My friend’s wife, Maria, was on bed-rest for the last few months of her twin pregnancy. They live in Cyprus. I’ve been checking in with them on Skype, every other Thursday. It gets down to numbers – be it weeks, days, weight, length, or contractions. ------ “30 weeks. Woooo hooooo!” “So far so good! Maria … Continue reading NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
Category: Leila and Rahul stories
They are funny, cute, naughty, and are growing fast. They discover and develop new tricks everyday!
Sad
I’ve been solo parenting for the last 10 days. On Sunday, Leila, Rahul and I spent the morning out. We were at a housing complex close by, playing on their favorite blue and red dolphin-swings. Nothing pleases them more. At one point we take a break: drink some water, eat a few grapes, change a … Continue reading Sad
Between the Lines
It’s 7am. Leila follows me into the bathroom. I notice her reflection in the mirror - fiddling with the drawers that store extra towels - as I brush my teeth. She’s not really interested in the drawer handles or contents. She’s working on something else. “Rawul did it!” she says over and over. Every time … Continue reading Between the Lines
Oh Boy!
“Rahul is a sweetheart! He let Leila have the train,” I declare proudly as he hands back her toy upon request. “Thanks Rahul.” I continue. “Afu BOY,” he quickly corrects me, worried. (He calls himself Afu; the Sichuanese version of his Chinese name.) “Yes. Afu boy.” I confirm, without going into how he can also … Continue reading Oh Boy!
Bedtime Stories Part 1
It’s bedtime. “Rahul, can you choose a few books for us to read tonight?” He brings 3 of his favorites. “Tuttle tuttle tree,” he repeats as we go through Dr. Seuss’s ABC imaginings. A comb, a brush, and a bowl full of… “Mush!” he beams, as we say goodnight to the room, the moon, the … Continue reading Bedtime Stories Part 1
Hit by a Whirlwind
Last night, we had to dodge: balls, balloons, trains and tracks, horses, blocks, dolls, grapes, icing, biscuits, sippy cups, shoes, 15 or more little people, and as many big people, to get anywhere. Rahul was fixated on a little blond girl. He's a flirt and charmer, but this time, it was to keep HER (not … Continue reading Hit by a Whirlwind
La, la, la la la la, Leila, and the Door.
A few months ago a Yoga teacher asked me if I could make some space in the house that’s exclusive to my practice. I fidgeted. “Not really.” My living room Yoga studio, (now the the kids play room) has always been my practice space. "At least for your Pranayama practice." ---------------------- We have a spare … Continue reading La, la, la la la la, Leila, and the Door.
Naturally Wild and Curly
I’ve been asked many silly questions about me and my children: How can they be twins if they are not dressed the same? Did you do the IVF so you could have two in one go? Are they identical? (One's a boy and one's a girl). And so on. This one, about their appearance, “Do … Continue reading Naturally Wild and Curly
“Afu ge ge”, “Leila mei mei”
“Which twin is older?” The question is absurd. In China, I get it all the time. And it works me up. “They are twins. They are the same age.” I reply, irritated. “Yes, but they didn’t both come out at the same time, did they? One had to have been born first.” They insist, “Is … Continue reading “Afu ge ge”, “Leila mei mei”
A Walk down a Montreal Memory Lane
(I started this about a month ago, immediately after the walk; and worked on it again over the last few days.) The sun rose a few hours after we arrived in Montreal. As everyone went back to sleep for the early morning, I got R, and L into their stroller and headed out for a … Continue reading A Walk down a Montreal Memory Lane
Natasha Devalia 