Dear Neil,
You are 10 months today. Actually, that is not true. You are 10 months and 5 days today. We were traveling and I did not have computer access, so I am just posting it late. Right now you are playing inside your "prison" fence. You are doing good today. Usually you just cry for me to take you when you are there. Today I am surprised that you are sitting and playing. You are quite a big boy now! What is going on with you?
1. You have four big teeth and I think I can see two more coming. You drool incessantly which tells me that I might be right in my estimation. So far, by God's grace you never had any teething associated problems.
2. You don't like playing with your toys much. You prefer paper, plastic bottles, and stuff like that. What you like best doing when I put you in the fence is to stand there and bite the fence instead of playing with your truck or laptop or anything else. In a way it makes me feel glad we never bought you any toys. It would have just been a waste.
3. You are the funniest baby in the world! Two weeks before we were at Chilis and the music started playing and you started headbanging. It was the funniest thing ever and we took a video also. Also while we were at a bowling alley you started headbanging as well. We all had such a good laugh.
4. You are quite strong and this month you had a fall out of your crib. It made me feel like a horrible mama, but by God's grace you didn't even have a scrape. You go for Gymboree classes and the instructor said you have good upper body strength. I am really happy you are healthy, but that also means you are able to get out of everywhere and I have to watch you like a hawk all the time. There really are not a lot of safe places I can keep you.
5. When you are well rested in the mornings, you wake up and stand in your crib and smile and wave. It is the sweetest sight in the world. You have also returned to your snuggly self and wants to hug when you sleep.
6. You have also started expressing your personality and needs a little bit of disciplining. You understand NO very well and also are quite aware of things you should not be doing but do anyway.
7. You are learning swimming now and it is not going great. You do well in the water. The problem is that you are super attached to me and you will not go to the instructor. And since I don't know swimming, it is a problem and I am hoping that you will get used to sweet Miss Jill soon.
8. You traveled to NYC and DC this month. You are quite the traveler now. You did not do great on the flight there mainly because you were sick. All the travel made you worse and you developed an ear infection. You are doing much better now. I did not enjoy the trip to NY much since you were sick, but we had a blast with your aunt, uncle and cousins. They love you more than any baby should be loved and you were lapping up all the attention. Your cousins had bargaining every day on who gets to sit next to the car seat when we go out and you are a very blessed little boy!
9. Your grandparents also were there for a few days this month and you warmed up fast to them. You loved picking your granddad's glasses, and pulling his whiskers and nibbling his ear. He calls you his second son, the first being your dad.
10. It is a challenge changing your diaper and we are working on it. You and I are going on a very long flight in less than a month and it wouldn't do to have you trying to leap off the changing table and hanging upside down with me holding on to your leg when we are 32,000 feet in the air.
11. Your Appacha and Ammachy and uncle are waiting eagerly to see you. I can't wait to take you there as well. I just hope you don't get sick there. But I know that God is watching over you and takes better care of you than this mama ever could.
12. Mommy is planning your first birthday party. I should have you know that I have not one creative bone in my body, so it should be challenging. I just want to have fun doing it because I want to celebrate you.
Were you not always there with us? I can't imagine a time without you. Now since you are so interactive, it is just boatloads of fun having you around. You are just getting ridiculously cuter everyday. I have no idea how you manage to do that. Your Dada is going to miss you bad while we are in India.
Love,
Mamma
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Humbled
I was working on my laptop and my baby was on the floor. Then he saw me and started crawling towards me with lightning speed. I thought "Oh my darling sweet wittle itty bitty darling baby pumpkin ball is coming to mama because he loves me so much and wants to be close to me"
And then he went straight for the laptop wire.
Humbled.
And then he went straight for the laptop wire.
Humbled.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Mother's Day Drama Part 2
See Part 1 here
So the drama had just begun.
