Category: Happy Times

AnanyaTales · Festivals · Happy Times · Tales from Aadyaland

Navratri tidbits :)

MysTri Mum2 Comments

Every year, we do a family Aarti on all the 9 days of Navratri.We play the Aarti on youtube and sing along.Last year Anan was just content being held.This year is a whole new story.
Aadi loves the Aarti because it has her name in it. And Nanya screams Aadyaaaaaaaaa,as soon as she hears it.
Aadi knows all the words and sings along,but Nanya,well Nanya is Nanya-she stands in front of the mirror in that room and makes funny faces,screams,tries to blow-out the lamp, climbs up on Aadi and hugs her tight(I knoww..awwwwwww),asks us to pick her up.Yup,she is our energizer bunny..that doesn’t stop running.
I leave you a picture of my gorgeous girls from Navratri last year( I have no hopes of getting them dressed this year..gosh so much drama,at the mere mention of dress up 😦 )
Image

Happy Navratri,everyone 🙂

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Daddy's girl · DH · happy days · Happy Times · Uncategorized · zoo

Father’s Day that was..

MysTri Mum4 Comments

I know Father’s Day was last weekend but I have to write this down..because I want us to remember this.

So,Aadya’s school had organised a special movie afternoon.And SD was away in Brisbane..There is no way he could have made it.When I saw the note from school..it broke my heart.I mean,literally..it hurt..:(

Aadya asked me why did I ever let Papa go to Brisbane..and I was sad..Anyway,I decided that I would pick her up early that day,take her out for a coffee afternoon and some Father’s day shopping.When I told her the plan,she very calmly told me,”No! Mum..I don’t want to miss it..besides Mrs.W is going to give special hugs to kids whose dad’s can’t make it.” Wow!She was taking it much better than me!

Then,some of the moms at school,decided that they would go in,because their partners/husbands couldn’t.I wasn’t too keen on that..but I didn’t want her to be the only one without a parent there..so,that morning,I asked her,if she would like me to come..and she was shocked! ‘Why Ma..why would you want to come? Its father’s day,not mother’s day!Didn’t I celebrate Mother’s Day with you?’ I said some of the moms were coming..so should I join them..and she told me..’well if you come,then hide from me..I don’t want to see you there..’ So much for wanting to save her from heart-break!

Anyway,I told her teacher that her dad wont be there..etc..and that I will pick her up at regular pickup time. When I went to pick her up,Mrs.W pulled me aside and told me..that Aadi was so good..she went and sat with her friend and her dad.They read to him and hugged him,said thank you.The said Father is a really nice guy.When I walked in,the first thing he told me was,that Aadya told him that her sister was this( distance between forefinger and thumb!!!) tiny..:)

She came home with lots of presents for SD- A mug that said-Australia’s best dad..some chocolates,cards, letters.And then we bought some pink roses and a T-shirt for him.

The next day,Saturday,after I came back from work,SD took her to watch Batman.She was so excited about the movie,the popcorn and the fizzy drinks in that order!! Nanhi and I took a nice long nap,when they were gone.

The next morning,Sunday,as soon as he woke up,she gave SD some water in his mug.Then we made brekky for him..actually served him cereal and tea on a tray but she helped pour the milk,make the tea..everything. Since it was a nice sunny day,we decided to go to the  Weribee zoo.The zoo was quite a disappointment in terms of animals..but we had fun,hanging out as a family.

I leave you with a picture of the proud father and his two Princess’Image

happy days · Happy Times · Knitting · me-time · Melbourne · Mommy time · Weight loss journal · Winter

Couch25K-W1D2

MysTri Mum6 Comments

Yesterday,Friday was Day2 of week 1.
Thursday,was rest day and my thighs were like ROCKS!I swear,even walking inside the house,was painful. I did some yoga in the morning.But I was sore,all day long and my throat was feeling funny too.When I went to bed,I was wondering,if I will be able to walk/jog in the morning.
I woke up,on Friday morning,still a little sore,but not as much as the previous day.I quickly freshened up and got dressed and stepped outside,before I changed my mind.
After the warm-up,by the time,it was time for the first jog,I was feeling good.This time,I remembered to breathe when jogging..and that made a whole lot of a difference.
Edited to add-DH got me another pair of ear-phones,the kind that clip behind your ear and so,they didn’t fall off.Only one was working,but atleast it stayed plugged in!
I breezed thru the first 3 jogs,easily..in the 4th jog,I felt a little pinching on my right foot.I pause the pod-cast and rubbed it and it felt better.I walked a little to build up the pace and then started the pod-cast again.And before I knew it,I was on the 7th run and almost dying!!LOL! but there was just one more run and that was motivation enough.Again for cool down,I walked away from home..so that I would have to walk to get home:P
Day2 was definitely better than Day1.
Today is rest day but I am not as sore are last rest-day.

