Holiday Break at Tahoe

Dear Vedant,

We had a lovely holiday in Tahoe in December 2012. We spent 3 nights in a lovely cottage in a place near Nevada city. It was a great place, tucked away from computers and work. We went there with Jubilee Aunty, Srini uncle and Kofi. You played so much with Kofi, it was real cute. You would chase Kofi for a while and then he would be chasing you :) You guys had trouble not touching each other's toy balls.

We enjoyed hanging out so much that we want to go back there in the summer. I also showed you a tractor, horse, some goats at a farm near the cottage. It was the first time you saw a farm like place in real.

Here are a few pics to remember our family fun..
Love,
Amma

Christmas in the Park..

Dear Vedant,

Over the holiday season, there is a nice fair that comes to downtown San Jose. It is called "Christmas in the Park". We went there one night and you had a lot of fun. You liked the lights and the Tea Pot ride the best.

The first pic is of you intently watching the toy train with Santa & elves go by. The second pic is of us by the Tea Pot ride.

Circle and Heart

Dear Vedant,

The sponge toys - Circle and Heart were your thing for such a long time. You would take them everywhere, upstairs if you were going to bed, downstairs, from the living room to the dining room. If you went to a new room and didn't remember to bring them, all of a sudden you would recall them and fret about and only calm down if we got them. Or you would be bummed that they were "gum".

You are over them now, not your favourite thing anymore. Guess there will be many more fads...
Love,
Amma

Moon gum?

Dear Vedant,

so it turns out the Moon is very mischievous. Sometimes it hides behind clouds and then shows up at other times :) This is how we would handle your constant (actually CONSTANT) questions about where the Moon is every second in the car :) For a while we thought of buying a dummy moon and sticking it up on the roof of our car :).

Even now you love the moon, watching the moon from the car, or the balcony is a fun thing to do.

Love you shona mona,
Amma

My Voracious Rattu Reader

Dear Vedant,

Your memory amazes me every day. Just yesterday you saw a book after 2 months. You got it at Viji peddamma's place and hadn't seen it for two months. You saw it and said "Anga diya, Viji pa diya". I am amazed by how much you remember & how you recall things. You now know your favourite books and songs by heart. First among them are "Elmo loves you", "My Truck is Stuck", "Hungry caterpillar".... I am really glad and so is Papa that you love reading.. but oh my! We would love to do without "truck is stuck book" for a week! We know it line by line, word for word :)

Here is a pic that I took when I caught you reading. You were mouthing various words you know and seemed so engrossed. Was really nice to see.
Love, Amma

Ice Cream Maker

Dear Vedant,

Raghav,Anurag and you played with the Ice Cream maker in Houston. Raghav was so sweet, he helped you both figure out how it works. This was perhaps your first "Pretend" play. We all had lovely ice cream to eat.
I need to buy it for you too, you really liked it.

Love,
Amma

Sorry means not again

Dear Vedant,

Disciplining you as been a roller coaster ride thus far. You (very embarrassingly so) hit Arshia a few times, not just once. Poor thing, sweet Arshia never hit you back. She would always let it go as Vedant has to learn, woh chota he. Nothing I tried would work. Finally, a five day weekend in Houston over Thanksgiving helped us. For one thing, I was with you for so long and there wasn't any Aunty. So I could totally discipline you as I thought best.

Timeouts after timeouts, the first stand off lasted almost 1 hour but slowly your resistance gave in. The next timeout was 45 minutes and then "Sorry" came out. You cried so much, it was heartbreaking but I had to stay strong. Viji peddamma and Sid Nana helped me stay strong. Anurag would feel bad for you and be all sad. But this really turned things around for us.

I can say the hitting has pretty much stopped, except for when you do it out of excitement. We are still working on it. Now you say "Sorry, not again" but give us a smile. Timeouts, however, are getting less effective. We need to find another method soon. I hope one day you will read this and feel that we had to do the timeouts to make sure you turn out great.

Love,
Amma

Parantha Roll

Nov 30, 2012

Dear Vedant,

Like our Indian mothers, time may come when I will be rolling up paranthas with butter (sneaking in sabji too) and hand them over as you are rushing out to play with your friends. Here is a pic of your very first parantha roll. You ate it with gusto, enjoying. I love this pic for its clarity, focus on your face and eyes.

Papa will be thinking of this newest Lens, but I think it is my boy that is glowing :)

Love,

Amma

Store...Shopping

Dear vedant,

So this started as our little joke, our mom-son thing. I taught you to say "Shopping". This was to be your response why I went to the store. Everyone, especially my sisters and my mom know what this means to us, how really funny it is to us.

Now we use this reason to tell you that Cheerios is finished and that we need to go the store to "shop" for more.

Lots of love,
Amma

Amma tired...

Dear Vedant,

I have told you I am tired at various times. It is usually after our song. "I am a little teapot".

When we were in Houston visiting Viji peddamma, I was feeling really tired and just zoned out for a bit. You sweetly touched me and said "Amma tired". It was like you understood how I was feeling. I was very grateful that you recognized that.

Of course, a little later you said, "aedu tired"!

So cute,
Love,
Amma

Mangu Mangu

Dear Vedant,

So this is how you are going to put us in trouble. You have learnt to say "mangu mangu"... standing for "nangu pangu". Aunty taught you this.. she tells you to become nangu pangu for a bath and how you would catch a cold if you don't dress up quickly after a bath.. But now you are using it on us.

You lift up my tee, look at my belly button and say "mangu". Dad came out of the shower, well, modestly dressed and you said.. Mangu Mangu :) It is really cute. I love your voice as you say it, you are very expressive. I will try to record a video, but hopefully I will always remember.

Lots of love,
Amma

Aapu Aapu...

Dear Vedant,

Continuing your Main Main theme, these days you are all about "aapu aapu". You want to do lots of things on your own. Be it removing your jacket, having "davai" or eat cookies.

It is nice to see you grow up and be independent. The word "aapu" is because of Arshia didi, she uses it a lot and you just caught on.I am glad you are speaking a lot of Hindi too. Everyone likes that and comments on it. I wish I had been able to teach you telugu, that was not to be. May be when you are older.

