Category: general

general

Of blogs and people

MysTri Mum9 Comments

Why do you blog? write or read,I mean? No really,why? Let me tell you why I blog-I started blogging to document my pregnancy.I mean when I first started blogging,I didn’t really know much about it. But I was already writing important details of my pregnancy in a diary,so,this just became an online diary. Then,I started hearing from readers,and I started writing about my baby and slowly,other things too. I think,for each blogger,there comes a point,when you can’t keep your real life out of your blog. Because these are real people,who are writing to you..and these are real people who are reading you. All that is fine.Meeting some of these people is fine too.In fact,I have made some really good friends through blogosphere. You think every thing is going on fine.

And then,one day,somebody brings up something personal that you wrote on your blog,at a social gathering. How do you feel then? I, for one,am not a happy camper then. Generally,as a rule,I never bring up,blogging as a topic of discussion..and so rarely share my URL with anyone. Nor do I have it attached to my email signatures. Yes, if old friends knowing my penchant for writing ask me to start one,I point them,to my blog. Ask them for an honest feedback. And I know,most of them are lurkers.Some tell me offline..some don’t.

Lurkers,I am OK with..but its when the thin line between blog-world and the real world is crossed over,all discretion thrown away,that’s when I get MAD!!For me its like a breach of trust. Like when someone said.. ohh so you write just about Aadya..ho hum… YES I do.. and if its so boring,why do you keep coming back?

Someone else,asked me something rather personal,at a party.. I just changed the topic,then..but it did leave me with a bad after-taste..Even made me wonder,why I shared the URL with them. Sure,there is nothing wrong about wanting to know more..we are all curious beings..but i don’t really appreciate random questioning..makes me feel like I am under scrutiny and surely no-one likes that.I am not really anonymous..I blog about things that are of importance to me-my family,my life..the small nitty-gritties of daily grind and I am very comfortable with it.But when things like this happen,it just makes you stop and think..So friends or strangers,lurkers or regulars,if you have something to say..that’s what the comment section is for.Let’s leave the blog-talk out of our conversation. Capice?

OH and I am not talking about all you people who email me-The fact that I reply to your emails, itself should be proof enough,how much I love hearing from you.
As an after thought,wonder how others feel about it? Care to share your two cents with me?
Edited to Add-I think I am just going to take a break..may be go private ..I dunno..this whole thing makes me disinterested..I don’t like thinking everytime before hitting the publish button,if this is going to be the topic of discussion at tea-time.
Thanx for stopping by..This has been fun.. but here I say Good bye.

general · Memories · Mommy time

Why I want a second one

MysTri Mum5 Comments

This is a post I wrote for Desi Mom’s club.

