general

Mood Today…

MysTri Mum7 Comments

Is Gloomy!!
We got back from a weekend road trip to LA last night.It was a fun trip and calls for another post..But right now,I feel so low and gloomy.Aadya has been fussy all day long,refusing to nurse and refusing to sleep on the bed or in her crib..And there is this crying every hour…
Throughout the trip, I would nurse her when she was awake and change her diaper,let her stretch and then put her in the car seat.DH feels that’s may be she thinks that i will strap her into the car seat again and so doesn’t want to nurse.May be it is true.
I thought she must be tired and tried to make her sleep and she was sleepy.. but refused to be put down. Now,its the end of the day and I am at my wits ends.I have never felt this way in the last 3 and a half month.
I was trying to wean her off the Paci(her Pacifier) butI postponed it to later,may be when she is not as stressed out as now.
The nursing has been better since around 8 pm..and now DH is putting her back to sleep.I just needed a breather..Suddenly,I am feeling sad for being alone here,away from family during my pregnancy and during the initial post-partum days.Is this post-partum depression? I just chatted with this friend who was pregnant around the same time as me and she spent most of her pregnancy and postpartum days with her parents..Her Baby is 5 months old now..and she is just going back to be with her hubby now..Could that have added to my depression?My dad was planning to visit us from August 1st and somehow that doesn’t seem to be materialising just yet..May be I am sad because of that.
I know,I would have never stayed away from DH for that long.I know he wanted to be involved every step of the way with my pregnancy and baby.But suddenly,it seems like he is always so busy,during my pregnancy he was trying to finish off his work to enjoy the baby’s arrival.And I know he is still trying his best to be as involved as possible..And upon the baby’s arrival,by a crazy twist of fate,his work increased ten-folds.Then he fell sick.He is taking it easy now..at least easier than he used to..but…Its not that he doesnt try..he does.But I dont know..I mean he is the one running around to grab a clean diaper or the baby oil or the towel,while I just hold the baby or bathe her or talk to her.He even takes her out for a walk..so that i can cook in peace!

And lastly(but in no way,least)the lack of friends around makes it harder.I have always been a very friendly,people’s person.And suddenly I find myself without anyone to talk to..Anyone other than DH..Sure I am still in touch with my some close friends over email and phone,I talk to my dad almost everyday and chat with sis every other day,but I so need a girlfriend HERE.The only thing that makes me feel like ME now is -Blogging..And all you blogging friends are more real to me than anyone else right now..Thanks for being there..And thanks for listening.I feel a little better after ranting!

Tales from Aadyaland

The daily reporter….

MysTri Mum4 Comments

Aadya has been so busy the last couple days..
You see,she has taken up a new job..She is now the daily reporter..As soon as her Papa comes home,she has to give him a report of our day! And since he is away for a long time.. the report takes atleast 15 minutes!
So, as soon as he comes home..Mamma gets royally ignored.by both father and daughter alike… the first kiss is planted on the baby doll’s face.. followed by more.. on her head,hair, hands,feet..all the sweet smiles are now directed towards Papa and mamma is banished to the kitchen. And Papa-baby have a tete-e-tete.Aadya is comfortably propped in the crook of dad’s crossed over knee.. and she starts talking..even waiting for Papa to answer and if he asks questions.. then there is a longer answer…God bless me when she actually starts putting words in her baby babble..Papa is going to know everything.. how many times the phone rang..how many times.. mamma just left her alone to play in the crib.. how much time mamma spent blogging.. Ohh Well!She takes after her mom.. and so I will just have to deal with it. If someday, when Papa comes home and is on the phone..or rushes to the bathroom without greeting Princess Aadya..then he has to see her frown,pout and then their conversation gets extended.. because the first few minutes are spent complaining!And what is Mamma doing in all this..Mamma is getting kicked.. As Aadya squirms to follow her Papa’s movements..And he does PACE around a lot when he is talking on the phone!!
She is also busy practicing for the next Indian/American Idol competition..My only help to her is..laying her on her back and the singing starts..Aaa,laaaalaaaalaaa..aaa
And last but not the least.. she has to help Mumma fold the laundry..So, mumma folds the clothes.. and she unfolds..mumma folds again..moves them away from her..she slides upward,or sideways and unfolds them again..When Mumma finally moves the folded clothes out of her reach,she decides to turns her attention to the unfolded lot.. and tries on each as a blanket..and the last one I managed to get on camera..Here’s Aadya..helping me with the laundry!

