Wear her Jammies…
Dress her up in her daddy’s Vest 🙂
Happy Baby,Happy Mumma

It’s the GP’s birthday tomorrow..and I don’t have any plans..No surprises lined up this time.not even a gift for him.Last week,when I was at the mall with Munchkin,we picked up greeting cards for him..but seriously,other than that there were no other plans.
He has been working like crazy and has been away even on weekends,these past two weekends.Every year,since we got married,he takes a day off on his birthday,so that he can spend the day at home with me.But this year,he told me,not to plan anything,as he can’t take time off and has no idea what time he will be back home.
I said,”OK” but wasn’t quiet convinced.I believe birthdays call for a celebration..as it is,in today’s world,there are few reasons to rejoice. So,I got thinking. I had picked up some fresh fish at the grocery store on Sunday.I had cleaned and marinated it and there was enough for 4-5 people.So,I casually asked him,what time he’d be home.He said,6-ish..which is rare..So,I decided to have another pre-birthday celebration.We went for his pre-birthday Dinner on Sunday,at his favorite restaurant.
I called up a friend,S. The GP loves to hang out with her husband and I had been promising them a dinner of “fish fry”.They were happy to come even at such short notice.Then I asked another friend,A to join us, her husband is someone the GP looks up to.Unfortunately,he wasn’t in town. So,I set about to make a simple dinner of traditional phodnichi dal(Maharashtrian style dal fry),rice and fish fry and salad. My friend offered to make Chole(chick-pea curry).I was going to make some quick dessert.
But how could you have a birthday celebration without a birthday cake? So,I changed my mind about making a dessert,cut some fruits instead and asked my friends to pick up the smallest cake,just right for 4-5 people. And they did.
The GP arrived home,unaware of the plan.Then,I casually mentioned that I asked S & A to join us for dinner. He was happy,to have some change from the routine.I finished cooking,while the GP watched munchkin eat and play with her food. And our friends arrived,just as Munchkin was finishing dinner.
So, we hung around,chit-chatting…soon,the GP asked,when were we going to eat? That was our cue.I set up a make shift table,while A&S brought the cake out. The GP was surely surprised..He cut the cake ,while Munchkin tried to eat the candle and S’s husband,Sam,took pictures.The cake was yummyyyyy Tiramisu block cake from a local bakery.It was sinfully delicious..I cheated on my diet for it!
Dinner followed next, we all stuffed our faces with the fried fish and salad..while the Dal fry-Rice and Chole sat forgotten,on the table.Everyone loved the food and groaned about over-stuffed bellies..and cribbed about it being a working day,tomorrow.
And then,we had the cake for dessert again. Later,unwillingly,our guests left.And the GP, got busy on his offshore call.Oh well, he was happy..Hope he has a happy day tomorrow too.
And now that its past 12 and his birthday has officially begun,I think its time for me to wish him.
Hey Love,
May this birthday bring you all the things that you have been waiting for.May this birthday cheer last you all year through and may you keep smiling like this,all year round.
And I love you..I know you know that.. But please remember this,even when we are fighting..
I know we have had some rough days,off-late.. but here’s hoping for some not-so rough days..but hey,making-up is always fun!
Love you, honey..and Happy birthday and God Bless!
Have a great day!

My baby turned one and I am still lugging around the baby fat. Truth be told,I still look 5 months pregnant. I started with some basic exercises at home,sometime in February..after we moved to the new apartment.Since I was still nursing Aadya full time, I didn’t want to play with my diet.And every time,I started something before this,I was either too tired or just couldn’t fit in a real work-out in my day and so stopped after a day or two.
In the meantime,my friend P kept going to the gym regularly and started seeing results too.. she kept motivating me,gently chiding me when I took a break from work-out. Finally one day,something snapped and I knew I had to do something and I started my exercises at home. But it was always a rushed workout on my living room floor,while Aadya was napping.Soon the naps got shorter and the workout even shorter and I had to stop so many times,because apparently Aadya didn’t want mommy to play by herself. I ordered some videos and started working out with that. Aadya seems to like those better. I think she likes the instructor!
Anyway,since these sessions are always rushed or interrupted,I didn’t enjoy them so much.Sometimes,I even got upset,with myself, or DH or even Aadya. I lost some teeny-tiny bit of weight and I kept thinking if only I had put in more effort..Then,yesterday,I went and joined a health club. A proper health club..and it is expensive. But they are real close to home, have good child-care and just the whole atmosphere makes me want to be there. Also,since its expensive,I know..I need to put that money to good use. And now,please don’t ask me how expensive..I thought and almost went and cancelled the membership.. then,thought to myself..after 2 years of being pregnant or nursing,1 year of continuously being with Aadya,I deserve a bit of pampering. Its not that I don’t want to be with her..or that I don’t like being home with her.. but its just that I feel,I need to do something for myself too.
Despite the great baby-sitting services offered,I don’t know if she is ready for it.. or may be I am the one who is not ready for it. Today,DH dropped me at the gym,while the father-daughter duo went for a drive and some fun time. I really enjoyed my time there. Being able to exercises without feeling rushed was a luxury in itself. Every time,I thought about how Aadya was doing,I calmed myself by reminding myself that she was with her dad. I walked out the door,and saw them,both,waiting for me in the lobby. Aadya was walking around.DH pointed out to me,where she was..I walked up and stopped a little distance away,right in front of her and stretched my hands,”come baby come”..and she just froze..There was absolutely no recognition on her face.”Come on..come come..”There was a young couple standing by,near the reception,they turned too,to watch the great reunion.. But.. no such luck..Baby just refused to come to me.. turned her pretty ass up at me,and walked up to her dad.
HUH??? One hour.. one hour I was away and she forgot me?? I won’t lie,I was a little disappointed. Every morning when DH leaves,she cries,wanting to be taken along.Every time he steps in that door,her face lights up,she squeals,waves and says a sweet “Hi”..and for me,nothing!!! I picked her up,and was buckling her up,when she suddenly looked at me..and said “hi” like that was the first time,she was seeing me!!Go figure!
OH well,here’s to more steps forward,more dropped pounds and may be tomorrow,I will get my squeal of joy from Aadya!
I stopped myself from writing about my work-outs,for the fear of jinxing myself ..but what the heck..Anyway, you guys, please keep sending me regular doses of morale boosters 🙂 and any words of wisdom would be highly appreciated.

