We reached agartala on 3rd. On 5th Dec, we went to my in laws and they had a party on occasion of li'l Reimaan's arrival and that went pretty well. Lot of gifts, blessing, kissing, hugging left us bit uncomfortable. But that's the way it is, when a new born arrives and that too from their most lovable lady. We on the other hand were battered with 2 obvious observations - "You have lost too much hair" was for me and "You have put on lot of weight" was for Tumpi. Also everyone want to have us on either lunch or dinner or even Breakfast, so much so that someone offered to come at 1pm and have lunch and leave at2pm, since we were busy. We ended up accepting some offers from close relatives and started obliging.
Next morning we had Chicken Biryani for Breakfast as we could not give a Lunch slot to them. Reimaan was doing good as Tumpi gave him some sponge bath and we took off for another Lunch sitting. Once we returned after an hour, Reimaan was having 102 fever... we gave him some paracetamol drops but didn't know the quantity. We waited for 2 hrs for the fever to come down, in the meantime my mom and dad came and we took him to a senior Pediatric Specialist. The amount of paracetamol was more this time and the way to give him was also changed (we diluted all the medicines and gave him). The doctor suggested a Chest x-ray for the li'l one and it showed there was nothing serious. That night also Reimaan had fever again, and he only got out of that spell next morning. It was scary for us but with Ma and Baba around I was not worried that much. Those times, make you feel how much a presence of a doctor around can ease your life. Me and my brother never went to a doctor all our childhood. In 3 days time Taan would fall sick, and he already knows "nothing works like Dadu Sunil's medicine".
So this would mean, we cancelled all the invitation and stay home for the big occasion on 10th. The plan was to finish the ceremony in the afternoon and invitees would come for dinner. Reimaan did what he does well. he was very active on 9th, and I felt that he would sleep mostly on 10th.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Annaprasan Ceremony
Commonly referred to as First Rice, the ceremony is usually carried out when the child is about 6 months of age. The grandmother prepares a small bowl of paayesh (boiled rice, milk & sugar) which is blessed in a brief puja. The child is held in his Maternal Uncle's lap, who symbolically feeds him the same.
It was planned when my folks were in Bangalore and we found 10th Dec was an auspicious date. As planned we flew to Agartala on 3rd Dec. And with every travel home, there are lot of debates and discussion on day-to-day plans. This time we went after 2 yrs and for only 10 days. Tumpi didn't get enough leave and Reimaan was not 100% fit but the else part to the travel was not there... so we went ahead.
The day started bit late for Reimaan as he woke up at 830 am. Tumpi gave him a qiuck sponge bath and made him ready to visit the LaxmiNarayan Badi, a temple in heart of Agartala where auspicious things are started. The temple closes at 1 pm and we reached there by 1245. What was surprising was the number of 5/6 month old that were present at that time...nearly 20-30 kids were having their Annaprasan there... our plans of finishing it fast seemed impossible as there were no queues and to get a glimpse of the idol was a scamper, forget about doing a small puja... Reimaan was dressed like a typical Bengali groom. Then I asked Tumpi to show the pujari to show a 100 rupees note, and it worked. that guy sort of called us to come in front and performed the puja... the 100 rupees note was donated and we went back home, satisfied.
Next up was the main occasion where Subho (Tumpi's brother) would symbolically feed Reimaan.... It went well with some really coool pictures as Reimaan will open his mouth to grasp everything that's shown to him... Another important part of this was Reimaan was given a choice to choose something from a plate where a book, a gold bangle, some silver stuff, and sindoor was placed. Idea was, whatever he touches is what he would become in future... he took the whole plate !!! All these are captured... coming soon in next blog.
In the evening was the big social function where close to 200 people were invited and that went well with lot of unknown faces showering blessing packed in gifts. Unnecessary but a custom, it seems. As most of the invitees turned up, it was a good occasion but we wait to see Reimaan's health the next day further to announce. Photos and Videos will speak more... than my words.
Friday, November 19, 2010
First of many first Experiences - Flying and Holidaying
The day of 11th November 2010 will always be special in Riemann's life. This is the day Riemann first travelled by air to attend his dearest maasi (Supriya)'s marriage in Kolkata on 12th Nov. And that qualifies for the next first of his life - Holiday in Kolkata.
Coming back to the flying experience, he did well to take care of himself during take-off and landing. Tumpi planned to feed him during take-off, but he would have his way and fell asleep when we were about to board the air-craft. We got a middle row which was pretty cramped and in the process he woke up. We somehow managed to put the bottle in his mouth during take-off, and he suckled. Its important for the kid to suckle at least as movement of the jaws would ensure that his air-pressure in the ears are balanced when the flight air-pressure drops. He slept through most of the 150 min flight and during landing also he was sleeping.
