Family Notebook

Dearest Zane,

This is the last letter I’ll be writing to you before you turn ONE. You’re such a big boy, yet still very much a baby.

The best, big boy thing you currently do is push your cars around and make a VROOM noise. You’re very much into Thomas the Tank Engine, too. If we ask “wheres Thomas?” you have a look around for him. You’ve also started standing for long periods of time unassisted. Hooray! I do think you’re a little scared to walk, you’ve had so many accidents with being an early cruiser.

You’ve recently learned how to play ball. This is a big hit with your big sister who has been waiting for what seems like a lifetime to really play with you. You get up on your knees and throw the ball into the ground with all your might. You do round and round the garden and squeal with delight.

We also celebrated your very first Easter this month. You woke up nice and early to chocolate and toys. After playing with your new truck, big sister opened one of her chocolates and you were hooked. Sadly, after two bites the experience was over for you and the meltdown for more chocolate began. Throw down tantrum doesn’t quite describe your reaction. Baby, you’re going to be trouble.

Later in the day we went for brunch at The Marriott with some of our friends. You were doted on and fed more goodies behind my back, but you had a fantastic time.

I could write all day about the things you do. The smell of your hair, your amazing smile, the way you love to play with the velcro on your shoes, how you crawl so fast while laughing when I chase you. Zane, you’re amazing.

xox Mummy

Dearest Zany Zoo,

Go on. I’ll wait. Roll around the floor laughing at your geek of a mother, but keep in mind it was your big sister who started the Zany Zoo trend when we checked out a library book, titled Zany Zoo. Its cute. One day if/when you’re a daddy, or uncle, or any male figure to a small child you’ll stop teasing me.

I’ll get on with it…

At the very start of the month I was over the moon that you decided that sleeping on top of my arm all night long got uncomfortable. You happily went into your own bed, I was able to roll over. Things were looking up!

Soon enough, you started teething. It was a long time coming but I was happy to hold onto my little gummy shark as long as I could. I packed and prepared to make our journey back to India. You cried. You gummed your fingers. I felt bad. Eventually on January 19th you added two new pearly whites to your melt-any-heart grin.

As our life in Australia drew to an end, we packed in as many activities as possible. You rode with your sister in as many shopping center rides as possible, chowed down on Aussie cuisine, fought over soda cans with your buddy Jacob (why do I buy you toys?) and took a big paddle in a canoe. You tasted sand, played by the shore and soaked everything up.

On the 26th of January, we celebrated Australia Day. In true Aussie fashion, we dined on BBQ’ed meat, lamingtons, cheezels and chocolate. We spent hours in the pool. We decked you out in sun safe gear but your little cheeks looked a bit pink by the end of the day. I felt awful.

February 4th was the day that you got your first big boy hair cut. Daddy took you to the hairdresser - Cousin Fiona - and you sat in Grandma’s lap while she tamed your baby mullet. It wasn’t too bad and I was happy that you came back without a shaved head, mohawk or something equally crazy for a baby boy that only your father could justify. You looked handsome and not too much older.

On the 9th, you had your first ever flight. We stopped by Nan & Pop’s house before we made it to the airport just in the nick of time. Grandma and Grandpa were going to miss your crazy shouting and your funny little ways. Tearss were shed, hugs were given and we made it through security just in time to throw up on Daddy. Your reflux, or whatever it was, had been under control for quite some time but you have a knack for surprising us.

We walked toward the plane, waving to Grandma, Grandpa and the Kirkman Family. I got you “settled” and buckled in, you don’t like to be restrained. You were grizzly before the plane left the tarmack but we survived, you did ok, I suppose. That night we had dinner with Aunty Ally and Uncle Mark. You were very out of sorts and just wanted to go back to the place you knew as home, Grandma and Grandpa’s house. You refused to eat much and eventually we settled you into a port-a-cot for a few hours.

The next day we had a quick lunch with Aunty Ally, then prepared for our big flight to Singapore. You enjoyed the hotel room, all that space and a phone within reaching distance.
The flight to Singapore was relatively uneventful. You played in front of our seats for a long time, slept for a while - no longer than 10 minutes in the bassinette provided, killing mummy’s back is top priority. You were good. You did very well and I didn’t feel like the 8.5 hours we spent confined to our dingy little spot in Economy class were a living hell.

