It’s taken me a while to write this blog post–and I feel like a lot has happened since then too. People aren’t kidding when they say that blogging takes time and commitment! In Part 1, I blogged how my low-key weekend ended up surprising me: I fixed an ongoing household problem, then I crossed the hardest thing off my bucket list by saving a life, and I alluded to two more events: welcoming a new family member to the world and crossing something else off the bucket list! (Along with very little sleep and learning some lessons, but that’s every weekend, right?) Here we go with Part 2:

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“Every time a child a born is proof that God has not given up on the world.”

That’s a quote from Deepak Chopra that his son, Gotham Chopra, shared at a youth conference I attended years ago when I was in high school, but it’s stayed with me ever since. I love it. It just made sense to me. And often time when I’ve been asked to pick a favourite quote, it’s come to mind. It’s so simple, yet deep and… truthful. 

It’s a reminder that no matter how horrible or crazy the world seems, there is hope. And innocence. And a chance to look at life through the simple eyes of a child: everything is new and can teach you something. how curious and amazing the world can be. Children have a way of just looking at you and making things alright. They can drive you up the wall but with a simple smile, hug or loving look, they can make you melt. They keep you in check: you’re a role model with a little mini-me who is there to follow you around and mimic your every move. That’s enough right there to keep you from making bad choices. So when I got the email from my cousin with the announcement of a new family member, it was a moment of pause, reflection and gratefulness for the hope this new life signified.

And with that, I present to you the newest member of my family: my niece, Ayesha Patel. (Before you ask when my brother or sister got married, Ayesha is my cousin’s daughter.  In my culture, your cousin’s kids are considered to be your nieces and nephews too, because that’s just how we roll. 🙂 ) She was born on January 6th, 2012 at 4:30am (Central Time), weighing 7lbs and 7oz. Mom (Namita, my cousin), big brother (Kevan) and Dad (Ashish) are all doing well and excited to welcome Ayesha into the world!

This will sound horrible, but I know I’m not alone in thinking this: usually newborns aren’t really cute, just wrinkly. Now I may be biased,  but she is adorable! (Do you see these cheeks?) Don’t get me wrong, babies are amazing because they’re such miracles and bundles of joy, but they really don’t get cute for a few weeks.

One of the best feelings in the world: having a baby fall asleep in your arms. I can’t wait to meet her and hold her myself. Someday, I may have some babies of my own, but until then, I’m more than happy to be the cool aunt: Sejal maasi loves you! <3