Category: Tales from Aadyaland

general · Munchkin Mania · Park · play-time · Tales from Aadyaland

An evening in the park

MysTri Mum4 Comments
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-

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Milestones · Monthly updates · Munchkin Mania · Tales from Aadyaland

15 month letter

MysTri Mum5 Comments

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!

Memories · Tales from Aadyaland · toys

Leaving behind things,not memories

MysTri Mum8 Comments

It has been a very emotional day for us today.We finally made up our mind and cleaned the garage.And that meant removing or getting rid of a lot of Aadi’s stuff that she hadn’t been using-like her swing,the walker,play-pen. I had no intentions of giving up this stuff..These things had too much of emotional value,but sometimes,you need to be practical. All this stuff was just taking up a lot of room and it was all in a very good condition,at least someone else could use it. So, we decided to go to Once upon A Child.The first emotional breakdown happened when,Sanj was loading all the stuff in the car.Since,everything was already packed we didn’t need to do much. But the walker was unpacked.Aadi saw it..and started playing with it.Even climbed in and out of it..all by herself!!!! So,it was the right time to give it away. As soon as Sanj picked it up, she started crying,screaming..Nahi nahi nahi..NOOOOOOOOOOO No no no…And she was inconsolable. She was crying so hard and for so long,we decided to let her keep the walker for some more time. But soon,she got interested in other stuff,and forgot about it. Of course,not before sulking and giving cold treatment to Papa!

At OUAC,they opened all the boxes -first the play pen-the lady there set it up so effortlessly,and to think,we struggled every time,we put it up. But with the opening of that first box,all the memories came flooding. Suddenly I could see everything like it was happening in front of me-everything from choosing the brand and style to seeing Aadi in it the first time.

I remembered how I used to spend hours looking for just the right stroller/swing/play-pen..then forward my searches to Sanj,then we would go visit a few stores to see the shortlisted ones. We put together each of these things,with me reading the instruction manual and Sanj,following my instructions.We couldn’t wait to see the baby using these things.

I remembered the first time,I put Aadya in the play pen..It had become her makeshift crib or her day-time bed. I used to keep it in the living room or the den. It had a detachable mobile,which would play music and nature sounds..and every time,Aadya was fidgetty,I would play the sound of water,cooing to her softly..saying again and again,ohh wow..just like mumma tummy..and it used to always calm her down.

I remembered her waving her fist and cooing and gurgling to the teddies hanging from the mobile.This mobile didn’t move.So,Sanj used to move it manually and she would coo,and they would be at it for hours together..It was so hard,seeing it there,in a strange place..I felt like we were giving away a part of our life.

Then,they set up the swing..The swing had become sort of a life saver for me. But the first few days were rough. Aadi would start crying the moment we put her in the swing. I have a video(courtesy Sanj) of me sitting on the floor, slowly rocking her,and she is crying and holding my fingers tight..and all the while,I kept telling her..Oh wow..aap toh swing main baithe ho(* you are sitting in the swing) and some other random blabbering..that I dont even remember now..And she kept crying all the time.She was a little over 1 month. So,Sanj suggested that we should let her sleep and then slowly put her in the swing,so that when she wakes up,she realises she is in a safe place.We did..and it worked. And then,life was so much easier.We had hot meals on the table,thanks to this wonderful entertainer.I would pull it up,near the kitchen entrance and finish my work-cooking cleaning etc,while she watched me,or listened to music or even dozed off.
Seeing them,set up the swing,Sanj also got all emotional,he squeezed my shoulders and said..”you remember the first time,we put her there” and I said..”I do..but please don’t make it harder for me”.
Then,they saw the stroller..Aadi slept in it one last time,just before we gave it away.And just before giving it away,I figured out that there was some sort of shield,to make it into a cozy crib.We had deliberated so much over the choice of the stroller,we had decided on the brand..but it was the color and pattern,that we were debating on. We knew it was a girl,so,I wanted to get a pink one. But we hadn’t disclosed it to our families, and so Sanj didn’t want them to feel offended and wanted us to go with a neutral color.Finally,we chose a denim with a cute pink trimming,but almost everyone thought,it was a boy’s stroller .And we used it extensively and it was beginning to show signs of wear and tear. It was time to give it up
Aadi woke up as soon as I lifted her out of the stroller. Sanj came forward and took her from me,as if he needed to feel his baby girl close to him. He took her to see her swing and told her how,we had put her in it,when she was a baby..I distractedly caught snatches of their talk,as I tried to concentrate on what the lady at the store was telling me.
When I finished,I saw the cutest thing ever-Sanj told Aadi-Chotu,we are going to leave your swing here..you used to sit on it when you were a baby..chalo,lets say bye..kissie kar do isko( give it a kiss) and Aadi,went forward and gently planted a kiss on the swing.
My heart broke,I just wanted to pick up everything and put it back in the car.These were my memories and I didn’t want to leave them there..I didn’t want to SELL them or give them away.But then,in this Nomadic life,its so hard to keep collecting things..I knew I couldn’t afford to take them back..another move may be on the cards,real soon and then,I would have to leave these things behind anyway.
My only consolation is all the pictures and videos that I have..that way,my memories will be safe..
We used the money that we got from selling this stuff,to finally get the new stroller that we had been putting off.We had initially planned on getting a cheaper stroller..but,when we went to the store,we really loved this stroller.But it was way beyond our budget..and as a rule,we never charge any of Aadi’s things to the Credit card. The money we got at OUAC just added up perfectly to our original budget and now Aadi has a brand new stroller.Its still in the box..I will share pictures when I click some.
Editted to add :For some reason,I am not able to create a link for Once upon a Child..But here is the site
http://www.ouac.com

