We have kick off

We have moved into the Summer Holidays. This year feels so different from last year. Last year I was facing redundancy and was on the lookout for a new job. By God's grace I had landed upon one and was about to accept it when some issues caused me to restart my hunt and I ended up in my current role. It is going to be a year in this job and it has been the most exciting and unique experience. This year is also unique in the fact that are no grandparents to be around and add to the life and joy of the days. We have always had K or my parents through the summer months. But this year without any of them, it will be different.

Pumpki's holidays started from Monday. She had a nice relaxed time just lazing around. She was a bit clueless without her sister, but was also determined to not do anything constructive and literally stare into space than be productive. We let her be because as she claimed it was a break finally after all the days of work. K did take her for cycling rounds in the neighbourhood and it was an amazing fun time for her.

Once Chiyaa's holidays started on Wednesday, it was the real deal. The alarms were promptly turned off. The wake up time pushed back. The girls slept like babies till 11am. But then lacking a proper motive and anything motivating, we can become restless and annoyed. And I could see that happening with Pumpki. Since it was day3, she was getting to the point of being bored. That's when I penned some mandatory activities which included reading, exercising, practising their instrument and generally tidying up their room. This was met with huuuuugeeeeee protest. And the protest was met with just as repressive telling off. There were lectures dished out by K and me. There was the air of resentment but I think eventually they saw the point. By evening as we were watching a documentary on TV, they realised the point of the diatribe. Peace was established, it was decided to follow a routine from next day.

Today, the girls have been cleaning their room. They have been playing with each other. They have been generally productive and peaceful and relaxed. Week 1 day 4, all seems calm on the front :)

Away from home

 So the little one has gone on a field trip . She went yesterday and will be back tomorrow.

It was super exciting packing her stuff. In fact she handled most of it herself - my super independent 10 year old ❤️

There were some last minute packing and we sent her off yesterday morning. As she was wearing her shoes she was a bit teary eyed. I am sure she felt some degree of homesickness. Strangely I did not feel anything but was super proud that she was going on this amazing experience.

The work day passed as any other in the midst of calls and code and routine mundane stuff. When Chiyaa came back it was strange to just have her in the house. There was a lot less work with only one child to chase around ☺️But there was something lacking - a certain spark. Pumpki is not noisy or demanding . But she’s a little thing around who makes our lives so much fuller . 

Since there seemed to be way less stuff to do Chiyaa and I watched some documentary which Pumpki would not be interested in. We wrapped everything quite soon and moved to bed. I slept with Chiyaa in Pumpki ‘s place. Most evenings she’s there with her laptop working on some story. As I sat in her place K went all emotional missing her.

Today again only one child to drop off so we were able to hit work way sooner. Evening it has been the same saga with us waiting for her to be back tomorrow with all her stories. 

A child's plan

 This post was long over due. I intended to post it last month but work and life came in the way. 

Pumpki's birthday was in December. Last year she took full responsibility of planning her birthday. Every. Single. Thing. From the venue to the party plan, from the invitees to the return gifts, from the menu to the return gifts. Including gifts she wanted from various members of the family. Every. Single. Detail. It was end to end planned by her. 

She wanted the party at home. A small party with her 2 best friends, Sara and Alice. And she wanted the food to be rice and chicken curry from a nearby place followed by boba tea for dessert. Of course there would be cake. She wanted balloons, lots and lots of balloons and a bunch of art and craft gifts. The list was big which included air dry clay, washi tape, different types of paints which I had never heard of. We also sneakily got her a few more things that she would appreciate. A month prior to her birthday I sent out the invites to her friends who gladly accepted it.

There was a month of shopping where every other day some parcel arrived at our door step :) 

A day before the party we adults got poorly. Thankfully Chiyaa was ok. She took the full responsibility of decorating the house. Since K was the only adult who could be of some help, they together got the entire house decorated as per Pumpki's wish. We popped all the paracetamols we needed and got ready for the next day. 

Pumpki's friend Alice texted early in the morning that she was had an bad tummy and may or may not be able to make it. It made Pumpki really upset. But being the darling that she is, she quickly cheered up and got ready to spend her day with Sara. Sara came in at the designated time and both girls got on with playing and a tour of the house etc etc. Chiyaa was the ever caring elder sister taking care of both the girls. Since we adults were not feeling so well, we kept away from the kids since we did not want them to get any illness. Around noon Alice's mom messaged that she was feeling fine and if she could come over. Pumpki was over the moon to hear this. So the trio was formed and the girls had lot of fun singing, dancing, playing video games, playing with bracelet and hair band sets and what not! Time flew and it was evening and it was time to call the party to an end. It was a lovely party planned end to end by an eight year old girl who wanted to celebrate turning nine. May God always bless this lovely child who has so much creativity, initiative and love for a close circle of friends and family.