Tales from Aadyaland

Ohhh Myyy Goddd!!

MysTri Mum11 Comments

Ohh My God! The sweetest thing happened today! Aadya was in her crib..playing.. suddenly she started calling..Ohh yes..she has the sweetest way of calling out to us..more like pigeon call..Uuuhh..Uuuhhh.. and she keeps at it,till we don’t go and talk to her..Mostly when I answer her call, and go talk to her..I am rewarded with a broad toothless smile..today however..she took me on a love-powered ride to heaven!
So,like I said..she was calling me..I went and looked at her..asked her..”whats up? Kya hua Betu??” And she is still..Uuuhhh Uuuhhh…So,I leaned into the crib to pick her up..She grabbed my hair..Well,nothing new..She loves to hang from my hair like Tarzan..But this time,instead of trying to hang from it,she pulled my face down..And when it was close enough,raised her body and planted this wet Open mouthed KISS!!!
Ohhh Myyy GOddd!!I thought I had just died and gone to heaven!!!
It was the sweetest most beautiful kiss ever!!I felt so much love for her-I am short of words to describe my feelings..
Needless to say,I spent the rest of the day grinning.. and carrying her around!!

Dosa · Moong · Mumma's Kitchen

Moong Dosa

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Moong Dosa

This is another one of my favorite recipe.This recipe makes me believe that health food can be delicious too.This is my ultimate comfort food..no-guilt comfort food.And it has minimum preparation time.

For this you need-
2 cups Whole Moong(Green Gram)
1 medium sized onion-finely chopped
2 small green chilies- finely chopped
3-4 tsps chopped corriander leaves
salt to taste
1/2 tsp red chili powder to season
oil spray or oil to grease the tava/skillet

Method-

Wash and soak Moong with lot of water for atleast 6 hours till it becomes tender.
Grind it to a fine paste and add chopped onions,chilies and corriander leaves,salt and chili powder.
Mix well.
Heat up a skillet/Tava.
Grease the tava with a quick spray of oil spray and add a heaped round ladel full of batter at the centre of the tava and even spread it out like dosa or pancake.
Cook on a medium flame till golden on both the sides
Serve hot with chutney or pickle of your choice.




Chutney-
Ingredients-
3/4 cup loosely packed corriander leaves
1 green chili
1/2 cup grated coconut
1/4 cup roasted peanuts or
3tsp peanut powder
salt
1/2 tsp jeera
salt to taste
For seasoning
2-3 tsps oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
3-4 curry leaves
2 dry red chilies

Mix everything except the seasoning and blend in a grinder.
For seasoning-heat oil in a small pan.Add mustard seeds,when they start to splutter,lower the flame and add red chilies and finally curry leaves and remove from flame. Pour this over chutney.It is ready to serve.
Dig in!!

Chicken · Chinese · Mumma's Kitchen · Rice

Chili Chicken and Fried rice.

MysTri Mum2 Comments

“Chili Chicken and fried rice”-this phrase said quickly, reminds me of a Sunday lunch treat.Aadya turned 3 months old on June 30th and I decided to make our favorite meal to mark the occasion-“Chili Chicken and Fried rice”. This is the simplest,most delicious, home cooked party-food-kinda meal. Here’s my mom’s recipe for chili Chicken-
For this you need-
Ingredients-
1 lb boneless chicken breast
2 eggs
1 tsp corn flour
1+1 tbspn Soy sauce
1+1 tbspn tomato-chilli sauce( maggi)
1 tspn white vinegar
1 whole green pepper
1 medium sized onion
salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying.
Method-
Wash and cut chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces.Keep aside.

Mix-Eggs,1 tsp corn flour,1tbsp soy sauce,1 tbsp tomato chili sauce,salt and pepper.Beat well.This makes the marinade. Marinate chicken in this for a minimum of 30 minutes.The longer the better.

In the meantime,chop green pepper & onion into big chunks.

Heat oil in a pan.when its steaming hot,slowly add chicken pieces and lower the heat.Fry the chicken pieces till golden brown on a medium heat.Keep aside.