Lots of love,
Amma

Main Main

Dear Vedant,

This "Main Main" thing has been going for about 15 days now.. suddenly you want to do so many things on your own. You want to be so independent. You say "Main Main" if I try to help you with putting on a jacket, doing the buttons, sometimes eating, more recently reading books even. I love the reading books part, it is quite nice to now see you read/ flip through books on your own.

Sleep tight shona babu, Love,
Amma

Scared of Halloween Decor

Dear Vedant,

I wanted to remember this time that you got scared of halloween decor at Rohini Aunty's house. It was a ghost, a wild cat and carved pumpkins. You got so scared and hugged me tight and kept saying "go go" and pointed homewards. It took me a second to realize that you really got scared. You have never got scare that way before. You held me so tight, kinda shook too,just once, but made me feel really bad.

We huddled and I brought you back home hugging you tight, .You seemed ok at home, not too worried later. I worried if you would be scared in the night but you were OK. You slept well through the night.

Sleep tight chinu,
love, Amma

Pumpkin carving for Halloween

Dear Vedant,

This is your second Halloween. Actually, our second halloween. I was not in the US until Nov of 2010. Last year we did not do anything, you were too small. Well, we did dress you as a teddy bear and take you for some trick or treating.

This year, I am making some effort. I bought a Pumpkin, which I carved out. You quite like it. You call it "tumpin" :) Absolutely cute. You know that we have to put a diya in it.

You know that Rohini Aunty also has a "tumpin" right outside it. You got scared of her pumpkin and the window clings. You held me so tight and started tremblin ga littl eand said "Go" and pointed to our home. You never want to leave their house, so I was a little surprised that you were scared. I gave you a big hug and and then showed you how we made it the next day. Think that helped you a little, but you are probably not going to be ready for the really scary houses. I will make sure you don't go to the really scary houses.

I will hold you tight and keep you safe as long as I can.
Lots of love,
Amma

Dot Dot

Dear Vedant,

I want to remember this activity of yours. It keeps you buys for long periods of time and it has helped you learn the colors. I bought "Do a Dot Art", which is basically colors, big sketch pens from my kids in school. Arshia loves this toy too. Rohini Aunty just bought it for her today. You both are going to love this one.

I will add a video of you asking for "dot dot" as you say it. You wear the bib religiously. You bring the bib and say "Pehne" and then "dot dot" and "paper".

Good night kanna,
Amma

Baby Hugggg

Dear Vedant,

This happened at Dipali kaku's baby shower at our place. Elina and you were sitting on the red chair. We all encouraged you to hug the baby. You were reluctant for a bit and then you hugged her soooo tight, poor baby ended up in tears. It was hilarious though :)

You were so proud, as if you knew you did what you were asked to do.

Sleep tight Chinu,
love,
Amma

Bigggg Bhalu

Dear Vedant,

As part of Papa spoiling Vedant series, you got a BIGGGGGGGGG Bhalu one day. Unfortunately, I was in office when papa brought it up the stairs so I don't know have a video of how you reacted. You were apparently initially scared of the Big Teddy and slowly warmed up to him. You touched the teddy and ran back to papa. After a few attempts, you mustered up the courage to hug the big teddy. Since then, you hug teddy every now and then.

Right now when Papa is in Gwalior, you sometimes touch the Teddy and say "Papa, Down." Meaning that it was kept down during Dipali Aunty's baby shower or that Papa brought it up from the basement.

Also, Arshia lovesssss the Teddy too. Here are a few pics for you to remember the bhalu days by... Arshia and you hanging out with the teddy, vedu relaxing on it (nice metta per Avva) and you taking teddy for a ride on the bike!

Lots of Love,
Amma

Ohini Aunty and Aga Uncle

Dear Vedant,

You know who the suspects are in this case. This is how you are prounouncing their lovely names. Ohini Aunty and Aga Uncle :)

Love,
Amma

Firetruck & Zoo

Dear Vedant,

So we went a little ambititous and we did the following in one day... Fire Station trip, Ikea and the Zoo. You were great through this and caught a nap while Dad took care of Ikea returns. It was a really fun day.

We went to Mountain View Fire station in the morning. They were having a fund raising/ awareness event that was super fun for kids. You got scared of the loud noise and the crowd and very holding on to me. You did not want to go down and run about on your own. Perhaps when you are older. The thing you liked the best was climbing on a Fire Truck that was parked away from the crowd. You touched it, stood on the back, kept saying "light...". More importantly, you now seem to remember the event. When I show you the Fire Truck page in the Trucks book you say.."Papa, Mumma" and then point your finger back as if to say "yesterday". We will go again, when you are older.

The Zoo was so much fun. It was much better than last time. Dad and I were very strategic, we skipped the parts that we knew don't interest you. We started with the African safari. You loved the Giraffe, Zebra etc. We saw the Stork being fed by a Zoo official. Your memory of this is "Bird bhukki, Man, throw. eat" :) The other animal that made a big impression is the Hippo. The hippo was massive, in the water. Your memory is "Hippo Paani Chup". You also ran around the Peacock that was running about free.

Dad has his misgivings about the Zoo, since it seems like the animals are being kept there for our pleasure, away from their natural environment. One day we will ask him to take us to Africa, just so that he doesn't feel bad for the animals!!

Lots o love,
Amma

P.S: We have the Jungle Animal stickers in the playroom, you can now identify Hippo, giraffe, Rhino, Cat, Tiger, Lion, Elephant, Bird, Monkey (your favorite), Snake, Turtle, Fish, Duck, Cow, Pig, Goat, Sheep, Horse..

BIGGGG BIGGG Cookie!!!

Dear Vedant,

This was one of the cutest thing you did, it brought an instant smile to my face. You came into, well, you waltzed into the kitchen and said, with your arms stretched out in Titanic style, that you wanted a "Big Big Cookie". I tried to capture it in a video, but by then your enthu had subsided :(

I will always remember how you said it, in my head. I felt so happy, I know this perhaps from Aunty's teachings, but just the way you said it, it was adorable.

May you always remain this happy. Also, on this day you turned 21 Months old. I can't believe you are going to be 2 very soon.

