Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Toddler turns 2 in Pondi

Last year we had so much fun celebrating The Toddler's 'vacation birthday' in Goa, that we were sure we will do it again and again... till the time she doesn't get old enough for family vacations :-(. 

This year, for The Toddler's 2nd Birthday, our destination was Pondicherry. We reached Pondicherry at 5.30 pm on 25th November, a day before the birthday. We were supposed to reach at 2 but, the husband decided on taking a Road trip and we lost track at Vellore. Then our resort was around 10kms from Pondicherry, we took a long long time to locate the resort. Having said that... I must confess, The Toddler was totally well-behaved, she kept on yapping and her mischief didn't stop... but she didn't misbehave. Fizz drives amazingly, and we had some nice music for company. The journey was long but not bad at all.

We were very tired when we finally checked-in Zest Big Beach Resort Pondicherry. We decided to rest and have dinner at the resort itself. The resort was big and beautiful. It did have lots of place to roam around, a beach, and amazing activities for kids. On the down side, the lunch and dinner buffet was a tad bit expensive (for non-members of Mahindra Holidays) and there was NO room-service. We wouldn't have chosen this hotel, if not for The Toddler. Seeing her enjoy, we were happy with our choice. The Toddler is a water baby and loved the beach. She saw Turkeys, Geese, Chicken, and a lot of birds... and she loved running after them.

Next day was 26th November and The Toddler's birthday. Post breakfast we explored the beach and went for a dip in the pool. We decided to put on our tourist garb and visit Auroville and Pondi Beach. We lunched at Cafe Le Flore. Amazing ... Amazing place, sitting in the sea facing open cafe was an experience. Cafe Le Flore is a cafe attached to a art gallery and a must visit. The food was just about average, but we didn't mind that at all. The Toddler loved exploring the open area.

Next day we visited the museum, a church and lunched at LeCafe again at Pondi Beach. Beautiful small little place besides the beach. I could've sat there for hours. Food was good but the coffee which we had post lunch was super. The rest of the days were spent lazing at the resort, as for Fizz that's what holidays are for.

We left for Bangalore next morning post-breakfast and this time around we reached Bangalore on time... thanks to Fizz n his research.

Z Family

Us

Dancing in her bikini

Exploring Pondi

The Toddler loved Cafe De Flore

The Cafe

Isn't it amazing

People aren't wrong when they say she is my carbon copy

And her Fizzy's Darling Dotty.
 

Monday, November 26, 2012

2 years of Amazing Z-Ness

Z if you're already 2 young lady. I just cannot believe (I really cannot) that you are 2 already... Just relax kid... You can chill and we are in no hurry for you to grow up :-P. You have become such a big girl in the past couple of months Mash'Allah. Most moms choke up on their kids 1st birthday, but to be honest when I look back, I think you were quite a baby back then :). It seems like all of a sudden you have become a girl and aren't a baby any more (All right, lets settle with 'toddler'). I don't actually remember, when and how... but the last 12 months saw you transform from a baby to a girl. It wasn't a day or month... you have grown up each and every moment... and have made life special.

Obviously, I feel time has flown by... but I'll skip these cliches. Do you feel the same way? I mean were we good parents and you didn't realize time flew by. Or was I a terror and you do not want to think about the 2 years gone by... naah... I hope I wasn't so bad.

I keep a journal about your achievements in the last 2 years, but do you remember how your days went by? If you want me to re-write the entire thing... I'm sorry I can't. You can sure check our monthly posts and you can keep reading them.

Z you are all that I always wanted and much more. I clearly remember how you looked when you came in this world (2 years back) and the moment I saw you, tears started rolling down my eyes. I must admit, the relationship I shared with you, has developed, I frankly couldn't relate to you when you were born, as I do today.

