Our visit to the ER

For those of you who are wondering what’s going on at our end, I am sorry I have been slacking at providing updates. I will soon post detailed updates on Gauri and Neel – I promise. But for now I’ll just say – we had the most scary evening this past Thursday. Gauri was out with Nanu for their evening walk, Neel and I were home, having our one-on-one time alone when Mani came back rather early from his racket ball game. I was surprised as well as happy that he was back soon. But within a few moments I realized that he was actually choking, barely able to talk, coughing vigorously and unable to breathe. I realized that this was his allergies, but this time it was worse. When he just couldn’t breathe, he signed me to quickly rush him to the ER (emergency Room). Fortunately, papa was back with Gauri and I only said “I am taking him to the ER, Neel’s with me, you take care of Gauri, and I’ll call…” We left in a panic and Manish kept insisting that I jump those one million traffic lights each one of which was Red this time, I was trying to keep my head straight while driving a screaming baby and chocking husband. As soon as we reached the ER the ER staff realized that his condition was rather critical because he was complaining of inability to breathe and therefore they asked me to register him while they already took him in. As we (Neel and I) registered him, my head was running in all directions, “Is he OK ? does he need me right now? He doesn't have a cell home with him? What about Gauri – would she be crying at home? Should I call papa – Damn no cell phone signal here. Neel’s crying, he is hungry, what can I give him, Jeez, he just pooped…oh shoot I forgot the Diaper bag in the car, cant go back to the parking lot now….” My brain’s CPU was running at 100% and was ready to hang, when the nurse asked me if I wanted to go see my husband. “Yes, ofcourse”. Ok so things were only going to get worse – they (hospital staff) couldn’t find him in any of their rooms!! “Sorry we cant seems to find your husband here” said the nurse. “Ok let me ask someone”, “ I am surprised where did they take him”…..I was almost about to have a panic attack, because only they worst possibilities were coming in my head at that time. Thanks goodness they finally found him. But those 15 minutes seemed like forever to me. I was relieved to see that he was able to breathe now. With a million monitors on him, and IV and what now and a zillion other drugs already injected in my poor hubby, “the situation is under control now” the nurse said. We were informed that it could take several hours before a doctor would be able to see him. The Doctor saw him at around 10:30 and reported that it was definitely a result of one of his severe food allergies (in this instance the culprit was nuts in the laddoo he ate before heading out for the game that evening). With a long list of antihistamines and other Allergy drugs , we finally got home by 11. Thank God, everything was Ok with him, Gauri was super excited to accompany me to the hospital to bring baba home. “I missed you baba” were her exact words as he entered the car when I picked him up at the ER door. We have see an allergist now, to figure things out and understand the dos and the don’ts regards to his eating. For now, I am putting away ALL Indian sweets out of his sight.

Let's celebrate Mothers

Happy Mothers Day to all the amazing women whose nick name is any of the following:

“Ma, Mother, Mummy, Mommy, Mom, Mum…” basically, “mother” in any language. You are all fabulous, doing a great job and know that you mean the world to your children.

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs I have ever had, since the payment is abundance of - pure love. And after being a full time mommy myself, I truly believe that all mothers are “working mothers" and their job does not end ever – not even after the kids go to bed or when they are away from her because a mother never quite leaves her children at home/ daycare/ babysitter - even when she doesn't take them along she is still always thinking about them. So here’s to all the mothers and mother like figures who have worked so so so very hard every day (and night) of their life to serve (their children) unconditionally!! Cheers to you all!!

I read this wonderful Quote by a writer named Rajneesh -

"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new."

How very true – I believe it’s a God’s blessing to be a mother. As a woman I would have never realized the pleasure of loving someone unconditionally; never realized that I had the strength to sleep only couple of hours (if even that) every night and still have the sanity to care for an infant day and night; I would have never realized that nothing can warm my heart like when my child smiles back at me, that most precious birthday present is not another diamond but opening my eyes to the soft sound of my child singing “happy Birthday” to me. So here’s to our children who made us mothers and made us COMPLETE – Cheers!!

And last but not the least, here’s to MY MOM –

She was a petite woman (as some of you already know) but she had a heart so large that everybody's joys found welcoming abode in it, every ones sorrows found a hospitable accommodation in it .

Ma, I miss you every day of my life, your image is the deepest impression on my heart and your voice still resounds in me. You are like a never ending song of comfort, happiness and belonging-ness in my heart; the words of which I may sometimes forget but I always remember the tune.

