These last few days all I have done is packing,sorting, packing and more sorting. And all the while there are a thousand thoughts in my mind. I have a couple posts in draft and countless others in my mind,but this one needs to be written.
I had a followup appointment at my doctor’s office today and we all were happy to get away from this mad place we call home. I tell you, there is so much mess- well, actually not mess.its our things- clothes,books, etc..but in general moves are messy and to add to it, we are trying to pack a week long vacation in SFO, before we leave the U S of A. So, anyway, we were at the doctor’s office.
The doctor’s assitant came in to take all the details,Aadya was happily chattering ,saying hi giving hi-fives..till, she started checking my temperature and blood pressure and then,all the love evaporated .Sanj tried to distract her, but all she wanted to do was pry the pressure cuff off my arm. That got done and then we had to wait for the doctor. This is the only bad part about my doctor visit. She is great doctor, patiently answers all our queries but,the wait time is too long.So,thats a challenge,keeping a super-active toddler out of trouble. Sanj took her out for a walk and still no sign of the doctor.. after a long wait I think about 25 minutes or so..she came to see me.
“You are glowing,you seem to have lost weight”…these were her first words,on entering the room.Grinning ear-to-ear,I forgot about the long wait. When your doctor tells you, you are looking good,its a cause to celebrate. The next she asked Sanj ,if he had had his flu shots.When he told her that his sugar levels were back to normal,she reached out and hugged him. This is the reason, why I still keep going back to this place.. they make us feel like we belong. Anyway
then came the tricky part- the blood draw.
Its so difficult a good vein in my arms,and so as soon as the nurse came in to take the blood, sanj took aadya out .They came back,and we were still trying to find a vein after one missed attempt.Aadya saw the band-aid and started pointing at it saying “Boo Boo” with a sad face.I said, “Mumma has got a boo” she looked even sadder.I said, can you make it better?
And she did..She climbed up on the chair and kissed the band-aid and then asked me..”boo?”I said,with a sad face,Boo hurts.She climbed up on the chair and kissed it again and kissed my hand and face too.How could the Boo not get better then?
I hugged her and said,its Ok now,baby..then she smiled. The nurse hugged her too..and said..”see that’s why I wanted atleast one little girl”..What can I say,I got lucky!
So, if you want to make your boo better,you know where to go 🙂
Category: Munchkin Mania
All my doings and the movie
Weekends are meant to sleep-in and we are strong believers of that. We don’t make any early morning plans,we rarely meet people for lunch on weekends,because by the time we eat breakfast,most people are beginning to think of lunch and by the time,we do lunch,normal people are thinking of tea. This was pretty much what we did until a few months back.
Even when I got pregnant,I would wake up in the mornings ,ravenous..So,I would sneak to the kitchen,grab a cup of milk,drink it in bed,reading a book and then go back to sleep. Then,Ms.Aadya happened and she started waking up early..So,I’d just nurse or give her a bottle and cuddle up with her,and she would go back to sleep too.
But a couple months back,she decided that the weekend should be treated as any other day..and its a great idea to wake up early.So,now,she wakes up early..and starts playing,jumping on the bed,poking me..till I don’t get up. I hate being woken up from my sleep,and god help the one,who tries to wake me up from my slumber..well..except if that someone is Aadya. So,i wake up..and most days,being a meanie that I am..I tell her to ask papa to wake up..Bolo Utho utho baby (say wakey wakey baby) and she would just pat him.Yesterday,they were both up and I was sleeping,this little missy comes up to me and pats me on the cheek and says-“Mamma,utho utho!” Oh well,I taught her to say it!
When Sanj is in the bathroom and we are getting late for going somewhere..or sometimes,just to tease him,I have Aadya knock and tell her to say Kholo papa kholo(open up,papa). She just taps on it one or two times and then comes running to cling to me..a couple days back,I went to the bathroom and closed the door.Aadya and Sanj were in bed,reading a book.She pushed the book away, and banged the door-“dham dhaam” and screamed,”Mumma,Khollo” I mean how is that she never says it when I tell her to say it..but is ready to use it for me!!Grrr..
When Aadya is being naughty,I just wag my finger at her and scold her…or try to..Sometimes,I ask her,Understand? or Got it? Now, whenever,we are talking or arguing and our voices are raised,Aadya,wags her finger at the offending party..and says something,gibberish..we used to just laugh it off..until a few days ago,she turned towards me,when I was laughing and scolded me some more and said,”Understand?” with a dead-pan serious expression!!! I just wanted to go hide somewhere!!Need I say,how much Sanj enjoyed watching my face turn white!
And this one surely takes the cake..Sanj and Aadya were cuddling in bed and Aadya was patting her dolly. so,she was trying to put her to sleep.She was humming..aaaaa aaaa aaaaa…and patting the doll.Suddenly she got up,propped her self on her elbow and scolded the dolly..haaannnnnnnnn..ninni ninni.. Gosh..it was so cute..but so identical to our typical nght-time scene..Me patting Aadya..,humming,aaa aaaa aaa..and propping myself up on the elbow and scolding her,for not sleeping..haaannnn.. ninni karo.. jaldi close your eyes and ninni karo!!
