Family Notebook

Dear Zane,

Happy 1st month “out in the big wide world”, as your sister says. How blessed we all are to have you in our lives. You’re such a joy, we all cannot get enough of you.

When you left the hospital you were just under your 6lb 13oz birth weight and very jaundiced, now you’re 7 and a half pounds with the shiniest little eyes and a brand new smile. You’re quiet, calm and rarely fussy. You like the spa bath, your blue teddy snoodle, vertical blinds and milk. You don’t like the car seat, having your nappy changed and your head being rubbed.

We often call you Little Man or Little Manny due to your funny little old man looks. You have a pout that could break hearts and a cry that is so raspy and pathetic that we can’t help but feel sad for you.

I foresee you being a little chunker down the track, you already have a few chins and guzzle down milk like its going out of style. Until you make up for lost time, we will be sruggling to find anything other than a onesie in 0000/newborn size.

As your newborn days are coming to an end and infancy is fast approaching I will miss your fluffy little chicky hair, many daytime sleeps and maybe even the little millia spots freckled across your face.

lots of love,
Mummy
xx

20th May, 09 - umbilical stump fell off
13th July, 09 - First social smiles

We are all in a bit of shock, its so hard to believe you are gone. To think of another BBQ, Birthday or get together without you tapping on the door with a “yoohoo, its only me!” brings overwhelming sadness.

What a wonderful life you lead. What a wonderful person you were. I will never forget the things you did for my family and I.
I will never forget how you’d let me pick your snap dragons from your front garden, how you looked after our horse for all those years, the vats of your chicken soup and just the little things that made you, you.

Thank you for welcoming Rajiv into our family with open arms. Thank you for being there when our first baby was born. Thank you for being one of those people I knew I could count on if I ever needed help.

I am sorry I couldn’t be with you during your final days, its something that I know I will always feel sad about. I wish we could have had one last conversation but sometimes things just don’t work in our favour.

I just hope you know how loved and cherished you were.

We will miss you.

Love Renee, Rajiv and Ria

xoxoxox

Hello, my sweet two-and-a-half year old! Well, you’re a tad older than that, but let mummy pretend for just a bit longer.

You’re such a big, grown up girl now, I can’t believe it. You show us this every day by the way your behavior is changing, the conversations you hold and the questions you ask. Generally, I would be sad about you growing older because I truly want you to be my baby forever but you know what? I am really enjoying having a little friend right now, someone who can ask if I’m feeling alright, can laugh at a joke and sing along to a song with.

So, lets backtrack to the months that have passed and what you’ve been up to.

In the middle of January, Mummy took a trip to Singapore to get some nice things for you and a little bit of head clearing. You had such a great time with your Dadima while I navigated the underpasses and tube to get all those little things I wished I could have for you for so long. You got quite the haul, a suit case full in fact. Your favorite thing of all is the wooden tea set in a box, which is my favorite thing too. We play “tea set” all the time now. You make the sounds for things like pouring hot water over the tea bag and you love slicing up the little cakes after you decorate them.

In early February we made the decision to change the apartment we were going to buy. Instead, we’ll be getting a 4 bedroom apartment closer to where we currently live. It seems great, fingers crossed it all goes through and you can have the “green! black! blue!” bedroom you’ve been asking for.

Your friend Natalie came over for one last play date with you before she moved to the UK. You played with the tea sets together, watched some Miffy and had snacks. It was a nice, quiet morning. We’re so sad that Nuanart, Robert, Stephen and Natalie have left us and we hope they feel at home in London soon.

On the 27th of February, Daddy left for the UK. We had 9 days to ourselves but they were very hectic. You got quite sick with a lung infection, I had to drive you to the hospital at midnight where you got a chest Xray (which you hated), an anti biotic and 4 medicines to make you feel better. You loved the doctor though, I don’t remember his name but he was a really nice man. When you’re sick, you like to use the Charlie and Lola phrase: “I’m really ever so not well”. Over and over and over again. Its cute, for a while.