While coming back, I booked the first row seats and that help us big time. We also understood that worst thing would be that he would cry and that would also ensure the air-pressure in the ears are maintained. Yes, he might end up vomitting aswell. Riemann did show signs of my genes though as he was staring at one of the air-hostess. By the end of the trip, we are more educated about air-travel with kids and more confident that he would enjoy air travel.
Life is changing and its happening so fast, but we are trying to enjoy every bit of it. Only thing I pray is his good health. Amen !!!
It was not as great as I write today, since he was suffering from severe cough and cold after Diwali (5th Nov). We thought he would be fine in 5-6 days but it was not to be. However, we travelled as we had to as the occasion was huge. During the trip also he was not well, his smile was short lived as after every 15-20 mins he would get jittery because of the coughing. The nights were bad as he struggled to sleep. He would need to vomit to feel relaxed from the immense cough, wonder how much can be be inside such a little soul.
Coming back to the flying experience, he did well to take care of himself during take-off and landing. Tumpi planned to feed him during take-off, but he would have his way and fell asleep when we were about to board the air-craft. We got a middle row which was pretty cramped and in the process he woke up. We somehow managed to put the bottle in his mouth during take-off, and he suckled. Its important for the kid to suckle at least as movement of the jaws would ensure that his air-pressure in the ears are balanced when the flight air-pressure drops. He slept through most of the 150 min flight and during landing also he was sleeping.
In Kolkata, we had a tough time with the heat and he immediately developed rashes. Since he was having cough we used to wrap him heavily and then he would sweat and become cranky. So we were also confused to great extend and ended up loving Bangalore weather even more.
While coming back, I booked the first row seats and that help us big time. We also understood that worst thing would be that he would cry and that would also ensure the air-pressure in the ears are maintained. Yes, he might end up vomitting aswell. Riemann did show signs of my genes though as he was staring at one of the air-hostess. By the end of the trip, we are more educated about air-travel with kids and more confident that he would enjoy air travel.
Life is changing and its happening so fast, but we are trying to enjoy every bit of it. Only thing I pray is his good health. Amen !!!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Reimaan learns to enjoy
Its been a long time since I posted the last update. Anyways now Reimaan has started doing a lot of things and keeps us busy and amazed at the same time.
We did finish the 10th week's quota of immunization, and he did good to keep down his fever. There has been no other health issues with him other than the minor coughs and cold which I guess is part of Bangalore.
He has been totally on mother's milk. It took us some time to move him to mother's milk from the formula feeds as he was not suckling properly. However, now when its time for Tumpi to join office, we realised that he needs some formula feed in a day as well. So now we are trying to make him adapt to bottle feeds again - and that's tough, now that he is developing the concept of "rejection". This is a big learning for working mothers - Keep trying for bottle feed even when the baby suckles properly. Life will be easy when the maternity leave is over.
As for Reimaan, his sleeping habits are showing signs of our genes. He sleeps pretty late in the night, but good part is he is playful till then. So any attempt to make him sleep ends in frustration and him being cranky. We learnt this lesson to make him sleep when he wants to. Last night, he slept at 1130 and the last to it was 12 am.
Over the last month, things were hectic in office, but Reimaan has been a great stress-buster for me. Seems like the best part of being a father has arrived for me. Whenever I come home, play with him for 30 mins and I am fresh to work again. He started making sounds at will. The best is his social smile when he sees me after a long day's work. I have started reading him the morning newspaper and he makes lot of sounds. Whistling to him also triggers him. Whenever he is happy he raises his legs up while lying down, a good workout for my abs if I try to match him. Even if he wakes up, he doesn't cry when he doesn't see us, he waits and stretches makes sounds. He has his "musical bear" and bunch of friends - lion, monkey to give him company. So we can put him in the cradle with them and have dinner.
My Father-in-law went back to Agartala after 3months stay and my parents are here to supplement Reimaan's care. Tumpi is still working from home and taking care of Reimaan. Some hard decisions to make there to make things smooth. Its like learning every day and enjoying it.
Today as we celebrate Maha Nabami, Reimaan witnessed his first Durga Puja, though in Bangalore but should get some sense of Bengali tradition and culture. Its the time of the year, which I think every Bengali need to spend in Bengal and for people like us in Agartala. We realized and planned to spend the coming Durga Pujas in Agartala. Being at Home during Durga Puja has no spiritual or religious reason but it's all about Celebration. Reimaan needs to feel, smell and taste Durga Puja in the right place and we will ensure to make it happen.
We did finish the 10th week's quota of immunization, and he did good to keep down his fever. There has been no other health issues with him other than the minor coughs and cold which I guess is part of Bangalore.
He has been totally on mother's milk. It took us some time to move him to mother's milk from the formula feeds as he was not suckling properly. However, now when its time for Tumpi to join office, we realised that he needs some formula feed in a day as well. So now we are trying to make him adapt to bottle feeds again - and that's tough, now that he is developing the concept of "rejection". This is a big learning for working mothers - Keep trying for bottle feed even when the baby suckles properly. Life will be easy when the maternity leave is over.
