Category: Melbourne

Melbourne · Pipetty-ness · Winter

Short days and Long Nights

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The last few days have been so full that even S has taken to asking,What’s keeping you so busy?Well,the thing with him is,if and when I call him up,he tells me “I am busy”..even before I can say hello..So these days I don’t call him up and suddenly out of the blue he calls up,saying,”what’s keeping you so busy?ek call bhi nahi kar sakte?”Umm..”Isnt that my line,”I ask…mumble mumble..something something he says…basically to make me feel like I am ignoring him.But I am not..really just as I am not ignoring the blog(s).Winter is almost here,days are short and nights longer.By 6.30 its pitch dark and I spent the first week feeling miserable,homesick and depressed.Then,I decided to make the most of the day.So,I rearranged our day.Instead of going out for a walk,after Aadya woke up from her nap,we go in the morning.We have a light breakfast ,followed by an early lunch and head off to the town center.Its a nice 20 minute walk.First stop is the play area.Aadya plays there for about 40-45minutes,then,we browse through the stores.By the time we come back,almost 3 hours have passed.Then,its time for the Aadya’s nap.She naps,while,I pick up my knitting or crochet projects.On days that I dont feel like going for a walk,we spend an hour or so in the garden..and then head to the park after lunch.The park is really,just outside.I just have to open the gate and and we are in the park.But,this new schedule suits us well..After a busy morning,its nice to unwind in the evening and the darkness doesnt seem so bad.I start cooking only after it gets dark and so that one hour or so goes by really fast.Aadya likes to help me and so,cooking is fun.

That’s how we are spending our short days and long nights..What do you do in winter,to keep depression and boredom away?

P.S.I tried to post pictures I dunno how many times..but my internet connection is very bad.I will try again another day.

friends · Happy Birthday · Melbourne · Mumma's Kitchen · party

And a Happy Birthday it was

MysTri Mum4 Comments

This year Aadya’s birthday celebrations,were a week long affair.
On 30th March,the first SMS arrived at 2.30 AM-Nanu,forgot the time difference. Papa was going to take the
day off ,but he was called in for a presentation.So,it was just Aadi & Mimi.After a breakfast out in the backyard,we spent some time watering the plants.Then,between calls from friends and family,we baked a cake.
if you love baking,there is no greater joy,than baking for your kids.The only thing that is more fun is baking with them.
That is what we did.I lined up,all the ingredients on the counter and put the pipette there.She handed me each ingredient as I read from my mom’s recipe book.After I poured the batter into the cake tin,the Pipette,licked the bowl clean.
Then, it was time for hot-oil massage and a hot bath,followed by nap.By the time,she woke up,Papa was back.
We took her to the play-area before cutting the cake.While we were there,S’s friends called,they were coming over to wish Aadya.And they came bearing Gifts..A Bike,A new kid-sized dinner set for one and cookies.
We did the traditional celebration first-bringing in the birthday with Aarti,blessing the child and feeding her something sweet.Then,we cut the cake.
And then,the guys sat down to assemble the bike,under the birthday girl’s supervision.Once the bike was assembled,Aadya refused to get off,even having her dinner sitting on it.
The rest of the week,had a festive feel..we were shopping for little things for the party,organising,still getting calls and emails.Gifts were arriving,clothes were being tried on(by me).
Friday was spent in basic preps for the party food.This was the first party at home..and I was cooking.I was going to cook some things and order some.But,I ended up cooking most of the things..There were around 25 adults and 4 kids and 3 babies.
It wasn’t as hard as I expected.
The party was so much fun.It was nice to have so many people around. almost everyone we know,in Melbourne was here.I feel special days are to be celebrated and this one was definitely celebrated.We got around 50-60 helium balloons,tied with long strings and they covered the living room
ceiling.Every child and adult,said wow,at least once,looking at the balloons.Balloons and birthdays..there is just something so happy about it.As the sounds of laughter and chitchat filled the house,I felt the dull longing of home..of wanting our families here with us,but also
I was also pleasantly surprised to realise,how at home we are here,in such a short time.
Three of my friends,took over the task of dishing out piping hot appetisers,after almost pushing me out of the kitchen..”Go & get pretty”,they said.Another one,gave me pointers on eye make up,while cooing to her 1 year-old,propped on her hip.D& her husband arrived early and her
husband ran errands with S,from the moment he handed back his first glass of water.Another friend,walked out to the corner,to guide our guests in.A friend’s mom,cuddled Aadya and blessed her,asking me do her drashti(ward off evil eye),as only a grandmother can.I didn’t have
to worry about refilling the food,it was always taken care off.If this isn’t home,what is?
The kids had a blast with the balloons,they each grabbed as many strings as they could,creating their own bunches and ran around happily.The babies,were content playing with the assortment of soft toys.The littlest one slept peacefully,leaving his Mamma-dadda,to eat and socialise in peace.
The cutest part of the party was- We had set up a table in the backyard and all the guys were sitting there,nursing their drinks,munching the appetisers.I had just brought Aadya’s toys out for the babies to play with.Someone asked me where the birthday girl was.She was nowhere to be found.Not in the bedrooms or bathroom.I went out to the backyard to ask S,if he had seen her…And what do I see..She had pulled up a chair,sipping Fanta from her glass,munching on the appetisers,aping the guys.That’s one funny image stuck in my head from the party.
By 10.00,most of the guests had left..some stayed back for chit-chat and coffee.They left by 11.00 and thats when we realised how tired we were.Aadya wanted her bottle,my back started hurting and S,was too sleepy.
We put away the food in the refrigerator,loaded the dishwasher and took the laptop to bed-to see the pictures from the party.The slide show was on..and one by one,all of dozed off.
We opened the gifts next morning..and the little Pipette was instantly in toy heaven.
Its such a joy,watching your child at this age..how every small thing excites them.For once,I forgot about meticulously taking off the cello-tape,and opening each present delicately.It was the Pipette’s birthday and her gifts too.
She had a blast ripping the wrapping paper off each gift,squealing with joy..finally settling down to play with an alphabet Van.And that was how the week-long celebration ended.

