I am starting to amaze my grandparents & mama with my knowledge of gadgets -- I showed them that I could pick up the phone, press a few buttons & chat away & then replace the receiver after I'm done. To ensure they didn't forget how it's done, I kept going for the phone all day until they started hiding it in unreachable places. And I thought they enjoyed watching me with the phone....
I'm also getting better at walking. Took a few more steps on my own today.
Mom finally understood how bored I was, eating the same stuff everyday (daal-rice-subzi-roti ...YAWN). I ate jacket potato & beans for lunch today - loved every bit of it!
All through the day, I was waiting to meet Urvi Fia. It was her birthday & she was treating us at a very nice restaurant. So in the evening Mummy & I called for a taxi & set off for her place. We picked them up from there & reached the restaurant. The place is called "The Village" and has got all the idyllic settings of one. There were various food stalls offering cuisines like Gujarati, Marwari, Punjabi and even Mumbai chaats. Mom and Dad freaked out on the paani puris and sev puris and pav bhaji, whilst Grandpa never really moved away from the Desserts corner. Then there was this bunch of musicians playing popular hindi songs to which people were dancing. Grandpa took me close to the action and I really enjoyed the beats.
We had a bit of a photo session with some silly Rajastani headwear and Dad will post the pictures soon. We really enjoyed the evening which lasted for more than 3 hrs and we ate more than we would have had normally. The only sour note of the day was that Harsh had a bit of a nosebleed earlier in the day, but thankfully it wasnt anything other than body heat.
We took the taxi back home and as I lay in Dad's arms, I fell asleep and didnt realise when we reached Thane.
Sunday, 23 December 2007
Monday, 17 December 2007
Day 4: Meeting the Gods
What would be an India trip without the customary visit to the temples ? The two most famous temples in Mumbai are SiddhiVinayak and Mahalaxmi. Dad and Mom have always found solace in visiting these temples especially the former. Dad calls Prabhadevi his "Karmabhoomi", a place where he began working and where he continued to work whilst he was in Mumbai.
We were supposed to have started for the temple at 9:30 a.m., but I am slowly learning the meaning of IST a.k.a. Indian Standard time. Vikram Mama was not even up by then and even after he awoke, the going was a bit slower than usual. I was up early, eager and excited to be going out. Finally Mama got the car from the garage and we were ready to embark upon our journey. By then it was already 11:30 a.m.,but Mama covered the distance in quick time to land us at 12:30 at Ambassador hotel for lunch.
Mama used to work at Ambassadors and we were treated very nicely by the staff. Lunch was a buffet spread of Indian cuisine. I showed what a fussy eater I can be. I think for the first time in her life, Mom was embarrased of me. You see, the food I didnt want to eat, I managed to splash all across the sofa and across Dad's shirt. Mom got annoyed, but equally concerned that I was not eating enough. Dad tried feeding me fruits, pieces of cottage cheese, bread etc, but I was a bit obstinate. I ate a bit of Apple Strudel which was fun. Mom theorizes that I am so used to my pastas and bakes, that I cant handle Indian food two days in a row. She promised to make pasta for me in the evening so that I can get back to normal.
I had fun with Vikram Mama the whole day. He took me to see the fishies and the Christmas tree in the hotel. I enjoyed it very much and I dragged Mom out of her seat to see the wonders. Soon we were off to visit the Gods, the first stop being Mahalaxmi. It is a very old temple in a very expensive locale in Mumbai. Dad and Mama went off to search for a parking space whilst Mom, Naani ,Naana & I went to the temple. Naana put a tikka on me and I was looking like a proper Hindu boy. Dad soon came on his own because Mama couldnt find a parking space and was waiting for us in his car. It was of little consequence though because he got a parking ticket anyways. He might as well have left his car and come with us. Anyway, when Dad came to the temple, I had an encore with the god again.
I am slowly learning why kids love going to temples. You see at the temple you usually get "Prasad" which are usually sweets. Mom had bought some fresh sweets as offerings, so it was fun eating those. As soon as we finished, we were off again this time to Siddhivinayak. It was again a bit of inconvinience for Vikram Mama as he could not find the parking space he needed and again dutifully dropped us off while he went elsewhere. Both the temples had high level of security and for the first time, I had a scanner run across my body. It was both amusing and sad at the same time, but such is the state of the world today.
