One of the most memorable and magical sensory experiences was after Sajan was born. In the first couple days of Sajan’s life, I vividly remember the smell he carried for the first 5-7 days. Kinda gross, kinda beautiful. All the fluids that coated his body were like a party for my nose.
This is called vernix caseosa. A waxy substance that coats the skin after birth and also sounds like a Harry Potter spell. I’ve learned now that it is a part of our evolution to feel a bond to this delicious chemical makeup. Honestly wish I could bottle it up and spray it on me.
These days at about 5 months, he still has a lovely baby smell. It’s the smell of breastmilk and saliva combined and I cannot get enough of it. I sit there and inhale every inch of his body when I can. I know the smell is temporary because as soon as he starts solids, it’s game over.