Yesterday was also school day and I was on my feet pretty much all day..The school is only 3 hours but,we got there half an hour early(DH gave us a ride) and instead of sitting inside,we spent that half an hour playing in the park.
There was a Mother’s Day Party in the school and moms had to stay back.It was really nice.The kids gave us a mini-manicure-rubbed scented cream in moms’ hands and painted their nails.Then,they made bracelets for us and gave us,cards and flowers,which the kids had made themselves,last week.Aadi didn;t go last week,so one of the teachers made it for her.Then there was lots of singing and dancing and lot of fun was had by all.
We got home by 4,Aadi was super-tired,put her down for a nap and tidied up,loaded the dishwasher,cooked dinner.By 9.00 dinner was done and I sat down to knit mittens for Aadi.I couldn’t keep my eyes open.
DH’s friend had invited us over to watch T-20 India-Australia,I begged off and even before DH left,we were both happily in dreamland!
I am soo excited,that I didn’t given and finished W1D2! one more day and I will be done with Week1!
Oh..and the scale is moving!!!LOL!!I didnt expect it to move so soon..but it is.
Current mood- Happy and relaxed!

Daddy's girl · Happy Times · Melbourne · parenting · play-time · Tales from Aadyaland · Uncategorized · Weekend..

Partners-in-Crime

MysTri Mum10 Comments


Its the long weekend and its raining.We are just having a lazy weekend.I woke up at 12.00*gasp* and the father-daughter duo,didn’t wake me up,even once..*double gasp*
When I walked out of the room,I saw them both sitting on the couch,watching cartoons and giggling.It was such a sweet sight…I walked up to cuddle them..and was greeted with-“Mom I am hungry!” hmm yeah..thats life.
Later,when it started to rain,Aadi was excited and wanted to dance in the rain..DH has normally refuses to go out and get wet.He is a little shy,what will people say types..but today,he was totally under his daughter’s spell and the reluctant father,even went did a jig in the rain with her. He tried to get her to play in the backyard..but no she insisted the front..Poor guy,obliged.Sweet,I think.
Watching them together..I remembered another incident-Last week when we had the medical appointment,Aadi was very happy that dad was home and we were going out,subah-subah.I fed her brekky and got her ready and she wanted to sit in the car.We still had to get dressed and eat our breakfast. When I came out of the room,dressed..Aadi was already in her car-seat,and DH was sitting with her and they were talking.I called him for breakfast.He came inside,filled a plate and went right back,out! I was like WTH? He just turned and told me,”Oh she wants me to sit with her and eat..” All my irritation disappeared..how could it not?
I leave you with a picture of the partners-in-crime..watching the new TV,excitedly.The TV is nearly 1 year old now.

Ohh if you are in a mood for baking,check out my other blog .Posted the cookies and bread recipes.

general · Happy Times · Memories · Uncategorized

Life’s Simple Pleasures-2

MysTri Mum12 Comments

Today at snack time,I was all out of fruit..well I had Kiwi and orange,but Aadi had already eaten orange in the morning and wasn’t in a mood for Kiwi.I asked her if she wanted a paratha..She said,if I wrap it,which is Aadya-speak for roll it.I said yes,and sprinkled some sugar on it and rolled it up.
I remembered a childhood treat of tup-saakhar -poli.Tup means Ghee in marathi,saakhar-Sugar and poli is chapati.
For a quick snack,mom would smear some home-made ghee on a chapati,sprinkle some sugar and make a roll and hand it to us on a plate.As we got older,the roll would be filled with some vegetable or omlette.I am sure,most of you,who grew up in India,must have had this snack with a similar filling.My dad still saves his last half chapati,to eat it this way..thats his simple dessert!
Coming back to the present..My American born,Australian raised daughter,loved it and even asked for seconds…I almost laughed thinking of all the people,who commented,about how she looks Indian..despite being born in Amrika!LOL!!DUH..she has Indian Genes na?If it wasn’t so irritating I would have laughed on their face.
Oh..and the roll was too tempting,I had one with my chai as well..without the sugar..Dunked it in my chai,the old-fahioned way..chewing in the salty paratha,with the sweetness of chai..aah bliss..
Oh and I just recieved my first guest post..will post it in the morning.
Ciao my lovelies..more later..

friends · general · Happy Times · Melbourne · Mommy-Me · Tales from Aadyaland · Weekend..

