My children are polite. No kidding...they are and maybe a little toooooooooooooo much these days. I dont know how they got here but sometimes I wish (I know...I'm mad) they weren't this polite.
It would start off like this...
Vaibhav- Sorry Shriya for accidentally touching your toe
Shriya- Never, mind!Sorry for keeping my toe out of my shoe
Vaibhav- Amma, sorry for not saying sorry immediately
Me- Vaibhav, thats OK! And please you guys don't have to apologize this much for something as simple as grazing a toe, ok???
Vaibhav- Ok, Sorry for saying Sorry, ma!
Grrrrrrrr....and that was just one sample. They are like the manners police. When we were in India they would constantly have their antennae tuned to find who's slipping a bit. The absolute heights was when these two went and offered a poor old beggar some money and made him say 'Thank You'!!! Of course they promptly muttered a 'You are welcome'!
Grandpas, great grannies...no one is spared. I've told them to please mind their own manners and leave everybody else out of it. They tell me "But amma, we ARE minding ours. How can we say 'You are Welcome' if the other person does not say a 'Thank You'?
Autumns here!!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Aaaaw....my little boy's last week in kindergarten
It doesn't bother him one bit. In fact he tells me "I'm not going to miss kindy ma, I'm soooo excited about going to BIG school".
But I AM so going to miss Vaibhav being in kindergarten. I'm going to miss walking the 15 minutes and dropping both kids off at school with a tight hug and a wet kiss. I'm going to miss spending the mornings with both of them. I'm going to especially miss my darling boy being little.
Big school is definitely going to rob my son of whatever little babyhood that is remaining in him. He will be interacting with other boys....he'll learn to be tough, he'll learn bloopers(I cringe at the thought of it) and he'll behave like a big boy.He has already requested me to call him 'dude'!! When I asked him if he knew what it meant he innocently replied that all the big boys called each other that :-)
What can I say? Its been a week of mixed feelings. I am happy for him that he's going to start an exciting new journey at ACS. At the same time, my eyes well up when I think that this is the end of a phase.3 years have flown by. We've had beautiful moments. Vaibhav's first day in kindergarten, his first sports day, his first school outings were all as thrilling for us as for him. My heart still misses a beat when I think of those first two weeks in kindergarten when he screamed and cried and begged for me to be present in his classroom.
My sweetheart, I'm as emotional as you are excited. I'm just trying to hold on to something that I can't. You will grow up but will also always, always be my baby. So, the next time when you are with your friends and I happen to call you by one of your many petnames...please bear with me!
But I AM so going to miss Vaibhav being in kindergarten. I'm going to miss walking the 15 minutes and dropping both kids off at school with a tight hug and a wet kiss. I'm going to miss spending the mornings with both of them. I'm going to especially miss my darling boy being little.
Big school is definitely going to rob my son of whatever little babyhood that is remaining in him. He will be interacting with other boys....he'll learn to be tough, he'll learn bloopers(I cringe at the thought of it) and he'll behave like a big boy.He has already requested me to call him 'dude'!! When I asked him if he knew what it meant he innocently replied that all the big boys called each other that :-)
What can I say? Its been a week of mixed feelings. I am happy for him that he's going to start an exciting new journey at ACS. At the same time, my eyes well up when I think that this is the end of a phase.3 years have flown by. We've had beautiful moments. Vaibhav's first day in kindergarten, his first sports day, his first school outings were all as thrilling for us as for him. My heart still misses a beat when I think of those first two weeks in kindergarten when he screamed and cried and begged for me to be present in his classroom.
My sweetheart, I'm as emotional as you are excited. I'm just trying to hold on to something that I can't. You will grow up but will also always, always be my baby. So, the next time when you are with your friends and I happen to call you by one of your many petnames...please bear with me!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Crafty we get!
Shriya and Vaibhav are totally into art and craft activities these days. A piece of paper, scissors and a bit of crayon can calm them down as much as a cuddle, book or nap! They received so many art & craft related gifts this year. Such thoughtful and fun stuff that they immensely enjoyed!
Here are a few that they've tried their hand at....
Vaibhav's Spoon art
Fairy Art------- and the results
Shriya's own diary
Early Learning Centre (ELC) has a fascinating collection of craft ideas for little ones. I find them extremely calming, a great way to bond with the kids and an interesting way to spend an afternoon indoors.
Warning Hazard: You could get hooked on to these a little more than your kids which could irritate them :-)
Here are a few that they've tried their hand at....
Vaibhav's Spoon art
Fairy Art------- and the results
Early Learning Centre (ELC) has a fascinating collection of craft ideas for little ones. I find them extremely calming, a great way to bond with the kids and an interesting way to spend an afternoon indoors.
Warning Hazard: You could get hooked on to these a little more than your kids which could irritate them :-)
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Too much birthday fun!
November has been a spate of birthdays! My calendar for this month is full of the kids' social engagements!! This week was the worst with 5 birthdays!
It was all heralded by Shriya's own which was thankfully a straight forward picnic party for her 4th! A few of her close buddies, homemade snacks+store bought pizza, books for return favors and endless fun at the botanical gardens. They had a blast- feeding the birds and fish, playing tag, blowing bubbles.
Now, don't get me wrong...we love birthday parties....the whole joy of choosing the right present to enjoying the fun games and food! The kids have a whale of a time!
There are parties thrown by school friends, kids of our friends, friends of our friends, building friends ( and we've moved thrice but still have a warm spot for our old buddies)!!When they were younger it was an average of 2 birthdays a month which was just nice. And then of course, there were the dry months when there were none and we had more time for picnics and parks. Now, there are just too many that we have to carefully plan the logistics.My husband and I actually take turns to ferry the kids and back just so we have time for OUR stuff.
And then there are the trips to the toy stores and choices to make. Toys R Us Vs ELC (Early Learning Centre) , Fun toy Vs Learning Toy, Toy Vs Book, Book Vs Clothes!!
And the parties are no longer as simple as they were too. The kids have been to parties held at soccer fields, indoor play gyms and outdoor science labs! They come back super exhausted, irritable, sweaty and too tired for anything else.
Too much of anything is never good and birthday fun it has been...a little too much! Soooo wish that we could space them all out throughout the year and savour each at leisure!
It was all heralded by Shriya's own which was thankfully a straight forward picnic party for her 4th! A few of her close buddies, homemade snacks+store bought pizza, books for return favors and endless fun at the botanical gardens. They had a blast- feeding the birds and fish, playing tag, blowing bubbles.
Now, don't get me wrong...we love birthday parties....the whole joy of choosing the right present to enjoying the fun games and food! The kids have a whale of a time!
There are parties thrown by school friends, kids of our friends, friends of our friends, building friends ( and we've moved thrice but still have a warm spot for our old buddies)!!When they were younger it was an average of 2 birthdays a month which was just nice. And then of course, there were the dry months when there were none and we had more time for picnics and parks. Now, there are just too many that we have to carefully plan the logistics.My husband and I actually take turns to ferry the kids and back just so we have time for OUR stuff.
And then there are the trips to the toy stores and choices to make. Toys R Us Vs ELC (Early Learning Centre) , Fun toy Vs Learning Toy, Toy Vs Book, Book Vs Clothes!!
And the parties are no longer as simple as they were too. The kids have been to parties held at soccer fields, indoor play gyms and outdoor science labs! They come back super exhausted, irritable, sweaty and too tired for anything else.
Too much of anything is never good and birthday fun it has been...a little too much! Soooo wish that we could space them all out throughout the year and savour each at leisure!
Happy Birthday sweetheart!
Shriya's turning 4 on the 29th of October!
As the second born, we wanted her to be the baby, wanted her to lisp, wanted her to grow up slowly. But our little girl was never really a baby ever.And maybe because she's always had her older brother to look up to and ape, she's been in quite a tearing hurry to grow up. Its only when we look back at pictures and compare her with little ones who are 2 and 3 now, do we realize that she has always been way too put-together, very mature and super talkative.
Shriya coolly skipped the baby books and enjoyed listening to the Arthur series and Berenstain bears series which I would read to her brother. Sometimes guiltily, I would pick a baby book (Spot series etc) and read to her and all she would say was "easy, peasy, lemon squeezy book nana"! If her brother watched Barney at 3, Shriya at 3, watched Little Einsteins and Garfield since her brother had already moved on. The other day I had a Barney craving( never thought that day would come) and wanted to hear some of the familiar songs. Both my imps chorused "baaaaaby stuff"! They choose similar books, watch similar shows, play with a common set of friends and entertain each other oh so beautifully when I'm not with them.
At two, she sang her way to our hearts- in Tamil, English, Mandarin and even one in Malay! At three she was telling everybody what to do and what not to do (especially her older brother)- who once told her "Shriya, please remember that YOU are NOT my mother". At four what will she do?
Oh, she has it all planned out. "When I'm 4, I want to go to ballet class and karate class and have my first sleepover (god save me!), learn multi- lip-lication like anna, buy a pink watch and my own bottle of purple nail polish with my own money"!
My little girl, you've added tons and tons of joy to our lives. Hope you have a blast at your birthday picnic. Enjoy every minute of this year.....make the most of 4!