Tales from Aadyaland · toys

New Ride

MysTri Mum3 Comments

Our little Tyke has a new ride 🙂

And she spends most of her time playing on it.

We got Aadya a new tricycle and she spends most of the time,awake sitting on it or playing next to it.

The first day,after DH assembled it,the first thing she tried was to stand on it. And all our efforts at making her sit,were in vain.She tried to climb up,stand,jump from it..and we almost decided it was a bad idea getting her the bike..the girl just didn’t seem to grasp the concept.

We just watched her,let her do as she pleased. And sure enough,soon she figured out,that it was to be sat on.But the seat that appealed to her,was not the actual seat,but the cover of the rear wheel! She got on,slipped ..she clung to the seat.. tried to sit on the rear wheel again..This went on for quiet some time..Then, nap time happened..When she woke up,I gave her,her sippy cup and she toddled off to the bike,with the sippy cup in her hand.And this time she figured it out and sat on the SEAT!

Since then,its been a helluva ride …Every where that Princess Aadya goes,the bike is sure to go!

Tales from Aadyaland

Party time

MysTri Mum11 Comments
I think,its time to tell you about the party-its been a week,about time,the party post surfaced.
So,Aadya woke up a little before 12.00 am on 29th night.Just in time,to bring in her birthday.And she looked so fresh,I decided to let her stay awake. We cut the cake and then,she went back to bed.
I had been fretting about getting every thing done,a week before the party..but with DH’s work and my inability to drive,it never happened.So,we spent most of the Saturday, tying up lose ends and taking care of last minute details. All that and dinner and finally,arrived home around 11.00pm. I still had one major work to complete after Aadya went back to bed.That was packing the goodies bags.So,Aadya and my friend Vidya caught up on their required beauty sleep ,while DH and I, finished packing those. I even had plans to bake cup-cakes for my little guests,but never got around to it. May be next year.
March 30th
I woke up earlier than Aadya and sneaked into the shower.I heard the phone ring,when I was still in the shower. I thought,it must one of the family members calling up to wish Aadya. When I checked the answering machine,it turned out to be the bakery. My cake-decorator had told me,she would call me if she had any doubts. So,I spoke to her,explained again,what exactly I wanted for my baby’s cake and then,went to wake up Aadya. The reason for doubt-There were too many things,that I wanted her to do..there were too many colors that I wanted her to use..well not too many,just specific colors for specific parts of the cake. DH said his head was spinning by the time I hung up.I think I am going to take cake-decorating classes.. if I start now,I may be half way decent in time for Aadya’s next birthday. Anyway,I digress. So,I woke up DH first and then,we both woke up Aadya together,by bringing her to our bed and then cuddling with her.She was happy,right away. But she woke up coughing,and I knew that wasn’t a good sign. And sure enough,it wasn’t.She just didn’t want to let go of me,even for a second.
After she had her bottle,DH gave her a bath and I dressed her up in a frilly dress that her Grand-parents had sent. She looked adorable but,it was a little heavy and uncomfortable for her. She started crying right away.We managed to click a quick picture for GPs and took it off. I let her walk around in nothing but a diaper,while I fed her cheerios. And it was almost time to go to our venue.I quickly gave her a dose of tylenol and got her dressed and we were on our way.
DH dropped us and went to pick up the cake.We quickly spruced up the place,with the decorations,that I had sorted out in assorted bags..I couldn’t take pictures of the decorated place,because I had just finished decorating and the first of our guests walked in.
So,that brings us to the theme..The theme,that I chose for Aadya’s party was Butterfly Princess.Why butterfly Princess?She loves butterflies and she is our Princess!!
I chose pink and purple as the main colors. We tied pink & purple balloons to the chairs There were some silver ones too but I have no idea where they disappeared. Then,of course there were the birthday banners and streamers.. lots of pinks there too and lots of butterflies on the banners. The walls at Tantra,the restaurant,were painted a dark purple and I think the the pink banner looked really nice there. We lined up some tables with pink streamers too. Though we never used those tables!
The room had a bar,then a lounge area and then a long table.We just ended up using that..and my decorated tables remained unnoticed.Most of our guests didn’t know each other and so I was worried about there being those awkward silent moments. But luckily everyone got along so well with each other,it just never felt like they were seeing each other for the first time. And of course,I got to meet Ms.Upsi
And I have to tell you,she is adorable..though not as adorable as her lil one.And Mr.Upsi is really nice too.
The cake was chocolate flavored,iced pink with lots of butterflies and pink white and purple roses on it. The sides were blue and they were covered with a lacy trim.And though it was a shade darker than I wanted,I was happy with the way it looked. It was totally a girlie cake.