The beautiful eyes of a child

 The other day Pumpki and I were going to school. The radio was on and there was a caller on the station. The caller said that she had a date planned for one evening. She went to the supermarket to get a bottle of wine so that she did'nt turn up empty handed. When she was checking out, she saw herself in the security camera. She felt she looked horrible. She was so disgusted that instead of going ahead with the date, she went home and drank the bottle of wine alone. Then there was a ton of conversation around how do those cameras work etc etc.

Pumpki listened to this and said "I love the way the cameras work. They do the opposite of the hand that I am using (mirror image) and I find it hilarious) I felt so happy at the innocence which a child has. I wish as adults we all look at the many many brighter sides of life always instead of getting bogged down by the negatives. Many of which exist in our eyes only. 😊

That makes way more sense

 My office has a big presence in Cluj-Napoca in Romania. And my manager is someone very keen on building relationships and hence one who encouraged us to travel and build a face to face rapport. I was not very keen on the travel, but then gave in thinking that it would be a good experience. K was happy with managing the kids for 4 days and said also asked me to go on the trip. It would be my first time away for 4 days from the kids. I had stayed a few nights away from them, but never 4 nights. It would need some getting used to on both sides. As soon as my tickets and accommodation were confirmed, I told the kids. I: “I am going to Romania”

Chiyaa: “What? With Sorina aunty? “ (Sorina is my friend and hails from Romania) 

I: No not with her, by myself.

Chiyaa: So nice.

There were some more questions as to when, for how long, who would put them to sleep, who would do the school runs etc etc. There were a few tears from Pumpki. I was very sad because she was sad, but then it was something that had to be done. The next evening Chiyaa mentioned , “You will be rid of us annoying kids for a few days and must be so looking forward to the trip”. K corrected her that that would be probably something he would do, not mummy. I was thankful for the reply and the girls were maybe convinced. 

That night while putting them to sleep I mentioned, 

‘If it was school holidays I could have taken you and daddy to Cluj. He could have taken you around when I went to office”

Chiyaa : “What do you mean he would have taken us around?”

I: “I would be at office so only daddy would have to take you for site seeing and all.”

Chiyaa : “Why would you be in office? And what office? “

I: “Oh didn’t I mention? I am being sent through work, so I would need to goto office every day.”

Chiyaa:”Oh so you are not going on a holiday?”

I:”Of course not, why would I go on holiday without you all? “

Chiyaa: “ Ohhhh I thought you wanted a holiday without us and would be having a fun trip by yourself.”

I : (hugging them) “How can I have a fun trip without you.”

Pumpki: “Now I feel sorry for you that you will have to goto office everyday.”

I: “Aww.”

Pumpki: “ Who asked you to goto Cluj.”

I: “My manager.”

Pumpki: “ I hate your manager.”

It was so weird and funny that missing 2 words for work made all the difference. All the anxiety of not having me around got transformed into anger for my boss real quick ;)

My lil grown up gal

 Anyone who has more than one kid will vouch how one kid's favourite food is another ones worst. Same is the case in my household. Whatever Chiyaa likes Pumpki hates it and what Pumpki likes Chiyaa finds disgusting. Chiyaa loves roti while Pumpki likes rice. Chiyaa loves chickpeas and Pumpki finds them horrendous. Pumpki loves peas and sweetcorn and Chiyaa hates them but likes beans which Pumpki hates. I could go on but you get the drift 😂

So the other day I asked the girls what sort of chicken should I make. Chiyaa likes something dry out of it like a grilled chicken or patty. Pumpki likes it juicy in a curry or stew. One shouted grilled the other curry. But I can sometimes bring them to a compromise cos it's chicken after all. They can tolerate a form which is not their favourite as well. 

Chiyaa said, ' We had curry last time so we should have grilled this time.' 

Then Pumpki who is the more difficult eater at the moment said, ' But I want a curry'. 

Chiyaa being the sweetheart that she is said ' That's fine I can have curry '. 

I said,' I can make both, not a problem '. 

Chiyaa being the ever thoughtful sweetheart said, ' No that will be a lot of work, I can have the curry.' 

I said,'No it's not a problem for me, grilling is just keeping in the oven. I can do both.'

But I was so immensely touched by the empathy she had for me. She really is a mature sweetheart with her head in the right place. I so grateful to God for the thoughtful daughter of mine ❤️

Days of the week

 What's your favourite day of the week? I know the popular answer is Friday. Even mine was that for a very long time. But if you ask me now it's Wednesday! 