Special thanks to hubby dear, for giving up their wife to be a mother first, for living with a woman who the kids sometimes (or should I say almost all the time) driving absolutely insane and crazy and far from being perfect and most of all accepting the new woman that emerges from sleeplessness, screaming kids, no time to shower, seen mostly in sweat-pants, cooking meals with either too much salt or too little sugar, who either sings a lullaby or yells or talks in sarcasm - basically a woman they didn't marry!! So to you dear hubby for accepting us with all our imperfections.

Big Day - Big Realization

So this past Sunday we celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary. Gosh!! does time fly any quicker? I still remember very vividly the hot summer afternoon of April 19th when the temperatures were soaring the usual 100 degree F and the lu (the hot wind that blows in the Northern part of India) had started early morning at around 9:30 AM when we were doing the pre-wedding ceremonies (Eechh- Baan) in the courtyard of our old ancestral house (Peeli Kothi - as it used to be popularly known as in those days). I was trying to get out of the house to go to the “Beauty Parlor” for getting ready with makeup and wedding dress and I got late in reaching there; I will never forget that the woman beautician actually shouted at me and got me in to tears for being late and not bringing the flowers that she thought she had informed me to bring with me for my Hair decoration…..of course it was a very busy day for her, she said she had 8 other brides to get ready for the same time!! But it was My Wedding day too and wasn’t I suppose to be special (at least I thought so in my mind) how dare she be so rude to me, now that I think of it, I guess I was under too much pressure back then at that particular time to get ready and be out on time so I bursted into tears and holy cow did my eyes ever swell that bad!! But anyway, long story short, the events of that Special day are still as fresh as yesterday’s in my mind. Here are a couple of pictures that could dig out (our wedding album is in India) of both of us 9 years ago :o) This year we didn’t do much on our anniversary; I was Super tired of being awake almost the entire 3 nights in a row, plus we were in Boston and it’s a significant enough change for the kids, No nap in last 2 -3 days, we were doing late night eating out/ party (my cousin’s birthday Celebration), so all I wanted was a “normal” day. Yes, I have to admit, with so much going on, we hadn’t planned anything special for the day. But my dear brother, the wonderful gracious host, the young enthusiastic and let’s-make-things-special kind-a-guy that he is, decided to treat us every which way possible. But when I turned down all his offers and he saw that the entire day had “just” gone by, he convinced us to go out for an early dinner at this Fancy Cambodian Restaurant next to his place on Harvard Sq. Wonderful ambiance, excellent location, beautiful people all around, the place was definitely special. Neel was asleep so I was quite hopeful that we will have a wonderful meal finally. BUT - Even before the dinner was served, both Gauri and Neel were out of control because it was past their bedtimes and they are not used to so much noise/ stimulation and I was feeling like everyone was staring at us (Me). The food, whatever I was able to taste, was awesome, but to tell the truth, I was feeling out of place. This place was not meant for parents of infants/ toddlers, it was too classy for Mommy-me. Although, Mani did love the experience and I too liked the food but I had to run out(literally) with Neel, in the middle of the dinner (of course, frustrated somewhat) because his crying was getting louder and louder and I wasn’t able to swallow even a single bite anymore. So the weekend was a big realization that we do NEED to change our lifestyle - no more late night parties, socializing, eating out with the kids. I have accepted this change ever since Gauri came into our lives and more so after having Neel but I think it will take its own time for Daddy to give-in. I sincerely feel too bad for Mani since he is such a social being and loves to socialize/ entertain specially on weekends. But I do know that this is a temporary situation and only in a couple of years we will again be ready for more adventure, more celebrations!!

Too Sexy for any hair!!

The little man now has a new hair style officially – “Baldy”!!

On April 8 2009, Neel had his "Mundan" ceremony – Baba was the official Barber (Naai) and I have to say he did a wonderful job. Neel sat in his lap the entire time and credit also goes to my little darling for being extremely patient the entire time – not a single tear, no fuss and baba did and excellent job – not a single cut!! So where was I during this time? Oh welll, I was holding Ms. Gauri and keeping her busy with camera and the camcorder since he was very fascinated with the clipper and absolutely amused with Neel’s new hair style.

Holding the Tripod - our designated photographer for the occasion.

Neel’s newly shaved head made him look SUPER cute and I have to admit that I am totally loving his clean shaved head…No hair and a big smile -makes me crazy(er) about him.