One year Post and
The Birthday bash post!
Thanx for all the birthday wishes,everyone.Aadya has a bad case of spring allergies and so do I ..and so the two posts are still in drafts.

[24th feb 2011]I just found this in my drafts..n had to post it..

Finally we have a venue and I love it.Its a chic Indian bistro,recently remodelled..and they have a separate party room,opening onto the patio. And the cake has been tasted and ordered too..from a different bakery altogether! So,I am not too worried anymore.The only thing is,I find myself getting extremely emotional as the birthday approaches..My baby girl is not going to be a baby anymore 🙂 She is already showing streaks of independence.She doesn’t want to be carried,as soon as we step out the main door.She just wants to walk around and explore..Funny though,how she insists on being picked up as soon as I start cooking or pick up the phone. But,anyway..I am going through these weird ups and downs..getting mad at DH too.. “how can you not feel anything?” But this post is all about nice things.So…
Speaking of nice things,my sister got her tourist Visa approved and she would be visiting us soon. The first time she applied for the visa,it got rejected and they asked her not to apply for another year or two…The reasons being-She was single and didn’t have much of a job experience,what if she decided to get married and never return!This time however,it was a piece of cake!And she got a 10 year visa!So yayyy!
As thrilled as I am about my sister’s visa and her visit..what prompted me to write this post were friends-not one but three.
One I have known for the last 10 years,the other for almost a year and a half and the third, for a couple months.Let me tell you about the last(but in no way least) one. A lot of you know her-she is none other than our own Upsi. I first spoke to her a few months back,just before I was leaving for my India trip..BEing true aquarians,we hit it off immediately..talking 10 things at a time,and since then,we have chatted on and off,making plans to meet..but it never happened. So,when we started planning Aadya’s birthday party,I decided that this would be a good chance to meet. And I called her up and she agreed to come..Seeing how stressed I was about the venue,she offered to see if the clubhouse in her community was available for the party.And when that wasn’t available,this sweet sweet soul offered to open up her own home for the party.And how can I forget,she even got Mr.Upsi,busy,looking for a party hall. I mean who does that. Upsi,sweetheart,I am not writing all this to embarass you..Just wanted to let you know,that your gestures really touched us. I am so happy to have come across you through blogosphere and now looking forward to meeting you in person.
The other friend I mentioned about is,my friend P.I met P through a pregnancy website,and we have stayed in touch,ever since. Her baby was born around 3 weeks after Aadya,but she has been a great support to me,through those months,when the hormones were raging all over the place or even now,when my emotions are running high. Her little boy,just turned 11 months,today. Its like she is my own personal support system. And all this without even meeting each other. Another bonding factor is our babies..they seem to related to each other in some karmic way.. Though,it sounds eerie,but almost every time that Aadya hasn’t been feeling well,baby A hasn’t been feeling well either.They have been reaching milestones around the same time too..Funny,Aadya has started saying Baby A’s name and everytime ,I say his name,she put her hand to her ear and says Hi! Hope to see you soon sweetie..
And lastly,my friend Vidya..God!!its been so long that we have known each other.The first time,we saw each other was on my first day at college. Mine was a late admission and by the time,I finished all the formalities,I just about managed to reach my classroom in time.And the classroom was full..First years are always very attentive,cutting classes starts later! And then,I saw this one empty seat,I hopped up the stairs and settled down there.This was a quiet,shy girl..At least that’s what I thought then.. now,I know,she is not shy.. nor is she quiet.She is one of the most confident women,I know. She is flying down tomorrow to attend little Aadya’s first birthday. And I can’t wait to see her. I remember in our final year of college,we were both in separate classes,because we chose different majors.So,we never got a chance to talk to each other through out the day..with lectures and practicals and all the other things that needed to be done.So,we started taking the earlier local train and would get off at the earlier stop and sit on a bench at the local train station and talk! Some days we were so engrossed in our talks,that we even missed those early morning lectures!I am smiling just thinking about those days. She flew in for my baby-shower, and now for Aadya’s birthday..She has been there always..whenever I needed her! Always…she is one of those people who can hear my voice and tell my mood. I can’t wait to see her tomorrow!
And the last nice thing…DH has been working crazy hours again..and almost everyday,he is late..and I am upset.I am emotional about Aadya turning 1..but I am also worried about DH’s health.I dont want the scary episode to be repeated. Anyway..today I offered truce and he accepted.And then,came back late again..too much work! So,I showed him my anger..one way or the other..and sulked. He took me shopping and drove 2 extra miles,just to get to Starbucks-Just so I could buy my favorite Frappuchino-“to cool me down”! Need I say,I am not sulking anymore!
He’s a nice guy who just loves to irritate me. Ohh and now,Aadya is sleeping,so may be I should stop typing and go cuddle up with him on the couch..Ta!