SiddhiVinayak temple was a bit more crowded than usual and Dad managed to use his strength to jostle and bustle along the line so that I can come face to face with god. It was a bit of an hurried affair and not quite the peaceful journey of the past. Dad remembers coming to this temple when all it had was a tin roof . The place has grown so much in significance since then with every VIP paying it a customary visit. Siddhivinayak has become the god of the favored ones now.
After that we headed home. Dad was going to be dropped off at Urvi Fia's place because it is Fia's birthday tomorrow. I fell asleep on Nana's lap and when I woke up, I was surprisingly at Fia's house. She was overjoyed to see me and pleased at this surprise visit. I left soon after to go to Mama's place
...
We were supposed to have started for the temple at 9:30 a.m., but I am slowly learning the meaning of IST a.k.a. Indian Standard time. Vikram Mama was not even up by then and even after he awoke, the going was a bit slower than usual. I was up early, eager and excited to be going out. Finally Mama got the car from the garage and we were ready to embark upon our journey. By then it was already 11:30 a.m.,but Mama covered the distance in quick time to land us at 12:30 at Ambassador hotel for lunch.
Mama used to work at Ambassadors and we were treated very nicely by the staff. Lunch was a buffet spread of Indian cuisine. I showed what a fussy eater I can be. I think for the first time in her life, Mom was embarrased of me. You see, the food I didnt want to eat, I managed to splash all across the sofa and across Dad's shirt. Mom got annoyed, but equally concerned that I was not eating enough. Dad tried feeding me fruits, pieces of cottage cheese, bread etc, but I was a bit obstinate. I ate a bit of Apple Strudel which was fun. Mom theorizes that I am so used to my pastas and bakes, that I cant handle Indian food two days in a row. She promised to make pasta for me in the evening so that I can get back to normal.
I had fun with Vikram Mama the whole day. He took me to see the fishies and the Christmas tree in the hotel. I enjoyed it very much and I dragged Mom out of her seat to see the wonders. Soon we were off to visit the Gods, the first stop being Mahalaxmi. It is a very old temple in a very expensive locale in Mumbai. Dad and Mama went off to search for a parking space whilst Mom, Naani ,Naana & I went to the temple. Naana put a tikka on me and I was looking like a proper Hindu boy. Dad soon came on his own because Mama couldnt find a parking space and was waiting for us in his car. It was of little consequence though because he got a parking ticket anyways. He might as well have left his car and come with us. Anyway, when Dad came to the temple, I had an encore with the god again.
I am slowly learning why kids love going to temples. You see at the temple you usually get "Prasad" which are usually sweets. Mom had bought some fresh sweets as offerings, so it was fun eating those. As soon as we finished, we were off again this time to Siddhivinayak. It was again a bit of inconvinience for Vikram Mama as he could not find the parking space he needed and again dutifully dropped us off while he went elsewhere. Both the temples had high level of security and for the first time, I had a scanner run across my body. It was both amusing and sad at the same time, but such is the state of the world today.
SiddhiVinayak temple was a bit more crowded than usual and Dad managed to use his strength to jostle and bustle along the line so that I can come face to face with god. It was a bit of an hurried affair and not quite the peaceful journey of the past. Dad remembers coming to this temple when all it had was a tin roof . The place has grown so much in significance since then with every VIP paying it a customary visit. Siddhivinayak has become the god of the favored ones now.
After that we headed home. Dad was going to be dropped off at Urvi Fia's place because it is Fia's birthday tomorrow. I fell asleep on Nana's lap and when I woke up, I was surprisingly at Fia's house. She was overjoyed to see me and pleased at this surprise visit. I left soon after to go to Mama's place
...