I took off my white shirt as the patch would not wash off, and I was so thankful to have the camisole under. So we were out of wipes and I opened the diaper bag to get his diaper and found out that I HAD NONE. Yes, there were no diapers in the bag. I had changed one already and somehow in all the hurry, I had forgotten to put in an additional one. (I always carry 2). I could not believe myself. I looked again, and nothing appeared magically. R said that we might as well put some clothes and cover him with a blanket, and rush to the flight to get a diaper from our carry on. So I wrapped him up in a blanket and carried him to the gate. I prayed hard that he wouldn't pee while I had him that way. It is cold in the airport and he always pees in the two seconds I do a diaper change for him at home. God heard the prayers of a desperate mama and he didn't pee all that time he was diaperless.
So we went to the gate and guess what happened?
OUR PLANE HAD TAKEN OFF.
With our carry on bags containing clothes for me and him, diapers, formula, food, laptop, toys (on the seat), coats (we were coming from cold Portland). All we had with us were both our wallets (PTL), R's work laptop and a diaper bag (without any diapers).
We were stuck in Utah.
I think we will remember for the rest of our lives what happened after that. We laughed. At the situation. I am in my camisole and jeans (I am not used to being in public with just a cami for a top), my son is without a diaper and clothes, covered in a blanket, we have no food for him, and the whole situation was just ridiculous. We walked around the shops a little bit looking for a diaper, but had no luck. Finally, the Delta rep got us some diapers and so at least, we were past the danger of being peed on any minute.
And they said that there were no flights going out that day and we had to stay over at a hotel. We selected the Plaza downtown. Because when life give you lemons, you make lemonade. It was really nice and the shuttle guy upon hearing our story offered to take us free to Walmart and then dropped us off at a nice place for dinner and picked us back up. May it be accounted to him for righteousness :)
Delta had given us some necessities in a small kit and there was an over sized tee shirt in that. I wore that all evening and Neil had a pant that I found in his diaper bag and the rest I covered him in a blanket. We had to take a train part of the way to get to Walmart. We looked like illegal immigrants. We were joking about something and walking. I am sure parents must have told their kids "We may be driving an old car and eat beans and rice most days, but at least we are better off than that poor family who cannot even afford clothes for themselves. Yet, look how happy they are." ha.
I bought some clothes, formula and other necessities from Walmart. My dress was too small, R's shorts was too big, but at least Neil's clothes fit. I tried on my dress and I looked totally inappropriate. The tank top in comparison looked modest. I never wore it, but returned it here. We had dinner at a Chinese restaurant called J-Wong and it was the best Chinese food we ever had.
Early morning, we had our flight back, and this time we made it home without incident. And praise God, we got our laptop, check in in bag, carry on bags, and our coats. We only lost one of his toys and Neil's coat (which were on the seat). Better his coat than mine. Mine was $100, his was only $2.50. And it is not like he needs a coat in 120 degree weather. And by the time he needs one, he would have outgrown it anyway.
And that is how my first Mother's day went down. Very very humbling. Made as many mistakes a mom could possibly make.
Two things made it all still okay.
I am married to a wonderful man. All through the ordeal, not one accusation, no finger pointing. Just got through it together as best as we could.
Neil was such a trooper through the entire thing. In the airport, he went to sleep in my arms in the blanket. He made hardly any fuss. How precious is a child's trust! He knows that wherever he is or whatever the circumstances, as long as he is in the parents care, all is well with the world. If only I had the same trust in my heavenly father, how better would life be!
So the drama had just begun.
I took off my white shirt as the patch would not wash off, and I was so thankful to have the camisole under. So we were out of wipes and I opened the diaper bag to get his diaper and found out that I HAD NONE. Yes, there were no diapers in the bag. I had changed one already and somehow in all the hurry, I had forgotten to put in an additional one. (I always carry 2). I could not believe myself. I looked again, and nothing appeared magically. R said that we might as well put some clothes and cover him with a blanket, and rush to the flight to get a diaper from our carry on. So I wrapped him up in a blanket and carried him to the gate. I prayed hard that he wouldn't pee while I had him that way. It is cold in the airport and he always pees in the two seconds I do a diaper change for him at home. God heard the prayers of a desperate mama and he didn't pee all that time he was diaperless.