P.S. On the weight-loss front-The scale is not budging.Its been three weeks,there has been absolutely no weight loss.Time to up the exercises me thinks.But I have managed to lose and keep off 3kgs.That’s a small consolation.

Happy Birthday · happy days · Melbourne · Pipetty-ness

Happy Birthday,My Darling

MysTri Mum9 Comments

My Dearest Aadi,
Happy Birthday !You,my dear,are turning Two today.And as I sit down to write this letter to you,I am lost.I try to remember you as a new born and I can’t.I try to remember your first wobbly steps and I can’t.When I look at your pics from a few months ago,it seems like someone else.Yes,that’s how much you have changed.Your Papa and I have spent most of the last month,wondering,how much our baby has grown up.

If your first year with us,went by very fast,then the second zoomed by even before we said your name.While the first year meant sleepless nights,midnight feeds,countless diaper changes and much more ,the second year was all fun.It was fun,watching you grow.You grew from a crawler to a walker and even runner.Aww,sweetie,we could watch you run,forever-your chubby baby legs,going fast,your little baby butt,swinging with each leap,you are delight to our eyes.

Not only did you learn to eat yourself,you do it with such style.You insist on eating with a spoon,you wont touch your food,till you are not handed a spoon,and then promptly dig in with your hands.Its mesmerising,watching you pick a tiny morsel with 2 perfect baby fingers and drop it into your mouth so gracefully.You insist on using a knife and fork for eating your eggs,and use them with perfect ease.I am so proud of you.
We both are.And though Papa may get angry sometimes or rough-house with you,he is a mush-ball,where you are concerned.And you,my darling,know that, better than me.You hug him,you kiss him or you just sulk and tell him how angry you are,and he is ready to give you the moon and the stars.
For most part of your first year and early last year,you were a clingy baby.So many times,that was a cause of irritation or embarrassment for me or your Papa-imagine,him coming to pick you up and you screaming,murder!Everyone told us,it was because,you saw only me all day.But,over the last few months,you have bloomed into an independent social bee.You love being around other people.You love interacting with others and now others ask us,if you go to a play school and we proudly answer,that you are home with me.
When I watch you,walk confidently,in a crowded room,my heart swells with pride.When you have the attention of the crowd,you do your thing-smile your sweet smile,put up a cute show,almost unconsciously and keep your audience interested.You are natural star and you know it too.But its your innocence that makes you the rock star.
And you rock my world.I try hard but cannot remember life without you.Sometimes,when you are awake and chattering non-stop,I wish for a moment of quiet.But,when you are sleeping,I find myself waiting for you to wake up or even wanting to wake you up*gasp*.After that initial moment of quiet,the silence becomes uncomfortable and I find myself missing that chit-chat.In these two years,you have taken over my thoughts,my mind and my heart completely.The love that I feel for you,I can’t explain even to you..May be you’ll know it when you are a mom(By the time you read this,you would have probably heard this line,in so many different tones,in many different contexts.) I used to roll my eyes,the same way you would be doing then.
