Finding A Miracle..

I am sipping my tea in my favourite mug which says, “I am a mom, what is your superpower?”

I am a mother now but it wasn’t easy getting here. They say good things come to those who wait but better things come to those who are patient. And guess what? My utmost patience blessed me with this miracle of a super baby who turns 3 in about 2 months.

There were times of anxiety when I thought I would never become a mother. On other days, I was extremely positive that I would become one. What kept me going was the endless love of family who never made me feel that something in my life was amiss. For that matter, they never made me feel that not having a child makes you incomplete.

I did go through a lot of ordeal mentally and physically before I had a baby. There was a phase when we were ready for parenthood but some health issues were hampering the plan. The doctor visits, societal pressures and stress were adding to my woes. But one thing was constant, my husband’s belief that we would be just fine and that we should stay positive as much as we can. Then came a phase when I tried to change my outlook about the whole parenthood thing by believing that this unnecessary stress is only taking me away from what I truly want. I started involving myself in activities I always loved which not only distracted me from the negative thoughts but also made me a more positive person. My husband and I even decided that if nothing works out, we would adopt a baby. That was always an option for us.

They say miracles happen if we give as much energy to our dreams as we do to our fears. We finally conceived after 6 years and it felt no less than a won battle. I was enjoying every scan, hearing the heartbeat of the little one, the nausea, cravings, kicks and swirls in the belly. I was in the happiest place! My boy arrived and I couldn’t be happier. He was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life.

I remember the days when I was new at this. Beginning this roller coaster ride they call motherhood.

I took a break from my career as I wanted to completely focus on the little one, give him my complete attention and not miss out on any of his milestone moments. I was fortunate enough to do that, not all women can afford to take a sabbatical like that. I was not ready to juggle work and baby at the same time. So here I was, a stay at home mom with a single focus in life and I was loving it!

I had an overwhelming first few months. I was often clueless as to what to do in a certain situation. The baby would poop, puke and pee at the same time and I would almost pass out. But I learnt from every situation and with every passing month, I was turning into quite the super mom!

Every moment reminded me of the unconditional love that our parents have for us. I realized how much they must have gone through and we take them for granted, don’t we? They tolerate our tantrums even now.

Each day surprised us with precious moments and I found myself changing into a more patient person with the determination to be a better parent

Days flew by as he grew too fast before my very eyes

The house was messy, so was the hair,

Chuckles and cries were a daily affair

Tripping over toys, singing lullabies

Naming colours and counting butterflies

Getting lost in those button like eyes

that stare, dazzle and mesmerise

Stealing a kiss or two when you sleep

the love for you is so pure and deep

As much as I want you to grow up

I still want you to be a cuddly little buttercup

Today, I would like to share the lessons I learnt from my experiences. They may help another though I am sure your journey may be uniquely challenging..

My experience taught me to be hopeful. Hopeful of things that you never thought you would get. Before you give up, think of the reason why you held on for so long.

Keep reminding yourself that you are doing an excellent job of bringing up your little one. She looks up to you and you are the guiding light in their life.

Advice will come from everyone. Which one to take and which to ignore is completely your discretion. Don’t let anyone else’s advice or comment bog you down.

Try not to compare with others. Everyone is different and each one will have different ways of doing things.

Try to focus on yourself too. We tend to forget ourselves when the baby comes and many a times we ignore our health.

Most importantly, don’t let the feeling of guilt overpower you.I used to feel guilty when I went out to the salon leaving baby with my husband or catching a movie while the little one was in day care. But over time I realized these are some stress-busters you need frequently.

With my little boy, I feel all is right in my world. I see the world all shiny, happy and joyful through his eyes. He is the closest I would ever come to magic. Of all the things I have done in my life, motherhood is the most rewarding experience. And yes, I have found my miracle.