So we went to the gate and guess what happened?
OUR PLANE HAD TAKEN OFF.
With our carry on bags containing clothes for me and him, diapers, formula, food, laptop, toys (on the seat), coats (we were coming from cold Portland). All we had with us were both our wallets (PTL), R's work laptop and a diaper bag (without any diapers).
We were stuck in Utah.
I think we will remember for the rest of our lives what happened after that. We laughed. At the situation. I am in my camisole and jeans (I am not used to being in public with just a cami for a top), my son is without a diaper and clothes, covered in a blanket, we have no food for him, and the whole situation was just ridiculous. We walked around the shops a little bit looking for a diaper, but had no luck. Finally, the Delta rep got us some diapers and so at least, we were past the danger of being peed on any minute.
And they said that there were no flights going out that day and we had to stay over at a hotel. We selected the Plaza downtown. Because when life give you lemons, you make lemonade. It was really nice and the shuttle guy upon hearing our story offered to take us free to Walmart and then dropped us off at a nice place for dinner and picked us back up. May it be accounted to him for righteousness :)
Delta had given us some necessities in a small kit and there was an over sized tee shirt in that. I wore that all evening and Neil had a pant that I found in his diaper bag and the rest I covered him in a blanket. We had to take a train part of the way to get to Walmart. We looked like illegal immigrants. We were joking about something and walking. I am sure parents must have told their kids "We may be driving an old car and eat beans and rice most days, but at least we are better off than that poor family who cannot even afford clothes for themselves. Yet, look how happy they are." ha.
I bought some clothes, formula and other necessities from Walmart. My dress was too small, R's shorts was too big, but at least Neil's clothes fit. I tried on my dress and I looked totally inappropriate. The tank top in comparison looked modest. I never wore it, but returned it here. We had dinner at a Chinese restaurant called J-Wong and it was the best Chinese food we ever had.
Early morning, we had our flight back, and this time we made it home without incident. And praise God, we got our laptop, check in in bag, carry on bags, and our coats. We only lost one of his toys and Neil's coat (which were on the seat). Better his coat than mine. Mine was $100, his was only $2.50. And it is not like he needs a coat in 120 degree weather. And by the time he needs one, he would have outgrown it anyway.
And that is how my first Mother's day went down. Very very humbling. Made as many mistakes a mom could possibly make.
Two things made it all still okay.
I am married to a wonderful man. All through the ordeal, not one accusation, no finger pointing. Just got through it together as best as we could.
Neil was such a trooper through the entire thing. In the airport, he went to sleep in my arms in the blanket. He made hardly any fuss. How precious is a child's trust! He knows that wherever he is or whatever the circumstances, as long as he is in the parents care, all is well with the world. If only I had the same trust in my heavenly father, how better would life be!
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Errand Day
Today was Errand Day.
There was our van registration renewal to be done. So after Neil's morning nap, instead of Music at Gymboree we both set out to take care of that.
While we were getting out of the van, Neil had a small tumble inside the van and has a boo boo on his face. He cried of course but calmed down as soon as I picked him up and soothed him. I was feeling terrible the entire time. It was a 1 second oversight on my part and I am really not happy at myself. He is okay now.
Since we were there, I figured we would go to Fresh Market and get some organic veggies and fruits for Neil. We don't have any close to our home and I get them when and where I can.
There wasn't much selection today and I bought some yams and watermelon.
Then we went to Costco to return an outfit for Neil and bought couple more. He actually waited patiently. Dare I say he is getting better at not having a meltdown while shopping? Maybe we have turned a corner. It is hard to say though. We were in all these shops for less than 10 minutes. Nevertheless, it is a great improvement.
I had planned on stopping at Walmart also to return some stuff, but one look at his tired face and I decided against it. Actually, I was pretty tired as well by then. I came home, took care of some tasks, did laundry etc while Neil took a 2.5 hour nap. All the excitement tired him out I think.
