I heard a loud sound and then a bang. Rushed from my room to the kids' room. Everything seemed ok except that there were lots of lego bits near Shriya. I was reminded very clearly that the brother had purposely thrown lego bits near but not on Shriya. Aaaaaaalright! Nothing new happening here. Vaibhav, like most older brothers I know, gets a kick out of annoying, bothering and teasing his little sister.
I just looked at him. No words. Everything had been said several times before. He looked at me gauging my mood ( I presume). I waited wondering if he was going to deny it all, claim that it was an accident or simply say a sorry. But Vaibhav, after some very quick thinking and a solemn face, came up with "Amma, I didn't mean to hurt her or anything. I threw it only on the side and do you know why?? Imagine there is a bomb blast or an earthquake happening very suddenly. Shriya would not even know what to do. I was just giving her some practice and that's why I threw the lego to make the noise like a bomb to just see how Shriya would react. And you know what? She doesn't run fast enough"!
Wow, Vaibhav...not bad at all! I was trying very hard to hide a smile till I heard a menacing "Amma....are you just going to smile and not say anything?? Give him a blackmark, cut a treat, do something. Ammaaaaaaa"!!
Autumns here!!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
To worry or not?
Shriya was sitting on the pot. She usually has a book that she's flipping through. But that day, she had this glazed look and was staring into space. So I asked her what was up and she said that she was very, very worried.
Alright, she had more than my attention now. More probing and she told me in her cute lisp "Amma, I'm so worried about the time when I become a mummy. When I have children, who will clean their poopo?"
Aah, big worry indeed. And here I am worrying about the insane property market and the next assignment to finish on time!I told her that as a mummy she will love her child so much that she wouldn't mind cleaning them.And to that, I got " I will love my kids, but I just can't touch their bums, ma".
Before I could think of the next thing to say that will comfort her- "Amma, will a meteor hit earth again just like it did many years back and killed all the dinosaurs"?
Shriya was onto worry #2 even before I had addressed worry # 1. I stopped her and asked her about the baby bum issue. She coolly said that maybe either her parents or grandparents will take care of it as they are already used to doing it!!!So, every worry did get sorted out with an answer from within.
There's so much going on inside that pretty little head- worries about the future, worries about motherhood, worries about the planet and god knows what else!
Alright, she had more than my attention now. More probing and she told me in her cute lisp "Amma, I'm so worried about the time when I become a mummy. When I have children, who will clean their poopo?"
Aah, big worry indeed. And here I am worrying about the insane property market and the next assignment to finish on time!I told her that as a mummy she will love her child so much that she wouldn't mind cleaning them.And to that, I got " I will love my kids, but I just can't touch their bums, ma".
Before I could think of the next thing to say that will comfort her- "Amma, will a meteor hit earth again just like it did many years back and killed all the dinosaurs"?
Shriya was onto worry #2 even before I had addressed worry # 1. I stopped her and asked her about the baby bum issue. She coolly said that maybe either her parents or grandparents will take care of it as they are already used to doing it!!!So, every worry did get sorted out with an answer from within.
There's so much going on inside that pretty little head- worries about the future, worries about motherhood, worries about the planet and god knows what else!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Reading we are!
Vaibhav started reading around 5 and picked up very quickly from there. The Dad and I read to them ALL the time- bedtime (of course), early morning, after school, maybe during snack time and they sneak a book in during potty time :-) I started him off with a very basic Peter and Jane 1a, primarliy because it brought back a million memories and also because I thoroughly benefitted from the series. Vaibhav started late (as per S'pore standards) but picked up very quickly and now loves impressing grandparents and friends with "Ask me a word, and I'll spell it for you".
Shriya on the other hand never did complete her round of kiddy books that V went through and directly advanced to the books her brother was listening to. She wanted Arthur and Berenstain, Curious George and Dr. Seuss and the cute little SPOT books were disregarded as 'baaaaby books'. I should have known, especially when the little missy has always been a little ahead of her age. She's 4 and reads beautifully. I love listening to her and watching her diligently go through every word. Of course her school has played a huge role in supporting her.
I'm glad that the kids get excited about weekly trip to the Library and even more glad that they dont consider a Book present any inferior. I've been waiting for the day, when the four of us can peacefully just sit around and read our own books! We're nearly there and I can't stop smiling :-))
Shriya on the other hand never did complete her round of kiddy books that V went through and directly advanced to the books her brother was listening to. She wanted Arthur and Berenstain, Curious George and Dr. Seuss and the cute little SPOT books were disregarded as 'baaaaby books'. I should have known, especially when the little missy has always been a little ahead of her age. She's 4 and reads beautifully. I love listening to her and watching her diligently go through every word. Of course her school has played a huge role in supporting her.
I'm glad that the kids get excited about weekly trip to the Library and even more glad that they dont consider a Book present any inferior. I've been waiting for the day, when the four of us can peacefully just sit around and read our own books! We're nearly there and I can't stop smiling :-))
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Such A Pleasant Afternoon!
The boys were to go bowling all afternoon. Shriya and I had three glorious hours stretching ahead of us. We were like two best friends making plans- what to do first and where to go, how to make the most of it!
