Why do I like an outing or a weekend chillin'-out with a toddler?

Y doesn't seem to have much time for outings with me and Arya due to his over-zealous work ethics, or maybe just the lack of desire to go out. So instead of waiting around and mopping for all the lost time and weekends gone waste, I've started going out with the other guy I love – Arya. And on a few occasions - my parents.

Arya is increasingly becoming my favourite outing companion. He doesn't ask me questions like -

·         "Why do we have to go that far, when we can go here?" (Why a mall when we can go to the dukaan-vala? Why the Zoo when we can go to a garden in our society?)

·         "Can we go later?" (To make sure that I forget it.)

·         "Let's eat at home and then leave" (So we don't have to spend time eating out. And save bucks!)

·         "Do you need to buy it when you already have XYZ blah blah blah?"

Arya loves to go wherever I take him, be it a local grocery shop or a mall. He eats whatever food we buy and wherever we buy it (*touchwood*), loves it when I shop for myself or the family. I can try on clothes and show them to him. He says things like 'Mumma tu hey ghe'/'Mumma tu chhan distey'/'Boo-te-fool aahe vah vah mumma' (Mumma buy this/you look good/It's very beautiful.)

He dances to songs being played in malls like Central (CenTRRRal), Pantaloons, CCD or Barista. He doesn’t want me to hurry up and go home. He likes to hold my hand while shopping, and hug me when he feels like! (Y this is for you!)

He is also a great companion in the car, talking all the way, offering kiddie suggestions for kiddie issues, listening to songs and singing them, etc. He insists on being strapped with the seat belt each time he sits inside. If I say ‘khup traffic aahe aaj Arya’, he says ‘halu halu jau mumma’ or ‘kay kalaycha mumma? Khup taffic aahe!’

Some problems I face when I am out alone with Arya are that I have to make sure he stays within my sight, and I’ve to carry all the bags plus hold his hand. If he is hungry, thirsty or tired, I have to make sure he gets attention immediately, else it becomes difficult. The solution is to prepare beforehand or to make short trips.

Two other key issues are that I have to drive, and I have to spend from my pocket :). Y has an upper hand here.

With my mom and dad I've recently been to Khadakwasala Dam, MTDC Karla, Vashi at Mani's place, and Matheran with Mani's family. Missed Y in these trips but such is life. They are great company too. They keep talking a lot, making sure there is no silence during the journey or wherever we reach. Arya loves their company and I can relax a bit with them.

Some pics to remember.

Arya and dad at Khadakwasala dam in Pune (Aug2013)

Arya and me enjoying Camel ride at Khadakwasala dam in Pune (Aug2013)

Arya and me enjoying Camel ride at Khadakwasala
dam in Pune (Aug2013)



Arya, me, mom, maushi at Khadakwasala
dam in Pune (Aug2013)
 

Arya enjoying boat ride at MTDC resort
Karla, Pune (Nov2013)



Arya hungry at MTDC resort Karla,
Pune (Nov2013)



Arya talking to ducks at MTDC resort
Karla, Pune (Nov2013)



MTDC Karla resort layout (Nov2013)



Dad, mangal, Arya, mom at MTDC Karla



Me and Arya at Charlotte lake in Matheran (Dec2013)






Arya, Dad, Mom at Rugby resort in
Matheran (Dec2013)








Me, Arya, Dad, horseriding in
Matheran (Dec2013)





Remembering...

Remembering the tiny, yet a bright spark that lit the lives around it ever so briefly.

Diwali and Birthday 2013

Yes, it is too late to post for Diwali time but just wanted to keep this saved somewhere. Hence writing. This time had a rocking Diwali, and a lukewarm birthday.

Made lots of faral for Diwali like Chaklis, Chiwda, Khaare-Shankarpale, Rava Ladoos, and Shev. Did lighting in terrace. Lit crackers (lesser this time as Arya hates noise.) Arya too enjoyed holding the sparkler with Yogesh. Got the polluting Red and Green ones.. Will not get them next time. Laboured a lot on Rangoli this time too. I even drew a Chhota Bheem Rangoli at home with a message "Happy Diwali to Arya". Arya kept hovering around me until it was done and loved it a lot!
 

Got a cute dress for Arya. Didn't buy a Diwali dress for myself as Y wasn't in the mood (the usual).

