Edited to add-
Last evening we had a lovely meet with most of the regulars, a farewell for crazymom and artnavy- as we move on to Blore.
It also was also a welcome party and the bday of a new Chennai blogger- ardra.
The bloggers I have met since include the ones from Chennai and also some world famous ones who visited Chennai.
I will never ever forget the wonderful Baby shower I had right here for Aditi.
Blogging also is what led to the Mister Muthu series getting published in Chandamama. ( while on it check out the new online episode on the side bar here)
So from now on, when I read about Chennai blog meets, I will really miss you Chennai mommy bloggers - even more. Maybe I could remain on the mail list so that I can dash down to Chennai or time an office trip accordingly!
Yes we will be in touch on-line- but it is just not the same. Soem of the friends I made here through blogging- have gone on to become very dear family friends. You know who you are and I hope you visit us in Bangalore!
But I look forward to being on the list at Bangalore blogger friends meets.
Last evening was a blogger meet of a different sort- to introduce Aditi in person to the local blogger friends.
Lavs, IBH, Minka, Adya's mom, Timepass and H from Australia made it with kids and a few hubbies joined in as well. Itchy and her men had already come over anyway.
Thanks Lavs for stepping in and coordinating it for me.
Aditi's grandpa helped set up a slide show of her pics with an apt song( from the book I am going to be a big sister) much to Anushka's delight. My mom managed the food and a good time was had. Must mention that I got very thoughtful gifts from all, for the baby and even for me- guess which book- Bringing up Vasu!!
I was sorry that I could not get anything for all the kids but I did manage to go eco friendly with the bag from Small steps- an interesting initiative. Anush insisted on giving the gift as soon as the guest gifted her or Aditi.
Anush was so taken up with Little Buddha that she told Lavs they could exchange him for Aditi. Broke my heart a little .
But later that night she told me that no one should take Aditi.:-))...in keeping with two earlier instances when she shed tears when our driver and a friend asked if they could take Aditi home with them.
Navy and I put up the props early that morning- a mix of Finley Fire engine ( Anushka's latest idol) and Cars.
The activity corner included car coloring and a jigsaw for Anush's age group and stacking cars for the tots. We also hired battery operated vehicles- a car and a jeep from Toysdayout ( a brilliant concept, definitely new to Chennai I think) This turned out to be the most fun part of the evening. Just to keep out unwanted party raiders, we gave tattoos to the invitees which had to be shown to entitle you for a ride.
The eats were light - cholay chaat, wafers, thattai, jalebis and mango squash. The cakes ( a car one what else... and an egg less one) were courtesy Cakes and Bakes but not as tasty as the previous times we have ordered there. And yes there were chocolates of course.
The goody bag included car theme- erasers, stickers, mini car models. There were key chains for the slightly older lot. For the family, we had terracota horses /elephants and an audio cd of Anush's favourite songs with an introduction by her.
Despite the unexpected rain and the swine flu scare we had fairly good attendance. At least no food wasted! Some of the Chennai blogger friends came in as well- Indu, Lavs, Itchy, hastobeme and Uma. And some other friends who could not make it on Saturday turned up on Sunday!!
Anush was excited and delighted and that was enough to keep the wide grin on my face, though we both missed my father ( who is in Delhi) a lot. 
What a weekend!! 
Punch is the most doll like child I have set eyes on, with a very sunny disposition.
All of us know the Magic of Touch and on the flip side are more than aware of the horrors of unwanted touch. Today, November 19, is Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse Day. Says a lot if we need to have a "Day" like this.
I am sure abuse has been on for eons but we are more paranoid about it now.
We have lesser number of kids. So the attention is focused. But I am sure no parent wishes to compromise the safety of any of her kids, however many she has.
Many of us live in nuclear set up, implying that we use external help but on the other hand it leaves lesser room for incest - reports indicate it is usually trusted relatives who often cause abuse.
Whatever the possibilities, how better to help our kids face it that by empowering them, even at the loss of innocence. Better a bit of innocence lost than losing peace/ sanity.
" The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don't do anything about it." -Albert Einstein
Talking of Children's Safety I was glad to see this write up in Young World here.
I also chanced upon a Tuli ( Centre for the Prevention and Healing of Child Sexual Abuse (CPHCSA) CD with voice over by Revathy. I am a little hesitant to share it with Anush right away. But I have given her an overall understanding that if she dislikes someone touching her she should loudly say "Please do not touch/ tickle etc" and of course rules about strangers have been going on forever.
For newer readers, you may want to read the post I did a couple of years back on this.
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On a lighter note, we had yet another bloggers meet thanks to Sue's visit and Itchy's coordination. IBH, Sue, Itchy , Subha and self met up for a cosy chat at Cafe Coffee Day, in the middle of a work day , no less. I also plan to be part of the mommy circle on gmail since I finally recollected my gmail password and have an active usable id now. Sue- I am awaiting the invite to the Book Reading club.
I had my first brush with how children can hero worship a cartoon. The event was sponsored by Nickelodeon who I am sure never anticipated this kind of crowd. We met Dora the Explorer- so what if she was a man who wanted burger and a bottle of mineral water when (s)he visited the men's loo..... Anush made it just in time to touch Dora's 'hair' and shake hands- we were strategically placed near the loo for want of space. That worked in our favour! I can't begin to imagine the amount of germs that could get transmitted from mascot clothing.....
I met celebs of a different kind- tharini, kowsalya, itchy, crazymom, and minka ! All for a few minutes of disjointed conversation since we had to rush off to see Dora! But I would not have missed this opp ever. No pics with me but I am sure you will see some on their blogs
We moved into our new home- finally! A few people passing by our open flat asked if it was a model flat!! I took that as compliments. Our builder also mentioned that we had done it up really well ( that I take with a pinch of salt - he may have been trying to smooth ruffled feathers:-))
Anush went back to school- Montessori -1. She missed her former adult-in-charge and ayah. She was a brave little trooper both when we dropped her and when i picked her up and seems ready to go trow to her beloved school.
But she had wept in class. I could tell from her red nose. My poor baby.
Met Minka- this time a planned encounter with her adorable kiddo. Anush was rather quiet but he did enough talking for both- a real sweet heart. among other things, it was surprising for me that Minka and I had such similar tastes when we ordered our sandwich.
Saw Bhootnath which was a little senti post interval but overall a thumbs up from me. Not as sensitive as Taare Zameen par but it is after all about a rather indulged child. Has its share of fun moments...
Happy Mothers' Day to all.
