8 months of Joy

It’s been over a month since mom came here. Kutti has changed so much in this one month, she is so much more interactive now and boy, has she developed a temper. She throws her hands at us if she is too happy or angry and I am ashamed to admit that when she hits me, it actually hurts. When I try to change her diaper she just doesnt stay still and keeps turning over….once, I turned her back a little forcefully and she was so mad.. she hit me with both hands, whatever happened to my sweet tempered, ever-smiling little baby!!!

On the other hand, I am tired of being judged constantly about my parenting decisions, why cant people just mind their own business and leave me alone!! You think your decision is the best, fine!! Your child might turn out to be the best person ever, good for you!! Recently, some relatives came over and looked at me like I was a freak because I still breastfed my 8 month old baby once or twice a day..and started telling me why I should have weaned her when she was 6 months old. She is only 8 months for God’s sake, not 8 years. And that’s not the end, I was doing a lot of things “wrong”, like rocking her to sleep, co-sleeping some times, having the heater on too high etc. etc.

I also learned a new lesson. Kutti, in general, is very social. I, being the mother, feel that she is a lovely child (naturally) and find it impossible not to hold her when she smiles at me. I understand that not everyone needs to feel that way. But when you are a parent, wouldn’t you atleast feel like holding a smiling baby, especially when you are her uncle? Kutti was smiling at this uncle, waiting to be picked up and he kept ignoring her, too immersed in the TV to take notice. When I finally mentioned it to him, that she is smiling at her, his 2-year old son was upset. He didnt want his dad to pick up another baby, so he just held his son and ignored Kutti. Somehow, I felt bad for my baby. I am not saying that he was wrong but there is nothing wrong in being a little considerate. This is the lesson I learnt, not to be too absorbed in my baby’s world, to take notice of other kids too :).

Watched ‘Taare Zameen Par’ and loved it absolutely. Couldn’t control my tears sometimes. If it changes the outlook of at least one parent, I think the movie is a huge success.