Weekend fun and more..

MysTri Mum5 Comments

Technically its late to write a weekend post,but in my defence..I was out all day Monday and resting trying to resist killing the tantrum-prone child,all day yesterday,had friends over for dinner and so,this is the earliest I can write about weekend fun!
Saturday started off early,with Sanj heading off for his cricket practice..and unfortunately for me,Aadi woke up with us..so,my day really started early.We did random stuff,read books,played blocks,finished brekky and Sanj was back.
After they had lunch,I was/am fasting for Navratri,we headed off to the mall.This time,I got lucky and Aadi dozed off in the car.I got a nice hour to myself..though,I couldn’t stop myself from feeling jealous that Sanj got it easy..Not fair,na..that I got the tantrum filled morning and he got the peaceful nap-time.
Anyway,I walked around and guess what I ended up shopping for the sleeping twosome-bought a late father’s day gift for Sanj..and started shopping early for Aadya’s christmas presents.
Sunday was a friend’s babyshower.. and my princess dressed up,like for real ..complete with bangles,payal,bindi,necklace everything..
The babyshower was quiet nice..I realised that I hadn’t attended any babyshowers other than my own.We got back home,dead tired..called it an early night.
Monday,I had a date..with a friend and I must say,it was a nice day.Co-incidentally,we ended up going to the same Mc.Donald’s where we met for the first time..only this time,Aneela’s baby was there too:) After a kid-friendly meal,we headed out to the shops..talked non-stop,got on the tourist shuttle,window-shopped some more..till it was time to say goodbye..until we meet again.That part I dont like..Aneela’s going to be away for a year..hopefully,we’ll still be here,when she comes back!
It was a treat watching Aadya and Arhaan together…how his eyes lit up,every time she spoke to him,how she wanted to touch him and kiss him,every other second..and at one time,Aneela was in a shop and I was pushing Arhaan’s stroller out the door,Aadya was walking I realised,thats just the picture I have in mind..hopefully…the picture will become reality soon.
Speaking off reality,I finally have an appointment with a Gynaec ..tomorrow..I dunno why I have a weird feeling like its a start of a new phase..may be it is,may be it isnt.Its my first visit with a PCOS specialist so,I don’t know what to expect..Its like starting all over again,sort of going to a new school…and making new friends all over again..Sigh..
Anyway,I leave you with this-
My Princess

My Indian Princess

Baby · Happy Times · Melbourne

Its Happy to you burday,Pooh Bear Ka

MysTri Mum12 Comments

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I have been asked to bake a cake and blow some some balloons..Since”its Happy to you burday,Pooh Bear Ka”
Pooh Bear has been sung to,so many times since morning.It has been cuddled and kissed too.In case,you are wondering why this special honour was bestowed on it?Well,a little baby came visiting today and Mamma asked Aadi to share her Pooh Bear with him.And then,started the whole story –
“Mamma,Pooh Bear Wants Aadi..”No going Baby paas”.I cajoled,its ok Baby,you can share with the little Baby.
She ran inside and brought out 2 other toys,but hung onto Pooh Bear.On asked ,this is the reason she shared.”Its happy to you Burday,Pooh Bear ka.”
Normally she is quiet friendly with babies.But today,when I picked up our little guest,she wasn’t too happy..Her reactions ranged from,repeating sweet nothings to the baby,to clinging to me,saying,”Myyy Mamma” loud and clear for neighbours ,two doors down to finally muttering,”isko dedo waapas”(Give the baby back)..When I handed the baby back to his grandma,he was showered with kisses,called a Fweetie(sweetie).
Now,I know why I didnt find it funny/cute,when Shahid said fmart for smart..My ownFweetie sweetie has been saying it for months now.
As for the picture in the post,its one of my favorite pics.We had gone to the city,with the ILs and Aadi saw the sea-gulls.She wanted to play with “Mashakali” and started walking along with them,chasing them.I was watching ,reminding her to stay off the road.And next thing I hear is a little voice saying,”No No Mashakali,No going road” “aao mashakali,come to Aadya” Though baby banter,it was music to my mommy ears:)
Anyway,you have a nice day,while we go and celebrate Pooh Bear’s Happy to you Burday!

happy days · Happy Times · Memories

The Ganpati weekend

MysTri Mum7 Comments

It was a good weekend.It really was.

