Anushka turns Seven

Seven Wonders of the World. The Saptarishis. Sapta Swara. Secret Seven.
Do you know any more?

You turn seven today, my sweety pie. I am not sure how much you will recall of the year that went by, when you grow up to be seventeen. Here is a summary for the future:

About you at 7:

 

To eat: Bhindi 7 days a week is your idea of a great menu. You added mild Masale Bhaat to your list of likes, you eat almost all veggies and fruits , but still go easy on spice/ chillies. You are not much into junk but have discovered Fanta! ( still only a party indulgence)

To read: You love reading about  the earth, the environ and animals. You enjoyed Samhita’s Mahabharatha as much as you liked Dr Suess. You read to Aditi when she lets you. You amaze me with your memory. You learnt to recite Miller of the Dee so well and so quickly.

To do:  Kenken, anagrams on miniclip, maths questions, association games, Uno, art/ craft of any kind, skating, cycling, swimming, chess, hoola hoop, badminton, dribbling the ball ( they have all been part of your year). Key board, dancing, singing , traveling (Hampi, Goa, Hyderabad, among others), writing ( progressively lesser) and unfortunately watching TV ( Chota bheem has been dislodged and Amazing Spies are your favorite)

At School:  You enjoy school and fit in well. You have begun folk dance and continue chess. You are not particularly athletic. Your teachers' review of you has been great as a good student and more importantly a concerned classmate. You won the general proficiency award/ Golden Child recognition to prove that.

Socially: Your friend T remains your most cherished one. But you are beginning to make new good friends too as your bday list shows.

Physically: You have lost around 4 - 5 teeth and grown even taller. You got your first pair of specs. And then post a review, few months later, the doc said you did not need glasses.

With family: You are a very loving and lovable accommodating child, a wonderful grandkid and exemplary Akka.

Being Amma, here is my two bit of gyaan-

- Stop bruising yourself so often- be more alert and aware, but don't stop dreaming and questioning

- Be less diplomatic- take a stand, even if it is to disagree with me ( except I have the final word as of now)

- Stay happy always and learn to chill out a bit more. Just so that I know you are seven and not thirty seven.

And you know what? .......ok- let me say it - Love you too much!!

Amma.

Have you seen this?

With a lot of blog friends turning off-line friends, I realise I missed capturing this here.

My first bilingual picture book from Tulika is now available for sale.

It is intended for younger kids ( 2-5yrs) but being a bilingual it may appeal differently to the slightly older ones ( upto 7yrs) as well.

Indulge me- buy it, read it and gift it kids, schools, libraries.

You could build stories/ conversations/ kids drawings around it if it inspires you.
And do not forget to share them with me!

After Mister Muthu, this is my return to published writing.
I hope this book brings smiles and a few chuckles here and there.

Aditi goes to School

Dear Aditi,

Today is your first day at the 'Big' school- a Montessori.

Unlike your sister who went to a reception class you went to a playschool.

Going by that experience, you will be happy here too. I hope.

You remained excited about joining your akka's school till a few weeks ago.

Once you realised that you will not be sitting in her class, you have become reluctant.

You keep asking if " Amma will sit with me?" at the very mention of school.

Your potty training is almost done and I think you can manage that bit well.

You have always been self reliant anyway when it comes to eating and wearing shoes etc.

And your communication skills take us all by surprise.

I am sure you will get over the initial fear and will love this place.

But I cannot call you a big girl yet - because you really are not one. ( you are about 3 months short of being 3 yrs old)

I hope you cherish the friends you make and that this school also brings out the best in you, moving at your pace and with your aptitude.

Anushka wants to check on you at break time daily but I am not sure yet if it is a good idea as you may cling on to her if you see her.

Stay well baby and remember home and amma are just a few hours away.

Love,

Amma

Anushka's Puppets of India

Anushka, at age 5, conceptualised and illustrated this work. In the book, Anush undertakes a journey across India with an unusual friend Chinkcha. They meet various types of puppets and generally have fun.

We 'released ' it on her 6th birthday. She had almost forgotten about it by then!

She is exactly six and a half today - as good a day as any to share this with all of you.

Here we go or come?

Tata 2011.

A full year, with loads of happy times and some tense moments.

Office

Won a couple of brands that have been on the wanted list for long. Handling more accounts. A trip to Paris that did not work out and one to Sri Lanka that gave my purse a workout. Had a lot of logistics glitches to sort out - SAPped out was more like it.