Uh-oh time to change my tactics!!:D
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And now the movie,that I almost watched.So,we went to watch The dark knight with some friends..I had been really down,last couple days and so Sanj planned this evening,the Batman,being my favorite and all.We got to the theatre well in time and got great seats too.There was a lot of room for Aadya to play and we were close to the exit.Besides,it was almost her bed-time. Mostly,we just go for the last show,that way,she sleep through it..Ideally,I would’ve liked to not take her..but,somethings cant be helped. So,not to digress.10 minutes into the movie,Aadya,started getting fidgety,we gave her popcorn,she munched happily.A little extra snack never hurt anyone. Pop-corn finished,she turned back and started pointing to the bag of popcorn that belonged to the people behind us. After the usual No-No’s she started watching the movie..and almost dozed off..but,then the screen lit-up,and she was wide awake.I took her out,let her run around in an attempt to tire her out.She was more than happy to run around. We played catch in the deserted upper floor lobby. Then,she started feeling sleepy.So,I changed her diaper,put her in the stroller,gave her the bottle..And started walking her.normally 10 minutes of this routine and she is fast asleep..But yesterday was something else.She just didn’t want to sleep. I walked around the mall,before it closed one time.Sanj offered to trade places..but I figured at least one of us,could watch the complete movie!
So we walked some more..and after a while,I actually started enjoying the quiet walk.When I got tired,I sat down,drank some water,gave her some water and called my dad.Had a quiet chat with him,while Aadi looked around. As soon as I hung up,she said,”Mumma Ghumi”..yes baby,I said..and off we went for Ghumi again..While everyone else enjoyed the movie..we enjoyed our own movie…Sigh.. the dark knight will have to wait..until this fair princess is awake!
Play-date and a Meltdown averted
First of all,Thank you everyone,who took the time to write to me,after my last post.I still don’t know,what could have triggered that meltdown. I am guessing,it was hunger,mixed with waking up at a strange HOT place. Well whatever it was,left me tired and scared.
So,two days after that,when we got asked to a play-date at the same mall,I was not too thrilled.But,I didn’t want to miss out on meeting some friends and so agreed to go.
We had decided to meet near the play-area.Now, this is a place,that we go to at least once,sometimes twice a week. But, that day,Aadya refused to get out of her stroller. Have I mentioned,how much she loves her new stroller? She will happily sit in it for hours,if we just keep moving.Now,grocery-trips and walks are good fun for us too.So,she refused to get out of her stroller..I forcefully got her out,she saw the kids and was happy.Then,I took off her shoes.Have I mentioned,shoes are the next favorite on her list?The moment she wakes up,she goes off toddling,to look for her shoes and then demands”Mumma,Thiss”-the shoes need to be put on then.And she walks around all day,wearing those shoes..Sometimes,wearing just her diaper and the shoes.
Anyway,not to digress,I quickly took off the shoes,distracted her and took her to the place,where my friend was sitting.Now Aadi always runs off to play,as soon as we get inside the play=area.But that day she saw,my friends baby,S.S was hanging on to her mommy and so Aadi,tried to be friends with her. first said Hi, then,tugged at her hand,pointed at the tunnel.That didn’t work.Then,this little doll,went and hugged S.They are the same age and so,it was nice,watching them,together.Both the girls,were such opposites..Aadi,open,uninhibited and S,shy,reserved. S, was getting scared..and I sat down,next to Aadi and had a little mommy-baby talk with her,about how S was upset and didn’t want to play then..and could she go and play with some one else.I dunno how much she understood,but she left S alone,after that.
Another friend arrived with her two boys.The younger one is almost one and he was clutching a small box that had some raisins it ,for his snack. The box was an attractive yellow,that Aadya fancied,almost immediately.But who cares about such small things when,you can run and play. But,she didn’t forget.
We came out of the play-area and gave the kids their snacks.Also,each one passed around their snack boxes for the other kids to share.And when the box of raisins came along,Aadi wanted the whole thing. She was munching on her grapes, but refused to let go of that. I picked up a couple raisins and passed it along.
Now, she got really angry and showed me the FINGER! Err..Her forefinger,threatening to shove it up her nose!eww I know. This is the newest “cool thing”.one or two times,I saw the finger hovering around the nostril and said NO! And since then,the little brat knows that its something that bothers mommy and so,every time she is angry with me,she threatens to put her finger in her nose.So,she showed me the finger and I said,”No,Don’t be angry.That’s not yours, you can eat your grapes.”She asked for the raisins again.Again,I said No! And this time,the finger went up the nose. I glared at her, pulled it out,sneaked glances at my girl-friends.Everyone was busy with their little ones. By now she got upset and started crying.I excused myself and took her for a walk. A short quiet walk..she stopped crying and called out to me. I stopped walking and hugged her,offered her some water,wiped her hands and offered her the grapes again. This time she took the grapes. I let her eat the grapes,while I spoke to her quietly. When she finished her snack,we joined the group again. This time she was calmer and happier..working her charm on everyone .:)
I am so glad,I wrote about her last melt-down and I am so glad,that you all took the time to write to me..
The rest of the play-date was so much fun..Almost everyone,wanted to take her home with them 🙂 and one time,she even waved bye-bye to me ..and refused to come,when i stretched my arms,out to her.
Guess, all’s well.I Haven’t been threatened with the finger in the last two days..it was the weekend and we were busy clinging to daddy..both,mom and baby.The last time,she got angry,she threatened to switch off the TV..and glared at me with the same stern look,that I give her. How, Oh how,does she know,what is more important when?
And speaking of how does she know,how does she know,the difference between a yellow ball and yellow Laddu(sweet)? The ball,she plays with and the laddu,she pops in her mouth even without being prompted! I know for sure,I didn’t teach her that! So,how does she know??
Mother of All Meltdowns.
