She was colouring with pens in her book(or so I thought!) with her back to me. Suddenly she comes up to me and shows her hand and says "look at this, Nodu". ('Nodu' is the Kannada word for 'look at this')
Amazing how she is picking up words.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
"Daddy Bondu"
I was cooking and she was playing around while waiting for Daddy to get back from work. Suddenly she ran to me shouting "Daddy Bondu, Daddy Bondu"! It took me a few minutes to realize that it was Daddy 'Bandru" (meaning Daddy has come in Kannada).
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Another first - welcoming the terrible twos
Sudha Parimala got her first time in/out(whatever they like to call it) at school. She was being too naughty and hitting, slapping, pulling hair, pushing, and what not. So she had to sit with Ms. Sally on the mound of cushions at the back of the class. She was grinning ear to ear when I went to pick her up, so not sure if she really understood the time in/out concept.
Anyway, this is very strange behavior for the normally calm Sudha! She went through a phase of hitting about 4 months ago, but it was forceful patting rather than intentional hitting. And then she stopped even that and would only hit us if she was getting frustrated and we were not responding to her. When we realized this and changed ourselves, she stopped hitting us. Since then, she has been the sweetest tempered baby, listening to what we have to say and being god with other kids around.
I am hoping that this was not the outcome of her running wild at Aunty's house yesterday. Or like all the teachers told me "Welcome to the terrible twos".
Anyway, this is very strange behavior for the normally calm Sudha! She went through a phase of hitting about 4 months ago, but it was forceful patting rather than intentional hitting. And then she stopped even that and would only hit us if she was getting frustrated and we were not responding to her. When we realized this and changed ourselves, she stopped hitting us. Since then, she has been the sweetest tempered baby, listening to what we have to say and being god with other kids around.
I am hoping that this was not the outcome of her running wild at Aunty's house yesterday. Or like all the teachers told me "Welcome to the terrible twos".
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
"What is this" "Chalo" "Chup"
During the early morning scramble, I was looking for my lipstick. I pulled out the drawer and was rummaging through it. Nosey parker, Sudha Parimal, pulled up a step stool to peek into the drawer. She pulled out a lipgloss stick and goes "What is this?" ! Her second sentence in 2 days!
I had to drop her at Aunty's house due to the stomach bug at school today. We were at the school when Ms. Melitta told me that I couldn't drop her today. I am really thankful I had Aunty to call, since it would've been very very difficult for me to stay back home after just one day of starting the Armedia-KONE project. Sudha Parimala was surprised and her face was confused and uncertain when I dropped her. I was so pressed for time that I couldn't even stay for a while with her.
By the time I picked up her up though, she was happy and bouncing around; and had picked up a new word "Chalo" (meaning 'Go' in Hindi). She kept asking for "Aunty" all the way back home too. While I was putting her to bed, and reading her books, she suddenly said "chup" (meaning 'quiet' in Hindi) and closed the book! My little parrot !!
I had to drop her at Aunty's house due to the stomach bug at school today. We were at the school when Ms. Melitta told me that I couldn't drop her today. I am really thankful I had Aunty to call, since it would've been very very difficult for me to stay back home after just one day of starting the Armedia-KONE project. Sudha Parimala was surprised and her face was confused and uncertain when I dropped her. I was so pressed for time that I couldn't even stay for a while with her.
By the time I picked up her up though, she was happy and bouncing around; and had picked up a new word "Chalo" (meaning 'Go' in Hindi). She kept asking for "Aunty" all the way back home too. While I was putting her to bed, and reading her books, she suddenly said "chup" (meaning 'quiet' in Hindi) and closed the book! My little parrot !!
Monday, March 17, 2008
"Where's my spoon"
A rare night when all 3 of us were sitting down for dinner. I had made simple saaru-anna (rasam + rice) with beans and mutter paneer (substituting with tofu). She was eating on her own with Daddy occasionally feeding her. Her spoon slipped out of her grip and clanked to the floor and she went "Where's my spoon?" accompanied by hand expression!
Her first complete sentence!
Her first complete sentence!