The theme this month is-Sibling Love

First off,lovely theme,Mummyjaan. Its the perfect theme for me,since,I spent this entire month,thinking of my sister,M and eagerly anticipating her visit and she arrives tomorrow.I am also really looking forward to hearing from mommies with 2 or more kids. As most of you know,I am one of the other mommies,one of those who are still enjoying the precious first one. But,one thing I am sure of,I want a second one. And I was sure of this even before having Aadya. And friends and cousins would tease me,”Oh wait till you have one..And then,you’d say I am DONE!” Funnily,I am not. Every time I see a mommy walking by with two kids,I picture Aadya with her younger brother or sister..and the image makes me smile.If I think seriously,why I want two-I think it is most definitely because of the relationship I share with M. We are like normal sisters and that means a lot of bickering,a lot of cribbing..but that also means a lot of caring and a lot of love. More than anything else,I know,she will be there for me,whenever I need her.And that is really reassuring. That is what every parent wants for their child,that steady person,in his or her life,whom they can depend on without hesitation.We had our share of sibling rivalry too.I didn’t particularly like being the responsible one, watching over my baby-sister all the time. But,I couldn’t stand it if someone tried to pick on her. Then,I would turn defensive and hit out at the said person. Slowly over the years,roles have changed and she is the responsible one and I get to be the baby..that I like :)That’s the kind of sibling,I want for Aadya,someone she can fight with..but run right back to.Someone whom she can call up,when we are old and senile and giving her a hard time about her new Boy-friend. Sure they will have their rough patches and sure there will be days,when I will be pulling my hair off and ready to give them both up for adoption, but there will be also be double hugs and not to mention,comfort in the knowledge,that they will have each other,after we are dead and gone. I sometimes wonder though,how will I manage a new born and Aadya both together and then,I think of M, again. So many years of my life,I begrudgingly sharing my room with her and now,I would give anything to share a room with her again..Strange are the ways of life.One episode from our childhood,always stands out in memory and I would like to share that with you,before I go.M was always sick as a child.She used to have prolonged bouts of Asthama and she had to be kept indoors,all the time. So,when I got ready to go out and play,my mom would change her clothes and dress her up smartly too. And then,M would take her regular position by the window. One time we were playing catch and the boy,who was chasing,ran up to me and grabbed me..I tried to run away,and he pushed me and I fell down.In the heat of the game,I still wanted to escape and he tried to stop me by almost sitting on me. We were around 5-6years old and li’l M around 3-4 and she saw this. And she started screaming..”Leave my sister”,”Don’t do anything to her”.. She was so angry, she was holding the window rails,gnawing teeth,screaming non-stop,till my mom finally came and picked her up and pacified her.Every time,we had a fight,my mom used to remind us of this episode and we would promptly make up..Even now,when I think of it,I can’t help but smile.I am looking forward to seeing her tomorrow and spending some quality time with her..and all of you,out there,keep your fingers crossed and send up a little prayer for Aadya to get a loving sibling like her auntie M.
Oh and here is the post, I wrote about her,almost one year back.

Beginning · general · Milestones

New home,new name?

MysTri Mum9 Comments

We are changing apartments,next week. This present apartment was just a stop-gap,and thank God for that ,because this place is horrible.
To say the least,we have had pest control come in every other week for the last 5 months. The water is so bad that we are actually happy when they turn off the water and that I must tell you they do very regularly.They leave us notes telling us that water supply will be turned off on Monday from 9 to 5 and they forget to turn it off and very promptly turn it off the next day or the day after. On other days, as soon as you turn on the tap, the first thing to hit the sink or tub is lots and lots of dirt..they have been telling us,that its the old pipes.. Thankfully,it settles after letting the water run for the first 5-10 minutes,but that means I need to scrub the tub a lot longer than I normally would and the water in the kitchen taps is clean…or atleast it looks clean.We haven’t risked drinking or using it for cooking-we have been buying gallons and gallons of water.
I have been so sick and low,since we moved in here.
Why did we move in here?Well,that’s a long story.. involving an incomplete lease and a lot of money.Yeah..Yeah.. I know..that’s why we are moving.
So, we are more than happy to move this time. We’ll be getting the keys on Tuesday,which incidentally,is my birthday!The new apartment is really nice and spacious and even the apartment complex is really clean,and what I like best is the attached garage,kind of gives it a more house-like feel. Hopefully,the new home will bring us happier times and healthier living.

And now about the new name-
My Sunshine turns 1 year old february 27th.I mean,My Sunshine,the blog. And I love the name.Its like a part of me.But I am not so crazy about the url.
menmysunshine??A friend pointed it out and now,whenever I look at it,it seems like men my sunshine..ewww!!So,I think its time to change the url.May be move to wordpress..or stay here on blogger- blogger is getting really slow and almost every single time that I post,atleast one feature is not working..Anywho,that I can decide later..but for now,I need to change the url.But I can’t decide which one.So,I created a poll..help me decide.
Thanx in advance..hoping to hear from some of you..

general · Happy Times · Travel

We are back…

MysTri Mum8 Comments

and jet-lagged,happy, tired,home-sick,happy to be home…all at once. Our impulsive trip came to a end a little too soon but all in all we had a fun time.The only bummer was that DH was working,so he was there with us only on weekends.