This year has been full of surprises, more milestones, a great lot of fun and a whole lot of tantrums. Z you must be thinking I always... always... always keep cribbing about your tantrums, but I love it... coz when I see you I feel at least there is someone who beats me hands down. Actually now I have become kind of used to of the tantrums that you throw. People say these are 'terrible 2s' but I'd like to term them as the 'terrific 2s'. You're growing and if we don't understand what you want, or we can't take charge of a situation being adults... You will throw a tantrum for sure.

You have developed a personality of your own... You are loving, independent, a social butterfly, sharp (my smarty pants), a bookworm, stubborn, you love limelight, you have strong mood swings and that makes you a perfect mix of FizzNFalak. One thing that is clear now is that,  you have become my Little Ms. Independent in the past year.  You don't cling on to us all the time (you do only when you want to). You want to wash hands, lay the table, put on your shoos, brush your teeth and what not.

You are also a busy bee, you keep yourself busy with books, magnets (yes fridge magnets) and your musical instruments. You let Mommie continue her work when you want to... but when you need attention, you just come and shut Mom's laptop... Warning toh de diya karo yaar. I won't say no... You know that.

O.K now a lot of good things... Let's come straight to business. So your Z-ness its time to bid many things adieu... Diapers and thumb sucking for sure... We sure are making progress in both these aspects. Another big step would be starting School, from June Insh'Allah. So, no more loitering around and creating a ruckus at home.

Its your day my sweet-pea and we will do what you like, another vacation birthday... And you're enjoying to the core. Happy Birthday Z, you are the best gift Allah has blessed us with Mash'Allah. Have a Blast my baby. May Allah bless you with everything you deserve and much more, may you have a blessed life ahead. And may we have the patience, love, understanding, maturity to bring you up as a loving, confident, responsible, happy individual. Love you Doll.

A picture post with details on how we celebrated your Pondi birthday will follow.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Sunday Facebook Update

Facebook has become so convenient, that I stopped logging on to the blog and updating it. The result, I missed writing a lot of fun updates about The Toddler. So every Sunday I have decided to accumulate the week's update in the blog:

  • Junior Masterchef has taught The Toddler counting 10-1. Now my doll knows 1-20 (barring 17) and 10-1.Wooohoooo Proud mom!
  • The Toddler's new trick. She says Mommie/Mummoo only to hear a 'Yea Baby' from me.
  • Got a jacket for The Toddler FREE from Mom&Me. Loyalty sure does pay 

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Gaza - Crisis Appeal

I know all of you must be aware of the Gaza Tragedy by now. There are so many orphans, who need support and help. Please visit this link.

Thanks for seeing.

Thanks Liya's Mom for sharing the link

Thursday, November 22, 2012

You want me to be 'Your Kinda mum?"


Why on earth people do not understand, no mom likes unwanted advise. I, for one have made it clear time and again... that I don't need your advise on my way of parenting... if and when I do, I would ask people I trust. Also, please do not pass comments on the kind of mum I'm. I'm not here to please you... As a mum, I do things which are good for Z, I don't even think of my comfort when it comes to Z... Z's happiness and betterment is all I think about. That's a huge task in itself and if you tell me to be 'your kind of mum...', I'm sorry I won't.

I'm a very different kind of person, call me insane or whatever you want if you please (many people do that behind my back). Similarly I'm extremely particular about the kind of mother I'm to Z. I don't listen to members of my family when it comes to Z, why should I listen to you. So Please, do me a favor and reserve your opinion for someone who appreciates them. 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Granparent's Love!


A couple of days back I posted this picture on my mum's Facebook wall, and then today I read a Welsh proverb 'Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild.'

Grandparents... What do they mean to children. I've not been very fortunate with Grandparents, I'm not too close to any of my Grandmoms. My Paternal Grandad passed away before my parents got married, and my maternal GD a couple of years back. My only fond memories of a Grandparent were attached to my Nana... With him as well we've hardly spent time together. Now when I see my mom and my in-laws, I see the 'Grandparents', I've heard about. My dad was very fond of kids (little girls specially) but unfortunately for Z he passed away couple of years back. My mom stays with my elder sis in Delhi, my nephew is blessed to have her there. My in-laws stay in their house in Rourkela... Z hardly meets them as well. I feel so sorry for Z, when I think she's missing out on all the love and care she deserves.