All ready for St.Patricks/Easter
They had a St. Patricks day/Easter celebration at school today. Suggested dress code - all green. Since it was pretty warm, here she is in her St. Paddy's day dress - from Landsend, bought last year for $3 :)
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The Tornado!!
A sudden tornado hit downtown Atlanta last night. At about 10.00pm, we heard the wind whistling through and rain, but being in the suburbs 20-25 miles north of downtown, we didn't give it much thought until we woke up to phone calls and messages of well-wishers the next day!
The tornado is the light-gray vertical strip in the center of the picture.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
What a big girl!
Wearing her jacket all by herself, with no help from mama !
(Doesn't matter that she wore it backwards)
(Doesn't matter that she wore it backwards)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
First Bike Ride
I picked up a toddler bike attachment at a consignment sale (I want a Chariot Cougar when we have our next baby) and we decided to try it.
"I'm not sure I like this"
"Lets take off"
"Yay! I want more"
"Yay! I want more"
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
It doesn't matter where she sleeps
... as long as we are sleeping next to her.
Ah well ... I love having her next to me (as long as she doesn't start poking me), so I'm going to enjoy this time together. And just make sure that I start her bedtime routine after I've had dinner and am in a better temper.
Ah well ... I love having her next to me (as long as she doesn't start poking me), so I'm going to enjoy this time together. And just make sure that I start her bedtime routine after I've had dinner and am in a better temper.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
The Children's Museum and Centenial Olympic Park
To celebrate Sudha Parimala's birthday, we went to the Children's Museum and the Centennial Olympic Park following that.
Future Van Gogh/Picasso in action
Adding finishing touches to the masterpiece
Yet another masterpiece
Daddy teaching Sudha Parimala to "fish"
Trying to hook a "fish"
Gah! It's much easier to "catch" them.
Making a cup of coffee for Daddy
Making a cup of coffee for Daddy
A "Beeeeeeeeeeeeeg Hugggggg" (Big Hug) - her new favourite thing to play
Monday, February 25, 2008
Its all in my mind
A weekend of no cooking and some rest helped rejuvenate my mental model regarding her sleep. I decided that I had to change my attitude to get her sleep better. The more frustrated I got, the more she played up. The more relaxed I was, she stayed calm as well.
So - I changed her routine slightly.
I think she hates being put to "sleep". She doesn't like the sleeping position of lying down. So while she recognizes that she is sleepy, she doesn't want to lie down and prefers going to sleep sitting. So after dinner, pajamas and a glass of milk, we go over to the bed and sit and read books (instead of lying down to read books). She sits on my lap while I read and I cuddle her. 3 books later, lights off, I hold her in the same sitting position and start singing lullabies. After one song, I move her so that her head is on my shoulder and I'm still holding her. When starting the 3rd song, I lie down with her on my chest and slowly put her down. She still protests, but I'm holding her close rather than dumping her on the bed. Sometimes she wants me to still hold her or pat her and drifts off. Other times (like last night) she will get up and want to play or will want to sleep on me.
I tell her that sleeping on me hurts mama and a good nice girl sleeps next to mama. Surprisingly she listened! Even when she woke up in the middle of the nights and tried to sleep on me. And when she was playful, I gave her 2 choices - I stay with her and she tries to sleep or she plays and I go out of the room. She wanted me to stay :) It did take a total of 1 hr 10 min before she finally drifted off, but it was much more pleasant!
I knew I was making the right decision by not forcing her to sleep on her own before she was ready for it.
So - I changed her routine slightly.
I think she hates being put to "sleep". She doesn't like the sleeping position of lying down. So while she recognizes that she is sleepy, she doesn't want to lie down and prefers going to sleep sitting. So after dinner, pajamas and a glass of milk, we go over to the bed and sit and read books (instead of lying down to read books). She sits on my lap while I read and I cuddle her. 3 books later, lights off, I hold her in the same sitting position and start singing lullabies. After one song, I move her so that her head is on my shoulder and I'm still holding her. When starting the 3rd song, I lie down with her on my chest and slowly put her down. She still protests, but I'm holding her close rather than dumping her on the bed. Sometimes she wants me to still hold her or pat her and drifts off. Other times (like last night) she will get up and want to play or will want to sleep on me.