Well, the reason behind this is Pumpki. She calls Wednesday Hump Day, a term she learned from the show Teen Titans! She loves the day because it's packed choc a bloc. She has physical education, music lesson on the recorder, music lesson on trombone which are from school, then her private piano class. After this hectic day at school she has swimming. And she loves this packed-ness of the day. Cos it's the middle of the week the girls are allowed TV time which is fun fun fun! Seeing her enthusiasm for a day which is called hump day because it's so unassuming and mundane really makes me look at the day with a child like fun. It is really a fun day. Monday is too far from the next weekend. So Pumpki hates this weekday the most. The other weekday she detests is Thursday which in her words is a big fat day sitting between her fav day and Friday when the weekend starts. Tuesday is a step closer to Wednesday hence the second best week day. So her order for weekdays is Wednesday, Friday, Tuesday, Thursday and Monday. The weekend days are more or less tied with Saturday winning by a teeny margin 😀 She and her logical  answers  just amaze and cheer me up.

Speechless

 The other day little Pumpki asked me, "what do you do when we goto school". I said, "I do work". She asked, "But do you miss us". Then I said, "I do, but work keeps me busy. But I definitely wait for you and didi to be back". She had me speechless for a moment.

Its the most wonderful time of the year

 Or so the song goes. Its not the most wonderful, but it is relaxed for sure. The girls are on their Christmas break and the house is filled with their howls and giggles :) There is enough fighting and just enough peace making. Since the weather is quite bleak and murky they do not get enough outdoor activity. To remediate this, in steps Cruel Mom Mwahahaha! 

I mandate a walk in the evening. So yesterday we went on a walk around 1630 in the evening. It was pitch black by then, but thank God for street lighting and the jolly Christmas lights that people tend to put up around this time :) To incentivise the walk, I give one ear pod each to a child and act as the DJ dishing out songs. Now poor Pumpki has much smaller ears. The ear pods keep popping out. We had walked only a few metres and they had come off twice *facepalm* Then there was a brilliant idea by yours truly! Hat! We ran home and got a hat to secure the ear pod! Wow! The joys of cold, murky weather :P

We walked a decent stretch and were a few paces from home when the girls kept fiddling with their ear pods. I asked them to hand it over to me. They did. In my enthusiasm to secure them , my cold, numb fingers dropped one of them! On the road! With traffic buzzing past! Good Gawd!!!! The ear pods are a blessing for me. They keep me company with audio books when I do the most soul zapping tasks like folding clothes or cleaning the house. Even for interesting tasks like cooking, they are good company ;) And now I would have one :( The tragedy! And the over thinker me, already charted how one ear would be more impacted than the other and then it would lead to all sorts of issues.  When the traffic was clear, I kept crossing the road to look. Thankfully being a residential area, the cars were not zipping past to kill me. The kids were equally distraught. Then suddenly Pumpki shouted, I found it. It was just a few paces from here. Being closer to the ground due to her shorter height she could see it. (This totally reminded me of a physics problem we used to do in school, about what would be the height of a person if he can see the sun across a sand dune, or something like that. Also not sure if it was Physics or Mathematics. ) This was the reversal of that situation of what distance a person can look down :D 

With Pumpki having saved day, a lot of praise was bestowed on her. Even by Chiyaa who is not so generous with praise for her younger sister. She was patting Pumpki's back and thumping her shoulders as if Pumpki has scored the winning World Cup penalty shot! All is well that ends well and to end it even better, the trio marched to the nearest store to get some chocolates to celebrate!

PS. I think it was a Mathematics problem in trigonometry :D

A weird Diwali

 What should follow a different Dussera, a weird Diwali of course :) 

Diwali is a private affair for us. Well, everything is a private affair for you :) K and I are supremely un-social individuals and it goes without saying that we both enjoy keeping stuff within the four walls of the house. 

This year coincidentally we planned a lunch with a family friend of ours. We were to have them over on the day preceding Diwali. She and her husband are vegans and we really had to rake our heads to come up with a decent menu. We finally zeroed in on courgette koftas, jeera rice, carrot halwa made with oat milk and vadas for starters. Coming up with the menu was the biggest task. They were to come over on Sunday and we started prepping on Saturday evening. I had the carrot halwa and the kofta curry ready. The carrot halwa tasted like a pure disaster which had us thinking about the alternatives. The only thing that could salvage it was condensed milk. I had seen cans of vegan condensed and evaporated milk in the supermarkets. K had to make a quick trip to get things. But as it turned out, there were none to be found - guess all Indians had hoarded them to get the 'alternative' desserts right :) Disappointed K came back with vegan custard, vegan Horlicks!! And 2 cans of 'normal' condensed milk. All of them would be of no use to me.