But even if I rolled my eyes,I always wanted to be a mom.Always.Even when I was fifteen or was it thirteen.And I knew that I wanted to be a mom to a baby girl.I always wanted a girl.Like most teenage girls,I wanted a girl to dress her up in pretty clothes. After your Nani passed away,I wished even more to have a daughter,to have a mother-daughter relationship-it didn’t matter that I would be the mother,this time round.My desire for a daughter,grew with each year,that you didn’t appear.Now,I realise,that you took so long to come,because,perfection takes time.Yes,my darling,you are perfect..even with your little imperfections.What imperfections,you ask?Well,your temper for one 🙂 You of the volatile temper and you who is quick to say,”Sorry”.. Yes,you are perfect.
Stay the same baby girl..I know you have a lot of growing up to do,I want you to be all grown up,but you’ll always be my little baby.You are getting closer to your Papa,now,but I’ll always know you more -just a tad more,for those nine months,when you were just mine-for all to know but only for me to feel.You clung to him,again today,when you were sleepy and I watched,partly with love,partly with envy and he asked me,if I was scared of losing my baby to him..I said,Naah..Little does he know,how close to truth he was or may be he does.
Now,when I try to remember the days when I was pregnant,or even your first few months,it seems so far off in time.My memories are a little fuzzy but one thing is crystal clear and that is the feeling of being overwhelmed,by the love I feel for you. Tonight,as I type this fervently,while sneaking furtive glances at your sleeping form,I feel the same.And I feel bad for being hard on you,at bed-time,every night.It breaks my heart even more when you snuggle close to me,as I get in bed and then,I know,we are OK..We are friends again 🙂 And the only reason,I write this today,is because,that’s how I want us to stay always..As friends.I want to be the one you come to,with whatever is on your mind.And if for some reason,I am not,show me this post and remind me.And if for some reason,you don’t feel like being friends ,see this post and remember how much I love you.
We just put up a birthday banner,with your favorite Pooh and filled your favorite corner with your oldest toys and balloons..I hope when,you wake up,you are happily surprised.Hearing that “WowWWW” is the inspiration for so many things,that we do.
Jaanu,may your life be always filled with sunny days and happy moments.May you always be happy,As happy as you have made us.You are our lives sweetest blessing.
God bless you,My Angel.
Happy Birthday,Baby girl!
Love you Always..
Mumma

Melbourne · Spirituality

A brush with Spirituality-1

MysTri Mum5 Comments

Sometimes,some things happen that you just cannot explain.Somethings that leave you breathless,with excitement and nervous in anticipation.Somethings that you realise,you are better off accepting,just like that-Unexplained.

Something like that happened to me,in late October,2009.My dad was going through a very very tough period.And it felt like the situation was just getting worse by the minute.We were all very worried and near depression.The feeling of helplessness pushes you into a dark place.The only way out seemed like prayers.

I am big believer of Sai Baba.I truly believe and Thank Baba for Aadya and her safe arrival.I had my copy of Sai Satcharitra with me,even in the OT.I decided to fast on Thursdays in Sai Baba’s honour till the terrible time didn’t pass.Sometime that week,I had a dream.