We arrived in Singapore late at night and after we checked into the hotel, we took a midnight stroll down Orchard Road seeking ice cream for your big sister, Mc Nugget for you. The night was rough but the next day we were feeling ambitious and visited Sentosa Island. It rained on and off but you were good in your bjorn carrier, worn mostly by Daddy. You saw the Pink Dolphin Show, fish, stingrays, sharks and a whole lot more when we went through the tunnel.
You ate singaporean food for lunch, which you loved. Afterwards you napped while we went on Luge rides and for a look around.

That night you missed the night safari, which means you missed out on seeing “Marty, Gloria, Melman and Alex!!!!!” according to Ria. I couldn’t have expected you to stay awake, it was a lot of getting used to for you.

Another rough night passed, another day began. We visited the Science Museum and then some old friends from India. Day 3 was spent relaxing and strolling around, wasting time before the journey to India.

On the plane to India you played quietly with a pack of cards after crying on and off through the airport, eventually napping in your stroller. You slept for a couple of hours and then after we landed, immigrated and found our baggage, you met your Dadima, Dadaji, Uncle Rupen and Rahul Kaka for the first time. You didn’t warm up to them at first but they won you over in not too much time. Baa was over the moon, we were all happy to be home.

xx Mummy

Dearest Zane,

You’re half a year old! Soon enough we’ll be celebrating your birthday.
You love, love food. We’re doing something called Baby led weaning which means you get to munch on solid food. You love bikkies and watermelon the best. Broccoli gets beaten to a pulp.

After a couple of weeks doing “the worm” you mastered crawling. You look a bit like a praying mantis as you rigidly move along to anything in your site. Ria’s barbie car and cooking supplies are often the target, as well as the Christmas tree.

You can also pull yourself up into a standing position. What???? Ria didn’t do this until close to her 1st birthday. wow. You are trouble.

Still no constant words. It sounds like you say “no” and “mum” when you’re upset…interesting combo. You’ve done this since you were born so they don’t count.
Yoou love the heated pool and bath. You love chewing on the bath letters and Ria keeps you entertained. Its our favourite time of day, second to bed time

We also reached our 6 month breastfeeding milestone! Well done, little mate.

We adore you.

Love Mummy
xox

For my little bear,

Grandpa has dubbed you the Whale Caller. We took you and your sister out on a boat, you were all smiles until we spent a very long time bobbing up and down in the ocean waiting for the whales to show up. You got bored, hungry and tired which in Zane language, translates to “WAAAAHHHH”. And guess who showed up to check you out? Two very big humpback whales. They sprayed you; you cried. They left; you lured them back in. We ended up having to leave them because the next charter was about to begin. The captain personally thanked you for your wailing

Ria had her 4th birthday party at Jumbo’s playland. You dressed up as Jack Skellington to match the Pirate theme. You were incredibly cute and had a blast watching the other children while the parents played pass the parcel with you.

You can not be trusted to stay in one place anymore. We leave you for a second and you’ve rolled right across the lounge room floor. Nappy changes are a new challenge, let me tell you! Staying still is no longer an option, what ever will we do with all the hazards around you? Mummy and Daddy’s engagement picture is the best thing to go after, as well as the prongs poking out from under the coffee table.

Our crunchy attached parenting lifestyle is going well. You still love to feed around the clock and you’re a mamas boy. Your little cloth butt is incredibly cute, I’m finding it hard not to buy every pattern available. Some days are worse than others with your reflux but you’re generally a happy little fellow.

We love you so much and your daddy misses you every day

xx Mummy

Dear Zane,

You are 3 months and 1 day old!

This month has been wonderful. You’re so much more alert, smiley and slightly more vocal. You can blow rasperries and you’re trying so hard to roll over.
You’re still a little guy but I’m not complaining! I love my tiny little snuggler.
Still no sleeping through the night, come on baby! You did a 5hr stretch once and I will admit that last night was slightly better.

You had your first trip by the river last weekend. You loved taking in all the sights and warm rays on your back. Listening to the birdies makes you happy. You tried so hard to laugh at one of our friends, I’m sure it will happen in no time.

We’ve had a couple of play dates with your new friend Jacob who is a few months older than you, I think you enjoyed it but probably not as much as me.

For every week you’re happy, you have a day that you’re inconsolable. Those days are hard and I chalk it up to growth spurts. This week you have a cold, it makes me so sad to hear you sniffling, coughing and sneezing but hopefully you’re on the mend now.

You are now a mama’s boy through and through. Not many other people can hold you for long before you start wailing to come back to me. No problem, kiddo! We’re attached at the hip and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

There are only 3 little Millia spots left on your face now, your skin looks so lovely and smooth. Its a slight olive colour which is a little darker than your big sister’s was. You’re one handsome little fella with a brand new hair cut you got yesterday from cousin Fiona.

