Its a 3 -day weekend this time and two days are already over.Where did the time go?
Today was quite eventful..DH and Aadi had a fight,LOL..yes,it seems funny to me,even as I read this..but,they had a fight and then,she ended up crying and then,I yelled at him and then,we ended up fighting.
This is the same thing that happenned last night.Somehow,everytime,I leave them alone..something happens and I hear her crying.It irritates me.I get mad at DH.My point is why does she cry,everytime I leave them alone.He gets mad at me,saying,I interfere when he is trying to discipline her.I dunno whats right or wrong.I just dont want her to be defiant and him to be angry.Sometimes its so difficult.
I know she cries easily,when he scolds her or even gives her a smack.I can yell at her all day,and she wouldn’t care..if she is being a brat,I plant a smack on her bottom or sometimes even give her a slap(and hate myself for it) but she doesn’t care.She gets upset and tells me so.But,when he does the same thing,she cries and screams.
He says,she does that because,she knows,I will come to her rescue..I ask him,why should he have to scold her in the first 2 mins that I am away..ALWAYS! If she is say,playing with the phone,I tell her no,if she still continues,I tell her,I will take it away,and then,take it away.She is prepared for the outcome.She protests..but settles.
His approach is- “Don’t touch the phone”,take it from her hand..and she screams her lungs out! She thrashes,he has to swat her legs/hands to make her stop,she screams more! I am tired of these ‘fights’ between the two of them..It upsets me..I sit there,feeling horrible about the whole thing and they are thick as thieves in a few minutes!I dunno what is the right approach.I have tried to make him understand..I have tried to make her listen..and now I dunno what to do.
DH is a great dad..he plays with her,takes care of her,brings her favorite treat every now and then..but he has an old school approach about discipline..or may be its because thats what he has seen,all his life.It was expected that he listen to his parents,as soon as the first word was said..My parents were the same too..atleast my mom was..it was expected that as soon as you are called,you answer and appear,but things are different now..this generation is so much more evolved..they have more distractions-the TV,the cellphones,the iPhones..My 3 year old plays games on the iPhone..its her father’s doing..my frowning,didn’t help.Now,she demands the iPhone,as soon as DH steps in..and if he is expecting a call or email,she throws a tantrum..Now,who should I blame?The adult who got her hooked or the child,who is behaving her age?
When I found out I was pregnant,I was at the doctor’s office.The doctor went out and the nurse came in started asking me questions..there were a thousand questions that she had to ask me..and my mind was swirling with thoughts.The whole thing was surreal..and I said to the nurse,”wow all this is too overwhelming..I can’t believe it that I am going to be a mom”..and you know what she said?She said,”Oh!getting pregnant is the easy bit..Now,starts the tough part..”And I didn’t believe her..I had waited long enough to get pregnant..and from then on everything was going to be easy..but no…Parenting is not easy..Its the one job,where you are always,second guessing yourself..sigh..I hope I can find a way,to either solve this problem or learn how to not interfere!