You know its time to turn off the idiot box when you baby crawls upto the TV console,pulls herself to a standing position and starts yelling at the actors on screen. Why? They are screaming,fighting. We get yelled at by Aadya,if we are arguing and our voices get loud. She looks at me when I am yelling,and calls sharply-Aye..If DH is yelling,she looks at him,and yells at him.But if she is doing the same to those uncles and aunties on TV then may be she thinks they live here too..Now,if only I can find the darned remote!
Aadya has been talking randomly. Baby babbles through out the day..gaga..baba mamma papa..nanna.namnam..etc. But it does warm a mom’s heart when she is rocking her baby to sleep and the baby finally settles down in her arms and the last words she says before falling asleep are..Papa..hmmmmm..Mamma! Mamma hugs her tight,waking her up instantly..back to rocking again.
Whenever anyone says Hii Aadya or Hello Aadya,she puts her hand to her ear and says hi..she is often seen walking around with one hand on her ear,talking gibberish,repeatedly babbling in the exact same tone as Mamma..I am sure,by now you know how much time I spend on the phone.Time to hang up ??
This post was in the drafts for a long time..time to hit the publish button now.

Someone’s birthday is almost here and guess who is turning into a stress-monkey!!Mamma dearest!
There I said it! I am so stressed out about Aadya’s birthday.. and no it has nothing to do with her turning ONE! Its all about the party! I am the kind of person,who starts planning,way in advance.I am the kind of person,who likes to not run around at the last minute.I am big on planning and like to plan everything long before the actual day.So,with barely 10 days left for Aadya’s birthday,and the fact that we don’t have a venue yet..it is enough to rattle my nerves and give me sleepless nights.
I have a vague idea what Kind of cake I want..and have been surfing the net looking for pictures,to take to my baker. This weekend I spent so much time looking at cakes,that everytime I closed my eyes,I saw cakes of all shapes,sizes and colors floating in front of me! I have a rough design and need to make the final sketch! Ohh! I know there will be so many final sketches! Till I don’t finally hand over the design to my cake-lady its going to keep getting final touches.
Now,the cake-lady..There are 3 that I like.One is someone who comes highly recommended by a friend.But here’s the thing,when we tasted her pastries,I thought they were a little dry.DH is ready to go and place the order with her,just because she comes highly recommended!
The second place,I absolutelyyyyyyyy loveeeeeeee! I spotted this bakery when I first moved to the place,6 months back and instantly decided that this is where we are going to order Aadya’s cake from! This person is also highly appreciated in the newspaper and I love her creations,too! And she is a little expensive,compared to the first one.
The third,is again someone,who has been tried and tasted by a couple friends..and they swear by her cakes.. “They are the tastiest cakes ever!!” but I don’t like the finishing of her designs!So,there I am stuck..but may be I will choose between the first two.
Now,for the venue,we decided to do it at a park,since its spring and the parks are perfect for an outdoor party.But,the two parks,which we can reserve,are not really in the best of localities..so,there,DH put his foot down and I wasn’t too pleased either. Pool side was my next best bet..but with Aadya walking around and almost running,I am not too keen on it. She loves the water and keep her away from it,is going to be a tough job,involving tantrums and meltdowns,both hers and mine-Mine after the party!So,outdoor party is out! Now,I am looking for rooms-party rooms or banquet rooms..and today was the most frustating day..Everywhere I called,I just got the voice mail..now,I am waiting and hoping they get back to me,with some good news!We checked with a couple friends about club-houses at their apartment complexes and that didn’t work out either.
I haven’t been able to complete my invitations,because we still don’t have a venue! And That brings us to the next vital element of this party,the food.There is going to be catering involved.But now,this time,there are so many places that we like,that we are not able to decide!! I want to get everything finalised this week,so that,I am more relaxed next week.
And then Aadya’s birthday outfit,return gifts,party decorations…So much do,so little time. Almost every evening,DH comes home,to be greeted by my tensed face.. oh you are late,today also..we had to go to so and so place!
The only thing that I am sure of is the theme,that I want running in the party.:) But that I will reveal , a little later 🙂 -may be when I post the party details!
I want this party to be perfect so badly, I am about to lose my mind..I just hope,it turns out atleast half-way decent.

Sorry to keep you guys waiting!