2022: closing notes, a few gifs and lots of kids talk.

Any year where I successfully coloured my hair pink, and my husband matured enough in terms of fashion to wholeheartedly appreciate it has got to be a great year. 

2022 was a great year.

As a parent with 4 years of experience (2×2), one thing I can say with confidence is that it gets better after the first year. 

Despite kids being portable as babies, it's when they start being people of their own that the real joy begins. That's when trouble begins too, but let's not dwell on that.

Everyone says that they felt immeasurable joy when they first held their baby. 

I just felt terrified. The first 6 months of being a mom is just a confusing, sleepless mess. Probably the baby feels the same too. 

If you ask me, it is when start sitting and walking and talking that the real fun begins. They start responding to you. 

2022 brought me so much closer to my kids even when physically I wasn't always there.

This year broke many stereotypes that I have seen/ heard about.

First, the whole 'working moms don't get to be close to their kids' trope. Though my kids spent most of their time with their grandparents and nanny, their relationship with me was never compromised. 

We underestimate children. It amazes me how, at just 2 years old, my kids maintain a unique relationship with each of the people around them. One doesn't have to affect another. 

The other common refrain, about the mother itself having to be the primary caregiver, is something I'd like to call bullshit on with substantial proof.

Ladies, if you think that men "aren't wired for", "don't know", or "aren't made for" baby stuff, I am sorry to say, that is absolutely untrue.

Since we had twins, from the start there was no way that one parent could escape parental duties. It had always been both Kartik and me pulling our weight. 

But ever since I took up a new job far away from home midway through this year, Kartik was the one being with the kids more.

When the kids started school, he was the one dressing them up, giving them their breakfast, and sending them to school. He handled the sickness and the doctor visits. On weekdays, I am just a cameo, appearing for dinner and bedtime before disappearing till the next dinner time. 

I remember a recent weekend morning when Kartik went away for photography. So, surprisingly enough for my kids, they woke up to see me. My son asked for milk, realized it was his mom there, and wore an expression of absolute distrust. It was almost like he doubted if I knew to do this job. 

I didn't know whether to feel proud that we had reversed the stereotype of incompetent dad or to feel offended!

(I decided on proud, btw)

TL, DR: Doesn't matter if it is male or female. Both parents are capable IF they want to be!! 

Turning 30 also made me more accepting of who I am, and maybe, more open about it. 

I have a few grey hairs. I didn't colour them.

I can't watch any movie with a serious subject. I avoided Gargi, Kantara, and the likes like the plague. 

I read a lot this year. A LOT. My nose has always been on my kindle. I read every Julia Quinn book and absolutely loved it. I also started reading Agatha Christie. And no, I haven't read them before!

I always say I am an avid reader, but don't talk much about what I read. Well, this is what I read!

I got all my bright lipsticks out again, I learnt to wear eyeliner, and I found new ways to fall in love with myself. 

If this isn't an achievement, I don't know what is.

All in all, 2022 was great. A little less sleepless than 2021, a little more hectic. 

There is no way I can gear up for the new year. It's gonna surprise me anyway. So, I am just gonna spend the last weekend of 2022 eating cake for breakfast.

Toodles.