31 months and still counting…

Yes, I am. That’s right! A gestation period more than that of an elephant!

I applied for baby adoption back in September 2018, and after a few processes, was finally registered in the system by December 2018 (a little earlier than 25th December); but I’d like to call her my Christmassy baby. The time I applied, I was #1179 on the waiting list.. which has dropped down to #179 as of 1 st July 2021. Whoops!

During the first few months, I used to check the status every other day. It introduced a sense of dismay, considering the number being more or less constant for days at length. Then I started a practice to check only on 1 st of every month. 🙂 That definitely showed some progress.

Well, the major difference between now and then is that I seemed to be more prepared for this in 2018 than I am now. As the number is approaching, I can feel my heart beating faster, and a weird sensation running down from my heart to stomach and back up – something probably inexplicable in words. The question is, am I ready for such a glaringly big lifestyle change? Hmm, if a span of more than 2 years (would probably be 3 years or more when it actually happens) couldn’t prepare me, then I don’t know what can!

However, the prime realization here is what a fascinating phase parenthood is. The pregnancy period bringing in an entirely new set of changes for a mother, both emotionally and physically. During this time, the support of the father and family ensures the safety and health of the mother and baby. All these changes, with more or less the usual daily routine, can take you under snow. The pleasure would be divine, I am sure when the baby is in your hands. Probably making you forget everything you’ve gone through..

As we say, with great power comes great responsibility! The power of being parents to a wonderful child brings with it intense and never-ending responsibilities. Coping up while cherishing the changes in your life that a newborn brings in requires a temperament balance. On one side, you might feel like leaving everything aside and being 24×7 with your baby. While at the same time, your jobs and duties would want you back as you need to plan a perfect future for your child. There might be phases that might lead you to feel like going back to a life with no accountabilities, be like hippies enjoying life. But at the same time, you would take every measure to keep your baby safe, secure, and protected (overprotected for some).

These are purely my imaginations; I may be able to relate and empathize more when I am on my way to becoming a pathetic mother

Till then, the space is open for all the awesome fathers and mothers who’d like to share some exciting experiences with us!

Avani Raj Arora