As the second born, we wanted her to be the baby, wanted her to lisp, wanted her to grow up slowly. But our little girl was never really a baby ever.And maybe because she's always had her older brother to look up to and ape, she's been in quite a tearing hurry to grow up. Its only when we look back at pictures and compare her with little ones who are 2 and 3 now, do we realize that she has always been way too put-together, very mature and super talkative.
Shriya coolly skipped the baby books and enjoyed listening to the Arthur series and Berenstain bears series which I would read to her brother. Sometimes guiltily, I would pick a baby book (Spot series etc) and read to her and all she would say was "easy, peasy, lemon squeezy book nana"! If her brother watched Barney at 3, Shriya at 3, watched Little Einsteins and Garfield since her brother had already moved on. The other day I had a Barney craving( never thought that day would come) and wanted to hear some of the familiar songs. Both my imps chorused "baaaaaby stuff"! They choose similar books, watch similar shows, play with a common set of friends and entertain each other oh so beautifully when I'm not with them.
At two, she sang her way to our hearts- in Tamil, English, Mandarin and even one in Malay! At three she was telling everybody what to do and what not to do (especially her older brother)- who once told her "Shriya, please remember that YOU are NOT my mother". At four what will she do?
Oh, she has it all planned out. "When I'm 4, I want to go to ballet class and karate class and have my first sleepover (god save me!), learn multi- lip-lication like anna, buy a pink watch and my own bottle of purple nail polish with my own money"!
My little girl, you've added tons and tons of joy to our lives. Hope you have a blast at your birthday picnic. Enjoy every minute of this year.....make the most of 4!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Thanking every single blessing and more
Last week, Vaibhav and Shriya were down with nasty virals. Their temperatures fluctuated all the way till 104 and the poor things braved their way through an awful time. They were complaining of limb aches and headaches and all kinds of never-before -mentioned aches and pains!
One night suddenly Shriya developed some blood clots on her leg and was writhing in pain. V was down with the fever and my husband was away on work. I had no clue where S might have developed the clot... not that I remember her banging into anything. I googled and browsed and finally panicked. What if the clot had something to with the fever and pain??
It was midnight, Sunday. I first called for a cab. Then packed stuff for Shriya, bundled her up, left V with the housekeeper and took the waiting cab to the children's hospital. The hospital was busy and bustling even at that time. The nurses swiftly checked her temp (it had shot up again) and administered a dose of paractamol. After blood tests, we were taken to a doc who already had the results!! She assured us that everything was normal and that it could all just be a bad case of a viral relapse.
I heaved a huge sigh of relief!
What I went through those few hours are inexplicable. How much we take for granted. Kids playing, laughing, talking....everything is a wonder. And yet, we casually view them as normal. Anything not 'abnormal', we treat as 'normal' but never as 'wonderful'. That night, hearing Shriya question the doctors/nurses in her sweet, clear voice reminded me of everything I'm thankful for.
I am grateful to the taxi drivers who at anytime in Singapore will arrive at your doorstep and help you out like gentlemen. Where else would I get medical services in a jiffy on a Sunday night? So thankful that I can return home even at 4am without a worry!
So thankful for every blessing, little and big and everything in-between!
One night suddenly Shriya developed some blood clots on her leg and was writhing in pain. V was down with the fever and my husband was away on work. I had no clue where S might have developed the clot... not that I remember her banging into anything. I googled and browsed and finally panicked. What if the clot had something to with the fever and pain??
It was midnight, Sunday. I first called for a cab. Then packed stuff for Shriya, bundled her up, left V with the housekeeper and took the waiting cab to the children's hospital. The hospital was busy and bustling even at that time. The nurses swiftly checked her temp (it had shot up again) and administered a dose of paractamol. After blood tests, we were taken to a doc who already had the results!! She assured us that everything was normal and that it could all just be a bad case of a viral relapse.
I heaved a huge sigh of relief!
What I went through those few hours are inexplicable. How much we take for granted. Kids playing, laughing, talking....everything is a wonder. And yet, we casually view them as normal. Anything not 'abnormal', we treat as 'normal' but never as 'wonderful'. That night, hearing Shriya question the doctors/nurses in her sweet, clear voice reminded me of everything I'm thankful for.
I am grateful to the taxi drivers who at anytime in Singapore will arrive at your doorstep and help you out like gentlemen. Where else would I get medical services in a jiffy on a Sunday night? So thankful that I can return home even at 4am without a worry!
So thankful for every blessing, little and big and everything in-between!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Golu Galata!
Gosh!!The past 9 days have been a whirlwind of activity! Sarees, pavadais, sundals, visits....lots of excitement! For once, V & S had their mid-term break during a festival (or atleast during the beginning of one)! They were as always very enthusiastic about setting up the golu, adding their own special touches to it.
In the midst of visiting and greeting friends, I gave a dance performance for which I had been sweating it out during rehearsals for the last 1 month. The kids were seeing me perform live for the first time and were completely enthralled! Vaibhav brought all his friends backstage to see his amma who looks 'scary from near' with all that makeup. A bunch of 5 year olds giggled away while some others dared to come closer just to make sure it was only 'Vaibhav's mom'!
We did maximum golu visits this year and had the most number of people visiting us too. Shriya dutifully gave away the vethalai pakku and the lovely bags we had lugged back from pudhu mandapam, Madurai! Another aspect of our golu visits that I loved was the immediate willingness to sing. Both of them sang at every golu without any inhibitions and cared a damn if anybody listened to it or not.After all that Navratri frenzy I'm now busy tending to two sick children. The poor things are very hungover from Navratri and I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that they are up and about before the Diwali mania hits us!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Some mid-autumn fun!
Last week, I took part in a lovely traditional Chinese celebration welcoming the moon-lady and eating delicious moon cakes made by my children! I was at school with my two kids enjoying the mid-autumn festivities. We saw lots of ultra cute ( little ones yawning away on stage, waving busily instead of singing, just grinning) performances and learned a lot of Chinese mythology and stories behind the festival.
Suddenly I felt a tug at my arm. Vaibhav was pulling, dragging, shoving me in front of some lady I did not know. So, after the customary ' hellos' and idle chitchat we were a little tongue tied. And then my son nudged me hard and whispered that he wanted me to take down the lady's number!!!WHAT? Why?? "Amma, she's the mother of xxxx, a very good friend of mine. I like her a lot"!! Oh, ok, so you want some girl's number but realize you are too young to ask for it or for that matter jot down several numbers at one go and hence need my help! Noted the number and invited V little's friend for a playdate. Was rewarded with a wet kiss on both cheeks by my little son.
A little later..the same tug and shoving. I was more prepared this time and could see myself being pushed in the direction of some strange man. My senses told me to dig in my heels and was I glad that I did. The man was a traditional Pakistani dad accompanying his daughter surrounded by more Pakistani dads. I had no intention of causing sacrilege by shaking hands with a Muslim man and shock him by asking for his number!
V, I absolutely love it that you are confident enough to introduce two strangers and go after what you want. I admire your enthusiasm and your fearless approach towards everything. Wait a few years....you can get all the numbers you want of all the girls you fancy. You wont need me then. But a bit of friendly advice...always stay away from big, grumpy looking dads!
Suddenly I felt a tug at my arm. Vaibhav was pulling, dragging, shoving me in front of some lady I did not know. So, after the customary ' hellos' and idle chitchat we were a little tongue tied. And then my son nudged me hard and whispered that he wanted me to take down the lady's number!!!WHAT? Why?? "Amma, she's the mother of xxxx, a very good friend of mine. I like her a lot"!! Oh, ok, so you want some girl's number but realize you are too young to ask for it or for that matter jot down several numbers at one go and hence need my help! Noted the number and invited V little's friend for a playdate. Was rewarded with a wet kiss on both cheeks by my little son.
 |
| With Chang-Er, the moon-lady! |
V, I absolutely love it that you are confident enough to introduce two strangers and go after what you want. I admire your enthusiasm and your fearless approach towards everything. Wait a few years....you can get all the numbers you want of all the girls you fancy. You wont need me then. But a bit of friendly advice...always stay away from big, grumpy looking dads!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
My little hero!
Vaibhav lives, eats, sleeps and breathes SUPER HEROES! My son, like so many other little boys, has deeply fallen in love with all those guys wearing their underwear as outer wear (with the exception of Lord Krishna..Oh Yes, Krishna is a super duper hero)!
Me: Vaibhs, what is your ambition (random question just to use the word 'ambition' which they had learned recently)?
V: I want to be a superhero
Me: Why?
V: To help people
Me: But you can help people even as a doctor, firefighter or policemanV: But we don't say WOW to our doctor or the policeman and anyways they wear 'ordinary' clothes. I want to wear a superhero costume and rescue people from big dangers
Vaibhav has a Spiderman costume and mask, Superman costume and cape, Incredibles suit complete
with the goggles and a Transformers suit (very sweetly loaned to him by one of his favourite aunties)! Vaibhav made the goggles himself and not just that he made one for his Dad, me and Shriya too! Why? "The Incredibles are a 'family'and they are all superheroes"! And so just to humour him, we all wore those very uncomfortable goggle-like-masks and pretended to test our unique super powers!Everyday he will sweetly ask me if he can wear a costume to school and everyday I'll have to ask him to wait for Halloween or a special celebration at school. And not happy with just the costume he now gets his sister to roll wads of newspaper which he will then stuff under his costume- "Only until I get real muscles, ma!"