While Daddy was away, we found the love of Starfall.com which is a website with educational games. You could sit there all day playing the games over and over. You’re getting better with your alphabet and the gingerbread man game is your favorite. Whenever I open my laptop now, you ask to play starfall and I’m happy to oblige.

On the 8th of March, you and I made the trek to London. Admittedly, I was very scared! It had been a long time since I travelled alone with you and your tantrums were at an all time high. You did FABULOUS though. I couldn’t believe what a good girl you were. I could have taken 10 of you with me. You sat in your business class seat, watched Enchanted with your big ol’ headphones on and snacked a little. You were a bit confused on the 2nd flight when you couldn’t recline your seat, which I had to chuckle about. I see you hate economy as much as I do. You again, did so well that people commented on how they wouldn’t have even known there was a toddler there. I was SO very proud of you.

You absolutely adored London. You still keep asking if you can go and play golf with Simba. You ate and ate and ate. Every morning you’d have more breakfast than a basketballer could handle. You actually ate meat too!
Uncle Rupen and Jayna got engaged, the primary reason for us taking the journey. You managed to fall asleep in the middle of all the excitement so I took you home.

You loved taking the bus, as well as the train. Its more hussle and bussle than I could handle on a daily basis. You’d sit in your stroller and comment on the world passing you by. We took you to Build a Bear where you made a dog which you named Andi, presumably after our friend Andi. We went to the Zoo where you wanted to ride the Camels and go on the Cariousel, and the best place of all was the Aquarium. I’ve never seen you so happy in one place before. You sang the Spot Under the Sea song over and over and stared at the sharks for long periods of time.

We caught up with Gareth and Andi too. You were a little wary at first but warmed up quite quickly and had a great time inconveniencing the two of them through out their meal. It was a short get together, but a good one. Thank you to Gareth and Andi for making the trek out to see us during their busy schedule.

Easter came with a big surprise for you…SNOW!. My goodness did you love that. We didn’t have a snow suit or waterproof gloves so we improvised and made you one with jackets and scarves. You attempted to make a mini snow man. The Lindt bunnies that were left by the Easter Bunny held no interest once the snow hung around. It snowed until we left and you still ask about it.

We had such a wonderful time staying with Sharad Ada, Neela Aunty, Nikesh, Jimmy, Uncle Rupen and Simba. Thank you so much for having us and making our holiday special. Ria still talks about you all, especially Simba.

Once we got back home in India, the fun and games were over. After sleeping with me in the bed for so long, you were not easily swayed into sleeping in your own bed again. You were up until 3am at some points, I was beat. Thankfully you’ve gotten back into the swing of things and *gasp* you even take a nap in there now! See? I’m typing this as you’re sleeping in your own bed in your own room. Wow. I didn’t think that day would really come.

Now that its summer, we’ve started taking you swimming at the Novotel. It has a nice little pool where you can stand and wade around in without any help. You will willingly stay in for hours until I drag you out screaming. Unfortunately we haven’t been for a couple of weeks, we are both quite sick at the moment with an awful bug thats been going around. You got it first and it escalated into a throat infection, yucky. I knew you felt down right miserable but I didn’t quite know how bad until I got it myself. You’re on antibiotics and you’re doing better. You haven’t had a fever for a few days now, just as I’m getting mine. You’re left with a cough and a croaky voice which is better than all the added things you had before. I hope we get over this fast.

I’ve enrolled you in school, you should start in August. Wow. You’re so excited, all thats left is to get you toilet trained. We should be able to cross that hurdle before then, I assume. I can’t wait to buy you all your little things you’ll need and maybe throw in a neat lunch bento every now and then.

I’ve been teaching you a little bit of Hindi in the last few days. You can say “my name is Ria” and count to 10. Thats a pretty good start. I hope Daddy takes cue and starts teaching you more, I’m really not very good.

My little snuggle bunny, please will you stay the same forever? Every day you look right into my eyes and smile so big. You grab my cheeks and kiss me on the lips. You rub your forehead and nose against mine and cuddle me so tight. I am really going to miss that when you grow out of it, which is inevitable. I could lose many nights of sleep over this, but instead I will savour each and every moment I get of you being mummy’s little girl.