First half of our vacation was spent at the ILs..some days were good,some days,the lesser spoken about,the better.But this time we had our very own energiser bunny to keep our spirits high-Princess Aadya. With her around,there was never a dull moment. And she also provided us with ample opportunities to get out of arguments. (Heehahahawhaw)

While at the ILs, we got a tour of the famous InOrbits mall.I had heard a lot about this one,primarily because a dear friend was involved in the architects team. And then ,the frequent mentions by the lovely lady, Kiran Heck I had plans of meeting her there..but no such luck..meeting someone with ILs in tow..so not-cool and travelling 3 hours alone with a baby,ugh..too tiresome.Sorry Kiran,I couldnt even call you..forgive me?please,pretty please?

Between meeting ILs friends and relatives and attending a cousin’s wedding and being jet-lagged and caring for a sick baby,by the time I reached my dad’s place,I was ready for some rest and relaxation. And thats exactly what I did.

As I mentioned in my previous post,my aunt and grandma arrived at my dad’s the same day that I reached there.And my sister had managed to line up a traditional maalish-wali( a masseuse) and she arrived everyday, not so promptly anywhere between 9.30 to 12.00!!! But we were not running on any schedule,so it was fine.Whenever she arrived, I would hand the baby over to my aunt and happily saunter over to my room to slathered with oil! The massage finished,I would enjoy a nice hot cuppa chai,made by someone else and play with Aadya. There were way too many eager pairs of arms to hold her, and while she enjoyed all the attention, her stranger anxiety suddenly was at its peak.She would play happily with anyone and everyone,as long as I was sitting in front of her! If I even got to get a drink of water or go to the loo,she would start crying. So,I would have 10 voices asking me to hurry up,as they didnt want to see Princess Aadya cry. And then as soon as I would pick her up,she would be all smiles,ready to play with the others!

Though the trip was short,we managed to eat at most of our favorite eateries and also shopped quiet a bit, attended a couple of parties and weddings too!
We even managed to pack in an adventure-packed trip to Shirdi-I say adventurous,because like everything else,this was also a last minute thing and somehow,about 10 of us piled into a Tavera and headed off to Shirdi. The driver decided to take us there by a scenic route, and ended up making most of us sick and not to mention,spoiling the rest of our plans.The plan was to go to Devlali,my grandma’s place- kind of like take Aadya visiting there,feast at our favorite chat-wallah and then head off to Shirdi. But,we got lost and finally ended up on the road to Shirdi and reached Shirdi a good 7 hours later.Luckily our darshan and pooja was wonderful and that itself made the whole trip worth it.

When we arrived in Shirdi,the evening Aarti had just started.Coincedently, two years back,when I had gone to Shirdi with my dad, even that time,we had arrived at the temple premises just when the afternoon aarti was starting.Just that co-incidence made me cheerful,after the long journey. We watched the entire aarti on television,while waited in the queue and then got to leisurely feast our eyes on BABA.Something strange happened while we were there. My aunt asked the priests to bless the baby and they did. Infact,they were giving an orange color scraf with “Om Sai Ram” written on it to all babies there. So, they gave one to Aadya too. And happy and satisfied with that, we were about to step away ,when one of the gaurds asked us to wait on the side for a moment. And then, as if in a dream,he came back with a garland and some Tulsi strands and handed it to us,without a word,just a smile on his lips. Why he chose us, in that big gathering,I do not know..but it just made me feel very happy and blessed. For that very reason,this impromptu trip to Shirdi,will always be special to me. Moreover it was our first trip there, together as a family.

On this happy note,I stop here.. lots more coming up soon.

