Friday, June 28, 2013

The 2nd child syndrome

Being the 2nd child is always a plus. The 1st child has to invariably take the brunt of all fist fights, punches, pinches, verbal yelling or meaningless arguments. I was the 2nd of 2 girls, so I know what it means or feels like. And I can see the same sort of events replaying before my eyes with my 2 daughters.

My sister and I were just a year apart, and our growing up years had all the sibling rivalry common among siblings (esp. sisters). We were the best of friends obviously, but when it came to fighting with each other, we left no skin un-pinched (I pinched) or un-punched (my sis punched). The scars that remained fetched us our rewards (the goods from our parents, what else!), but I always managed to escape putting on the "sorry" face and the sheepish grin :) My sis on the other hand would not budge and would also put on a challenge, showing no remorse whatsoever, rather expressionless.

Ditto, with my daughters.

My elder daughter is all of 10, but I'm amazed at how she can get angry, stubborn, lazy, disobedient and rebellious. She's more innocent than my li'l one, but her temperamental nature and mood swings (especially when I ask her to keep her room tidy, study, practise keyboard, take responsibility...) get to me. With horns on my head, steam from my ears, and fire coming out my mouth, I go on my lecture-giving spree, which must most probably be going right through her ears, because after that momentary guilt, she's back to being herself!

My younger daughter, just 4 years, but behaves like the elder sis, bossing around and getting her way around home. She's the little baby at home, wanting all the attention and making sure she gets it. She's the typical "naatak company" / "drama queen" or what have you. But totally adorable. She accepts her mistakes, feels guilty and is quick to say "sorry, I won't repeat it again" with that "sorry" face I'm master of. How can you not forgive her! And she's still little, you think.

So there...1st daughter, like it or not, looks like you're the one destined to be at the receiving end, just like my sis was, back then! Don't you worry...this phase too will pass. And then you two will be the best of friends :) And you will grow up to be one responsible sister, no doubt!

Wednesday, June 05, 2013

Sick of Fever!

The two months of kids' summer vacation flew by, with hectic work schedules amidst managing 2 riotous kids at home, MIL's accident (where she lost her right thumb toe), hospital duties, Sister and BIL's brief one-week holiday with us,  parents-in-law at home, extra duties, first daughter's first holy communion, hospital visits for MIL's dressing, @ Mumbai for a week for presentation and client meetings, back home and last minute rush to buy stuff for kids' school, FIL down with viral fever, nursing duties, school orientation program at little one's school, kids development workshop and get-together at apartment, MIL down with viral fever, nursing duties, school reopening, first daughter comes back home with fever, next day hubby comes back home with fever, maid also complains of fever, cough, backache but manages to do the essential cleaning up and cooking...

FIL is better now but bound to the bedroom, MIL is not very mobile yet having lost one of her toes and the fever has kept her tied to the bedroom as well, 1st daughter's fever is around 99-100 degrees, hubby's fever is hovering around 102-103 deg. I'm just praying that my li'l one doesn't catch the fever and that I have the strength and patience left to manage a home full of patients! I'm quite sick of the 'fever' fever, already :(


Praying for their speedy recovery...