Lots of love,
Amma

Story-time with Papa

Dear Vedant,

I want you to remember the story time routine that you and Papa have. I think it started in August/ September 2012. At bed time, Papa picks you up and tries to calm you down with stories such as..."There was a Lion..that roared like..."arrrrghhh".. and then he was hungry... he went to the jungle.. he found a Hippo... chup.. since the hippo in the zoo was in the pond etc..." Essentially, he starts talking, you start jumping in and it doesn't have to be realistic or make any sense at all. One thing leads to another and very soon you are sleepy.

Bingo! Time to put you down in the crib. You know what "story" means now. As soon as Papa says "story time", you lay down next to him, intently watching his face for the story to begin.

Amazing. I tried to tell you a story today, I must say I was sleepy much before you were. You kept lifting my chin up to keep me awake!!!

Sleep tight chinu,
love,
Amma

Papa will be back soon

Dear Vedant,

Papa went to Ireland today and will go to India from there. He was feeling sad about leaving you behind. Got into the crib to kiss you good-bye while you were sleeping :).

I am quite worried about how I will take care of you. I mean, you are so used to dad's story telling time in the night and all the rough & tumble fun - which I am not a fan of!

However, tonight is done. You are asleep, comfy in your crib. I am not :( I feel like taking you out of your crib, holding you and sleeping next to you in the bed. But I have to resist the temptation. I will move up the baby monitor and it will have to do for today. I feel so responsible for you, like I better do this right.

It is amazing, how much I need Papa in this, I don't think I realized that.

Lots of love,
Amma

"Dooddhuuu UP!"

Dear Vedant,

By now you have figured out the night routine. We finish dinner, play a little. Dad or I get your milk ready. Next, we switch off the music and ALL the lights. You won't go up otherwise. The other day Vivek Uncle and Dipali aunty were visiting. We had to switch off the lights even then :) They had to sit in the dark for two minutes until you went up. Then you gather me/ papa, whoever is lagging and the whole team goes up to put you to bed.

Today when dad was getting your milk ready you screamed with joy..."Doodhuu UP!!" It was really cute. Dad and I laughed for a while..

Good night love,
Amma.

Monterey Trip, Labor Day 2012

Dear Vedant,

We had a great holiday over Labor day in 2012. We went to Monterey and stayed at a small hotel. We had a one bedroom service apartment and were quite comfortable. Full disclosure - Amma won an award at work and we got most of the stay covered by LinkedIn :)

We hung out at the beach, played with the new sand toys, the dump truck, shovel and all the moulds you have. We spent a day at Monterey Bay Aquarium which was a lot of fun too. Not to forget the lovely breakfast we had at some place that had great Yelp! rating, something Dad will tell you about one day. I must add that we walked half a mile to get to breakfast but it was well worth it :)  Also, one of the picture is so you saying "Itna pani tha" to our question "Vedu kitna pani he".
Love,
Amma

Asssssssssshia.. Asssssshika

Dear Vedant,

Tonight I was putting you to bed and we played under the blankie for a long time. I sang "Twinkle Twinkle" for you and started humming unknown to me. And soon you joined me and started singing "lalalalal". This was your first attempt at singing a tune :) I will remember.

What you did next was also very cute. You said "Assshia" and "Asssshika", I was talking to you about your day, you Gymboree class, trying to wind you down and ready for bed. I will record it tomorrow.

Anyhow, I am glad we got to play before you went to bed.

Lots of love,
Amma

Another day.. another Time Out

Dear Vedant,

This evening Arshia didi came over to play with you in the play room. All was going well, until you H.I.T her. She is so resilient and patient with you. She did not say anything to me or you. I gave you a time out for 30 seconds. You cried all the time. Poor Arshia was feeling so bad for you, it is amazing how much she loves you! So while you were crying, I was pacifying her and explaining what was going on and how this is going to help you in the long run. The everlasting 30 seconds ended, I let you out and you guys started playing again as if nothing happened.

Sometimes, I don't know what to do to help you with this. Perhaps this will go with time.
I also wonder what goes through your mind during the time out.

Anyhow, I hope we will get through this one soon.
love,
Amma

Disciplining You..

Dear Vedant,

I wish I know how to discipline you. My little boy - being naughty. I know you are a little boy but you have done some bad things recently. You hit a little girl in the park, and Lavanya aunty's little girl too. In the past, there has been Arshia. i don't know what it is. Something just comes over you, you do it and immediately know that it was a bad thing to do.

I am trying to discipline you the best i can. I think I have lost temper recently, my screaming may be too loud, I think so at least. This long weekend, I will do a better job of it. I am really looking forward to spending time with you and papa. Just doing something fun, by the beach. Not getting hassled by schedules etc.

Also, to be noted is your most recent reaction to my daant. You look down to your chest, after 20 seconds, look up to check my expression! It is cute :)

I love you, always will, but want to make sure you learn good habits.

lots of love and kisses,
Amma

Learning new skills.. Blocks.

Dear Vedant,

As a Mom, my dream is to see you become a wonderful person, a confident loving man. Every little day we take a small step towards that.

I loved the expression you had when you were able to put the blocks together the first time. It was amazing, so rewarding. What I loved the most was the content look in your eyes, in your face. So happy and relaxed.

This will remain very dear to me always.
Love,
Amma

Showing papa the new wall stickers

Dear Vedant,


I wanted to remember this thing you did on Monday, Aug 6. I am not sure of the date, but a few years from now it perhaps won't matter. It will be when you were 1.5 years old.

On a day that I worked from home, Aunty and I put up the transportation themed wall stickers. You loved them! They were trucks, cars, scooters and tractors. When dad came home that evening, you were tugging at his leg. Dad thought, as usual you wanted him to take you outside, to the park. I had a feeling you wanted to show him your new stickers and you did just that!

It was really cute to watch. Like you were communicating, sharing a part of your day with dad. Another milestone achieved, my baby boy, growing up.

Fabulous, yet scary, a little sad.
Lots of love,

Amma

Arshia?? Didi... Anshikka?? Babbbyyy...

Dear Vedant,

Today you did the cutest thing. I said Anshikka and you said "Babbbbyy". I then said Arshia and you said "Didiiii"! I had no idea you had all this figured out. It was really cute!

Arshia and Anshikka had come over to play on Saturday, here is a few pics of that day.

Love,
Amma

Fun with the Vaccuum

Dear Vedant,

It has been a while since I wrote to you. Life has been very busy since I returned from Singapore. The first weekend was just catching up with you, home and dad. After that we have been investing time (and money!) in home improvement. You will know all about this when you grow up.