Day 3: Fia and Mama special
I woke up early this morning having spent a very sleepless night. Mom couldnt sleep till 2:30 a.m. attending to me and later Dad fulfilled the duty. I was tossing and turning around. Finally at 5:30 a.m. , Dad decided to wake up completely and took me outside so that mom could have a bit of a lie in. I woke up everyone in the household thanks to my frenetic playing. But as soon as everyone was up, I decided it was time for me to go to bed and I stayed asleep till 10:30 a.m. when I was forcibly woken up.
We were initially planning to leave for Ghatkopar to see Yash, Harsh, Fia and Fua at 9:30 a.m. The plan was to have lunch there, and then go to Mama's place in the evening. But because Mom was lying in, we could only start at 11:30 a.m. Okay, admittedly I was also asleep, but that doesnt usually change schedule, does it ?
A smooth ride to Ghatkopar later (thanks to the wonderful Meru Cabs) we were at Fia's place in no time at all. Fia had taken great pains to prepare lunch for us and I was the first one to taste it in the morning. I gorged on the wonderful Shrikhand and chapati till I gave a satisfactory burp. Dad too let go of any sort of control and probaby over ate. The results were there for everyone to see .. when he took me upstairs to put me to bed , guess who went off to sleep ? I took it as a challenge to remain the last man standing - everyone who came upstairs were falling asleep one by one. The only one who gave me a run for my money was Fia. It was great to bond with her - we played with a ball, looked at the trees outside and made some real funny sounds. I showed my strength by trying to pick up Dad with a single finger, but then Fia didnt want her brother to be hurt, so she stopped me from doing so. It was a great bonding session, but ultimately I fell asleep. She won the contest hands down.
When dad awoke, it was time to prepare to go to Mama's place. Mama was initially going to pick us up - but his car was being repaired. Coordinating with Vikram Mama was challenging especially since he was *AHEM* with someone. Our choice of transportation was not available, so we had to settle for an ordinary taxi to go back. It was an interesting ride and thats probably the best compliment I can give. Finally, we reached Mama's place and just like at Kandivali, I felt right at home. I was running around the place playing with the ball and generally doing things I like to do. The highlight of the evening was the confident 5-6 steps I took on my own. Mom and Dad are confident that I would be walking before I reach home. Daada called up in the evening - he was feeling very lonely because I wasnt there. I miss you too Daada, but I am lucky that I had so many other people to play with.
Mama and I were like long lost pals. Mama has a good track record with kids and who am I to spoil that record ? We played a lot and I had my entire dinner in his lap. I am sure he got his small paunch after that - Dad believes that whenever I show love to people their weight increases. Hmmm.. that must explain why Fia has put on so much weight. Anyways, Naani as usual had made 2 desserts and I did justice to both.
It was a long and tiring day and yet very very satisfying. I slept early because we had a long day tomorrow as well.
We were initially planning to leave for Ghatkopar to see Yash, Harsh, Fia and Fua at 9:30 a.m. The plan was to have lunch there, and then go to Mama's place in the evening. But because Mom was lying in, we could only start at 11:30 a.m. Okay, admittedly I was also asleep, but that doesnt usually change schedule, does it ?
A smooth ride to Ghatkopar later (thanks to the wonderful Meru Cabs) we were at Fia's place in no time at all. Fia had taken great pains to prepare lunch for us and I was the first one to taste it in the morning. I gorged on the wonderful Shrikhand and chapati till I gave a satisfactory burp. Dad too let go of any sort of control and probaby over ate. The results were there for everyone to see .. when he took me upstairs to put me to bed , guess who went off to sleep ? I took it as a challenge to remain the last man standing - everyone who came upstairs were falling asleep one by one. The only one who gave me a run for my money was Fia. It was great to bond with her - we played with a ball, looked at the trees outside and made some real funny sounds. I showed my strength by trying to pick up Dad with a single finger, but then Fia didnt want her brother to be hurt, so she stopped me from doing so. It was a great bonding session, but ultimately I fell asleep. She won the contest hands down.