Family

Over all good times. Though we had a trying time when we discovered our cook was a thief and went through a couple of maid changes as well. All elders and kids with nagging illnesses this entire year but thank God only the cold cough types

Kids

Both enjoying their new schools, growing up to be independent spirited young ladies inbetween some cycling, keybaord, chess, cooking, swimming and just being kids

Navy

Going along, doing well, sometimes wondering what...great we cleared the housing loan, now let us explore some new stuff

Travel

A source of joy and aches as well- we have had a number of short trips ( Nandi Hills, Lepakshi, Mekedathu, Mysore...) and longer ones were the Sai Vishram beach one and the Badami Hampi trip. Sri Lanka was pure retail therapy for me.

Blogging/ Writing

Mister Muthu comes to an end, as does TON. Story telling sessions made a strong start. Hope to see more of that in 2012. Lots of blogger friends made and fun meets had. Going fairly strong at ST...

Self

Inching slowly towards a fitter me. Finally.

Welcome 2012

DrumRoll

Aditi's first train journey led us to a great trip. We spent Christmas weekend at Hampi, Badami and Pattadkal with our close family friends. Aditi and her friend were very entertaining and Anush and her buddy were on great behaviour having fun only as little girls do and imbibing a bit of the culture.

We realised we could have included Bijapur maybe with slightly better planning. So for those of you who wish to do this, keep it in mind- 3 - 4 days and you can cover all the places, assuming you are willing to start early daily.

While most of what we saw in Hampi is covered in the earlier trip post, there is a new pin hole shadow in the Virupaksha temple and a new bell has been discovered and displayed in the Krishna temple. We caught the elephant bathing session, a road side mehendi, a lovely trinket- a 2 paise coin finger ring and also did the boat trip across the river this time.

There are buggies now in the Vittala area and the dust is really way too much if the kids are allergic. The musical pillars have been cordoned off to the public since the structure looks rather unstable and possibly due to some mindless people using sticks and stones on the pillars!

But somehow the old grandeur seems to have diminished or since it was the second time, was my memory larger than the real thing?

Badami was fabulous despite the crowds. The cave temples/ durbars were filled with stories. The smiling Harihara and the seated Vishnu on the serpent will stay with me forever. The lake nearby saw an indulgent lady let Aditi wash clothes with her.

Pattadkal is sheer poetry and while Aditi's nature call made me miss some of the guide's gyaan, just seeing all the structures left me wondering what great skill artists and masons possesed in the years gone by.

Apart from the Mango Tree ( still too crowded and poor service and great ambiance) Badami Court and the German cafe on the other side in Hampi are places worth eating at. Small and cosy eat was the Durga cafe by the Virupaksha. Apart from the usual suspects, Israeli and Tibetan food have joined the menu in most eateries.

We were in an adequate enough place called Padma Guesthouse. I was afraid of the large lizard that paid us a visit once ( almost like a chameleon) but otherwise it was comfortable with a homely feel.

What was saddening is the brewing issue of the proposed dislocation of the smaller shops/ vendors/ autos near the bazaar to render a pristine historic feel to the place. While there must be another side to the issue some locals mentioned it is the vested interest of the powers that be. Here is a piece on that if you are interested in knowing more.

Adittys on a weekend

Aditty  is mighty possessive of our stuff

When my MIL took my bag" That is Amma's bag!!"

When Navy's cousin began to drive our car " NOOOOO!! this is Appa's place" and she began to wail 

When Navy slept on my side of the bed" This is Amma's bed/ bed sheet, etc"
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When I was reading Goldilocks she asked what Porridge was- I said "Kanji"
She corrected me wisely " No amma, it is payasam."


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We had a lot of fun and food at a family do on Sunday.

And got some good export stuff from the Tiripur kind of shop at Wilson Gardens.

Read the latest Lee Child and was disappointed.


We missed the Tree walk this Sat courtesy Pratham at LalBagh.

We managed a visit to the Spaghetti Kitchen and loved it. Must try the pizza there- a real cracker!
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And today I would have had 5lac clicks to this blog. Hm.....In about five years. And 93 followers- many of who do not visit or comment anymore.....Not great but not bad.

Challenges and Contests

Anush has learnt to cycle without the safety/ side wheels. All thanks to her Thaathu. And her own persistence. I feel immensely relieved since I never learnt to cycle.

As per her worksheets, Anush did extremely well in Hindi as well this time.
She did miserably at a quiz in school but was not miserable about it. Thank God.

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I usually stay away from contests if I even remotely feel the need to win. I participate if I know I am not going to win but I will have fun at it. Absurd? Go figure.

