Gosh! I can’t believe its already thursday.The days are really flying.I guess it also has to do with the fact that I am no longer cooped up at home.Being able to go out on a whim,makes life so much more enjoyable.
So,Monday was story-time at the library. Normally,breakfast in the Aadyaland takes a long time..and by the time we get done with that,there’s not enough time to reach the library for the story-time.So,this monday,I kept everything ready. And we got to the business of finishing breakfast,as soon as the tooth-brushes were put away.Toasts were gulped,and dudu was sipped from the silver glass.And then I just changed Aadya’s clothes and off we went.We reached the library just in time.The story was really enjoyable-for me.Aadya,was never in one place to pay attention.And she was absolutely not interested in the songs that were being sung.All she did was,look at all the other kids with rapt attention.And there were a lot of kids and their mommies and daddies..After the story-time session ended,everyone sat in groups,to talk or cathc up while the kiddies played.There was a group of Indian moms,another one of Chinese moms,and then there were the australian moms..some in a group,some in pairs.Everyone settling in their own little corner.And I have to admit,I felt like a new girl in school..and my mommy..sorry,in this case, my daughter had left me alone.And she didnt want me around at all.
she would look at me and run away.
Finally,she found a quiet little corner to sit with all the books that she had picked up.And who should be there but another mom,feeding her 6 month old.Aadya’s latest fascination is babies..She was superthrilled to see,”Baby”..the poor child was distracted.I marvel at the ease with which some moms are able to breastfeed in public,so un-self consciously.I breast-fed in public too..but it took me a long time to get comfortable.We got chatting and just when we had moved to a more interesting topic,beyond..our kids ages,Aadya  ran off again and I had to chase her. This time she found herself in stroller heaven…I say that,because for someone who loves strollers as much as Aadya does,the stroller parking in stroller heaven. She sat in 3-4 strollers,getting comfortable,then getting down and trying a new one.After all the testing,she finally found one that met her approval and that was the one that she chose to take her Bala(thats what she calls her favorite toy these days) for a walk.Bala means a little baby in marathi.
So,anyway,she put Bala in the stroller,strapped it in..or atleast pretended to strap “her” in and then gave her sippy to “her” to hold and took her for a walk,around the kids area. Mind you..someone elses stroller and the confidence with which she was walking,as if its her own.So,I had to step in,when a gentle,”No No NO” didnt work,I just said,excuse me Aadya and took the stroller from her,gave her the bala back and went and kept the stroller in its rightful place.
Aadya was ANGRY. She ran to the couch..and hit it so many times,it being a rexin covered cushiony one,her little palms just bounced back.The shock of the rebound,quietened her for a minute.Then she went on..again..running,muttering,sitting on the floor,screaming aaaaaaaaaaargggggggh,screaming in frustration. I just picked her up,strapped her in the stroller,gave her the dudu and she was quiet. then gave her a snack and water.
Aha..i figured,she was hungry hence the tantrum..But as twos appraoch,the tantrums are getting more frequent.
Then we headed off to a craft store and spent some nice time there,had a soggy wrap for lunch in the cafe and finally got home by 2.00.
It was a hot day..and so whole of tuesday was spent recuperating..and today was even hotter..
By evening it was unbearable.I filled up a bucket of water,Aadya was already in her swimsuit.She insists on chosing her own clothes now.when we are at home,I dont really mind that. We played outside,watered the garden,got wet and then headed off for the shower. Before we knew it,it was time for Sanj to come home.2 more days and the weekend will be here.

BTW, what do you think of the new template and header? the credit goes to ~nm . This was originally designed for another blog,that I used to have.But,I decided to use it here,since that is private now. And I absolutely love it..But ~nm is not completely satisfied.In her own words,”it needs a naughty twinkle,that goes with Ms.A”..so,she is going to make me a new header..:)
~Nm thanx..for being so patient,and listening to all my silly queries and doubts and ideas..
Thank you.