We first went to Shriya's favourite shop- Lollipop Shop. It sells little knickknacks, clips, rubberbands, bracelets and everything little girls love. After 20 minutes of leisurely choosing we made it to Bishan Junction 8 where we first spent an enjoyable hour at the library. On the way back we stopped by at the Icing Room. This is a magical little shop all decorated in white and candy pink with lace doilies and sugar sticks. Shriya had saved up her pocket money (well earned through her gold stars) and wanted to spend it all here. We got a small cake- all covered in plain white vanilla icing. S chose 5 tubes of coloured icing cream and a pack of sugar hearts to decorate her cake. And what a time she (and I had)! When we were done, there was no white to be seen.A little too much decoration, if you ask me...but oh so creative and we couldn't wait to eat it for dessert that night.
After a relaxed tea of muffins and milkshakes and some idle people watching my eye caught some sales that I couldn't resist. Picked up some stuff, tried them on and finally chose a few based on Shriya's expert advice. Such a pleasure shopping with a little girl!I could very well imagine the scene if I had brought the boys along. My husband would have been breathing down my neck to hurry up while my son would have mentioned a million times that he was getting BORED. Incidentally his favourite line these days when I even glance at a clothes/shoe/bag shop is "Dont even think about it, ma"!
We made a pitstop at the art supply store and headed back home.We didn't really do anything extraordinary . Just simple pleasures, relaxed time, enjoying each others company. Definitely an afternoon to cherish!
Met the boys at the door. They were sweaty and tired.We were all talking at once about our lovely afternoons. Seems they had a great time too.But oh so different from ours, for sure!!
We first went to Shriya's favourite shop- Lollipop Shop. It sells little knickknacks, clips, rubberbands, bracelets and everything little girls love. After 20 minutes of leisurely choosing we made it to Bishan Junction 8 where we first spent an enjoyable hour at the library. On the way back we stopped by at the Icing Room. This is a magical little shop all decorated in white and candy pink with lace doilies and sugar sticks. Shriya had saved up her pocket money (well earned through her gold stars) and wanted to spend it all here. We got a small cake- all covered in plain white vanilla icing. S chose 5 tubes of coloured icing cream and a pack of sugar hearts to decorate her cake. And what a time she (and I had)! When we were done, there was no white to be seen.A little too much decoration, if you ask me...but oh so creative and we couldn't wait to eat it for dessert that night.
After a relaxed tea of muffins and milkshakes and some idle people watching my eye caught some sales that I couldn't resist. Picked up some stuff, tried them on and finally chose a few based on Shriya's expert advice. Such a pleasure shopping with a little girl!I could very well imagine the scene if I had brought the boys along. My husband would have been breathing down my neck to hurry up while my son would have mentioned a million times that he was getting BORED. Incidentally his favourite line these days when I even glance at a clothes/shoe/bag shop is "Dont even think about it, ma"!
We made a pitstop at the art supply store and headed back home.We didn't really do anything extraordinary . Just simple pleasures, relaxed time, enjoying each others company. Definitely an afternoon to cherish!
Met the boys at the door. They were sweaty and tired.We were all talking at once about our lovely afternoons. Seems they had a great time too.But oh so different from ours, for sure!!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
My ACSian
Vaibhav started grade school nearly a month ago! Its been a month of excitement, whines, celebrations and lots of adjustments.
Vaibhav knew he was starting 'BIG' school where he can have lots of fun and make more friends! What he did not know was that he will have to wake up EVERYDAY for 5 days a week at 6.30am. He just cant understand why anybody in their right sense would start school so early. Why ma? Why cant they start an hour later? Why do you have to put me to bed when I'm not tired and wake me up when I am? Siiigh. My poor little thing has also to adjust to a recess bell, a weeee bit of homework and all the ways of a 'propah' school!
But he's also having a great time! I know it because he clearly told me so. One Friday I asked him if he was thrilled that he didn't have to go to school the next day. He gave me one look (one that said ' you just don't get it , do you?') and wisely said "Amma, I like my school, ok? I just get a little cranky in the mornings. That does not mean I dont like school"!
Ok, got it Sir!
Academics wise, I was very relaxed, confident that V would be fine...except for maybe Tamil!But he was out to surprise me there as well. He turned in a worksheet in which he had done only 2 sums out of 14. And the teacher had asked him if he did not know how to solve the sums. My smartypants told her that the sums were too easy and so he was bored and that's why couldn't be bothered to finish it all!!!Anyway...that was the first week. Now he's on a winning high- after having tasted what it is to get a ten on ten :-)
Its a very sporty school! They take great pride in their tournaments and coaching. And it definitely is an all out Boys school. Vaibhs and his dad are super excited to be a part of the Adventure Club where they will be bowling, treking and camping with other Dad/Son teams!
Vaibhav through some previous Karma got into the very competitive and difficult-to-get-in tennis coaching. ACS is known for its tennis and he is getting a huge kick swinging his racket on his shoulders, enjoying the lessons. Table tennis is his new favourite, though. He plays it during recess (the school halls have several tables strewn across for the boys to hone their game), he plays it after school and he plays it on the weekends.