Anyhow, this Sunday you went crazy playing with the Vaccuum, the small one at home. Here is short video that we made.
http://youtu.be/oPu3fH4fpm8

It was really fun to see you play for so long with something so boring! I plan to make vacuuming a part of your tasks when you grow up.

lots of love,
Amma

Chilling out with Papa

Dear Vedant,

These past few weeks you have been amazing to see. You and dad bonding each day. You were always a papa's boy but since my trip to Singapore, it is really awesome.

Here is a pic that Dad asked me to take of two of you. Not like dad to ask for too many pics (well, I do take them anyway).

always cherish this, love,
Amma.

Mornings spent with Aunty love

Dear Vedant,

I want you to remember the first things that happen when Aunty comes home at 8 am SHARP. Every day. For 1.5years now. It is amazing that she has never been late or called in sick.

These days the first fun thing you do with her is brush your teeth or as you would say "eeeeeeeeeee" with a wide grin. Here is a few pics of the two of you doing that.

You love being in water early in the morning and you look forward to this.

Love,
Amma

Be back soon my dear..

Dear Vedant,

This is the first time I have left you alone for 6 nights. I put you to bed myself on Sunday, before I left. It was hard to do this, I am thinking about you almost constantly. Every child I see, I think of you.

I know the time will go by fast and I am going to be with you on Saturday morning, and then I am going to spend my whole weekend, just being with you. Nothing else. Perhaps we will go to the zoo. Whatever, makes you happy. You be a good boy, listen to Papa, Aunty and Rohini aunty. They all know what is best for you.

When time comes, you will understand why this was important to me. Until then, hang tight my dear.  I am coming back soon.

With all my love,

Amma

Forgiving Love, Innocence

Dear Vedant,

I wanted to note the moment I came back from Monterey. You were walking in front of our home with Dad. You saw me, smiled and went back to the leaves you were fiddling with. Then after a second you looked at me again and then came running.

The best part was seeing you so happy, content BEFORE I came. And then holding you was wonderful. We went for a walk immediately, you did not want to stay home. It was fabulous. Being with you again, as if I hadn’t even gone away.

I guess that is how children are, no grudges, no memory of the night before. Just being in the moment.

Stay happy always, Love,
Amma

Hugging the screen, Adorable, heart-breaking.

Dear Vedant,

I recently went to Monterey for two nights for work. We did a google hangout for the first time. And you did the cutest thing, you hugged the Screen. I so wished I could be with you.

You were also very brave. Barring two episodes in the night that Dad mentioned, I think you got along alright without me. You have to know I am always there for you, even if I am not close by. I hope I won’t have to travel as much, this time has been just coincidental. No more travel for a few more months. 

Hopefully on my next one, I can bring you along. I had asked aunty so many times, but she refused. I understand where she comes from. She has to look after her own kids like I worry for you. I get that, I just wish it would happen.

Anyhow, I am looking forward to our trip to Monterey,  that should be fun. Three days of just taking it easy by the beach. I intend to cuddle away with you on the sand.  And dad, it’s the best when it is the three of us, and the way you get in between us :) One day we gotta record it, your sounds of disapproval if I hug dad. Or we hold hands. And then you make space by (always) pushing me away!! 

Lots of love,

Amma.

Loving new shoes...

Dear Vedant,

We went to Great mall near our place on Saturday July 14 to pick up new shoes for you. Dad really wants to buy the ones that look cool, have a canvas bottom, kinda like fancy PT shoes, those of us, well, in our generation from India will know what I mean.  Papa also has just read a book called “Born to Run” which talks about various manufacturers that sell shoes with gels, arch support etc which are eventually bad for our feet. Anyhow, after much picking and choosing, Dad picked these Brown-blue shoes for you.

We had you try them out on Sunday evening for a short stroll around the house. You loved them from the get go!! You were so excited walking around in them. You were jumping around in them (literally jumping, both feet in air). Usually when we ask you to remove shoes after coming back home, you do it, almost immediately. This time however, you didn’t. You were walking around the whole house wearing your new shoes.

I think this is the first time you realized you are wearing something NEW. I will add a picture when I get back home which brings me to my next post.

Lots of love,

Amma

Lovely locks of hair...

Dear Vedant,

Here is a picture of you playing in SFO airport just before Anuraag uncle picked us up. You were so happy. Very hairy too, love your hair so much, you look so cute. Well until we got you a haircut the next day. I know it will grow back, can’t wait!

You loved playing in the airport. And you looked so handsome, jeans and all!

Lots of love,

Amma

First Words..

Dear Vedant,

You said "Mumma-Papa" a while ago and yesterday was your first word after that.

The sequence has been as follows

Joint Winners ( :D ) - Mumma - Papa
Distand Second - Baby
Close third - Car & Elmo

It is really fun to hear you speak,
Love,
Amma

Fun day at Sesame place, PA

Daddy and Vedu tired after a fun day at Sesame Place

Dear Vedant,

Today was a very busy day for you.

We are at Sesame Place Park today for Anurag's birthday. It has been really fun so far. It has also been VERY hot.. that has been the only bummer. You were excited to see Cookie Monster, Elmo and Big Bird.. but also got a little scared of them. You did hug Cookie Monster. Later when we were seeing a show.. you wanted to touch Cookie Monster.

Will add more pics later..

Lots of love,
Amma

Chap Chap in Central Park, NYC, NY

Dear Vedant,

I want to remember the best part of NYC trip for you. It was getting nangu, barring a diaper and getting totally drenched in the fountain in central park. It was so much fun. You refused to get out of there... protested big time !!

It was a really hot day. You loved being able to run about in central park.. pointing out birds.. we played "chase & caught you", you were giggling so much. You played with Sid Chinnaina. Anurag got a little J of that :).

I also felt very relaxed there.. just lying down.. and looking up at sky was nice..

love,
Amma.

Rohini Aunty and Many firsts...

Dear Vedant,

We have been living in Camille Circle for a little over an year now. My first interaction with Rohini aunty was when she came over to meet us with a gift in tow for you. It had only been a few days since we had moved in. Since then our relationship has grown and there have been many moments we have spent together. There have been many firsts for you all along...


