Ohh, twin girls !

I have one daughter and after that, we decided not to have more kids. But after 4 years my soul is wishing to have a baby. We both are ready to have a baby and I conceived too. But unfortunately, I had a miscarriage. After that, we tried and tried and after a gap of say 3 years finally, I conceived again. And this time with twins😳😳 we both are surprised and happy too!

After having a smooth (yep, I can say Smooth pregnancy) finally I delivered my twins. Sister asked me to identify the gender. The first gender was a girl and I was praying to have a boy. But we are blessed to have a doll again. We both are happy.

I am getting a little bit vulnerable though I am a strong Mumma (mentally and physically) this constantly hurting me, Mr. Hubby, and my daughter too. That statement -

"Ohhh. Twins girls. The first one is a girl too."

India is in 2022 but still having a second girl child is taboo. People think a family is incomplete without a boy. Why?

The day we got to know about having twins in my belly my excitement level was too high. With every kick, every moment we all three fell in love with these twins. Have a constant conversation on how both are active, how they stay in such a small place, and how do you ( mom) identify them. We had the best period of our life.

During this pregnancy, journey received spiteful comments. Some are-

"Don't worry this time you will have a boy."

"Your belly size shows the symptoms of a baby boy."

And I happily nodded. I can't revert back because I have matured enough to let go of this comment. 

But they were not stopped.

After delivery, everyone liked pity on me. And this time it hurts me a lot.

Arree, three girls, how will you manage?

One boy should be there. 

and many more.😐

From hospital to every stop, home, shops, malls, and schools, everyone sympathizes me. Starting with the hospital, sister," first girl child and these two are girls, don't worry! Both will be best for you.

And I replied yeah, I am happy about that.

Then hospital workers, attending workers, everyone was like telling me, never mind. Girls are the best kids these days. Boys are not going to look after you. Then at home, relatives, neighbors, office co-workers, friends everyone!!  

Why we don't have an only girl child?

Why does the family behaves strangely when you have a girl baby?

Why does everyone want a boy?

Why?

To complete a family it is not necessary to have a baby boy only. Due to the twin's pregnancy, I also wished to have one boy and one girl. Because I also wish my baby girl have one brother like me. Mr. Hubby always wishes to have a girl. He was sure enough that I will deliver a girl. And so he constantly asks me 'Are you happy? 

Yes, I am happy. Like him and Saee. (my daughter)  This time we are blessed to have two girls. GIRLS mine and Nitin's daughters. Unique and amazing baby. One is a twin copy of Mr. Hubby and another one is a copy of mine. We are blessed to raise these twin girls. What a challenge and adventure!

We are ready to raise these two tiny baby girls into independent and confident human beings. 

Over time I  have learned that every pregnant woman wants others should be happy for her. My body is going through this twin pregnancy, hormones have changed, and now my life has changed. We have settled life with one girl but yes we are very well handling this challenge without any elders🙂. And so I am able to handle these comments like how many kids you have? Why do you take this chance? What is gender ? How will you manage with three girls?

Grateful to some loving people who constantly encourage us, advise us on how to do it and what to do, and help us. It gives me warmth. And what else does a mother require😊.

I am hesitate to write this post. But after writing the stress goes off my chest.  There are lots of mothers who face this issue. I just want to ask WHY?

Put your valuable comments. 

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.' -

©Neeta Kadam. This article and image are the property of Memory Flies. Any unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited.

Chicken and Vegetable Soup for Breastfeeding Mother

Once you deliver a baby and start to feed this tiny human being you have to take care of your diet. At least for the first 8 to 10 weeks after delivery, you must take a lot of liquid diets. Means eat everything in liquid form - Chapati, halva, dal, fenugreek vegetable, kheer, milkshakes, and Chicken and vegetable soup. Basically, you have to drink water and water. Water is the most important factor in our breast milk. The doctor advised having 2 glasses of water before breastfeeding and after breastfeeding. Even if you feel you drink enough water there is always a requirement to consume more. 