As for Reimaan, his sleeping habits are showing signs of our genes. He sleeps pretty late in the night, but good part is he is playful till then. So any attempt to make him sleep ends in frustration and him being cranky. We learnt this lesson to make him sleep when he wants to. Last night, he slept at 1130 and the last to it was 12 am.
Over the last month, things were hectic in office, but Reimaan has been a great stress-buster for me. Seems like the best part of being a father has arrived for me. Whenever I come home, play with him for 30 mins and I am fresh to work again. He started making sounds at will. The best is his social smile when he sees me after a long day's work. I have started reading him the morning newspaper and he makes lot of sounds. Whistling to him also triggers him. Whenever he is happy he raises his legs up while lying down, a good workout for my abs if I try to match him. Even if he wakes up, he doesn't cry when he doesn't see us, he waits and stretches makes sounds. He has his "musical bear" and bunch of friends - lion, monkey to give him company. So we can put him in the cradle with them and have dinner.
My Father-in-law went back to Agartala after 3months stay and my parents are here to supplement Reimaan's care. Tumpi is still working from home and taking care of Reimaan. Some hard decisions to make there to make things smooth. Its like learning every day and enjoying it.
Today as we celebrate Maha Nabami, Reimaan witnessed his first Durga Puja, though in Bangalore but should get some sense of Bengali tradition and culture. Its the time of the year, which I think every Bengali need to spend in Bengal and for people like us in Agartala. We realized and planned to spend the coming Durga Pujas in Agartala. Being at Home during Durga Puja has no spiritual or religious reason but it's all about Celebration. Reimaan needs to feel, smell and taste Durga Puja in the right place and we will ensure to make it happen.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
We are done 2 months
Nowadays life is more settled. Tumpi is handling everything, its been a while that I have even changed Reimaan's diapers. And without really feeling my li'l one has completed 2 months with us. For me fatherhood feeling or what I don't know, but he is a huge stress-buster for me. Over the last month, he has started giving social smiles from the monalisa-smile of first month, but those are most unpredictable. He responds to sounds like rattles, claps,etc and also makes sometimes in response. Morning is his most playful period, but I prefer to be sleeping that time. Don't think I can continue doing this for long. The best thing for me is the first sight after I wake up, see him stretching and kicking in air, gives a kick-ass start to my day. And the 2nd best thing is when I go to bed in the night and he is sleeping, I never seen PEACE better. Love this !!
Another interesting is his (or for that matter any kid's) development. Since we are seeing him grow, every new change is amazing and noticible. He tries to turn already and cries for cuddling when he sees his mom. He needs attention, someone needs to talk/sing to him, else he starts crying. Signs of growth but symptoms of hectic life ahead!
Over the last month, he got his standard 4 immunization shots to which he responded pretty well. He had only mild fever. The doctor and the nurse pushed 2 shots in each thigh, and his reaction was so less, that we thought he was confused which one pained more! But things would be different as he realises what-might-cause-pain.
We did celebrate his 2 months with some cakes (dada got one and me also) which basically was for us.
Life has changed now, it didn't when I got married, thanks to Tumpi. But surely it did now. Every one's whole and sole focus is Reimaan. It might take somewhere between 2-3 more yrs for us to go to a restaurant or a movie without hampering his schedule. Not that I am missing those, but it's just an indication.
Lastly, seeing Tumpi doing all the chores, I understood a difference between a girl, women/wife and a mother better. If a girl has X amount of patience, the same person when turns into a women/wife that X becomes 2X or say even 10X, but when she becomes mother it explodes to INFINITE times. Fathers like me, we are mostly moody and need to control our emotions seeing the li'l one cry, most times for something and sometimes for just nothing. Lot to learn and lot to control. The young blood is causing problem !!
Some photos coming up next post....
Another interesting is his (or for that matter any kid's) development. Since we are seeing him grow, every new change is amazing and noticible. He tries to turn already and cries for cuddling when he sees his mom. He needs attention, someone needs to talk/sing to him, else he starts crying. Signs of growth but symptoms of hectic life ahead!
Over the last month, he got his standard 4 immunization shots to which he responded pretty well. He had only mild fever. The doctor and the nurse pushed 2 shots in each thigh, and his reaction was so less, that we thought he was confused which one pained more! But things would be different as he realises what-might-cause-pain.
We did celebrate his 2 months with some cakes (dada got one and me also) which basically was for us.
Life has changed now, it didn't when I got married, thanks to Tumpi. But surely it did now. Every one's whole and sole focus is Reimaan. It might take somewhere between 2-3 more yrs for us to go to a restaurant or a movie without hampering his schedule. Not that I am missing those, but it's just an indication.