In my dream,a soft spoken lady,was talking to me.Her voice was so sweet,that you would forget about everything else.I couldn’t even see her face.All I remember is seeing a rich green and red haze around her.And I remember her words very clearly,as if she is saying them,as I type-“Guruvar toh theek hai,par Devi ka bhi kuch karo“[Fasting on Thursday is fine,but you should do something for the Goddess]…And I woke up.

My heart was beating fast and I was filled with excitement,of a good kind.It was a good change from the dull depressing state I was in.

I told S,when we woke up,he was intrigued too.After a while,had a long chat with my sister,she was surprised too.Then,I emailed my trusted friends,and Kiran of karmic kids suggested Vaibhav lakshmi vrat.Someone else suggested Santoshi Mata Vrat.Some how as soon as I heard about Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrat,I felt it was what the lady in my dream hinted at.

Anyway,I looked up online and found a Devi’s Temple somewhere in a far-flung suburb of Melbourne.Coincidentally,it was a Friday and we decided to go there.But S was late coming back from work and we couldn’t.The next day,on Saturday,we set off in the evening to the temple.We had plenty of time,before the temple close at 8.As luck would have it,we got lost and we got lost and we got lost again.My heart was sinking.It was 7.45pm and we were nowhere close to the temple..I had all but given up hopes of reaching on time.Excatly at 7.50 pm,we saw the sign to the temple and reached there 5 minutes before closing time.

It was as if the priest was just waiting for us.There were exactly three bananas left -which he gave us.We spoke to the priest and I told him about my dream.He just smiled and as soon as I asked him about Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrat,he quietly went and brought a book from the cupboard-it was the Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrat Katha[The story of Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrat].He said its for me.

While at the temple,Aadya looked at the Devi’s Lion and went and touched it lovingly calling it Puppy.Normally,when she calls her teddies Puppy,we correct her and she says the right name atleast then..but this time she was adamant and called it Puppy.”Her name is a name of Godess Durga,who rides the Lion”,S pointed out.

Anyway,around this time,I don’t remember,if it was before or after my dream,someone told my sister,that my dad should pray to the Godess,She is the only one who would help him.This was another co-incidence.It was just a happy co-incidence that Aadya was named after the Godess,quiet by chance -we picked the name thinking it meant the first one..it was only later that we realised the religious connection.

The day after the visit to the temple,things started looking up …making my belief even stronger.
Spirituality is something,isn’t it?when you are in a happy place spiritually, the calm you experience is unimaginable.
I have to stop now…I will write more..in a while