Doctors and elders in my family also suggested having chicken in your diet. Yes, chicken. If you want to have a speedy recovery from your c- section or normal delivery, you have to consume nutritious food that should be high in protein. 

PS : Pixabay.com

Why chicken is necessary for breastfeeding moms?

Chicken is the best protein source and it helps us in our body recovery. We, moms, know how our every muscle and bone tears up while pushing our baby. Chicken helps in tissue repairing and muscle reconstruction. My doctors also suggested me to have chicken in my daily meal, in boiled or soup form.

Does the breastfeeding mother have fry chicken?

No, not at all. You can have chicken in a very mild form without any spices. It should be made in less oil or butter. A breastfeeding mom should have her all food cooked in butter. But when you are lactating you are not supposed to eat any spices which are harmful to the babies. This is as per our elders and yes, I geneually follow that. Because it really helps to have a less gassy and cranky baby. 

So please follow your granny, mummy's, an elder's instructions ONLY (apart from doctors). They know better what is good for you and your baby. - As per my personal experience.

I am sharing a nutritious chicken soup. By consuming this soup you will get protein, vitamins, and fiber. I had it during my first child too. This is not my recipe. My bua (my Father's sister's recipe) is suitable for breastfeeding mothers. My mother also had this soup when she was lactating.

Without a further do let's jump into the recipe.

Chicken and Vegetable Soup   Author: Neeta Kadam 🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes 🕒 Cook Time: 25 minutes 🕒 Total Time: 40 minutes   Ingredients   2 cups boiled and finely chopped chicken. 4 cups chicken stock. 1 cup steamed sweet corn. 1 cup finely chopped vegetables (carrot, beans, mushroom) ½ cup green part of spring onion. 1 cup finely chopped onion. 2tsp cornflour. 2 tsp oil/ghee. 1 tsp black paper powder. Salt as per taste.   Instructions   Heat a large pan and pour 2 tsp ghee/oil. Add finely chopped onion and fry till it turns to pink color. Do not turn it in brownish.   Now add chicken stock. Then add all vegetables to the stock and boil at least for  10 minutes.   Add the sweetcorn and give it a nice stir.   Make a slurry of cornflour (optional) but it thickens the soup. Add this slurry and let it boil for 5 minutes.   It is time to add chicken, salt, and black pepper powder. Mix very well and let it boil for 10 minutes.   Chicken and vegetable soup is ready. Garnish with the green part of spring onion.

Did you make this soup then tag me on Instagram @neetapawarkadam (memory flies)

 You may also like the recipe:

Badam Milk shake

Cold Relief Chicken Soup 

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.' 

©Neeta Kadam. This article and image are the property of Memory Flies. Any unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited.

15 Must Have Baby Products With Money Saving Tips

Most of the parents are living in a nuclear family, say about 60% are having a small family. Those who are living with their parents are the luckiest ones. It may have some pros and cons but having family and elder ones around is always helpful. Pregnancy and delivering a baby require lots of money, especially in India. It is always better to save money wherever you can.

PS : Pixababy

When you are in the last trimester and if you are living in a nuclear family then you have to prepare many things for the baby. Although in India our elders tell us not to bring any baby-related things in advance. If you are alone means without elders or family members nearby you, then you have to prepare in advance. Because once you deliver the baby, you will be stuck to the bed and baby. There is always a new requirement and maybe your husband is unable to bring it. To avoid any trouble you have to have these 15 must-have baby products at home in advance.

Now coming back to the point why our elders do not allow us to buy any new things for babies because they believe let baby arrive in this world safely. The earliest, in their era baby mortality rates, are high. But now medicine has cures for everything. So keep positive vibes and if you are the only person in the family then began in advance.

So what actually does the baby need?

I am a second-time mommy so have personal experience. During my first child, I bought a lot of stuff that was not used by us. This time I swap many things with friends and siblings. Actually, our baby doesn't need too many things. 