When dad awoke, it was time to prepare to go to Mama's place. Mama was initially going to pick us up - but his car was being repaired. Coordinating with Vikram Mama was challenging especially since he was *AHEM* with someone. Our choice of transportation was not available, so we had to settle for an ordinary taxi to go back. It was an interesting ride and thats probably the best compliment I can give. Finally, we reached Mama's place and just like at Kandivali, I felt right at home. I was running around the place playing with the ball and generally doing things I like to do. The highlight of the evening was the confident 5-6 steps I took on my own. Mom and Dad are confident that I would be walking before I reach home. Daada called up in the evening - he was feeling very lonely because I wasnt there. I miss you too Daada, but I am lucky that I had so many other people to play with.
Mama and I were like long lost pals. Mama has a good track record with kids and who am I to spoil that record ? We played a lot and I had my entire dinner in his lap. I am sure he got his small paunch after that - Dad believes that whenever I show love to people their weight increases. Hmmm.. that must explain why Fia has put on so much weight. Anyways, Naani as usual had made 2 desserts and I did justice to both.
It was a long and tiring day and yet very very satisfying. I slept early because we had a long day tomorrow as well.
Sunday, 16 December 2007
Day 2 : Kajal Kaki, Kalpesh Kaka and Kalash
A good night's rest helped me get over the jet lag completely. So when I woke up from my sleep, I was fresh enough to go to 3rd floor. There were 2 tasks I had - meeting Kalpesh kaka for the first time and wishing Kajal kaki a very happy birthday. Kalpesh Kaka was the proud recipient of my lovely teddy bear painting which he has promised to put it on his office wall. Kajal kaki loved the fact that I woke her up to wish her so.
After that, Grandpa fed me breakfast of cornflakes. I continued playing to my usual form especially now that I was far more familiar with everyone. In the afternoon, mom and dad experimented with sending me away on my own with Mittal Kaki. They half expected me to be back crying in 15 minutes. But after a couple of hours had passed, they realised that I dont really need them to hover around me all the time. As long as I have someone to play with, I am fine.
In the evening, I was playing with Daada's mobile when Mom took it from me to lock the keys. I was annoyed and gave her a right telling off. I had half a mind to send her to the naughty corner, but let her go this once.
Finally for celebrations, we went to "Kalash", a restaurant in Kandivali where they serve thali. I showed that I was a true gujju by eating only Puran poli, Dhokla and Khichdi. But what I really enjoyed was the cake. They have the eggless variety out here in India so as not to offend Jain sensibilities. Jains are the biggest consumer of luxury food items given the Gujju propensity towards rich food and the affluence enjoyed by the community as a whole. Naturally, this spawns a range of items available as "Jain" meaning no onions, no garlic, no potatoes and of course, no eggs.
Everyone was taking turns at carrying me around.But I kept yearning to go back to Dad everytime. I bet it gave him a proper shoulder ache.
The evening was fun and the day was great. Mom and Dad got their wish when I slept early in the night ... all ready for a new adventure.
After that, Grandpa fed me breakfast of cornflakes. I continued playing to my usual form especially now that I was far more familiar with everyone. In the afternoon, mom and dad experimented with sending me away on my own with Mittal Kaki. They half expected me to be back crying in 15 minutes. But after a couple of hours had passed, they realised that I dont really need them to hover around me all the time. As long as I have someone to play with, I am fine.
In the evening, I was playing with Daada's mobile when Mom took it from me to lock the keys. I was annoyed and gave her a right telling off. I had half a mind to send her to the naughty corner, but let her go this once.
Finally for celebrations, we went to "Kalash", a restaurant in Kandivali where they serve thali. I showed that I was a true gujju by eating only Puran poli, Dhokla and Khichdi. But what I really enjoyed was the cake. They have the eggless variety out here in India so as not to offend Jain sensibilities. Jains are the biggest consumer of luxury food items given the Gujju propensity towards rich food and the affluence enjoyed by the community as a whole. Naturally, this spawns a range of items available as "Jain" meaning no onions, no garlic, no potatoes and of course, no eggs.
Everyone was taking turns at carrying me around.But I kept yearning to go back to Dad everytime. I bet it gave him a proper shoulder ache.
The evening was fun and the day was great. Mom and Dad got their wish when I slept early in the night ... all ready for a new adventure.