The cake was cut and eaten and the birthday girl promptly fell asleep,without a fuss. I couldn’t believe it she was so clingy till everyone arrived. DH was holding her and she just fell asleep,just like that.. no singing, no rocking.. just put her head on his shoulder and zzzz. And she slept peacefully till,everyone finished eating.The kids had a fun time running around.There were 3 other kids and all of them around 2 years of age.Once they were fed,they happily mingled,stopping only to go peek at the sleeping Aadya. One little went a little ahead and put a party hat on Aadya,put a balloon next to her and gave her her gift yet again…A huge teddy bear.So,when I turned to check on Aadya all I could see was the teddy bear and the party hat!
What started off as a formal gathering,soon turned informal.I think,it did.. everyone just opted for soft-drinks in the beginning,by the end of the afternoon,almost everyone had bee-lined for the bar,to get their favorite cocktails.

The menu was-
Appetizers-Cocktail samosa,vegetable cutlets,chicken tikka and chicken 65
Main course- Dal Makhni,Navratan Korma,Bhindi Masala,Malabari Chicken,Chicken Chettinad,Naan,Rice
Dessert-Mango Custard-Thick Mango shake,with lots of cut fruits in it.

I had planned on having some games,but everyone seemed to have a relaxed time,and I was just happy looking at all the happy faces,enjoying the food,sipping on their drinks-cocktails or coke. And Aadya was happy too.. she woke up fresh from her nap and then feasted on some mango custard and enjoyed sipping water from the straw. That’s her latest hobby! Ohh ,that reminds me,I sipped my first alcoholic drink in more than 2 years- a Mango-tini,compliments of the chef at Tantra.

Soon,it was time to see off our guests. We handed out gift bags … There were some fun bubble makers for the kids,and stickers and body tattoos..and for each family,I found these really retro photo frames and a small Noah’s arc show-piece.I wanted everyone to have something to remember Aadya’s 1st birthday by.I loved the photo frames so much,I picked up a couple for my living room too.
I had originally planned to just have a small dinner party at home or may be a cup-cake birthday party with the kids. But,we had never had any big celebrations for her..and so,she had to have the perfect birthday party. Or should I say,I wanted to have the perfect birthday party for my Princess.

All in all,a good 1st birthday and a great party,I think.

Tales from Aadyaland

One year old

MysTri Mum15 Comments

March 30th,2008
Aadya turns one year old. And as I sit down to write this post,I don’t know what to write.I have written and re-written this post in my mind..so many times that all I can come up with now is a blank.

This last month has been very emotional…It was like,I just looked at Aadya and realised that she had suddenly grown up. My baby,who loved to be picked,who was content to be just held,was suddenly kicking and pushing to jump out of my arms,so that she could walk. The tiny baby that I gave birth to is suddenly an independent toddler.