Saturday started off early,since Sanj had to take the car for servicing..and Aadi was sleeping.So,I had the house to myself.I actually lounged around-stretched out on the couch,without having to share it with someone,without someone climbing all over me,wanting to see Mui(aaduspeak for movie) on the laptop..Just me and my cup of tea and my laptop..Ahhhh bliss!

She woke up about half an hour before Sanj arrived..we finished her brekky and then,we went out for breakfast.Nothing fancy just Mc.Cafe around the corner.

We were invited to a dinner party,followed by surprise midnight cake cutting.That went quiet well too.The birthday boy quiet surprised by the whole decorated house and cake..The dinner was at his place and then the husbands(who had been coached earlier) decided to go for an impromptu drink.In the meantime,we decorated the place,brought the cake out..etc.We came home at around 2.00 AM.

The next day was Hartalika and Ganesh Chaturthi.

Hartalika has a magical meaning for me.Its memories date back to my childhood.I remember being very excited because Hartalika marked the beginning of festive season.

The story behind this day is-Parvati wanted to marry Lord Shiva.She had started thinking of him as her husband.But for some reason,her father was not in favor for the match and didnt want to ask Shiva.So,Parvati,went to the forest with a friend and started praying there.She continued her penance for years before Lord Shiva answered her prayers and appeared before her.

This is just from my memory..you can find more about Hartalika on Google.

So,my memories:)

Yes,my memories are of- Mom waking us up early.Then,after bath,we would go to collect different flowers and leaves from the garden.Atleast 5 types of flowers and 5 types of leaves.

By the time,we returned,mom would have set up the pooja.

The Pooja was then,decorated with these flowers and leaves and fruits.Mom would fast fast whole day,eating only an occasional fruit or drinking a cup of milk at night.
I always loved this fast..because there was a story to it.There is the fact that with determination you can achieve what you desire..and there is that fairy tale romance factor.
I realised yesterday that I have been fasting on this day for over 20 years now..:)I started when I was 7.

So,on Sunday,I finished the Pooja and then,started making Modaks.

And may I tell you,I got reconverted..I have been using frozen grated coconut for about 5 years now.But this year,I used fresh coconut..and the taste was wowwwwwwwwww.

DSC02804
So the Modaks were made and then we did the Aarti.And our own inhouse Ganpati,kept creepinginching towards the bowl containing modak.It was like her fingers were itching to pick up one and pop it in her mouth.The shine in her eyes,when I removed the lid of the modak bowl was priceless.

First time,we chided her gently,telling her,it was for Ganpati Bappa..and after we finished the Aarti,she could have one.

Ok she said with a sad face.Then,we started the Aarti and she slowly crawled towards the bowl again.We rang the bell in her face..She tried to climb her way up to Baba,asking him softly for one.Finally the Aartis ended..Thank Ganpati for small mercies.

The Modak was promptly handed over..a jig was done and the little Ganpati,took her precious treat to her favorite corner seat of the couch and dug in..asking for “some more” when that was done with.

Can I tell you how much it pleased my heart? 🙂

It was a nice celebration.I am glad Aadi is enjoying the festival and the Modaks as much as we do..

Ganpati Bappa Morya.
I leave you with a picture of the little Diva praying 🙂
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Happy Times · play-time · Tag · Tales from Aadyaland

Of Boo,Baby and Black Cheep.

MysTri Mum7 Comments

Do you know what is common between these three,other than the obvious B? Well, these are some of the words that Aadya says..most commonly.

Baby is anything or anyone who can be her friend.For example her toys- her teddy,her dolly and her Angie, another toddler,another child.Anyone. Anything or anyone,which is in the same height range as her!well,her dolly is small,but it is called Baby too. She picks up the dolly,pats her,puts her on her shoulder and calls her Babee..We see some little girl in the grocery store,she points at her and says,Babee.. A little boy,seen running around in the park,is pointed at and called Babeee..It really doesn’t matter,if the Babee is a good two years older than her. When we put her to bed,she puts the teddy next to her,pats it and says Babee Aaa aaa. Angie,is another story though..She is like her friend. My friend,Vidya gifted it to her.Its a pink and white poodle from Build-A-Bear Workshop and she loved it from the moment she saw it,even when it was not stuffed. So,she has fights with Angie,wags her finger at her and scolds her. There was a time,when she was almost inseparable from Angie.. That phase is over,for now.