Two weeks ago, Vaibhs got his first taste of Bollywood through 'Krishh'. He was dazzled! And his verdict- "Fiiiinally there is a real super hero. I know that Batman and the Incredibles are all only cartoon characters. Krishh is just awesome !! Also, amma, I really think that aunty (I'm guessing Priyanka Chopra...but could very well be Rekha) is very pretty"!!!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
India...again!
We just got back from....yes...another trip to India! This time it was for my MILs 60th. We all had a great time catching up with the extended family and enjoying the celebrations.The kids particularly had a blast as they got to bond with first cousins , second cousins and third cousins (!!!). And V&S being V&S, extended their arms out to everyone and enveloped everybody with their undisguised love and affection. I was touched to see them laugh and play with absolute strangers ( my MIL's cousins kids!!) whom they proudly introduced to everyone as their 'cousins'!
We travelled to a few temples and I was naturally a wee bit concerned about how the kids would take the travel and 'long waits' to see the deities. The kids completely stunned me with their attitudes and reactions. We had to travel by train ( crazy timings!), stay in a relative's home, use public loos, wait looong queues and eat our meals whenever time permitted! Not a complaint, not a groan...no tantrums over wet bathrooms and the lack of tissues ( I've seen friends' kids pull a long face over these).Just child-like excitement and awe at getting a blessing from the temple elephant, feeding the temple cows, dancing through the temple corridors and stretching out little palms umpteen times for the 'theertham'!
The trip was such a joyous one thanks to the kids and their innocent joys! Loved every minute with my best travel buddies!
We travelled to a few temples and I was naturally a wee bit concerned about how the kids would take the travel and 'long waits' to see the deities. The kids completely stunned me with their attitudes and reactions. We had to travel by train ( crazy timings!), stay in a relative's home, use public loos, wait looong queues and eat our meals whenever time permitted! Not a complaint, not a groan...no tantrums over wet bathrooms and the lack of tissues ( I've seen friends' kids pull a long face over these).Just child-like excitement and awe at getting a blessing from the temple elephant, feeding the temple cows, dancing through the temple corridors and stretching out little palms umpteen times for the 'theertham'!
The trip was such a joyous one thanks to the kids and their innocent joys! Loved every minute with my best travel buddies!
Monday, September 6, 2010
The Best Is Yet To Be!
Three years have whizzed past and its soon going to be time for Vaibhav to start ‘big school’!!Kindergarten seemed like a big deal to me just a while ago….how will the kindy teachers treat my baby, will my little one miss me too much???? And now, my little big boy is going to be in a school where he definitely wont be treated like a baby for sure and as for missing me too much….I‘ll be glad if he even manages to think of home once in-between the excitement of new friends and flurry of activities
After a nerve wracking, intense registration process we can now heave a huge sigh of relief! Vaibhav or rather we managed to get him into Anglo Chinese Junior School. A school with over 123years of History, a school that has churned out numerous success stories, a school that takes great pride in its boys!
Nope….all of this did not just happen overnight nor did it happen by chance. It was a well-thought out and carefully researched decision. We’d spoken to several ACS boys and teachers, read umpteen blogs and quite liked what we heard and saw. We visited the campus and were stunned by the facilities being offered to Grade 1 boys, we loved the range of extra curricular activities that were available for the boys to choose from. Above all, we were very impressed with the way the school groomed the boys into well-rounded gentlemen.
Big school sure is going to bring some major changes in V’s life. For starters, my slow poke will have to buck up if he wants to get to school on time which commences at 7am! He’s going to have to deal with only BOYS (might be a tad difficult for my darling who is a ladies man) and he’s going to be away from home for more than the 3 hours that he’s presently used to.
Nevertheless, Vaibhav is very kicked about being an ACSian from Jan 2011. We are thrilled that he’s going to be exposed to great opportunities. Exciting times indeed!
But as a true ACSian would say ‘The Best is Yet to Be’!
After a nerve wracking, intense registration process we can now heave a huge sigh of relief! Vaibhav or rather we managed to get him into Anglo Chinese Junior School. A school with over 123years of History, a school that has churned out numerous success stories, a school that takes great pride in its boys!
Nope….all of this did not just happen overnight nor did it happen by chance. It was a well-thought out and carefully researched decision. We’d spoken to several ACS boys and teachers, read umpteen blogs and quite liked what we heard and saw. We visited the campus and were stunned by the facilities being offered to Grade 1 boys, we loved the range of extra curricular activities that were available for the boys to choose from. Above all, we were very impressed with the way the school groomed the boys into well-rounded gentlemen.
Big school sure is going to bring some major changes in V’s life. For starters, my slow poke will have to buck up if he wants to get to school on time which commences at 7am! He’s going to have to deal with only BOYS (might be a tad difficult for my darling who is a ladies man) and he’s going to be away from home for more than the 3 hours that he’s presently used to.
Nevertheless, Vaibhav is very kicked about being an ACSian from Jan 2011. We are thrilled that he’s going to be exposed to great opportunities. Exciting times indeed!
But as a true ACSian would say ‘The Best is Yet to Be’!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Summer Hols- What fun!!
I was a little concerned that our insensitive building committee had planned to hack the playground and the swimming pool at the same time all in the name of renovation!! How awful for the kids... bang in the middle of their holidays?
It turned out to be anything but awful! The kids are having a blast!! And looking at the way their holidays were taking shape the first thing I did was put up a planner for the kids!There was way too much happening! I realized that it wasn't going to be seamless days of idling, eating and reading (my idea of a summer break)! The holidays began with a massive dinosaur themed break-up party at school which set the ball rolling! After that there were pizza parties, brunch playdates, movie-dates, cupcake decorating-date, picnics and the all -important birthday parties!!
On the days they were not too busy having fun with friends, they entertained themselves at home- decorating pumpkins ( forced to buy them these days!!), helping the helper with the housework, doing 'experiments'
( read BIGTIME vishamam), inventing new games with empty boxes and making birthday cards ( "so what if thatha's birthday is just over, we could make one for next year") !
Most times, I enjoy being a part of their action but sometimes I like to simply watch- their heads bent over the
paints, their tongues sticking out just a wee bit, their constant light-hearted banter ( a lot of it has started), their undisguised glee over small thrills!
I realize that their summer holidays will be very different from next year. For starters, Shriya who will still be in kindergarten will have a different month off as compared to her Primary school going brother. The brother would want to do 'big boy'stuff and the sister might have her own wishlist. Different summer breaks, different friends, different fun!
It's definitely the end of a Phase! So, playground or not, we are all out to make this summer as memorable as we can!
It turned out to be anything but awful! The kids are having a blast!! And looking at the way their holidays were taking shape the first thing I did was put up a planner for the kids!There was way too much happening! I realized that it wasn't going to be seamless days of idling, eating and reading (my idea of a summer break)! The holidays began with a massive dinosaur themed break-up party at school which set the ball rolling! After that there were pizza parties, brunch playdates, movie-dates, cupcake decorating-date, picnics and the all -important birthday parties!!
On the days they were not too busy having fun with friends, they entertained themselves at home- decorating pumpkins ( forced to buy them these days!!), helping the helper with the housework, doing 'experiments'
Most times, I enjoy being a part of their action but sometimes I like to simply watch- their heads bent over the
paints, their tongues sticking out just a wee bit, their constant light-hearted banter ( a lot of it has started), their undisguised glee over small thrills!
I realize that their summer holidays will be very different from next year. For starters, Shriya who will still be in kindergarten will have a different month off as compared to her Primary school going brother. The brother would want to do 'big boy'stuff and the sister might have her own wishlist. Different summer breaks, different friends, different fun!
It's definitely the end of a Phase! So, playground or not, we are all out to make this summer as memorable as we can!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Who are you Amma?
The other day Vaibhav asked me something that surprised me. But before that let me give you a bit of background. I work from home. And I work the three hours the kids are at school and another 2-3 hours after they are in bed. My meetings are always after the kids are dropped off at school. In a nutshell, the kids never see me WORK ( e-mail/FBing not counted) on the comp or do work-related stuff when they are around. They get my 100% and more and we were all enjoying the status quo... until.....Vaibhav one day thought for a while and then said "Amma, I want to be an astronaut when I grow up. And Shriya says she wants to be a doctor and help all the thathas and paatis". I said that they were both great choices and threw in a pinch of salt to the sambhar I was cooking. And then he said very worriedly "Amma,you have already grown up, what have you become?"
Hmm....so that's what they think of me. Just AMom!
The other day, somebody requested for a meeting at 11am, a time when I'm usually presiding over the lunch table and narrating stories. I almost said Sorry, we'll have to change the time and then decided not to. I dressed up in work clothes took my laptop and set off kissing goodbye to two very surprised children.
The kids took it all very well. It was I who was paranoid leaving them in the care of my housekeeper. I made umpteen calls to check if they ate alright, if they were dressed right for school, if they remembered to put on their caps......
The last call I made, my son took the phone from my housekeeper and said "Ma, we have been very good. You do well in your meeting, ok?"
Hmm....so that's what they think of me. Just AMom!
