Yes,Cosmo magazine has a new reader!Who else,but your friendly neighbourhood little girl! She has taken a liking to it.And turning its glossy pages is her new pass time.She admires the beautiful outfits,the lovely shoes,pointing each out as DaysSH(dress),Shoe,eyes(those kohl lined eyes).She was turning the pages and I saw some hot guys,I said to her,pointing at one,Aww isn’t he cute,Aadi? and she looks at him and says,SHMART!!! Needless to say,Sanj just rolled his eyes.
And an advantage of your daughter enjoying the same magazines as you is,that you can discuss fashion.I showed her this lovely LBD and asked her,how it was and she said..Awwwwwwwwww cuteeeeee..Then,I asked her to push my case to her dad,and she did…”Bubba,DAyshh Mumma buy” Who can refuse such a cute request,surely not her Bubba..So,we are going shopping!!Yay!
21 Months and counting
Another 30th rolled by and Aadya inched another month closer to her second birthday.I thought I would skip the update this month..but there is just too much to share,to skip it.
The tomboy is turning into a lovely little lady,as terrible two’s approach.She is quick to smooth her skirt,when she gets up,even quicker to cover her mouth and say sorriee,when she coughs.
She is quick to come and offer her Hep and ask for it too,when she can’t get something right!
Aadya started talking early,saying her first words a little before 9 months but,when we moved here,she suddenly turned very quiet.She would still get her message across,but only by gestures.It was like she was playing the mime.I was really worried. But,last few weeks,have proved that my fears were baseless.
She now points at things,without a prompt,as if she is teaching us.The other day,we were in the car,and the Pipette pointed straight ahead and squealed,Ballumm..Ballumm-We looked in the direction of her hand,and sure enough,there was a Ballumm,I mean balloon,one of those huge ones,that are used for advertising. And since it was holiday season,there were balloons,everywhere,big and small,and she had a field day,pointing them out to us.And every time telling us,Wanna Ballum. Finally she got one and I think she was the happiest little girl that day.Tree,Sshanta(Santa),spicy,open it,and so many other words were sprung at us,when we were least expecting it and we were left scratching our heads,as to when we pointed those things out.
She knows that our car is Red.So,when we are walking,if she sees a red car,she stops,saying wed car..lessh sit!!! And she moves only after much convincing..And only after throwing a tantrum or two.She knows which shoes are geen and which ones are white!And her favorite color,is Pink! And Boo color is shweetu too!!!
She knows which word to use where-where? what? why?She is graduated from crying,Ohhhhhhhhh Maaaaaa,when she was upset to “Noooooooooooo,WHYYYYYYYYY”I am not kidding!!! It would be so irritating if it didn’t sound so cute!!
The little lady,will not touch her food,if she doesn’t have a spoon.She will wait indefinitely,and only when we ask her,whats wrong,why are you eating?she tells us,Poonsh!!!Half way,thr0ugh the meal,she is holding the spoon in one hand and digging in with her fingers,but,the spoon has to be there! As if that wasn’t enough,now she wants her fork and knife too when she sits down for a meal.She is quiet an expert at cutting her chicken with the knife too.
She has to pick her own clothes and some days,the only thing she wants to wear is Nothing but her diaper.She tells us when she needs a diapy change and when she has done her boopy!!Cute?imagine,you are in the temple and the other family sitting next to you,is sending sweet smiles her way,and she says,Mumma,Boopy!!!
The smart cookie knows where her stash of cookies and chockies are and promptly goes and stands there,when she is sad. She also knows when we are complaining about her,and a sulky pout is presented promptly.And above all,she knows and tells,when she gets spanked!”Maana..Maana”,she says.Kisne Maara?,you ask and she will tell you,who hit her and how,complete with actions.
As if feeding her teddies wasn’t enough,she now has,a little puppy,from Mc.Donals’s Happy meal.The Puppy is made to sit on the chair,Food kept in front of it and she tells it,”EAT”.If she is scared,she pats her head and tells us,she is Shcared.And when she falls,she tells us,where she is Hurt! And of course,only kissing the boo makes it better.She can now tell from my tone,when I am talking to the Bubba and when to my dad.
She can put on her socks and shoes without help now and when I try to help,she says,no,I do!!
My little girl is growing up!Too Fast!
And the last thing that confirmed it to me,was,When I hug her tightly,she says,Mumma No..tight! OK..now I am going to go cry..My baby is all grown up!
I have been Awarded
Aneela came playing blogging Santa and bestowed me with this award.
This is given to a blog that invests and believes in PROXIMITY – nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.