We are fully captured by social media. 24 hrs scrolling gives tons of products and we are tempted to buy them, as they are available with a single click. 😀 New parents are overexcited and want to give everything to the baby. so they are easily trapped by these advertisements. I don't say every ad is wrong. Yes, there are many companies which give a good product. 

These tips are for minimalist families/budgeted families or those who want to save money. I am not against any other baby-related products. 

Okay. Before buying any new product think twice, yes think twice is it really necessary? Does it really helpful to my baby? Will it go in the long run? 

15 Must-have baby products with money-saving tips.

1. Swaddle : 

We all swaddled our babies tightly so that we can hold them properly. In the market, there are new types of a swaddle, and sleep bags are available.  I prefer to have an old cotton sari which is long enough and we can cut according to our requirements and swaddle our baby.  The baby feels so much more comfortable and sleeps well for at least 3 hours.

2. Godhadi - small baby bed :  

A small baby bed which is made of soft cotton fabric can spread on our mattress. I prefer to have homemade. My Attya (bua) made it from cotton sarees. I think in India everyone has it. Grandma's favorite. Still, if you do not have then get it stitched by your local tailor. Give them some old cotton bedsheets and an old cotton sari or dupatta. Else you can buy it. They are not that much costly. But it depends on where you are buying.

3. Baby Clothes :  

We have rituals to wear only used soft clothes. I have my elder daughter's baby clothes. I do not buy any clothes.😊

Even if you are purchasing try to take cotton and simple clothes. Because a baby is going to sleep most of the time and above that, you are going to swaddle them. So choose soft cotton Zabala only.

You can save tons of money. You can use your sister's or brother's baby clothes. 

4. Cap, socks, and mittens : 

If your baby is born in the winter or rainy season you have to buy it. Try to buy as per season. Do not buy any fancy items which trouble the baby's soft skin. 

5. Nail clipper : 

In the market, there are so many fancy clippers available. Once I purchased but I was not comfortable with that. So try to buy the thing which you are aware of. Newborn's nails grow so quickly and we have to trim them regularly. This is a must-have product. 

6. Soft blanket :

If your baby is a winter baby then purchase a soft blanket. I have one so I used that. You can buy it or prefer to have your siblings one.

7. Cradle : 

Try to take the used one. Because the cradle is going to use from 1months to 7,8 months. I prefer the traditional one. The electric cradle is also useful. But if you want to save money then try to take a used one. I took it from my friend. 

8. Toiletries : 

Baby oil, baby soap, and baby moistures are the only products that are useful. Babies don't need powder and kajal. But I know in India people used it. It is everyone's preference. The money-saving tip does not purchase it.  Whoever coming to see your baby they are going to bring this kit. 😊 

9. Baby Towels : 

In my opinion, you don't need this baby towel. Use old cotton soft fabric. Because though baby towels are new and soft but cotton fabric absorbed water very well.

10. Baby Books : 

There is no need for any toys for babies. They are not that big enough to play with it. Don't waste your money on buying toys. Instead of that buy baby books. 

11. Dry sheets : 

You must have it. These are available in every size and pocket friendly too.

12. Milk Bottle : 

Only if you are unable to breastfeed your child. And off-course as per your requirement.

13. Diapers: 

If you are okay with cotton langot then keep diapers for travel purposes or use them at night time. This is also as per your preference.

14. Mosquito Net: 

This is the most important product you must-have for babies. 

15. Baby wipes: 

Always use cotton and plain water to wipe the baby bump. Keep baby wipes for traveling. Try to use soft fabric pieces or cotton balls and lukewarm water to wipe. It is always safe for babies.

This is the must-have list for your newborn with tips. Some people prefer to have everything new. Some people are ready to have used products, like me😀. Different people and different choices. But all these are the required items only. Apart from this, there are many products which are not going to use. The above-mentioned products also required lots of money.  You can save money by using above mentioned tips. 

Bonus Tip: We have siblings and each one has kids. We used to swap up almost most of the things including clothes (if they are in good condition). This is the best option to save money. 