The other day, somebody requested for a meeting at 11am, a time when I'm usually presiding over the lunch table and narrating stories. I almost said Sorry, we'll have to change the time and then decided not to. I dressed up in work clothes took my laptop and set off kissing goodbye to two very surprised children.
The kids took it all very well. It was I who was paranoid leaving them in the care of my housekeeper. I made umpteen calls to check if they ate alright, if they were dressed right for school, if they remembered to put on their caps......
The last call I made, my son took the phone from my housekeeper and said "Ma, we have been very good. You do well in your meeting, ok?"
Friday, July 2, 2010
Nighty Night Sweethearts!
Tired after school, exhausted after play, my little ones rush for their warm bath before dinner and bed. I love giving them a wash especially after evening play. The cleansing ritual is very satisfying- scrubbing all the day's grime off, soaping till their skin is squeaky clean once again and finally rubbing their little bodies dry while inhaling the sweet fragrance of their skin mingled with baby soap...AaahI just love it!
And after that bath, I just have to comb their still damp hair. Vaibhav hates it and once even told me "I like my hair to look messed, ma and I'm going to bed, why does my hair have to be neat"!! My little son does not quite know that it has to be neat for me. Neatly combed hair + fresh from a bath makes every child (even the absolutely naughty ones) look endearing and utterly delicious!!
I kiss them, kiss them again, sometimes even nibble on them. Drowsy eyes stare back at me . My mind is usually swimming with thoughts from the day as I look into those innocent pools- Was it a fun day? Did we enjoy moments together or did we just rush through our routines? Was I hard on him/her? Could I have said it another way? Oh, they are still so innocent and so small!! I love them so much, I think I could burst!
And after that bath, I just have to comb their still damp hair. Vaibhav hates it and once even told me "I like my hair to look messed, ma and I'm going to bed, why does my hair have to be neat"!! My little son does not quite know that it has to be neat for me. Neatly combed hair + fresh from a bath makes every child (even the absolutely naughty ones) look endearing and utterly delicious!!
I kiss them, kiss them again, sometimes even nibble on them. Drowsy eyes stare back at me . My mind is usually swimming with thoughts from the day as I look into those innocent pools- Was it a fun day? Did we enjoy moments together or did we just rush through our routines? Was I hard on him/her? Could I have said it another way? Oh, they are still so innocent and so small!! I love them so much, I think I could burst!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Simplicity thy name is Shriya!
I am used to my son's regular requests for superhero toys, games, videos...the list is endless. He loves his toys and actually keeps abreast of what's hot and not and is adept at the fine art of 'When to strike!'. My little girl on the other hand has no wants. And no, I'm not exaggerating, she has not till date asked us for ANYTHING!! She does not want toys- "I have so many at home", she does not wish for clothes- "I already feel like a princess in these clothes" and she does not ask for junk food- because her all-time favourite snacks are steamed Idiyappams, pumpkin seeds and walnuts!
Where did I get this little blessing from? She's just this satisfied little soul who has still not had her first acquaintance with pessimism.
I: Shriya, pl don't take your drink near Amma's laptop
S: Why?
I: It could get spoiled!!
S: Don't worry ma, we can always buy a new one!!
Vaibhs and I: Shucks, we are 10 minutes late. The movie would have definitely started
S: Only 10 minutes have gone? Phew, I though we might have missed more than half the movie!!
But just because she does not want anything, I don't let her off that easily. I love buying her clothes and matching trinkets and shoes....well, basically everything that you buy when you do have a daughter! She's a great sport and will let me dress her ( except for her hair...as she says "It's my hair and I DON'T want it in a ponytail!!!) and have my fun.
Yesterday, we were out and I happened to pass a shoe store which was offering good rebates as part of the Great Singapore Sale. Naturally, I had to go in. I checked out a couple of pairs, tried on two and then decided that it wasn't that great afterall.
When we came out Shriya asked me "Why are you looking to buy some more shoes? Is your old pair broken? You already have so many. Let's not be greedy, ma"!! OUCH...that hurt! Didn't quite expect a reprimand from my 3 year old. But maybe you are right. Do I REALLY need another pair? Even if it is perfect for the new dress that I recently bought? Hmm...
Shriya, you are wonderfully refreshing in a world of wants. Your attitude, optimism and simplicity are striking now and if you nurture these traits for another couple of years, you will sparkle as part of a 'lone breed'!
Just promise to stay this way my little pet!
Where did I get this little blessing from? She's just this satisfied little soul who has still not had her first acquaintance with pessimism.
I: Shriya, pl don't take your drink near Amma's laptop
S: Why?
I: It could get spoiled!!
S: Don't worry ma, we can always buy a new one!!
Vaibhs and I: Shucks, we are 10 minutes late. The movie would have definitely started
S: Only 10 minutes have gone? Phew, I though we might have missed more than half the movie!!
But just because she does not want anything, I don't let her off that easily. I love buying her clothes and matching trinkets and shoes....well, basically everything that you buy when you do have a daughter! She's a great sport and will let me dress her ( except for her hair...as she says "It's my hair and I DON'T want it in a ponytail!!!) and have my fun.
Yesterday, we were out and I happened to pass a shoe store which was offering good rebates as part of the Great Singapore Sale. Naturally, I had to go in. I checked out a couple of pairs, tried on two and then decided that it wasn't that great afterall.
When we came out Shriya asked me "Why are you looking to buy some more shoes? Is your old pair broken? You already have so many. Let's not be greedy, ma"!! OUCH...that hurt! Didn't quite expect a reprimand from my 3 year old. But maybe you are right. Do I REALLY need another pair? Even if it is perfect for the new dress that I recently bought? Hmm...
Shriya, you are wonderfully refreshing in a world of wants. Your attitude, optimism and simplicity are striking now and if you nurture these traits for another couple of years, you will sparkle as part of a 'lone breed'!
Just promise to stay this way my little pet!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
1234 let the yucky feeling go
It poured and poured for hours! The roads were flooded and for once Singapore was a mess. We had a tough time getting to and from school. But once home, we warmed up with hot chocolate, cheese pakoras and French toast. The rain is lovely when you can enjoy it in the snugness of your home!
V suddenly sprang up from his chair to peek out through the window. “Amma, what happens to all the construction workers who are working outside?” I said that most of them continue working with raincoats and umbrellas. And yes, he did see tiny little figures in yellow moving around.
V’s face fell and he said ‘paavam, I feel like crying for them’. I hugged him and said that it was alright to feel sad but to remember that the men were working towards a purpose which was to earn as much as they could everyday back home for their families. That actually made it worse as V then started wondering about the families and the children far from their Dadas.
I explained to him that life wasn’t easy for many people. Money came with a lot of hardwork and even then not a lot of it. Of course, he had seen people begging in India. Both kids would insist that we give every passing beggar some money. We indulged them but also had to explain that some people genuinely needed the money while some others were just being naughty. After that every other beggar V saw, he would ask if they were really hungry or just plain lazy!
We want our children to be happy and successful and Emotional Intelligence plays a crucial role towards the achievement of that plan. My kids too have their mood swings. And when they get angry, we first acknowledge the feeling and then sing a song with them which goes '1234 let the yucky feeling go'. They can sing it as loud and as awfully as they want to. they let off steam and then begin to calm down. The same for excitement. At times when they get excited they go berserk. I've asked them to first give me a tiiiiight hug and show me how excited they are....and somehow this helps!
I was glad…very glad that my son actually noticed and thought about the construction workers. The very fact that he empathised and thought beyond himself and his comforts warmed my heart......a lot more than the frothy cup of cocoa in my hands!
V suddenly sprang up from his chair to peek out through the window. “Amma, what happens to all the construction workers who are working outside?” I said that most of them continue working with raincoats and umbrellas. And yes, he did see tiny little figures in yellow moving around.
V’s face fell and he said ‘paavam, I feel like crying for them’. I hugged him and said that it was alright to feel sad but to remember that the men were working towards a purpose which was to earn as much as they could everyday back home for their families. That actually made it worse as V then started wondering about the families and the children far from their Dadas.
I explained to him that life wasn’t easy for many people. Money came with a lot of hardwork and even then not a lot of it. Of course, he had seen people begging in India. Both kids would insist that we give every passing beggar some money. We indulged them but also had to explain that some people genuinely needed the money while some others were just being naughty. After that every other beggar V saw, he would ask if they were really hungry or just plain lazy!
We want our children to be happy and successful and Emotional Intelligence plays a crucial role towards the achievement of that plan. My kids too have their mood swings. And when they get angry, we first acknowledge the feeling and then sing a song with them which goes '1234 let the yucky feeling go'. They can sing it as loud and as awfully as they want to. they let off steam and then begin to calm down. The same for excitement. At times when they get excited they go berserk. I've asked them to first give me a tiiiiight hug and show me how excited they are....and somehow this helps!
I was glad…very glad that my son actually noticed and thought about the construction workers. The very fact that he empathised and thought beyond himself and his comforts warmed my heart......a lot more than the frothy cup of cocoa in my hands!
Who is this lady?
My in-laws live in Poes garden bang opposite Jayalalitha’s residence. We made umpteen trips in and out of Poes garden during our last trip and were greeted with huge posters of JJ and a host of security guards who kept close watch of the passersby. Now V had no clue who JJ was. Here’s how the conversation went…
V- Who is this?