What can I say?I am thrilled.When I moved here,to this blog I mean,the hardest part for me was leaving behind my badges..but what the heck..I am vain..and might as well import’em here..:)
Thank You Aneela!It means a lot to me.When I moved to Aussie,it was hard for me,leaving behind so many friends..even if they werent in the same town,they were just a call away.Thanx for being my friend,and bringing that same happy feeling in my heart!
And Now,since I must pass this along to eight others(only there are more than eight in my list),here goes-
I want to pass this award to-
Mystic Margarita-she is a real sweetie..We spoke for the first time and were chatting for hours!!! only forced to hang up by our babies..
Abha-I havent met or spoken to her,but somehow from her blog,I feel if I knew her in real life,we’d be great friends.
Meira-For being so cool!!(and I am hoping,she’ll pass some of her cool awards my way 😉 no really,I think she is really cool.
~Nm-For designing this cool tepmplate for me,and not giving up despite my asking her to make so many changes
Mummyjaan- For her patiently typed out comments/mails on my vents..and for being a rocking MJ!
Deep-Who became a friend,even before becoming one.
Invictuspeak-For the wonderyears
Poppin’s Mom-there is something so serene about her,couple with just the right dose of fiery,it makes me wanna be her friend.
Kiran-For telling me,”I always have time for friends,24by7 ” and for going all out when i needed her help in real life.
Dipali-For being my voice of calm in troubled times.It meant a lot to me,Doosi Nani
ASAAAN-For her time,which I know,she has so little of.
Emaan’s Mom- for Sharing Emaan’s growing-up with me.
Just Thoughts-For being a friend and for bringing Amty in my life
Upsi-For being my desert rose
Dottie-For all those lovely yummies in my oven!
And to all the CTT girls,for listening
and last but not the least,back to you Aneela!!
I will come back and do the links,but its about time this post got published!!
Happy New Year-2009
Here’s wishing you all a very Happy New Year from all of us at Aadyaland.
This space hasn’t seen much activity,since Sanj is home,and we are just too busy having fun.He has been off work since the 24th and that’s when the fun times began.In all the years that I have known him,this is the first time,he has had holidays and completely stayed away from work-so,you can imagine how thrilled I am.
This year,we brought home a Christmas tree.A new tradition has been started.We decorated it together.Aadya was very excited about the baubles.She took a fancy for the red baubles,and kept asking for “ball”.After resisting for sometime,we gave her one and told her its hers and the rest are ‘Santa’s’ and no touching those.Surprisingly,she was more than happy to watch Santa’s tree for him..:)even telling our visitors,”No,no,no..Santa’s”with her wagging finger and a wide-eyed face!
On Christmas eve,after she went to bed,we put Aadya’s gifts under the tree….and she was so excited when she woke up next morning.She ran to the tree,but stopped,asked us,”Santa’s??”We told her that Santa left her those gifts,for watching his tree and she can have them..Boy,was she excited then.She insisted on taking her gifts with her,when we went for the picnic.
The lovely Aneela and her Gman,invited us for a picnic with their friends and a fun time was had by all.We had already met Aneela,but it was our first time meeting Gman.And he is every bit as much fun as her.Aadya took a liking for an 18-year old,who was part of the group.We told her she was “Didi”(older sister)..and Aadi followed her around like Mary’s little lamb,all day long.And when she wasn’t following Didi around,she was busy playing cricket with older boys.She chased after every single ball,tirelessly.We came back,tired to the bones,but we all went to bed with smiles on our faces.
The next day was Boxing Day and that means SALE SALE SALE!! We hit the mall,after a filling breakfast at 11.00.Which is early by our standards but late by the devoted shoppers’ standards.The Boxing Day sale is the Australian equivalent of the Black Friday sale and naturally the malls were jam-packed.We were looking for parking for 45 minutes.Actually,no,we were not looking for parking,for those 45 minutes,we were actually,trying to get out of the traffic and get to the rooftop parking lot!All that going round and round with a thousands cars paid off when we got the stuff we wanted.A 200 dollar Vacuum cleaner for $90!!Now that’s a steal!And I am so in love with my new Vacuum,I have been using it everyday!!!:D
The days in between were spent going to the park,watching back to back movies..After all it is the summer Vacation and eating OUT! If nothing else,by the time,the holidays are over,I am sure,we (read I-the man never puts on a pound!!!!!) will be a few pounds heavier.Which brings me to my new year resolution,of losing the most weight this year.We were watching the biggest loser,at lunch time..And I am feeling very inspired.And this time,Sanj,has promised his unfailing support..So,may be things will work out.To start with,it means we have to cut-down on eating out…which means,planning the weekend menu,in advance.Because,that’s when we go crazy eating out.So,here’s to a new start.