Birthday was ok-ok. Usually, I over-expect during birthdays and get disappointed at the end of the day. This time I hardly had any expectations and it went as I expected i.e. nothing was too amazing. 

Yes, I pestered Y to get me something from the jewelle
r, and he did! I cut a cake in office and at home with Arya. Very low key... 

Guilt and the 80-20 principle

Early Morning.
Finished cooking, packed lunch boxes.
Y went to office early. Gets pickup from a colleague these days.
Getting ready for office.
Need to drop Arya to school.
Need to get him ready.
Arya insists going to potty the same time I have to have a bath!
Does timepass in washroom.
Wastes half an hour doing nothing.
Gets scolded.
I hold him by the shoulders and shake him. (somehow I didn't beat him)
He cries.
I feel guilty for losing cool and I too cry.
Feeling guilty now in office.
Crying so much makes me breathless for rest of the day.
Missing him so much.
Want to go back in time and redo things since morning.
Waiting for the evening.

Need to choose which battles to fight, using the 80-20 principle.
 

An intelligent, loving and a stubborn child - All in one!

Arya has learnt to sing India's National Anthem - 'Jana Gana Mana' in his sweet voice. I must upload the recording somewhere. He says 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai', 'Jai hind' and 'Vande Mataram' with fervour after the anthem is over. He garbles some words or joins a few words together, but overall he is great for a child less than 3 years of age.

He has learnt to stay sweet things to me and Yogesh.
'Majhi mumma avatti' (He wants to say that he loves his mom.)
'Majhi mumma dalin aahe' (My mumma is a darling.)
'Mumma tu god bal aahe' (Mumma you are a sweet baby.)

He has started calling Yogesh 'Pappa ji' and me 'Mummy ji' when he wants to blackmail us. Don't know where he learns these things. No one in my family says ‘Ji’ to anyone!

He has become more caring, and asks me 'Kay Jhala Mumma' (What happened), if I am angry or sulking after a fight with Yogesh. OR if I am feeling down, he says 'Mumma tula balla nahi? Baan lavu tula? (He cannot say Balm and says Baan. He says if you are not well, should I get some ointment for you?)

All that glitters is not gold though. Contrary to this behaviour, there is his other side -

He is becoming increasingly stubborn, and it is becoming tougher for me to discipline him each day. Any kind of explanation, logical reasoning, punishment or beating doesn't work. He gets what he wants.

Mostly he wants me, i.e. my undivided attention and energy to talk to him, play with him, listen to his rhymes and songs, colour the cartoons with him, ride the bike, feed him whatever he likes, take him for a walk ... whoooooooosh.. the list is endless.

He dislikes it if I am working on my laptop, watching TV, making the crochet sweater for
him, or even talking to his dad. Sometimes he holds my head in both his hands and jerks it towards him, bringing his nose close to my nose and saying 'Mumma tu TV nako baghus. Majha tond bagh.' (Dont look at the TV. Look at my face.) OR 'Mumma chal apan doghach ata bolu' (Let's just the two of us talk). Many a times, he just looks lovingly at my face from barely an inch away, not allowing me to look anywhere else!

He jumps on top of both me and Yogesh (mostly me 80% of the time!), punches us, pushes us, and hits us with toys and more.

While most of this is what all kids do, I still am in a fix. After cooking, office, travel and cooking once again, I lose my spirit to even swat a fly off my face by evening. I do not have the strength to play with him or read him stories in animated voices. I still manage to do some of this for a small time every day, but training and disciplining him is not so frequent.  

Is there something that I am doing wrong? I understand that he is growing up and wants focused attention from both of us, given that we are not home for a major part of the day. But we too need some space and time to unwind and relax on reaching home. Someone once told me that kids can be sensitized to their parents’ wellbeing too. Can
this be done? How?

Maybe we need to take it with a pinch of salt and pray for more patience and understanding. Most importantly we need to believe that in future he will be more manageable, and we will have more time and energy.

 

Arya and me at Rugby Resort in Matheran

Silly Superstitions

I am superstitious. At least at my convenience. Here’s a new belief that I have cultivated over this weekend.

“Whenever I make some delicious recipe that is just out of a glossy booklet or from online, I and my husband have a huge fight”. The fight need not be over the food. It could be anything.

The first time this happened, I had made some potato cheese balls at home which were absolutely amazing. After a lot of hard work, when I finally put these to the table, my husband wouldn’t taste it. I think he was angry over the guests in my house who were gossiping. Nevertheless, it made my efforts seem irrelevant. And the rest was history.