There is a new contest up on Women's Web specifically for parenting bloggers : http://www.womensweb.in/articles/passport-healthy-pregnancy-contest/

Here is another one at Karadi on a different note-http://karadionline.blogspot.com/2011/10/read-review-blog.html

Two cute Aditi!!

This day, two years ago, a small bundle was handed to me- so vulnerable, so innocent. We felt twice blessed.

There have certainly been moments this year when I have wondered what possessed us to have a second one.

But overall, Aditi- our bonda, our spicy, spirited, amusing, bright and sharp thing, you have been an adoring and adorable child, a loving sister, a naughty and mischievous grandkid.

You speak a lot, experiment with food, try to be self reliant, make friends easily, you have even begun going to play school with a smile. You have a sense of humor already and can be pretty playful with your answers.

Love you sweetie pie. You complete the family. God bless you with better health and a bit more patience this year and may you stay as chirpy, cheerful and bright as you are.

Happy Teacher's Day!

Here is what Anush made for her teachers using blocks:

I debuted as a story teller last weekend at Monkey Maze in Indira Nagar with Elefunt Tales.

A great experience and hopefully one of many more to come

Had an audience of about 25 kids and some parents

Did some elephant theme stories with a lot of Jeeva pointers sprinkled in and some craft

Cherry on the icing- 2-3 kids wanted me to continue and kept asking me for more crafts!

While on craft we went to this neo-rustic cafe called Chaipatty. Navy and I had opposite opinions on the food there. Pic courtesy Anush:

And here is an interview at ST with the inimitable Jeeva! Don't miss this chance to leave your questions in the comments on the post at ST? She has agreed genrously to respond to them!

Anushka is six!

This day, six years ago, I became a mother for the first time. It has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my existence. Thanks Anushka for making my life more beautiful in every sense of the term.

Here are the various aspects of her bday party which took place last Friday. We had a sea theme birthday only because it seemed easy and pretty and I had managed to find her a blue frock!

FOOD: Shell & Star biscuits , Goldfish, Pasta salad, Honey twists, Veggie Fish/ Starfish cutlets, Candies, Chocolates, Juice, Two tier marine Cake

GAMES: Fishing with feet, Catch fish, Short Treasure hunt, Ocean quiz, Burst the Bubbles, Shell strings, Sea collage

DECOR: Lots of shells, blue and green paper and balloons, fish related toys of Aditi, food fish and mock edible sea ( marshmellow and rusk crumbs)

GIFTS: Fish sticker books among other stuff

Some friends whom you might know who made it were Abha ( Mamma Mia), JLT, S from ST, Mindfulmeanderings, Chox and the avid blog reader S. No pics of them for obvious reasons.

Star of the Day

Anush's Tamil Star Birthday is today, her sixth one. She received a cross word book from her grandparents .

We also gave her a copy of the book that she 'wrote' and illustrated almost a year ago, soon after hr fifth birthday. I am glad, we atleast got it printed in time for her birthday.

Dear Anush
You are our little star and the guiding light for your sister. May you always smile and shine!
And you know what...?
Amma

My dear Appa!

Mr Fix it, Mr Googlemap, Mr Efficiency , Mr Fun, Mr Resourceful
The Complete Man and undoubtedly the best Grandpa in the whole world!!

Happy 60th Appa.

New beginnings- Day One of School

Anush and Aditi both began school today. Am happy that there were no tears - the teachers also seemed nice. Touchwood.

Dear Aditi

You are the youngest in your group but fit right in. Amma will not be around after a couple of days, though you almost did not come looking for me even today. And I was really proud of the " thank yous" and "please" you used so well with the adults in charge.

Dear Anushka

Contrary to your wondering if you would cry, you only said" I am feeling a bit odd ma" as I left you in class - all dressed up in uniform - a big girl. I am sure you will do well baby. BTW this is your third school you know!?! So you are a pro at this.

Love,

Amma.

1000

Just realised this is my 1000th post on this blog.

Aditi at 18 months

We are halfway to Aditi's second birthday. Wow. 18 things about her for her ref:

1. Aditi is now fairly adept with the spoon and insists on feeding herself. She can be messy with liquids but that I think is okay.


2. I am glad she is largely self reliant even when it comes to sleeping, she likes to rest on a pillow and doze off.


3. She is able to repeat a lot of words ( says peas for all veggies, aunteeeee, cleep, etc ), has 7 teeth and few more coming up.