Yesterday Sanj had his Doc’s appointment first thing in the morning and was going to come home for an early lunch and so,I was busy getting lunch ready all morning.And Aadya missed her morning nap too. So,by lunch time,she was so droopy eyed. I thought she would sleep,as soon as she finished eating,but didn’t happen.
Later in the afternoon,I took Aadya to the mall.We had a nice time,walking around,window shopping.She was so excited,she didn’t even want to take her nap. I also didn’t force her and really,I couldn’t have even if I wanted to.We went to the play area-she loves playing there,but yesterday she didn’t want to get out of her stroller.So,I just kept walking.
We went to Barnes and Noble,bookstore and she was so excited to be in the children’s section.She almost jumped out of her stroller.We played with the assorted soft toys, then,noticed the train set and abandoned the toys..Poor Mumma had to pick up everything.while zooming one engine after the other,the little eyes spotted something pink and purple..( the favorite colors ever!!) and the train set was left behind.The pink and purple thing was actually a ride-on Car!!Some one Else’s!! and so obviously very interesting. I told her no first time,she listened..then,turned around to take one last glance and got attracted again..and again..
I had to pick her up and carry her to the other side,where I thought we would cuddle up and read some books..or flip some pages.But no such thing happened.She spotted a group,that was much more interesting than just plain old mumma. There was a mommy,a grandma and yuppieeeeeeeee 3 kids! So, Mumma was promptly forgotten and the Princess,decided to go and spend her evening with them. Mumma coaxed her to say “bye-bye” and then we sat down to read.4-5 pages and she was bored.We picked another book..this time a puppet book..Elmo and he clapped too. That she liked. And then,suddenly just like that she was bored,got up,said..bye..and left. I followed her..so she decided to play catch..She ran and went and hid behind two teen aged girls.I picked her up,put her in the stroller and took a deep long breath,found a comfortable chair,near the glass overlooking the walkway,gave her the snack cup.She sat looking out,munching her fruit,while I happily read my book. All was well in my world.
Then,tummy full,she slept,while we were window shopping.As soon as I saw her sleeping,I rushed back to the bookstore cafe and ordered myself a white chocolate mocha.I needed it after all that..and in retrospect,for later too. So,I sat sipping my coffee,reading my book.I must have just finished half of my mocha,when the princess woke up.First,she smiled at me sweetly,I started moving the stroller,hoping that she would sleep..but no,she woke up and she was angry.She started crying.I gave her some water,she said NO..cookie NO! By then she was bawling.I tried to come out of the book store..and she started thrashing..I took her out of the stroller.BIG mistake. She got even mad.I tried to put her back in the stroller,and she slipped out..GAhhhhhhhhhhh…
Everyone around me was staring at me..waiting to see what I do. The new stroller is light..it has no cup holders and if the bag on the handle is too heavy and the stroller empty it tips over. So,as soon as Aadya slipped /jumped out,the stroller fell down.So,I grabbed her with one hand,steadied the stroller with another.She wiggled out and ran toward the exit..I pushed the stroller and ran after her..once outside,she walked around angry and crying..for some more time..she didn’t want me to pick her up.I set up both the bags on the stroller and picked her up,rushed to Starbucks and bought milk for her.She loves the organic vanilla milk there.But yesterday she just refused to drink it. I ordered another ice tea for myself.I was tired and sweating..I am not kidding and I had forgotten my mocha,in the bookstore..There was no way I was going back there.
The crying continued..She was so sad/upset/angry.Even when I was carrying her,she was crying.She was hugging me tight and crying.And she didn’t want me to sit down.And she didn’t want to eat or drink.I decided to go to the family lounge-so that if she needs a diaper change,I will do that there or if she just wants to cry..she can do so,but I will be spared the pointed looks of bystanders. So,I just put her sippy cup,my iced tea cup in the diaper bad,set it on the stroller and carried Aadya in my arms. And she decided,she wanted to push the stroller..while I was holding her.I managed to reach the family lounge..And this whining monster turned all sunshiny.I thought..wow..I looked up to two girls walking by with their moms..So,the smiles were for them.
They passed us by and the whining started again. I just sat down on the chair in the family lounge..The Tandav continued for some more time and then,like an angel,a mom came out of the restroom with her daughter I think 4-5 year old. Aadi saw them and started smiling,waving at them..I almost went down on my knees and asked her to please not leave me alone..ever!! She gave me an understanding look..and said”honey this too shall pass”..”I hope so”..I mumbled.. They stayed and talked to us for a while..
The moment passed..and Madame cooled down. I offered her all the same things again..her milk,her water,her snack and my iced-tea.She chose my iced-tea,obviously..and sipped it daintily..If I told anyone at that moment that this was the same little girl,who had a melt-down minutes ago,they would laugh on my face.Then,I offered her some pretzel bites and she ate that too. Again something she had refused earlier.
And all was well again. But,it left me thinking,what was it that triggered this melt-down. Was it lack of sleep? or was it hunger? Or was she feeling hot?Or was she hungry and hot and didn’t understand what was going on?
Meltdowns are a part of growing up..but they are hard to deal with.I find myself tired and sapped of energy at the end of each big meltdown..really.When she was thrashing and pushing me away,I tried to be cool,but a teeny tiny bit of my heart,did wonder if something had happened that made her hate me suddenly.The books,the countless websites and the pediatricians tell us,to put the angry child in a safe place and go on with your business..That’s only possible at home.Surely,you can’t leave you crying child in the middle of a busy shopping mall and continue window shopping. Then,I also read,somewhere that if you are outside,then,take the child to a quiet corner and be with her,for as long as she is upset.Then,when she calms down,hug her and tell her,that you understand why she was upset.