The second time, he had to suddenly go to the office when I was in the middle of preparing ‘Microwave Roasted Stuffed Capsicum’ for lunch. It turned to be delicious. Arya and I loved it. But my husband came home at 9 pm and we fought even before he saw the food. The whole food had anyway become so cold by dinner time that I lost all interest in serving it. He was too tired or angry to even comment about it.

Another such superstition that I have is about carrying non-veg food in my car. When I was a learner, I drove my car for many months carefully and there was no incidence of damage to external or internal life and property. There were just few minor scratches. However there was this once when I made fried fish for my entire team. I was carrying it in a container to office, when a car slammed on to my car from the rear. For no fault of mine. Literally. I was stationary at the time of the accident. I hope this was just a one-off thing and doesn’t repeat itself, because I know I will have to carry non-veg food someday in my car.

But wait, was this again because of some food item that I made? Should I stay away from making dishes that could win me compliments? I did receive lot of compliments for the fish. Thinking…

Additionally, there are a lot of secret superstitions that I have involving some small and big things, to bring good luck. (I cannot discuss them, because I believe talking about them would jinx them.) Even though I want to be perceived as a practical and a logical person, I don't want to put these beliefs to test.

Why take a chance? Right?

Ganesh Festival and the Nostalgia!

I love festivities, especially the ones that go on for a longer time like Ganesh festival, Navratris, Diwali, Christmas and even Ramadan. It feels like the whole city gets charged up - lively, and bright.

Ganesh festival came with the usual fervour this time too. There were huge stalls and pandals selling Ganesh idols in various colours, designs and sizes. E.g. Ganesh sitting on his parent’s lap, Ganesh studying for IIT, Ganesh dancing on Kalia naag and more. There were lines and lines of shops selling decorative items like paper mandirs (called Makhars in Marathi), lighting strings, buntings, small LED lights and such, so that you can get your Ganesh home to a beautifully decorated place. There were shops selling puja items too. Above all, there was always a crowd of people before every shop and stall selecting their Ganpati, choosing the right decorations, buying last minute puja items. A walk on the street didn’t seem like a hectic task but a pleasure.

Being a true Punekar, I love Dhol-Tasha too. Even before the festival begins, lots of groups practice these drums in schools and playgrounds. If you stand close to the drum beats, you experience heavy thudding in your heart with every beat. You begin to anticipate and also know correctly when the next Tasha or Dhol will strike. I enjoy this feeling.

People brought their Bappa home, covered in a white cloth, while shouting ‘Ganpati bappa morya’! Small kids were running in circles around the person carrying the idol.

When I was a kid, my friend and neighbour Seema would bring Ganpati at home. I and my sisters would try to help out with decorations if needed (so many kids create more nuisance than help.) I got to learn so many Aarti’s by attending the morning and evening prayers during those 10 days for about 15 years. I can still remember her mom singing Aarti’s, while I and Seema read them out from a booklet. The Prasad was always delicious, and my mom would sometimes sponsor it too.

After I got married, I attended Ganpati celebrations each year at my friend Aarti’s place, who was also my neighbour. She involved me in decorations, getting the Ganpati home, help in making Prasad (rarely), singing Aarti’s, immersion processions, etc. Yogesh and I even led a prayer at their home once.

This year, I was missing Ganpati celebration a lot as I had shifted to my new house across the city. I couldn’t go to Aarti tai’s place, and really wanted to give Prasad to God, but didn’t know how. I wanted Arya to see the puja and decorations too.

We took Arya to see Ganpati pandals in our locality. We saw immersions happening on the 7th day at a river nearby, the people dancing, drums, etc.

I began missing the childhood and past days even more. It was the 9^th day… just 1 more day to go.

That was when I got a call from another friend – Sarita. She had a Satya-Narayan puja at her home, and a Ganpati that they would immerse in the afternoon. The best thing was that I was invited for the Puja! And she even called us for lunch.

We went to her place yesterday morning. The Ganpati idol, lighting and decoration were simply amazing. I could do the puja and give Prasad to God. Arya could see the Bappa at home. The lunch was delicious – a menu of puran-poli, amti, bhajji, papad, chapati, varan bhaat! Yogesh, me and Arya ate till we were stuffed. We enjoyed every moment!