Vaibhav, soak in the ACS culture and enjoy every minute of your boyhood!The best is indeed yet to be!
Vaibhav knew he was starting 'BIG' school where he can have lots of fun and make more friends! What he did not know was that he will have to wake up EVERYDAY for 5 days a week at 6.30am. He just cant understand why anybody in their right sense would start school so early. Why ma? Why cant they start an hour later? Why do you have to put me to bed when I'm not tired and wake me up when I am? Siiigh. My poor little thing has also to adjust to a recess bell, a weeee bit of homework and all the ways of a 'propah' school!
But he's also having a great time! I know it because he clearly told me so. One Friday I asked him if he was thrilled that he didn't have to go to school the next day. He gave me one look (one that said ' you just don't get it , do you?') and wisely said "Amma, I like my school, ok? I just get a little cranky in the mornings. That does not mean I dont like school"!
Ok, got it Sir!
Academics wise, I was very relaxed, confident that V would be fine...except for maybe Tamil!But he was out to surprise me there as well. He turned in a worksheet in which he had done only 2 sums out of 14. And the teacher had asked him if he did not know how to solve the sums. My smartypants told her that the sums were too easy and so he was bored and that's why couldn't be bothered to finish it all!!!Anyway...that was the first week. Now he's on a winning high- after having tasted what it is to get a ten on ten :-)Its a very sporty school! They take great pride in their tournaments and coaching. And it definitely is an all out Boys school. Vaibhs and his dad are super excited to be a part of the Adventure Club where they will be bowling, treking and camping with other Dad/Son teams!
Vaibhav through some previous Karma got into the very competitive and difficult-to-get-in tennis coaching. ACS is known for its tennis and he is getting a huge kick swinging his racket on his shoulders, enjoying the lessons. Table tennis is his new favourite, though. He plays it during recess (the school halls have several tables strewn across for the boys to hone their game), he plays it after school and he plays it on the weekends.
Vaibhav, soak in the ACS culture and enjoy every minute of your boyhood!The best is indeed yet to be!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Hmmm... moments
Shriya- Amma, why do you always call me 'Chakkarai'?
Me- Because you are the sweetest thing to me
Shriya- But amma, chakkarai is sugar, right? And sugar does bad things to us, right? So how can you call me that?
Me- Hmmmm
Shriya- Call me by the things I love, ok?
Me- Ok henceforth you will be my avocado dippy dip, my kutti idli girl
Vaibhav- It's not fair!! ( an oft-repeated phrase these days)
Me- what's not fair?
Vaibhav- You are big and you get to share your bed with dada but i am smaller than you and I have to sleep all by myself!! Not fair!
Me- Hmmmm
Vaibhav- I am not sleepy as yet
Me- But you have to wake up early tomorrow, school starts at 7.30!!
Vaibhav- Amma, why do you put me to bed when I'm not sleepy and wake me up when I am??
Me- Hmmmm
Me- Hey Vaibhs, its the weekend.... aren't you glad there's no school today?
Vaibhav- Amma, I like school, ok? I might be cranky sometimes in the mornings but that does not mean I don't like school
Me- Hmmmm....ok sir, I'm glad to hear that!
Me- Because you are the sweetest thing to me
Shriya- But amma, chakkarai is sugar, right? And sugar does bad things to us, right? So how can you call me that?
Me- Hmmmm
Shriya- Call me by the things I love, ok?
Me- Ok henceforth you will be my avocado dippy dip, my kutti idli girl
Vaibhav- It's not fair!! ( an oft-repeated phrase these days)
Me- what's not fair?
Vaibhav- You are big and you get to share your bed with dada but i am smaller than you and I have to sleep all by myself!! Not fair!
Me- Hmmmm
Vaibhav- I am not sleepy as yet
Me- But you have to wake up early tomorrow, school starts at 7.30!!
Vaibhav- Amma, why do you put me to bed when I'm not sleepy and wake me up when I am??
Me- Hmmmm
Me- Hey Vaibhs, its the weekend.... aren't you glad there's no school today?
Vaibhav- Amma, I like school, ok? I might be cranky sometimes in the mornings but that does not mean I don't like school
Me- Hmmmm....ok sir, I'm glad to hear that!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Dakshina Chitra
Before the wedding madness began, we spent a few magical days in and around Chennai. Dakshina Chitra, on the ECR road was one such trip where all four of us were mesmerized.Besides going back in time while viewing the different styles of homes ( Tirunelveli Brahmin, Syrian Christian, Telugu Farmer's Hut etc) we got to try our hand at pottery, kalamkari, mask making and block printing. We were thrilled to watch an authentic Oriya Yakshagna type of performance depicting the Narasimha avatar. I was amazed to see the kids sitting spellbound during the 2 hour show. A hand puppet show depicting Hanuman's visit to Lanka, glass blowing demonstration, kili josiyam (where a little parrot will predict your future) were all some of the other stuff that we immensely enjoyed.
It was a beautiful slice of South India to showcase to the kids. They were especially excited to try their hand at the various art and craft activities. It was a memorable day- happy times, teachable moments! We'll definitely be back!
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