Ugh!!Why does WP hate me???
I have been trying to post for the last 2 hours..finally managed to post on the other blog.And today is the worse..my posts keep disappearing!
LOL!
so,I cheated..and published a one-liner at 12!
Now for the post..hope it works this time.
It was a nice day.We went out shopping..grocery,essentials and the likes.Last month,I experimented with my budgetting.I had tried weekly grocery shopping,bi-weekly grocery shopping and so,last month,every time I ran out of something,instead of running to the stores to buy it,I put it on a list.
On another list,I put down the things,that I was going to need during the month-grocery,cleaning supplies,craft supplies,cleaning supplies,other essentials..everything. So,on pay day,we hit the shops,armed with these lists and a pen.
I was buying veggies on biweekly basis earlier ..this time,I just bought everything together.And guess what it was much much economic.I have realised,everytime,we pop into a shop to pick up one thing,we end up buying more than one thing.On an average,we end up spending,anywhere from 10-30 dollars.This way,we just plan and buy in advance. And when my pantry is already well stocked,I don’t need to go in for one or two things..and thus,save time and energy and ofcourse,MONEY!
I have found a nice farm fresh shop and everytime,I buy fruits and veggies from there,they last longer.Today I found a nice big cabbage for $1.49. I know,we are not going to use so much in one go.So,I cut it into portions.And cling wrap it.And when I am doing this,I chop half of it into shreds and freeze it.This way,when I am short of time,I have chopped vegetables ready.
Everytime,I chop vegetables for noodles or pasta,I cut extra and freeze the extra portions.
I do the same thing with meat as well..buying in bulk is more economic and more value for money.We don’t eat a lot of non-veg,just about 2-3 times in a month..so,I just clean the chicken/fish,smear some salt and turmeric and divide into portions and freeze.
When buying pantry staples like pasta,I prefer home brands like Coles-they taste good and cost less:)
I have tried shopping after planning a menu,and that worked for a while.But,I am more of a spontaneous cook and even if I have planned the menu myself,I might feel like making something else..so this works wayy better for me.But,more than anything else,I love how I am able to stretch the dollar.
What do you do to save on your grocery bills?Do share your ideas.

Its a rainy day and it was also school day.But,I kept Aadi home.I think the medicine is too strong for her.Last time she had the ear-infection,the doctor gave her a 125mg in 300mL suspension of amoxicillin,to be finished in 15 days.
This time,the infection is back with a vengence..and she is on Edited:250mg in 300mL suspension to be finished in 7 days.She is drowsy,cranky,tired,her legs hurt..and her appetite is gone for a toss.And I am just giving it to her two times a day,instead of three…its ok..I will stretch it to 10 days.
So,anyway..I kept her home today and one of my school mom friends called up,to see why we were late,and if I needed a ride.The bus that I take to school runs every 30 minutes and so if I miss my bus,and take the next one,I will get there half an hour after the school has started.So,anyway,I told her,about Aadi being sick..and she asked me,if she could pop over for a bit.I said OK.
Guess what,she popped over after some time and brought us a box of Chole(chickpea curry).I was soo touched.I have known her only a few months..and it was nice gesture.I just made some rice and we had lunch.Her short visit cheered us,both up.
Another time,when I lost my wallet,friend S,turned up with a bunch of flowers and that cheered me up..Isn’t it amazing how the smallest of gestures can make us smile and brighten our mood,considerably?
And yesterday,Swaram added me on IM..and I saw her online and I was sooo excited,as if she is sitting right infront of me,in my living room!!hehehe..
What makes you smile??Do tell..:)
And have you left a comment on my Li’l birdie Giveway post?? Click on the cute birdies pic on the sidebar to leave a comment..and if you like,grab the code and put the widget on your sidebar.

DH wanted a low key birthday…he is the one who likes to do things quietly,doesn’t get too excited about birthdays and stuff..Even festivals would be normal days if he had it his way.
This year was no different..He goes into this weird funk as his birthday is nearing..he is moody,thoughtful..and generally not a lot of fun to be around.
Yesterday,I asked him,what he wanted to do for his birthday and his answer was “Nothing,its a work day”.
I asked him,”what do you want to eat?” and his answer was .. “sada dal-rice or khichdi”..huh??
And the cake..he wanted a plain vanilla cake..No frills..I was like Nooooooo..One nasty look and he was like fine do what you want..but I just want a simple cake.humphh.I said “OK”
He was busy all day long..but again work is something he loves…So,I would say,he had a nice day.:)
I baked a cake,fought Ms.Aadya for the batter.Well,she fought with me..and scolded me,for wanting to bake the batter!She wanted to just sit down and eat the whole bowl of cake batter with a spoon.And she was very upset that the batter had to be put in the cake tin!!
When the cake was in the oven,she looked at it and said,”wowww..you are baking a beautifullllll cake,mummy”..The girl sure knows how to talk:P
Once the cake was done,she wanted to”Cut Papa Cake ,righttttttt NOW!” when I said,No,she was upset again..and scolded me..”Look mummy,I am waiting for so long..and you are soo naughty,not giving it to me”…sometimes I wonder who is the mother.
The cake was frosted and kept in the fridge.When DH came home,she took him by the hand and opened the fridge and said,”Ta da ,there you go..Happyyyyy Birthdayy”LOL!
So,yes it was a Happy Birthday..:)
I am not super happy with the cake..specially the decoration..but ,its OK,practice makes one perfect:)What do you say?
Ohh and I made the chicken Biryani for dinner..Aadi was not really cooperative,so,had to drop the pita bread idea..:P ummm..The man who wanted Khichdi,didnt complain ..:)

