As I was combing my hair in front of the mirror, I could not help but smile at the image looking back at me. It was not so long ago that I was so ill at ease in the presence of children. I remembered being always awkward and unnatural in their midst. Nieces, nephews and godchildren may have probably thought of me as a bore—always entirely disinterested in many of their antics.During get-togethers or family occasions, I can recollect being merely a bystander, wanly looking at newborn babies and toddlers. While everyone else had brilliant comments about the little tykes swarming around, I could utter nothing appropriate! Words leave me in such situations …
In so many instances I had been a passive spectator, silently denigrating unattractive & grubby children all simply because that was how I looked at them. Indeed, I was just so heartless then that I could actually resist toddlers with adorably chocolate-muddled cheeks!
I used to be the “crossed aunt” (to my utter shame!) constantly guarding delicate china pieces at home from nieces, nephews and children of other relatives! I used to be overly conscious of what trouble these kids could cause if unsupervised. To say it otherwise, I used to be always “on the lookout” for infuriatingly naughty little boys & girls!
I was dreadfully wicked!
When motherhood caught up with me though, a completely different woman emerged. Suddenly, I knew how to naturally converse with insufferable little boys! I became playful and loving towards naughty little girls. Earsplitting toddler shouts and giggles, I can now, miraculously, endure! Indeed, as a new mom, I now have the perpetual patience of a saint!
To the surprise of others, I turned into a walking source of baby information. My lips can now earnestly and naturally utter expressions of concern towards ailing babies. Suddenly, I became completely “baby-crazy”— spotting them at once during malls trips! I have become a doting aunt. I morphed into a concerned Ninang with 100% maternal instinct in tow. I became fond of Dora the Explorer, Blues Clues, Hi 5, and The Backyardigans!
Indeed, I have become a child in so many ways. As my daughter grows up, I have also grown more appreciative of the simple things that adults take for granted so I guess, in motherhood, I have become a child again!