I tried that,I took her to a calm place.. but for me to act calmly and find the calm place or the right place didn’t happen instantly.It took a lot of experimentation.And finally,why did she eat and drink the same things that I had offered her earlier..but in the new place..was it because she was tired of the strangers milling around in the mall..Why?
Whoever said-“Parenting means constant learning,” wasn’t kidding.
What is your take on this?How would you have reacted if your toddler behaved like this and you felt lost and didn’t know what to do with him/her?Please take a minute and tell me 🙂
An evening in the park
Now we have lived in this area long enough to have places that we call our own..our library,our pharmacy,our grocery store and our park. Since the two-three weeks,we have started going to the park almost every day. This park has a beautiful trail,where we can walk.a nice play ground where Aadi can play and a lot of desis- of all shapes and sizes. There are moms and dads with their kids,there are pregnant couples,out for a walk.Then there are grand parents,taking a walk or watching their grand kids play.There are also some pet owners,walking their dogs..dogs of all sizes.
Now,Aadi knows we are going to the park.As soon as we turn in to the park’s street,she gets excited and starts squealing.At the park,we put her in the swing,or let her jump and play on one of the monkey bars and slide down the slide.And then,we strap her in her stroller and take long walks.A good 30-40 minute walk roughly around 4-5 circles along the trail is good exercise. Aadya loves her stroller and as long as we are moving ,she doesn’t mind being in it.
Today was no different. Sanj took Aadi to the play ground,while I started walking on the trail. I had finished just one round and saw her playing happily-jumping on one of those iron bridges and squealing. I abandoned the walk half way and went and joined the father-daughter. We had a nice time climbing up the steps and climbing down the steps.She is so confident going down the steps,almost like a grown up.Head held up,holding the side bar and putting the first foot down.
Then,I took her through one of the tunnels and she squealed with joy,seeing me inside the tunnel,she promptly followed and had so much fun going from one end to the other.
Then,we moved to another play station, and there she tried to climb up on the slide. There was this other kid playing there..I say kid, because I am not sure if it was a girl or a boy..the name sounded girlish but he was dressed in a boy’s clothes.Now,I dress Aadya in cute boy shorts too sometimes,so it could have been a girl too..and his/her grand father didn’t seem interested in making friends so I just kept my mouth shut and refrained from asking.
So anyway,Ms.Aadya was busy climbing up the slide and this kid,tried to get in the middle..we asked her to “be nice and lets share” the other kid stopped too,waited for her to finish her short hike..but she kept slipping and falling.Now the other kid was getting impatient..and to be fair he had waited so,I asked Sanj to pick up Aadya and let the other kid get his turn.So Sanj slowly pulled her back,and the other kid,hopped on ..put his first foot and did the mistake of looking at Aadya and what do I see? She gave him the eyes!!!
She narrowed her eyes,scrunched her nose.It was the exact same look I have,when I am trying to scare her!!GASP! I almost fainted there..Instantly both of us said,Aadya,be nice..but the other kid had kind of got the message and backed off.. I was so embarrassed..Well to be honest,a little proud too..Proud because I know,she will be able to watch out for herself.
Anyway,I chucked all those feelings away and asked the other kid,to please have his turn. To give credit to Aadya,she did smile at him sweetly and was happy to play somewhere else..So,that makes me wonder if she was really trying to scare him or was just being playful. When we are in the car,and she is whining,I look at her through the passenger mirror and frown..and she frowns back at me..then I smile and she smiles..then another expression and she imitates that..So may be she was just playing?
Anyway,we moved to yet another play-station and there she made friends with another mom and even told her her name..When she asked her,What’s your name? She said “AAADYA” in a firang accent. Well.whatever..as long as she says her name its fine.
I still can’t forget the look that she gave that other kid..and guess I won’t forget it for a long time..Because,Sanj kept ribbing me all the way home,about “that’s another thing,she learnt from me”.
The park is mostly pretty crowded till 9.00 pm,which is when its just starting to get dark.That’s when we leave mostly.Today we were there till 9.20 pm and I was amazed at how quickly it got dark and how quickly every one left. One minute there were kids and parents and people walking their dogs and the next moment it was deserted and the silence was so eerie,I couldn’t wait to get out of there.
I leave you with this-
15 month letter
Darling Aadi,
You turned 15 month old on the 30th of June and I still haven’t been able to write to you,to congratulate you for this milestone.Well, you know why right?Let me tell you,again. Its because,you have taken a fancy for the keyboard,which turns into a strange dislike,as soon as you see Mamma using it.
You start pulling the mouse, pulling the keyboard and if nothing else works,you know where the magic button is.The one that makes the screen go blank(the sleep button) and every time You want my attention,you just go and hit it..I wonder how you figured that one out.
I can’t believe it one year back, you were a tiny 3 month old, who was beginning to love tummy time. You would coo the moment we entered the room and whine,if we left you alone.Now, you just follow us around everywhere.
You are so expressive now. You know evenings are a time for your “Cheez” snack and you tell me cheez and go wait by the fridge. When you want something you just point at it and expect us to give that to you.I am amazed at how you decide when you want milk and when water or juice.You just love hanging out in the fridge literally..The moment I open the refrigerator door,you leave whatever it is that you are playing with and come running to stand inside the open door.I think you like the cool air. On one such time,you picked up the juice can. And kept following me around with it,till I didn’t pour some out for you.