This morning,I was doing the dishes and Aadya was playing in the kitchen.Its a nice sunny day and the sun-lit kitchen looked lovely.She was singing and talking to herself.
Suddenly she got up and opened the refigerator and lugged out the almost full 3 L can of milk. Here’s the dialogue that followed-

Mimi- “Aadi, what are you doing?”
A- “Dudu”
Mimi- “You want dudu”
A-“Yeah”..(getting excited)
Mimi-” Are you sure?”
A- “Da da…”

ummm OK..I gave her some.. 2 mins later her cup was abandoned and she got the TV remote.

Mimi(Aadya calls me Mimi)-“Oh you want to watch TV?”
A- “Yeah..(gets impatient)”
Mimi- “OK,sit on the couch and watch .”

I turn my back and she gets up from the couch,and starts fiddling with the TV button..

Mimi- “What are you doing?”
A- “TiTi”
Mimi-“TV?”
A- “YEah Yeah..”
And she throws the remote on the floor.
Mimi- “Are you Mad?”
A- “No No”
Mimi- “You think Mumma is mad>”
Pipette- “YEah yeah!”

My sister told me that if she is bored..she just says yeah.. but I wonder how..she says no..when it comes to her..

Diwali, this year was going to be very low-key. The family,back home has been going through some troubled times and I am constantly obsessing about that. and then, we just moved.We are still trying to settle in.I haven’t even unpacked all the bags.And with the limited 3-4 vessels,hyper-active Aadya, there is no way,I wanted to attempt making Diwali sweets and savories.
To add to that, grandparents on both sides of the family were upset, about not being able to send anything for their precious grand-daughter.We sent the address so late. So, anyway, we had pretty much given up on receiving any gifts this year.New place, not many friends..and the works.
But, we were pleasantly surprised,when our “only” friends here,when we moved,T&S, called up to say they wanted to visit. We were happy.They came bearing-diwali sweets,wishes and a surprise. A package from our very own,Dipali.There were gifts for Aadya and Me!! And boy were we thrilled..:) That sort of got us in the mood.Then we feasted on the goodies 😀 Then,I decided to make a little something, just shagun ka. Strapped Aadya in her Pram, and marched up to the Indian store. I got some stuff to make Chivada and laddu. And while we were there, Sanj called,with good news. A car,that he had gone to see over the weekend, got approved and the dealer was ready to deliver it the same day.So, I picked up some more mithai.We got back home, I finished cooking..and then after dinner, we went for a long drive. And what a fine car it is.
This morning when I woke up,I decided to make some chivada.That’s another thing,that I got around to doing it only by 6.00 in the evening. I just about managed to make chivada, mathri,and something,that tastes like Rava laddu but,is not even close to it in appearance..oh well.. something is better than nothing,na?
This time,we just lit candles and prayed..No elaborate pooja happened..More because,there is no space..and with this super-curious Aadya,I didn’t want to risk keeping it down. And its the thought that counts,ain’t it?
Anyway,now I have an excess stock of sweets and Sanj,doesn’t eat it.. Aadya is not getting any..I have decided no more sweets for her, after 4 in the afternoon.She gets a sugar rush and refuses to sleep.Which,leaves me.All the calories and the measly two pounds that I managed to lose in this one month..I am going to put it on back,with interest..Oh..such is life.
Anyway,
Wish you all a very happy diwali.May this diwali bring lots of joy and prosperity to every one.

So we are officially off the US soil.4 years,6 moves,5 major road-trips across various states, so many other smaller road trips,later, we finally said good-bye to the US of A. This move was much awaited..but still leaving finally wasn’t easy. I felt like a phase of life was ending and a whole new phase was beginning.The last couple weeks have been crazy…we have been on a roller coaster literally.And boy travelling with uncertainty is never fun.But we made it.We are still in transit..well living out of suitcases..is technically transit..even if its indefinitely.
Thank you for all your wishes.
And now,I don’t know how else to say this,but directly. Blogging openly has been fun..but I guess its time to disappear into anonymity.And though technically I wont be anonymous..coz ‘most of you are not strangers anymore..and know me..:) but still having the option of not being “google-able” is a biggie.
I know where to reach the regulars..and would send them an invite..coz hey,I am not running away..:) and I love hearing from you guys.
As for the lurkers..you are welcome too..just send me your id..so,I can send you an invite too.
Leave me a comment with your email..rest assured,comments with email ids will not be published 🙂
Take care,people..Be good!