Now in a pan, add just a tsp oil and toss in green pepper chunks and onion chunks and toss around,then add vinegar followed by soy sauce,tomato sauce aand lastly add the chicken.Sprinkle a little water and cover it.Turn off the heat.Let it sit for 5 mins.Serve hot. A little garnish of lightly toasted sesame seeds gives it a nice crunchy taste.

P.S. Use little oil at a time and add more to the pan as needed,because it turns black because of the egg marinade.


Fried rice-
Ingredients-
2 cups rice
3 cups chopped vegetables-Cabbage,carrots,green peppers,peas.(I used a bag of frozen mixed vegetables-for lack of time)
2 beaten eggs mixed with salt and pepper to taste.
1 tspn soy sauce
less than half a tspn of white vinegar.
salt to taste.
Oil.
Method-
Cook rice and keep aside. Spread the rice out on a plate to cool and also so that all the grains separate out.

Take oil in a pan and add the beaten eggs and make them into scrambled eggs.Keep aside.

Take a little more oil in the pan and add all the chopped vegetables. Season with salt and let it cook till almost done.

Add soy sauce and a dash of vinegar to the vegetables and mix well. Add the scrambled eggs and then the rice and mix thoroughly. Serve hot!

Hope you enjoy making and eating this as much as I do!

Tales from Aadyaland

HE is a girl!

MysTri Mum17 Comments
Every time we go out,I am told-“Ohh ,You have such a cute BOY!” I am asked-“Is he a good boy?” Is he eating/sleeping well?” I smile and tell them-“OH No!Its a Girl! and Yes she is a good girl..” Walk away from them..Grit my teeth and ask DH..”Why do they all think She is a boy???”
I mean come on!!She has the cutest girlie face ever!!Ohh alrite.. not girlie..but cute!But then again they are not denying it! They just think SHE is a cute BOY! I think may be its her stroller..which is blue.But it is denim blue with a cute pink border and a pink head rest.


Or may be its her hair..which gives her this boyish look..But then I dress her in pinks and frilly onesies.. That should tell them its not a boy! Ohh Well!!
I asked the nurse at her Pediatrician’s office,what could I do so that people stopped mistaking her for a boy.. and she tells me..You know what Honey?I have 4 boys and every single one of them got mistaken for a girl..Beat that!! What do I say to that??
Anyway,I swore to myself that if another person asks me how old my little Boy is ..they are just gonna be smacked on their head.. and told.. “Ohh Look! Its a girl!” But then since I am chicken..I know I cant do that.. I decided to try the next best thing..Getting her ears pierced. Well that’s not the only reason I wanted to get her ears pierced..I think Little Girls look adorable with tiny studs in their tiny ears.I also think its better to get their ears pierced before they get too curious and start to tug at their earlobes.and there was also that emotional cultural thing about how she would have got it done at 6 weeks of age,like her mamma did as a baby.So, I started pestering DH about going and getting Aadya’s ears pierced.Now,this is the man who glares at nurses for giving his baby her vaccines..he was ready to kill me for agreeing to split her vaccines in two doses,on 2 different days,there was no way he was going to agree to inflict that pain on his little Princess. I kept at it and finally after 3 weeks he relented.And we are off to Claire’s I was excited,but my heart was pounding so hard,I was sure it was going to fall out.DH decided he was going to hold her.I was secretly grateful.
After getting done with the paperwork and being explained everything,the moment was here..But why was I not happy?I was worried,what if she moves,what if something goes wrong..Just as DH sat down at the piercing chair,I was ready to cancel the whole deal.And then I saw, there was this huge crowd, standing there to watch.I was so annoyed..Why is everyone standing here..so watch my baby get poked? Then i heard a voice..OH,Its good you guys are getting it done now..she wont even know a thing. I got my daughter’s done at the same age Me too Don’t worry Mommy..Daddy you gotta relax..you are doing a great job
And I realised.. all these people were here to lend us their support..In a strange way,it was so similar to having your family hovering around you as you get your baby’s ears pierced. So the girl at Claire’s,sanitized her hands,put on her gloves and sanitized her hands again,marked the spot on Aadya’s ear lobes and then used a small stapler-like instrument pre-loaded with the earring of our choice.And then as DH held her head steady,as was demonstrated,she quickly and efficiently pinched the earring and in less than 10 seconds the earring was on. But Aadya hated being pinched.. and she let out a huge cry..I tried to distract her,gave her a pacifier,which she threw on my face..she calmed down a little and the girl efficiently did the other ear too. And then she started crying even louder. DH gave her to me so he could get down from his high chair..and then snatched her right back,with a nasty stare and “Its OK,I can take care of her”..Ohh it broke my heart seeing my baby girl cry,my eyes teared up too.A nice lady among the bystanders patted my shoulder and hugged me..By then Aadya was quiet and was smiling at all those people around trying to make her smile.The whole thing took less than 10 minutes but it seemed like forever! My little baby is now officially a girl, with Tiny studs on her tiny earlobes.
When it was all over,I felt a wee bit jealous that DH managed to quieten her more easily than I could and that she preferred him over me(GOSH!I cant believe I am saying that!!) And Do I even need to tell you how DH gloated whole day yesterday and today, about how his baby feels protected and safe in his arms? GOD!!I am never going to hear the end of this!!!
Here’s my baby girl with her brand new earrings-
Tales from Aadyaland