Lastly, seeing Tumpi doing all the chores, I understood a difference between a girl, women/wife and a mother better. If a girl has X amount of patience, the same person when turns into a women/wife that X becomes 2X or say even 10X, but when she becomes mother it explodes to INFINITE times. Fathers like me, we are mostly moody and need to control our emotions seeing the li'l one cry, most times for something and sometimes for just nothing. Lot to learn and lot to control. The young blood is causing problem !!
Some photos coming up next post....
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Reimaan completes a month
What a week it was!! As Dharam paaji would say, "Is mein excitement bhi tha, tiredness bhi tha, happiness tha and baad mein tension bhi thaa".
We thought to celebrate the first month with bit of partying and Maa (Thaami) decided to do some rituals for the day. As it happens with Bong calendars, things are always ahead so Reimaan's "BRATA" - one month completion fell on 23rd July, I still don't understood how. More than the Narayan Puja that marked the Brata rituals it was the preparations that took the sting out of many of us including me. The killer was the Puja being performed at 7 am, so preparation started at night 3 am. There was some respite as Puspadi and Shubha arrived at 330am from Chennai. However, everything went on fine and things were over by 10am. Supriya (maasi) and her mom also arrived in the afternoon from Hyderabad.
Next day was more planned as the party was in the evening. Some traditional bong food, some good friends from schools, college, office and Bangalore days and of course my extended familywere present on the occasion. We ended up cutting 3 cakes for his first month and that wont be the trend in coming months. It was really good to see everyone showering blessing as I didn't realise we would need so much of it in the next 1 week.
On Sunday, as all guest took a leave and normalcy was supposed to return, in came some virus that stayed with me for next 1 week. There was a day when every one from Reimaan to Baba, from Taan to Dada was running fever, even the cook and maids kids were having fever, only difference was some higher than the other. Only Maa was fine and how did she manage to handle everything still amazes me. What was looking like the arguable the worst week of my life turned into the worst week of my life by next Friday. The fever hit so hard that it took another week to recover from the weakness and that's the reason the post comes so late ! But as Funshuk Wangru would say "AAL IZZ WELL".
Pics coming soon with the next post ...
We thought to celebrate the first month with bit of partying and Maa (Thaami) decided to do some rituals for the day. As it happens with Bong calendars, things are always ahead so Reimaan's "BRATA" - one month completion fell on 23rd July, I still don't understood how. More than the Narayan Puja that marked the Brata rituals it was the preparations that took the sting out of many of us including me. The killer was the Puja being performed at 7 am, so preparation started at night 3 am. There was some respite as Puspadi and Shubha arrived at 330am from Chennai. However, everything went on fine and things were over by 10am. Supriya (maasi) and her mom also arrived in the afternoon from Hyderabad.
Next day was more planned as the party was in the evening. Some traditional bong food, some good friends from schools, college, office and Bangalore days and of course my extended familywere present on the occasion. We ended up cutting 3 cakes for his first month and that wont be the trend in coming months. It was really good to see everyone showering blessing as I didn't realise we would need so much of it in the next 1 week.
On Sunday, as all guest took a leave and normalcy was supposed to return, in came some virus that stayed with me for next 1 week. There was a day when every one from Reimaan to Baba, from Taan to Dada was running fever, even the cook and maids kids were having fever, only difference was some higher than the other. Only Maa was fine and how did she manage to handle everything still amazes me. What was looking like the arguable the worst week of my life turned into the worst week of my life by next Friday. The fever hit so hard that it took another week to recover from the weakness and that's the reason the post comes so late ! But as Funshuk Wangru would say "AAL IZZ WELL".
Pics coming soon with the next post ...
Sunday, July 18, 2010
And we are closing on to 1 month
Yippee... my son is closing on to a higher resolution of time.. from weeks old, soon I can count him as months old ! As I thought before, this past week made me more addicted to Reimaan and I guess that's the trend. With inflation and petrol prices this one is also on its upward slope but I am liking it.
I started going to office, and also started missing him during the day and when back at home the time seems too less before I need to step out of home again! He has been doing well, doing his normal chores, though his wake-times have started to fluctuate more often then not. Also when it happens in the night, the feeling of fatherhood increases manifold. We have started to sense the difference between his cry-patterns for hunger and pooo-n-pee. He is loudest when his diapers are soiled and the kid cannot wait for it to be cleaned.. may be I need to sit and talk to him that it takes 3 mins to clean and change diapers. Other than that, Reimaan has been adorable and like any other father would do, I am enjoying every bit of it. I have changed my wallpaper to Reimaan's collage.
Tumpi is also doing well, and the mother in her is in full display. For someone who reaches office late for unable to get up early is happy with sleeps for 3 hrs at a stretch!