I tell her that sleeping on me hurts mama and a good nice girl sleeps next to mama. Surprisingly she listened! Even when she woke up in the middle of the nights and tried to sleep on me. And when she was playful, I gave her 2 choices - I stay with her and she tries to sleep or she plays and I go out of the room. She wanted me to stay :) It did take a total of 1 hr 10 min before she finally drifted off, but it was much more pleasant!
I knew I was making the right decision by not forcing her to sleep on her own before she was ready for it.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
"Pretty Pretty"
What was I thinking!
After a week of being frustrated with her sleep, we thought moving her into her own room would help things. We don't have her room set up other than a twin mattress on the floor.
So, after a no-nap afternoon, when she was sleepy early, I put her to sleep in her room. It felt so strange, and I was so miserable. When she woke up twice within 3 hours, I brought her back with me.
Why did I get so swayed by people's free "advice"? She is not yet ready to sleep on her own. And I don't think making her CIO and pushing her is going to solve anything. She can move out and sleep on her own when she is ready for it. She is going to be my baby for only so long. She needs me right now, and I will be there for her as long as she needs me.
ETA: After waking up with a miserable headache because of trying to get Sudha's hands out of my face in her sleep, I wonder at the love and the tiny shred of patience I have. But no, I might continue to crib and moan about it every night, but I will not let her CIO. Sooner or later, I know she is going to start repeating her amazing night.
So, after a no-nap afternoon, when she was sleepy early, I put her to sleep in her room. It felt so strange, and I was so miserable. When she woke up twice within 3 hours, I brought her back with me.
Why did I get so swayed by people's free "advice"? She is not yet ready to sleep on her own. And I don't think making her CIO and pushing her is going to solve anything. She can move out and sleep on her own when she is ready for it. She is going to be my baby for only so long. She needs me right now, and I will be there for her as long as she needs me.
ETA: After waking up with a miserable headache because of trying to get Sudha's hands out of my face in her sleep, I wonder at the love and the tiny shred of patience I have. But no, I might continue to crib and moan about it every night, but I will not let her CIO. Sooner or later, I know she is going to start repeating her amazing night.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Happy 2nd Birthday, my little baby
My little baby is 2 !!!
Time flies!
She is the most amazing thing that could've ever happened to me. I cannot comprehend how a pint-sized person could hold so much of my love.
She has the sweetest disposition and is a very happy baby.
She is very cautious and is amazing while negotiating stairs and other obstacles.
She is very social and loves to be around people and to go out.
She is picking up a lot of words and uses them in the most perfect context.
She is a little ham - repeating her cute Ooohhh to get kisses on her boo-boo.
She loves singing and 'mooffic' (music) and reading books.
She is obsessed with the TV and thinks it a HUGE treat when she gets to watch 30 min or so every other day.
She likes playing dressup, combing her hair, carrying my purse and trying on my shoes.
She is still a nighttime terror ... sigh.
Time flies!
She is the most amazing thing that could've ever happened to me. I cannot comprehend how a pint-sized person could hold so much of my love.
She has the sweetest disposition and is a very happy baby.
She is very cautious and is amazing while negotiating stairs and other obstacles.
She is very social and loves to be around people and to go out.
She is picking up a lot of words and uses them in the most perfect context.
She is a little ham - repeating her cute Ooohhh to get kisses on her boo-boo.
She loves singing and 'mooffic' (music) and reading books.
She is obsessed with the TV and thinks it a HUGE treat when she gets to watch 30 min or so every other day.
She likes playing dressup, combing her hair, carrying my purse and trying on my shoes.
She is still a nighttime terror ... sigh.
The party at school
We had a small "party" in her class today. I got my favourite strawberry-kiwi cake, and got little goody bags for her friends. The little munchkins were more fascinated with Ms Sally cutting the cake than eating it (they always get cupcakes).