3 months old

MysTri Mum3 Comments

Aadya turned 3 months old on June 30th and in my mind it still feels like yesterday when we welcomed baby Aadya into this world.
She rolled over that day! Its like she knows that she is turning a month older and so needs to celebrate it in her own special way!She smiled for the first time just before she turned a month old..the day she turned 2 months,she woke up and spent some time playing quietly in her crib and at three months she rolled over.It was tummy time and she was as usual batting her hands and legs.. but the way she was moving her left hand and leg so purposefully,I was sure something was going to happen and just then she rolled over!!Mamma picked her up,smothered her with hugs and kisses and put her back on her belly again and she did it again .. and mumma forgot to take a snap in all that excitement.That night she did it again for Papa.
But then after that..she has decided that its not worth the effort..She can hold her head up and so she loves to stay on her tummy and just watch the world from her vantage point!
This past month has been so exciting. This little girl keeps my life so exciting. She has found her voice and keeps babbling to herself and to us and to the strangers who look at her and smile and if they are wearing red,they are even rewarded with a beaming smile.She even wants to talk on the phone.These days when I am alone with her,I put the speakerphone ON when talking to family and she just has a ball talking to them.She just has to tell her own baby stories.
Then comes her butterfly..she has endless conversations with her butterfly,sometimes even pausing as if to listen to what it is saying!Sometimes smiling ,sometimes squealing and even laughing during the conversation.
This little girl has the cutest laugh ever.One day I was changing her diaper and my hand touch her butt and she giggled-Laughed out loud!!!I tried it again and she did it again!!!and again.DH put her on his lap and started playing horsey with her..making galloping sounds.. and she laughed so much..I wish I had taped it. She loves gazing at the light and since she has discovered her voice,she actually squeals with joy looking at it.
Then there’s the swing. When we first got it,She was so scared to sit in it.She would grab my t-shirt real tight and just not let go. Now, she sits in it,but not without cooing and that cooing is like pursuasive.Like she is telling me in her own baby way to not leave her in the swing..Not crying, not sad.. just cute..just like wanting to prolong a conversation after saying good bye to your favorite friend..So,I turn on the music and she looks up at her little teddy friends and she gets lost in talking to them..As if telling Mamma,its ok I am big girl! She even dozes off while sitting in the swing.
She’s learned to sit up.I give her my thumbs to hold,she grabs them real tight and lifts her body off the bed till she is in a sitting position and when she achieves her goal,she lets out this loud scream..like telling herself what a good job she did.
And slowly having mastered the sitting position, she now goes one step further and stands up..still holding mamma’s thumbs.
Ohh My baby girl is getting so independant slowly..Somedays she drifts off to sleep on her own. I lay her down in her crib, she chats with her butterfly and looks at the other ones on the bumper..talks to her Poochie and she just sleeps ..Aww and though mamma should be happy for getting this break,she just sits there with a lump as big as a rock in her throat,watching her sleep.. A tear or two trickle down..Ohh My baby girl is growing up!
From newborn to a 3 month old,in 3 quick months..If I could I would just freeze time..just so I can keep babying her longer..but then again..If I could I would just make it go faster so that I can see more of her cute antics.
Everytime I look at her, hold her, touch her,cuddle her,my heart swells with pride..and turns mushy all at the same time. I love her with all my heart but I just wish I had a wee bit more love..just so I could love her a little more ….
I leave you with a picture of my 3 month old.

oops you missed’em!