There was an even bigger problem. Pumpki was sick. She had vomitted nearly 4 times in the interim and complained of a bad tummy ache. We thought it would settle down and continued with the plans. But around 11 at night, she was still unsettled and I had to tell our friend that we wouldnt be able to go ahead with the next day's plans. She was very understanding and totally empathised that such things were part of daily life. 

We made some calls to the medical services and they gave us an appointment for the next day to have Pumpki checked out by a doctor. She was quite poorly through out the day. The doctor reassured us that it seemed like an acute gastroenteritis infection. We were asked to continue fluids and she would be better in a couple of days. The poor girl had a lot of stomach ache and was very restless. Her vomitting had lessened but she was still not fit enough. That night she was way better which was such a welcome relief from the previous two nights where would get up either to puke or complain of a bad stomach ache. She was in pure distress. 

On the morning of Diwali, she woke up way more cheerful. She was in no position to eat or drink much but had small quantities of milk. I quickly whipped some savouries and sweets for Diwali. When Pumpki was a bit better we decided to step out to the city centre so that she would get some fresh air. Also a trip to the Lego shop was a big incentive to cheer her up. We made our way to the city centre and spent much of the day strolling through the shops. Once back, she seemed much better though tired. She had her first meal of a bowl of pasta after two days which was really a big relief to us all. 

We had managed some fireworks and ended Diwali on a happy note.

 

Only from Pumpki

 Pumpki is the fire brand of the house. She will easily call me Miss Bossy or K Grumpy Man. Her quips make our day.

Yesterday Chiyaa was doing some online assessment and was worked up because of it. K mentioned that "Shes tensed just like her mom" Pumpki asked "What does tensed mean?" I told, "You have to reach school at 9 AM and its 2 minutes to 9. It takes 10 mins to drive from home to school and you haven't started from home yet. How would you feel?" 

She said "Nothing, chill". I said "Why?" She said " Because school is boring life is better." 

We were all flabbergasted at her reply. Also the fact that she said life instead of home, made us drop our jaws! Unknowingly she gave a big piece of advice to all of us. Be the firebrand that you are forever!

The cleanse post

 The spring half term gets over today. And I can look back at a wonderful 2 weeks of  this year. The first week was occupied by a trip to Jersey. It was a fabulous time away. Though we would have liked the weather to be a bit warmer, it was still a very lovely time. A trip we would definitely want to make again. 

Once we were back from Jersey, K felt a bit poorly. We blamed it on the travel stress. But something struck him as odd and he decided to take a Covid test. It came out positive and he happily retired to the bedroom with his stack of anime to watch :) I took a test too though I felt absolutely fine. It was just so that I did not come in too close a contact with the kids. I came out positive too :( I did not feel unwell at all. But to avoid the sickness from spreading to the kids, I decided to curtail hugging or kissing them, atleast for the first 5 days of recommended isolation. 

It was hard to stay away from the kids. But they managed themselves fabulously. As soon as they had 2 positive cases in the house, they started performing tests on their toys. Some toys tested positive while the others negative. The ones which tested positive were immediately sent for bed rest while the healthy ones started making cards and reading books (from a distance) to the ill ones. It was amazing to see the girls play into the late afternoon with this unique scenario. 

Since we could'nt step out, the girls were pretty much home bound too. But it was amazing to see them play and engage with each other. With some guidance, they had their food, took their shower and generally minded themselves. I could not hug them or kiss them till the 5 days of recommended quarantine and they kept asking every day, if it was 5 days yet :) 

At the end of 5 days, boy did we give them a squeeze!! It is amazing to see how self reliant my little girls are. They manage a ton of stuff by themselves. As the Easter long weekend kicked in, we were thankfully out to roam the world. There were a lot of walks with the kids, tasks in the garden and general enjoyment of sunshine. As the kids go back to school today I yearn for the lovely time with them again.

A smile a day - 6

Sunday was Karate tournament day. Its a competitive event for all the clubs under the umbrella association under which our club belongs. K, the kids and I were all participating. K and I were in fact participating in the same event, which made us competitors. The category was also for all levels of belts, higher than mine. I was certain, that my participation would be a no winner. I was sure that no matter how much lady luck smiled, there was no way I could beat the 2 black and one brown belt in my category. Being the lowest belt holder, I was called on first too. I gave a good performance, well as good as I could. But not enough to win a prize. But there were 3 people who came up and commended me! So audience votes there :) K had a tie with 2 other people and won the tie breaker to come second in the overall event!! 

Chiyaa has been training for quite some time and we were sure that she would bag some prize or other in the three events she was participating in. We were sure she would do well in the kata events which are more choreography based. And she did! In both the events, even coming first in one! But we had our eyes on the fight event. Shes a bit docile and does not want to hurt people. But she did put up some fight. So much so, she made a competitor cry! That was an immensely gratifying moment for me! She had 3 back to back fights and came on second in the overall event. I could not have been prouder of her.