Gauri says “Neo looks funny” "Neo is Ganju Pateel"…..hahahaha…..Oh but I think she doesnt really like the idea of head-shave because she woke up one night crying and calling her baba, murmering "baba, no cut Gauri hair like Neo's". I felt really bad that what impact did this have on her. Next day morning I talked to her and tried to explain that we will never cut her hair like "neos" but that little babies get thicker nicer hair after Mundan, we even showed her the pcitures of her mundan and how cute she looked in those. She is OK now.

I remember, Gauri was born with such thick hair and they grew thicker and longer so quickly that it almost broke my heart to do her mundan. Gauri - 3 days old.

I had spent hours on internet trying to find reasons why “mundane” is such a big deal and why is it necessary and if there really is a logic in this….and I did find some interesting information. In Hindu culture it is believed that the hair from birth is associated with undesirable traits from past lives (Hindus believe in re-birth). Thus at the time of the mundan, the child is freshly shaven to signify freedom from the past and moving into the future. The rite is performed as a special ceremony in most homes, for young children and then the hair are offered to the holy river (Ganga). We have also saved Neel’s hair to take with us to India of offering in the Ganges. So we had finally decided to shave off our little darling but my tears were shedding at the same speed at which her hair was falling. It was probably the hardest thing for me (to see her bald after being used to seeing her with full head of gorgeous hair).

Gauri after her Mundan

But either that Neel had much less hair to being with, or that I had become somewhat conditioned to this or probably because My little man looks all the more handsome with shaved head – no tears were shed by mum this time !!

Welcome Spring - Holi hai...

You miss something when u don’t get it. All those years when I used to hide in my room to avoid colors, I now remember fondly and make efforts to re-live them (कोई लौटादे मेरे बीते हुए दिन …). I recall fondly the good old days when I used to play Holi….sweet Gujjiyas, the lip-smacking जलजीरा (cool-mint-drink), राइ का पानी, ठंडाई और भांग (almond-flavored-milk), chaant-pakore, abiir and gulal (dry colors), टेसू के फूल (yellow flowers used for coloring water), पानी के गुब्बारे (water balloons) and those रंग भरी पिचकारी (water sprinklers)… holi-ka-jalana (Holi-bon-fire) and nani ke ghar holi ka khaana (food at grandma's)…..ah those were the days!!

Now after almost 10 years of having nobody throwing colors on me here in the US, I am missing them all the more...

After having Gauri and Neel the significance of festivals has changed. Now I try to learn and understand how each of our festivals are celebrated in India (in our family – of course I never paid much attention to those details while growing up. Of course all those details I would arrogantly call as “un-necessary rituals, and of course I took so much for granted because mummy-papa would take care of all these details and we would simply be required to do very little and just enjoy the fun and the food…..)

I really want Neel and Gauri to know all our Indian traditions, the old tales of dadi-ma and the love people have for each other and how us Indians love to party and celebrate and know how to have a great time. I don’t want them to miss anything even if they are so so so far away from India.

So This year I planned a traditional holi party at our house, inviting friends and family. We had the traditional food and played with gulaal and wet (kids-friendly) colors. Gauri had so much fun, she keeps asking every now and then, when can she once again paint everyone’s faces with colors.

We had a wonderful time, thanks to all our friend and family and it was great way of welcoming the Spring finally.

Here’s a video from one of Hindi Movie’s, giving an idea of how we play Holi in India and specially Uttar Pradesh.

Love Before First Sight

I have to admit that I was SO busy raising a toddler (Gauri) that I had absolutely zero time to think about my pregnancy with Neel and about the new baby. When I was pregnant with Gauri, the love hormone oxytocin was hitting me so hard that I was practically swimming in love, I was definitely in love with that baby growing inside me even before seeing that baby. But with Neel, I was always tired and exhausted running after Gauri all day so I didn’t feel that connected initially but when I finally got to hold him (well, its worth mentioning here, when he was born he wouldn’t let go of the umbilical cord, he was holding it real tight) , my brain finally broke through the exhaustion and pain of labor and gave me a feeling of euphoria and intense love.

It was like love at first sight! I, once again fell in love like never before. The feeling of adoration hit as soon as I saw Neel. It was like I wasn't even living before I looked at my baby the first time

One thing I realized after giving birth to two wonderful babies is that the bond between parent and child is one of the strongest connections in nature. Romances come and go, but once you've bonded with your baby you're probably hooked for life, and not because you enjoy the prospect of changing thousands of diapers but because the love you feel for your child is the strongest bond, and your child is equally ready to connect with you.