If you are in a nuclear family then try to have all these 15 must-have products in advance. So that you and your partner are ready to welcome a newborn without worrying. It will save your time, and money and bring a lot of mental peace.

You may like to read 

मी आणि माझी सई.........(From dad's corner)

Hope this post is useful to new parents and budgeted families. Share it with needy ones. 

Do you have any tips to save money while buying a baby product?  Please comment down.  Do you swap things with your siblings?

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.' 

©Neeta Kadam. This article and image are the property of Memory Flies. Any unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited.

Indian diet for Twin Pregnancy

Having a second baby is my dream and we tried it for so long time. Finally when we decided not to have the universe gave us the blessing. From this point, I started to believe that if you wish for something from the bottom of your heart the whole universe will try to give you the same thing. This is called the law of attraction.

PS: Pixabay

Finally, we were pregnant with twins and I was in the air. The whole family was happy. Everyone was suggesting what to eat and how much to eat. You are going to give birth to two babies so you need to have a diet for three people. Everyone was giving advice on the well-being of the mother and baby in the womb. This happens with every mom, right mommy?

Mr. Hubby asked my Gynecologist regarding my diet and he strictly told me not to do any google searches. I also nodded like a good girl. 😊 I always wonder how these two babies get enough nutrition. Do mothers of twins really need to eat an excessive amount? What kind of problems she is facing? She is having twins so problems must be double like this and many questions are traveling in my monkey mind. But when I got pregnant and consulted my gynecologist she simply told me, Be positive and eat all homemade food as per your requirement.  Do not eat in excess. Drink milk and have a balanced diet.

 

Twins pregnancy is a challenging period. Our bodies have to go through a lot of problems like nausea, eating dislike, and many more.  Sometimes we are unable to have our favorite food and sometimes we carve for the food which we don’t like at all in our life.  All we need to eat properly otherwise the baby in the womb will not get proper nutrition. Our babies' growth is totally dependent on the mother's diet. A mother’s diet should include all vitamins and minerals then only she can have a healthy baby. In my case, I was totally normal till the mid of my first trimester. Then the roller coaster started and it was stop at the end of my 9 months. I had evening sickness and was so unable to have my morning and evening tea as I am a tea lover. Unable to eat a lot of fruits and non-veg food. My babies were not ready to take any external (hotel-made) food or junk food. Even if I eat that my babies immediately throwing it out. 😇

 

Disclamier : I am not a professional or nutrionist. I delivered a twin baby in the month of December 2021. Whatever I am sharing is the advice given by my gynecologist. Before having these diets consult your gynecologist.

 

My doctor suggested having a balanced diet and also explained to me the benefits of a balanced diet.

Why pregnant lady should take a balanced diet?

# With a balanced diet you consume the required nutrients in the right amount.

# Mother remains healthy throughout the pregnancy.

# The growth and development of the fetus is appropriate.

# The growth of a pregnant ladies' uterus and milk gland is in the right way.

# The pregnant lady gets the strength to have a normal delivery.

# The mother can able to have proper milk after delivery.

# Apart from physical health a pregnant lady can have happy mental health too.

When I went in the third month I started to have vomiting and acidity issues. But still, my doctor advised me to have plenty of water. Eat-in short duration can say after every 2 hours.

How to eat when you have several health-related problems during pregnancy?

The first point is you have to take your prenatal supplement. Some women have a tendency not to have it. But it is the requirement of our body and hence you have to take it. I am still taking these supplements of iron and calcium.

With this supplement, you have to take a food enriched with calcium and iron.

Drink Kokum Sarbat (Juice) to reduce the dehydration and acidity in your body.

Eat-in small proportions, after every 2 hours. I used to have this kind of eating habit and still I am following it. Now my babies are 6 months old but still, I had to take a meal every 2 hours. Breastfeeding makes me hungry.

Drink lots of water it helps to keep you hydrated and also reduces the constipation problem. I prefer to keep a 1 ltr bottle everywhere in my bedroom, on the dining table, and in the kitchen so that I am having a proper amount of water. If possible try to drink boiled water.