Friday, 14 December 2007
Day 1 : Getting over the jet lag
They say blood is thicker than water. And so it proved... I immediately got friendly and playful with everyone in my family. I played a lot with Hari Kaka, who seems to be a changed man. Earlier, kids would start crying when he was nearby and not everyone enjoyed his style of play. However, with me he has been natural, playing with the ball, playing with the car, carrying me around the place. Its been fun and has surprised everyone to see our affinity.
Baa looks delighted with me though I must admit she looks a bit paler than before. Hope its just temporary. Rashmi Kaki looks genuinely delighted with me and was making funny sounds to amuse me. I retorted with some funny sounds of my own. Quite a jugalbandi, some would say. Hasu Kaka has been relatively quiet, but I have had my share of laughter with him.
Mittal Fia and Kajal Kaki came in late evening to meet me. I was already tiring by then and my jet lag was slowly taking over. So it wasnt quite the cheery meeting they had in mind, but I showed enough glimpses promising a frenetic, chaotic playtime future with me.
The final meeting in the day was Deepak kaka. Now he looks so different from the rest of my Dadas. He is actually thin and lanky and looks fitter than the rest. I took to him quite well too which is surprising because his record with the kids is not good too. Kids start crying around him too, but I guess I am braver than the rest.
Naana Naani had come to the airport to be with me. It was fun seeing them after a long time and especially welcome was the Upma that Naani bought for me. A good breakfast helped me to overcome some of the hunger pangs I was having. I am sure it went a long way in curing my jet lag.
They went away in the evening and I will probably see them again on Sunday evening. Fia will possibly come down to see me, but if not I will go and see her on Sunday as well.
Finally, the first night went very well being covered with a shocking baby pink mosquito net. I slept well, so Saturday promises to be a day of action. Watch the space for updates.
Baa looks delighted with me though I must admit she looks a bit paler than before. Hope its just temporary. Rashmi Kaki looks genuinely delighted with me and was making funny sounds to amuse me. I retorted with some funny sounds of my own. Quite a jugalbandi, some would say. Hasu Kaka has been relatively quiet, but I have had my share of laughter with him.
Mittal Fia and Kajal Kaki came in late evening to meet me. I was already tiring by then and my jet lag was slowly taking over. So it wasnt quite the cheery meeting they had in mind, but I showed enough glimpses promising a frenetic, chaotic playtime future with me.
The final meeting in the day was Deepak kaka. Now he looks so different from the rest of my Dadas. He is actually thin and lanky and looks fitter than the rest. I took to him quite well too which is surprising because his record with the kids is not good too. Kids start crying around him too, but I guess I am braver than the rest.
Naana Naani had come to the airport to be with me. It was fun seeing them after a long time and especially welcome was the Upma that Naani bought for me. A good breakfast helped me to overcome some of the hunger pangs I was having. I am sure it went a long way in curing my jet lag.
They went away in the evening and I will probably see them again on Sunday evening. Fia will possibly come down to see me, but if not I will go and see her on Sunday as well.
Finally, the first night went very well being covered with a shocking baby pink mosquito net. I slept well, so Saturday promises to be a day of action. Watch the space for updates.
A horror trip .. but the destination is worth it
And the D-day was here. After some meticulous checking and planning, we headed out towards the airport for our India trip. What would be an India trip without the aggravation at the ticket counter ? As expected, Air India was at hand to make matters worse for us. Not only did they completely muck up the bookings, the lady at the checkout counter was making flippant comments about Indians. For once, Dad actually kept his cool and let it go. There was a long night ahead of us and he was trying to be patient.
After some last minute shopping we went up to board the plane. But organization and care for children is an alien concept to Air India.We had to endure standing out in cold, fighting for our seats and generally bear with grace the poor service on display. But the crowning glory was the seats we got - they were absolutely poor. Dad reckons that a trip across the old Bombay-Pune highway in an ST bus would have been more tolerable. Of course, there were still moments of joy such as the impromptu dance me and mom had while waiting to board the plane.