He woke up at 5:45 and I knew I was in trouble getting him to sleep at night as he slept close to 4 hours in the daytime. I fed him carrots, peas, and cheese and fed him a bottle and started cooking dinner. Earlier, he used to sit in the stroller and watch me cook. Sometimes I would give him a toy to play with, but often he would just sit there and we would talk and sing and just have fun. Well, those days are over. Today he was trying to stand in the stroller. He basically hung upside down and was doing all kinds of gymnastics. I just did the cooking very fast and took him up and got him ready for bed after his night time ritual. After that, we went to the library checked out some movies and books and came home. I was hoping that he would go to sleep in the car, but he was still wide awake when I got home.
I ate dinner, fed him another bottle and finally he went to sleep at 10 pm.
Nothing really exciting (except for the fall), a pretty normal day for mom and baby.
There was our van registration renewal to be done. So after Neil's morning nap, instead of Music at Gymboree we both set out to take care of that.
While we were getting out of the van, Neil had a small tumble inside the van and has a boo boo on his face. He cried of course but calmed down as soon as I picked him up and soothed him. I was feeling terrible the entire time. It was a 1 second oversight on my part and I am really not happy at myself. He is okay now.
Since we were there, I figured we would go to Fresh Market and get some organic veggies and fruits for Neil. We don't have any close to our home and I get them when and where I can.
There wasn't much selection today and I bought some yams and watermelon.
Then we went to Costco to return an outfit for Neil and bought couple more. He actually waited patiently. Dare I say he is getting better at not having a meltdown while shopping? Maybe we have turned a corner. It is hard to say though. We were in all these shops for less than 10 minutes. Nevertheless, it is a great improvement.
I had planned on stopping at Walmart also to return some stuff, but one look at his tired face and I decided against it. Actually, I was pretty tired as well by then. I came home, took care of some tasks, did laundry etc while Neil took a 2.5 hour nap. All the excitement tired him out I think.
He woke up at 5:45 and I knew I was in trouble getting him to sleep at night as he slept close to 4 hours in the daytime. I fed him carrots, peas, and cheese and fed him a bottle and started cooking dinner. Earlier, he used to sit in the stroller and watch me cook. Sometimes I would give him a toy to play with, but often he would just sit there and we would talk and sing and just have fun. Well, those days are over. Today he was trying to stand in the stroller. He basically hung upside down and was doing all kinds of gymnastics. I just did the cooking very fast and took him up and got him ready for bed after his night time ritual. After that, we went to the library checked out some movies and books and came home. I was hoping that he would go to sleep in the car, but he was still wide awake when I got home.
I ate dinner, fed him another bottle and finally he went to sleep at 10 pm.
Nothing really exciting (except for the fall), a pretty normal day for mom and baby.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
It has been a while since a list
I haven't posted in ever. I know. That is how I start every post I write once a month. I have not even posted Part 2 of the Mother's Day drama. That will have to wait. Today I feel like making a list.
1. Neil is army crawling everywhere and pulling himself up and even cruising a little. So we made him a prison fence and he will stay inside there as long as I am inside with him. When I get out of there he stands on holding on to it and either cries or watches me like a spider watches his prey making sure I don't move from his line of sight. Attached much?
2. He is so interactive now and in my completely biased opinion very intelligent and observant. He looks like he listens so carefully when I talk. He probably is thinking when he is getting the next food :)
3. Speaking of food, I make all his food at home now and I actually am enjoying it and so is he. We tried such a wide variety of foods and he eats everything I give him. Peas are not his best friend, but he still will eat it. We even tried Indian food with spices on it and it was all good. He has been sleeping through the night past couple of days. Now because I wrote it he will get up 12 times tonight, I am sure.
4. I have enrolled Neil for swimming and Gymboree for summer and he is enjoying Gymboree. Swimming will start next week and I can't wait to see how he will do with that.
5. My weight loss program is going well thanks to chasing Neil all around the house. I am at 109.5 now, but the big tummy will be with me till I die, I think.