First Toy ever.. the Cow..
First Car for diwali..
First diwali celebration
First Halloween hug
First playmate in Arshia
First Neighbor that you can actually visit
First home you are comfortable in beside your own
First aunty that spoils you rotten
First kitchen beside mine where you know the where the cookies are at
First baby that is younger than you to play with.. Anshikka
First time you had upma
First bday celebration (at home, when we were all sick)
First Aunty that disciplines when you are naughty
First Aunty that I can leave you with knowing you are going to be happy
First Aunty that you are always happy to see
First home you always want to visit
First playdate (when I was at work)
First Lego blocks
..............
.............

There have been many firsts with Rohini Aunty. We are very lucky to have her close by. You have  received so much love from her, Arshia and Anuraag uncle, it is really amazing. 


Always remember those who love you and care for you,
love,
Amma

Octopus music...

Dear Vedant,

This particular post is sooooo long due. It has been a draft for a long time. I wanted to remember the Octopus toy that you play with. It has to be the most value for money toy that we have, may be a close competitor to the Jumperoo which you loved too.

Fufa Ji (Dad's sister's husband) gave it to you for your first birthday. You play with the balls, look for them under the shoe. But the clincher is the Octopus music. In fact, not just the music, it is ONE particular song. You keep pushing the buttons until that song comes on. And then you are dancing. Bouncing up and down on your knees.

Very cute, Also good to see you do the cause-effect connection.

Love,
Amma.

Gymboree Level 4

Dear Vedant,

I wanted to remember how we moved you to Level 4 classes in Gymboree. BTW before you get all excited the Levels don't have anything to do with "skill level/ achievement" just purely age group based :) Initially you were enrolled in the 8 to 16 months group. You were always the oldest kid in the group. You weren't interested in sitting down and listening, you were more into exploring the play area on your own or looking at cars in the parking lot. You still do this btw in the Level 4 class.

Anyhow, I tried one class and saw that you liked it much better. More kids your age, more age appropriate activities. So here you are in Level 4 for 16 to 22 month olds.

My hope is from Gymboree that you will learn to be comfortable around other children, around other adults in teaching capacities and in general a playroom/ class environment.

Aunty takes you during the weekdays, I come to Monday 5.30 pm class, I am so glad I am able to do that. It is nice to see you interact with others. One of the teachers told me this Monday that you now recognize her and that you guys are "bonding". :) I hope you find such nurturing teachers everywhere.

Love,
Amma

First trip to the zoo

Dear Vedant,

Today was your first trip to the Zoo. So much fun, also tiring though. We came back home and you and I crashed for an hour on the sofa, total chipkoo mood. We also slept on the way back in the car, poor dad did all the driving. Amma did drive on the way to the Zoo though, so it was not all unfair :)

Bahut maza aaya aaj. Dad found the Lion
the most impressive. I liked the Penguins a lot, they were so cute. I also was very impressed by the Sheer SIZE of the Asian Rhino. From a distance we thought it was a Jumbo, an elephant that is.

You loved the Bhalu as we expected. You were really happy to see a Bear. You also liked the ducks. I think you got a little scared when the Lioness was growling. You fed the Goats too, and found that fun after a while. Good day overall.

Dad does not like the Zoo much since it takes animals away from their natural habitat and restricts/ cages them. I agree, some day we should go to Africa and see animals in their "home", do a safari trip. I hope you had as much fun as we did.

Love Amma.

PS: Dad dressed himself and then changed again. He wanted to wear a Yellow striped T-shirt, just like yours!! Also, it was Father's day yesterday, not that we need a day, since you are papa's fan anyway.

Cuddler..

Dear Vedant,

I want you to know that you are a very cuddly, huggy, chipkoo, golu molu baby. Daddy says you take after me, I don't disagree! You have become so cuddly in the last few weeks. It is cute and also scary, I have to hold you back from hugging too tight.

You keep hugging folks you like, especially other children Arshia, Anshikka and Anurag. When we went to Del Valle park with Rohini Aunty and co, you hugged Arshia when she was sitting on a chair, you put your head on her lap and just slept for a bit. It is really sweet.

Just don't hurt someone is what I keep telling you, be gentle, be nice, be soft... but it is very cute.

love,
Amma

We have a climber in the house!

Dear Vedant,

What you did today was so funny! Very unexpected too! You stood up on the stool, pulled yourself up to take something from a shelf. It was so cute! Although this means now we have to keep the stool away from shelves, tables and the kitchen.

But it was super cute, another way in which you are being independent.

Youtube Video
Love,
Amma

Mumma Mumma Mumma X n

Dear Vedant,

I wish i could record this voice of yours that rings "Mumma Mumma Mumma" all the time these days. It all started after our trip to Houston. I am not sure what changed except that I was there with you all the time. Papa stayed back in San Jose. It changed right from the flight. You went on and on. It wasn't Anurag, it was just you.

Just want to remember. It ain't amma, and almost everything is Mumma, including a passing car!, and dad too, which annoys him so much.

But to me, it is my world. you are.
love,
Amma. 

Swimming pool fun

Dear Vedant,

You love the water so. The first time I took you to the pool was in Houston, with Peddamma and Anurag. It was so much fun. You were splashing away like crazy. You did not want to get out of the water at all. You actually cried when I took you out after 45 minutes. The only thing that made you forget that was the option of doing "chap chap" in the tub, which is proxy for a bath! You water baby! True for an Aquarius!

We took you to the pool again this evening. We bought water guns too, you are too young to get the hang of them though. Had fun, but you were not as excited. Will take you next weekend now.

Chalo, sleep tight, love,
Amma

Life of the party

Dear Vedant,

This is about our visit to Rajesh Uncle, Roochi Aunty's house in May 2012. They live in San Ramon, ~45 mins drive. We went there with Vivek kaka. Chitra auntry, Anand Uncle and Sonali didi. It was a very nice day, the weather was gorgeous. We hung out in the backyard, dad made pani puri (very popular as you will learn soon). Roochi aunty made fabulous food - fultoo northie style, bahut maza aaya. Anyhow... what was really fun was you.... You became the life of the party.

Vedant hugging Sonali for a Picture

Chitra Aunty was taking pictures of all of us. You instinctively put your arm around Sonali and posed. It was so cute! All of us immediately let out a big sigh, awwww etc which puzzled you. This pic is so cute. This is the first time you did this, I will always remember.