I am in a very happy place right now. I feel so much love,its going to spill,if I don’t share soon.

Awards have been sent my way,by loving friends and its time,I accept graciously and thank them.

Rayshma gave me this:

Thanx gal!I am honored and boy, am I glad to have met you. You are totally a pleasure to be with.And now, I pass this award to-

Swati- who keeps coming back to my blog,even when I don’t update it,regularly.

Shobana- for being the friend thats always there to listen

Upsi- for being you.

And Swati gave me this :

She says,” I love her blog for the honesty with which she writes and for the antics of Aadya 🙂“

Thank You, Swati..I am honoured 🙂

Here’s what the Brilliante is all about-

“The Brilliant Weblog Award- a prize given to sites and blogs that are smart and brilliant both in their content and their design. The purpose of the prize is topromote as many blogs as possible in the blogosphere. Here are the rules to follow:When you receive the prize you must write a post showing it, togetherwith the name of who has given it to you, and link back to them.Choose a minimum of 7 blogs (or even more) that you find brilliant in content or design. Show their names and links and leave them a comment informing them that they have been awarded with the ‘Brilliant Weblog’ award.Show a picture of those who awarded you and those you give the prize (optional) to.”

I would like to pass on this award to-

Kiran – I love her humor injected posts.I can keep reading her posts,over and over again and still laugh.

Suki– This one claims to be a teenager, but her posts are really thought provoking.Rock on girl!

invictuspeak– he doesn’t quiet update as often as I like…but the posts are always, interesting.

Dottie– for her lucid posts.Each post is so well written..the words are like beads in a necklace.

Emaan– This cutie-pie speaks his mind…keeping you hooked!!!

Mona – Love reading about Noo..Mona’s post so often reflect the conflict in my mind..

Mummyjaan – For reasons unknown to me,I keep wanting to go back to her posts,again and again. She’s very positive and full of sunshine 🙂

And with this dear ones,I end this post. This may be my last post,for the next few weeks.We are in transit…regular posting will resume, as soon as we are all settled.Take care,be good,See you on the other side!

In case you are wondering,where we were last few days,let me tell you we were right here..cooped up at home.The Viral monster was visiting and had all of us in his grip. What started as a normal cough-sneeze routine,turned into a full blown viral infection,even before we could say,”Bless you”..We had a bit of a scare,when Aadya’s fever refused to go down,even with regular doses of tylenol and the cough kept getting worse. Two trips to the ped’s office, countless doses of tylenol administered and she is still recuperating..the fever is on and off and the coughing still the same..hoarse,deep throated. Anyway,when she feels fresh,after her nap, she just plays and plays and then,she gets tired and wants mumma to carry her around.Which is fine on normal days..but when Mumma herself was fighting off fever and infection and dealing with so many health problems, carrying her around can be difficult.
So,we were generally in an irritable mood,both of us snapping at the father..well me snapping,she scratching..So,I decided to just watch some movies to cheer myself up. And I have seen,that Aadya wants me to carry her,only when I am on the phone,or trying to cook or clean.So,I decided to just take a break.Be a couch potato and stare at the idiot box. I am not a big TV fan,so there are not too many things that I like watching.But sometime back,while channel surfing,I saw the trailer of a movie on Lifetime and that seemed interesting. The name of the movie was Little Girl Lost. I was intrigued,and had saved it on DVR. This was one of the movies that I watched,in the last two days.
Little Girl Lost is based on a real life story. Its the story of a mother,who has been told that her newborn daughter didn’t survive the fire that burnt down her house. But she is not convinced.Infact,she is sure that her baby was still out there somewhere.Its the story of a mother’s conviction and her strength,her willpower and determination to fight anything and anyone and to just find her daughter.Its a beautifully made movie. It moved me to tears.The mother finally reunited with her daughter after 6 years. But not before fighting with the person who had kidnapped her,as a baby. Even after it was proved that this little girl was indeed her baby,the mother had to wait till the child was emotionally ready for the change.
The most touching part of the movie was..when the mother is told by a social worker,how upset the little girl is..the mother says,”Its so ironical,the happiest day of my life,is the saddest day of her life,” Oh..its a beautifully made story..I had my heart in my mouth till the little girl didnt get home and I wanted to reach out and hug the mother.
This movie is based on a real life story-The details are here
While I was watching the movie,I dont know when,Aadya came and cuddled up next to me..And then ,as I held, her,she fell asleep. As I breathed in her sweet baby smell,I realised how lucky I am to be able to hold her,watch her grow…Delimar’s mother, missed all that.She couldn’t rock her baby to sleep,she couldn’t watch her sleep..She had to find out her daughter’s likes and dislikes,by asking her questions,not know it instinctively..So many things we take for granted,so many things need to be treasured.
I think at the moment I forgot about my aching arms..putting her down,just didnt seem like an option..I just held her closer and stayed that way,for the longest time.