I love you.

Love Mummy
xoxoxox
We also got some sad news about your Great Aunty Elizabeth. She is very sick and we’re all feeling sad. Its tough being far away and not being able to help out. Aunty Elizabeth; we love you and we miss you very much.

“baby” Ria,

So, you’re occupied. Wiggly Safari is on and you’re glued.
November…my goodness, what did we get up to? Mummy got a new computer so I seem to have lost a lot of things I keep tabs on. I’ll do my best.

Ah, thats right, Diwali was in November. We had a party with all your friends at your friend Yasmin’s house. At first you were afraid of the fireworks but then you fell in love and you haven’t stopped asking about them ever since. Mummy and Daddy also had a party with some friends so you spent the night with Dadima, Dadaji and of course your new found obsession, your cousin Nishit. The fireworks and crackers lasted longer and were louder than I had remembered from years before. I don’t think we slept for 4 days!

As we geared up for the Christmas season you started singing Christmas songs and telling me all about how you wanted to give Santa some carrots (what about the Reindeer?). We made some decorations at Ruby and Lola’s house and put up a special tree in your room which you decorated with them. Every night we’d go and turn the lights on your tree, the big tree and the ones outside.

Some milestones are: Having all your 2yr old Molars, Hooray for no more teething! You painted a crocodile that actually resembles one and you recognise simple shapes. Color accuracy is improving and you can do easy puzzles. Yesterday you drew a picture of Mummy, Daddy, Dadaji, Dadima and Ba complete with head, eyes, nose and mouth. Mummy and Daddy are so proud.

Before School Holidays came, Lola had a Disco Birthday Party complete with a Disco Dance Room. Mummy helped Lynny set it all up and you danced for an hour before the other kids showed up. You wore a hideous blue shirt with an open back and gold sequins hanging off it with a studded skirt. Go Disco Diva.

We went to the zoo again with some of your friends, this time you remembered what it was all about, that wasn’t entirely a good thing. You ran off on me twice, once because you “NEEEEEDED” to ride the train and secondly because you were just being your two year old self. You should be careful, I’ll end up baby leashing you and taking many pictures to embarrass you when you’re older. We saw lots of animals that we didn’t get to see the last time we were there. We saw Hippos and Emus and even a Rhino. The Elephants were having a bath so again we missed out on seeing them, maybe next time. The Chimpanzee is still all you will talk about, as well as the Train.

The Hogans left to their next posting in Singapore. We were all very sad to see them go. We had a lovely lunch with them and said our goodbyes.

On Christmas eve you were so excited you barely slept. We read the Night Before Christmas and left some milk & cookies for Santa and some Carrots for the Reindeer. You didn’t want to miss out on Santa’s meal so you had a portion yourself before bed.

We woke up early and got you up so you could see what had been left in your stocking and under the tree. Santa filled your stocking with Bouncy Balls, Sunglasses, a watch which you now wear all the time and some other random items. Under the Tree he left you some books & a My Little Pony collection. When you were finished opening them you told me to tell Santa “thank you”. We didn’t take any pictures this year, just a video.

We then went over to open your presents from Mummy and Daddy with your friends Ruby and Lola. Ruby and Lola gave you a lovely new Easel which has occupied a lot of your time. You also got some wooden instruments and a puzzle. From Mummy, Daddy, Rahul, Rupen, Dadima, Dadaji and Ba you got a great plastic table and chair set for your bedroom, new crayons and markers, coloring books, wooden construction blocks, a Polly Pocket air guitar with makeup, a wooden drum, Barbie Tika the Elephant and some small things on the side. You were one happy little person.

On the 27th was Lola’s real birthday and we went to her house for a little birthday celebration. Cupcake eating is your favourite sport.

Then, for even more excitement, Gareth and Andi came to visit us. You have talked about them endlessly since they left and you were so excited to see them. You were shy at first because it has been a little while but you warmed right up and started clinging to Gareth as usual. They bought you a Bratz Seahorse which you call your Mister Seehorse from the Eric Carle book.