You were jumping around, dancing to the bollywood music and just entertaining everyone. You also sat down in Elina's place, using her pillow for support, as if you are a little baby.


Stay this way my dear, stay happy.
love,
Amma/Mumma/Mummy

Other memorable pics from the day:

Aunty and Vedant's trip to Gymboree

 Dear Vedant,

Special day today! Aunty drove you to Gymboree for the first time. It was fun to see you guys off. I took a few pictures to remember the day and mostly to remember the masti you do with her.

Aunty has come a long way from the days she wasn't driving and not getting much support from her family. I am amazed by how she learnt to drive and got the license on her own. Rohini Aunty's mom made an eggless cake to celebrate. We were all happy and proud! All that is now becoming useful for us. Aunty took you to Gymboree in my car today. She is going to take your thrice a week. I am happy!
Youtube - http://youtu.be/h25LXVatQsg
I will write more later about the whole Daycare vs Homecare thingi.
Love,
Amma

Flying kisses and buh bye....

Dear Vedant,

I really wish I had a picture or a video would have been better. But I do remember and hopefully will recall when I read this.

Today, when Aunty was preparing to leave, you started waving bye bye to her and when we were at the door seeing her off you gave her a flying kiss. It was so cute.

One day I want to go to the studio with Aunty and take a picture of you and Aunty. She does so much for you, never lazy, never gets angry with you, always patient. We are really lucky to have her.

Good night sweetie, love,
Amma

Daddy and Vedant

Dear Vedant,

First off I gotta tell you, you are a Daddy's boy. It is almost annoying!! But you do love daddy so and he totally adores you. Here is a video of how you guys do roly poly. Sometimes I wonder why don't do that with me, and then you know you tried, I never actually liked it. Well, Amma does not like her hair being pulled :) What can I do!

Roly Poly
Anyway, a really cute video of daddy and baby,
lots of love,
Amma

Blankie dhoti fun

Dear Vedant,


This is the latest game we played. I tied the blankie around you like a dhoti and you loved it. We did it yesterday and you remmebered to ask for it today too. It was good fun. You were so happy and you were twirling, enjoying it. You really love your blankie. It was the first thing I had ever ordered for you. Papa also enjoyed this game.
Lots of love,
Amma.

Planes... look ma.. planes

Dear Vedant,
This my last note of the day and my last thing before I sleep. I so want to pick you up, hug you tight and sleep with you in my arms. But I know I musn't, it ain't good for you in the long run. Especially on those days when I will have to be away from you.
I want to remember your thing with the planes. You point on out anywhere you see it, from the sofa in the living room looking out, when we are in the car, in the park, in the balcony and many times simply because you hear them. You will be busy playing, suddenly freeze because you heard one. Point your little finger outside and tell us that there is something outside. It is amazing.
Love you loads my dear. Can't wait to hold you again tomorrow morning. Lots of love, sleep tight. Amma.

Ghusi Ghusi sleep

Dear Vedant,
This weekend has been all about resting and having down time for as a family. We all slept together on the bed yesterday in what I call "Ghusi Ghusi" - basically ek dusre ke andar ghus ke sona. You slept in between me and papa. It was perhaps the most restful sleep ever. You were the first one to wake up after and played on your own till we woke up and came downstairs.
Just want to remember,
love,
Amma.

My Little Voracious Reader

Dear Vedant,
I feel like this is a little victory for me. Something I did right as a Mom. I always wanted to make sure that you are a great reader right from the beginning. I was getting a little concerned if that was going to happen and now when it has, it is wonderful!! Both papa and I are so very proud of you. From the time you wake up you keep bringing one book or the other and ask us to read it. You sit yourself plonk in our laps and then point at each page as we read the book. Some special things you do:
1) "Bring me a book, let us read" - I said this to you this morning, and off you went to get a book. I didn't even point to the play room. I don't know but you seem to be catching on to words. Mbr/> 2) "Top" in the Toys book - You like the top toy a lot. You flip to the page that has it and ask us to say it loud. It brings a smile to your face each time. I don't know what it is about the Top that you like so much.
You had stopped being into books while in India. The strategy I used was reading a book during meal times and slowly it has become one of your biggest things.
Love you a lot my dear, thanks for filling my life with so much joy, contentment.
lots of love, Amma

Talking

Dear Vedant, So Papa and I have this thing going about whether you will say Amma/ Papa first. We had been trying to teach you to say Amma and Papa. One night you said "Mamma-Papa". It was the sweetest voice ever. And the glint in your eye too I will always remember. My dear sona mona and kutti kanna. Here is a picture of my facebook post right after. It would be so much fun to see years later what people said :) Lots of love, Amma

Peekaboo Fun!

Dear Vedant, I wanted to remember the total masti we did last night. It was out and out masti time. We played Peekaboo. You put your fav blankie over your face and I said "Vedant Kanamme". You would then peek from the corner of the blankie, find my gaze and just giggle non stop. I don't have a picture, but I will always remember in my head and heart. We never had this much fun before. This morning we went to Madras Cafe for breakfast. You were waving to the cars outside as they were parking in and out. Some people even waved back. You are getting more and more independent. I will take you to the park today. Lots of love, Amma

First Gymboree Class

Dear Vedant, This is a pic of your first class at Gymboree was fun. It was the first time you ever were in a classroom like environment with an instructor and other kids around you. I love this pic and will always remember the light in your eyes when you saw the bubbles. There was also a bubble stuck to the top of your head for sometime. Also, it was Amma's birthday. You were happily exploring the place and kept going towards the glass doors and doing "bye -bye" to cars. You did not really pay attention to the teachers. However, I am hoping that with a few more classes, it will be ok. I hope this prepares you for school and you are not traumatized when you have to go to School. We will bring you every weekend. Lots of love, Amma

Park Fun, Mar 28, 2012

Dear Vedant, I have always wanted to take you to the park and have fun there. Today was the first time we really had a ball. I have taken you a couple of times and you did have some fun. Mostly it was the change. Once we went to the park with Aarti Aunty and Varun Uncle. That was cute too. However, today wsa super fun! You really liked the slide. Climbed over the slide stairs for the first time. You also liked the swing the little. You played wiht some other kid's soccer ball. The kid's mom was nice to you. You also wanted another kid's sand kid. I will buy them for you too. love you sweetie. There is a park opening close to our home and I will take every day, as much as I can. Lots of love, Amma

Spanish ABC fun

Dear Vedant,

I just wanted to remember this cute thing you did about a week ago, perhaps March 21st 2012 or so. Rohini aunty has given us a Musical Table for you. It has the musical ABC in Spanish and English. One evening when Dad and I were back from work and playing with you in your play room you randomly started playing the Spanish version of the ABC and danced to it. You were very excited to listen to the Spanish version. You would play it again and again and dance to it.