V‘s Dad- Her name is Jayalalitha
V- How did she get so fat, did she eat a lot of junk food?
V’s Dad- Maybe or maybe she has other health problems
V- Is she very famous, how come her pictures are on the walls?
V‘s Dad- Well…in a way yes
V- I want to be famous too
V‘s Dad - OK
V - But why does she have so many policemen outside her house
V’s Dad- She has a lot of money in her house
V- Oh, did she steal the money and maybe that’s why the policemen have come to capture her??
V- Who is this?
V‘s Dad- Her name is Jayalalitha
V- How did she get so fat, did she eat a lot of junk food?
V’s Dad- Maybe or maybe she has other health problems
V- Is she very famous, how come her pictures are on the walls?
V‘s Dad- Well…in a way yes
V- I want to be famous too
V‘s Dad - OK
V - But why does she have so many policemen outside her house
V’s Dad- She has a lot of money in her house
V- Oh, did she steal the money and maybe that’s why the policemen have come to capture her??
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Dressing up for my little man
Kids tucked in. Beautiful night. Friends waiting. A and I were just stepping out when I went to check on the kids one last time before leaving. V was half awake when I kissed him. He asked me sleepily why I never wore such pretty clothes when I went out with him and why did I wear all the nice clothes only when I went out with dada!!
Hmm...never thought of it that way. I just wear what's most comfortable and sensible when I'm with the kids. Ditto for birthday parties as I'm always sure I'll get some ice cream dropped 'accidentally' right on my lap or worse still have chocolatey fingers gripping my sleeve. And also because I never really thought that it mattered. But apparently it did. Of course it did. Flashback- I remember coming home from school to a mother who was always clad in a starched and ironed cotton saree, her face washed and her bindi freshly made. Just looking at my mother made me forget my upcoming tests and already received test scores. Everything would seem possible just gazing into all that calm, fresh prettiness!
I've seen mothers lounging around in their 'kaftans'( thankful if its not torn) or worse 'nighties' while at home. Oh I agree that they maybe the most comfy clothes in which you can achieve your 1001 targets for the day. But do remember that it's also the way your kids are going to remember you by.
Following weekend, V&S were all set to have fun at their friend's birthday party. I came out wearing the 'pretty dress' that V saw me wearing the other night. I knew that a spaghetti strap chiffon thingie was most unsuitable for a 5 year old's birthday party. But the look in his eyes, I will never forget. "Amma, you are wearing your pretty clothes for ME, you look awesome"!! I felt such a thrill run through my body- inexplicable!
We dress up for our husbands, for our friends, for interviews.... for strangers. Lets start dressing up for our kids. It means a lot to them and definitely has quite an effect on them.
I have my dreams of wearing starched Bengal cotton sarees and big bindis and recreating my mom's image for my kids....well that still remains a dream. But I definitely have progressed...no more boring jeans, staid ponytails and sensible capris. A dash of lipstick even if its only down to the playground, a twirly skirt to the library....I'm thoroughly enjoying dressing up for the little man in my life!
Hmm...never thought of it that way. I just wear what's most comfortable and sensible when I'm with the kids. Ditto for birthday parties as I'm always sure I'll get some ice cream dropped 'accidentally' right on my lap or worse still have chocolatey fingers gripping my sleeve. And also because I never really thought that it mattered. But apparently it did. Of course it did. Flashback- I remember coming home from school to a mother who was always clad in a starched and ironed cotton saree, her face washed and her bindi freshly made. Just looking at my mother made me forget my upcoming tests and already received test scores. Everything would seem possible just gazing into all that calm, fresh prettiness!
I've seen mothers lounging around in their 'kaftans'( thankful if its not torn) or worse 'nighties' while at home. Oh I agree that they maybe the most comfy clothes in which you can achieve your 1001 targets for the day. But do remember that it's also the way your kids are going to remember you by.
Following weekend, V&S were all set to have fun at their friend's birthday party. I came out wearing the 'pretty dress' that V saw me wearing the other night. I knew that a spaghetti strap chiffon thingie was most unsuitable for a 5 year old's birthday party. But the look in his eyes, I will never forget. "Amma, you are wearing your pretty clothes for ME, you look awesome"!! I felt such a thrill run through my body- inexplicable!
We dress up for our husbands, for our friends, for interviews.... for strangers. Lets start dressing up for our kids. It means a lot to them and definitely has quite an effect on them.
I have my dreams of wearing starched Bengal cotton sarees and big bindis and recreating my mom's image for my kids....well that still remains a dream. But I definitely have progressed...no more boring jeans, staid ponytails and sensible capris. A dash of lipstick even if its only down to the playground, a twirly skirt to the library....I'm thoroughly enjoying dressing up for the little man in my life!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Vaibh-atim/Shriy-atim
My little imps are ALWAYS saying things that make me laugh, wonder and gape! And most times I just enjoy the moment and let it pass. But when friends and family from far ask me what they are upto or what they've been saying I'm at a loss. My mind just goes blank!
So, I decided to put down all those crazy, wacky, oh-so-true comments/questions that they come up with everyday. In the last few weeks.......
V: (very worried expression and genuinely concerned tone) Amma, who can I marry?
I: Well, there's lots of time for that and you will meet somebody real nice
V: But amma, all the good ones are already married!!! There's nobody nice left for me!!
V: How do you think Hanuman or Ganesha would look like without their costumes?
S: I'm three and three quarter, right?
I: Yes
S: And anna is five and a half right?
I: Yes
S: Three quarter is bigger than half and so I'm bigger than anna!!
V: Why do all the gods have their palm raised
I: They are blessing us Vaibhs
V: How are you so sure? To me it seems like they just want a high five!
V: I'm going to have a son
I: OK
V: you know what I'm going to name him?
I: What?
v: Tarzan Chari
V: Amma, my teacher keeps singing a song about the 9 planets
I: What's wrong with that?
V: But Pluto is no longer a planet!
S: Dont say that anna, Pluto's feelings will get hurt!!
S: I love you soooo much ma
I: Why (smugly expecting an answer like "because you take care of us etc etc")
S: Because you have a long ponytail
So, I decided to put down all those crazy, wacky, oh-so-true comments/questions that they come up with everyday. In the last few weeks.......
V: (very worried expression and genuinely concerned tone) Amma, who can I marry?
I: Well, there's lots of time for that and you will meet somebody real nice
V: But amma, all the good ones are already married!!! There's nobody nice left for me!!
V: How do you think Hanuman or Ganesha would look like without their costumes?
S: I'm three and three quarter, right?
I: Yes
S: And anna is five and a half right?
I: Yes
S: Three quarter is bigger than half and so I'm bigger than anna!!
V: Why do all the gods have their palm raised
I: They are blessing us Vaibhs
V: How are you so sure? To me it seems like they just want a high five!
V: I'm going to have a son
I: OK
V: you know what I'm going to name him?
I: What?
v: Tarzan Chari
V: Amma, my teacher keeps singing a song about the 9 planets
I: What's wrong with that?
V: But Pluto is no longer a planet!
S: Dont say that anna, Pluto's feelings will get hurt!!
S: I love you soooo much ma
I: Why (smugly expecting an answer like "because you take care of us etc etc")
S: Because you have a long ponytail
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
For Art's Sake!!
It’s the mid-term break and my kids are out of school for a week. We’ve been doing a lot of fun stuff at home keeping ourselves busy. Somedays we just go out for a couple of hours to Borders or the library and top it off with a snack before heading back home. The other day we headed towards Plaza Singapura where I heard there was to be a Transformers show of some sort. We actually made it in time and V was in 'gadget heaven' throughout the show. The spunky kid that he is, he even managed to go up on stage and dance along with the characters!
After the show the kids wanted to stop by at the Art Centre. They offer stained glass painting, sand art and rubber art for kids. Both V & S opted for the rubber art. It’s a character or figure that’s outlined in rubber which the kids have to fill in with paints and finally bake it in an oven. Quite fun!
Both kids quickly settled down and I just watched and chatted with them as they got busy. Of course in their eagerness they squeezed too much or too little or spread the paint too thin or too thick. Colors merged, paint dripped and even happily escaped the rigid rubber outlines. They squealed in delight and wonder as the yellows and blues gave out magical greens and new undiscovered shades. It was beautiful to watch - their little minds choosing the colors and their eyes concentrating on not messing up and their tongues sticking out just a wee bit (mine do that when focusing)!
We were all at peace, immersed in Art when we suddenly heard a little girl next to S point at my darling daughter’s painting and say “Yuck, your picture already wrong”. Hearing this a mother sitting next to me took a peek and shook her head in disapproval!! S’s face fell. I quickly told S loudly that her picture was beautiful, special and very creative because she had used her imagination with the colors. I also told the girl that there was no right or wrong in Art and that every picture was unique. The mother looked at me like I’d lost it!
It was then that I looked around and saw that all the other kids were sitting next to their parents merely watching and some politely assisting them. The parents were doing the pictures because they were afraid that the kids would spoil them. Even when the kids were given a turn the parents were supervising them with “Be careful”, “Aiyah, see, go out of line lah”!!