Melbourne · monthly update

Almost 2

MysTri Mum5 Comments

February has only 28 days and  Aadya turns 2 on the 30th of March..So,she is almost two..technically 23 months now.:)
We moved to our new house on the 28th and I think Aadya  has got a new leash on life.Really.I heard her squeal happily,when she saw the house.I heard her excited squeals when S played ball with her.My baby is almost a big girl now.In her mind,I think she already is.From pointing at things to saying some words,she has moved on speaking two word sentences..and even attempting to string more words together.Like the other day,she was walking between the husband’s legs and giggling.I asked her”What’s up Aadya?” And she said,”Aadya walking shidePapa Paiir(shide=Aadyaspeak for inside or outside,whatever is applicable; paiir=legs)
Its interesting to see the little helpless baby evolve so much..but it breaks my heart to see that she is all grown up now.
There was a time,when she just wouldn’t let me get out of her sight.But now,its like her little legs have a mind of their own..actually,I think she knows now that she can wander away from me and the sky won’t fall.Now this is both good and bad.At home,I can have my momentary peace,while she does her own thing.But bad,when we are out somewhere,say,in the library.She finds books that she likes and brings them,not to me..to other women(read moms) in the kids section and insists on them reading it,saying Peez to sweeten the deal.And all my attempts at getting her to sit down with me,are a lost cause.She looks at me like I am a strange WOMAN!
The new independent Diva,has a choice in everything..be it her meals-the day I make only roti and no rice,she wants Bhaatu.The day,there is no roti,she wants Roti.And the day that I make both,she wants Patata or Dosha!There is no pleasing this child,I tell you.That’s another story..that she has to eat what is on her plate.I tell her,she’ll get the missing item after she finishes..most days she is a sport and finishes it.By then she is too full to remember.She likes to pick her own clothes too.We are in the Pink phase still..but she has a select clothes that she likes in the non-pink stack too.Even if we ask her,what to wear,she answers Pink..and ensures that the shirt or top is pink!Not only that,she has taken to dressing and undressing herself.So,don’t be surprised if you walk into AadyaLand and are greeted by a naked child running around or one wearing an inside out dress.
She has her favorites in DVDs too.The ones topping the chart are –Ghatotkach,Adventures of Pooh,Hanuman-1 &2,Hum tum,Salaam namaste.
The Salaam Namaste Songs were played so many times,before the DVD stopped working..But,since Ghattu(ghatotkach)arrived on the scene,all other videos have moved down the chart. When she wants to watch it,she says Gattu putit peez? What is it with the kids these days..so polite-whatever happened to demanding from your parents,with reckless abandon.
Every time,we fill her bottle,she wants to hold the cap and she takes it very seriously,this cap holding business.God Forbid,if you dont give it to her to hold,big tears appear miraculously on her cheeks and you hear holdit holdit in halting baby voice,till she doesn’t get to holdit!
Aadya has alway enjoyed being read to.But now,she sits down with her toys and opens a book and reads to them.Ofcourse,she can’t read.But,if you didn’t listen to clearly,you’d think she was actually reading the story.What she is mostly saying is…”one gibberish gibberish mamma bear..fast hot.gibberish gibberish knockknonk..shleeping BEARS!”She is actually reading the Goldilocks and three Bears from her memory.I am amazed at the things she remembers.Its been more than one month,since we visited Aneela and baby Arhaan.But,even if I mention Aneela’s name in passing,she starts her narrative- Auntie..gibberish..Baby,dudu peeta…Aadya turn,Nani,uncle chokie Givmi….So,we cannot take Aneela’s name in vain around here.
I have always said Aadya is a very sensitive child.And as she is growing getting more sensitive.Her eyes tear up,when she sees another child crying..or if one of us is upset.If one of us is angry,she keeps calling out to us sweetly,till we don’t smile.If someone storms out to the other room,she goes after that person..talking sweetly,patting whichever part of the body she has access too..saying “Isshokay,Aadi Hiya(here)”..who can stay mad or upset after that reassurance.
Aadya is so in love with babies.She gently kisses them on their forehead,wants to pick them dodi(AadyaSpeak for=pick me up).She is also in love with her various soft toys too.She calls the smaller teddies Puppy-Don’t ask me why.So, each teddy or Puppy gets its turn to be pampered.They get read to,they get fed,put to sleep.She dances with them,urging them to put their feet on the ground..its fun to watch..She even blows raspberries.But its no fun,blowing raspberries on teddies,so thats when mummy is called in,shirt is promptly raised and raspberries blown on Mumma-tummy.Sometimes I wonder who the child is..It fills my heart with a mish-mash of happy and sad..:)
A couple of weeks and she will be two.Its just not fair,that just like that my baby is a toddler now and even acts all grown up…:(

general · Melbourne

A quick hello

MysTri Mum6 Comments

Hello Hello Everyone.I am just stopping by to say a quick hello and to tell you that all’s well here.We are almost at home in the new house.Finally got the internet connection today and the phone should start working from tomorrow.Aadya loves running around.The first thing she does when she wakes up is to run to the front door and look out the glass panel.Rest of the day just goes by..running and playing .I am not in a rush to unpack this time..all the bags and boxes have been stacked in one room and we are going one room at a time.
We have already entertained two sets of house guests and had some people come over for lunch.S drives to city everyday and so far he hasn’t complained.And I don’t think he will too,considering moving here was his idea.
We have almost finalised on a day-care cum montessori for Aadya and she will start school in a week or two.
On the weight front there is good news-
I have lost 2.8 kgs so far.i hope to lose another kg till Aadya’s birthday on the 30th.Resh,Sraikh..thanx for checking.
Regular blogging will resume soon.