The most amazing part of witnessing a kid grow up is to see them make those small first moves that end up into a giant leap which we never realise. One such thing that started is the most beautiful thing - his monalisa-smile, which he flashes whenever I am not with the camera. Also Taan started referring him as "bhaai" and wants to cuddle him every time, which everyone wants to do now !
I started going to office, and also started missing him during the day and when back at home the time seems too less before I need to step out of home again! He has been doing well, doing his normal chores, though his wake-times have started to fluctuate more often then not. Also when it happens in the night, the feeling of fatherhood increases manifold. We have started to sense the difference between his cry-patterns for hunger and pooo-n-pee. He is loudest when his diapers are soiled and the kid cannot wait for it to be cleaned.. may be I need to sit and talk to him that it takes 3 mins to clean and change diapers. Other than that, Reimaan has been adorable and like any other father would do, I am enjoying every bit of it. I have changed my wallpaper to Reimaan's collage.
Tumpi is also doing well, and the mother in her is in full display. For someone who reaches office late for unable to get up early is happy with sleeps for 3 hrs at a stretch!
The most amazing part of witnessing a kid grow up is to see them make those small first moves that end up into a giant leap which we never realise. One such thing that started is the most beautiful thing - his monalisa-smile, which he flashes whenever I am not with the camera. Also Taan started referring him as "bhaai" and wants to cuddle him every time, which everyone wants to do now !
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Reimaan in and out of 2nd week
By now, both of us (me and Tumpi) have started calling him Reimaan, though it took sometime to get out of the "puchu", "munu", "muntush", "sona", "munturi" and "everything-anyone-feels-like". It was tad difficult as calling a cute little with a proper name is as hard as calling someone "raavan".
On Reimaan part, he has been doing well, had a doctor's visit and everything went well. Interestingly, the pediatrician kept him on the table and looked at him for sometime.. and said, "he is doing good, good baby". Wish I could click "Like" as in Facebook. Also his cycles went on properly, with minor glitches when 2hrs became 3 hrs couple of times, but when sometimes it shrunk to 1 hr, we were worried. We soon corelated this to his sleeping pattern which leads to Lesson 2 : If babies are active they would need to be fed more often. Also by now, his potty had an odor which Thaami claims is not that strong and that's a good sign, I guess ! He also started differentiating between the comfort of bed and that of a lap. Whenever Thaami (my mom) takes him on her lap and sings, he stares with amazement. Somewhere, we were seeing his liking for good music, I guess its true for all kids. We felt the "sleepless in Sterling" syndrome almost everyday, Tumpi was taking good care but I also woke up most times.
Another important thing happened this week, as we finally got to sit and decide his official name. Its "SAPTAK", a bong word for depicting the 7 basic notes of music. One can see our interests in his names... we didnt try to hide as well.
On Thursday, 9th July, as he completed his 2nd week with us on mother earth there were more visitors with most of my friends revisiting and some more planning to visit. As per previous scans he was supposed to arrive today, good that he arrived before !
Come Monday, I would start going to office and may be that would be the time when I start missing him, as it happens with relations, we feel for someone only when he is not around. As the 2nd week ends, my fatherly feeling got stronger as did his Lactogen concentration !
On Reimaan part, he has been doing well, had a doctor's visit and everything went well. Interestingly, the pediatrician kept him on the table and looked at him for sometime.. and said, "he is doing good, good baby". Wish I could click "Like" as in Facebook. Also his cycles went on properly, with minor glitches when 2hrs became 3 hrs couple of times, but when sometimes it shrunk to 1 hr, we were worried. We soon corelated this to his sleeping pattern which leads to Lesson 2 : If babies are active they would need to be fed more often. Also by now, his potty had an odor which Thaami claims is not that strong and that's a good sign, I guess ! He also started differentiating between the comfort of bed and that of a lap. Whenever Thaami (my mom) takes him on her lap and sings, he stares with amazement. Somewhere, we were seeing his liking for good music, I guess its true for all kids. We felt the "sleepless in Sterling" syndrome almost everyday, Tumpi was taking good care but I also woke up most times.
Another important thing happened this week, as we finally got to sit and decide his official name. Its "SAPTAK", a bong word for depicting the 7 basic notes of music. One can see our interests in his names... we didnt try to hide as well.
On Thursday, 9th July, as he completed his 2nd week with us on mother earth there were more visitors with most of my friends revisiting and some more planning to visit. As per previous scans he was supposed to arrive today, good that he arrived before !
Come Monday, I would start going to office and may be that would be the time when I start missing him, as it happens with relations, we feel for someone only when he is not around. As the 2nd week ends, my fatherly feeling got stronger as did his Lactogen concentration !
Friday, July 9, 2010
Photoshoot 1
With mamma dear
Our bundle of joy !
aankh maare oh ladka aankh maare
and now in a playful mood
milk time...
expression...
Thats all for now... let him grow bit more... and we will see him again !
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Reimaan's home coming...