So what if a wee bit of paint strays out of the boundaries? So what if the kids mess up? So what if the colors merge? It was 6 bucks a painting afterall!! 6 bucks- can it compare to the confidence, creativity and independence that was being robbed off the kids? It definitely seems to me a very Singaporean attitude. Stick to the lines or rules. Follow the norms and do what everybody does. Obey authority unquestioningly. With attitudes like that, how can we expect creativity to spring inside our next generation? How can we ever show the world that artists are nurtured even here and however can we have new thoughts, ideas and choices enter our world?
Give your kids a chance, let them mess their artwork a bit….you never know, that could be the beginning of a lifetimes interest with colors. Let them choose and let them make mistakes- they’ll learn better and will feel great!For Art’s sake, give them the freedom to express!
In the meanwhile, V& S, please mess, mix, muck about with colors. Your paintings were definitely unique that day because it had YOU in them. All the other paintings looked boringly perfect. Anybody can do perfect, it takes an artist to do pictures!
After the show the kids wanted to stop by at the Art Centre. They offer stained glass painting, sand art and rubber art for kids. Both V & S opted for the rubber art. It’s a character or figure that’s outlined in rubber which the kids have to fill in with paints and finally bake it in an oven. Quite fun!
Both kids quickly settled down and I just watched and chatted with them as they got busy. Of course in their eagerness they squeezed too much or too little or spread the paint too thin or too thick. Colors merged, paint dripped and even happily escaped the rigid rubber outlines. They squealed in delight and wonder as the yellows and blues gave out magical greens and new undiscovered shades. It was beautiful to watch - their little minds choosing the colors and their eyes concentrating on not messing up and their tongues sticking out just a wee bit (mine do that when focusing)!
We were all at peace, immersed in Art when we suddenly heard a little girl next to S point at my darling daughter’s painting and say “Yuck, your picture already wrong”. Hearing this a mother sitting next to me took a peek and shook her head in disapproval!! S’s face fell. I quickly told S loudly that her picture was beautiful, special and very creative because she had used her imagination with the colors. I also told the girl that there was no right or wrong in Art and that every picture was unique. The mother looked at me like I’d lost it!
It was then that I looked around and saw that all the other kids were sitting next to their parents merely watching and some politely assisting them. The parents were doing the pictures because they were afraid that the kids would spoil them. Even when the kids were given a turn the parents were supervising them with “Be careful”, “Aiyah, see, go out of line lah”!!
So what if a wee bit of paint strays out of the boundaries? So what if the kids mess up? So what if the colors merge? It was 6 bucks a painting afterall!! 6 bucks- can it compare to the confidence, creativity and independence that was being robbed off the kids? It definitely seems to me a very Singaporean attitude. Stick to the lines or rules. Follow the norms and do what everybody does. Obey authority unquestioningly. With attitudes like that, how can we expect creativity to spring inside our next generation? How can we ever show the world that artists are nurtured even here and however can we have new thoughts, ideas and choices enter our world?
Give your kids a chance, let them mess their artwork a bit….you never know, that could be the beginning of a lifetimes interest with colors. Let them choose and let them make mistakes- they’ll learn better and will feel great!For Art’s sake, give them the freedom to express!
In the meanwhile, V& S, please mess, mix, muck about with colors. Your paintings were definitely unique that day because it had YOU in them. All the other paintings looked boringly perfect. Anybody can do perfect, it takes an artist to do pictures!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
India Trip- Incredible Fun
We just got back from a short, packed, super fun vacation in India. The highlight was my dad's 60th birthday celebrations followed by a week in Kodaikanal. The kids had a blast! Everyday had something exciting in store and was a great change from their daily routines in Singapore.
Appa's 60th, I thought might be a bit of a bore for the kids as it involved a lot of religious stuff and rituals. I was so wrong.
V became such a hit with the 14 odd vadyars who conducted the event. He decided to ape my dad and the vadyars in everything they did- he wore a panchakacham, wore a fake poonal, muttered the sa re ga ma a hundered times (when I asked him why, he said that he couldn't follow the mantras and because he had to say something like the others he decided to practice his sarali varisais!!!), ate from a banana leaf, ignored me and his dad completely and insisted on cuddling up with the chief vadyar!
And of course all the above was done with a good side dose of mischief. He threw the flowers not only in the sacred pyre but on the vadyars too, he poured the 'Ganga jhal' not only on his grandparents but on himself and his sister too, he insisted on serving lunch along with the caterers and gave the photographer hell (sticking his tongue in every shot)
S on the other hand was delighted with all the attention she got during the sumangali prarthanai. She called it the 'only girl's party' and was thrilled with the mehendhi, paavadai, gifts and importance! She was a great sport and sang all the bhajans and shlokas in her repertoire a zillion times to anybody who asked for it. She co-operated, participated and relished every bit of the function.
Both kids had a great time and threw themselves in every activity and enjoyed it all immensely. Such a traditional celebration, so many cherished memories, such a privilege to be a part of it- What a wonderful experience for my little boy and girl!
Appa's 60th, I thought might be a bit of a bore for the kids as it involved a lot of religious stuff and rituals. I was so wrong.
V became such a hit with the 14 odd vadyars who conducted the event. He decided to ape my dad and the vadyars in everything they did- he wore a panchakacham, wore a fake poonal, muttered the sa re ga ma a hundered times (when I asked him why, he said that he couldn't follow the mantras and because he had to say something like the others he decided to practice his sarali varisais!!!), ate from a banana leaf, ignored me and his dad completely and insisted on cuddling up with the chief vadyar!
And of course all the above was done with a good side dose of mischief. He threw the flowers not only in the sacred pyre but on the vadyars too, he poured the 'Ganga jhal' not only on his grandparents but on himself and his sister too, he insisted on serving lunch along with the caterers and gave the photographer hell (sticking his tongue in every shot)
S on the other hand was delighted with all the attention she got during the sumangali prarthanai. She called it the 'only girl's party' and was thrilled with the mehendhi, paavadai, gifts and importance! She was a great sport and sang all the bhajans and shlokas in her repertoire a zillion times to anybody who asked for it. She co-operated, participated and relished every bit of the function.
Both kids had a great time and threw themselves in every activity and enjoyed it all immensely. Such a traditional celebration, so many cherished memories, such a privilege to be a part of it- What a wonderful experience for my little boy and girl!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
I love you till....
"Amma, I love you till the clouds turn into vanilla icecream"
"Vaibhs, I love you till all the seawater turns into orangejuice"
"Amma, I love you till everybody's hair turns into spaghetti"
"V, I love you till your favourite toy becomes barbie (amma...not that grrrr)"
"Amma, I love you till the end of space, and amma space is endless,ok. Can you beat that, ma??"
And that's how it usually ends! :-)
Vaibhs, I love you more than you'll ever know. I loved you even before I knew you and even before I saw you.
But, yes, you win! And I'm so happy to lose :-)
"Vaibhs, I love you till all the seawater turns into orangejuice"
"Amma, I love you till everybody's hair turns into spaghetti"
"V, I love you till your favourite toy becomes barbie (amma...not that grrrr)"
"Amma, I love you till the end of space, and amma space is endless,ok. Can you beat that, ma??"
And that's how it usually ends! :-)
Vaibhs, I love you more than you'll ever know. I loved you even before I knew you and even before I saw you.
But, yes, you win! And I'm so happy to lose :-)
Friday, March 19, 2010
My Little Big Girl
Its been a week of playdates, trips to the library, parks and restaurants! The kids had a week off and I loved spending every minute with my two darlings. We read a lot, played even more and talked tons. Two of the playdates brought out sides in my daughter that surprised me.
Playdate 1- We had gone to the Jacob Ballas children's garden with S's classmate who is about 6 months younger than her. The kids were having a blast and playing together. Just as were siting at the cafe and relaxing, I suddenly heard S scream out in agony. I turned and my heart nearly skipped a beat. The classmate had thrown (on a whim) a heavy stone at S and it had hit her forehead causing it to bleed and swell rapidly.
After hours of applying an ice pack and a heavy dose of paracetamol, S was slowly getting back to being herself. Just then her grandparents came on Skype and were very bothered to see their baby's forehead in the condition that it was. They asked her what happened and told her to stay away from naughty kids to which my little big girl said "No, he's not a naughty boy, thatha. He's still learning. He didn't really mean to hurt me, ok?"
I was proud, amazed and thrilled to hear that she had so much love and forgiveness in her. At 3, such a mature approach was not what I'd expected. I thought she would say "Amma, I'm never playing with him again for hurting me like this".
I was humbled.
Playdate 2- A girl my daughter's age came home one afternoon. My son, the natural leader that he is was trying to organize a game with his sister and the visiting friend. And naturally, he was extra kind to the guest asking her preference and making her feel very much at home. S, my daughter, usually very friendly and sweet was not in her element. For some reason she turned her back on the guest. And the more she ignored the guest, the more attention she got from my son. And at one point he even gave her a peck on her cheek to cheer her up. That was the final straw! My daughter sulked, threw a little tantrum and refused to play.
I let her be discarding it as 'cranky behaviour' and asked my son to play with the friend.
After the guest had left, I had a chat with S about 'treating guests' etc. Her eyes welled up, her lips wobbled and then it all came out like a torrent. "I dont want anna to like any other girl. Anna loves her more than me, he's MY brother!!"And she cried her heart out. Aaw...my little girl was experiencing jealousy for the first time.