Aadi, you really know your mind and your memory is getting stronger. If I say I am going to give you cheez and give you fruit instead,you don’t like it. If I take away something from your hands,and you spot it later,you grab it at the first opportunity. You remember what you were playing with last,before going down for your nap,or before bed time.As soon as you wake up, you go to the exact spot,where you were playing last and pick it. You current favorite toy is your MP3 player.You love listening to the songs it plays over and over again.
Of course your other two loved toys are Angie and Dolly and mamma will write about them soon.
But, Aadi what is the deal with all these tantrums? You get so angry,if I say No to you..You get so upset,you want to scratch whatever is in front of you-my hand, my face, my dress..whatever. I asked your doctor on your 15 month check up and she said,its because you may be frustrated, about me not understanding what you want to say. I wish I could understand all that you try to say..because God knows,I am trying. I ask you questions..Do you want this? do you want that? Do you want to do this? and I think that makes you upset and impatient too.
Don’t worry little one,we’ll get there..when,you will be able to say what you want,and I will be able to understand it..because,I know you are trying to say a lot.
The newer words that you have said are- Understand!! What? wan thisss .Nonu..There are so many,I can’t even remember now…but you are talking a lot..and when I say a lot ,i mean A LOT!
You want to eat everything yourself now with a spoon.When you get tired of playing with the spoon you just drop it and dig in with your hands,or call me. It is so sweet the way you call me..so sweet,so clear,”Mamma” And you keep calling me,till I don’t appear in front of you. You call your Papa,Aba or Ama depending on your mood..and when he isn’t looking..or when you feel very affectionate,you call him”Papaaa” very sweetly.
Another sweet thing you do is..giving us kissies..we ask you for one and you give it to us.. with a loud Umaaah sound. 🙂 And sometimes when we are in bed,and you between us,you take turns kissing us..which just makes us so so happy.
These days your reactions around your papa,keep changing all the time..when I am around,you are happy and playful around him..but when I step out or disappear from your line of sight,you just start crying..I know its a cry for attention..Don’t worry we’ll get that one sorted out.
Oh and before I forget,you love your new shoes.In fact you love them so much that you want to wear them,as soon as you wake up. And sweetie, whats the new fixation with walking around top-less? You just don’t like wearing any shirt or top specially in the afternoons..its a funny site,seeing you walk around,with your pants/shorts/diapers and new pink shoes..but no top/shirt!
And little one,its about time you started sleeping through the night,don’t you think? Every night without fail,you wake up at 3.00 AM and crawl into our bed..And hug me tight. Which is nice and cozy..but sweetie,I would like to sleep peacefully,without worrying about crushing you. So think about it ,OK?
I think I will stop here..but before I go,I just want to tell you, how much I love you,how much your papa loves you..And though we may yell at you for throwing tantrums..when you cry,we hurt too. You are really our Sunshine..The only Sunshine.
Love you baby-girl.
Oh,and I forgot to write- You have been sporting those cute ear-rings now for one whole year..yes ma’am..We got your ear’s pierced on JULY 4th,2007.So, YAYyy..you’ve been a good girl!
Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
Busy Mornings
Munchkin has been having really busy mornings off-late.Like Yesterday,she helped Mumma unload the dish-washer.
And then,this morning,while Mumma was cleaning,she was busy having fun..Jumping on huge cushions is a big job..and real fun too.
Then it was time to climb up on the chair.
When jumping on the cushions and climbing chairs,wasn’t fun anymore,she decided to help mumma dust.
Time for some heavy-duty cleaning,she decided to run the Vacumm,just like Mumma does.
Finally,all the house work done,she sat down to work on her laptop,just like Papa.
That’s how busy,my Little Munchkin is.
Of This is and Wossthis…
“This is” and “Wossthis” are the two terms munchkin is heard saying these days.. She picks up something from the ground,when we are out for our walk and says,”This is?” with her head cocked to one side, all of her 6 teeth showing.Its just so darn cute.And she doesn’t get tired of it.
She points to some random thing,a book ,the pillow,the cellphone,anything and says..”This is..” with so much force,gritting her teeth and saying it perfectly.
Ask her What’s this and she says,”Wossthis??” back to you.The chattering continues..non-stop.The latest word that she has picked up is”Shabaash” (well done) And I wonder how.. because the only person,who says it is my dad..and we rarely use it.But give her her bottle and she says”Alle Shabaash”.
As soon as she hears any one’s voice on the phone,she wants to hold it and talk to them.Its almost impossible for us to talk on the phone when the Munchkin is around.She keeps nagging till we don’t give her the phone,resorting even to tantrums to get it.And as soon as she gets it,all the tears and tantrums are forgotten and the person on the other end hears a sweet”Hi” and a shrill,excited “aaja aaja aaaja“(Come,come,come). On other times,she is puts whatever is in her hand,her building blocks,the remote or the phone to her ear and says Hayo…What makes the Munchkin very mad is if we try to give her the switched off phone instead of the working phone,the one that we are talking on..And then,after admonishing the offending parent,she promptly hands back the No-No phone and demands for the phone in our hands.Kids,these days,I tell you.
Today,I asked her to go call Papa.She stood in the corridor between the living room and the bedroom and kept calling him..Aao Aao..Aaoooooo( come,come) .Then,I said, Go and ask Papa to come out.So, she went to the bedroom,where the GP was net-surfing and patted his hand and blabbered somethings like Mamma..manamamanaa mammmaa..and kept tugging his hand till he didn’t get up :)I see, I’ve got myself a little task-master..At least she can drag the GP away from his precious computer.