New Years was a bit of a hassle. You went to Dadima and Dadaji’s and spent a quiet night in.

On January 7th you went to see your very first movie at the cinema. We went to the Imax and watched Santa vs. The Snowman on 3d. You sat there like such a big girl with your huge glasses on. I was amazed at how well you did, you barely made a peep the whole time and kept your glasses on for all but 5 minutes of the movie.

And today, you had your first Camel ride. It wasn’t planned, we were taking you to lunch and we saw it walking along. You love the wiggles and a song called Wobbly Camel so we thought we’d turn around and let you pat it. You, being the fearless girl you are went on and had a little walk around. I think you must have wanted to stay on there all day, lunch wasn’t so pleasant with you screaming for your Camel ride.

So, thats about it off the top of my head.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you sweetheart.

Love Mummy
xoxoxox

Hello Miss Ria,

Its been a little while and we’ve been keeping ourselves very busy.
I can’t believe my baby girl has turned two! It most definitely shows in everything that you do. You had a wonderful day. We had a party with your playgroup friends; Ruby, Natalie, Maelle, Sam and Sedric. The house was decorated with pink and white balloons and you had a Maisy cake. There were so many lovely gifts from everyone that I can’t even begin to name them all.

The next morning was your birthday. You walked out of your room and wandered straight toward your presents, your favourite being the slide. We had lunch and a cake with the family and got home very late. I think you slid on the slide for days before the novelty wore off, although it’s still a big hit with you.

In an effort to boost your weight, we went back to pureed foods as a filler and boy do you love them. You had a small trip to the hospital because of a throat infection and we came to find out you had only put on 6 grams in the last 6 months. You seem to be doing really well right now, Applesauce, Veggie Mash and Strawberries are a huge hit, as are peas with gravy (I’m not complaining). You’re looking so much better already, its like something clicked with you and you’re finally eating real meals again.

We went on a great trip to the zoo, your first time, with some of your friends. It was far better than I had expected. The train and the Chimpanzees were your favourite things at the zoo and you kicked and screamed all the way to the car when it was time to go. We’ll have to take Daddy with us next time!

Our good ol’ puggy friend Mr. Beaumont went to live with Dadima and Dadaji. He has a lot more room over there to run around and do as a pug loves to do. It was a positive change for everyone and Mr. Beaumont is really happy. You get very excited to see him whenever you go over to Secunderabad, as does Beau I’m sure.

You have a new fish in an Aquarium called “little fish”. It took me a while but you named him after the fish in Hooray for Fish, and here I was thinking you were being simple. S/He is a red Siamese Fighting Fish. You love to feed it and watch it endlessly swim around. You’ve also become increasingly fond of Neo and you want to be with him 24/7. He is more tolerant of you than he has ever been and even allows you to nearly blind him with your pokey little fingers.

Navratri came around which meant you got to dance your little heart out at Dandiya. You danced with Dadima and I in the children’s circle but eventually became shy and wanted to go home. I don’t know what happened to my little social butterfly.

You have some funny little sayings these days. You’re always asking “You Alright?” and stroking my hair, everything is “so very happy’ or “wooooowwww”.

Your favourite thing to do on the weekends is go to the park. You talk on and on about the swings, bikes and slide, although you don’t like to have the sand between your toes and whine until your shoes are off when you’re in the car.

We also found you a new helper. Her name is Indira and she comes for a few hours each day so I can do some jobs. You really like her, I know you do even underneath the clinging and squealing because the second I leave you’re back to bossing Indira around and making her play games. Yes, Mummy sees and knows all.

You have around 6 books memorized, I’m very impressed. Goodnight Baby Monster, Green Eggs and Ham, Kipper’s Rainy Day and Have You Seen My Cat? Are at the top of your bedtime story list at the moment. Your favourite show is Oswald, besides Maisy and Pingu that is. You also don’t mind a bit of Hi 5, Backyardigans, Harry & His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs and Peppa Pig thrown in there.