When we were in Delhi, she met her Ammoo (my mum) at least every weekend. Coming to Bangalore was our decision, and we shifted when Zoe turned 4 months. Also when in Delhi, my in-laws came over more frequently as Delhi was closer to Rourkela compared to a Bangalore.  Since Z's Ammoo was in Delhi, if we had to go on a holiday to her grandparent's place, it would've been Rourkela. Now we constantly have to decide between the 2. :-(
I don't know about Fizz, I keep getting haunted by a question... Have I been unfair to Z when we took this decision. I never realized things would take this turn.

Z with her Ammoo

Zoe with her Daadi

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Book Review - Big Red Barn By Margaret Wise Brown



Name - Big Red Barn By Margaret Wise Brown

By the big red barn
In the great green field,
There was a pink pig
Who was learning to squeal.

Why I picked it and what was my Reaction: By now, if you are following my blog that is... you must be aware that for Z, I love books with lots of pictures and animals. Margaret Wise Brown spins magic when it comes to books for young children. The illustrator Felicia Bond does justice to Brown's easy, rhythmic text... which takes your child through a day at a farm, where lots of animals are playing peacefully before they go to sleep. I just love the book which takes Z through a barnyard which is full of her favorite animals... sheep, horses, rooster, cows, horses, pigs... all big and small.

Z's take now: You give Z anything with lots of pictures and animals, she will fall in love with it. She not only learned new animals like pigeon (she knew birdie... but not pigeon specifically), donkey, etc. She also knows big and little now... courtesy the book where there is a big horse and a little horse, a big pile of hay and a little pile of hay. 

How We Read it: I open the book and wait for Z to point on the animal to take it's name (or sound) and then I read the book with loads and loads of expressions and a lot of voice modulation. 

Age Group: 2+ - 5 years
 

GoodBye Cbeebies

I thought this would be easy, but it isn't. With a heavy heart I write this blog post as Z watches one of her favorite Cbeebies show - In the Night Garden. 

For those of you who are not aware Cbeebies will no longer be aired in India post 30th November. Check this link for details. Now what am I supposed to do. Z is allowed only 1.5-2 hours TV viewing a day and 90% of that is Cbeebies. What am I supposed to tell her, when she asks about her favorite Tinky Winky. Laa-Laa, Dipsy, Po, Noo-Noo, IgglePiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka, Tombliboos, Ninky Nonk, Baby Jake, Finley The Fire Engine and Mister Maker... also everyone on the Big Barn Farm.

Z learned her numbers, Phonics, names of colours, and lots of other things courtesy CBeebies

All this happening when her 2nd birthday is just round the corner. Not done! She has her breakfast with CBeebies for company... does that mean no breakfast for Z?

You might tell me I can show various other channels... it is no big deal. Thanks... but no Thanks... I want to keep away Z from Chota Bheem, Ninja Hattori, Doraemon, Keymon Ache... The only thing I can show is Tom and Jerry and Shaun The Sheep... but these do not impress Z much.

It might sound funny, but it really ain't. I guess all I can do is get her the DVDs of her favorite shows or give up on what little free time I have. What do reckon?

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Introducing Little Women

I've been a mom blogger for more than 2.5 years now (including pregnancy) and I have just realized one thing is missing from my blog... Reviews... I do book reviews, but these would be a collection of my reviews on products/places/services I choose for Z.

I'd like to introduce 'Little Women' here. They are into making infant and young girl's dresses, besides other stuff. I realized one thing when I started shopping for Z, there's a dearth of good dresses available for young girls. I'm not a huge fan of dressing my baby up like a birthday cake. I like simple traditional 'age-appropriate' dresses for little girls. Thank God I was introduced to Little Women when Z was a little over 1 year , and I've already bought 3 dresses for Z from them.

