Look who's getting bratty

N trying to brush her non-existent teeth..

N clambers up the stairs

I know this one calls for a pic - I'm such an idiot. N actually started going up the stairs today, encouraged by Appapappa. He left her at the bottom of the stairs, I was the bait at the top, and then we both watched as she scrambled over one step and then the other. Oh god, now I've got to watch the stairs too!! I'm such a paranoid Mom, I think secretly. Every time N does something new - i enjoy it, and at the same time I am thinking, now that she has learnt this new thing it can harm her in so and so way and i have to watch out more etc. etc.

A colleague in office, father of two, commented today - your worries for your kids never go away. They just change. How true.

Here's to a lifetime of it.

In fond memory of Eating Out

Appapappa and I - hopefully waiting outside the Italian restaurant to get a table. Holding our breath that N will be quiet for maybe half hour while we can sneak in dinner.

N squeals, kicks, screams. The waiter trying to seat us politely inform us that the table would take another 10 minutes. I have visions of N squealing at the table, us getting funny glances from everybody in the restaurant. We beat a hasty retreat.

To another restaurant across the parking lot - an Indian restaurant where I have seen bawling kids in the past. At least there would be other parents so the glares can be divided among all of us.

N still squeals, kicks and screams. A half eaten dosa and barely touched plate of Pongal - and we are ready to pack up and leave.

I vow never again!!But I know I will be back to try once more - who knows, we may have a lucky day.

When N is unwell

N has been unwell for 10 days now. Started with a bad cough and throwing up. Appapappa was paranoid, but me the pragmatic said - it must be the phlegm thats causing her to throw up. Proven wrong! She has the stomach flu - runny bowel movement,and vomiting. Nothing much to do but wait it out seems to be the advice. Its easier said than done. Poor N seems quite tired - I am trying to keep feeding her to keep up her strength and to prevent any dehydration.

Last week was very tough for all of us. Since N could not go to daycare, I was taking care of her at home. She wanted to be held - so here I was,trying to balance her on my hip, and calling in to conference calls in office.I can tell you I did not enjoy it one bit.

It sure is tough taking care of a little baby- when she is unwell, its even harder. On days like this, I wish I had some help around the house.

Today Appapappa is unwell too. He fears he may also have got the bug.I hope not!!

N in her new knitted sweaters

Isn't she lucky? Her grandmom sent her lovely sets of sweaters - socks - hats.. she's so cute in them. Here's a photo of her in the white set ( Grandma made it from wool she bought here in the US).

Hawaii trip with N

We did it - we had a great vacation, with our baby!! YOU ARE TAKING YOUR BABY ALONG TO HAWAII!! THATS BRAVE - this was the standard reaction of people in office when we talked about our upcoming trip. Led me to think me and my husband were attempting something more ambitious like a trip to the Antartic or something..

Anyway, we made sure we packed all the milk bottles and bottle warmers and kettle to heat the water etc etc and we were all set. No mishaps, but a few embarrassing / tough moments recorded here to come back and laugh at later:

Borrowing diapers from another couple with a baby ( we forgot to pack diapers in the midst of the excitement of planning a hike to the most gorgeous valley - promised by the guidebook!)

Being stranded at a bus stand in the rain in Honolulu waiting / hoping for a bus to get us back to the airport. We made a foolish decision - decided to kill the 5 hours of layover time by roaming around the city in local buses.

Plane ride back where baby was cranky as she was unable to sleep and settle down.

Yes, thats all. Not too many, is it?

Highlights to remember:

Snorkelling in the bluest waters - swimming with turtles and some amazing varieties of fish with the most wonderful colors ( taking turns snorkelling while the other watched the baby)

Rainbow into the sea and volcano craters

Most wonderful beach - white sands and blue/turqiose waters

Feeding N icecream - she loved it!

Long drives and conversations with husband in a relaxed mood :-)

Meeting a 92 year old woman who runs her own B&B - a wonderful woman with a great sense of humor

Spending day after day with N watching her as she crawled, stood, laughed, shrieked, giggled

Memories

There are some memories that are so precious you know you dont ever want to lose them. You want to string them and wear them and keep them next to you - so they are right there and with you always..

Like memories of the day when the daughter was born and I heard her cry for the first time.
Like memories of the first day she turned over on her tummy.
Like memories of the way she used to look like a little mouse when she was tiny.
Like the way the clothes used to hang on her as she was too small.
Like how her aunt sniffed at her baby smell all day long secretly.
Like how me and her Dad talked late into the night since we knew we wouldnt get to sleep anyway.
LIke how she smiles when she sees the magnets on the fridge.
Like how she talks to her grandmom and laughs with joy when she sees her.

Like...