While driving home with Reimaan on my Mom's (Thaami) lap on the rear seats and Tumpi next to me, I never felt responsibility can be that heavy. I let auto-rickshaws overtake me and cabs to honk for slow-driving. As we reached home, I was checking if anybody in the apartment was noticing us, just to check if they saw the new DAD in me! I had taken a extended leave from hospital the day before to clean and arrange our room for Reimaan's arrival, thats when I realised our maid was so horrible !
It turned out to be a tough day for us as Tumpi's vomiting was not curbed and she had to resort to only liquids, which meant that she couldn't take the pain-relievers. So it was hard for her with all the pain and nausea. Reimaan was all on Thaami. I also spent the whole night with 1 hr of sleep. But with the support we had at home, I got to sleep for 2 hrs from 5am and I felt a father even more...
Next day (Tuesday) was far better with Tumpi able to eat and digest some solid food. Thaami (my mom) was in full action making soups and meals for Tumpi. She also gave Reimaan his first bath at home. As for Reimaan he was doing good with his routine nap, food, motion. There was a small homely event "Shasthi" - The 6th Day, where the new-born is assigned a name with traditional style of lighting lamps for each name. The name that glows till the last wins ! The winner was "Susnighdha" who edged out "Idhaant" in a photo-finish. However, we didnt stick to that way as we didnt get enough worthy names.
Reimaan turned 1 week on July 1st :), already I started feeling "these kid grow so fast". Everything was so different, I was not just another guy, but a father... I felt taller, I felt broader and I felt good.
With every passing moment as I saw Tumpi going through all the pain and still doing everything for Reimaan made me feel one very important thing something till 24th June I never realised. The effort, sacrifice and suffering a mother takes with the amount of dedication and warmth is incomparable with anything in this world. Lucky me, my mom was so much there for my kid also. I am so indebted that I feel so bad that I ever shouted at her. My life would have been so different without her, and now I am seeing the same as my kid starts his journey...
It turned out to be a tough day for us as Tumpi's vomiting was not curbed and she had to resort to only liquids, which meant that she couldn't take the pain-relievers. So it was hard for her with all the pain and nausea. Reimaan was all on Thaami. I also spent the whole night with 1 hr of sleep. But with the support we had at home, I got to sleep for 2 hrs from 5am and I felt a father even more...
Next day (Tuesday) was far better with Tumpi able to eat and digest some solid food. Thaami (my mom) was in full action making soups and meals for Tumpi. She also gave Reimaan his first bath at home. As for Reimaan he was doing good with his routine nap, food, motion. There was a small homely event "Shasthi" - The 6th Day, where the new-born is assigned a name with traditional style of lighting lamps for each name. The name that glows till the last wins ! The winner was "Susnighdha" who edged out "Idhaant" in a photo-finish. However, we didnt stick to that way as we didnt get enough worthy names.
Reimaan turned 1 week on July 1st :), already I started feeling "these kid grow so fast". Everything was so different, I was not just another guy, but a father... I felt taller, I felt broader and I felt good.
With every passing moment as I saw Tumpi going through all the pain and still doing everything for Reimaan made me feel one very important thing something till 24th June I never realised. The effort, sacrifice and suffering a mother takes with the amount of dedication and warmth is incomparable with anything in this world. Lucky me, my mom was so much there for my kid also. I am so indebted that I feel so bad that I ever shouted at her. My life would have been so different without her, and now I am seeing the same as my kid starts his journey...
Initial days in hospital
As the night settled in for Reimaan's first day on mother earth, I was in a mood to watch some World Cup (Football 2010) action and Tumpi was almost sleeping when Reimaan had his say (read cry). We didn't know much what to do but courtesy the "Nurse Bell", a nurse was there in a minute. She took Reimaan and fed him some formula milk, and when she came back, she said he had 10ml of it - another realization of how tiny Reimaan is ! We gave our consent for formula feed as it provides the necessary feeding needs of the baby. Next couple of hrs later, the same thing happened and then in another 2 hrs... after sometime we realised it was morning and that the way it stayed till today! The thing with these small ones are that they need to be fed every 2 hrs and cleaned every 3-4 hrs. That's the only times they would cry. It was our first lesson in parenting.
Next day Reimaan had his first bath as I watched, and the cycle of feeding and changing diapers were on. We got used to the "Nurse Bell" and had started to enjoy more with Reimaan. In the meantime, Tumpi was also recovering well. By end of 4th day which was a Sunday (27th June), both Mom and Baby was ready to go home on Monday. Reimaan did pretty well to keep his billirubin in control and saved him from Phototheraphy, which according to sources "is given too 100% new-born in Manipal".
Doctors were happy with Reimaan's health, so on Monday I finished the formality and was ready to leave when Tumpi had started nauseating and vomiting. Pills and IVs ensured that we leave hospital premises at 230pm on 28th June.