4. She can run, swing, slide with a fair amount of ease.


5. She is keen to get into the pool with her sister.


6. She is still not interested in TV or toys except balls and a sword.


7. She has had her first beach visit, boat ride and bus journey this month.


8. She likes to open and shut lids/ boxes and brushing her teeth


9. She calls herself pretty / "pitty" when she wears a new dress/ jewellery.


10. She likes wearing 'pottu', chains, shoes. She asks for clips but prefers to chew them.


11. She loves to mop the floor/ dusting stuff and then uses the same rag on her face though.


12. She plays well with the kids in the building and continues to adore her thaathu.


13. She heads for the kitchen saying " PAATI- dhudhooooo" in the morning once she wakes up


14. She is very particular that she has to be the one handing the milk packs to be put into the fridge


15. She keeps back things in place when told to.


16. She still runs occasionally to what we call the " kopam corner" - an assigned corner in every room in the house for her to vent herself and bawl !!


17. She hardly uses her pram and her play pen has been dismantled


18. She is still in diapers but lets us know whenever she uses it.

Potty training. The next Frontier. Here we come. I hope Aditi will manage this transition easily as well.

Auf wiedersehen!

Today Anushka gave some thankyou/ farewell cards and some small gifts to her school teachers. I think she ( and I) will miss them as she moves on to a 'bigger' school, that too one which is not really montessori unlike her previous two.

She was so excited to make these cards. The only help I offered was spelling out her teachers' names and doing one sample card partially.

I am so glad she remembered the two school helps and made cards for them as well. She was gifting pens to the teachers and a bell to her school. She felt that the pens may not be useful to the helps and so we went with bangles for them.

Fruitful weekend

Rediscovered our much loved rocking chair this weekend. Since we got to Blore it has been gathering dust in the balcony and used probably once a month or so! But yesterday I got it into the bedroom and the girls loved it as did the boy of the house!! He said it made him want to sit and watch TV. Some clever reorganising by my dad and we had enough room for it inside. And now though it has regained its pride, it is complaining of overuse!

Missed an ST meet which I had been looking forward to.

Enrolled Aditi in a play school beginning June. And Anush was the one who gave us the go ahead. She liked the place enough to suggest that she would also go there instead of her current school!

In the two schools we had considered for Anush in Chennai ( years ago), there was a prep class- about 2 hrs a day ( Anush went to one) which works well since it naturally progresses into Montessori and there is familiarity with the school as well for the child.

Here in Blore that does not seem to be the case - at least as I know- no reception class for the almost 2 to 3 yr age group in the few Montessori schools in our area.

We ensured no clash in 'syllabus' in the play school we selected for Aditi since we do not want her getting hassled about ABC and aa-ba-ca. And of course are satisfied with the hygiene and security bit. Were a bit appalled by the fees but such is the scene now we guess. And Anush thinks Aditi is going to LOVE this school. Fingers crossed!

Events of the weekend

My little cousin has been recruited by Google. Am so excited for her. They sound like great employers and I hope she will have a fun and exciting career.

Anush had her first tablet for her cold, courtesy her paternal doctor grandpa. She wanted me to put it on record. So here it is.

We had a fun weekend in Chinatmani and saw a mineral water plant and the adjoining bottle/ can - cap making unit. Wonderful and clean. Anush and Aditi had fun with chalk rangoli. Navy and Anush baked fairly tasty cookies for the first time. Next time they plan to do it with a proper oven and recipe and am sure it will turn out great

Aditi is into numbers and says two- three if she hears the word' one ' in any context.

Anush's school had the parent teacher meet where I almost burst with pride at their report on Anush. Though I think I am an objective parent, it is nice to know your child is doing well as per a qualified outsider's assessment.

The school search for Anush has left me confused since there are pros and cons with all the three that I am considering for her. Also I think a large part of how kids shape up is due to home and family and having my mother around has been such a positive influence on them. Does a school matter that much I wonder...

Sweet 16!

Aditi is 16 months today.

She is trying to walk- finally.
She does a funny backward glide at awesome speed on the floor.
She adds on many words each day and gives all at home a lot of exercise.
She had her first boat ride in Ranganthittu.
She asks to dance- first asks to be hoisted onto my hip and once that is done, extends her hand to 'jive'.

Aditi your biggest gift to us- you know just how to make us laugh ( and cry in frustration)

Each time I wonder what possessed us to have a second baby, I just melt when I see the love in your eyes, your baby lisp( Anushka spoke clearly way too soon), your rough hugs and just about everything about you.