WaterBabies-Day one
Once upon a time,there was a little girl.She loved the water but she was prone to ear-infections.A day at the beach and she would catch an infection.So,her mommy and daddy decided to keep her away from water. No swimming for her.She grew up to be a rebellious teen and took some lessons,from her friend. Now,the little girl is grown up,and has a little girl of her own.Yes you guessed,it,Me..who else!
I still love the water.One hot day,I decided to see if Aadya liked the water too.We went to the pool in the community and tested hands first and then feet,in the small warm pool. Aadya was so excited,seeing that,I rolled up my Capri and and sat on the steps in the shallow pool,she was so excited,squealing and kicking.I was enjoying it too,but I was nervous.You see,I had never taken formal lessons and the few lessons that my friend gave me would be enough to save myself,but I wasn’t confident getting into the water with Aadya.But she loves the water,more than I do.
So,I started looking for swimming classes..and found this one for babies. It said age 6 months to 2 years and there were going to 6-8 babies in each group. That was perfect and one of the parents had to get in the water with them. DH agreed to drive us there,but getting in the water was my job. I hadn’t been in the pool for about 6-7 years and was nervous.But I figured,there would be other people and so we’d be OK.That and I really wanted to encourage Aadya and let her love for water grow.So,I sucked up..and signed up for these lessons.
Today was the first day. As always,we got there,just in time.And so there was no time to change Aadya’s diaper from regular to swimming diaper. The thing with the swimming diaper is,that if she pees in it,it leaks.Its just made to hold the poop in!*sorry TMI..so, i couldn’t take her in it,from home itself.
Anyway,when we reached the assigned spot,the instructor was doing head count and briefing the parents about the class. I half-listened,half- looked for a place to change her diaper.There were no benches or chairs.So,I had to do it standing.Luckily the swimming diaper is pull-up,and another mom standing by,looked at me.I asked her to help me. Then,I quickly took off my clothes ( see,here I did the smart thing..I was wearing,my swim-suit inside the clothes). and got in the pool.Well,almost.
I was fine,till I was holding the railing and getting down the step.And then,suddenly the water seemed so deep.I felt myself panic,just a little..But,Aadya was ready to go join the group and I forgot about my panic. And I still had my two feet on the floor.So,we walked up to the wall and joined the group.And then the fun started.
First,we learned to kick.The instructor told us,how to hold the babies afloat,facing us,so they could kick. Aadya was excited,kicking her feet,splashing water.Slowly,I was getting more and more comfortable and soon,we were in the centre of the pool,away from the wall.And she was using her hands too.
The next step was,reach and pull.Here,we each had to throw a toy,a little away from the baby and encourage her to go and get it,while holding her side ways.I did as instructed and Aadya,pushed with her hands to grab the toy.She was so excited,when she got it and didn’t want to leave it.After the first two attempts,she realised that retrieving the toy was more fun than holding on to it..and stopped resisting. We walked from one end of the pool to the other,reaching for the toy.
Next was bubble time. We had to blow bubbles at the surface of the water and teach the babies to do it.Aadya tried that and gulped a little water..but the instructor,taught her how to spit it right out. And then she had fun trying to spit out.. rather than blowing.Poor child,didn’t realise that she had already gulped the chlorinated water and that there was no spitting it out.
Soon,it was time for a wrap up.And we wrapped up with some singing and dancing.The instructor told us,to go around in a circle,while singing,” The wheels on the bus go”.We did,imitating the instructor,and the babies squealed. Then we said,good-byes.I let Aadya,splash her way to the steps, and she didn’t want to leave.She was so mad at me,for making her leave.
As I came out the water,I realised,how heavy we were- the whole idea of being weightless in water,completely forgotten!!Wish I could just stay in the water,all the time!
It was fun fun experience.I think sometime in those 30 minutes,that little girl in me,got her shot in the water too…looking forward to doing it again tomorrow.