She is her anna's girl alright and will walk to the end of the world for him. Her tender heart couldn't bear to watch her brother being as nice to a peer as he usually was with her. He was all hers...atleast for the next few years!
I was touched.
Hey, how can you so easily forgive a child who caused you so much physical pain and not forgive a friend who did nothing at all except maybe be friendly with your brother? You are suddenly this girl displaying wisdom way beyond her age and the next minute you are this lisping preschooler who's being totally unreasonable.
Mature, childish, forgiving, jealous, big girl,baby!
Playdate 1- We had gone to the Jacob Ballas children's garden with S's classmate who is about 6 months younger than her. The kids were having a blast and playing together. Just as were siting at the cafe and relaxing, I suddenly heard S scream out in agony. I turned and my heart nearly skipped a beat. The classmate had thrown (on a whim) a heavy stone at S and it had hit her forehead causing it to bleed and swell rapidly.
After hours of applying an ice pack and a heavy dose of paracetamol, S was slowly getting back to being herself. Just then her grandparents came on Skype and were very bothered to see their baby's forehead in the condition that it was. They asked her what happened and told her to stay away from naughty kids to which my little big girl said "No, he's not a naughty boy, thatha. He's still learning. He didn't really mean to hurt me, ok?"
I was proud, amazed and thrilled to hear that she had so much love and forgiveness in her. At 3, such a mature approach was not what I'd expected. I thought she would say "Amma, I'm never playing with him again for hurting me like this".
I was humbled.
Playdate 2- A girl my daughter's age came home one afternoon. My son, the natural leader that he is was trying to organize a game with his sister and the visiting friend. And naturally, he was extra kind to the guest asking her preference and making her feel very much at home. S, my daughter, usually very friendly and sweet was not in her element. For some reason she turned her back on the guest. And the more she ignored the guest, the more attention she got from my son. And at one point he even gave her a peck on her cheek to cheer her up. That was the final straw! My daughter sulked, threw a little tantrum and refused to play.
I let her be discarding it as 'cranky behaviour' and asked my son to play with the friend.
After the guest had left, I had a chat with S about 'treating guests' etc. Her eyes welled up, her lips wobbled and then it all came out like a torrent. "I dont want anna to like any other girl. Anna loves her more than me, he's MY brother!!"And she cried her heart out. Aaw...my little girl was experiencing jealousy for the first time.
She is her anna's girl alright and will walk to the end of the world for him. Her tender heart couldn't bear to watch her brother being as nice to a peer as he usually was with her. He was all hers...atleast for the next few years!
I was touched.
Hey, how can you so easily forgive a child who caused you so much physical pain and not forgive a friend who did nothing at all except maybe be friendly with your brother? You are suddenly this girl displaying wisdom way beyond her age and the next minute you are this lisping preschooler who's being totally unreasonable.
Mature, childish, forgiving, jealous, big girl,baby!
Monday, March 8, 2010
My son, gourmet!
My son must have been an Italian his previous birth. Till the time he was 3, all he would eat was Mac & Cheese, garlic bread or Pasta Pomodoro! It was pure torture the first time we took him to India. All the paatis and mamis conveniently blamed me for not getting him used to 'paruppu sadam'. Unfazed, I replied "Why dont you get him to try it now...not too late". And they did with full gusto. Paruppu with a hint of rasam- came out as a projectile. Paruppu with just ghee and crushed appalam- came out after some serious choking. Paruppu sans anything- was spat out in disgust! I didn't know if I should empathize or just gloat!
God knew that I tried every possible food with V. Healthy kootus, flavourful dhals, aromatic rasams...and the result was always the same. My neighbour once said that she was surprised that I took so much effort to prepare a baby/child's food. Apparently, she just blended up some veggies with rice, added some salt and gave it to her kid. And the irony of it was that the kid practically licked the bowl clean!And here I was making small quantities of appetizing food, subtly flavoured (I liked to use most spices except chilly) to entice my little prince's tastebuds!
There were days when he would eat a slice of cheese , a small bowl of pasta and a cup of yogurt. And that was for the entire day not a single meal! I tried everything with him, even the big No Nos to get him to eat more. But V was too busy exploring and discovering his immediate world and food to him, was absolutely the last priority. I fretted, I cried and sometimes even starved (not intentionally, but just couldn't eat when my little one was not! weird, huh!). And then I just let him be.
Today the scene is quite different. V is a non-fussy eater who LOVES his vegetables (even the yucky ones) and enjoys new foods. Not just that, he can tell me what's in a certain dish and what's not. eg."Amma, this dish tasted better the last time when you had added some garlic". He loves hanging out in the kitchen with me and once even borrowed a Mom and Kids recipe book from the library!Wow...I sometimes wonder if this is the same boy! And I'm so glad that I did not listen to my neighbour and bore him with bland, insipid baby food.
Yesterday, on our way back from school he asked me what his snack was going to be. And I told him that he could have anything he wanted. Pat came the repy"Amma, can I have some hot appams pl"? I was thrilled that he remembered the taste of traditional appams and actually craved it! And the feeling was inexplicable! I made the appams and watched him eat them with great satisfaction. Aah....how easy it is to express love through food!
V has started his food journey maybe a few years later than other kids, but he sure has started it on the right foot. And I'm just hoping that as he discovers new tastes and samples food from the world over he also fondly remembers all the good old home cooked foods that nurtured him!
God knew that I tried every possible food with V. Healthy kootus, flavourful dhals, aromatic rasams...and the result was always the same. My neighbour once said that she was surprised that I took so much effort to prepare a baby/child's food. Apparently, she just blended up some veggies with rice, added some salt and gave it to her kid. And the irony of it was that the kid practically licked the bowl clean!And here I was making small quantities of appetizing food, subtly flavoured (I liked to use most spices except chilly) to entice my little prince's tastebuds!
There were days when he would eat a slice of cheese , a small bowl of pasta and a cup of yogurt. And that was for the entire day not a single meal! I tried everything with him, even the big No Nos to get him to eat more. But V was too busy exploring and discovering his immediate world and food to him, was absolutely the last priority. I fretted, I cried and sometimes even starved (not intentionally, but just couldn't eat when my little one was not! weird, huh!). And then I just let him be.
Today the scene is quite different. V is a non-fussy eater who LOVES his vegetables (even the yucky ones) and enjoys new foods. Not just that, he can tell me what's in a certain dish and what's not. eg."Amma, this dish tasted better the last time when you had added some garlic". He loves hanging out in the kitchen with me and once even borrowed a Mom and Kids recipe book from the library!Wow...I sometimes wonder if this is the same boy! And I'm so glad that I did not listen to my neighbour and bore him with bland, insipid baby food.
Yesterday, on our way back from school he asked me what his snack was going to be. And I told him that he could have anything he wanted. Pat came the repy"Amma, can I have some hot appams pl"? I was thrilled that he remembered the taste of traditional appams and actually craved it! And the feeling was inexplicable! I made the appams and watched him eat them with great satisfaction. Aah....how easy it is to express love through food!
V has started his food journey maybe a few years later than other kids, but he sure has started it on the right foot. And I'm just hoping that as he discovers new tastes and samples food from the world over he also fondly remembers all the good old home cooked foods that nurtured him!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
We love Mondays!
Things are getting a little hectic. Not 'yikes' hectic but more 'fun' hectic. Husband's schedule was always at a different pace. But now, looks like the rest of the family will soon match his! The kids are at an age when they want to do more than just school. Lots more! The little bundles of energy want to try everything and take on more. This is how our week looks like...
Sun- Music class
Tue- My Mandarin class
Wed- Balavihar
Thu- V's Swimming
Fri- Tennis with Dad
Sat- Dad's music class and Kids' Mandarin class
Monday is our day of 'nothing'! After weekends packed with beach fun, birthday parties, playdates and the 2 classes, Monday dawns so peacefully! No social obligations, no classes, no rushing! It's only a simple day of school and work. An even simpler evening of leisurely play and fairytales. And I intend to keep it that way.
The other day V was wondering how to squeeze in another class. He goes "Amma, if we finish this class and have our snack on the way then maybe we will be only five minutes late for the next"! I understand their zeal and totally love their spirit but sorry kiddos, I'm putting my foot down on karate and ballet....atleast for the time being!
Sun- Music class
Tue- My Mandarin class
Wed- Balavihar
Thu- V's Swimming
Fri- Tennis with Dad
Sat- Dad's music class and Kids' Mandarin class
Monday is our day of 'nothing'! After weekends packed with beach fun, birthday parties, playdates and the 2 classes, Monday dawns so peacefully! No social obligations, no classes, no rushing! It's only a simple day of school and work. An even simpler evening of leisurely play and fairytales. And I intend to keep it that way.
The other day V was wondering how to squeeze in another class. He goes "Amma, if we finish this class and have our snack on the way then maybe we will be only five minutes late for the next"! I understand their zeal and totally love their spirit but sorry kiddos, I'm putting my foot down on karate and ballet....atleast for the time being!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Best time of the day
The best time of the day for me is when my kids are back home from kindergarten. I can hear them even before I open the door. I'm smiling to myself turning the door knob. They barge in and envelope me in two big bear hugs. They're hot, sweaty (from the short 10 min walk back home) and bursting with excitement.