But then I realise,she was always somewhat of a free spirit,always having her own mind.She surprised us by looking into our eyes,when we spoke to her,even when she was a week old. If something upset her,she would just cock up her eyebrows,pout those tiny lips and start crying. At one month’s age,she was holding her neck steady and had already rolled once from right to left.She was mostly a happy baby..I don’t remember her crying a lot,even if she did,I didn’t quiet notice it..

My first official glimpse (4 hours after birth)


I fell in love with her,almost instantly..I don’t really remember,how she looked,when I first caught a glimpse of her,in DH’s arms.I was a little high on all the pure oxygen that I was inhaling and she was partly hidden behind him..and then they whisked her away.The next time I saw her,I had just thrown up,and was all misty eyed. And the nurse wheeled in this tiny bundle.The room was suddenly too noisy,some of our acquaintances couldn’t stop themselves from stopping by! And all I wanted was to hold her… to have her all to myself.

We started telling her age in days, and then weeks and finally months..And each single day,brought out something new. There was never a dull moment.She has always been a friendly baby..having her moods very rarely.. like if she had just woken up or was really uncomfortable.But she just loved having people around her from a very young age…I remember taking her to the hospital at 5 days of age and she charmed,the nurses and technicians there,and not just because she was so tiny.. but because she actually cooed back at them.

Breast-feeding was tough,but before I knew it she mastered it. Each month,brought about something new..and we were more and more in awe of her. She is just a born charmer..and such an attention seeker.. that even at 6 months of age,she knew when she wasn’t the centre of every one’s attention and even now she starts whimpering,when she doesn’t get attention.

Then came solids,and she had a go at them too like a champ! Sure there are days,when she doesn’t even look at food. And she definitely has a choice..be it food or clothes..or colors. I think she favors pink .She loves some TV commercials and would not even blink when they are on. Same goes for the songs.She loves MUSIC.

She was a perfect angel,when all her grandparents visited.They arrived here with some apprehension-is our Grand-daughter going to start bawling the moment she sets her eyes on us? But,she absolutely adored her Nanu and Dadu-Dadi leaving them thrilled to bits. She charmed all the other relatives,with equal ease,its like she just carved a niche for herself in every one’s heart.She met her aunt for the first time at 9 months of age,when stranger anxiety was at the peak,but she clung to her like she had known her all her life and the very next day,she slept peacefully in her arm,during a car-ride.I was shocked to see,my clingy baby smile at me from her masi’s arms.

My baby girl,she’s perfect in every sense of the word..(knock on the wood) she managed to reach most of the developmental milestones before time or on time..and every single time ,my heart swelled up with pride. It didn’t matter that it was something as small as touching my face,or getting down from the bed on her own.. or if it was something big as walking or eating her own food. But,then I think,even if it weren’t for all these achievements,I would have still been so proud of her.. just because she is mine.. a part of me.The most perfect part of me.
One Year Old Aadya,enjoying her party


And if I thought that I was going to be take care of her,I was proved wrong.She started taking care of me,at one month’s age.One day,at dawn, a sleep deprived me,sat rocking her and I don’t know when I dozed off.Little while later,I heard a soft thud and woke up immediately and saw Aadya on the floor..she must have slipped out of my arms.DH woke up too and immediately took her away from me.How could I have dropped her.He was so upset,I was so miserable..What kind of a mother,just dozes off while her child slips out of her arms and falls down.I kept apologising to Aadya and to DH.DH didn’t want to listen..but Aadya, just wanted to be with mommy.. cuddling up and smiling at me..as if telling me all was well and forgiven. This is the first time I have ever spoken of this..otherwise it was just a secret DH and I shared.
Having Aadya has made me feel like a super-human..I feel like I can do everything,I am emotionally stronger,since giving birth to her. Every time I look at her,I feel so blessed.
She has started saying her name now..”Aadya-Aadya” she says,pointing at the thing that she wants.”Aadya-Aadya”,she says, raising her arms up,meaning pick up Aadya!Suddenly,the name that we love so much has become sweeter.She is getting quicker on her feet and every time I turn,I seem to bump into her.
The soft thumps of little feet,sweet cries of Aadya-Aadya,anguished babble,wet sloppy kisses,a hug every few minutes…these were just the things missing in my world..The only things that make it perfect.
Sometimes,I just sit back and look at Aadya and DH,pretend talking on the toy phone,working on their own laptops(My sis gave her a baby laptop,for her birthday) and I feel like I am the luckiest woman on earth. And then,I rush in to join them,only to be greeted with smiles,one toothy,one warm,and I am engulfed in a big hug,while the tiny one cuddles up closer squirming and squishing till she is right in the middle-right where she belongs.

