Becoming a parent is a journey unlike any other. It’s filled with unexpected moments, overwhelming joy, and a lot of preparation. For us, it all began after a beautiful wedding and a dreamy honeymoon, but little did we know, the true adventure was yet to come.
The Wedding: A Day of Love and New Beginnings
Our wedding day was nothing short of magical. After months of planning, we finally stood before our loved ones, making promises to each other that would carry us through life’s greatest adventures. The day was filled with laughter, happy tears, and endless dancing.
But as wonderful as the wedding was, it was only the beginning. After the excitement of the big day settled, we looked forward to spending time together, away from all the wedding craziness, on a well-deserved honeymoon. Little did we know that the honeymoon would become one of the most cherished experiences of our lives, setting the stage for the life-changing journey ahead.
A Dream Honeymoon
For our honeymoon, we decided to spend three weeks on this incredible staycation near Mumbai in a marvellous pool villa. It was exactly what we needed, a peaceful break after all the mental, physical, and emotional energy it took to plan a wedding.
And to be honest, the villa was truly a wonderful experience, offering comfort and adventure.
As far as I can recall, for those 3 weeks, each one of our mornings started with the soft chirping of birds, followed by calming yoga sessions.
I remember how the villa’s surroundings and riverside made it feel like our own private paradise. The private pool, tucked away in the villa’s secluded gardens, became our go-to spot in the evenings. Floating in the water, watching the sunset, it felt like time slowed down just for us.
I’m sure you understand the part, but you’re probably confused about the adventure.
Well, the property had a lot of exciting activities and adventures planned for us as well.
From deep jungle treks to river fishing to zip-lining, we literally had some of the most exciting adventures of our lives. We also indulged in local delicacies like homemade meals prepared with fresh ingredients, filled with flavours that made us feel connected to the region’s rich culture.
Those three weeks were blissful, and looking back, it almost feels like they were the calm before the beautiful storm that would change our lives forever.
The News: Pregnancy and Its Cravings
Not long after returning from our honeymoon, we received the most exciting news, I was pregnant! I’m not sure how that happened. Wink, wink!
But, in all honesty, the rush of emotions was unlike anything I had ever felt. The thought of bringing a new life into the world was thrilling, but it also came with its own set of challenges.
One of the first things that hit me during pregnancy was the cravings. I’ve always been someone who enjoys bold, tangy flavours, but pregnancy took this to a whole new level.
Suddenly, all I wanted was that irresistible “Chatpata” taste and trying to get my hands on all the tangiest munchies I could think of. But instead of reaching for processed snacks, I made sure I stuck to traditional homemade achar and other healthy snacks that one should eat during pregnancy.
I grew up eating my grandmother’s pickles, and I knew there was something special about them. Not only did they satisfy my cravings, but they were also packed with nutrients that I knew were good for me and the baby. Homemade achar is full of probiotics, which help with digestion, something especially important during pregnancy.
My favourite was the tangy mango pickle, but I also indulged in lemon and mixed vegetable achar, all ordered online. It’s crazy how far we’ve come in the age of digitalisation where I can order homemade achar online, reminding me of home and tradition while keeping me healthy during my pregnancy.
Healthy Eating During Pregnancy
While the achar was a highlight, I also made sure to keep my diet balanced with plenty of wholesome, nutritious food. Indian cuisine is rich in healthy snacks that are perfect for pregnancy. In fact, I made a habit of incorporating traditional options like dalia (broken wheat porridge), Poha (flattened rice), and roasted makhana (fox nuts) into my daily routine.
These snacks were not only filling but also packed with fibre, iron, and other essential nutrients that kept me energised.
My cravings for tangy, spicy foods might have defined my pregnancy, but it was the care and love that went into each homemade meal that truly made this period special. It felt like a way to connect to my roots and provide my baby with the best start possible.
Preparing for Parenthood: The Emotional Rollercoaster
As my belly grew, so did our excitement and nervousness. The realisation that we were about to become parents was leaving us all over the place.
There were days when we couldn’t wait to meet him or her, and then there were moments when we’d stare at the crib we had just assembled and wonder, “Are we really ready for this?”
My god, to think of so many weekends spent attending parenting classes and reading every book we could find on newborn care, sleep training, and early childhood development. But more than anything, we talked.
We talked about how we would split nighttime duties, how we wanted to raise our child, and how we would handle the challenges that were sure to come.
Preparing for the baby also involved creating a peaceful environment at home. We transformed a spare room into a nursery, complete with soft pastel walls, a cosy crib, and shelves filled with baby essentials.
My husband took charge of assembling furniture, while I spent hours selecting the perfect baby clothes and blankets. It was all coming together, and with each step, it started to feel real.
The Arrival: Meeting Our Little Miracle
Finally, after months of anticipation, the baby made his grand entrance into the world. I’ll never forget the moment I held him in my arms for the first time, tiny, fragile, and absolutely perfect. Every emotion I had ever felt came together like a flood within me, and in that instant, all the preparation, all the anticipation simply melted away.
Becoming a parent is a beautiful experience filled with a crazy amount of joy and and lot more uncertainty. The sleepless nights, the endless diaper changes, the quiet moments of watching him sleep, it’s all part of this incredible journey we’ve just begun.
And as I look into his tiny eyes, I can’t help but wonder about all the moments still to come. His first steps, his first words, the laughter, and the tears, I look forward to it all.
Our road to parenthood has only just begun, but with each day, we’re learning, growing, and loving more than we ever thought possible.