New year’s eve was celebrated in the City.We joined Aneela and gang,for a Biryani dinner and cake,followed by the spectacular fireworks display.The city was so crowded,but after so many years of quiet new year’s eve,I loved the crowds and hustle-bustle,making our way,through the crowds,the tram ride,everything.We spoke to our families,on the tram ride back. Then,we settled down,quietly..umm not so quietly,coz when you have an Aadya with you,there is no quiet. Sanj was playing funny faces with her.We were sitting across each other,and Aadya was jumping,from his lap to mine,finally settling down on the ledge between the seat and the window,to look outside.And then,I felt,something sweet.All this happiness slowly sneaked in and filled my heart,making me all mushy and giddy. I found myself,observing,the three of us,from a distance,and I liked what I saw.
The last year has been tough for us,in a lot of ways-health issues on the ILs side,my own health,troubled times at Dad’s-in general,when we look back,2008 hasn’t been a very happy year for me and mine..I hope 2009 will bring much awaited Happier days.
I hope the year 2009 is happy and prosperous for you and yours..Happy New Year!
I leave you with some pictures:
Here’s Aadya with her gifts,on Christmas Morning
And here she is admiring a decorated tree in the mall
And here’s the busiest ‘Fielder’ at the Christmas day Picnic
Do stop by and tell me how you spent the holiday season 🙂
Five years and Counting
“But,we just walked around the havan,thrice.Are you sure its the real thing?”she said.
“Of course,its the real thing..who cares if its three or seven.I wanted to marry you and I did..that’s all that matters”..he replied.And I think he was right.
Life as we knew it changed.We were two happy kids,so in love.After 3 years of crazy courtship and uncertainty,we were finally,a married couple and it really didn’t matter,if we took 3 rounds or seven.
These five years have taken us through 7 cities,half across the globe,so much so,we have celebrated every anniversary in a different city.These five years have taken us from a young couple madly in love to expectant parents to now,parents of a toddler.
We have grown as people,we have grown as a couple…and somehow its better this way.
We spent the day,doing,just regular stuff but,somehow,it felt special.We went out to dinner the previous night and then,brunch on Saturday,followed by some shopping.This year there were no surprise gifts.In fact,I didn’t even have a card for Sanj.He gave me two..both addressed as
To T from S.I bullied him into writing love from. All he did was drew some hearts.When I told him why I was sulking,he says..oh Love is there..why should I write?
Yeah whatever…
Anyway,
Five years down the line,we are still hanging in there..through fights and and frets,hugs and kisses…the one thing that makes everything alright is the love.
Happy Anniversary Sweetheart.
Touch-Me-Not
Every child has a quirky sleeping habit.I shouldn’t call it quirky..let me rephrase that-Every child has a special way to relax at nap-times and bed-times.Some need their blankets,some need their dolls,while some others need their bottles or blinkies.My friend Pooh’s son,Li’l A used to bite her T-shirt ,when he was sleepy.My Aadya’s comfort object is my arm,the right one from elbow down.Yes,you read it correctly.
Aadya needs to feel my skin..my hand is her preferred one.Sometimes face..though,its rare now.She loves the hand more.I realised it on the flight to Melbourne.Aadya was having a hard time,falling asleep.She was very sleepy,but at the same time,very restless..we kept wondering what was wrong..Everytime she would whine,she would look at my hand with a pained expression..and the “why are you doing this to me” look was sent my way.I thought may be she was uncomfortable because of my shirt..I rolled up the sleeve..and she promptly fell asleep with a smile..:)
Well,whatever makes you happy baby.
So,that sort of became our regular sleep pattern,she would feel up my hand..I would smooth her back..and she would be fast asleep in no time.
Now,for the last couple days,she has become Ms.Touch-me-not.So,she still wants to feel my hand and elbow,at bedtime,but,Sanj or I cannot touch her.If so much as a finger touches her,she screams..”Nooooooo”.So I have taken to sleeping,like a log..with my hands folded on my chest. All is well in her world..she sleeps peacefully.(anti-jinx)
Speaking of peace,she was the noisiest kid,in the post-office yesterday.I had to buy some envelopes and write addresses,on them.And she was bored stiff.So,she decided to entertain herself,by calling me,LOUDLY! “Mumma..Mummaaaaa,Mimi mimii..mimmiiiiiiii..mimiiiiiiiiiiiiii” every 2 seconds!!!! It was a nice day,after 3 lousy days,so all the old people were out..and most of them,chose to go to the post-office.Needless,to say,I had to face so many pointed glares..and I am sure,they would have all heaved a collective sigh of relief,when we left.
Me,finally,I have started waking up early,to enjoy,some peace and quiet,before the madness begins.(Dad,I hope you are happy now!!!)