Before closing this hospital experience, a important mention of visitors. Pranab (he was there before Reimaan was still in O.T) and Priyanka, Bikram, Dutta and Urmimala, Nimish and Pooja, Mili Bhabhi, Aseem, Saurav (Tusi's husband). Grannnies, Grandpas, Je(thu Rupa)m, Je(thi Gi)ni and mama (shubho). My mom and Tumpi's Dad were the constants throughout the day. Lastly, I met Mohan who was working in Wipro Arabia Ltd. in Saudi Arab, who had a baby girl on the same day and later found 3 other kids born on the same day... wonder how many of us will ever meet again...
Next day Reimaan had his first bath as I watched, and the cycle of feeding and changing diapers were on. We got used to the "Nurse Bell" and had started to enjoy more with Reimaan. In the meantime, Tumpi was also recovering well. By end of 4th day which was a Sunday (27th June), both Mom and Baby was ready to go home on Monday. Reimaan did pretty well to keep his billirubin in control and saved him from Phototheraphy, which according to sources "is given too 100% new-born in Manipal".
Doctors were happy with Reimaan's health, so on Monday I finished the formality and was ready to leave when Tumpi had started nauseating and vomiting. Pills and IVs ensured that we leave hospital premises at 230pm on 28th June.
Before closing this hospital experience, a important mention of visitors. Pranab (he was there before Reimaan was still in O.T) and Priyanka, Bikram, Dutta and Urmimala, Nimish and Pooja, Mili Bhabhi, Aseem, Saurav (Tusi's husband). Grannnies, Grandpas, Je(thu Rupa)m, Je(thi Gi)ni and mama (shubho). My mom and Tumpi's Dad were the constants throughout the day. Lastly, I met Mohan who was working in Wipro Arabia Ltd. in Saudi Arab, who had a baby girl on the same day and later found 3 other kids born on the same day... wonder how many of us will ever meet again...
Monday, July 5, 2010
Reimaan arrives
Lot of people feel proud to be a father as soon as the baby is born, but I didn't have any such feeling. I was more worried about Tumpi and the baby. Once everything settled down and both were taken out of O.T, the feeling gradually crept in. I would rather put it as for the mother, the baby was inside her and she took all the pain, so the sense of motherhood was already deep-seated and hence internal. As for the father, he has only seen his wife taking all the toll without being able to do anything, so the sense of fatherhood was always external but starts creeping in gradually as the baby arrives and I can tell you, every moment has been better than the previous one. Now as the 10th day rolls on, I am happy that Tumpi has recovered well and I am to father a little kid called Reimaan.
Reimaan, that's what me and Tumpi decided to call him. Named in unison with Taan, his elder bro from Dada's camp. His namesake is an famous Mathematician. The problem with we bongs are that, we need two names - one for the household purpose and one for the schools and official purpose. So we somehow converged on this name but still not decided on the official one which is most likely to start with letter "S". Some of the short-listed names are Idhhant, Shreyas, Shourish, Siddhant, Swapnil, Susnighdha, Sheehan.
By Afternoon, Tumpi gained consciousness but was still pretty weak. Reimaan had his first potty in the afternoon. Taan came in the evening and at the first sight, he shouted "Thaaakur", that was amazing for a kid who just started picking certain words. As it happens Taan started uttering this word only in the morning. He was very happy to see the Reimaan, though I doubt he understood much of what it is. The nurses took care of all the things for the kid and Tumpi did her first breast-feed in the afternoon. Reimaan was evidently happy with Jemmy (Ginidi) as she didn't keep him in the cradle till she was there.
The most memorable day in my life had bit more surprise left, as Dada got a cake, and we celebrated in our small way. Everyone left at around 10pm, and I didn't realise I have slept for 1 hr in the last 40 hrs. We had our moment as we two were seeing the little one, and I felt like a father bit more...
Some facts about Reimaan's birth:
Reimaan, that's what me and Tumpi decided to call him. Named in unison with Taan, his elder bro from Dada's camp. His namesake is an famous Mathematician. The problem with we bongs are that, we need two names - one for the household purpose and one for the schools and official purpose. So we somehow converged on this name but still not decided on the official one which is most likely to start with letter "S". Some of the short-listed names are Idhhant, Shreyas, Shourish, Siddhant, Swapnil, Susnighdha, Sheehan.
By Afternoon, Tumpi gained consciousness but was still pretty weak. Reimaan had his first potty in the afternoon. Taan came in the evening and at the first sight, he shouted "Thaaakur", that was amazing for a kid who just started picking certain words. As it happens Taan started uttering this word only in the morning. He was very happy to see the Reimaan, though I doubt he understood much of what it is. The nurses took care of all the things for the kid and Tumpi did her first breast-feed in the afternoon. Reimaan was evidently happy with Jemmy (Ginidi) as she didn't keep him in the cradle till she was there.