But the most crucial event was Pumpki's. This was her first public event. Being a tiny 5 year old I was all nerves for her. She too like her sister has a natural knack for some aspects of Karate. She did her kata event and boy did she do well! She was on point, with the correct stances and went on to bag the second prize! Again all eyes were peeled on her fight. In her first round itself she fought a much bigger boy. But she did not go down. She fought! It was a no win from a points perspective. But the three judges had to give points based on technique. Two voted for the opponent and the third voted for Pumpki. So though she lost by a single vote, she was a champion. It was an immensely amazing day and I was a super proud mom :)

What are kids for?

 If I cant use them to write my next post :D 

Its been ages since I wrote isn't it? I have been thinking that I haven't written in a while, but there is absolutely nothing to write about either. Things are the same old same old. 

Except of course for the kids who surprise us every day. Last weekend Pumpki had a bit of  a cough. In fact Chiyaa had a cold and cough the week before so it was obvious that Pumpki eventually get it. Now this little one is a sly one. She in complete contrast to her elder sister hates everything. She hates school, she hates swimming, she hates karate (which she even went up and  told the teacher!!) . She finds everything "boring". All she wants to do is "be lazy and play at home". Mind you she is very strong willed. So when she got a cough last week, we asked her to have ample warm water so the cough subsides. She said "But I dont want the cough to subside" We were aghast! But why? "Because they said you shouldn't come to school if you have a persistent cough" God, we had no answer to that.

Anyways, we insisted on warm water and regular calpol to keep her well. On Saturday night, her cough was a bit more raspy. K was worried, though I was smug sure, it was a normal cold. K got in touch with the Covid helpline, who had a quick check and recommended she get a test done. I was a bit worried about a 5 year old getting a nasal swab. But madam was excited. She was behaving as if this was a moment of privilege. She painstakingly picked the jacket and shoe to wear for the test! For the one hour, dad and daughter were gone to the test centre, I was in constant worry. But then they came back and Pumpki had the air of a celebrity. She got a sticker for being brave and was very proud of it. The test results would take a day or two to come back. This meant we most probably would have both the kids home for Monday and Tuesday. It was not a pleasant idea. But, there was no choice.

Monday morning, I was the least prepared parent. I was sure they wouldn't be off to school. So I didn't have Chiyaa's lunch packed. We were lax in ironing their uniforms. I woke up later than usual since I was sure I would not need to do the school run. At 07:15 K shouted, "Its negative!". Woo hoooooo!!! We scurried to get them out of the door. All the chores were done at break neck speed and the kids were out by the usual time. We could not help but be amused at the disappointment of Pumpki at having to go to school :D Poor kid had real high hopes that she would be scot free from all the "boring" tasks for the next two days. :D Dil ke armaan aansuon main beh gaye :( 

Hai koi jawab?

 Pumpki had her graduation from nursery. It was quite a novel occasion and an excuse for her to make a trip to the nursery after 5 months of break. We were quite skeptical about how she would be, since she was not a very keen nursery goer to start with. But she got dressed. Once back she claimed she enjoyed the party, had a lot of pizza and cake and had fun playing some games with her friends. She was also very proud of her graduation picture. 

The next week she was to start school. The night before, we told her, that she would get ready with her didi and go to school. She asked us "But why do I have to go to school?" We said "To learn lots of things". To which she replied " But I already graduated from Little Buttons". 

To this, we had no answer!! Some argument that!

Sisterly love

I recently finished a book called “Before we were yours” which is about sisterly love along with other things. The book is supremely rubbish and very juvenile. But I know a thing or two about it. Mummy has 2 sisters and I have one. I am mom to 2 sisters J I get loads of display of the love between my kids which also includes a healthy dose of pinching, scratching and shouting (most of which is done by Pumpki) . But one incident stands out. I had taken the girls to an indoor play area. They were happily running around. There was a covered slide in the course. It was a bit long. It must have been a bit dark inside. Chiyaa went through it easily. Done with that, she ran over to the next part of the course. 2 seconds later, she realized her sister was not with her. She turned back and waited for Pumpki to come through. Pumpki was not visible at the beginning of the slide, which means she had started her downward journey. But it should not take her that long to get to the bottom. Chiyaa stood all worried and concerned about her little sis. Pumpki is a bit scared of heights, of fast moving slides or rides and darkness too. Since nearly a minute was done, I started to get worried too. I was about to take my shoes off and make way to the play area. That’s when I saw Pumpki emerge from the other end. As soon as she came, she hugged her sister in the warmest embrace. That moment, when they both hugged each other and look of love in their eyes - stole my heart. Then they went on to play again. When they came back to that bit of the course again, Chiyaa made Pumpki sit down with proper cross legs at the beginning of the slide. She slid through and she emerged, she screamed to Pumpki “don’t come. I am coming to you”.