Anyway, a torturous night later where mom and dad hardly slept and I spent uncomfortably sprawled across their laps we finally reached India. It is hot and full of people .While some people may find it intimidating, I absolutely love being surrounded by people who want to play with me all the time. It was great to see Daada, baa, Naana and naani again. There were some notable first timers as well - Hari Kaka, Rekha Kaki, Hasu Kaka and Rashmi Kaki were all excited to see me. There are more ahead, but if these 4 were anything to go by, there is a lot to look forward to.
I will catch up on some sleep now .. yawn !!
After some last minute shopping we went up to board the plane. But organization and care for children is an alien concept to Air India.We had to endure standing out in cold, fighting for our seats and generally bear with grace the poor service on display. But the crowning glory was the seats we got - they were absolutely poor. Dad reckons that a trip across the old Bombay-Pune highway in an ST bus would have been more tolerable. Of course, there were still moments of joy such as the impromptu dance me and mom had while waiting to board the plane.
Anyway, a torturous night later where mom and dad hardly slept and I spent uncomfortably sprawled across their laps we finally reached India. It is hot and full of people .While some people may find it intimidating, I absolutely love being surrounded by people who want to play with me all the time. It was great to see Daada, baa, Naana and naani again. There were some notable first timers as well - Hari Kaka, Rekha Kaki, Hasu Kaka and Rashmi Kaki were all excited to see me. There are more ahead, but if these 4 were anything to go by, there is a lot to look forward to.
I will catch up on some sleep now .. yawn !!
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Ready for a cot
Its a truism that no matter how big your bed is, it is always smaller than the room you require to spread out.
Two nights in a row I have been restless and semi-awake. It has to do with how I want to spread out in mom and dad's bed - unfortunately, there are 2 large objects at either end that restrict my free movement. Mom and Dad effectively form a barrier for me in the night when I sleep between them and I find that it very constricting.
I guess mom and dad have taken the hint and are now considering buying me my own bed where I can laze as much as I like. They are looking weary and tired from all the sleepless nights .. but I am hardly to blame for it. Its the genes you see - everyone in my family want to adopt the "Vitruvian Man" position when sleeping.
Oh well... I will catch up on my sleep now while mom and dad slog it out at work. That would leave me fresh to disturb them in the night again. Mu ha ha ha ha....
Two nights in a row I have been restless and semi-awake. It has to do with how I want to spread out in mom and dad's bed - unfortunately, there are 2 large objects at either end that restrict my free movement. Mom and Dad effectively form a barrier for me in the night when I sleep between them and I find that it very constricting.
I guess mom and dad have taken the hint and are now considering buying me my own bed where I can laze as much as I like. They are looking weary and tired from all the sleepless nights .. but I am hardly to blame for it. Its the genes you see - everyone in my family want to adopt the "Vitruvian Man" position when sleeping.
Oh well... I will catch up on my sleep now while mom and dad slog it out at work. That would leave me fresh to disturb them in the night again. Mu ha ha ha ha....
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
India trip draws closer
Yawn !! Another sleepless night. I cant explain it.. but every now and then I have one of the strange nights where I keep getting up and start crying. I cant express my pain in any other way.
Last night I really wanted to just cuddle up to Dad and share his pillow. I think in trying to show my love, I may have done more harm then good. Not only did Dad not get enough sleep in the night, but he also woke up with a very stiff neck. He has been doing robot like movements since morning.
I had some leftover birthday cake last night. It was good, but it possibly gave me the tummy trouble that kept me up ( and mom and dad).
I am also drooling a lot. Might it be a tooth ? But another reason that I may have been up in the night.
The temperature was going to drop to -2 degrees in the night. So mom had me wear a sweater and woolen pyjamas. Not sure if I needed to feel that warm. Might be the reason I was up last night.
Or maybe it was just anxiety and excitement of seeing my family back in India. I am so looking forward to getting there, but there is a minor hurdle of a 9 hr flight to be overcome. The thought of travelling in a crappy airline (Air India) with a stiff neck and a restless toddler can make even a grown man cry . Is that tears I see in Dad's eyes ?
Get well soon Dad - I dont want you to remember my first trip as your worst trip.