general · Melbourne

Random Talks

MysTri Mum2 Comments

So,I never got around to writing the birthday post.I haven’t even replied to all the friends who sent birthday greetings on Facebook and Orkut.One good thing about these social networking sites is,no-one forgets your birthday and you don’t forget any one’s birthday.But,I am a sucker for birthdays and so more the wishes,the happier I am.
This year,for the first time,since I got married,I celebrated my birthday with friends and not with Sanj.So,as I was saying,this year,there were no celebrations with Sanj.I went out for lunch with two girlfriends ,followed by some retail therapy,roamed around in the city and came back home,tired.When Sanj came home,he was feeling miserable,for having been busy all day.He didn’t even get a chance to get me a cake(I rub it in EVERY SINGLE DAY!) -he did bring home lovely flowers and cards,though.We ordered a take-out dinner and ate it while watching a movie.And the day was over.
Anyway,this week-I have been packing,at least trying to pack.Most of the packing happened yesterday and today.There are boxes all over the house.The house is a mess.I haven’t bothered cleaning,since,in two days,we need to bring on some heavy-duty cleaning.The movers are booked for Friday morning and S has taken a day off that day.Aadya is going crazy with all the suitcases and boxes.If I pack 2 things she takes out 4 and insists on playing only with that.She caught me packing her toys and since then,refuses to leave me alone.What if I put one of her precious toys in one of those boxes?
I can’t believe…our stint in this house is over.But,for the first time,I am not sad,moving.In fact,I am looking forward to it.The only thing I will miss about this house is its location-everything is walking distance from here-the shops,the doctors,the station,the bus stop everything.The only other thing I will miss is -My friend,D.She has been my friend,since the first day,we moved in here.She has been my support system here.I will sorely miss our impromptu chai-sessions,on the spur of the moment trip to the mall.But,we have promised to keep in touch,and meet as often as possible.
I really feel some very positive vibes about this new house(Anti-jinx)..I hope it is all we hope it is.
I almost forgot-I wrote my first article on Helium.com and its ranked 10th of 29!I can’t tell you how kicked I am!!
This may be my last post for the next week or so,till,I don’t get the new Internet connection.See you on the other side 🙂
Take care and be good.

Melbourne · Weekend.. · zoo

Of Fawers,Mukkeys,Giaafs And Aanas

MysTri Mum4 Comments

This Valentine’s Day,we completed 8 years as a couple.After 8 years together,of which 5 years married and a baby ,for the first time,Sanj gave me flowers-Red Roses :)I love flowers and he knows it,but he had never bought flowers for me.Sometimes,if I wanted flowers,I would buy them myself,but he never offered to buy them for me..So,this was a pleasant surprise.His reasons being,’he wanted to keep me happy,so that I keep him happy ,when he is OLD’..well,I said,”Keep the flowers coming,till you get old..and even then 🙂 and I will think about it.” And then,the moment was broken,by an impatient bachcha,demanding Fawers!
We were wondering what to do,for V-Day-last two years,it was just quiet dinners.This year,I wanted to do something fun and special.He offered a fancy shmancy dinner..but,I didn’t want to do that..I would rather indulge once,on my b’day..than twice in a week.So,we decided to do something kid-friendly and decided on the Zoo instead.
We set off Saturday morning,after breakfast to the Melbourne Zoo .It was a 35 minute drive,so we weren’t in a hurry.Sanj was relaxed,we were listening to music,singing along,even Aadya was happy.And we got lost.And we kept getting lost over and over again.We were lost for well over an hour.Thank God for GPS -mobile phones.Anyway,it was a nice day,sunny,but not hot-windy but not too windy.We bought the tickets and got inside.It was nice to see so many other young parents,with their babies and toddlers.We saw some grandparents babysitting toddlers and I imagined their parents,out in the city,spending some couple time.