This one year,with Aadya has been a total bliss..and sometimes,I wonder that if there is a second baby,will I be able to love her/him with the same intensity..I don’t know.. She is the best thing that ever happened to us..
Love you baby girl..Thanks for coming into our life and brightening it up a million times more.You are our love,our life..And on your 1st birthday,I just want you to know,that you mean the world to me and your papa.. You make us proud.I hope you get all the best things in life always.I know,you will be one good gal,strong and resilient…The best thing that I like about you is how you never give up,you try and keep trying till you don’t get it right..be it sucking water from a straw or holding the filled spoon and taking it to your mouth. We are just so proud of you..Love you darling and Happy Birthday!

Edited to Add- I have been writing this post in parts,so may be there is no continuity.but,its just all the thoughts swimming in my head 🙂

Monthly updates · Tales from Aadyaland

No 30th of February?

MysTri Mum4 Comments

So,we celebrated Aadya’s last monthly birthday before she turns 1 on March 1st.We took her shopping for some new spring summer clothes and then lunch at Panera Breads , one of my favorite places during my pregnancies..It was also our favorite weekend jaunt,specially on a cold winter evening..the hot and scrumptious soups,they serve are such a huge dose of TLC.

And Aadya loved the place and the food.She chomped on some smoked chicken,while chatting,ten to a dozen with all the people on the neighbouring tables.This nice young lady,was sitting at a table by the window,reading a book,eating her salad, and Aadya took a particular liking for her.She kept calling her,talking gibberish! She was sweet enough to smile and respond every single time,and even told us,to not worry about it,when we apologised,for the disturbance.

So, 11 month old Aadya is a complete chatter-box..she talks all the time..trying out new words.2 days back,she heard DH say A-MAZ–ING! and she repeated,quickly-A-MAE-Ding..shocked,we tried to get her to say it again..but she wouldn’t..she just kept giggling every time we said it..Today she saw me answer the phone, and immediately put her hand to the ear and tried to say heyle(hello).Another new word she tried was bathroom–came out something like bathingum..and she kept repeating it again and again.Basically,if she likes the sound of a word,she tries to say it.
Aadya loves walking..And with this new found mobility,she wants to play the game of catch with us,all the time.If she is sitting and playing,and you walk up to her,a mischievous smile lights up her face,she sticks her tongue out and dashes off… runs, crawls..whatever comes first to her mind.
The pincer grasp has been practiced and perfected and she can pick up even the smallest of bits of food and other things that-you-are-not-supposed-eat-baby and feed herself.While she is at it,she also tries to feed us. But,the devil that she is..she feeds her dad,properly..when it comes to me,she brings the food up to my lips,as soon as I open my mouth,she shoves the food in her OWN mouth and giggles!Shhhh stop laughing,you! its not funny!
What is funny is,watching her expression when she catches you laughing at her.So, picture this,Aadya rolling around on the divaan and suddenly,she falls.Its a low divaan..and she is shocked or nonchalant depending on her mood.So,you start laughing.By now,Aadya who is back to her rolling fun,will stop and scold you in baby babble! Sometimes,in an attempt to scare her,I stare at her..and she stares right back at me!and it is so cute and funny that more often than not,I burst out laughing.
And she now knows,what/where her eyes are! Ask her where her eyes are and she says a eye,and blinks.And also,the little diva now points to the part of the body that is hurt.And expects it to be kissed.She holds her bottle with both her hands now..:) getting independent. Ohh and she picks a thing of the day..a spoon,an empty medicine bottle,a pen,something,that she has hold tightly in her hand and holds on to it all day long.Even taking it to bed with her! It is so cute,watching her…she doesn’t let go of her “Thing of the day” even when she is crying!LOL and should she drop it when she is sleepy,she promptly starts looking for it,when she wakes up!