Speaking of blabbering,the Munchkin now says complete sentences of gibberish..4-5 word sentences in baby language and she gets frustrated if we don’t understand.Today she was eating a banana sitting in her high chair and I was singing some rhymes to her. And then she spotted a book. So I gave her the book and picked up the phone lying next to it to call up the GP. While the phone was ringing,I started showing her pictures from the book and suddenly she got very excited and angry.So,I let her read the book herself,thinking,she doesn’t want me to help.I continued talking. But now she got even more angry.So I kept the phone on the table..and took her out of the chair,thinking that’s what she wants. She was still upset.I tried giving her the book again and her plate…still angry..finally frustrated,she pointed at the phone, with a “you-are-so-dumb”look on her face.Ye!!Ye!! she kept pointing till I didn’t give her the phone..and then,she happily chattered on to her father,while I waited for my turn.
Sigh!
On a completely different note: I went to the Gym today after almost 10 days.The GP,was working really long hours..he was away last three weekends and I realised how difficult it is to be a single parent.I was so tired of dealing with tantrums, Munchkin missing the GP,Missing the GP myself..being stuck at home on a weekend…I was ready to scream..and scream I did.Anyway,I digress,so I went to the gym today and it feels good.I like feeling the after-a-workout,dull ache in the limbs.And more than anything else,it makes me feel fresh. Did 40 minutes of cardio today.
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My statcounter tells me that a lot of you have been googling “gypsymumma”…while the increasing stats flatter me,I am curious to know about you 🙂 So,if you would please,take a minute and drop me a line,you will make my day.Hope to hear from you 🙂
Birth Story-2
“Stay a little longer?” both of us,said together..But she had already left the room. Now,DH had moved from his chair by the TV and was sitting on my bed, holding my hand and watching the foetal monitor.He kept rubbing my hand and reassuring me that the baby is doing fine. After what seemed like an eternity,the doctor and her team came back inside and suddenly the room looked too crowded. That’s the most prominent memory I have of the day.
She started talking,in a calm ,reassuring tone.She first asked me if I was feeling any contractions.I said”No”.She said,”well you are having some..and some rather big ones. And after what just happened, with the baby,I don’t think I can let you go home, just yet.”
OK, here I have to confess,that either I was too high on the oxygen,or too hungry..but my brain just didn’t process that.So,I asked her,how long was she planning to keep me there and her answer,was short“Till this baby is born” and again,my brain didn’t process that. Instead,I started to wonder what I was going to do in the hospital for 2 long weeks!
Thankfully,DH was more alert and he asked her,”Are we looking at having the baby tonight?“the doctor said just one word,”Yes“, her face dead-pan straight.
That was a classic moment..DH, nodded,Oh.. and then did a double-take.. oh you mean,OH!!! And then I realised belatedly that this is it..the day is finally here..And I let out a big “OHH WOWW”.. after all the excitement had died and everyone was just getting ready to begin the preparations..DH hugged me and the nurse squeezed my hand..May be they thought,I was in shock..may be I was.
5:05 PM : The doctor said,she would let us know in a little while,when I would deliver.So,she asked me to change,so that she could examine me.I changed and first,a nurse came and examined me. The nurse who examined me,said I was definitely more dilated than 1/2 cm..but she had difficulty examining me.So,she called her senior,who came and examined me.
And that day,I was swollen..my hands and feet were twice the normal size and my belly was BIG! Whoever came to check me asked me if I was over-due. Finally,Dr.Donn,who would deliver my baby eventually came.She checked me,she said,I was 3 cms dilated.Since I was having contractions,she asked me if I wanted to try for normal delivery,in which case,they would start me on pitocin and let nature take its course.BUT,given my CPD,she also asked me to not rule out the possibility that I may be in labour for several hours and might end up on the operation table,anyway.And while she was there,I got a huge contraction.This time I felt it.But, the baby’s heart rate dropped a little.She stayed to monitor the next contraction.In the meantime,her partner,Dr.Christie,came to check me too and she also confirmed that I was 3 cms dilated.
When the next contraction came,the baby’s heart rate dropped again.She kicked me after the contraction stopped. The contractions were getting stronger..but it was clear that she was in some kind of distress.
5:30 PM : Dr.Donn,came inside and asked us,what we wanted to do. Our decision was made,the moment Dr.Donn told us that the baby’s heart-rate was dipping with each contraction.We told her,we were ready to go ahead with a Cesarean section. And out of nowhere,my eyes filled up with tears.She came forward and hugged me..I am sure we made quiet a picture-the petite doctor,who looked just out of college,and me,huge as a whale,literally and a bawling mess. She told us,that we had made the right decision and it was about having a healthy baby.And that,she had trouble, examining me,it would be really difficult to get the baby out,unaided.That statement made me stronger and my decision,OUR decision,couldn’t have been any different.Simply because,we had made up our mind that we would not go for a forceps delivery.One of the major reasons being,a delivery that went wrong for someone close to me and the child, now is an adult,a 28 year old, with a mind of a 10 year old.
6:00 PM : Dr.Donn came back and told us that they were going to take me into surgery at 7:30 PM. And if DH needed to go home,he could do it then. And Dr.Christie came back to check on me,I had dilated a little more.When,she measured my belly,the measurements indicated that I was over due,to be precise,the measurements were of 42nd week. They all concluded that this was going to be a very BIG baby!In that one hour,I was examined by 2 doctors and 2 nurses and by the end of it,I was so tired,I didn’t even care if I was all covered up or not.I actually told one of the nurses,they should put it in the pregnancy books, that “Being PREGNANT means forgetting all about MODESTY”.