P.S. This is post No.50. and as I end this post..I just want to tell you all Thank you for all the encouragement.. and mostly thank you for taking the time to read my LONG posts!

Mommy time

Breast-Feeding

MysTri Mum10 Comments

Its been so long since I posted anything..Lots of things were going on..I had a lot on my mind..was going through an extremely volatile emotional phase..But now,peace seems to be restored in Aadyaland and here I am,finally writing about breastfeeding! Thanks for checking on me Asha

Hmm,So, Breast feeding..where do I start?? I had been told by well meaning friends that its not as natural or easy as it sounds.. and I wanted to do everything right..so,I went for a breastfeeding class at the local hospital.. The instructor there assured all of us that it requires a lot of patience and practice.. but there’s only so much you can do. Just look forward to it with a positive attitude.. and that’s what I did.. but things started going wrong right from the beginning!

When I first saw Aadya a couple of hours after her birth, she was starving..i was tired.. and we had this over-bearing acquaintance in the room,who took it upon herself to help me! I politely refused..she wouldn’t hear it, even when the nurse told me that we’ll try it after everyone leaves..What they were doing in my hospital room,so soon after my delivery..well that is a memory i just want to block out.. may be I will write about it some day!
Aadya got scared/upset and just wouldn’t latch on..she actually pushed my breasts away. and this lady all but grabbed my crying babe and tried to force her to latch on to the other side!! Baby was crying..I was crying.. And stupid me couldn’t tell her to get out of my room! Anyway, I asked the nurse to give me a bottle so I could feed her.
Day two- she was still not latching on,screaming bloody murder every time I tried to get her to latch on.I still wasn’t able to sit up,and couldn’t figure out a comfortable position of both of us.The more she cried,the madder DH got!!She cried,I cried.. DH was upset-it was a mad house. Then there was the lactation consultant..I hated her!! She walked in,asked me to unbutton the snaps of my gown and told me how I would have more than enough milk for my babe.how I was doing it all wrong,how I would never learn to breast feed!!!!!Her mannerism and way of talking was so hostile.She may have had all the qualifications but lacked the basic courtesy and consideration towards others!
We got home,my baby still wasn’t latching on.
I went to see another lactation consultant-this time one recommended by Aadya’s pediatrician and she was so much nicer.She told me that I had inverted nipples and suggested using nipple shells between feeds.I kept trying to get her to latch and everytime,she would just cry and I would end up expressing..I was expressing the milk and bottle- feeding her. I kept trying,crying every time I nursed her,coz she was crying.I was sure she was scared of my big breasts.All my life..I hated being big busted.. but never more than I did just then. I hated having these big melons,which were doing nothing to pacify my crying baby.We kept trying and trying and then one fine day,nearly a month later, just like that she latched on.I nursed her with tears streaming down my face.Slowly we got rid of the bottle and she was exclusively breastfed.
Then one night,she just wouldn’t sleep and kept crying.I called up the nurse, who asked me massage her tummy and use warm cloth as a hot water bottle.It worked that day,only to get worse the next.She was miserable whole day and must have slept about 3-4 hours during the entire 24 hours..We went to the doctor..who asked me to stop breastfeeding,stop eating anything that had protein in it- eggs,milk,wheat,soy..etc and just give her formula and see in 2 days. Two days later, her tummy was better.. but still not in good shape. It turns out my baby was “Breast milk Intolerant”-There I said it!! She told me stop nursing her till she turned 3 months old,coz by then her own digestive system would have matured enough. I was devastated,but kept pumping milk to keep up my supply.
By then,Aadya was so addicted to breast milk and cozy nursing sessions,she refused to take the bottle. She lost a lot of weight and even when she started gaining it , the weight gain was very slow. This was a very emotional phase for all of us. Aadya would get upset,when we gave her the bottle.I would cry when I pumped..and when I fed her.. DH was unhappy too..All along there was this sadness in our household. To make matters worse,MIL who was around kept asking me at every feeding time, when I was going to nurse the baby!!! Finally,when she turned 9 weeks old and her tummy was fine but still gaining minimal weight.. her Ped asked me to start nursing her once a day and if it didn’t upset her tummy gradually increase. I said a little prayer and tried nursing her that day.And she refused to latch on! God!!I was going crazy..so now she wouldn’t take the bottle and she wouldn’t latch on. I tried again next feed..same thing. I tried again first thing in the morning..and she gagged!I thought she was pretending so that I would give up..I shared this with my friend AW and she explained how she couldn’t be faking it.. she could actually be gagging because of the difference in texture of the two nipples ! God!!I felt so guilty after hearing that!! Things were back to square one and so I started reteaching her to latch on,like the first time.Only this time I knew what to do,instead of fumbling around..But she knew her mind too.She wasn’t a 2 week old ..she was a 2.5 month old and knew exactly what she wanted to do!We tried the same,trying to latch one first,giving up to express routine again..and again..till she got used to being breast fed again. Cut a long story short..finally she latched on..better than the first time and I am happily nursing her. But this time I give her the bottle too,just so god forbid, if things go wrong, she wont fuss about taking the bottle.
She is gaining weight again touch wood..though its not as much as I would like it to be.. but at least we are going forward.
Whoever said Breast feeding is an emotional experience..was so right! I was emotional when I couldn’t feed Aadya,I was emotional when I was nursing her,I was emotional when I was pumping.. even now,I always have a catch in my throat when I nurse my little babe..I thought it would go away in a couple of days.. but may be not..Its just the purest most selfless thing a woman can ever do..but in my case,my need to nurse Aadya was much greater than her need to be nursed..May be it doesn’t make sense..DH tried reasoning with me how I was doing it for her well being and I totally understood it.. and I would never do anything to compromise her health.. but I just felt so incomplete,like I was failing at mothering her..DH pointed out how she would stop crying the moment I picked her up or held her..I knew that meant that I was doing something right..but still there was no explaining this helplessness and sadness that was slowly engulfing me. I just hope that after this our breastfeeding progresses smoothly.
Sending up a little prayer and keeping my fingers crossed……