Somehow Ganpati knew my small wish and fulfilled it through my friend. This year I realised that more than my fascination for the festival, I felt the need to be there.

Ganpati bappa morya!

I spent the evening watching the immersion procession and dhol-tasha performances on TV.

It’s school time for Arya - 2

Arya’s first day in the school. 

Arya was very excited to go to school, mainly because he wanted to wear the new dress, carry the new bag, wear socks and the new floaters! There was even a new lunch box!

I was concerned though. I had read so much about separation anxiety.
What if he couldn't open his lunch box? (I should have taught him to do it at home.) How would he eat?
Would he be able to find his new sipper and drink water from it? (This was the new non-spill sipper I had got for him to ensure the water doesn't spill in his bag.)
What if his diaper gets dirty and no one checks?
What if he doesn’t like the other kids? What if the kids hit him?

On the big day, we got him ready. He looked like a very seedha-sadha bachcha, a first bencher type. Yogesh and I carried him to the school. When we reached there, Arya saw so many kids cry while their parents went back from the gates. That was when he got the hang of the situation. He hadn't expected this. He cried when they took him inside, 'Aye mumma, aye mumma, tu ye tu ye'... (Mom you too come inside).  The whole building was full of screaming kids! We waited outside the building for about 5 mins and went back home.
When he came back, Arya was very happy and excited to see us. He was jumping around and talking a lot.

‘Sonu, kuthe gela hota’ (Where did you go?)

‘Kool madhe gela hota’ (I had gone to the school)

‘Kay kela school madhe?’ (What did you do in the school?)

‘Cycle khel-la’ (I played with the bike)

This continued for a few days. As long as I or Yogesh dropped him, he was happy to go. He even ate his dabba (pohe, upma, alu-paratha) and drank water. He told us every day that he played cycle in the school. There was no mention at all, of what the school teacher taught him that day. 

Within a few days we saw some progress, as he began to sing Alphabet song and some other rhymes in his usual style - missing a few words and combining some to form new ones! He sang the tune perfectly though. We still encourage him by singing along with him and clapping when he finishes a rhyme.

All was going well until there were changes in Yogesh's office time and my office hours increased. To top it off, Arya's regular class teacher changed too...

To be continued...

It’s school time for Arya - 1

(This is an article I wanted to write in July but have written and posted it now.)

Preface – Expect the unexpected.

I was in the middle of my busy work day when I got an SMS from Arya’s would-be play-school, and quite unexpectedly, I felt a slight twinge in my heart. What? So soon??!!!

I was aware that the school would send some communication to parents few days before it starts. The message was to inform parents about an orientation meeting and its date. Parents would get to know the teachers, get the allotted school bags for kids, have their kids measured for uniforms, etc.

I have spent most of the last month telling Arya - ‘Sonu, ata school aahe pudhcha mahinya pasun. Tu janal na?’ (He had no idea but replied.) ‘Haaa’

Yet I felt a little sad when I got the SMS. It was because now my baby who would stay home for the whole day playing around had grown up just a tiny bit. He would be leaving home for few hours and not be around us. I curtailed this emotion with thoughts like - it is just playschool, it is only for a few hours, and I didn’t even need to send him there every day!

I attended the orientation meeting with Arya, wondering how he would take it, cause he hadn’t been away from home without one of us around. When we entered the compound, we saw some bikes for kids. Arya sat on a green one that was the most attractive. Since then I didn’t have to bother looking at him for the rest of my time there!

He didn’t come upstairs with me to the meeting. Other teachers kept an eye on kids playing in the compound. I was proved wrong. He didn’t mind being around other kids if there are enough bikes around. The meeting lasted for 1.5 hour and I was worried - What if he falls? What if someone pushes him? What if he wants me and couldn’t find me? I came down to see Arya happily playing on the same bike! He didn’t even want us to go back home… I had to drag him out!

 

To be continued…

Ladoos, cakes, barfis, gembs and such

Arya wants more and more of taboo stuff these days, thanks to my parents! Just like ideal parents would want to, I and Yogesh had kept Arya away from Maggi, Gems, chocolates, cakes, sweet-shops etc. Sadly, my mom thinks he has become too thin. Of course he doesn't want to eat healthy home cooked meals much. My parents feel utter pity on Arya due to our cruelty. They think we keep our child hungry.

Whatever. Few times I did allow my dad to get him barfi, ladoos, cakes, etc., and since then a lot has changed.

