Friday, March 27, 2009

Epiphanies From A Newbie Parent

What does one say for three month old brats? The ones that make you get up at two in the night with a near-silent whimper, twist and turn their arms and feet to signal the ending of an enterprising dream, and then unleash the deadliest weapon of mass meltdown possible: the smile. What do you do with these little critters? Those that have woken up at two and smiled at you and effortlessly extracted a smile back despite all your exhaustion; those that then flail their arms and legs in joyous celebration.

How does one outwit these master manipulators? Those that know that the expressions on their face and the sound of their crying are signals their caretakers can’t ignore and use that to the maximum effect. Those that walk you around the house for hours at a stretch while leading you to believe that you are the ones walking them. Those that are leading you to a state of stability and focus while you spend hours servicing their needs.

What do you with these master magicians? The ones that make you speak in a garbled language you never knew before, the ones who have you thinking of them through the day, the one who want to make you get back home in the evening as soon as possible, the ones who turn your baby-agnostic self to a child-loving persona.

What do you teach these masterful teachers? Those that have the confidence to completely submit themselves to you. Their minds are clear, their faith is total, and when one rests on your chest with his arms stretched finding the warmest reaches of your embrace and feet curled up like a little ball as he wriggles his head to find a spot of total comfort, you know that it is you who needs to learn to repay their faith. The ones who are so effortlessly intimate with you when you hold them, that you find yourself letting your guard down as the layers that we build to survive adult life simply peel off in the steady gaze of those truthful eyes.

What do you do with them indeed? Cherish them, count your blessings and enjoy the ride.

14 comments:

RTD2 said...

Aarush gave birth to so much more with his birth, didn't he?

Vi said...

Seems like you're handling it really well, despite being a 'newbie'.

Do keep us updated, Parth. I miss reading your writing. :)

Parth said...

@RTD2: Indeed

@Vi: I certainly seem to be doing ok. I should check with my son how he is doing with me :) Trying to update the blog, but it is a difficult task when you have limited time and blood-shot eyes on most mornings. Will definitely try more.

Sneha said...

How sweet! :-)
Hope these days with Aarush bring you the best of the best!

neel said...

you know to see someone at peace and content right now, is perhaps the best gift i can crave for.... for you give me hope....

when Aarush (for i am guessing thats his name) grows up and reads this, he would know, why he has grown up to be so wonderful, loving and elegant..... for with a guide like this, he wouldnt have a choice would he?

thank you for your writings man.... they comfort me.

and oh.... blublabliblubla to the kid.... i am sure he wud understand... :)

Parth said...

@Sneha: Thanks so much. I hope so too :)

@Neel: Flattered and humbled by your comment. Thank you. Glad to know that sharing my views and experiences has a positive effect to the limited few who still read them.

Praxis said...

Hey Parth...Looks like you are totally in-sync with your 'selfless self' I absolutely know what you are talking about. Trust me the time ahead is going to extract millions millions of smiles out of you. All I can say is that Aarush is one lucky fella to have a Dad like you. Enjoy. Btw I just love reading your posts, all of them.

Anonymous said...

After reading this I too may leave my baby-agnostic state forever!
would have requested a baby pic but they are such precious, personal things - I am just happy with the text:).

Enjoy the ride:)
-Sparsh

Parth said...

@Praxis, Sparsh: Thanks so much :)

frissko said...

Beautiful post!...
I used to head back home looking forward to being around this 10 month old kid next door. Can't even begin to imagine how much stonger the urge would be to be around one's own!...

Parth said...

@Frissko: Thanks. Indeedy, its a joy.

mystic rose said...

:) i totally empathise with you!!
And on a deeper note, this is when life and love take on a whole new beauty.

Parth said...

@Mystic Rose: Indeed.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!!! And so true. No matter how tired you are, one smile from these little devils just washes away all the exhaustion. And it is so amazing to see how happy and content they are with the little things in life.
- Yogita