Just like your sister, you had a little duck tail at the back that was in need of a trim. We call your new cut the Good Boy ‘do. It looks so much better.

We’ve also discovered you are a sensitive little soul. You have a comfort zone and don’t like change very much. When we put you in your new bumbo seat today you were easily startled, not something I had expected & when Daddy read a new book tonight you put out your lip every time Mr McGee said “owww eeee!” about the biting flea.

So, happy 3 months little guy!
We all love you so much

Love,

Mummy
xoxox

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

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

Dear Ria,

I’ve started combining your monthly letters from time to time so here is what you’ve been up to in your 20th & 21st month.

Last month something very special arrived for you. Daddy was very excited, he went and picked it out and convinced me to take it home for us. What was it? Your very own overly pink little car. It’s a very good thing it came with a remote control because you aren’t so good with the steering yet. You’ve been zooming around the apartment at lightning speed ever since.

Your friend Natalie turned 2 on the 6th of June and we had a great time at her party. I have to admit, I’m a little bit of a neat freak when it comes to you so it pained me to see you ruining your lovely clothes in the sand pit and on the grass. I guess I have to let go at some point anyway, you’re a little girl now and you should be able to run around carefree, and that’s what you did. Natalie had a Spot cake and as usual, you were a huge fan of the icing.

In June was also Daddy’s 27th Birthday. We got up nice and early…well, I should say that YOU decided to get up at the crack of dawn, and we made him a card with some of my left over scrapbooking bits and pieces. You did an excellent job with the stickers as I imagined you would. We had a nice day together, you, Daddy and me. I know you put in extra snuggles and kisses too.

We’ve done lots of crafts and drawing lately and you’re getting very good. I have your little bits of artwork up and you’re so proud of it all. Daddy actually thinks they could be framed and be abstract masterpieces, maybe we could use you as our cash cow?

Another big surprise you got was a package from Grandma and Grandpa in Australia. They sent you all sorts of goodies, Cheese and Bacon Balls being your favorite, your Mr. Happy from Christmas returned, although you have forgotten who he is now, and lots more. You sat with the postal box and dug right in. Daddy was snapping away and I was fishing all the squashed Cheese and Bacon Balls out of our bed.

Unfortunately after Monsoon Season hit, we all got colds. Daddy was “dying” for a couple of weeks and you kept getting the backlash of it all when everyone seemed to have gotten over it. I felt terrible for you with your little runny nose and cough. You spent many nights snuggling in our bed so I could keep an eye on you. Thankfully it passed rather quickly.

In the midst of Daddy’s throat infection saga, you and I managed to go to Stephen’s 4th birthday party. This time I dressed you in clothes you could tear around in and therefore I got to relax. Stephen wasn’t too impressed when you started to poke holes in his cake before he got to cut it but nobody could keep you back once you were in.

After the party we had quite the worried scare. A baby who attended got Chicken Pox and I was worried it would be passed on to you! We went back and forth on getting the immunization for you but at the end of the day we didn’t get it done and touch wood, you’re still chicken pock free.

Now, for some super exciting news…On July 10th, daddy went and fixed the deal on an apartment we were looking at! Its being built brand new and has lots of space for us all. Its on the 6th floor and we are number 602. It’s called Lanco Hills and it will be just around the corner from where we hope to send you to school. You will have a swimming pool, tennis courts, lots of places to run around on, a cinema and so much more. We can see you being very happy in your new home. You’ve already agreed on having a pink bedroom, but I’m sure that will change in the 2 years we’ll be waiting to move in.

While browsing around in the book store last week, I came across your favorite book “Goodnight Moon” with a little toy bunny just like the one in the story. I snatched it up immediately of course and now you can’t get enough of both the book and ‘Benny’ the bunny. You bite his ears and take him for walks and best of all, you make him Hop Hop Hop along. I think you and Benny will be inseparable for a long time.

You are finally getting your bottom 2 year old Molars, leaving just the top 2 to go and we’ll be teething free! But its not all happy…you bumped your tooth on the crib and now your chip on your right front tooth is even bigger. I know these things happen but the more they do, the more I feel like the worst mummy ever. Luckily that tooth will fall out someday.

On the 23rd, your good friend Taylor and his mummy Athena left to go home to America. We had lunch and said our goodbyes which was very hard. I think it will be a long time before you stop asking if you can go and play with Taylor, the two of you had such a great time playing together. Hopefully we can visit him and his baby brother or sister in Seattle sometime.

So now, the countdown to your 2nd birthday begins….