Last few days,Aadya has a bad cold and so again her appetite is gone completely.This is her fourth cold since our India trip.My only concern is,her weight loss.Last time,she had a cold,she lost over 1 pound and even her doctor was concerned and we had to get some lab work done for her.Thankfully,everything was fine and she just had some kind of throat infection. This time again,she just refuses to eat anything..I haven’t been able to coax more than two spoonfuls of anything.She is not even interested in tasting our food.That reminds me,she hates baby food now.She just sticks her tongue out,as soon as I put any baby food in her mouth,almost spitting out whatever is in her mouth.So,we started giving her table food.
Anyway, for now,I really want her to start eating again.The only thing she has eaten in the last 3 days is bananas and 1-2 finger food cookies.Other than that,she has had just breast-milk or formula. The nurse at her doctor’s office asked us to come in on Monday if she is still not eating.I have my fingers crossed and am hoping,she starts eating soon..because ,I am really running out of options,as to what to feed her.
Here’s hoping she gets her appetite back over the weekend..

Happy Times · Tales from Aadyaland

Waking up…..

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….Is so much fun when you have a little monkey chattering away to herself,jumping on your bed.That’s how we wake up every morning these days.

Aadya wakes up and keeps playing by herself,talking to herself, non-stop.Then she realises we are still sleeping and starts bouncing on the bed, hugging her dad and then me. Slowly open one eye and she is so happy,she falls on me and hugs me.Sometimes even brushing my hair gently off my face!If her dad has his back towards her,she climbs up on him,and peeks at his face,over his shoulders,gently patting his face till he doesnt wake up.One by one,we wake and say “Good morning” to her and she is so happy to have achieved what she wanted.

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Every morning Papa is Aadya’s most favorite person.The moment he comes out the bedroom dressed in his office formals,Aadya starts getting restless and demands to be picked up..by her Papa. If I am feeding her breakfast,she refuses to open her mouth,just keeps looking for her dad,till he doesn’t come and sit in front of her.She continues clinging to him till he doesnt say bye-bye at the door,which she waves till he doesnt disappear from her line of sight.

DH kisses her goodbye and she air-kisses him .Then he kisses me good-bye and she watches this with so much interest..blowing kisses in the air .Our exchanged kisses are followed by smacking sounds made by little missy!

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I was putting Aadya to sleep and DH was doing some work. A little while later,I heard loud voices-some strange men were talking.It felt like they were in my own living room. But then,I remembered,the walls here are so thin..may be its the neighbours.The voices kept getting louder and more agressive.Now,I was sure,something was wrong.May be the neighbours were having a dispute..or were there Cops next door?I HATE this apartment complex. Absolutely hate it. And having recently read Bad Bad reviews, my super-active imagination took over and I was sure it was cops.May be it was a drug-deal gone bad..Oh if only,Aadya would sleep,then I could sneak out and eavesdrop by the door. Anyway,Aadya decided it was not cool to sleep with so much happenning and started crying and screaming.Oh No! Not a good idea to attract attention.I ran to the den to alert DH and what do I see?

DH was on a conference call and the speaker phone is ON! And all those strange men were actually talking in MY OWN apartment! …. Now I am going to hide my face under a pillow and sleep till …humpfff till I am old and grey!

Monthly updates · Tales from Aadyaland

8 months and counting

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Aadya turned 8 months old on November 30th. Boy,the last month has been busy busy..Busy for me ,because the In laws were here for Diwali-busy for Aadya because she has too keep thinking of new mischiefs to get into!Its like her mind is constantly thinking- hmm OK so I finished tearing up this paper,may be I should pull myself up to a standing position … hmm and while I am at it,why not pull the cushion down..OK the cushion is down on the floor now to throw it..OK OK I know you got what I am trying to say!
I knew you wouldn’t believe me,so i video-taped it, but got carried away in my motherly love and forgot to stop recording,the video is now more than 5 minutes long and I cant upload it anywhere.Any ideas where I can upload it?

So, this little baby is a full fledged cruiser now.She happily cruises around the place,following me from room to room. Well,she is not very happy about me leaving the room.Yes,separation anxiety has kicked in and so,as long as I am sitting around,being a couch potato,she is happy playing, by herself. She does sneak glances at me,but she is pretty much playing alone.But the movement I get up, she starts following me at full speed and then demands to be picked up.And if I don’t pick her up,then the crying starts. But one good thing is she understands “Come”.So,if I don’t pick her up and tell her,”Come,come to Mamma,baby” ,she happily comes..crawling on all fours!
She has been trying to stand up,without support and now manages to balance herself for a good minute or so. And all she wants to do is stand.She never stops practicing,she tries,she falls,she tries again and again and then succeeds and smiles..if we are not looking even calls out to us..screams to attract attention,is more like it.We have so much to learn from these babies,na?She loves holding the furniture and moving sideways or holding her crib and moving forward.

