Becoming Momma

Needless to say, become a parent can change ones personality completely as well as ones perception of the world around. For instance, in the past I always maintained a defensive posture and  sullen silence in public spaces, fending off casual chatter or affable intrusions into my space or time. But now, when people have begun to take the liberty to reach out when they see us with a baby, I am receptive and welcoming and so far it has been a pleasant experience. Fellow parents have been sympathetic and random strangers have helped out in a million tiny ways - letting me jump the queue to the bathroom, keeping an entire museum open beyond German closing time as I used the diaper changing room, an uber driver helping out with my laptop case and diaper bag instead of driving off. You give what you receive and you receive what you give ...or some such adage. So, after I joined work after my maternity break, I worked on an open offer for shares of a listed company. The day before the off...

Last week I met a dear friend for lunch. She was exhausted from her flight that morning and yet, when my food was served, I  unceremoniously handed over my baby to her and freed myself up to attack my steaming plate of risotto. My friend cautiously took my baby and nervously rocked her as I devoured my food and gulped sipped on my gin and tonic. In between mouthfuls, I conversationally told her about working on an email that morning with my baby in one arm and typing with my free hand. She grinned and told me that tales like this is the best contraceptive for her - at least she can have a meal in peace. I did not know what to say to that. Well, obviously having a baby means one needs to work schedules around him/her. It means having to hold a baby through day to day routines (I have now mastered the art of brushing my teeth, pee-ing, eating while holding the baby). It means never missing the vaccine schedule and monitoring formula supply. The list is quite endless. But those are th...