Boo is when she gets hurt. Whenever she fell down,I used to say..”Ohh Boo ho gaya..” Now she comes to me and says Boo Hua and I have to kiss it to make it better. The first time,I kissed her Boo,she was surprised and stopped crying. I kissed her finger and asked her is it OK? and she just said No..I kissed again and again..till she smiled. Now,I need to kiss her Boo twice only then she says YAS iss OK,with a shy smile.Oh and when kissing the Boo,utmost precision is required.If she presents her hand,to show the boo,you cannot just kiss the hand.If you do so,she will go on to put her finger at the exact stop where the BOO Hua,getting frustrated if your big lips,cannot kiss the tiny spot her little finger points at!

And lastly,Black Cheep- This little girl loves her nursery rhymes and sometimes sings them for us..Well not the whole thing,but she knows how to prompt mumma to sing…So,she toddles up to me and sings in the sweetest voice..”Baba Baba Back Cheep”…Excited mumma,tells her go on..sing more baby..sing like this..So, mumma sings the whole rhyme and then,baby applaudes and kisses!!Oh and kissing,has to be loud and clear..UUUUUUUUUUUUUMAAAAAAAAAAH! like that! She starts saying the UUU from a distance,comes towards you with puckered lips,gently touches the face and says..Uuumaaaaaaaaah!Oh and now, she showers me with kisses..ummm..I make her,every day at nap time, we lie in bed,I point at my cheek,saying,”ek kissie,aadi..” and she does..then the other cheek and the eyes, and so on. Its fun 🙂 these toddler years.
Oh..I digress..not that it matters,its all about Aadya..So,another song that she likes listening to is..ABC..So,she starts it..” A B cee dee…” and points at me..Yeah Yeah I oblige..always!

The funniest thing happened today..we were putting her to sleep- These days, thankfully,she always wants the Papa to be around too.I am happy,I am not the only one,getting frustrated when she is not sleeping.So, first she just didnt want to settle down,she just kept pointing at the bedroom door.Wondering,if she may be hungry,I went out with her and it turns out,Madam wanted a bath.So,I gave her a quick bath,while Papa got her bottle ready. That done,we were back in bed.The dudu was drunk and the sippy put away..and she refused to sleep! I got really angry and told her,”Aadya I am going to count till 5 ,if you dont sleep,That’s it!” So,I started, “One”….”Two”… she puts up two fingers and grins “Thee”… We both burst out laughing..And she jumped right in..And no she didn’t sleep right away,we played some more,we let her stay up past the bed-time,because we were hungry.We finished dinner,by then she was ready to sleep..Happily came to bed with me. Its so funny,I always have to sleep with the bedroom door closed.Now,when Aadya is sleepy and wants to sleep,she pulls me by the hand and makes sure,the door is SHUT behind us!
Isn’t it funny,how certain things you have been doing almost unconsciously,but the little one picks it up ?

On a totally different note,I am going to enable comment Moderation..Only because,that way,I am regular in replying to your comments 🙂

Art · Happy Times · play-time · Tales from Aadyaland

Artsy Shartsy

MysTri Mum9 Comments
Today Ms. Aadya was very restless and was getting upset,when I tried to make her nap with me,at my naptime. She kept pointing at the door and wanted to go to the living room. Not one to give up easily,I dragged my pillow and balnket to the couch..but she got even more upset. After trying to sleep for a good 30-30 minutes,I gave up.

I tried reading to her-she didnt want to read.Then,singing..she put her hand on my mouth..in an attempt to shush me. Then I remembered some colors I had picked up a few days back,for finger painting.We tried it sometime last week and she wanted to taste the color-one lick with a finger, the rigourous mouth wshing and stern No,was all it took to discourage her from eating the whole tube. She made a general mess of herself,her clothes,her hair and the newspaper that I gave her to splash color on.

Today,however,I thought of trying something else.We had a hanger,from a 6-pack of onsies.I thought of doing something fun with it. It had a general appearance of a tree..so,we started out with a big blot of red color. I showed her how to spread it all over the hanger. She did..Then we let it dry and started coloring in the color book with crayons. When the finger-paint dried up,I took a tube of brown oil paint and a brush and evenly spread the brown all over that. and hung it to dry.

Then,we played with the blocks and colored some more. And as I watched the drying hanger..a thought struck me..it didnt look like a tree..but looked like a lobster or something. So,I quickly got it down and dotted some yellow color on the ends and helped Aadya,blend it. And then,to add a final touch, made the eyes..

I present to you,our first attempt at art work –


Welllllllll, what do you think??