We decided to see the Gorillas first.Another Good Choice..Aadi was super-excited.All the Gorillas,Apes,chimps,everyone was a Mukkey in Aadya-speak.She decided to walk..And we saw the Zoo,from her prospective.Everything was so exciting.All the monkey-business was interesting enough to spend long spells,watching them.Each monkey had to be waved at.2 little boys and their grandparents were following us.At each enclosure,Aadya and one of those little boys were standing next to each other.She took a fancy to his “Glasshes” and he to her hat.Sometimes,he would leave his group and linger around Aadya and at other times,Aadya would turn her cute little Butt towards us and chase after him.

After the mukkeys,we saw the crocodile,Coco in Aadya-speak.Anything that looks scary,roars(in her world) It was a fake crocodile..Aadya looked at it and roared,trying to warn the other bystanders.That was our next pit stop.Roaring for the crocodile.We spent quite some time there.When we asked the roarer to pose with the Coco,then,of course,she was Shcared!We walked around leisurely,playing catch behind the trees,stopping to pick up a leaf or a stone.Then,we saw the tiger..and some more roaring was done.Then,it was time to run,run.And then,Ms.Aadya  spotted ice cream.So,it was time to get the “ice”.We got her some ice cream and went to see the elephants.

As soon as she spotted the first stone elephant,she screamed,”Aana!”(Elephant is called Aana in Malayalam) She dug in her ice cream cup,as we watched the elephants,play in the water and grab a bite of hay and apples.We then stopped to eat lunch.After a leisurely lunch of chai lattes and Satay wraps,we went to see the Giraffes.Giaffs were Bigg and the little miss wanted to give them huggies.Before the whining turned into a full blown tantrum,we decided to move on.She saw the zebras and got distracted.Next came the Kangaroos.They were kept in open range.Aadya tried to sneak under the railing,so I took her outside,while Sanj walked around a little.The Koalas were there,too..but we didn’t get to see them.
Aadya was getting tired,and so were we.We decided to call it a day.Sometime during the day,Aadya needed a diaper change and asked for it.So,I decided to leave the stroller and backpack with Sanj and just take the diaper and wipes and her blankie.She wanted to help -so I carried her blanket and the wipes ,while she carried the diaper.On the way out,she held the blankie and wipes both,saying she wanted to help Mumma.At that moment,it hit hard,how much my baby girl has grown.My baby is not a baby anymore..I had memory flashes,of a six-month old Aadya ,in Dallas Zoo,when my dad was visiting.Sanj was carrying her diaper bag,I was carrying the baby..my dad was pushing the stroller…And now she wants to help 🙂 Time really flies.As I was typing this..I wiped away the tears..Aadya saw that,she came running,”Mumma crying…Sorrieee” My baby has really grown up.
It was lovely day and we came back with happy memories.

Melbourne · mischief · random talks

Of Chinese tortures and stripping in parks

MysTri Mum6 Comments

I survived Chinese torture , stripped in the park,in the same evening and lived to tell the tale. Those of you,who think,this is going to be an A-rated “strip-tease”kinda post,sorry to disappoint you.Nor is it some kind of action thriller.This is just a mom’s not-so-dull evening,out.

It being Summer,I decided to go get myself waxed.So,I set about with Aadya,in her stroller.The girls at the salon love her and she normally behaves herself,chattering with them,giving them coy smiles and even before she realises,we are done.That particular day,we decided to meet a friend and her 18 month old in the city park.So,not to digress,at the salon…the girls,Lily and Lena,took me inside..Aadya’s stroller was parked at its normal position.Lily or Lena(I forget who is who)asked me to hop on the bed.I did.Little did I know what awaited me. They attacked me simultaneously..one tackling my legs,the other my hands.And before starting,one of them,gave Aadya a sesame snap candy,”For the Chinese New Year”,she said.