It was a fun night. You love your music, I ordered a rhymes cd for you, I hope it gets here soon.

Lots of love and hugs and kisses :)
My sweet one,
Love,
Amma

Cheerios Fan

Dear Vedant,

I started giving you Gerber puffs in all kinds of flavors - Banana, Apple-Cinnamon, Cherry and Peach when you were 8-9 months old. You used to use two hands to take it to your mouth. You loved them and would get excited at the sight of the yellow boxes.

And then I started giving you Honey coated Cheerios. Very quickly they became your favourites. You would even pick and eat only the cheerios from a bowl that had both Cheerios and puffs. You really loved Cheerios.

I will add a pic of you enjoying Cheerios.

Lots of love,
Amma

First Shoes

Dear Vedant,

I want to remember how your first shoes went. I bought brown sandals for you and when I brought them home, Papa was like - "I always wanted imagined red shoes with white laces for my kid". Nanny Aunty was like " I thought they will be soft, made of fabric". It was so cute, both of them had a clear idea of what they wanted for you. I had gone to 3 different stores and bought this one for you.

Anyhow, when I tried putting them on you, that was hard! You cried!! You were so unhappy with the shoes. You did not want to wear them at all. And papa was like - he doesn;t like shoes. Leave him alone!! :) Oh my.. you really did not want to wear them.

Next weekend I returned the brown sandals and bought 3 other shoes for you. THe cute one was not comfy but of the two from stride rite, finally one has worked. Aunty puts them on you when she takes you for a walk. I ask her to let you walk near the fountains and the ducks. How I wish we could do that together each day.

I will upload a pic of your first shoes soon.
Lots of love,
Amma.

First Crayons

Dear Vedant,

I want to remember your first try at coloring. I hope your life is full of colors, happy joyous ones. I wanted to remember the first time you tried your hand at coloring.
We were at Hobbee's near our home and met Karthik (dwarak peddanaina's brother) and his friend Samir. Hobbee's gave us a few crayons and the drawing. You didn't really get the coloring part on your own but did enjoy it a little when Papa and I tried it.

Just something I want to remember.

Lots of love,
Amma.

PS: I stole the two crayons from the restaurant. My keepsakes :)

Walking, for Real!

Dear Vedant,

Today was an amazing day especially in the amount you had seemed to grow in the time I was at work. This also reminds of me of something else, your crying when me or daddy go away to work. It is heartbreaking, but I hope you will see that we always come back and give you a lot of love.

Anyhow, so today was your big walking day!! You walked all the way from the kitchen to the sofa on your own. Your walk too is so cute. So confident, very differnet from how you were doing it yesterday. I will always remember the change.

Lots of love,
Amma

PS: Your sleep training is on. It is hard on me, dad and you. Love you loads, miss feeding you, miss putting you to sleep. Lots and lots of love.

Shapes Puzzle

Dear Vedant,

Yesterday was an awesome day. You did the whole shapes puzzle, each shape into its right place. It was amazing! I have played this puzzle with you over and over again and usually you would get bored by the third/fourth piece. This time not so. You have always loved "Circle" though.

Anyway, this evening went like this. Me, daddy and you were playing in your play room. I just picked up the shapes puzzle and was trying to get you interested. You completed the puzzle without losing interest.

My smart little boy.
Lots of love,
Amma

Sand kit fun!

Dear Vedant,

Today was a really nice warm sunny day. I came back from work and we both went to Thamien Park. We had a great time. I let you lose in the sand pit. You played wiht the sand pit kit for the first time. It was really fun! You also really liked the slide and slid down on your own. You didn't like the swing so much.

Daddy gave you  a bath when we got back. It is still hot here, the windows are open and you are asleep in our bed.

Link to Youtube video - http://youtu.be/Al4nYvgrxRc
Lots of love,
Amma

Music

Dear Vedant,

I am amazed to see how much you like music. But more so, specific type of music. Here is what you do these days. You have an octopus kind of thing that Fufaji bought for you. It has a button that you keep pushing until YOUR song comes back. And then, you dance :) As soon as the clip ends, you keep pushing the buttons until it cycles back to the same song!! It is so cute!

I was telling Dad on the drive back from work today and he and I were giggling away :)

love,
Amma

Walking!

Dear Vedant,

I made a note of this draft to come back and finish it later. I wanted to remember the day you took your first steps. It was Feb 9, Thursday. I will always remember the moment in my head.

I was sitting on the sofa in our living room at Camille Circle. Dad was playing near us on the carpet, he was lying down on the floor. He asked for you. You turned to go towards him and you actually walked! It was just 2 or 3 steps, but it was so cute. And then you were so happy, like you achieved something, that you couldn't stop giggling.

I will always know this my dear. You bring so much joy to my life. I miss not being with you when I am at work, but for now, that will be so.

Lots of love, Amma.

The Little Things You Do

Dear Vedant,

You have started doing so many little things that are beginning to define your personality. I want to remember these things forever. There will be a time when you will be older ,independent and hopefully not need me so much. These are the first few things you did on your own.

1) My hair clips - one day in Dec 2011 (11 months) you found my black hair clip on the floor. You brought it to me, made me bend and put it on my head. You knew where it belonged! It was so cute. You still do this, only with me and my clips. Its our thing :)

2) Feeding me - I kinda taught you to feed me by doing "aaaaa" and putting your puffs in my mouth. Since then you have been doing it when you feel like it. And once you start, you feed me all the puffs/ cheerios. I have to stop you and feed you instead.

3) Your hair - This one has got to be the cutest. You picked up your comb in Chennai one day and just started combing your hair! Mind you, you also change the comb over to your left hand to get the other side!! It is really cute. You only do this with your comb. I don't know when you noticed that it was your comb.