Now that Neel already smiles and coos at me and his eyes follows me even if he is in anybody else’s arms, my heart just fills up with pride and love so intense, that I feel like I am falling in love every day.

On the other hand I have Gauri, who is not ready to “share” me with anybody – nobody. She is so attached to me that she wants me a 100% of the time. Even at night she wakes up and calls for me Sometimes I feel like she should be able to do her own things or atleast take help from baba or her amma, but when I think about how she feels, I feel like waking her up from her sleep and giving her a big hug and a big kiss and letting her know that she makes me feel VERY SPECIAL.

Both Gauri and Neel have made me realize that I am the most important person for someone and that I am need by them all the time. I cant think of even a single moment that I want to be away from them. I am in love and I am hooked to this feeling for life.

Cupid or (love) Bandit?

I’ll take MY love bandit any day.

Years ago, in fact over a decade ago (OK, now I feel old ), when cupid hit us, Mani and I fell in love and we will ever be so grateful to Dear Cupid for sending love in our lives and for arranging us to meet our soul-mates in this huge world.

And now while Mani found a NEW Sweet heart (whom I love like crazy too), I have my very own Love Bandit too, to celebrate this very special Valentines day with.

We had a fun filled day and although we didn’t go out on a dinner date or a romantic getaway or anything cliché like that, we still ended up having the BEST Valentine’s day ever.

Gauri and her Baba had a very special play date the eve of Valentine’s day and she was super excited and very happy to go out with just Baba (who is usually too busy to be able to spend some alone time with Miss. Bansal). “We had Fun” – said Gauri when they returned back.

“I want to look Beautiful Mumma”, “Baba wear this” were her other big comments that evening while getting ready for their Date. I was so happy to see her so happy.

I had some surprise flowers delivered – how sweet was that!! Thanks so much Jijaji, you are simply wonderful.I also got a bag full of thoughtful selection of Old Romantic classics like – “When Harry Meet Sally” and some beautiful music among other things like Chocos and flower.

Gauri and Neel gave presents to Amma and Baba and boy did they ever look cuter!!

Happy Valentines Day everyone, hope you all had fun with your special ones.

Short, Bald and Toothless

Who knew the love of my life would be Short, Bald and Toothless (instead of Tall, Dark and Handsome)!!
Here’s my darling little Neel who took his fist breathe in this world on 6th day of December 2008 at 2:32 AM at L&M hospital in New London, CT – United States.

Welcome to my arms my precious baby!!

Sadly remembered....

For each thorn, there's a rosebud...
For each twilight — a dawn...
For each trial — the strength to carry on,
For each storm cloud — a rainbow...
For each shadow — the sun...
For each parting — sweet memories
When sorrow is done.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson

No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say good-bye,
You were gone before we knew it,
And only God knows why.
Our hearts still ache in sadness,
And secret tears still flow,
You will always remain the most wonderful
brother, uncle, dad and much more
this is what we want you to know.

This goes for my most loving chachu who left this world on the 7th day of January 2009 to start his new journey into the Kingdom of God. May you find peace and our family the strength to deal with sorrow of losing you.

And she waited

 

Those beautiful eyes, waiting, waiting patiently for the arrival of that little someone - who mumma had been telling her is inside mumma's belly; someone who would be all her's, that someone who will make her A BIG SISTER, that special baby who she wouldn't have to say "bye-bye" to after playing for a short while but will take him home, to stay with her forever. Our darling little Gauri waiting for her little Brother Neel's first glimpse!!

Letter to Gauri on her 2nd Birthday

Dear Gauri,

Sorry I am so late in posting this entry about your second birthday. As you know you are soon going to be a Big Sister – mumma is kind of tired and a lot more busy lately and therefore so late in posting this entry.

But we, including you had lots of fun on your birthday this year. You were super excited for your birthday a week in advance. You love Elmo, Big Bird and Cookie Monster right now, so your birthday theme this year was of course - Sesame Street.

You had a very special Elmo Cake, Elmo, Big Bird and Cookie Monster cookies and Elmo books for your friends and the entire wall was covered with your favorite Sesame Street friends.