Gembs:

Well, my dad gave him Gems one day, and Arya's tiny world was awed by the beautiful coloured buttons! He would say to me 'Gembs aan (Bring gembs)'. If I would go down to the shop or office or even to throw garbage, he would yell 'Gembs!!!!!!'

“Mummy bhuk lagali” (Mom I am hungry)

“Kay deu? Chapa-bhaji deu?” (What should I give you? Let me give you chapatti and veg)

“Nako chapa… (pause)…Mummy bhuk lagali. Mala gemb de” (I don’t want chapatti and veg. I am hungry. Give me gems.)

“Shonu, aplya kale gembs nahi aahet gharat” (we don’t have Gems at home)

(Some crying)

“Mummy chal maha gembs aan” (lets go to the Mahalaxmi grocery shop below to get Gems)

“Shonu pan sagle paise sampale! Ata kasa anaycha Gembs” (All money is over. How would we buy gems now?)

(Thinking)

“Papa fone kal” (call dad. Sometimes it is a call to mom.)

 Few times we say that some distant relative is going to get it next time they come. He does keep it in his mind and if by chance they do come to our place, that’s the first thing he demands from them.

Maggi:

Another thing he began to love is Maggi. (Ok I used to eat Maggi in front of him, but never gave him!) So now I have successfully converted the appearance of real Maggi to homemade Shevai i.e. semolina in his eyes. No, he doesn't eat it like Maggi. He hates it. He likes pasta though. And we make it once in a few months.

Chiula (chiwda/farsan):

My sister (Namita) and her hubby got Lonavala chiwda a few times, and of course my dad did too. Till date Arya eats at least a few morsels every day. Once he begins, he never looks up from the small plate. One should never try to pick up chiwda from his plate!

"Mummy mala bhuk lagali"

"Thamb valan-bhaat dete." (Wait I’ll give you dal and rice)

"Mala nako valan-bhaat." (I don’t want dal-rice.)

"Mummy mala bhuk lagali. Mala chiula de" (Mom I am hungry. I want chiwda.)

Chockate (chocolate):

He does eat actual chocolates once in a while but for him the real chocolate is the jelly chocolate that we get in Khandala. Again my sister's hubby (Sudhir Bhauji) gets it without fail for him. These jelly sweets come in a bat shaped case and Arya loves it too. He eats jelly chocolates one after another. We try to limit him to 4 in one go and once in few days. We keep trying.

Pasta:

He likes the SunFeast pasta too much! I like it too. He sits with folded lap like one would for a puja, and finishes a fair share. We make it once in 3 or 4 months.

Ladoos:

Finally, the ladoos have really harassed me. He sees Chhota Bheem eating it and asks me to get them. I got motichoor ladoos one day, but he refused to touch them after tasting them. Once my neighbour gave 2 ladoos from her bro's wedding and Arya devoured them! So like a smitten mother, I made rava ladoos at home. And yet again, he didn't touch them.

Few weeks back Arya and me had gone to my mom’s place and she gave a Rava ladoo to him. He ate it like he wasn't fed ever! I asked mom to give few for carrying with me. He finished them and since then demands for them every day. Our excuses are that Guddi (Arya's nickname for my mom) will get them next time. Or we will go to sweet shop in the evening, or we don't have at home and we don’t have money left. He cries or talks to Guddi on phone so that she can send them.

We know such junk food should not be eaten by him and we avoid to a large extent. Still, he is just a kid with developing taste buds and it is a huge task to keep him away from all this! We try...

--------------------------------------------------------------

Update: Finally, Guddi made ladoos and got them yesterday! They were made at Mani maushi’s place and sent for him. Arya saw Guddi and Baba at the door yesterday and did a big dance, running around the house with hands up in the air, and flinging himself on the sofa with happiness. All the time he was yelling yey, yey! He saw the ladoos and gobbled one right away! It was fun to see his mouth full and smeared by the rava.

I can rest in peace from the other demands for a few days until the ladoos get over!

Fast forward...Arya's artwork

Arya has begun to go to playschool. There were a lot of articles that I wanted to write before this one but didn't get time. I will write about Arya's experience in the school and his activities later.

Meanwhile, here are the masterpieces he created within 2-3 weeks after the school started.

The cut-outs are given by school.