Last night I really wanted to just cuddle up to Dad and share his pillow. I think in trying to show my love, I may have done more harm then good. Not only did Dad not get enough sleep in the night, but he also woke up with a very stiff neck. He has been doing robot like movements since morning.
I had some leftover birthday cake last night. It was good, but it possibly gave me the tummy trouble that kept me up ( and mom and dad).
I am also drooling a lot. Might it be a tooth ? But another reason that I may have been up in the night.
The temperature was going to drop to -2 degrees in the night. So mom had me wear a sweater and woolen pyjamas. Not sure if I needed to feel that warm. Might be the reason I was up last night.
Or maybe it was just anxiety and excitement of seeing my family back in India. I am so looking forward to getting there, but there is a minor hurdle of a 9 hr flight to be overcome. The thought of travelling in a crappy airline (Air India) with a stiff neck and a restless toddler can make even a grown man cry . Is that tears I see in Dad's eyes ?
Get well soon Dad - I dont want you to remember my first trip as your worst trip.
Sunday, 9 December 2007
Shopping trips.... ugh
I am a boy. And as most boys do.. I hate shopping. I hate it even more when I am confined to the pushchair wearing warm clothes in an overheated store.
The shopping had to be done though. Its a tradition to carry gifts and chocolates back to India especially since I am travelling for the first time. I already told you about upcoming bdays of my cousin and my aunts, so all the more reason to spend a few bucks. So thats what we did on Saturday in Guildford town centre.
The good things about shopping trips though are the coffee breaks. For my coffee break yesterday I had a nice little muffin which I chose personally. This in addition to everything that mom and dad were having of course.
Today was dad's bday. Mom always puts in an effort to make it extra special. So she made him Ragda Pattice in the night. Dad hogs on those things. We naturally went out for lunch in the morning as is our birthday tradition. Lunch was pasta and garlic pizza bread at Zissi's. .. mmmm I can still taste it.
Well..I hope Dad had a good birthday. Like a dutiful son I played with him the whole day. But the best surprise he got was when he cut his birthday cake. I actually started singing "Happy Birthday" - both mom and dad were taken aback by it. I like to throw my little surprises every now and then.
I am well fed and tired from the day's events. I'll call it a night then.
The shopping had to be done though. Its a tradition to carry gifts and chocolates back to India especially since I am travelling for the first time. I already told you about upcoming bdays of my cousin and my aunts, so all the more reason to spend a few bucks. So thats what we did on Saturday in Guildford town centre.
The good things about shopping trips though are the coffee breaks. For my coffee break yesterday I had a nice little muffin which I chose personally. This in addition to everything that mom and dad were having of course.
Today was dad's bday. Mom always puts in an effort to make it extra special. So she made him Ragda Pattice in the night. Dad hogs on those things. We naturally went out for lunch in the morning as is our birthday tradition. Lunch was pasta and garlic pizza bread at Zissi's. .. mmmm I can still taste it.
Well..I hope Dad had a good birthday. Like a dutiful son I played with him the whole day. But the best surprise he got was when he cut his birthday cake. I actually started singing "Happy Birthday" - both mom and dad were taken aback by it. I like to throw my little surprises every now and then.
I am well fed and tired from the day's events. I'll call it a night then.
Friday, 7 December 2007
Too convenient
Dad's new work location is pretty close to Mom's work place. So every friday these two hook up for lunch at different city joints. Mmm.. I feel sort of cheated out of it, but I guess these two need some time of their own to catch up with each other. I dominate their time at home. So much so that even their conversations at home revolve around me.
Its a week to go before a series of firsts for me - first flight, first time to India, first time view of my numerous relatives and a chance to see the place where mom and dad spent their formative years. We are even travelling to Gujarat to fulfill one of the vows Urvi Fia made when I was in mummy's tummy. She will be travelling without any footwear all the way to Mahudi to thank God for my safe arrival in this world. Of course, all this means that Mom and Dad will have to take anti-malaria tablets as Gujarat is considered not safe.