Yes! It happenned. We met Rayshma and boy! was it fun.
Let me start at the very beginning..I am sure by now,you all know my penchant for details.
So,I spoke to Rayshma on Thursday afternoon and we decided on meeting..well, we’d have to take a small detour..but anything for a friend.
So,I hung up tellling her I would discuss the plan with Sanj and get back to her with details.I spoke to Sanj,planned out everything and we decided to go to her place on Sunday..and in all the excitement,I forgot to call up Raysh and tell her what day we were going to stop by.
So,Saturday morning Rayshma called me up and asked me if we were going to visit and that’s when I realised,my blunder.
Anyway,the date was set..we were meeting on Sunday for lunch. Then happenned Blunder no.2.
Rayshma told me the approximate time,it would take us to reach..and in some crazy state of mind,I just heard the last part and that it was a 2 hour drive..happily told Sanj.. When we put fed the address into the GPS, it said 4 hours..and Raysh said..yeah thats right..that’s what I told you..That’s when I realised..My brain had shut off long back.
So,anyway,we reached their town at around 3.30pm..actually around 3.00pm and then we stopped to pick up cheesecake..she loves it..how could I go see her,without bringing one along.
We first met Vin,he came down to tell Sanj where to park..Aadya,who was screaming and babbling just a few second ago had metamorphosed into a shy little girl,on seeing him.
As we were climbing up the stairs to get to their apartment,we were greeted with drool-inducing yummalicious aroma.I wonder how Vin and Raysh stopped themselves from eating. And then,there was Rayshma…wearing a Cute T-Shirt..which said she was PURRRRRRRRRRFect!hhehe..
And after that,we just attacked the food…all of us were starving and did full justice to Rayshma’s yummy chicken curry..yumm yumm. Aadya was torn between clinging to me and sneaking glances at Vin and Raysh,who were competing with each other for her smile. And then,half way through the meal,she bestowed Aunty R with a sweet smile. Uncle Vin had to try some more.
Aadi was tired and it was a hot day,new place.She was hungry too..she stuck to me like Super-glue. At one time,her face was almost sticking to my lips..like if she had a choice,she would just disappear into me. As we chomped on,conversation flowed,so effortlessly. I had spoken to Rayshma and knew she would be fun to talk to..And we are both natural chatter-boxes..but I was wondering how the husbands would take to each other. Well,they did so well. For one,they had their quirky wives to discuss.. how we none of us knew any major details about the other.. but knew the smallest things that happenned in our lives..and that was ice-breaker enough.
So, without any beers or any other tongue-looseing agent, the hubbies chatted too..It was so much fun,sharing stories,giggling non-stop,completing each others sentences..Sanj takes his own time opening up with new people but this time was different.It never felt like we were meeting for the first time.
When I cribbed about Aadya being too clingy,I was chided immediately by her Aunty R..who made me admit..that I wouldn’t be too happy if she wasn’t clingy and was happily running off with strangers.
Just when Aadi was beginning to get comfortable,it was almost time to leave. But before leaving,she shared a gibberish story with Rayshma and taught her a quick trick to take off her shirt..first she demonstrated then urged Raysh to try it..ofcourse,Raysh had to politely decline. But,they were friends and before leaving Aadi gave her a kissie..ofcourse there was none for Vin.
We said goodbyes, hugged and were on our way..we had a long drive ahead..but a beautiful scenic drive..through small texas towns. And ofcourse,I was looking at it all through my happy glasses .
I was really glad we took this detour..even if it was a long one…but it was totally worth it. It was really really nice meeting Raysh & Vin.. now,I am looking forward to seeing them again..hopefully in this part of the state.
Oh and its Rayshma’s birthday today..so hop over and wish her.

Hey Rayshma, Here’s wishing you a fantastic birthday,full of happy happy things.Enjoy your Birthday and have a great year!