The teddy on the left is a head-band with strips behind. It is colored with a green crayon.
The doll on the right is a wall hanging that was finger painted in red dots. Her hair is colored with brown crayon. (He colored it well without going out of the borders).

I had pinned these in my office cubicle for a day.

 

They made the kids tear paper too, which is fun!

 

This also looks like fun! Got these two papers in office to show around!

 

 

 

Finally and unfortunately, I see Aura

Today i.e. the 12th of June 2013 at 9. 30am I had my first migraine attack with an Aura.

It was just an ordinary morning with no prior migraine symptoms. But when I walked on my office floor, I suddenly realised that the lower half of my left eye went blur and there were squiggly and wavy lines in it. The center of my right eye also had these wavy lines. It was like looking through a semi-transparent/patterned glass. 

I couldn't read names on my mobile handset or see faces of people clearly. Thinking that this was another of a low BP symptom, I ran to eat breakfast in a fearing that I will faint. I had almost fainted once in my college and didn't want to do it in office. I drank a can of slice and ate a big dosa. 

Just to make sure nothing serious would happen, I went to the doctor in my company. He told me what I already was suspecting, that this could be happening due to migraine. He however didn't rule out the Low BP bit as it was low too. So, the Rx was rest and eat a lot and drink sweet stuff. 

I took some tablets and slept there for about 1 hour. The headache was very mild but the aura was really frightening. It lasted till 12.30pm, after which I was ok. 

During the whole episode, I was feeling dizzy, confused and lost.  I felt like I was about to pass out or become blind. Or like I had some grave problem in my eyes - like you know something big. I tried reaching people from my family, so someone could get me home, but they couldn't.

I am not sure if this is the peak of the migraine that I am suffering from since many years now. I only hope I don't get such auras again.

Wanted to note this down as it might help someone somewhere reading this and it will help me recollect the symptomps later.
 

"That's The Way It Is" - Celine Dion

This is one of my favorite songs by Celine Dion. So meaningful... and such beautifully sung!


"That's The Way It Is"
Artist: Celine Dion

I can read your mind and I know your story
I can see what you're going through
It's an uphill climb, and I'm feeling sorry
But I know it will come to you

Don't surrender 'cause you can win
In this thing called love

When you want it the most there's no easy way out
When you're ready to go and your heart's left in doubt
Don't give up on your faith
Love comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is

When you question me for a simple answer
I don't know what to say, no
But it's plain to see, if you stick together
You're gonna find a way, yeah

So don't surrender 'cause you can win
In this thing called love

When you want it the most there's no easy way out
When you're ready to go and your heart's left in doubt
Don't give up on your faith
Love comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is

When life is empty with no tomorrow
And loneliness starts to call
Baby, don't worry, forget your sorrow
'Cause love's gonna conquer it all, all

When you want it the most there's no easy way out
When you're ready to go and your heart's left in doubt
Don't give up on your faith
Love comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is

When you want it the most there's no easy way out
When you're ready to go and your heart's left in doubt
Don't give up on your faith
Love comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is

That's the way it is
That's the way it is, babe
Don't give up on your faith
Love comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is.

Chubby cheeks, Dimple chin

When I woke up yesterday morning, Arya was already staring at my face, waiting for me to wake up. When I did, he began poking my cheeks and eyes, saying 'A Mumma, A Mumma'. This is our routine.
 
Arya (poking my cheek): "Mumma..... Chubby cheeks, Dimple cheeen".

Wow! I couldn't believe that he said those words. He cannot talk clearly yet, and I have never attempted to teach him to say these words. You know, like lots of parents who make kids repeat words after them.

We do have videos of nursery rhymes, and me and Yogesh sing them for him sometimes. We teach him parts of the body though.
 
So this little guy sang the above 4 words. I once again underestimated him and began repeating the same line over and over again.

Arya (pointing at my teeth): "Mhan" (Say).

Me (now getting it): "Rosy lips, teeth within."

Arya (pulling his hair now): "Mhan hail". (Say hair)

Me: "Curly hair, very fair. Eyes are blue, lovely two."

At this he poked his finger in my left eye.
 
Me: "Mothers pet is that you?"

Arya: "Yessss, yesssss, yessss"

.....................................

Oh, yes and he keeps saying 'Jindal bell, jindal bell' for the song 'Jingle bells jingle bells jingle all they way.