I felt supremely proud. I hope no force on earth corrodes this bond. J

Figured it out!

I do not promote myths, I do not burst bubbles either. So if anyone asks me 'Is Santa real' I will say 'Hmm... I don't think so.. But I am not sure ' ;) You get the flow? And by anyone her I mean my kids of course :) Since I am not one to promote myths I never take my kids to ' Santa's grottos' or the like. *rolls eyes* Also I am very miserly when it comes to spending money in such places. I rather eat something for the same buck.

Luckily for me my kids never posed the question. Chiyaa never bothered much with Santa in her nursery years. In her last year at nursery in fact she was scared of him! When there was a Santa event in school, I think in year 2, she came home and said 'Mr Reed is Santa!' I applauded her for figuring it out :D 

One time Chiyaa mentioned to Pumpki that there was no Santa and mummy buys the gifts. I am not sure whether Pumpki registered that comment. But when Santa came visiting to her nursery she was perplexed. She asked me' Is it Christmas today?' I had to confess that it wasn't. Then she went ballistic ' THEN WHY DID HE COME TODAY AND WHY DID HE GET ME THE WRONG GIFT OF A BOOK WHEN I WANTED A JUNGLE?' I mildly said that 'He comes to nursery early maybe, and let's hope he doesn't mess up your gift on real Christmas day '. She was pacified by it, but I think in her heart Santa lost his charm :D 

But I must give kudos to her clever deduction!On her birthday what better way to pay tribute to her than by writing about her logical mind. 

Growing up and moving on - again

Note: The again in the title, cos the first post is here :) 

The thought ran through me the other day when I saw a woman carrying her baby in a baby carrier wrap. The child was a few months old and she had a purse and a nappy bag slung over her shoulder. A pretty lady, she looked like a travel system on two legs J and she was doing her job of maneuvering through the market and shops pretty deftly. (Not that I was stalking her or anything, I just noticed :D ) She reminded me of my days. You know how I am not the one for nostalgia and all for moving forward and future looking when things get better and easier. But once in a while I am a normal human who has a wave of reminisce. ;)

My days with Chiyaa, I remember well. I was by myself. She was the only child in the house. Every moment was etched. But Pumpki was different. I had mummy around after she was born, we travelled to India when she was 4 months old and stayed for 3 months. Amma managed to come back once she turned 1 and then did mummy. Our movement from Ipswich to Leeds ended up in her not having a nursery place and hence extended care from grandparents. Now grandparents’ care exists even when parents are home. I have always had someone shadowing me. So with her my memories are blurry. She is also one who changes in a flick. No gradual transition, which makes moments with her more like “blink and you miss it”. I do not remember her learning to walk. She used to “cruise” that is, hold on to sofa, tables and chairs and get up and walk a few steps. One hilarious thing she used to do is, hold on to a stool and put one leg on it (kind of like a stretch ballerinas do). I have umpteen videos of her holding that stretch for longer and longer, then gradually leaving one hand, then the other. And one fine day, after her stretch she put her legs down, and walked a few paces, un-aided. That’s it, from then on, she increased her steps and in a couple of days she was walking! With Chiyaa it was way more gradual – her first steps were noticeable. (I have a recording of it) But Pumpki, no she just walked.

Same was with her weaning. It seemed arduous and quite daunting, but 2 days into our attempt and she was weaned. But she got on to a bottle. She used to have milk at night as well. Sometimes more as a comfort feed when she woke up. Since she is going to turn 4 in December, we tried hard to think of ways to get her off it. Chiyaa was the same and it was quite a struggle to break the habit. We diluted milk with water, then transitioned to only water to have her stop. We were not sure with Pumpki. But 2 weeks ago, she developed a cough. When she woke at night, we insisted she have water. We kept saying “water will stop the cough” to encourage a few sips. After exactly two days of complaining, day 3, she stopped asking for milk. Just like that, the habit is gone. Same goes for her getting off diapers too! She was toilet trained but we put diapers as a precaution for nights. One night, she was fidgety. When I asked if she needed the toilet, she said yes and walked with me. Since then – no night time diapers for her. Same during swimming. She doesn’t need one then either. Same goes for her settling down in nursery. She used to cry and one day she stopped. She used to enjoy her day, but was the quiet one. Someone who did not talk much and the nursery staff had to really struggle to get words from her. They used to ask us to share home videos where they could see her communicate so that there weren’t concerns about her speaking. In fact I read an article on selective mutism and wondered if Pumpki had it. As with everything with her, one day, she started talking a bit more. First to her friends, when an adult was not watching, then to her key person who works most closely with her, then with friends even in and adult’s presence. Now a days I get regular feedback on her being “chatty” and sharing stories and the like! Huh – she is a regular chatterbox now!