OMG!I cannot believe,its already 11.30pm.Another half and hour till midnight.
Tomorrow is DH’s birthday,he is putting Aadi to sleep now,but I am sure,he would fall asleep before her.
Its been a long tiring day,Aadi has been feeling sleepy and tired because of her antibiotics and she is also bored sitting at home.Today,we went to Coles,to pick up eggs for DH’s cake and she was soo excited..as we were going to Disneyland!
We came back,I cooked,cleaned the kitchen and was going to start baking.I am thinking of making a plain vanilla sponge with custard filling and butter cream frosting..what do you think? I was going to make a black Forest,but he wants a simple vanilla cake!!And here all my tastebuds were waiting for a Black Forest.But,its alright..its the long weekend and may be that will call for a black forest cake!LOL I amwas planning for a surprise birthday party for DH,over the weekend..but doesnt seem too likely..we’ll see.
As for tomorrow’s Menu- I am thinking Fresh baked Pita bread & Hummus,followed by Chicken Biryani and Cake. I just marinated the chicken and will let it sit overnight.
The other option that I had in mind was-Grilled chicken with Naan and some fried rice and ofcourse cake.But somehow Biryani seems more interesting.
He isn’t in a celebratory mood..so,I think either will cheer him up.
Anyway..I will stop my rambling now..almost time to wake up the birthday boy.

I did this interview with Aadya,in February ..now repeating it to see how her responses have changed!
What is your name? Aadina
When were you born? Aadina was gone(born ) 3 years ago
How old are you? I am Three years
Who is your mommy? you! Thrishna Bhubhu (don’t ask me what that means!)
What does your mommy do? Aadi’s mummy do-s walky walky
Who is your daddy? Sanj***
What does your daddy do? My daddy makes coffee
What is your favorite color? Orange
What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to make coffee like a big Boy,then I can give you coffee in the tray.
What is your favorite food? Dahi-bhatu,chickenu
What food do you not like? chicken’s friend
What is your favorite animal? Moo-Moo cow
Where do you want to live when you grow up?In the octopus water
What do mommy and daddy do after you go to bed? Mumma Papa bolte hai ki chai banate hai chalo,aur TV dekhte hai aur fir uske baad so jaate hain (whats the obsession with Chai!!)
What does daddy say? Sleep Right NOWWW
What does mommy say? Sleep Nowwwwwwwwwwwwwww
What is your favorite song? Meri khushiyan(from hey Baby) and Do the hokey Pokey
What is your favorite movie? HEyyy Baby!
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Stick ice-cream!
Where is your favorite place to eat? jis mein hum M uncle ke saath gaye the- Thai restaurant!
Who is your favorite person?*Mummyyyy Moo
Who is your best friend? Sahil Mamu
What is your favorite book?*Aadya baby book
What is your favorite game? Papa phone
What is your favorite thing to do? To cry
Daddy was making tea so some of the answers may be biased:D
To read the previous interview,go here.

BTW, did you see the cute button that Shruti made for my giveaway? I love it!!!
Thanks Shruti,you ROCK!
If you want to be super-sweet and promote the giveaway,feel free to put this on your side bar!