He makes nice hand gestures for 'Twinkle twinke little star'. I have taught him to make a diamond shape with his two hands for this rhyme. The poor guy puts a huge effort to do it in a hurry before the last line is over. He repeats 'Tinkle tinkle, staal'. He points to stars on his bed cover and says 'Mumma, bagh tinkle stal'. (Mom, look there is a twinkling star.)

I think his rhymes are going to be fun!
 

New article on what Arya's saying

Arya has started doing 'A mumma' 'A papa' a lot lately in various tones, and he does it repeatedly until we notice. I specially love it when he wakes up in the morning and waits for me to wake up beside him. He lovingly pokes his fingers in my eyes, ears, mouth and keeps saying 'A mumma', as if he wants to tell me some story. But all he wants to do is grab my attention and show me that he loves me so much.

He says 'Plane kute' (Where's the plane) or 'Cal kute' (Where's the car)

He searches for his dad when Yogesh goes out of the house. He says - 'Kute papa, kute papa' and after some time if he cannot find him, he says, 'Gela papa'. It is quite funny to hear with the tone he uses.

He recognises Yellow color sometimes (says Lellow)

One day he got his small board book of Animals to me for reading. He says - vach, boot vach.

It has a picture of an animal on a page and a name written. We had started reading such books to him since he was 6 months old, even though he wouldn't have understood them back then. So he came and began pointing out the animals that he knows - Cow, Baba (i.e. sheep), Holse (Horse), Hen, Cat, Bhubhu (Dog), etc.

Same was with the small board book of Birds. He identifies Hen, Pallot (Parrot), Palow (Sparrow), Eagle, Vultul (Vulture. I was shocked to know that he remembered this too), Penguin, etc.

Sometimes when he is hungry he runs into the kitchen beating both his hands on his chest and saying - 'Bis pahije, tula paaje, tula paaje'. He says 'tula' (you) instead of 'mala' (me) while demanding things.

He has a cricket set - stumps and all made of plastic. There is a base for the three stumps. We have to insert the stumps in the base. Arya makes us put 1 stump in the center hole to convert it into a make-do hammer. He runs with that plastic hammer shouting something and bangs it on the wall a few times like demolition workers do.

He has begun to love Mickey Mouse (a cartoon that I hated). He sways whenever Mickey dances. He gets into a fit of laughter when he sees Goofy and Donald slip on some Peas in the garden. He loves to see cartoon characters suddenly run or appear fast.

 

I can't explain it, You won't get it...

Work hours increased. Strict in-out timing followed.

Driving the car to office everyday. 2 hours commute.

Started gymming for some time. Want to reduce weight.

Tired at home mostly.

Arya gets even lesser time and an irritated mom.

Time duration to force feed Arya reduced by 15 mins. Arya is happy. I am worried.

Fights between Yogesh and  me have reduced. Reason, no time to communicate and no energy to argue.

Any food cooked by Maushi is Ambrosia. Feel like cooking something myself if I get time.

Learnt baking a 4 minute microwave cake. Turned out to be better than I expected.

Thinking of doing swimming or cycling or singing...

Thinking of starting to eat brown rice and organic stuff.

Worried that Arya isn't getting potty trained.

Want to do the kitchen and cupboards in the house sometime.

Want to sit looking out of the car window while Yogesh drives it to office.

Want to stay competitive in the job and learn new things.

Thinking how Arya is getting sweeter every day. How he gets excited to see me come home every evening at 8.30 or 9 pm. Says -  "A mumma, A mumma, A mumma, bas ithe bas." Etc.

Missing him now.

.... 

Arya's second birthday celebration!

He is two already! Every mom wants to see her son grow up quick and I do too, but I already miss the time when he was a baby that would fit in my arms while I rocked him. But his latest gimmicks come ahead each day and I love him even more!

This time decided to do the celebrations on a smaller scale. I had to invite the women in my apartment complex who had invited me earlier and a few who are really friendly. Plus some kids nearby and my immediate family of 10 people! All in all, we had about 15 elders and 14 kids.

Us
 

My mom, sister and her daughters with
Arya

Arya with his cousin Pranjal

We had decorated the entire house with cartoons and stars and balloons. Yea, most of the stuff was leftover or salvaged stuff from Arya's last birthday celebration. I can be a spendthrift if I wanted to! His happy birthday banner was last year's too. It doesn’t have a number on it so it is reusable. There were happy b’day caps too.