Toddler hat
I loved this yarn.It is dyed,vintage yarn.The yarn itself is so beautiful,its made for knitting.
I knit this toddler hat.This is the right size for 12-18months. The lovely hues are accentuated by the dainty white crochet flowers.It can be made in bigger sizes too and different colors.
Care- treat it like your other woolens.Wash separately ,since the dyed yarn may bleed.
Glittery Gift Bags
Last weekend,when I was at the craft store,I something glittery caught my eye.I saw this lovely ball of shimmery pink yarn.And the first thought that came to my mind was pouches-gift bags,jewellery poches,or just plain coin purses.
I didn’t have any set pattern for this and just kept working instinctively.It took me about 3 hours,over 4 days and the end result is beautiful.
Material used- Anchor arista crochet thread (20% metal polyester-80%viscose)
Pricing-$8 AUD (free shipping with two orders,within australia)
Shipping from- Australia
Shipping to-Anywhere
Ho hum we are bored
This is the 4th Friday in a row,when its so dull and gloomy.Its drizzling so,you cant even go out,if you don’t drive.Aadya and I have stayed in all week,because of the chicken pox.
Thanks for all your get-well wishes,here and on emails.It seems like a mild bout,alright..but we are staying in,nevertheless.
I am trying to keep her as excited and entertained as I can..but its tiring..I roped in the idiot box,for sometime.Thank God..for good educational kid-friendly videos.But today is really gloomy.So,we are watching Dostana..and Aadya ran inside and grabbed a pillow and her blankie..that’s her way of showing how dull she is feeling.Next she went and got my pull-over and is wearing that and lying down on the couch,watching the movie.
Anyway..I thought to cheer me up and all you guys,I should write about Aadya’s Antics over this week.Chicken-pox or not ,we have had a very eventful week.Aadya hates wearing clothes these days and has been top-less most of the time.And she has decided to toilet-train herself.So,as soon as she has to pee,she takes off her diaper.It took me a couple accidents to realise,why she was removing her diaper so often.So,we are now actively in the act of toilet training.
She has this thing about turning super cute after being mischievous.She just crinkles her eyes..and blinks,when i start screaming at her..I still havent become immune to it.So,there she has me wound around her little finger.
It seems as if she has suddenly discovered how to talk..Its so much fun to hear her try out new words again and again..and then use them in the right place.Like yesterday,she was jumping on the bed and fell down.I asked her..uh-oh,what happenned Pipette? and she just giggled and said..umm fun..fun..junt..junt Aadya fall. And she promptly demonstrated how!!!(junt= AadyaSpeak for Jump)
She now knows from my tone,who I am talking to..When I am talking to Sanj,she listens and then screams Bubba.I figured that one was easy.Today I was talking to my dad..she kept playing next to me..and then said, “Do do baat Nanu”She wanted the phone to talk to her nanu..I was shocked..Needless to say,Nanu was thrilled.Last weekend,she pointed to the phone and demanded to talk to her Dadu.And demands to talk to Masi happen..everytime she is mad,happy,sad,woken up.And as soon as I turn on the laptop,she comes and sits in front of the webcam,cocking her head,asking”Masi?”
Her speech has gotten clearer,she started saying”Maaji” then Mayishi and now finally clearly “Masi or Mashi”depending on her mood.Some days,she chatters and sings for her..and some days,just says No and gives the phone back
Today,the cutest thing happenned.I was chasing her to tie her hair.Its one of our on-going fights.I grab the nearest hair band and grab her hair,and put up a little pig-tail,or coconut tree,as they were called when we were growing up.And she removes it the first chance she gets.Now I have given up,picking the hair bands..they come in handy in times of emergency.So,Iwas saying,I was chasing her.She ran to the bedroom and hid in the cupboard.I opened the cupboard door to see her standing there..with her knees bend,hands covering her face and as soon as the door opened she said Boo!!The hair forgotten,I pulled her..tickled and we rolled on the floor laughing.She is a fun kid..
I am really loving this phase,when we talk,laugh,she repeats everything that we say.ok that i dont love so much.She picked up S-h-i-t from me!And everytime,she dropped something,she would say..ssssshhhhhyaaa. I was so embarassed..Sanj,didnt spare a single opportunity to remind me,that she picked it up from me.Thank God!She is all over it.
Our dinner plans just got cancelled,because of the darned rain..So..time to haul the butt to the kitchen.
Baby Jacket and hat
This is one of the projects that I enjoyed most.I made this for a friend’s daughter..And I was crocheting it,I kept imagining all the possibilities.And as soon as I finished this set,I knew I was going to make many more of these.
The Pattern can be found here
The material used- Magnum 4 ply Baby yarn-100% acrylic.Machine washable.
15 Marbles 