2020 - The year so far...

2020 has been quite an eventful year so far. I didn't even think in my wildest dreams that things would be different this year. I have come to a point where I have stopped making plans  and go along with the flow. 

Covid-19 has gripped the world and how. Raising a kid at this time may be a challenge depending on how old your child is and where you live. 

In India, we have had four major nationwide lockdowns since March 2020 with some relaxations in between. 

I am grateful that I have an infant to look after during these times. Unlike a toddler or an older child, I didn't have to worry much about keeping my little one occupied with activities, monitoring online classes and explaining why he/she can't step out of the house.

I was on maternity leave since February 2020 for six months. The option for a paternity leave was not available. Thanks to the lockdown, my husband was at home on most days and helped around whenever needed. I can't imagine how it would have been if I had absolutely no help. 

We make sure that the little one interacts with her grandparents through video calls. The last time she met them in person was in Feb - March, with the exception of my dad who still hasn't held her in his arms yet. 

Over the last six months, we hardly took our baby outside, for the fear of getting her infected. The only couple of times she has been out were for random strolls on the terrace, vaccinations and short car drives. She doesn't get opportunities to interact much with people. Even if she does, they are usually hidden behind a mask. To most people, this may seem to be in best interest for the child. As a mother, I am concerned if this may take a toll on her social skills and personality. She still has to discover that the world she lives in, is a much bigger and beautiful place. 😊 I can't wait to take her to the park, beach, mall, church and places where she can meet more people. I can't wait to show her how a crow, pigeon, cat or a dog looks like... There are so many things that I want her to see, feel and experience...things that we took for granted before Corona arrived. 

I just hope, like any other person, that the current situation gets better. I am looking forward to the day when we can finally toss the mask away and walk around freely.