parenting

Dont just smile-Say Something

MysTri Mum11 Comments

I just read this post by Kiran

and it reminded me this family. I had refrained from writing about this because I didn’t have any child rearing experience. Not that I have a lot now.. but..anyway…
So, we met this family when we moved here.They invited us over for tea once. They have 2 kids- the older one -almost 4 and the younger one 6 months(at that time).We both love kids,I was pregnant…so were more than happy to accept their invitation.We spent over an hour looking for age-appropriate gifts , bought a cake for the hosts and were on our way.
When we knocked on the door,we were greeted with a loud war-like cry.DH told me it was the kiddo(Lemme just call him Kiddo).The Dad opened the door and there is the kiddo running around in the living room,throwing around some blocks as he does that…The Dad tells us, he is just excited because we have company. We think -Oh cute.

We gave them the gifts.. kiddo grabs his gift and excited tears open the packaging and starts to look at the toys ( we gave him a beach bucket with all the accessories for castle building and bubble making) .Excitement over, he starts to throw everything .. at the wall, at us..at his parents and even at his younger brother. and we are there dodging the flying blocks. I looked at DH..was this the wrong choice of gift? But it said ages=3+. Well, we’ll know when our munchkin is 3+ and we get that gift for her.

Next,he grabs his brothers gift ( a musical turtle)and starts to bang it on the floor. All the while parents are just watching, smiling.Neither one attempted to stop him.We just smiled.When bored with all the banging..he decided it was time for kickboxing practice. Kickboxing and running.He starts to run around the living room again, kicking all the chairs and their occupants.And his favorite spot to hit was the belly.I spent the rest of the hour shielding my belly.as we got up to leave, he got mad as to why we were leaving and started with first punching his dad in the belly, and then DH .It was then that the mom belatedly realised that I was pregnant.. and scooped him up to stop him. I kept cribbing to DH all through our drive home.He shushed me up saying”Its their kid, surely they know how to handle him .May be if there was a kid his age, he would behave differently”.So, I kept quiet. We met them again on a couple of occasions and it was the same.Even when there were kids his age,it was still the same.He would then channelise his energy into beating them. And the parents still didn’t try to stop him,even if he was wreaking a havoc in another person’s home or hitting another child.