6. I want to know how these women who have 3 children under 5 with another on the way manage to home school, cook from scratch, coupon, and then blog all about it every day. I must be a horrible time manager or something. I can barely keep my house clutter free with one child.
7. Things have been so busy the past weeks. I work part time from home. I make all ours and baby food from scratch. Except couple of times a week that we eat out. And I take care of Neil. And help hubby with his business. And take care of all the "stuff." - bills, immigration and all the sundry stuff. And how you know some weeks everything comes to a head at the same time? Last two weeks were like that. And plus, we have my in-laws visiting and I have been making some travel arrangements for all of us.
8. Speaking of travel, we have a lot of travel coming up this summer. We are going for a week to DC-NY and then Neil and I are going to India for 2 months. I am SO looking forward to that. The India trip that is. I need a break.
9. My sweet husband booked me on first class for the India trip since I am going with Neil and do not have any help. I know it is a luxury and he is so sweet to do that! I am not even making any real financial contribution to the household since Neil was born.
10. It is so hot here in FL and the main reason I joined Neil for Gym and swimming is that we need something to do as we cannot go to a park or something in the morning when it is 110 degrees outside. Plus it is great as he gets tired out and takes good naps after that. I am an evil mom :)
11. We are doing some work on the house. Our laundry room was redone a little bit and I hope to show some before and after pictures soon. Soon as in it could be never to those who have been reading my blog for any length of time.
12. I think I am done making a list.
1. Neil is army crawling everywhere and pulling himself up and even cruising a little. So we made him a prison fence and he will stay inside there as long as I am inside with him. When I get out of there he stands on holding on to it and either cries or watches me like a spider watches his prey making sure I don't move from his line of sight. Attached much?
2. He is so interactive now and in my completely biased opinion very intelligent and observant. He looks like he listens so carefully when I talk. He probably is thinking when he is getting the next food :)
3. Speaking of food, I make all his food at home now and I actually am enjoying it and so is he. We tried such a wide variety of foods and he eats everything I give him. Peas are not his best friend, but he still will eat it. We even tried Indian food with spices on it and it was all good. He has been sleeping through the night past couple of days. Now because I wrote it he will get up 12 times tonight, I am sure.
4. I have enrolled Neil for swimming and Gymboree for summer and he is enjoying Gymboree. Swimming will start next week and I can't wait to see how he will do with that.
5. My weight loss program is going well thanks to chasing Neil all around the house. I am at 109.5 now, but the big tummy will be with me till I die, I think.
6. I want to know how these women who have 3 children under 5 with another on the way manage to home school, cook from scratch, coupon, and then blog all about it every day. I must be a horrible time manager or something. I can barely keep my house clutter free with one child.
7. Things have been so busy the past weeks. I work part time from home. I make all ours and baby food from scratch. Except couple of times a week that we eat out. And I take care of Neil. And help hubby with his business. And take care of all the "stuff." - bills, immigration and all the sundry stuff. And how you know some weeks everything comes to a head at the same time? Last two weeks were like that. And plus, we have my in-laws visiting and I have been making some travel arrangements for all of us.
8. Speaking of travel, we have a lot of travel coming up this summer. We are going for a week to DC-NY and then Neil and I are going to India for 2 months. I am SO looking forward to that. The India trip that is. I need a break.
9. My sweet husband booked me on first class for the India trip since I am going with Neil and do not have any help. I know it is a luxury and he is so sweet to do that! I am not even making any real financial contribution to the household since Neil was born.
10. It is so hot here in FL and the main reason I joined Neil for Gym and swimming is that we need something to do as we cannot go to a park or something in the morning when it is 110 degrees outside. Plus it is great as he gets tired out and takes good naps after that. I am an evil mom :)
11. We are doing some work on the house. Our laundry room was redone a little bit and I hope to show some before and after pictures soon. Soon as in it could be never to those who have been reading my blog for any length of time.
12. I think I am done making a list.
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