Chhota Bheem cake!

Arya secretly eating the cake!

The cake was bought ad-hoc without any pre-booking. It was a 1.3 kg chocolate cake with Chhota Bheem on it, so Arya immediately fell in love with it and started dipping is fingers in the icing. Chhota Bheem is a craze with the kids.


Last year during Nivedita’s daughter's birthday she had organized a game that involved both kids and adults. I decided to do it too since it could be played with kids of any age group.

Colored balls in the bag...



Pranjal doing her try

I took a red cloth bag and put few multi-coloured plastic balls in it. (It was a red satin bag with a golden lace at the borders. I had got fancy shoes in it from Dadar, Mumbai about 6 years back!) Each kid would come forward and announce what colour ball he/she wanted from it. The kid would then close his/her eyes and draw a ball. If the ball is of the same colour as announced, the kid would get two Cadbury chocolates, else just one. One chocolate for the loser was a must if I didn’t want crying children in the party!

One of the moms said that she wanted to try it out too. So I had another round for the mommies! This time the losing moms didn’t get anything! I had to make up for the lack of chocolates.

The fun part was when Pranjal (Namita’s daughter and Arya’s cousin) walked to me during the game, and said that she wants to play too. She had a try an d was really sad that she didn’t get the right ball. I gave her a chocolate anyway. Sejal, her sister, directly went to the box and took her chocolate without bothering with the formalities.

Arya came next and took a ball. Everyone clapped because he was the smallest of the gang. Arya began looking at the audience and started clapping (I’m guessing that this kid is won’t have stage fear). He didn’t bother to see if the ball was correct or not and directly grabbed his chocolate. Again he waited for a moment for everyone to clap.

Dinner time!

I dropped my plan to make pav-bhaji and hired a caterer we know. The menu was simple pulav, chhole, gulab jamun, puris, and salad, apart from wafers, chocolates and cake.

Kids got apple shaped lunch plates as return gifts! And Arya got a cupboard for himself from Namita maushi, Mega Blocks wagon with building blocks from Asmita maushi, a bicycle from grandparents and parents, and lots of other gifts!

My new Bike!



New cupboard for my stuff!

 

The biggest blackmail scandal exposed!

I have unravelled a huge blackmail scandal! It is going on all around in the world, and right near you! Young and unsuspecting parents are their easiest catch. They take your time, money and love and they always want more!

I’m talking about the little ruffians in our houses with cute and chubby faces.

My son has learnt every trick in the book. He is becoming stubborn by the minute and creates a tantrum if I do not comply with his wishes. He tries to throw himself on the wall (bodily), bang his head, and beat his fists. He comes back to me when he has inflicted pain on himself, saying ‘Mamma dokala (Mamma my head is hurt)’ / ‘Mamma botale (Mamma my fingers hurt)’. He knows that I would rush to his aid.

He cries till his voice goes hoarse and even tries diversion tactics while eating food. He tries to show me his bicycle, toys, cartoons while innocently saying ‘Nai kaycha (No mamma, I don’t want to eat.)’

He has also started beating up people with fists, and it hurts so much.

We have learnt to ignore some of these tantrums and tactics. When it gets too much and we want to punish him, we make him stand in a corner. We say, ‘Jaa ubha raha tithe. Yeu nakos. Ani doka aptu nako. (Go stand there. Don’t come back till I say. And don’t bang your head in the corner.)’ He does it.

But these days he starts looking for a sentimental person in the house who will pick him. He sniffs his nose repeatedly to mimic crying and purses his lower lip, to show he is so miserable! He fidgets with his fingers showing he is so afraid right now.

This is enough to melt the soft person he was targeting. He yelps with joy the moment someone calls out for him, and forgets everything about the punishment. Even the reason for the punishment!

We think of newer strategies every day and each day we fail. We do not quit though! A tantrum might bring irritation, anger, tears, pride, or awe in us, but still enriches our memories of a lifetime.

So what's the point?

I'm not sure what's the point in even writing a blog. I cannot write about all the real stuff going about in my mind. Like what I think of his behaviour, her attitude, the clashes, fights, arguments, depression, anxiety, stress!

I want the blog to be great to read for me at a later time. And what I want to write is not so glittery.

We did have a small function for Arya's Second Birthday in my house. It went great.

There was also a small function at my moms place, a baby shower for my younger sister! It was amazing too.

Will come back to write about it later.