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)