The last time we saw them was while I was still at the hospital,after Aadya’s birth. We knew of their arrival, from the loud shouts and banging on the door. The nurse had to come and stop him, while the parents just smiled and said..”Oh he is so mischievous.” Once they were the in the room,all hell broke loose. He tried to take a look at the baby,started shaking the crib and almost toppled Aadya out of the crib,DH steadied the crib just in time.Again the parents did nothing to stop him all they had to say was-“Ohh he loves to look at babies”.Screamed in Aadya’s ear to wake her up..I asked DH to just take her back to the nursery.I didn’t want my baby to end up with a broken ear drum or worse. Baby out of the way, he started to focus on other stuff..”OHHH Camera..”he starts to throw it in the air…I yelled at DH( poor guy) to “take the camera away from the KID!!”All the parents had to say was- oh, he is not allowed to touch our camera so he is excited to see yours. Yeah Sure! Next he took the lid off of my dinner plate. DH put it back,he took it off again.This time DH told him No! and off he went to explore other interesting things in the room.He found the nurses call buttons near the door. And started pressing them,turning the lights in the room on and off.The mother is still sitting, talking..Father is outside holding their baby. I told the mom to ask him to stop …and that’s when she disinterestedly tells him..No kiddo don’t. and continues chatting.He doesnt stop,I point out to her again, he is playing with the buttons again,then she finally gets up.By then kiddo has spotted the crackers on my bedside table and wants them.I offered him some.And what does he do- opens the packets one by one and drops the crackers on the floor and crushes them with his shoes.All the mom has to say is..”Oh ,the hospital staff comes to clean the room everyday ,right!” I am like WTH!!!But even before I can answer her,Kiddo has toppled over the water pitcher,on the bed. That’s it..I had had enough.I just told her-“I think Kiddo is not comfortable right now,why don’t you guys go now.. and come back some other time.” She mumbled something about him being tired..and said goodbye.Needless to say, we haven’t heard from them after that.

I dont blame the kid in this whole thing and nor am I being judgemental.Kids will always be kids and its their business to be naughty .But at the same time,its our job as parents to check them when they are wrong,reprimand them for bad behavior and if need be even smack them on the butt! I know after reading this post DH and so many others are going to say”How can you say all this,when you are not in their situation?” No,i am not in their situation, and I cannot change their situation but I can surely do something about it ,where my baby is concerned. And thats what I intend to do.Even now when we go out to eat with others,if Aadya gets fussy,one of us gets up and paces outside with her..so that atleast the others can enjoy their meal peacefully.If its just us and she is very fussy, we just ask for boxes and pack up the rest of our meal. If she is acting stubborn and just screaming (read throwing a tantrum) to be picked up,I pick her up, try to catch her eye and talk to her.. that does seem to distract her and make her forget why she was crying in the first place and then happily put her back on her play mat or wherever she was. Does she really understands what mommy is telling her?I don’t know. Has the angry screaming reduced?Yes!

Will I be able to do a good job in mommying her?I dont know..But what I do know is if she is going to act up when she grows up,she is surely going to be put in her place.If she is being mean to other kids,she is going to get a big speech from Mamma and Papa and if need be even a smack on the butt.I am not going to just stand there and smile and not say anything. How well we do at this? I guess I will have to do a follow up post on that in about..3 years.

Edited to Add:- Before I get bombarded with emails and phone calls from Aadya Fan Club,I just want to assure you all that she gets her share of hugs and cuddles.The “not picking up” is because over the last few weeks ,she has got too clingy and so its just an attempt to break the habit. Because now it has reached a stage when she wants to be held all the time.. even when she is sleeping; the moment I put her down,she stretches and wakes up!

Happy Times

Happy Father’s day to Aadya’s Papa

MysTri Mum2 Comments
Its DH’s first Father’s Day and I had been thinking about doing a special post for him…First I thought I would a do a post with all his favorite pictures- of Aadya and Of Him and Aadya together..Then I thought I’ll write a letter to him from his precious Princess.. And then it struck me why not write a note to him telling him how I feel of his new role..So, here I am pouring my heart out to the newest DAD in my life…..

Hey Sweetheart,

Happy Father’s Day to you!