And every now and then she goes on a scavenger hunt..finding the tiniest piece of biscuit or paper and pops it in her mouth.How does she find’em when my glasses adorned eyes and heavy duty vacuum cleaner miss’em?Beats me!Speaking of popping in her mouth,I wonder why only trash finds its way to her mouth, and why not the baby biscuits.Give her a baby rusk or some baby munchies and they are either crushed to a fine powder with fingers or thrown around like that’s what they are for! Give her a piece of chapati instead and at least she tries to bite it,holding it with both the hands like a squirrel..cute!

Since we are talking about food ,let me tell you about meal times. Meal times are just getting messier each day. Aadya wants to help herself now,the big independent girl that she is.She wants to dip her hand in the food,hold her spoon herself.She is now slurping solids and 3-4 times a day with fruits and vegetables(mashed or pureed).But,its not as happily eaten as before.Some well-meaning friend asked me if Aadya was eating well..and I opened my big mouth and told her how well she was eating.”Aha!”,thought the J monster,”Time for me to appear,in Aadyaland“. And appear he did! Since that day, every meal time is a disaster! 3 spoonfuls are taken in happily,then Aadya gets busy looking down,I think scanning her tray for any dust,”Shoni,baby please,1 more..1 more baby” manages to get in another 3-4 spoons And then starts the crying,which just wont stop till she is not out of her booster seat on to my lap. The next few spoonfuls are partaken seating on mamma’s lap, trying to fling royal self backwards,banging her head, more crying,trying to grab the bowl,getting mad about not being able to touch it.. Ohh J-monster, go away! Give me my baby back!

Same is the case at Dudu-time. Slightest of sound and it has to be inspected by Inspector Aadya,satisfied she turns back to take a sip but not before cocking her head to make sure the sound has stopped really! And dare mamma get tired of all this and close shop, another crying is in order!So, in short major part of our day is spent in extended meal-times! Not a bad deal,any pending chore is easily accounted for-Oh I was taking care of the baby! 😀

And last but not the least,sleep! I reading somewhere that as you baby is growing, she will want to sleep less and I thought,oh no! she is my daughter,she will love sleep as much as I do.Well, she loves her sleep but sleeps only when she wants to! So,I put her to bed at around 8.30 and she is up at 9.30,10,10.30,11.00 ..and so on till we don’t go to bed.And she claims her rightful place between us. So, the crib we loving chose, spent so many hours browsing the Internet,looking for reviews,and checked out so many stores,is lying unused for most part of the day!Yes, Co-sleeping is in!And some days she decides that the only place to sleep in is mommy’s arms.I know partly teething is to blame.All you mommies with babies-Tharini,AP,MM,Shobana,and everyone else, who I am not writing because I really want to finish this post tonite, help me out!All ideas are welcome.

Well there’s more-(This post is not all complains).Now some fun bits-

Aadya loves sitting under the dining table and playing and that’s her favorite place so far.Every time I see her sitting there,playing with her plastic spoons n bulb syringe ( LOL) yes the bulb syringe is the most favorite toy these days,I fall in love with her all over again.

As soon as she wakes up,she starts crawling. it is such a cute sight- my cutie pie, eyes still closed crawling calling out mimi..awww that’s it,I just have to pick her up n hug her.. how can I not?wouldn’t you?

Aadya knows what BYE means. So,she goes and hides somewhere,I call out to her,she doesn’t come.Tell her bye Aadya, mamma is going and she comes ambling out! All smiles that she didn’t let mamma go. And also,now she knows that when Papa leaves in the morning,when she is still sleepy,its ok.But when he is going somewhere after he comes back,then OK. She has to go with him.

Cuddling after dudu-no more.Now, as soon as she finishes her job,she wants to be put down,so she can crawl and stand and practice standing alone. Ohh ,my baby is growing up!

We are already in the last month of 2007 and to think, first 3 months of 2007,before Aadya’s birth seemed indefinitely long.
8 months and counting…..