You love to paint, so much that I had to buy a lot of those magic paint books so you could paint every day without the mess. You’re very creative and love to draw as well.
Your friend Charlotte gifted you a Leapfrog Word Whammer and for some reason you always put OOA or AOO in the slots, you puzzle me at times.

I’m rambling, aren’t I?
I hope I get to your next letter sooner than this one!

Lots and Lots of hugs & Eskimo Kisses (your new favourite)
Mummy.
xoxoxox

Hi all,

Our internet connection is on the fritz.
I can’t log on to some websites and my emails won’t send out.
I’ll let you know when its fixed.

Ria’s friend Taylor is now a big brother!

William Jakson was born 5 weeks early on the 17th.

Isn’t he adorable?

Congratulations Paul, Athena and Taylor!

Dear Miss Ria,

This past month has been fairly bland. Your helper left at the start of the month so its just been the two of us. We’ve spent a lot of time at home veging out and running errands. You aren’t so fond of that but truth be told, neither am I.

Because we are stuck to each other 24/7 now, you won’t leave me alone for a second. You’re forever sitting on me and forcing me to do things. Its nice that you love me but some space in the bathroom isn’t too much to ask, is it?

The tantrums are fiercer than ever. You’ve got the foot stomp and squeal-scream down pat and it’s close to nails on a chalk board. Every little thing sets you off, the primary things being your Dummy, Play Doh and sweets. If I have to roll your play doh into a ball, snake or cut it one more time I think I may end up in the psych ward. You’ve also started with the inevitable hitting phase. You lash out at any given moment to anybody in your path. There’s been a lot of time spent in the naughty corner and now that I have an idea of when its coming I can tell you to keep your hands to yourself and that seems to work.

I don’t think you quite understand right now, but your good doggy friend Panther died on the 15th of August. It was a very sad day but he was old and sick and it was his time. You commented to me about how nice Panther was and that he was a “good boy”.

Mr. Beaumont went to live with your grandparents. He has a nice new yard to play in and lots more attention. He is happy there and even though mummy misses your naughty little puppy, I know it’s the best thing. You didn’t take it as badly as I expected. You asked where Beau was and now you’re content to say that he has gone home.

In the milestone department, you’ve started to count things as opposed to just saying numbers. The first thing you counted was 3 cheerios. You’ve decided your own parents are un-cool already, that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. There was a little dance party at The Marriott and you had a few little buddies busting a move with you. Whenever Daddy or I went near you, you pointed your little finger and told us to sit down. At least the 4 year olds liked me, I’ll hold onto that.

You’re a few toys less at the moment, but thank goodness your birthday is coming up. We had a bit of a battery mishap where they all exploded, likely due to the heat. Your Fisher Price door doesn’t have any sound now, the lights on your kitchen burners work but there’s no sizzling or popping and your beloved aquarium for your crib is long gone.

Daddy and I decided to give you some of your Birthday presents early so you could enjoy them a bit more. You got a Barbie set with Microwave, Mixer and Coffee Maker. You are in love with the mixer. You would mix all day long if it was possible. When we’re in the kitchen you get your very own little portion to whip up and I think its your new favourite thing to do. You also got a stroller which you zoom your teddies and Cabbage Patch Doll around in. You also got a Leap Frog Fridge Phonics Word Whammer from your friends Charlotte and Joni in America. It’s a really neat little thing and you walk past it several times a day and give it a work over.

Your voice is so little now, you rarely speak up unless in tanty mode. You love this book called “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” and you ask the question to any object or person you can find. You were raising your voice for See but I missed getting that on camera and now you’re pronouncing everything the same. It was very cute though.

Your favourite song is Hey Scenesters by The Cribs. You know this song as “Hey Darlin’” and theres no end to the amount of times you will listen to it. You even sing along.

I had a very sweet moment a couple of weeks ago with you. I had a rough day and you were hanging all over me as usual. You then proceeded to tell me that I have pretty hair, pretty eyes, pretty nose, pretty shirt etc… and that you love me so much. You really know how to make someone feel special and important and you made my day.

Love you bunches, sweetheart

Love Mummy
xoxoxox
2

Panther died peacefully today after his lunch.

Goodbye Panther