Eat green vegetables and fruits as much as you can. Have 1 bowl of each every day. Do wash it properly before having it. I love to eat leafy vegetables and during pregnancy, I had most of them. From leafy vegetables, you can get iron and calcium. This also helps to avoid the constipation problem.

Eat salt in a moderate amount. I was carving mostly for chips which finally increase my blood pressure. The doctor advised me not to have pickles, papad, chips, and salty food items. So please control your salt intake.

Do not eat any spicy and oily food. It will increase acidity.

Try to eat fresh food. If you are a non-vegetarian like me try to cook meat fully and make it less spicy.

Have milk twice a day. I didn’t drink it because I had a vomiting issue. But I consume curd, lassi, and yogurt.

Here I am sharing my diet chart for one day which is provided by my gynecologist.  

Time	Food items	Measurment /Comment
Morning 7 :00 a.m	Milk	1 cup  (sometime I drink )
9:00 to 9:30 a.m.	Tea Palak Paratha/Alloo paratha/ Methi paratha Curd	1 cup ( I don’t drink it) 2   ½ cup
11.00 a.m.	Lemonade/orange juice Or Fruit Or Nuts	1 glass   Seasonal 1 Fistful
Afternoon 12.:30 p.m.	Roti Sprout (Maharashtrian usal)	2 1 cup
2:30 p.m.	Rice Lentil (Maharashtrian varan/Amti) Ghee Vegetables	1 cup (I had 2cup) 1 cup  1 Tsp 1 cup
4:30 p.m	Tea/coffee Biscuit/Toast	1 cup (I had it in my last trimester) 2/3
6:30 p.m.	Salad-fruit /sprout Or Soup	1 cup   1 cup
9:00 to 9:30 p.m	Ragi roti Green vegetable Pulav/Khichadi Salad Fruit	1 no 1 cup 1 bowl 1 cup 1
Before sleep night  11:00 p.m	Milk	1 glass (Sometimes I had )

 

You will get an idea of what to have in your diet. You can have plenty of vegetables and fruits. I used this chart throughout my pregnancy. Only I was unable to have dinner in the third and fourth months due to a vomiting issue. But I try to have at least soup, khichdi, or bhakari. I never kept my stomach empty. In the last trimester, I was able to have proper milk.

Following are the options which I used. I am Maharashtrian so giving out the same food items.

Breakfast options: Upma, Poha, Paratha, Puri bhaji, Sandwich – very few with only whole wheat bread, thalipeeth, sabudana khichadi, dhokla, missal paav, vada paav- homemade, dosa, idli, uttapam.

Lunch /Dinner options : Khichadi, Sprouted khichadi,  vegetable pulav, green leafy vegetables, Dal, rice, amti, all kind of green vegetables, paneer.

Non-veg: chicken, mutton, egg – all this should be made in less oil, less spicy, and fully cooked.

PS : pixabay 

Hope this chart and food options are helpful for the pregnant lady. Whether you have a single baby or have twins this is the right amount that you have to consume. If you want to eat more you can always eat. This is the basic measurement of the meal. I consume rice 2 to 3 cups and love to drink dal at least 2 cups.

If you find this post helpful. Do share with your pregnant mothers. I must say not a pregnant but every mother should have at least this kind of meal in one day.

What kind of food do you eat during your pregency? Do you find the diet chart helpful? Comment below.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.' ---

©Neeta Kadam. This article and image are the property of Memory Flies. Any unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited.

Bhatukali in vacation

Bhatukali -How many of you know this game? 

I guess kids in the 90s and before that must know BHATUKALI. Still, if you don't know, not to worry, stick to the whole post.

End of an era of online school

Gyan we learn from our kids : 

Be calm, accept the situation and enjoy it to the fullest. Our kids enjoyed the school in the same way (like offline)Irritating the teacher by asking questions like which subject is today? Can we write? Which lesson mam? Are you sending this in what's app group? Etc. 