Then,the anaesthesiologist came in.He told me my options-I could either take the spinal,or the epidural . I chose epidural,after talking to him.He asked us if we had any questions,I asked him what were the chances of anything going wrong..And he answered..”Are you asking me if you can die?Sure you can die,anything can happen,this is a hospital…blah blah..”I was so angry by then,I tuned him out.
6:30PM : DH went home to get the camera.My bags were already in the car, since week 28th.And I also asked him to get Sai Baba’s Vibhuti and Sai Sat charitra.I had just finished reading it that day.(calls for another post)..Of course despite my clear instructions,the soon-to-be dad was baffled and couldn’t find things. In the mean time,I I got my blood drawn,while I called up my dad.He was just sitting down with his morning cuppa. When I first told him,I was having the baby in an hour’s time, his reaction was the same as DH’s- “Oh!..OH!!! you mean,NOW??” After wishing me,best of luck,he hung up to go pray and wait by the phone.
7:00 PM :The nurse came in to wheel me out,to the OR.I told her I wanted to walk into the room..My last pregnant walk. So,I waddled as gracefully as I could,with her holding my gown at the back.Just as I was stepping out of the room,DH arrived, we hugged and the nurse handed him his scrubs,while he handed me the Sai Satcharitra.The anaesthesiologist was waiting for me there.He explained the procedure to me then,and made me sit,with my back towards him and my hands on the shoulders of my nurse.I think her name was Karen,I can’t remember now. She told me not to move, no matter how much it hurt and if need be grab her hand tight,which I did…because it hurt.. like hell. I was so embarrassed,I am sure,I must have left a big bruise on her arm. Epidural done,they helped me lie down. I was numb from belly down.They prepped me for surgery and then,Dr.Donn walked in,with Dr.Christie in tow. Dr.Donn put the first cut and told me,”Its 7:45 PM now and you would see your baby soon.”
A little while later,DH came in.He saw me stretched out on the operating table,with a curtain held up between my chest and belly. That sight was enough to scare him.The anaesthesiologist offered him a chair.He sat there,looking so pale.I asked him,if he was feeling OK. Hearing that,the Drs. and the anaesthesiologist asked me if I was feeling OK. There was just this nice jovial atmosphere,almost like a small party to welcome the baby.Dr.Hlavacek called to check twice if everything was OK.She was my OB and she was supposed to be present for my delivery,but she had pulled a 15 hour shift and still offered to be there, but I didn’t think it was right on my part to push her.But, she kept called and stayed on the phone till it was time to get the baby out.
And then,Dr.Donn said,”OK Dad,get your camera ready,we are about to take the baby out.” And My reaction?“Oh Wow,already?so soon?” She said, “Yes,Do you have a name for her?” and I told her.DH stood up ready with his camera.They got the baby out,the man was awe-struck,he just froze there, hand poised mid-air,wife all forgotten. I asked,”Is she OK?” No response…”Is she OK?” the anaesthesiologist answered,”Yes and she is Perfect!”That moment,I forgave him. “Take a picture,take a picture..Are you taking her picture or not??”I asked DH.The anaesthesiologist,gave him a gentle nudge,”you better take a picture buddy,she is going to get up and hit u otherwise.” Poor DH, took some pictures hurriedly.
At 8:33 PM,Dr.Donn said,”Welcome baby girl,Aadya!” and 5 secs later,I heard her cry.It was the sweetest sound ever.That moment,life as I knew it,changed forever. When he first heard that cry,DH,immediately moved from my side to go watch over her. Baby Aadya was cleaned, DH got to cut her umbilical cord,with shivering hands,after the attending Pediatrician, told him,”Its OK,it won’t hurt her.” Of course,since it was a C-sec,this was just symbolic.The nurse then,helped him,put a tiny hat,on the baby’s tiny head. Finally,it was time for me to see my baby.
DH, sat down on the stool next to my head and the nurse handed him the baby.So engrossed was he, in looking at her,that he completely forgot,that he was sitting there,so that I could see her.I just got a quick glimpse of her and then,he shifted position and then,all I could see was,his hand.And he later told me, that instead of kissing the baby,I had kissed his hand.And then,it was time to take her away to the nursery.The nurse told DH,3-4 times,”time to go dad“..but he didn’t seem to hear it..Finally,I asked him to just go with her..and he got up and left..without a backward glance…My husband and my baby..all mine 🙂
Dr.Donn,finished the surgery,talking to me, telling me she didn’t see any cysts.That my baby wasn’t as big as they imagined..But I knew I was drifting off..Sometime during the surgery,I started to feel dizzy and see stars and that’s when they put the oxygen mask on. I was wheeled into the recovery room and I promptly threw up. The nurse,went and told DH that I was out and he could come and see me. But,half an hour later,there was still no sign of him..so,she went and literally dragged him away from the nursery. He came,hugged me..and looked me in the eye and said,”Thank you,this is the best gift,you have ever given me.”Then,he dialed out,my dad’s number and went out again..I spoke to my dad,sis..granny,aunt..all of them were surprised that I was talking to them,immediately after my surgery. DH came back to sit by my side..but he kept going out every 10 minutes.Finally I asked him,WTH? and he said,sheepishly”She is alone there.”
Awww..My insides turned all mushy,and I asked him to go be with her..while I took a small nap,so that I could be fresh,when I met HER!
