A whole new adventure
As a first time parent, I have to say, the world of mom-hood has been an adventure. From times of absolute frustration to moments where I can’t seem to get enough of my son, nothing could prepare me for this experience.
Now we’ve embarked on a different kind of adventure. When my son Aidan was 5 months old (i.e. April 1, 2009), my husband, son and I left our cozy existence in San Francisco, CA and moved to India. For those of you wondering why we would take such a drastic step, we’re ga ga about traveling and moving from one country to another is the ultimate way for us to experience the world. We have grand plans to move again in 3 years to a completely different place.
For Aidan, moving to India has been wonderful. I’m originally from India (Bombay to be precise) and my parents still live here. Being close to them allows us to have family support and help Aidan understand and experience the importance of family.
It’s been “interesting” to say the least on adapting to the changes here, especially with a little one. The search for the right diaper and wipes have been frustrating, but now, almost 3 months later, I have to say that we’re thriving.
In addition to the usual milestones of getting teeth, creeping, talking up a storm and even starting solids in earnest, we’re working on getting him to sleep independently.
Like other parents here, we’re seeing mixed results, but I’ll leave the details till my next post.
Cheers!
Farrah
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:21 am
Hey Farrah
I enjoyed reading your first post -what an interesting life you appear to lead! I also love to travel but even on holiday my husband starts moaning about the hot weather so I don’t fancy my chances of relocating permanently!!
I’m really interested to know how Aidan adapted to the change?
Thank you
Jules
July 3rd, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Hi Jules,
Thanks for your comment!
The first couple of weeks were tough. The California weather was nice and cool, India was HOT!!! Additionally, there were scheduled power outages in the morning and afternoon and unfortunately they coincided with Aidan’s nap times. Solution – strip him down to his diaper, spray some water on him with a spray bottle and then fan him with a hand held “old school” fan.
In about a month, he got used to the weather and was able to sleep through it just fine.
Other than that, the mosquito’s really got him. Fresh blood I’m sure. The solution, use mosquito repellent lotion mixed with baby lotion and slather that on. That’s been keeping the buggers at bay.
I have to say, I’m very pleased with Aidan’s adaptability. Since he’s at the age where he’s eating some solids in addition to his quota of breast milk, he’s a happy camper as long as he’s fed, changed, and entertained!
Cheers,
Farrah
July 7th, 2009 at 8:57 am
Hi
Well it certainly sounds like you’ve had your fair share of challenges and have coped and adapted very impressively- well done.
Babies are very adaptable but it still amazes me every time I hear first-hand just how well they cope with new situations.
So I take it the power outages were a problem because they knocked off the air-con? Sorry, I’m sure this is obvious, but living in the UK, I’m not used to the whole air-con thing!!
It’s great that you have the family support over there and I couldn’t agree more about the positive influence and importance of family.
July 7th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Hey Rich,
Here in Pune (where I’m located) everything is hinged off the water supply especially the electricity which comes from the hydro-electric supply.
Low water supply and delayed rains result in electricity shortages hence the outages.
Finally the rains have arrived although not quite in full force. We are enjoying the cool weather though which is definitely a welcome change.
Farrah