Birthday gifts
Got her this little play kitchen to keep her from under my feet when I'm cooking. This is now in my kitchen, so she can "cook" while I cook. She seems to like it so far, even though I don't have any pots and other stuff for her yet.
We went to Toys R Us later in the evening to pick out her gift. And of all the things, she liked liked the doll stroller and a train table. I couldn't carry out the train table easily, so got her a doll and stroller. She likes to put the doll to sleep (strange for a girl who doesn't like to sleep herself - go figure!) and push it around in the stroller.
We went to Toys R Us later in the evening to pick out her gift. And of all the things, she liked liked the doll stroller and a train table. I couldn't carry out the train table easily, so got her a doll and stroller. She likes to put the doll to sleep (strange for a girl who doesn't like to sleep herself - go figure!) and push it around in the stroller.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
2 yr Stats
Weight - 25 lbs 4 oz (25-50th percentile)
Height - 33 1/2 inches (25-50th percentile)
Head - also in the 25-50th percentile
So she's grown up from her older 10-25th percentile.
She got her booster shot for the flu, and a shot for a TB test. She did not as much make a whimper for either shot!
Height - 33 1/2 inches (25-50th percentile)
Head - also in the 25-50th percentile
So she's grown up from her older 10-25th percentile.
She got her booster shot for the flu, and a shot for a TB test. She did not as much make a whimper for either shot!
Monday, February 18, 2008
I don't think I can take it any more
with Sudha Parimala's sleep issues :(
The girl is a darling, a sweetheart in the daytime, no issues other than the usual "2s". But come bedtime and it seems like she is a different person altogether. She just doesn't want to sleep even though she is yawing her head off and is overtired. An earlier bedtime, a later bedtime ... nothing works. I'm afraid its taking a toll on my nighttime parenting. I need to find some patience from somewhere.
I cannot and will not let her CIO, even if it miraculously yields results. Though I must admit that after a rough start to the night, it sounds very tempting.
At this stage, I can only pray for more patience, more ideas, a change in her sleep disposition, and some more patience.
The girl is a darling, a sweetheart in the daytime, no issues other than the usual "2s". But come bedtime and it seems like she is a different person altogether. She just doesn't want to sleep even though she is yawing her head off and is overtired. An earlier bedtime, a later bedtime ... nothing works. I'm afraid its taking a toll on my nighttime parenting. I need to find some patience from somewhere.
I cannot and will not let her CIO, even if it miraculously yields results. Though I must admit that after a rough start to the night, it sounds very tempting.
At this stage, I can only pray for more patience, more ideas, a change in her sleep disposition, and some more patience.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The cutest baby EVER
Mum and Me ! Isn't she pretty!
Tata (Grandpa) and me!
Mum, Dad and Me!
is ME !!! Sudha Parimala comes a close second though :)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Meeting Great-Grandpa
We met Sudha Parimala's great-grandfather, i.e my grandfather (my mother's father) and the rest of the family. He was so excited to meet Sudha Parimala, and got her the prettiest little dress! She wasn't in the least shy there. Guess by that time, she had lost all her shyness of strangers. 
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Bella Bambini, Amore
"Bella Bambini, Amore" (Beautiful Baby, Love you) was the reaction Sudha Parimala got from almost everyone in Rome.
Italians seem to genuinely love babies and they took to her immediately. We stayed in a little hotel/B&B "Caesar's Residenze" and everyone there spoilt her with candies. When we'd stop on the road or at the sights , people would look at her and go "Bella ... ". Her sitting in the Carseat with GoGoKidz was an added attraction. Sudha Parimala lapped up every bit of attention and learnt to very neatly say "ciao" (goodbye).
Of course, who could resist loving her (even if I say so myself)
Italians seem to genuinely love babies and they took to her immediately. We stayed in a little hotel/B&B "Caesar's Residenze" and everyone there spoilt her with candies. When we'd stop on the road or at the sights , people would look at her and go "Bella ... ". Her sitting in the Carseat with GoGoKidz was an added attraction. Sudha Parimala lapped up every bit of attention and learnt to very neatly say "ciao" (goodbye).
Of course, who could resist loving her (even if I say so myself)
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