Mama (uncle) Abhi and Chachu Harry had both come from Boston and NJ on the weekend to celebrate this beautiful day with us. You were super excited to see them and had lots of fun with both. We made Chinese food for your party since that was the cuisine that I ate the night before you came into this world, and of course you still like the Chinese White rice anytime. Your baba made most amazing veggie dumplings that even you enjoyed eating. In the evening you friends came with their mommy and daddies and you had an absolute blast with them. You were too funny – you liked Shealyn’s shoes so much so that you took off yours and insisted that you exchange yours with hers. Her mom had to bring another pair of similar shoes for her to wear so you could enjoy putting your feet in hers. It was simply wonderful to see how nicely you played with her and how delicately you handled baby Aadi.

Everyone spoiled you completely with wonderful presents and lovely Elmo cards. You also got your first “baby” (kid safe doll) on this birthday (You baba does not like dolls that much so he never let you have a doll until now!!) You were absolutely thrilled to have the baby among other wonderful presents.

On the day of your birthday you got phone calls from Amma dadu, Bu-Phu, Chachu-Chachi-Cheenu, Nanu, Chhote Nanu-Mama, Meme, Poo Mausi and Nani, Your friend Ishaan- Sara Mausi, Gita Nani-Prabhakar mama and although you are always eager to talk on phone always, but that day you finally declined to talk anymore (you never do that, you ALWAYS insist that I put you on phone as soon as you see me talking on phone, but I guess you never expected that you will be talking on phone this much in just one day.) That was not all, my email-box was full with e-cards and other birthday wish emails for you. Boy – did I ever get even half as many cards and birthday emails for my Birthday?? Never!! You are too fortunate to have SO many people love and care for you. I think you are too cute and sweet and have almost captivated everyone around you in your love. Your Baba and I love you very much and thanks God every single day for choosing us as your parents and giving us the opportunity to witness you leelas (activities). Happy Birthday and Happiness Always.

Love

Ma-Baba

Note: I was trying to post this entry while I was in labor with Neel (and of course in denial that I was in Labor)

Pumpkins and Witches....

And a very lovely Ladybug.

Before coming to America I had absolutely no idea what Halloween was. But now I find Halloween to be such a fun festival specially after having Gauri its extra special to us now. Its fun to see all the little ones dressed up in fun costumes and even more fun to dress up your own little one (yea, only if they are in the mood to dress up that day).
Last year I wanted Gauri to dress up in a lady bug costume but at the last minute she revolted – didn’t want to wear that red and black lady bug overall….oh how disappointed I was. Change of plans – I dressed her in yellow and black and painted her face with black whiskers put tiger ears and tail on her and there you go!! Huff!!

This year as she looked at her last year’s pictures (in lady bug costume, yes I did manage to get a few pictures taken before the big revolt) she yelled out – “I want to be a bug mum”. I said “Gauri how about Elmo or big bird?”, she instantly replied “NO”. I thought she’d be happy to dress up elmo since he’s her current favorite, but I was wrong. She loves elmo and big bird but that didn’t mean she wanted to be one. She kept insisting she wanted to be Lady bug. So who am I then to disregard little-miss-determined’s wishes. She dressed like a lady bug, although the antennas on her head were too tempting and she didn’t want to put them on her head really. Oh Well!!

Thankfully this year Daddy was home to take her out Trick-a-Treating!! Gauri was thrilled to ring everyone’s door bells and receive “treats”, she didn’t care about the treats although! But what she liked most was – having the opportunity to ring every neighbor’s door bells. Funny, she thought it was now acceptable to ring their bells every day….hahahaha…our poor neighbors – she continued to ring their bell every-time we returned home from a trip out of the house…..It took me some time to try to explain her why she couldn’t ring their bell anymore. Now she continues to wait for the next Halloween not only to dress up but mostly to have a chance to ring everyone’s door bells freely!!

Thank God

Now this may look like a really cute funny face, but some serious business was going on when this picture was taken.
So last friday at bath time we had something that I have been dreading for a long time now. When Gauri was in the middle of her water fun in her bath tub, she suddenly announced - "Mumma I need to go elmo potty". I thought I didnt hear her correctly so I confirmed "You need to go potty?" and then she literally screamed "Emmo Pooppuuuuuuuuu".....
Oh shoot she was not kidding she wanted to go and I had just put shampoo on her head and she was all covered with soap, I quickly scooped her out of the tub and put her on her emmo potty and there you go..... (you can imagine what - right?)
2 seconds later she said "Mumma its hot" - "hot?" I thought to myself and then I noticed goose pumps all over her wet body. Oh she meant she was cold (somehow she does not say cold - only hot). I quickly wrapped her in the towel and let her do her business.

Once warm and done with her P business, she staretd acting all silly and that when I took these funny pictures.

