God of plastic creatures(We have not yet graduated to a complete plastic free life!!!)

Nachikaet has always been fascinated by animals ever since I can remember. He has always found them more interesting than humans (speaks volumes about the humans in his life). We have quite a large “zoo” at home and all kind of creatures ranging from farm animals to prehistoric creatures dwell in perfect harmony. The amazing part is that he has never “outgrown” these animals like he has with all his other toys. He takes them out at least once a week to assure himself that all his well in his “little kingdom” . Its heartening to see him line them up in military order and conduct a guard of honour.

For all their worth in plastic these little creatures sure have given one little boy many hours of pure joy and fun .Here is a picture of our apartment cleared of all furniture for the “drill”

 

Toothy Tales

Last month Nachikaet lost not one but two teeth!!! Having being brought up on a steady diet of stories (and a mother with an over active imagination) my son was anxiously waiting for the tooth to come out and the tooth fairy to do her bit. We had even got out a bottle and decorated it for holding the first tooth which would come out. But it was not to be. The first time, I was brushing Nachikaet’s teeth (being extra careful not to touch the wobbly tooth) when suddenly he grinned at me and I noticed a gaping hole in his mouth . Then began the frantic hunt for the “touring tooth “. Nachikaet couldn’t decide whether he had spit out the tooth or swallowed it. After frantic calls to an amused doctor we finally decided that the tooth must have slipped down the sink. It was a very proud boy that went to school that day showing off his toothless grin to anybody who would care to listen.
The second time we were very vigilant. The moment the second tooth started shaking we beefed up security. Every morning we could examine the tooth throughly and see if it was ready to be pulled off.

Then one day after school Nachikaet came running , words tumbling out in excitement . He had news about the second tooth..it had fallen off during a game of run and catch and the the little tykes who had never touched a “real” tooth before went wild with excitement. The precious thing was taken and washed in the class room sink and after detailed examinations was safely tucked away in my son’s pocket. How it got lost is an entirely different story altogether!!!!

So the bottle still waits ..maybe next time!!!!

Here is a picture of Nachikaet grinning toothlessly for the camera!!!

Hush Little Baby!!!

Keshav's first gift was from his dad; who was in London when he made his grand appearance into our lives. I don't think his proud dad realised, when he bought that teddy bear from the duty free shop in the airport, that he was buying a piece of history!!!(I am a drama queen!!)
"Hush"(that was what the teddy was christened..refer to how Hush got his name at the bottom of the post)
became an inseparable part of Keshav's life. It sometimes became hard to remember that it was "only a toy".
  What does one call something
      -  that gets the most hugs and kisses from the baby of the house
      -  is the only one who can turn torrents of tears into dimpled smiles
      - can coax him to eat his meals
and can make the baby reach out to him in a toy shop full of attractive toys.(.to name a few of Hush's accomplishments)
Well, i can think of only one name ...a perfect friend!!!
Here is wishing my nephew a life filled with lovely companions,who make his life richer and fuller with their friendship and may they be able to live up to to the reputation of his "first friend"

PS: How Hush got his name
"Hush little baby" was Nachikaet's favourite bed time lullaby when he was smaller. When my nephew was born i passed on the book to my sister and it soon made it to the top 5 bed time lullaby's of my nephew ..and the name stuck!!!

Here is a snap of Keshav with Nachikaet holding Keshav's precious "Hush"

scrap-o-mania!!!

I've recently added to my list of addictions..scrapbooking being the latest in the list. I have been scrapbooking for quite sometime now. This is my initial foray into digital scrapbooking. As  they say a picture is worth a thousand words so for once i'll let my picture hog the lime light. Let me know your comments!!! Click on the picture for  clearer view.

A first helping of “reunion” for the soul!!!

  

The family.  We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together.  ~Erma Bombeck

Last August, we spent a wonderful weekend at a seaside resort where my father’s side of the family got together for what can be termed as our first official family “reunion” It was a lovely experience for Nachikaet. It was one of those rare occasions when all the people in the resort were related to him!!! The amazing part was that all of us took time out to spend a couple of days with each other (the family has a lot of NRI population). What really surprised me is how i could pick up threads and continue as if i had spent all my days with them.  I guess that’s what family means.  Aunts, uncles who appear in every childhood memory of mine ..nephews and nieces who have grown up so fast it made me wonder whether I’m stepping into “old age”…cousins whom I’ve grown up with; now with delightful kids of their own  ..i couldn’t get enough of them in two days. I want Nachikaet to grow up as I have, knowing what it is to be part of this huge circle of love. Hopefully we can make this an annual ritual where every body goes away with a warm feeling inside.. a true reunion of hearts….Love you Family!!!!

Here is a picture of all of us at the resort.

A mother remembers…

Yesterday Nachikaet  turned 5. When I think of my life, in my mind  its always- life before Nachikaet and life after I had him.  Looking at his old photographs I was reminded of the “golden era’ when Nachikaet used to think I was the most wonderful thing that ever happened to him!!! Those were the days… Here is an ode those precious memories…

Two little hands…..reaching out for a hug,

Two little feet leaving mud on the rug.

Two little eyes..full of wonder at the world around us,

Two little teeth..gnawing at a shiny red bus.

Two little tears …. rolling down when amma is cross,

Two little fists…showing that ‘I’m the boss.”

Two little words.. “amma” “acha” that makes our heart melt,

And one little boy…who makes our world go round!!!

Here is a snap of the two more influential people in my life..my mom and my son!!!!

In the “eye” of the storm

Last week our peaceful abode was attacked by a sinister being. It came up so quietly that all of us were caught unawares. (hey..what’s life without a little drama!!!!)

Last week started off on a happy note with a visit from my parents. Nachikaet was over the moon –telling anyone who would care to listen that his grand parents were coming!

Dad was the first to be caught .His eyes were swollen and a bloody red color. The ophthalmologist confirmed our fears..it was an attack of viral conjunctivitis. Then started the evacuation process as conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Dad was quarantined in our guest bed room with the door opened only to pass in the food plate. Amma beefed up security by making us wash our hands and eyes till we screamed for mercy. The next to be hit was my” lady Friday ‘ Ammini .Here is a picture of her in defense gear.

 Well to cut the story short both the “victims” are in the receding stages of the infection with dad being allowed an occasional jaunt out of his quarantine. Wishing them both a speedy recovery and as for the rest of us we’re still fighting – an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.