am hoping for is to stay the course but at the same time, bring in a unique angle to how we help them grow into the individuals they are destined to become. And if you know me well, they might turn up, you know, just like their parents
As they continue to grow bigger and do funny things, I hope to share our experiences with all of you. Until then, stay tuned.
Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans!!
While our friends and families were informed about 12th being The Date, an innocuous Whatsapp message from me (from the hospital) on 11th morning to all concerned certainly brought various responses ranging from utter surprise, to disbelief to plain ol’ good wishes.
And then the clock struck 11:00!!
10 minutes later, our doctor informs - a Baby Girl and a Baby Boy are what we are going to be bringing up. Frankly, when he said Baby Girl first, that was it for me and when he topped that with a Baby Boy – well, how to define On Cloud Nine??
That I was the first person to be told, while sipping my morning cuppa tea, instantaneously made me proud, happy and relieved, at the same time, Tea became my ALL TIME Favorite Drink!!
Pleasantries and wishes were exchanged between existing and newly made grandparents and out came the babies to say Hello!!
And then there were nerves!! Holy Cow.
For a first time dad, with a single new born, life is tough. For me, how much ever I might be methodical in my life and a tad bit responsible, this is unchartered territory. Well, no one is ready READY on Day 1, Period!!
Thus began the Fatherhood Experiment (only that this Experiment is for life). Through the course of their first month (among a few other things),
• I have learned not to fumble them (just kidding!!, never happened, trust me),
• Tried to ensure meds don’t run out,
• Have changed diapers very effectively, (as if I had a knack and years of experience to do this)
• Tried not to panic when they vomited as soon as they gulped down “food”,
• Braved their first vaccinations/injections – I had to be as brave and composed as I have ever been,
• Been as patient with them and with myself as I have never been (oh, the things you unlearn),
• Lastly, gave up a little on my sleep – this is going to be vehemently denied/argued/opposed by K
Coping with these new additions is a fantastic but grueling experience and anyone with babies will tell you that. What I am hoping for is to stay the course but at the same time, bring in a unique angle to how we help them grow into the individuals they are destined to become. And if you know me well, they might turn up, you know, just like their parents
As they continue to grow bigger and do funny things, I hope to share our experiences with all of you. Until then, stay tuned.
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