As far as sabbaticals go this one was a really long one. But truth be told I have been writing. Just not for public consumption at the fear of being exiled comme our friend 'The Painter' Hussein. You see we live in a democracy that does not allow you to speak your mind and Australia has banned boat people so I have to shut it because we really have no place to go.
Anyway I'm back and I write. For catharsis if not for public viewing and adulation.
And along came blue in Nov 2012. His name is Caleb Vincent and he is the sunshine in our lives at the moment. Not to take away from the joy our daughters bring us but one being a tween and the other an old soul at 9 we are presently in the midst of a whole lot of uhuhs... and whatevers... and ya..ha.... and hmms... and uffs.. and oh! I love black. Not very sunny. Just exhausting and bewildering.
So back to my sunny son Caleb. Never knew he was coming. Never expected blue. Pink walls, pink bathroom tiles, loads of girls clothes, girly music, every Barbie movie in creation, mushy books, art tools, painting canvasses, a membership an the Poona club library and happy all girl afternoons spent shopping at the mall. So when I had Caleb 8 months ago (damn..it feels like 8 years) I was at a loss. Had to call my 'son' familiar sister-in-law and ask for some tips on how to avoid the hourly face spray fountain! So there I was with a boy - happy as ever to have had him after 2 girls but oh! so
un-prepared for what was coming. Little did I know that a leisurely shower would be a luxury and a visit to the mall...sigh.
The first 3 months were bliss if you don't count the sleepless nights, the constant leaking at both ends (mine) and the grumpy proud father (how is that even possible?) shouting abuse while stubbing his toe at 2 am waiting for his son to burp. Throw into this mix 2 sweet girls loving their brother and waiting for him to say their names. It was a bloody zoo I tell you and now when I look back it was probably the best time.
Caleb is now 8 months and is zooming around the house in his walker like a boy on steroids. He loves banging into things and throwing stuff on the floor. Cant put him on the floor cos he loves chewing slippers and I suspect he loves the damn pigeons more than he does us.
Blue brought about changes at no 14 like we had not imagined. Baby furniture, kitchen items, more storage and whoever said - what can boys wear but short and t shirts? - never shopped at mothercare! Clothes and bibs and pampers ( I bought shares at P&G right after crap no 14 ) and cars and socks and caps and cars and booties and burp cloths ( %^&) and wraps and blankies and toys and did I mention cars?
I ask myself ( and the whole world asks me) what was I thinking? 9 years after my daughter Jessica and 3 years since I have my life back...and along comes blue....
Was I in shock? Yes
Do I regret it? No
Do I love him? Yes
Was I prepared? No
Am I ready for whats coming? No
Am I exhausted form lack of sleep and rest? Yes
Am I broke? Yes!( godparents please see)
Has life as I know it changed irrevocably? Yes
Because ever so often you make plans. That involve pink and pretty. And set and comfort. And warm evenings with Justerini and Brooks in front of the telly. And savings and a date for retirement.
And then God throws you a googly. And along comes blue.....
Anyway I'm back and I write. For catharsis if not for public viewing and adulation.
And along came blue in Nov 2012. His name is Caleb Vincent and he is the sunshine in our lives at the moment. Not to take away from the joy our daughters bring us but one being a tween and the other an old soul at 9 we are presently in the midst of a whole lot of uhuhs... and whatevers... and ya..ha.... and hmms... and uffs.. and oh! I love black. Not very sunny. Just exhausting and bewildering.
So back to my sunny son Caleb. Never knew he was coming. Never expected blue. Pink walls, pink bathroom tiles, loads of girls clothes, girly music, every Barbie movie in creation, mushy books, art tools, painting canvasses, a membership an the Poona club library and happy all girl afternoons spent shopping at the mall. So when I had Caleb 8 months ago (damn..it feels like 8 years) I was at a loss. Had to call my 'son' familiar sister-in-law and ask for some tips on how to avoid the hourly face spray fountain! So there I was with a boy - happy as ever to have had him after 2 girls but oh! so
un-prepared for what was coming. Little did I know that a leisurely shower would be a luxury and a visit to the mall...sigh.
The first 3 months were bliss if you don't count the sleepless nights, the constant leaking at both ends (mine) and the grumpy proud father (how is that even possible?) shouting abuse while stubbing his toe at 2 am waiting for his son to burp. Throw into this mix 2 sweet girls loving their brother and waiting for him to say their names. It was a bloody zoo I tell you and now when I look back it was probably the best time.
Caleb is now 8 months and is zooming around the house in his walker like a boy on steroids. He loves banging into things and throwing stuff on the floor. Cant put him on the floor cos he loves chewing slippers and I suspect he loves the damn pigeons more than he does us.Blue brought about changes at no 14 like we had not imagined. Baby furniture, kitchen items, more storage and whoever said - what can boys wear but short and t shirts? - never shopped at mothercare! Clothes and bibs and pampers ( I bought shares at P&G right after crap no 14 ) and cars and socks and caps and cars and booties and burp cloths ( %^&) and wraps and blankies and toys and did I mention cars?
I ask myself ( and the whole world asks me) what was I thinking? 9 years after my daughter Jessica and 3 years since I have my life back...and along comes blue....
Was I in shock? Yes
Do I regret it? No
Do I love him? Yes
Was I prepared? No
Am I ready for whats coming? No
Am I exhausted form lack of sleep and rest? Yes
Am I broke? Yes!( godparents please see)
Has life as I know it changed irrevocably? Yes
Because ever so often you make plans. That involve pink and pretty. And set and comfort. And warm evenings with Justerini and Brooks in front of the telly. And savings and a date for retirement.
And then God throws you a googly. And along comes blue.....
