Challenges of being a mom and a grandma

Ika learning how to bathe her baby with a little help.












Everyday I kept looking at Rania, marveling that such a beautiful bundle of joy is actually my grand-daughter. I think Ika is also in shock looking at Rania, not believing that she is actually hers. We examined her facial features and identify which ones look like her and which look like Justin. She complaints that Rania looks more like her father than her whereas she is the one who had to carry her over 9 months. As the days passed, Rania's looks changed too and she is going to change more as she grows. That's the wonder of babies created by God. At 2 weeks old, she has already established her presence in the family.

Since we brought Rania home, Raisa has been very curious, sniffing at her feet and head. Raisa also seemed to demand Ika's attention, wanting to sit on her lap. Ika has been her carer and I think she became possessive. But for gentle Raisa, she didn't turn nasty but just watched as everyone fussed over Rania. My Mok just couldn't care less who Rania is. He is so secured and doesn't even bother to look at her. But for the first time today, Mok showed interest on Rania when she cried. He inched nearer wondering who this noisy creature is. After a while he turned up his nose and sauntered off. That's my Mok. Like Garfiled, his motto is 'Love me, feed me and don't leave me' and he will be a happy cat!

I am worried over my daughter. Since giving birth she threw herself into panick many times, blaming herself for not being able to breastfeed her baby well. She despairs so easily when Rania cries especially in the evening and said many times 'I can't do this'. Her mind works over time worrying over 'what ifs ' especially when she knows that she has to cope by herself when the confinement period is over. I am going back to PD to get back my life and peace and will be back from time to time. No amount of talking eased her mind. That's the reason why parents cannot counsel their children. I tend to tell her what to do and what not to do. So younger sister, Maz, who is devoted to her older sister, gave her a shoulder to cry on and a pair of ears to listen without judgment. Maz cried when she told me that she is worried about Ika's state of mind. Oh God, this oldest daughter of mine is quite emotional. I told her to go out with Justin tomorrow and I'll take care of baby Rania with a reminder that both mom and dad not to call home. Ill call if Ineed them. I hope, she will calm down and realize that her world is not over when she has a baby.

I hope this worrier daughter of mine will be alright soon and enjoy her baby. She will learn how to schedule her time around Rania and balance her life, insyaallah. Ika, I love you and you will manage, I know. You see, you have my blood running in your body!