4) Your blankie - This also started in Chennai. You started recognizing your blanket. You have had this blankie before you were born. I ordered it while we were in the service apartment in Carlyle court. Who knows, if I read this 20 years later, if I will remember while this was. I hope I will. Anyhow, if you saw your blankie, you would stop doing what you were doing and come get it. You would then crawl away with it. If it got left behind, you would return to come and get it again :) I also was able to click a picture of you playing while tugging the blankie under one arm :)

5) Rub-rub - Dab a little cream on each forefinger and go rub-rub! Avva taught you this one.

6) My chappals - If you see them lying near me, you pick up each one and give it to me. Again only with my chappals :)

7) Mix-mix - All we need is a spoon and a bowl and we go mix-mix!

So many little things and I look forward to all that you are going to do. I love you kanna and I want to enjoy all the little moments that I have with you. I feel thankful to God for you.

lots of love,
Amma

First Puzzle

Dear Vedant,

I have not written to you in so long sweetheart. I will do a better job this year of this. However, you must know, I will always remember it all in my heart.

I want you to know that the first puzzle you cracked (yes, I am proud!!) was the rock-a-stack. Daddy sat with you one day and you got it after a few tries. I had tried it before, and then you were not quite interested in the puzzle. This happened on a weekend. When Aunty came back on Monday, she was so surprised that you were able to do it. This was around Nov 2nd week I think. I was very very busy then kanna. Amma was changing jobs and planning the big India trip.

I know there will be many more puzzles and more exciting things you will do, but this one I will always remember.

Lots of love,
Amma

India Trip 2011

Dear Vedant,

This was your first trip to India. It was great to see you interact and be pampered by Tata, Avva, Dada, Dadi, Bua and most importantly Anika. She was so interested in looking after you, she was my assistant during diaper changes to feeding you! She just could not have enough of you.

We began our journey by flying to Delhi. We met Kapil chachu and Vimmi chachi there. It was very nice of them to come to the hotel we were staying at to see us. It was really nice to see them and Kavu. She is become a cute little girl. She is your big sister.

From there we went to Madras. Tata came to pick us up. Dad stayed only one night. You were good but found it hard to sleep with all the noise. We were in Madras for just two days.

Next up was bangalore. This is where all hell broke loose. My dear baby, you have never been as chipkoo or unhappy as you were on this leg. I wish I had been more patient than I was with you. I am sorry, but I was dealing with my own jet lag too. It was hard on both of us. I was not sure how we were going to get out of this one, but we did eventually. Meenu didi (peddamma) was very helpful. She was such a great host. We also met Dad's friends - Pawan, Priti, Mayank, Ratna and their kids. During the function, Bharathi avva and Divakaran Peddanaina's 80th birthday celebration, Sahana pinnamma and Prashant mama, Karthik mama, all of them pampered you. I also had fun hanging out with my cousins.

We got back to Madras after that. You fell sick almost immediately. It was raining heavily in Madras, monsoon times. All that made it harder. I know that one does not believe it, however, it was actually cold and windy, especially in the night. I had to take you to the hospital for nebulizer treatment. It was hard to watch you cry and also hard to hold you down. Man, you can kick! You kicked me, tata, the nurse. You pulled the mask off, pulled the whole equipment off the wall. It was crazy! It took you 10 days to get well, it was hard to see you that way. You hardly ate solids and mostly had amma's milk.

I did a lot of shopping, you used to stay with avva at home. I did not want to take you around in the pollution and smoke. Also, you were too small to appreciate India. Next time we go, when you are able to speak, I'd love to take you around. I am sure that you will be fascinated by the auto. You were pampered by so many people, Ramana Tata, Lakshmi Avva. It was really fun.

Dad came to pick us up and take us to see Dada-Dadi. You recognized dad in your own way. When he got off the auto, you didn't go to him, on the other hand you did not cry either. You had cried when you saw Chinna Venkat mama. You were just looking at him and then he picked you up. And then you rested your head on his shoulder and slept :) Daddy's boy through and through.

We also went to see my friends from college. You cried and then hung out with my friends. Yusuf especially pampered you. It was really cute.

From there we were in Gwalior. You were pampered by so many people, from the neighbours to dada-dadi, extended family and Anika. It was amazing. It was very cold though. That was the hard part. Both me and dad were trying our best to keep you warm and comfortable. Next time we go, we will try and go when it is not that cold. We did a small mundan like ceremony for you at a temple near by. You had so much fun hanging out in the temple, crawling everywhere, running away from me. We also had a small party with mom's colleagues and dad's friends. It was nice. I wish we had better pictures from the trip.

From there, we got back home via Delhi again. We hung out with Khemka uncle's family. From there we came via Paris. It was a great halt, you were quite well behaved.

What else to cover sweetie, I am tired now of documenting every detail but I hope one day when we talk about it, I am able to explain all this and more to you.

It was a great trip overall, for us, for you, for parents.

lots of love,
Amma

Birthday Boy!

Dear Vedant,

You turned ONE! I am happy and also a wee bit sad. Especially coz, you are now no longer a baby. Now you are a toddler. In my heart, you will always be my little baby. I will try not to "Baby" you though and treat you like the mature adult you will one day be.

Your birthday was eventful. We had planned a small party with just Venkat mama & co, and Fufa ji and very small group of friends. However, both me and dad were not well. We had just come back from India the week before, and dad had this really bad cold and cough. So we could not have the party. Both me and dad were feeling bad about how the day was going. Finally, since I was doing better than Dad, I went and got cake and balloons. We had Rohini Aunty come over and we cut the cake for you. I will remember this day as fun now, eventually we had a good time. Before I forget, we had lots of virtual guests. Dada-dadi, Viji peddamma and Bua too. That was the fun part!!

We also had a big party for you in Turmeric restaurant on Feb 11. It was fun. We did not have too many guests, just perfect I thought. We were able to look after you and also look after the guests. Everyone loved the food. Dad and fufa ji went early to do the decor. They did a great job. I had a cake for you which had balloons on it. It was the yummiest cake ever, so popular with everyone. And you loved it too. You ate a small slice happily!

Happy Birthday from me and dad! We love you! Our blessings to you forever.
love, Amma