Kodimeow Kronicles

*When people come to visit and coo over your little brother, you get to swell with pride, as if you’ve accomplished something huge!

*You get to treat the little one as a new toy worthy of showing off.
Kodi to Ukka: See thees. Thees ees my baby brother. Yeaah!

*Whenever you can get away with it, you treat your little brother as your own little experiment. You pry open his curled fingers and try to make them stay that way. You move his hand that is resting on his chest and put it on his side and when it bounces back, you repeat. You pull his toes and see if he reacts.

*You get to make fun of him and laugh at everything he does, including the way he peed on your dad at the doctor’s office.

*You get to include him in your future plans.
When I become a big boy, …. *pauses, thinks for a bit*
When I become a big boy, Plane Paapa will also become a big boy and both of us will go on a garbage truck.

*…but you  exclude him from your present possessions.
Kodi’s Mom dangles a key chain that Kodi has claimed as his, in front of Plane Paapa. Kodi reacts immediately, No!!! That’s mine!! and snatches it away. Same goes for any of Kodi’s toys.

*You get to scare the wits out of him, and comfort him in the next breath.
Kodi the Monster, comes screaming into the room in an attempt to say hello to his mom. Plane Paapa who is awake, is startled by the noise and cries pitifully. Kodi strokes his cheeks gently and says, Eeets okay. I am not a real monster.

*You are free to boss over him as you please.
Kodi at bedtime is lying next to grandma. Plane Paapa is sleeping too, but makes funny noises as if he is going to wake up. Kodi gets up, walks up to him to say Look, Plane Paapa, I am your big brother. I am going to sleep now. You don’t bother me, okay?

*You get to show off what you have, and what he doesn’t have.
Hey, Plane Paapa, I have a new haircut, see here!

*You stand up in his defence and speak up for him when he can’t.
Seconds before he latches on, Plane paapa roots vigorously, shaking his head left to right, left to right in search of his food. Kodi observes this and explains to his mother - Amma, he is shaking his head no no, he is saying he doesn’t want any milk.

*You get to build drama and file complaints over nonexistent causes.
Plane Paapa is awake and flailing his arms and legs. Kodi puts his face so close to him that his hand brushes against Kodi’s face. Look, Amma, look! He is hitting me!
Another similar instance, Kodi is holding his sunglasses and Plane Paapa’s hand brushes them. Kodi gasps and says, He is trying to take away my sunglasses!

 *You get to decide when you have had enough of him.
A friend who comes to see the baby: Kodi, your little brother is so cute. Can I take him home with me?
Kodi, without so much as a blink: Yeah!

 In short, the answer to “How is Kodi treating the newborn?” is ”Like a brother”.

So, we’ve been home for a couple of days and getting used to the new life. From a recovery perspective, it has been a breeze so far, touch wood. I feel more fit - emotionally and physically - than I did last time around. I am not distraught over little things, I am not crying at the drop of a hat, I concede every battle related to postpartum care to my mom even before it begins. I have shut off TV and books or anything that could strain me (we’ll get to the laptop in a bit!) and all I do is spend Kodi time when he’s not running around, take pictures, nap, eat and feed. No wonder my single friend refersto my maternity leave as 3 months of vacation!

The biggest change I see though, is in the Bapa. Compared to last time, he is so much more hands on and proactive. He handles and comforts both kids with the perfect customization suited to each. He has truly become a pro.

From tomorrow, I am going to pretend I don’t have a laptop or internet all day, everyday. Since I can’t do that cold turkey, we will start with limited email access and blogging only once every couple of weeks or so. And a public statement will make me more accountable, I hope, and make it more difficult to break the resolution. The intent is to take a step back, take it easy and focus on my two blessings.

At the same time, I wouldn’t want to miss a single birthing announcement, so would one of you be so kind as to call me as and when there is news?

Till next time, take care, happy summer and bring on the babies

Scenario 1
Me: Look, Kodi, the baby is looking at you.
Kodi: *Doesn’t care. Continues his diaper man game, in which he delivers diapers door to door*

Scenario 2
Look, he is smiling.
…
He is so funny.
…
I can’t play with him because is he is so little.
…
Stop crying baby, Amma is coming.
…
I want to sleep next to the baby. I don’t want to hold you, I want to hold the baby and go to sleep.

Scenario 3
His name is not (real name), don’t call him that!! His name is Plane Paapa.
…
I told you to stop crying, baby. Stop, Stop, STOP!!!
…
This baby is mine, you can’t touch him.
…
I am not a big brother, I am also a newborn. I also cry. I also want to be carried.

Our days so far have been a healthy mix of statements of nonchalance, affection and protest.