The good thing about the upcoming trip is that I would have the pleasure of attending so many birthdays namely Kajal Kaki, Urvi Fia and Harsh and (Jesus). My other great grandmother is travelling from Jabalpur to be with me for the latter part of my trip. I think I will be overwhelmed with the number of uncles, aunts, cousins and even grandparents that I will be meeting. They are all very excited and are possibly counting hours now till I can be with them.
I will try and document the whole trip in as much detail as possible.
Its a week to go before a series of firsts for me - first flight, first time to India, first time view of my numerous relatives and a chance to see the place where mom and dad spent their formative years. We are even travelling to Gujarat to fulfill one of the vows Urvi Fia made when I was in mummy's tummy. She will be travelling without any footwear all the way to Mahudi to thank God for my safe arrival in this world. Of course, all this means that Mom and Dad will have to take anti-malaria tablets as Gujarat is considered not safe.
The good thing about the upcoming trip is that I would have the pleasure of attending so many birthdays namely Kajal Kaki, Urvi Fia and Harsh and (Jesus). My other great grandmother is travelling from Jabalpur to be with me for the latter part of my trip. I think I will be overwhelmed with the number of uncles, aunts, cousins and even grandparents that I will be meeting. They are all very excited and are possibly counting hours now till I can be with them.
I will try and document the whole trip in as much detail as possible.
Thursday, 6 December 2007
a month too long
Sorry dear readers .. a busy dad and a busy mom makes blogging a tough job. Add to that the fact that the laptop keyboard behaves erratically and writing a simple blog post becomes a chore as well.
So whats been happening in my life. We are already in the month of december and this being a month of birthdays and anniversaries, it is slightly overwhelming. So let me first fill you in on my progress.
1. I can walk. Thats not the same thing as I walk all the time. The body is able, but the mind is unwilling.
2. I talk gibberish all the time.
3. I read books - all of them - once in the morning and once in the evening. Its a ritual.
4. I am polite. I say thank you to mom after every meal. Honest.
5. I am officially dad's taster. I have to eat from his plate. Its a ritual.
6. I love playing music. Especially the one in my walker. Dad has to dance to that tune. Its a requirement and its a ritual.
7. I love eating out. It was fun to eat on Mom's birthday at my favorite Italian restaurant. I look forward to Dad's birthday soon.
8. I have made a wonderful teddy bear for Kalpesh Kaka. He won the quiz afterall.
9. I miss my great grandma - she has not been well. But her health keeps improving as the day of my India trip draws closer.
10. I am so going to be overwhelmed by the whole india trip. But it would be fun to meet everyone again. And of course, some of them for the first time too.
11. I am so looking forward to meeting Anju masi and Saanvi in January too.
12. Grandpa is tensed about our visit. He wants to ensure that I have the most comfortable time there. But he is making life miserable for himself right now worrying about it.
Okay... thats just a quick summary. I will tell you more over subsequent posts.Watch the space.
So whats been happening in my life. We are already in the month of december and this being a month of birthdays and anniversaries, it is slightly overwhelming. So let me first fill you in on my progress.
1. I can walk. Thats not the same thing as I walk all the time. The body is able, but the mind is unwilling.
2. I talk gibberish all the time.
3. I read books - all of them - once in the morning and once in the evening. Its a ritual.
4. I am polite. I say thank you to mom after every meal. Honest.
5. I am officially dad's taster. I have to eat from his plate. Its a ritual.
6. I love playing music. Especially the one in my walker. Dad has to dance to that tune. Its a requirement and its a ritual.
7. I love eating out. It was fun to eat on Mom's birthday at my favorite Italian restaurant. I look forward to Dad's birthday soon.
8. I have made a wonderful teddy bear for Kalpesh Kaka. He won the quiz afterall.
9. I miss my great grandma - she has not been well. But her health keeps improving as the day of my India trip draws closer.
10. I am so going to be overwhelmed by the whole india trip. But it would be fun to meet everyone again. And of course, some of them for the first time too.
11. I am so looking forward to meeting Anju masi and Saanvi in January too.
12. Grandpa is tensed about our visit. He wants to ensure that I have the most comfortable time there. But he is making life miserable for himself right now worrying about it.
Okay... thats just a quick summary. I will tell you more over subsequent posts.Watch the space.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
