Amma!

After 9 years of motherhood….

“Amma…,” he lisped…

And I swooned.

After nine months of waddling like a rubber ducky, six months of zombie nights, one year of colicky nighttime vigil, and all the zillions of stuff you do to raise kids without causing too much damage...the least you expect is a quiet acknowledgment over the guy who scurried off to the other room to have a peaceful night of sleep. But no, despite all my maternal 'sacrifices' I had resigned to being the second favourite or at the most, an unfair equal in the all-time favourite parenting contest…‘kuttu, ammede monaano, achante monaano?” (A silly game in Mallu circles…kinda means “are you mummy’s son or daddy’s son?” A rather dumb question, considering that it takes two to tango!)

Anyways,...whaddaya think? Having three kids heightens the chances of landing the much anticipated answer??? Na, na, na....nope....no way...2 out of 3 turned out to be diplomats…the question would either be met with a coy smile or with a deft change to some inane discussion of.....Power Rangers, of all things!

But, yesterday…after 9 years of motherhood…one whispered the golden word… “amma!”

I couldn’t believe my silly ringing ears! The spouse’s face fell a little. To make sure it hadn’t been an accidental slip of the tongue, he hopefully repeated the question. Pat came the firm answer, “Amma!”

Yea, ye, ye , ye, yea!!!!!