So,the waxing began..and the Diva decided she was bored.Just when the first strip was pulled off,she demanded,Oppenit oppenit!!She wanted me to open her candy packet.She kept at it..Lily and Lena,oblivious to the oppenits,kept yanking..Aadya tried to stand in her stroller,still buckled up,put her grubby fingers on my free hand and pulled with almost the same strength as the girls.”OPPENITT!!!”she demanded..this time I knew,I had to do it.I opened it awkwardly,with my one hand,and teeth. “Thanksh” she said as I handed her precious candy to her.I breathed easily..if the brat was quiet,I could tolerate the waxing.It was her whining that turned it into a Chinese torture!
One sec,later,I heard,”Droppit,droppit””oh No!!She had dropped her candy! Then,she continued her Droppit song.I tried talking to her,sweetly threatening her in Hindi,reasoning quietly in English..nope,she continued,droppit droppit.I mumbled,”Lena,can you please pick up her candy”..I guess Lena was the one farthest from the bed..coz neither girl,answered.Aadya continued,asking for Dudu,chockie,Kaju,bickie,book,phoune..I think,she must have figured,if i ask for ten things,at least I will get one.Hands done,one of them,was stepping outside.The other started on my eyebrows.This time,Lena heard me..and gave her the bottle from the bag.
She gulped her Dudu quietly and put the bottle down.Lena had left the bag,too close to the stroller.I was happy,to get my eyebrows done in peace..only to find Aadya,opening my purse and throwing all the cards and money on the floor..saving only the coins.Ordeal over,I quickly put on my shirt,paid and left.We got on the train,reached the park.It was then,that I realised that I had forgotten to remove the singlet I was wearing,when getting waxed.It was sticking to the skin.That was so uncomfortable.We were playing ball,while waiting for our friends.The park was mostly empty.I decided to get rid of the singlet.It was the time to use,Rachael’s bra trick(from Friends,duh!)
I slipped one strap off,with great difficulty..I was wearing a full sleeves shirt..Then,slipped the second strap off..and then,realised belatedly,it was a singlet,and wasn’t going to open up.So,I just looked left and right and pulled..then finally,pulled it all the way down to my feet and off!I am hoping,no one saw me..or they would think of me as a crazy fool.I told Sanj about it,and he just looked at me poker-faced and said..”So,now you have stripped in a park..bas yahi dekhna reh gaya tha”(this is the last thing I needed to see)..
Yeah sure..whatever..
The rest of the evening was just dull,we just ran and played in the park..met Sanj,came back home 🙂

general · Melbourne · Weekend..

The one where I sat behind the wheel

MysTri Mum7 Comments

…And loved it.
We are house-hunting,like crazy.All of Saturday,was spent in house-hunting.We saw 4-5 houses but didn’t find anything that we just loved.We are planning to move to the suburbs,now.After the last week or so was spent agonising over the choice of apartment vs house,city vs suburbs,we finally chose space over hustle-bustle.So,after we had looked at all the houses that we had short-listed and were just driving around to see,if there were any other houses open for inspection.We landed up on an empty street.The Bubba looked here and there furtively,eyebrows furrowed with concentration.I asked him,what was he thinking of doing.He replied,”Something I shouldn’t be doing…”I was still trying to think what that would be,when he stopped the car.Mentally,I braced myself to say to him,if he wanted to make out..after all it was broad daylight,in the middle of the road and Aadya was wide awake!!
But it never came to that.He asked me to get off..alarm bells went off in my mind..”WHY??“ I screamed,”Coz I want you to drive,”he said calmly.No way..I started giggling nervously.He almost pushed me out of the car..and I sat behind the wheel,giggling nervously.Aadya caught on my nervousness and was confused to see Mimi behind the wheel,while Bubba sat in the passenger seat.I heard her..like from a distance..my mind and eyes,on the road.I didnt want to screw this up.She was saying..Mimi..Mimi…Papa Papa Shtaredd shtared(scared)-Now i don’t know if she was telling the bubba that mumma is scared or if she was scared for her life,with Mumma behind the wheel.For the first time,since the Aadya’s arrival,I didn’t care to look at her,cute face..I was just staring straight ahead.
I gingerly drove a little over 100 feet,first with the bubba,helping with the steering wheel,then,he just guided me,and i did it all by myself..And I cannot tell you how liberated I felt.It was a feeling like never before!!And then I had to stop..Bubba took over..but my day was made..I spent the rest of the day,on the 9th cloud.
I am just waiting for the day,when I get the licence officially!!