She is growing up to be an independent person. She for sure seems to be slipping right out of my hands L

Every holiday is different

I am back. From a holiday. When the alarm went off this morning, my first thought was “Is it Monday already!?”. And Monday it was. Luckily Chiyaa’s school starts tomorrow, which gives us a day to gently “transition” into full on working days.

When the holiday started, I had no plans. We had a few days away in a nearby sea side town. The week leading to the break had the coldest, murkiest weather. Felt like October rather than August. Sea-sides can be notoriously cold. And cold climates do not agree with the kids. I did not want weeks with kids suffering from cough and cold. We were supposed to travel on the Friday. Thursday it was raining cats and dogs all day long. I packed tights, sweaters, boots and light shoes (in case the weather was warm). I was fully prepared for the worst holiday weather. Friday morn as if by magic it was a hot hot hot 24 degrees. The coast was warmer in fact at a tempting 28 degrees!! The sun was shining and though google maps predicted lot of holiday traffic in the motorway, the roads were not a nightmare! I had a wonderful drive for the first half. As we started making progress to the the rural roads, we missed an important turning. But as if God was watching over us, there was a road blockage a few minutes on. Since the traffic was stalled, we were able to quickly turn around and take the right route. We felt blessed, as if the holiday was destined to go well.

It started well. We had a lovely meal once we reached, and watched a few shows that were being performed in the venue. When we got around to wrapping the kids for the night, I realized that in my enthusiasm to pack warm clothes, I had over looked inner wear for Chiyaa. I had not packed a single piece for her!! Disaster! Anyways we planned to go out to a nearby store the next morning (which was not so nearby since we were put up in quite a remote resort). It would take some meaningful time away, but then what needs to be done needs to be done. Pumpki was "the have" with a surplus supply of knickers and the moment she knew of her "have-not" sister, she did not leave a chance to rub it on :D . She pretended to choose which one she was going to wear, and even had a day, evening and night one segregated. The audacity! While she went on with this exercise, much to the chagrin of Chiyaa, I noticed that one of the knickers looked big enough to fit Chiyaa. (Yes! I buy bigger size for the kids, so that I don’t need to run to the stores every 3 months) I asked Chiyaa to try it and it fit! This was Pumpki’s chance to get harassed :D since her stuff was being worn by didi. Karma ;)

We ended up washing and using the 2 and Chiyaa survived! (Thank the shining sun and tower driers again.) Knicker-gate resolved without a longggg trip to the markets. Boo-yah. The good weather held up too. Saturday was warmer than Friday and we spent hours on the private beach. It was idyllic. Sunday was slated to be even higher in temp. We looked forward to a day in the pool, followed by a stroll around the amusement rides and then back to the beach. Till another disaster struck at 0930. The electricity went off. And took water with it. K went to inquire and was informed that it was a town wide issue! Well….this was an issue of massive proportions. Everyone but me needed their bathroom business done ;) and we Indians need water. So with 5 people with pending bathroom business, we were in critical need for water. We started opening taps full throttle like crazy. Every drop was precious. Yes the speed was slow, but then there is always water lurking in the pipes isnt it? We could manage to get 2 bottles filled. K as usual had a light bulb idea. The beach was nearby. (Not really, but for argument’s sake) He recommended we take all available bottles and go to the beach, fill water and come back! You can NEVER take India out of an INDIAN! Spoke like a true bred Hindustani. People across the resort were contemplating their next move. We were smug with a back up plan. Apart from the fetching-water-from-the-beach idea,  K recommended that we make a trip back home sooner if the water/electricity situation did not improve. It was a Sunday and the next day was a holiday, chances that anyone would be around the fix and issue in a remote touristy place was bleak. Well, that was a valid point, though it would be an unceremonious end to the holiday :( 

But then!! Bijli aa gai! And we shouted hurrrraaayyy!! We clapped, we cheered. I was totally reminded of the days of past when the current would go in crucial junctures of cricket matches. In the sweltering heat, tempers would flare. Papa would barely contain expletives. We would pace up and down, and keep a look out for any signs of electricity. The sound of television or the sight of light if it was after evening. If we saw some lucky goon with it, we would fish out if was the generator or the power supply. God forbid if it was power supply - Papa would make frantic calls to electricity department or drive off to the local one - depending on his state of mind. And when the power was restored, the rotating fan, the tube light, the flicker of the television – heaven was right there in the living room. That day in the resort, I felt the same. Wow! Vacations follow a trend but these nuances – they make it.