I am wondering why WordPress won’t let me post pictures today,when I am so tired.I have been trying all day..and it didn’t happen..so,here I am typing.:D
I am also wondering how on earth does FB come up with the friend suggestion…how?I can understand if its someone who has mutual friends with me..but I cannot understand the totally unrelated suggestions.
Edited to add: And what about those who are friends of friends..and you know from your mutual friends,that these FOFs are bloggers too..is it polite to ask friends for their urls..or just wait till you just stumble upon their blogs..?ughh confusing.
Speaking of friends,I don’t know how to react to this.A friend,who has never met me,buzzed me specially to share the news of her pregnancy,soon after she found out.Naturally I was thrilled for her.But,if she who hasn’t even met me,shared the news so freely with me,knowing I will be excited for her,then,why wouldn’t someone who has been a friend for nearly 7 years,someone who speaks to me,on almost weekly basis and sometimes even more,doesn’t tell me about her being pregnant,until a week after the 12 week mark.I know..I know..I understand that she would have wanted to wait till she completed 12 weeks,etc..but I also know that she would have been one of the first few to know …if the cases were reversed.And also,it wouldn’t bother me so much,if she wouldn’t have told anyone else either..Oh well,to each her own..but still…
Anyway…In other news,I made it into the Indusladies Mother’s Day e-book.Swaram left a comment telling me,even before Indusladies,got a chance to email me..it is quite nice to see my name there:) I am not able to upload pics for the last 2-3 days..will edit this post,when I can.

And also,thanks Shruti,for passing on the Cherry on top award..its such a cute award..:) And I love getting it from you.When WP lets me,I will update my awards page.
Edited to add picture.

OMG! I hate this!
I wrote a long post,describing our weekend in detail and WP,ate it all!!!Damn it!!!
Am soo mad!
Anyway, here you go again:
The weekend started off real nice..we slept in and lazed around after brunch.The menu this week was-cutlets-Railway style and fresh bread.
Aadya was very cranky and so to distract her,we decided to do something fun.We sorted her toys and found an assortment of used crayons and decided to make crayon cakes.
DH and Aadi spent one hour peeling and breaking the crayons into smaller pieces and I sorted the rest of her toys,peacefully.
The crayons came out beautiful.I have made something similar in my teens..mixed some candle wax and assorted colors of crayons,to make multicolored candles..they were quite a hit too..but,the process was too tedious.
I found this while blog-hopping..and decided to do this with Aadi. We couldn’t stop gushing at them and even DH was found looking at them,with an awe-struck look on his face.I found an empty flash-card box and it made the perfect container for these babies.Ms.Aadya spent most of the day,walking around with the box,stopping to open it and admire the beauties:)
Then came evening and the ear-ache.We spent most of the night,sitting up,feeling helpless as we watched her cry.I kept praying..wishing for the night to end soon.
In the morning,both of us had a cup of tea and rushed to the Dr.s office .It was a long wait and finally Dr.P saw her.We freaked out in the morning,coz,when Aadi woke up,she asked to be taken to Dr.P.We were anyway going to take her..but to hear a child say that she wants to go to the Dr. is heart-breaking.
Dr.P said it was an ear-infection again..but this time,it seemed even worse and prescribed a stronger dose of anti-biotics.
We fed her some rice that I asked Friend S to make for her,came home gave her the meds n she dozed off in Papa’s lap.
She is still in pain,but the antibiotics make her drowsy,which is a good thing.
I will have to post pics another time..since WP doesn’t seem to friendly today.
She is sleeping next to me,whimpering in her sleep,as I type this.DH can’t seem to understand my obsession with blogging and this whole deal with NaBloPoMo..but,I can’t help it..I need this,to be me..to stay sane.Besides,he doesn’t know a thing about the love of blog-friends and the power of comments,does he?