This year,on your first official dad’s day… I just want to tell you how happy I am that you are my daughter’s dad. When I first met you,the one of the many things that I liked about you was that you were so involved in your family- How you always took the time to accompany your parents to their social obligations,I had not seen that in guys our age..and so it just touched my heart.. earned you a special place there 🙂
When we were dating, I was the one going ga–ga over babies and you… well, instead of freaking out and running away from commitment, just smiled and indulged me.. taking me baby shopping, any time you had to pick up gifts for your cousins or friends kids 🙂 And the way you would pay attention to detail and to each child’s likes and dislikes.. just warmed up my heart a little more…in fact a lot more.
On the day of our engagement , when I introduced you to one of my nephews as “Uncle”, the way your eyes widened,I was a little worried about how my plan of “house full of babies” would work..But instantly, you recovered and happily took up your new role as “Uncle”, clowning around with my naughty nephews and nieces.Who does that on their engagement day.. ? That day I thanked you by getting annoyed.. but today I want to say..”Thank You”.I loved you even more from that instant.
When we got married and started talking about babies..you would just smile and not say much.. making me think.. if you are really ready? And then, we were left holding Baby Tuktuk,when her parents missed the train and I saw you comfort that scared baby. The way you kept your cool in front of that screaming baby.. and all I could do was just watch you in amazement.That moment I knew..that I may not be as ready as I think I am but You are definitely ready to have a baby.
When we were trying to get pregnant, and I would get disappointed and depressed with every negative pregnancy test,you kept me going. When I was ready to give up, you were the one who told me ,its going to happen. Last Mother’s Day, when I was so raw and emotional,you brought me a cake and a plant as a mother’s day gift…That beautiful plant with its cute purple butterfly.. is by far the best gift you ever gave me.. For that told me how much you love me.. and also made me hopeful all over again. Could that be a reason for Aadya’s fetish with Purple Butterflies? Coz I did get pregnant in the very next cycle.
The way you hugged me when the doctor told us about my positive pregnancy test and how you took care of me and our unborn baby for the next 9 months was amazing…. I never expected you to just take charge of the house as if you had been doing it all your life.. those special cups of tea that greeted me as soon as I walked out of the bedroom.. were my special treats.. and not to forget the foot-rubs, that I shamelessly asked you for,no matter how tired you were 🙂 Driving out to god knows Where all, just to look for the perfect flavor of ice cream or just the right tamarind Chutney or yummm Thai TOMYUM soup just because “The Baby wants it”
I collected all the baby books and pregnancy books,You read them.. and cross checked on the Internet..while all I did was “Be Pregnant”!
When I got gestational diabetes, you so selflessly gave up eating sweets, your favorite treats.. I know even I cant do it so effortlessly *Blush*

When you got lost in wonder looking at Aadya, when she first saw the lights of the world and how you held her for the first time, forgetting everyone including me what I saw in your eyes was pure joy! And watching you both together,was just so so sweet… What was funny was that the nurse had to nudge you 3 times before you finally let go of your precious bundle.. only to follow her to the nursery.. Now, when I think of those moments,my eyes water up and a fond smile plays on my lips.. and when I watch you sleeping peacefully with Aadya lying happily in the crook of your arm,I feel so so blessed.

When I watch you with Aadya,I know things will just get better and better .. you will just get more and more involved.. be a part of her life today and always..Whether you are sleeping with her, rocking her, blowing raspberries on her tummy or just changing her diaper.. all I see is love!! I know you are a great dad and will just keep getting better and better..:)

When you say thank-you to me every single day for this Precious Gift ,Aadya..I just smile.. cause I know..she is as much your gift to me , as mine to you.. And I also want to just tell you Thank-you for all the love, joy and happiness you have brought to my life.. 🙂

As I end this note,All I want to tell you is… Be healthy ,my love.. for there are so many more wonderful days awaiting us… so many beautiful father’s days when Aadya would be a more involved participant of the celebration rather than just being a cuddler ( though I know thats all you need right now..)So, sweetie, take care of yourself.. be healthy..beat the diabetes.. For me and For Aadya…

Happy Father’s Day,My Darling!!

I just read this today-

“Its so much easier to become a father than to be one”<somewhere

-Kent Nerburn

And I know.. this is just perfect for you…because you were a father in your mind and heart even before you became one.

Love you loads,today and Always