Later I thanked her for informing me in a timely manner. Can't be more thankful to her, because had she not told me, I cant even begin to imagine what a mess it would have been in that bath tub!! She is truly wonderful, always helping her mommy!!

I thought this was too funny (although the thought of her not being able to tell me in time still scares me at times during the bath time)

Gauri's Current Favorites

With less than 3 weeks to go for the second birthday, I was trying to think of her last Birthday and all the changes she has had since past one year. She is such a “complete” person right now with likes, dislikes and a VERY Good Vocabulary to express her feelings. So I am trying to capture here some of her latest Likes…..

Here are some of Gauri’s current favorites:

Favorite Sport – anything to do with Water…splashing water

Favorite Pass time – Book reading, walking the stuffed animals in her doll stroller

Favorite Book – Read and Grow with Pepper (I have to admit I am completely tired of that book now!!), Elmo flip Book

Fun activity – Making Bubbles, Horse Riding (Baba the horse)

Favorite Character – Big Bird, Elmo, Zoe

Favorite TV show – Curious George, Sid the science Kid

Favorite Poem –Baba Black sheep, 8 Silly Monkeys

Favorite Song – Ring Around the Rosy

Favorite Fruit – Strawberry, Banana

Favorite Food item – Cheese (Amul Slice Only), Sticky Rice

Favorite Drink – Strawberry Milk (In elmo cup Only)

Favorite Animal – Mo-mo (the Cow), Mew Mew (the Cat)

Favorite Insect – Ant (Thanks to the song - Ants go marching…)

Favorite Dress – flower Dress, lengha Chooli (Indian long skirt and top)

Favorite Shoe – White Flower Sandals, and big Boots

Favorite Toy – Red Dog (the Baby), Jojo the monkey

Favorite "pretend play": Fetch Coffee for Mumma and baba, going out shopping for the house.

Favorite Parent: Baba of course (The kind can tell from his footsteps if its him and hugs him for hours when he returns back from work trips)

Least favorite things: Getting hair done, going to the grocery store with Mumma (OK that may be Mumma's least Favorite thing to do. Who wants to go grocery shopping with an always-on-the-go, pick-up-random-stuff-and-put-in-your-shopping-card toddler??).

The Healing Kiss

Gauri giving a "Healing Kiss" to her friend after he got little hurt during the play time.
She really believes that you go to the doctors office to get Stickers and any boo boo can be healed simply by a KISS.
If she ever falls down and gets a scratch or so, she immediately comes running asking for a "Healing-kiss" and if she were to accidentally hurt someone or saw someone crying she will coming running to give a kiss and take away the pain. She believes in the magic of kiss - I wish we were all so innocent - life would have been so much simpler and easier!!

Some weekend fun

With the weather being so hot and humid this past weekend, Gauri decided to have some more fun with water before summer is officially over. Here are a couple of pictures of our little mermaid having fun and posing for the photo session in her new princess-swim-suite.

Has it already been 22 months?

Today our little munchkin turns 22 months! Cant believe how past 2 years almost flew away….This morning I woke up and as I told Gauri that today she is turning 22 Months, I said to myself – “holy Cow – she is going to be 2 in just about 2 months!!” Its truly unbelievable and I am surprised where did the past two years slip away….I still remember holding her for the very first time in my arms….my first glance at her and my very first words – “She is mine ….all mine….she is my daughter…..she is SOOOO Beautiful” with tears flowing down my cheeks and my heart throbbing with excitement of holding that wonderful, beautiful, precious little baby who was definitely all mine. And soon she is turning 2 – unbelievable. These past 6 months I have not been able keep upto speed in writing about her new activities – part of the reason – I just cant catch up with the speed at which she is learning new things, discovering new ideas, speaking new words and now sentences (her Favorite sentence these days is - I want MY…so and so…), showing new emotions, new attitude (yes I mean ATTITUDE – sometimes she truly acts like a toddler – did they call it “Terrible Twos”?? I believe it now), her likes, dislike and strong favorites. So it has been almost impossible to pen-down every night what new thing happened that day because she really is doing new stuff every single day.

Her latest achievement these days is using the toilet and she call it “my Elmo Potty” and she loves it. She likes the idea of having her very own Elmo potty to go on and she is definitely getting aware of when she needs to use it. Its been almost 3 weeks now that she has been using it and last 8 days she has also been able to tell us when she needs to go. Although sometimes she just loves the idea of using it and sitting on it reading her fav “Pepper-book” and the toilet tissue and the flush….and its sometimes impossible to convince her to get down. But I feel happy that potty training for us has been not so difficult task so far. Thank you Gauri for making it so easy for Mumma and Baba.