The most memorable day in my life had bit more surprise left, as Dada got a cake, and we celebrated in our small way. Everyone left at around 10pm, and I didn't realise I have slept for 1 hr in the last 40 hrs. We had our moment as we two were seeing the little one, and I felt like a father bit more...
Some facts about Reimaan's birth:
Birth Date/Time : 24th June 2010, 6:28 am
Weight : 3.32 kgs; Height : 48 cms; Head Diameter : 33 cms.
Doctors : Dr. Jaya Bhat (Gynaecologist) and Dr. Venkatest H. A. (Neonatologist)
First Look
This one is clicked when he was just 4 hrs in this world.
Bit more photo session... with momma
and poor dad was bit scared to hold him in arms... 
and here are the happy grannies and grandpas
and we got to celebrate, dada got this one and everyone was around though not in frame
Taan was so happy seeing him, and the first thing he uttered was "thaaakur"
The Prelude
We didn't know if it was a "he" or "she". Me and my wife (Tumpi) thought it is not a good idea to determine the sex before the actual arrival. What it does is, add bit of curiosity as to what to expect. And we found this to be our favourite discussion point when we both sat and thought about the future. Its important for the to-be-mothers to think positive and be joyous and that helped a lot and also prepared us for both.
As for Tumpi, she had for long stopped eating her favourite chicken and fish dishes, but still gained substantial weight in last 2 months. When she stood on the scale for the 9th month check-up with the doctor, she had gained 17 kg. That was 10th June, 2010. The doctor was not worried about the weight but showed bit concern that it was a "BIG BABY" and Tumpi would need to go for a Cesarean (C-Section). We were asked for weekly check-up henceforth and to decide on probable dates around 25th June. We decided 24-06-2010. This is the best part of C-Section - for me, I knew when to take off and there is no uncertainty; for Tumpi - she doesn't need to wait for the labour pains; and for the to-be born, his granny ensured that his stars are all aligned at birth.
We arrived at Manipal Hospital, Bangalore on 23rd June around 10pm. Then on, the nurses and the resident doctors started their routine checks on Tumpi as well as on the baby. They started preparing her for the Operation (C-Section) from 2am and at 4, she was all set. I was able to take an hrs nap in the meantime. When we arrived at the O.T at 520 am, we were happy but bit tense. She signed the final "Consent" papers, and then was taken in at 605am. As I sat on the Waiting Lounge outside the O.T, I dint know what to think or expect or when should I expect some news, only thing I said to myself was "AAL IZZ WELL", something we have been saying a lot since Dec 2009. Dada and both set of parents were also waiting downstairs.
At 650am, some doctor came out and asked for "MAHA...SWETA" "MAHA...SWETA", I walked up and he started saying something to my ear, a nurse slipped through a tray with a kid! As I looked, I thought if it is a "he" or a "she", the doctor showed the tag and unwrapped the towel.
I called up Dada and said "ITS A BOY".
I attained fatherhood on 24th June 2010 at 628am. Life would never be the same ever again, I knew my world would now on, revolve around him and his wishes.
As for Tumpi, she had for long stopped eating her favourite chicken and fish dishes, but still gained substantial weight in last 2 months. When she stood on the scale for the 9th month check-up with the doctor, she had gained 17 kg. That was 10th June, 2010. The doctor was not worried about the weight but showed bit concern that it was a "BIG BABY" and Tumpi would need to go for a Cesarean (C-Section). We were asked for weekly check-up henceforth and to decide on probable dates around 25th June. We decided 24-06-2010. This is the best part of C-Section - for me, I knew when to take off and there is no uncertainty; for Tumpi - she doesn't need to wait for the labour pains; and for the to-be born, his granny ensured that his stars are all aligned at birth.
We arrived at Manipal Hospital, Bangalore on 23rd June around 10pm. Then on, the nurses and the resident doctors started their routine checks on Tumpi as well as on the baby. They started preparing her for the Operation (C-Section) from 2am and at 4, she was all set. I was able to take an hrs nap in the meantime. When we arrived at the O.T at 520 am, we were happy but bit tense. She signed the final "Consent" papers, and then was taken in at 605am. As I sat on the Waiting Lounge outside the O.T, I dint know what to think or expect or when should I expect some news, only thing I said to myself was "AAL IZZ WELL", something we have been saying a lot since Dec 2009. Dada and both set of parents were also waiting downstairs.
At 650am, some doctor came out and asked for "MAHA...SWETA" "MAHA...SWETA", I walked up and he started saying something to my ear, a nurse slipped through a tray with a kid! As I looked, I thought if it is a "he" or a "she", the doctor showed the tag and unwrapped the towel.
I called up Dada and said "ITS A BOY".
I attained fatherhood on 24th June 2010 at 628am. Life would never be the same ever again, I knew my world would now on, revolve around him and his wishes.
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