P.S. If you are still reading,thank you for staying and letting me share the most wonderful day of my life with you 🙂
My Birth Story Part 1
I have been meaning to write my birth-story for a long time now.Right after delivery,I wrote a short quick update ,but as time is going by,I find myself forgetting details.So here it is from the Horse’s mouth.
My pregnancy was very eventful-in the first trimester,my progesterone was very low and I had to take progesterone suppositories,to ensure a safe pregnancy.Somewhere between second and third trimester,I developed Gestational Diabetes and that meant a bigger baby, a possible preemie and even a possible C-section.
Also,every time,my OB-GYN examined me,she would stress on my smaller pelvis bone and explain about Cephalopelvic disproportion,and ask me to at least think about a C-section,if need be.In week 30th of the pregnancy,I went for my scheduled Ultra sound and the results were disturbing-The amniotic fluid was dangerously low. I was prescribed Long baths and bed-rest,to get up only for meals and bathroom trips. That took care of the fluid level but my OB-GYN ordered periodic Non-Stress tests(NST). From Week 31st to Week 35th it was once a week and from Week 35th onward,it was twice a week.
Week 37th -March27th, I went for my weekly checkup and when Dr.Hlavacek examined me and She could feel the head but,I was only less than half a cm dilated.And it being my first time,she expected me to go full term,my sugars were doing well,everything was fine.
That night I started getting cramps,almost like menstrual cramps..I spent the next two days lying down.I called up the nurse and she said,it seemed like my cervix was thinning and asked me to call her,as soon as I felt any different-if pains started or water broke.
March 30th,2007
I was scheduled to have another NST in the afternoon.I got up as usual and continued with my daily activities,breakfast,made lunch,cleaned and I was feeling very tired.I also noticed that the baby was moving very less.In fact at one point,when I was sitting down to eat lunch,I remembered that I hadn’t felt her move at all,all day.I called up DH and he thought,I was just being paranoid.I called up the nurse,and she asked me drink something cold,lie down on the left side and try to feel the movements.If there were four or more in an hour,things were good.So,I did just that and did feel about 4-5 feeble movements..but,I still felt something was wrong..because,my baby would always kick at least 15-20 times,during this cold water test.I was getting very anxious. I was waiting for DH to arrive,so that he could drive me to the hospital,for my NST.And he was late. I was fuming.The only other time,I had been this angry was the day,we found out I was pregnant,right before finding out.So, anyway,I kept ranting all the way to the hospital,about how he was just not serious.. and how I would have the baby and he would be in his MEETING, blah blah blah …
He just listened quietly,thinking it was just one of those hormonal attacks.
Anyway, we got to the hospital,about 10 minutes late for the appointment.And as a result,we had to wait for the ultrasound technician to be free.In the meantime,I was hooked on to the monitor,to check the baby’s heart beat.That was the first part of the NST and We cleared that with flying colors.
We were in there for about an hour then, and I asked him..Do you think,we’ll have the baby today? He said, No,lets think about what we will eat, at Udupi Palace..and we started thinking about food,and planning our Menu.Before this we had a few false scares and would be hopeful,about having the baby that day and after spending a couple hours at the hospital would go back home. All this food talk was making me hungry and we were still waiting for the ultrasound technician..So,DH, asked the nurse if I could eat something..and the sweet lady that she was,she got me some milk and crackers and peanut butter.That was going to be my last meal for the next 24 hours.
Finally around 4.15 pm,the Ultrasound technician strode in with her paraphernalia. And we started the second round of the test.Here,they were going to see- The baby’s heart beat ; The baby’s movement; Volume of the Amniotic Fluid and Baby’s reaction.
We got the volume of the amniotic fluid, which was normal.Then they checked the baby’s heart-beat,which was fine too.They made me move from side to side,change positions,and they could see the baby frown or move.But they didn’t see her move at all.The technician tried and tried and she couldn’t get the baby to move at all. So,after almost one hour,she gave up..and said, oh well,we saw her heartbeat and everything looks normal,so its OK.
She went out,and a nurse came to check on me..She looked at the fetal monitor and asked me,if I was feeling any contractions..I said No..just mild cramps,but I had been feeling them for the last two days..Then,she asked me,if I felt the baby kick..and I said,well not as much as she normally does.And we joked about the baby being tired of being inside. The nurse tried to “wake up” the baby.She got a vibrator and put it on my tummy.As soon as the first vibration hit my tummy, there was some activity..and then the second time, it felt like there were a thousand babies kicking inside my tummy.She said,”Ah that worked,she is awake now“.
I was smiling and the next thing I heard was”Oh Shit!” When the nurse said this,I knew it something was wrong.She ran out to get the doctor. And I panicked,I called out to DH, to check the baby’s heart-beat.That for me was the only indication then,that everything was OK..He was watching TV and didn’t hear me right away..I yelled ,and he saw the heart-beat and he ran out too.What had happened is that with the vibrations, her heart-rate first increased to 160 and then dropped suddenly to 60.
All of a sudden,there was a flurry of activity in the room- the resident nurse,the resident doctor,the OB nurse,the doctor on call,everyone came inside.Someone was rubbing my feet,someone was holding the electrodes steady on my tummy and someone was putting an oxygen mask on.They made me turn to the left and turned on the oxygen,that seemed to stabilise the baby’s heart-rate.The Doctor said,we need to talk and her team followed her outside.The nurse,just looked over her shoulder and said..”you may have to stay a little longer“.
To be Continued….