For kids, it was more fun but the truth is they missed school, friends, and teachers. Due to online schooling, we are able to evaluate our kid's performance as well as " teachers" performance. We get to know the flaws and strengths of our kids. As a parent, we should utilize it.

Now it is vacation time and still, we have to schedule our kid's day, is it really necessary? This means, nowadays schools have everything in their syllabus from guitar to painting. But still, every parent feels to keep them busy.

Why?

Let them get bored. Let them allow to play in the sunlight. Let them play in the mud.  Let them play barefoot. Let them be tired. Let them decide what they want to do on a vacation. Introduce a few indoor board games and play as a family.

Do you remember, when we were kids, how much we used to play?  At that time we have no restrictions on playing from our parents. We used to play from morning to night with lunch n snacks break. Right? Then why do we putting such restrictions on our kids? Is it overparenting? What do you think?

Bhatukali in summer camp.

Now summer camps are flooded all over social media.  I don’t like to spend a huge amount on such a summer camp. But this time our colony had a summer camp. They actually conducted "sanskar Varg" for kids, which was very good for parents 😀because nowadays kids are arrogant and they have no compassion or kindness. (Not all but yes 60%) Even they don't know how to talk politely. 

Anyway, so I called them for the details. They said they have bhatukali. I literally jumped and without giving a second thought enroll my daughter.  It was ₹300 for 5 days with a unique activity. My daughter was also ready to join just because of this bhatukali.

OK, what is BHATUKALI?

My daughter asked the same question. I told her, that Bhatukali means real cooking with toy utensils. We used to prepare real meals like puri bhaji and dal rice with a toy kitchen set.

What to do?  Can we do it at home?

Well, the answer is yes, we can make it at home.

But this should be done with adult supervision. My Attya (bua-fathers sister) helps us with cooking. She actually built a small Chula ( gas with brick). We all friends bring cooking materials. Some bring oil, some bring potato, some bring wheat, and each one brings the necessary ingredients for the dish. We all cook and have a meal. This game took around 5 hours and we loved to play during our vacation.

During this summer camp, they decorate a toy kitchen set. Teachers teach kids how to knead the dough for poori, how to roll small puri, and how to fry it in oil. They allow each kid to perform these things. Cool  na! 

Then they also teach them how to boil potatoes and prepare a Sabji. They put the flame on Candle and made this "puri-bhaji" in the toy kitchen Kadai. Each child thoroughly enjoyed this. Because their mums do not even allow them in the kitchen and here they do so many cooking-related things.

How was the summer camp from my daughter's view?

It was fun and lovely. She enjoyed makings poori but got upset as she did not get a chance to fry them. I told her it was for everyone. One kid can not be allowed to do everything.  I assured her that I will allow her to fry the poori in my kitchen.😃 

Coming back to summer camp, she liked all activities except two -making Ballon girl and pot painting. 

I asked, Why?

Because we do pot, bottle, Diya painting every time mom. I am not able to make that Ballon girl so I don't like it. 😔

But I was happy that she enjoyed this small summer camp.

What were the activities?

pot painting 

Even a small child can do this Varali Painting. They give this pot with the Tulsi plant. They taught children how to plant the small tulsi.

Ballon girl

lifafa making from scrap

Bag from old t-shirt

stamping of leaves

Finger painting 

Candle painting

and some jumping 

I took one week from her vacation only when she was ready. The rest of the time she played with her friends. Every time she reminds me, mom it's my vacation. I will decide how to have fun. I said, yes madam.😇

But yes, she has a time limit too. Because once children start to play they forget to have a meal. I am happy because she is away from the screen. 

Conclusion: Reminder to the parents-

It is a children's vacation. 

Do allow kids to play outdoor.

Do not pack their schedule with unnecessary things. 

This is the best way to keep them away from the screen. 

This is my opinion. Do you agree mom? 

Do you introduce any such kind of old play to your kids? Did you play Bhatukali? Comment below. I would love to read.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.' ---

©Neeta Kadam. This article and image are the property of Memory Flies. Any unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited.