Because of you

there's a mummy
because of you, there's a papa
because of you, there's a mausi
because of you, a nana nani

Yesterday was a tough day. Oliver cried and cried after waking up and it took me a little bit to realize he had gas pains. But, as I was trying to calm him down, walking him around in my arms, shushing him, I made up this little 4 sentence song for him in Hindi. (Mausi is your mother's sister and nana nani are the maternal grandfather and grandmother respectively.) I realized that all these new relationships have been born because of Oli. And, it made me realize, there's so much more that's because of Oli.

So, to my dear son,

Because of you, I don't care about rushing anywhere. I take your hand and walk slowly, savoring every moment.

Sleeping beauty

Because of you, I am so much more patient. I can even lie in bed awake for an hour and a half because you are asleep on my shoulder and if I move you, you'll wake up.

Because of you, I take even faster showers, thus conserving energy and water.

Because of you, we have family dinner time every night. Sitting at the table together, watching you eat, fuss, spit out stuff you don't like, shove with both hands into your mouth things you do like. Talking to you about our day.

Because of you, I cook meals for the whole week on the weekend. We eat home made meals a lot more and have time on weekday evenings to play with you.

Look: matching foreheads

Because of you, I laugh a lot more. At you running after the dog. With you when you throw a ball and are so pleased with yourself. At you splashing in the bath tub, laughing out loud. At you dancing to Metallica.

Because of you, I cry more too. When you are hurting and I can't do anything to fix it. When you are frustrated because we don't understand what you want.


Because of you, I am healthier. I'd like to be around for you for a long, long time and I find myself making better life choices.

Because of you, our families are closer. We talk to your grandparents' on both sides a lot more. And we might even get the CA set to visit us because of you.

Because of you, I do a lot more laundry.

Because of you, I show up to work at least a couple days a week with drool on my shirt and I don't care.

Because of you, I am a mother and he's a father.
Because of you, we love each other so much more.
Because of you, we'll forever have worry lines etched into our foreheads.
Also because of you, we'll have laugh lines etched into the sides of our eyes and lips.
Because of you, I'll never get those Botoxed out, because I want you to see how happy you've made us.

Because of you, we are a family fulfilled.

Because of you, my love, my heart, my precious son.

We love you with all our hearts and souls,
Your mummy and papa.