I've never been disappointed, the promptness in answering queries, delivery, the end product quality... all is bang on.

Zoe in her LW dress

Another 1 we ordered

1st Dress we ordered
Rating: 1/2
You can check their Facebook page, or check them on Shopo

Toddling Tuesdays (Pictures speak more than words)

Naughty Naughty Me.....


Yes Yes No No...

Z: Bikitti Bikitti
Me: Z, you have had a Biscuit in the morning, 1 day 1 biscuit ... you promised.
Z: Banana
Me: Here you go sweetheart (peeling the banana)
Z: No ... No... Bikitti want
Me: O.K Bad girl here you go
Z throws bikitti down from the balcony and calls me to show it. Uffffff

I read on babycenter that during this age babies contradict themselves and it is a good thing. I know she does try my patience but, the good thing is it at least is an indication that she is reaching a development milestone.

She will get excited for her afternoon nap and tugs my shirt ... "Mommy Ninnaa... Mommy Please". I save my files on the laptop, smile at her and take her to the bedroom... As I put her to bed and close my eyes (just that she knows I'm sleeping), I hear a voice.... "Bye-Bye Mommy, Out, Let's go". Now what do you expect me to do? Lose my cool??? Well I don't do that (read can't) I have a toddler at home.

Today, I did a mistake of going to pee when ma'am got up from her nap... She started saying "Bottle...Bottle." She started throwing a fit outside the washroom within 30 seconds.

I do have fits of anger (who won't? I'm pretty normal yeah). That doesn't last long, coz I think of all the adorable things she does and that brings an instant smile on my lips.  

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Decisions Decisions Decisions....

From the time I started working on MLCB, I was sure about one thing... I would not let this affect Z a bit. I only hold my classes on weekends (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) as of now. I plan to get some more slots from next year onwards. I do my online work and other research etc. in the night, when Z is fast asleep (on most of the days). I try to schedule my meetings according to Z's schedule, but unfortunately that is not always possible. 

I mostly hold my classes in activity centers where Z loves playing... thanks to kid friendly places like Hide N Peek and ThinkBox. She loves these places, she did have a bad experience at one of the activity centers, because the caretaker who was looking after her did not take good care of her... so I had to drop that place, which claims that it is 'kid friendly' but it ain't really child appropriate. 

A big big thank you to Fizz, I don't have to utter a word and he is there (especially when it comes to taking care of Z) for us. 

My first season ends in 2nd week of December, and I plan to go on my annual Delhi vacation with Z Insh'Allah. Once I'm back around the 2nd week of January, I plan to start my next season. Now comes the decision bit... I have 2 options either I get a nice nanny, in this case I can keep Z in front of my eyes and can supervise the nanny. Else, there is a nice daycare near our house and we can opt for that...

Fizz is open with both of them, he has left the decision on me. How convenient... Huh?

Friday, November 2, 2012

Book Review :Fantastic Stories For Children: 2 Year Olds.

Fantastic Stories For Children: 2 Year Old. This book has five short stories for children of 2 year old.

Why I picked it: The moment I saw this book, I knew Z would love this book. The stories were simple, with colorful illustrations and lots of animals.

My reaction: I love the book, it has cute little stories of a tiger scared of postman, a hippo who loves puddles, a lion who enjoys playing hide and seek, a bear who cannot find his teddy and lots more.

Z's take now: Z loves the lion story and whenever I finish it she says "Peek-A-boo... I see you"

How We Read it: I use it as a bedtime story book during afternoon and night.


Thursday, November 1, 2012

Fitness Update

This was my FB status last night. 

From a no-workout period of more than a year post pregnancy (due to whatever reasons) to doing both, 2 miles of Leslie Sansone and Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred everyday... I'm so proud of myself.

Goodnight World... Now I deserve some nice sleep!

Wild Karnataka – Experience

We were ecstatic when we got to know we were going to see  Wild Karnataka.  It was a long trip to Vega City mall, Bannerghetta Road, Benga...