general · Happy Times · Travel

Hello from the other side

MysTri Mum10 Comments

YAyyyyy we are in India. DH had some official work and we tagged along..it was a very last minute plan,I hardly got a week to shop and pack.. but finally we are here. We arrived on Dec 28th and after spending the first half of the vacation at ILs place, we are finally at my dad’s. DH is working in Bangalore but we are getting spoilt rotten.
Aadya’s first plane ride was fine and thankfully, our whole journey went off smoothly. Knock on the wood..and now I hope the return journey is equally comfortable too. I was worried about her getting an ear-ache or her being fussy- she was a little bored by being confined and the bassinet was a good help when she was sleeping.But it was just right for her,then and as soon as she woke up she would sit up straight in the bassinet.She stayed up most of the journey though, cooing and babbling with co-passengers.
Our first leg of the journey ended at Frankfurt. And we were really excited to see the airport.But we were in a big disappointment. I mean,it didn’t look like an international airport at all! There were hardly any waiting lounges, people was sprawled on the floor,for lack of chairs. There were a few food carts here and there.. and a couple big restaurants and some duty-free stores. but overall the impression that I got was of chaos. everything was so disorganised.There was a nursing room.And it was nothing but a closet with a wash basin.. not even a chair.I rested my butt on the small ledge and tried to nursed Aadya.. Both of us ended up frustrated. Luckily I found a chair somewhere on the upper level and then, we nursed happily.
Soon it was time to board our next flight and the chaos that met us at the security point was crazy.. there was absolutely no queue in place and all that was there was a mob. Anyway, we arrived in Mumbai at around 1.30 am on 28th Dec.
Balancing the luggage and Aadya,we came out and were immediately engulfed in hugs and Aadya was promptly snatched away. Her Masi was the first to come and hold her.I was waiting for the familiar pout and tears to come. But instead I was pleasantly surprised when she rested her head on Masi’s shoulder and smiled. Then everyone- my masi, my cousin, all 3 of Aadya’s grandparents took turns holding her..and she happily enjoyed all the attention.My masi and Aadya’s two masi’s joked around and decided the distance for which each one would hold Aadya so as to share her time with them equally! Soon it was time to say bye to Masis and Nanu and Aani( my masi) and we got in the car with Dadu-dadi to head off to their place.
We attended a wedding, 2-3 parties, met so many people and most of the time,Aadya has been a happy camper except when she is really hungry or sleepy.
Now,we are my dad’s and I am getting my dose of pampering while Aani and Masi take care of Aadya. Today for the first since Aadya’s birth,I told my aunt- Please put Aadya to sleep,I want to chat with DH! It feels so weird being just a spectator when Aani is putting aadya to sleep or giving her a bath ..but this is what I was looking forward too na? Somehow,my arms feel empty when I am not holding Aadya..but then,it was so nice to chat with him like old days!LOL
For now,I am off to a 25th wedding anniversary party and Aadya has a bad cold..so we’ll probably make a quick exit,but its just so nice to be surrounded by loved ones.
Thanks for checking on us everyone..I wanted to post before leaving but was just too tied up!
OH and
Wish you all a very Happy New Year!

general · Travel

We’re back!

MysTri Mum8 Comments

Heyyy Everyone,
We are back..Finally settled in our cozy new home….in Plano,TX. Aadya loves this new place..We were really worried how she would react to change.. but she took it all in her stride..
So many things to share..so many posts to write.so many to read and comment on..Hope you all missed us..coz we sure as hell missed you all! Looking forward to catching up with everyone..Sooooooooon!
Lots and lots of love
Aadya n Aadya’s Mumma!