Apart from Elmo - her biggest obsession, she is also crazy about water….not only does she loves to play in her little pool, she loves to water her plants and sneak behind me and wash wash wash her hands and splash water everywhere….:o( not so much fun for me to cleanup and change her and take her away from water.

Oh and she definitely has her favorite person picked up – who other than her Baba…

the kid adores him and is crazy about him. No wonder she stops eating and gets cranky when daddy is away on business trips. I feel sorry for her when she runs upstarirs to look for her daddy and then in the basements and when he is found no-where she’ll bring the phone up to me asking “Mamma,….Baba phone please”…..truly daddy little girl.

Well I could just go on and on writing about her new activities but I’ll resort to posting more pictures with some titles instead. Our little baby is turning into a little girl for sure and she is getting even more adorable and fun and life’s getting full of excitement.

A Tribute to our Father

Today marks the 60 years of glory of the most humble, forgiving, honest and pious person I have ever known. And I am so proud to call this person my father

, that I have simply zero words to describe who he is and what he has meant to us - his children. We are not the only ones to be blessed with his presence in our lives - many many many of his friends, family member and simple acquaintances will easily vouch for his simplicity and purity of heart. On this very special day I share this letter we (My brother and I) wrote to him to express our deepest gratitude for his never ending love and care.

Our Dearest Papa,

It’s after all these years that that this special day has come when we truly want to celebrate you and your lifetime achievements and yet, it’s hardly enough to describe what you do and what you have done for us and our family. You have taught us, personally, so much. Our gratitude and love for you is immeasurable.

You taught us to work hard and enjoy family. You taught us the price of honesty and that it cannot be negotiated. You taught us about life by always setting up a personal example… and we are humbly grateful to you – our life long teacher.

When we were young, I would wake you up in the middle of the night asking for milk- fearing that I would suckle my thumb otherwise and you would get up every single night to fetch me milk. We would wake you up to go to the bathroom with us since we were scared and you would give up you sleep just to comfort us and make us feel secure… for this we are grateful to you - our pillar of strength and support.

When we were growing up, you were stern when you needed to be, but mostly loving because you just couldn’t stand not loving us for a single moment. Never once did we not feel your love, even when you were angry. For this – your immense patience with us and never seizing love we are grateful to you – our guide and mentor.

And now, that we have grown, we remember the mornings we have had together and the many more mornings we will share. Although, the distances have increased physically, but we always remain close in thoughts and heart and the most important thing that has not changed is how we still look up to you - our Hero, our Guide and the Best Friend ever!

We love you, our dearest Papa, exactly like we told you when we were young… “we love you like the sun, big and warm and shiny”

With Love,
Your Children

Celebrating Dads

We had a wonderful father’s day celebration with Gauri this year. She knew it was father’s day because she and I were busy preparing card and planning the activities for that day for quite some time.

We hope we treated daddy well. Gauri and I delivered him “bed-tea” "in bed" along with his favorite snacks (I am sure after becoming parents it’s a privilege to wake up to an already-awake-happy-kid, with no need of dragging yourself out of bed and running in full speed to get the little one ready without getting them upset. I would imagine, having Tea in bed must be every parents' dream-come-true). The smile on daddy’s face when he woke up was priceless and the big hug and kiss from Gauri – absolutely heavenly.

Gauri gave baba 2 gifts – a Movie Day Pass (a day of his choice where all he does is sit on the couch and watch his fav movies ALL-Day-Long. Godfather, Starwars, whatever he wishes, snacks and drinks placed at arms distance so he doesn't have to even open the refrigerator or get up from the couch, baby sitting and mommy-sitting all included) …. Hummm does that sound like every guy’s dream day or what?? I am sure daddy was thrilled.

We also found a special SPA place and really cool package for daddy called “Real dads do SPA”. After talking to the spa staff, we were sure it would be a fun experience for daddy and a much relaxing one too.

We spent the evening with 3 other dads and their little ones, two of whom we were meeting for the first time and had much fun making new friends with. While the dads were BBQing and chatting and having good laughs, all the mommies were making sure they keep the little one fully entertained so we didn’t have to look up to dads for any help (well, alteast for a few hours). Gauri played nicely with other kids and was very supportive of dad by trying to remain awake till 9 PM or so. After that she was almost ready to crash and fell asleep on our way back. Thanks to our wonderful friends for planning the BBQ party, we all had wonderful time and made new friends.