Their sweet little chatter permeates through the house. We sit around the table with glasses of milk and a snack that I have ready for them. And all they want me to do now is just listen. And I do that more than willingly!
I'm all theirs and they're all mine (before they bounce off to the playground or a class) and we're lost in our own little special world!
Their sweet little chatter permeates through the house. We sit around the table with glasses of milk and a snack that I have ready for them. And all they want me to do now is just listen. And I do that more than willingly!
I'm all theirs and they're all mine (before they bounce off to the playground or a class) and we're lost in our own little special world!
"I only like her face, not her heart"!
V has moved to a new kindy which is a stone's throw from our new home. I was very concerned about the move. He had a great set of friends at his previous school and was adored by his teachers. I had several short chats with him to ensure that his feelings were not unduly disturbed (as always, I, the mother, was fretting more than necessary)
He was absolutely fine! V, the resilient child that he is, settled in very smoothly. I was amazed at how he had coped so well with the changes. And then, one day he came home and said that a girl was bugging him. When I probed further, he said that she was bullying him and basically giving him a hard time. She would act like an angel in front of the teacher and behave like a witch behind her back!I told him to seek the teacher's help- "I did ma, but she always acts good in front of the teacher". Husband told him to ignore her and assured him that it was an age-old trick(!!)- "I can't Dada." The teacher warned the girl and asked V to play with other children- "But I want to play only with her".
Our little guy was drawn to her like a fly to a lamp. I asked him why and he surprised me with a "She has a pretty face, ma. I like her". How do I console this child? Unrequited friendship can be excruciatingly painful. All I did was just give him a great big hug!
The little heroine continued her mean behavior with my sonny boy. He bore it well. He made cards for her which she threw in the garbage (I was fuming), he smiled at her and she sneered, he always thought of her as his best friend!
One day, he jubilantly announced that she had included him in play that day and even sat next to him in class. I was sooo happy for him. He seemed very pleased. Thank god, my little one's heart was'nt going to be tortured any further. And then, out of the blue, he said "But I don't think I like her anymore....that much". Why, what happened? Where did that come from?
"I think I only liked her face, ma. Not her heart"!
What can I say son? You got it right! I just pray that this good sense prevails for another twenty odd years when you will meet greater beauties and smarter women!
He was absolutely fine! V, the resilient child that he is, settled in very smoothly. I was amazed at how he had coped so well with the changes. And then, one day he came home and said that a girl was bugging him. When I probed further, he said that she was bullying him and basically giving him a hard time. She would act like an angel in front of the teacher and behave like a witch behind her back!I told him to seek the teacher's help- "I did ma, but she always acts good in front of the teacher". Husband told him to ignore her and assured him that it was an age-old trick(!!)- "I can't Dada." The teacher warned the girl and asked V to play with other children- "But I want to play only with her".
Our little guy was drawn to her like a fly to a lamp. I asked him why and he surprised me with a "She has a pretty face, ma. I like her". How do I console this child? Unrequited friendship can be excruciatingly painful. All I did was just give him a great big hug!
The little heroine continued her mean behavior with my sonny boy. He bore it well. He made cards for her which she threw in the garbage (I was fuming), he smiled at her and she sneered, he always thought of her as his best friend!
One day, he jubilantly announced that she had included him in play that day and even sat next to him in class. I was sooo happy for him. He seemed very pleased. Thank god, my little one's heart was'nt going to be tortured any further. And then, out of the blue, he said "But I don't think I like her anymore....that much". Why, what happened? Where did that come from?
"I think I only liked her face, ma. Not her heart"!
What can I say son? You got it right! I just pray that this good sense prevails for another twenty odd years when you will meet greater beauties and smarter women!
Friday, February 12, 2010
When will I find my prince?
"Amma, why did you marry Dada? I wanted to make him MY prince!"(big pout)
Typical!My little girl adores her dad. But that's hardly reason for me to be concerned. What did, was the fact that she's 3 and already on the lookout for 'her prince'!
Me: Why do you want a prince?
S: to be a princess and live happily ever after
Me: but you are our princess and you are happy now, right?
S: Yes, but I want to be a REAL princess and have a REAL prince!
A little too much of the Disney Princesses? Maybe! Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel and Aurora are up on her wall. She's seen some of these movies and just once. But she's heard all the stories and the impact has of course been huge!
Why do all the Disney princesses have to be saved by a prince, and be so pretty and incapable of taking charge of their lives? Is my daughter concluding that only the male species can rescue and save? Is she learning that to live a good life you need a handsome hunk on a horse? Is she being exposed to sexist notions?
I'm not sure what exactly is going on inside that pretty head of hers. But I know that she's going to believe what I say. So, I exaggerate these tales further by highlighting Snow White's bravery (for spending a night all by herself in the forest), Ariel's 'çan do' spirit and Cinderella's gentleness.
I was secretly thrilled that she loved Mulan and The Princess & The Frog!Mulan fought for her country and made her parents very proud! In the Princess & The Frog, the heroine is gorgeously dark skinned and is bent on pursuing her dream. She has an ambition (and it's not to marry a prince) and is determined to achieve it!
My little one needs to emulate strong women.... women who have passion and purpose. But in the meanwhile, I want my princess to just enjoy being a little girl. And if that means fantasizing about princesses and reveling in a world of love and hope...so be it!
Typical!My little girl adores her dad. But that's hardly reason for me to be concerned. What did, was the fact that she's 3 and already on the lookout for 'her prince'!
Me: Why do you want a prince?
S: to be a princess and live happily ever after
Me: but you are our princess and you are happy now, right?
S: Yes, but I want to be a REAL princess and have a REAL prince!
A little too much of the Disney Princesses? Maybe! Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel and Aurora are up on her wall. She's seen some of these movies and just once. But she's heard all the stories and the impact has of course been huge!
Why do all the Disney princesses have to be saved by a prince, and be so pretty and incapable of taking charge of their lives? Is my daughter concluding that only the male species can rescue and save? Is she learning that to live a good life you need a handsome hunk on a horse? Is she being exposed to sexist notions?
I'm not sure what exactly is going on inside that pretty head of hers. But I know that she's going to believe what I say. So, I exaggerate these tales further by highlighting Snow White's bravery (for spending a night all by herself in the forest), Ariel's 'çan do' spirit and Cinderella's gentleness.
I was secretly thrilled that she loved Mulan and The Princess & The Frog!Mulan fought for her country and made her parents very proud! In the Princess & The Frog, the heroine is gorgeously dark skinned and is bent on pursuing her dream. She has an ambition (and it's not to marry a prince) and is determined to achieve it!
My little one needs to emulate strong women.... women who have passion and purpose. But in the meanwhile, I want my princess to just enjoy being a little girl. And if that means fantasizing about princesses and reveling in a world of love and hope...so be it!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Books that we love to read over and over again
I read to my kids at every given opportunity. Before school, after school, while waiting for our turn, while commuting, at bedtime, right after their morning glass of milk.....
A 'visit to the library' is always greeted with loud cheers. I encourage them to choose and we can't wait to get back home, cuddle up and start reading.
Here are a few favourites that we've read more than once.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar- Eric Carle
The Little Engine That Could- Watty Piper
Olivia- Ian Falconer
The Rainbow Fish- Marcus Pfister
Berenstain Bear Series- Stan & Jan Berenstain
Arthur and DW series- Marc Brown
Curious George series-Margaret and HA Rey
Charlie & Lola series- Lauren Child
Little Princess books- Tony Ross
Happy Reading!
A 'visit to the library' is always greeted with loud cheers. I encourage them to choose and we can't wait to get back home, cuddle up and start reading.
Here are a few favourites that we've read more than once.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar- Eric Carle
The Little Engine That Could- Watty Piper
Olivia- Ian Falconer
The Rainbow Fish- Marcus Pfister
Berenstain Bear Series- Stan & Jan Berenstain
Arthur and DW series- Marc Brown
Curious George series-Margaret and HA Rey
Charlie & Lola series- Lauren Child
Little Princess books- Tony Ross
Happy Reading!
If God made us, then who made God?
And that's just a sample of some of the challenging questions I face everyday! I try to churn out a rational, easily comprehend-able answer to every question my 5 and 3 yrs old raise. For this one, I had to reach out to my grandma who is presently visiting India. And her wise answer was 'God is not a person. God is love'. Yes paati, but try saying that to kids who have a 'Krishna' poster in their room wedged inbetween their Ben 10s and Princesses.Krishna, to them, is a superhero!
I explained it as best as I could. I told them that Krishna was given 'god status' because he had a lot of love in his heart. Anybody behaving lovingly, kindly and with nice manners has God in their heart. V(my five yr old) asked "So, if I share my toys, then I have Krishna in my heart?" Ï replied in the affirmative. He continued, "What if I utter a blooper or bop my sister on her head". Pat came the reply from his 3 year old sister "Then you have Kamsa visiting your heart"!
I explained it as best as I could. I told them that Krishna was given 'god status' because he had a lot of love in his heart. Anybody behaving lovingly, kindly and with nice manners has God in their heart. V(my five yr old) asked "So, if I share my toys, then I have Krishna in my heart?" Ï replied in the affirmative. He continued, "What if I utter a blooper or bop my sister on her head". Pat came the reply from his 3 year old sister "Then you have Kamsa visiting your heart"!
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