general · Travel

Bye-Bye Phoenix

MysTri Mum6 Comments


This is our last week in Phoenix.We are busy packing.Its just a crazy crazy time. The movers will be here on thursday and we will leave on Friday.We’ll be driving down.And Aadya is sick.She has a bad bad throat infection.Poor baby her voice is so hoarse.First time we heard her cry like that,it was so hard,really broke our heart. Both of us got all teary-eyed. This is the first time I have seen DH like that.A baby does that to you I think.
Last two weeks here have been so much fun.We met some people that we really are getting along with..like a house on fire and so it was just fun fun.And now that Aadya is sick,just makes me feel so guilty for having had so much fun.
As for Phoenix,despite everything,I am going to miss this place.After all its the birth place of my firstborn.This place kind of grows on to you,slowly accepting you,and even before you know it,you are a part of this large hearted city.The people at the grocery stores that you frequent start recognising you,gush over your baby,your neighbours greet you happily,doesnt matter that you see them only once in a few weeks.Its just that kind of place.
Today we took Aadya for a last visit with her Pediatrician,Aunty D.All the nurses and everyone in the office had to come and hold her..everyone wagged their fingers at us and told us, not to go!It was just so sweet.
And as I was sitting there,waiting for our turn,I found myself getting nostalgic.I was reminded of the day,when we first went there.I was 8 months pregnant and were interviewing Pediatricians.The office had such a warm welcoming atmosphere .The first thing I noticed was the chairs.They made me feel like I was “Alice” in Wonderland.They are just so beautiful and to add to the atmosphere,a kiddie sized tea-set was laid out on a kiddie-sized table. I could picture my little girl playing there.There was beautiful Aquarium set on a table,with beautiful golden and glittery multicolored fishes.It was all so perfect. But the best part was our meeting with Dr.D.She was just so nice and patient.She answered all our questions, asked us questions about our families and our interests etc. and at the end of the “meet-and- greet” session when I looked at my watch a good 1 hour had passed.Whereas all the other docs that we met before that would just meet us as a formality,not really intereested. Now, dont get me wrong here,its not as if Dr.D is not busy..She is extremely busy,very meticulous and extremeeeeeeeely wonderful with the kids.. but she is also interested in knowing the parents! and thats why she keeps such sessions at the end of the day!I am never going to find anyone else like her.ANd she is all the more special to us,because she saw our baby within the first 8-10 hours of birth.
God! just the thought that I have to find a new peditrician for my baby.. gives me the creeps.Will I be able to find someone good..?Ohh we’ll have to see.
So anyway,We are moving, we will be on the road starting friday and then finding a new apartment,unpacking, settling down,getting comfortable…starting another phase of life.
Though,I was so lonely here for most part of my stay,this place has given me some great memories,which I will always treasure 🙂 most important one being the Aadya’s birth.Everytime there is a mention of Phoenix,I am sure there will be a smile on my lips.And as I say good bye to this urban desert,I am leaving behind a part of my heart… with all those lovely people who made this last 1 year here special for us,with all those lovely people who made these last two weeks so much fun for us..I am also leaving behind a part of my heart in a certain labour and delivery room of a certain hospital and also in this beautiful apartment,from where I type this last post.
And when you folks read this post,dont forget to send up two prayers to the Big Man up there..One that we have a safe trip and two,that we have a longer stay at the new location.( the packing and unpacking tires me)
On this note,I say..Bye Bye Phoenix…

Texasssssssss,here we come!!!

general

Here to stay!

MysTri Mum6 Comments

My Sunshine is here to stay. I thought long and hard.. and finally decided that I started this blog for my baby..:) and Slowly and steadily.. there is a circle of love that has formed around us.. Circle of all you lovely people, who have come to love my babygirl, keep up on her progress.. and also love me in turn 🙂
How can I let go of all this…:)
So, I am here to stay ( for now atleast) !Thanx for all your responses 🙂

general

Going Private or Anonymous?

MysTri Mum13 Comments

This is the thought that has been on my mind for the last few days..Disappearing into anonymity,now after I have been blogging with real names seems stupid..Going private..well may be…
Why I am thinking all this?Yes you guessed it..With emotions rocking the blogging world,first the Mad Momma,then crazy mumma and then Poppins..I wonder who’s next… is it me? Not that I have much to hide.. but,you never know who reacts in what way.
I googled my name and found that it does show this blog on the first page….so what?? All three of us have uncommon names and so it wont be difficult to put two and two together and figure out who it is about..
One thing about blogging anonymously is the freedom to write whatever you want.. without worrying about anyone..Ohh but I am the kind of person,who will tell chosen friends n family about the blog..But atleast,then someone wont stumble upon it accidently..
When I first started blogging,it was just going to be a journal of my pregnancy and my baby’s life.. but slowly this blog has become an important part of my life..And though we NEVER put down everything in writing..sometimes,its nice to be able to vent,without worrying about who is reading.. or who might read..I dont know.. what to think or I dont even know if I am able to express my confusion clearly..So,Help me out here..What do I do..Go Private or close this blog? Or is there some other way?