I have to admit that we the moms, sometimes take dads for granted and think of them as second parents but in fact it’s far easier to be a father than a dad. The level of personal commitment that our kids require is challenging, sometimes even overwhelming. Without the support of these wonderful life partners whom our kids call “dad”, we would not be able to "survive" - at times.

I found this interesting statistic on Career Builders’ annual Father’s Day survey thought it’s worth sharing:

Survey showed that 37% of working dads would leave their jobs if their spouse made enough money to support the family.

Given the choice, another 38% would take a pay-cut to spend more time with their kids.

FathersAtWork.com reported that 70% of working fathers have a difficult time balancing their professional and personal responsibilities.

When we became parents, we made a life decision that carries more responsibility than any other. Without the commitment and support of both parents I cant imagine how we would ever be able to make these tiny people responsible and good human beings. Thanks to all the dads for being the pillars of support for the family.

First BIG Boo-Boo

Sorry we have not been updating the blog lately and I so wanted to let you all know about Gauri’s first Big Boo-boo… (Sniff…Sniff…L ) but with Baba’s surgery and Gauri’s hand accident, we had barely anytime to sleep. Both of my dearest ones in so much pain and I wasn’t able to do much to ease it.

Last Tuesday (May 20^th) while I was on a conf. call we got a call from the daycare, and all I knew was Mani was running around looking for his wallet and car keys. I was half listening to what he was trying to tell me. Then while rushing out of the house, I heard him say, Gauri’s fingers …. and that’s all that I heard. This was enough for me to get me anxious and nervous and I was somehow trying to end the conference cal, but you know how when you want to get out of something, you feel like you just cant!! As soon as I hung up the phone, I tried to call Mani’s cell phone, all I heard was my poor baby screaming in the background and Mani asked me to call up Pediatrician right away as he was driving to their clinic. Dare I ask how was Gauri, from all the screaming I knew she was in too much pain, but in a very timid voice I asked how bad was it - “Not good Pragati….her fingers are bleeding profusely…now call up the Dr.”. As I explained to the lady at the clinic what had happened she seemed so relaxed about this accident, advised me to keep Gauri home, wash the wound and watch if she can move her fingers. Damn, she sounded COLD!! I agree kids do have accidents and Dr.s see it all the time, but not my child – its her very first cut, very first accident, very first bleeding and she is the most important thing in the world (at least to us). So I kept insisting that we need to see a Dr. and she said only after an hour. I wasn’t happy with her answer. I tried to call back Mani and he wouldn’t pick up his phone. I kept dialing like a maniac with all the wrong thoughts running in my head – “what’s going on, why is he not picking, Is Gauri Ok, is her hand OK, are fingers still intact” (my heart pounding like it was going to come out of my body), redialing with one hand, I was trying to see who to call and ask for a ride, my car was with him….. Finally after the longest 1 hour he called back confirming she was Ok, no fractures and the Dr. did see her.

But he also told how embarrassed he felt at the Pediatrician – “embarrassed why?” As he was fighting, arguing and shouting at the reception staff who refused to have a Dr. see Gauri, trying to tell she is too much pain and “look her hand is all bleeding” and blah..blah…blah…blah… Gauri stops screaming and starts insisting on getting down on the floor to - go play with the big toy stove and refrigerator in the play area!! “Hahaha…. Poor dad – he thins his little darling is in too much pain, but guess what daddy is in more pain… sure this is their first kid…hahaha”. I am sure this is what was running in the minds of everyone witnessing this scene.

Gauri came home, she wasn’t crying but her face had turned crimson and eyes puffy from all the crying, I looked at her bandaged fingers and as Mani described to me that her nail-bed might be damaged and that has serious implications, she pulled the bandages off and there I saw - ripped-up fingers, the open wounds and nail under the skin..God, how could someone do this to my little sweet-pea, my jigar-ka-tukda (piece of my heart)…and there you go….I was crying…crying hugging her closer to me and she started crying when she didn’t now what was mumma crying…..

Her wounds are almost healed now, the nail still doesn’t look good, its coming off from its roots, we may have to see a hand surgeon to see if the nail bed is still intact and the nerves to the nail are fine. But in all this Gauri has been the bravest little kid I have ever seen. She is definitely braver and tougher then her mommy is!!