With electricity back, we were able to get on our “business”. Colon cleansed, the family marched to enjoy a glorious day in the sunshine.

Once back in Leeds, the days with the kids were pure bliss. We went around the city, visited some local farms, played, watched a load of television, coloured a lot of pictures, nursed sore throats and cold congested chests (there is no avoiding them :( ) and essentially had summer vacation.

Tuesday as Chiyaa goes back to school, I hope for the summers again soon J

The other two

As a follow up to the last post, the nursery manager came back with a reply for Button Bear. Her email said

“Thank you for telling us about Button Bear, we will replace it here so please do not worry about it.

would you like to take Button Bear again?

I hope you have a lovely Evening”

My first reaction was “pagal hai kya fir se lungi wo bhalu?” (Am I crazy to take that bear again?)

But I professionally responded

“That is just so kind of you! We really appreciate it!

I think Shambhavi had her share of fun with Button Bear when he was with us. It would be fair to let the other children have a turn. :) 

Again we are very touched by your gesture. “

Phew! That was on bullet dodged.

Also now you see why I blog? If I kept saying what was on my mind, I would make the world an unhappier place ;)

No I have not forgotten about things 2 and 3. Lets get on with them. Monday morning Chiyaa woke up with a smile. Chiyaa can wake up in multifarious ways

1. Howling Mummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmyyyyyyyyyyyyy
2. Groggy
3. Reluctant – Can I have a few more minutes of sleep
4. Worried – Is it going to rain today? Is it PE (Physical Education) today?  Have you signed my book log? And so on..
5. Hyper
6. Mature – just gets on with what shes meant to do without any of us even telling.
7. Happy

But last Monday was yet another way – with a smile. As I went to wake her up, she opened her eyes before I said anything and smiled. Then I asked her to come and brush her teeth. She said she wanted to come down first. I comb her hair downstairs.  I reached downstairs but she was nowhere to be seen. It is a small house, but then I went looking for her (On hindsight I shouldn’t have bothered. Not that she ran away to the streets). I felt she was in the bathroom and I opened the door. She was trying to brush her teeth. Her intention had been to surprise me. But when I opened the door, I ruined her surprise and (hehe she got a nasty surprise) . She was majorly upset and started crying. I am generally bit hurried in the morning. I started shouting back that she was being ridiculous. K came running and shouting at me. All the shouting woke Pumpki up.

Pumpki has 2 ways of getting up

1. Happy – wassup guys types
2. Grumpy – Go away I want to sleep.

Thank God she chose option 1 that day. All the shoutings later, we had a big group hug, lots of kisses and sorries and then I dashed out.

I felt bad about losing my cool so easily. It was all sorted eventually, but I ruined the smile Chiyaa had the first thing she woke up. Anyways that was one bad thing for the day.

I got my bus and was 2 stops away from my destination when K called. This did not augur well. I picked the phone and he asked in a very calm expectant way “Hey Mu, have you seen my car keys?” (He drops the kids and I pick them up and we need the car for that )

I was filled with a gazillion OMG, Oh no, and other unparliamentary words.

I knew the answer. Cos the answer came to me Bang! Like a thunderbolt. And I replied

“Its with me”. (Well before the said outing where we lost Button Bear, K had moved out with my car keys to open the car. Since Chiyaa was hovering around doing something which she felt was ultra important to do before stepping out (I don’t know what) I came with her a few minutes later. I picked up K’s keys to lock and put it in my pocket. I stayed there warm and cosy the entire weekend. Monday morn, when I saw my keys hanging on the key holder, I picked it without thinking much)

“What both the keys are with you? Yours and mine?”

“Yes”

“How, What, £$*”£$*  OK BYE”

I was shoot shoot shoot, too bad. It was 0818 and the Chiyaa needed to be in school at 0855. Taxis are highly unreliable in the mornings thanks to school and office runs. I was worried. I wanted to go back just for moral support. I called again. K picked “WHY ARE YOU CALLING ME ??? I CANT TALK TO YOU RIGHT NOW”.

I reached my bus stop and called him again

“ Did you get cab” I asked before he could say anything.

“I have booked Uber, but please don’t call. I cant talk to you”.

“Shall I come back?”

“Why? It will be of zero use”

I messaged him to send me a message once the drops were over.

0853 I got the message “Dropped in school, going to daycare now”

Phewwwwww!!! Chiyaa wasn’t late. The school is quite stern about being on time. Its not that an off incident is not pardoned. But if shes delayed Chiyaa gets very nervous. I have been with her once and she was literally having a panic attack when she thought she might be late. Anyways that was another horrible thing within a span of 1.5 hours!

I crossed my fingers through the rest of the day which was rather uneventful (Touchwood!) So that’s my happening weekend + 1 folks!