Day 1 - #60Days60Activities - The Panda Bath

As we mentioned here we would be doing a planned activity a day for #60Days60Activities.

Day 1: The Panda Bath

If you do read our posts (I hope you do) then you might be aware that Z has a collection of pandas that come with the gems ball. Our home is filled with unconsumed gems, and the only attraction is the panda that comes with the ball. I thought it would be perfect to do an activity with Pandas, cold water (since the pandas change color in cold water) and bathing. 

We took a big tub filled 2/3rd with cold soap water, a mug of clean water, a towel and our Panda force. 

Zoe dipped the pandas in the big tub.

 

Took them out one by one

 

Rubbed them nicely

 

Put them in the clean cold water

 

Took them out, dried them up with a towel

 

And we got a super happy Z and a super day 1 activity. 

#60Days60Activities

So, we got Z's report card today, and I'm so proud of my girl today, my smarty pants. Anyways... the reason for this post is not to discuss the interaction with the teacher (which went on so well)... I write this because  Z's vacation has begun. Now the thing is, I have not enrolled Z in any Summer camps. She will be with me in 'The Reading Room' and then I mostly believe in letting Z be. She loves exploring things on her own and I love that about her. Then obviously reading will be a regular activity (Z won't let go without reading). Weekends will be for outdoor activities and/or friends, I have assigned Tuesdays and Fridays for Phonics. And the rest of the days would be lots of fun activities. 

Why I decided to start #60Days60Activities?

Well I wanted to keep Z involved in a planned activity for an hour. Z doesn't like sitting in front of the screen, and I don't want that to change. 

Everyday I will do a post on #60Days60Activities starting 1st April to 30th May.

Here is how we celebrated Z-3

So we are back, from a much needed break and after having a lot of fun.

We went to Goa to roll in Z's 3rd birthday, yes... like the 1st.  The only difference was this time around we had all the more fun and Z loved her little holiday.

We stayed at the Country Inn and Suites by Carlson Goa and we loved the place. I think Z loved the bike rides... all 3 of us did. Beaches meant lots of sand castles and playing in the water. Z still didn't want to go in the pool, she preferred the beach.... don't worry we will reach the pool as well.

She got pampered like anything, and ate what Z wanted to. We didn't shop much this time around because she doesn't like shopping yet. This was her trip so we did what her Z-ness wanted.

I will let the pictures do the talking.

Cheers To Z3

Hey Beautiful!

I love to see you grow everyday Ma Sha Allah. And you have really become a little girl over the past year... You have become taller, leaner (skinny actually), that day Fizz was saying 'My little girl has really grown up' and that is when he sees you every single day. So, now you understand what I mean when I say you have grown up. Even I feel the same. I truly do... specially when I see your dresses & jeans become shorter. I have to buy new clothes every now and then.
 

Every single morning you wake momma up with your brightest smile. And I can do anything for that smile of yours. It is the brightest and the most mischievous smile I have ever seen in my life.  

You learn so much everyday. I expected that by the end of the 3rd year you would know the names of all your favorite books... you know the names of almost all the books you have and you pretend read the book as well. You tell me the same story in your own words. You can count from 1-29 and then you start 20-10, 20-11, 20-12 :-P. You know the days of the week, which I was shocked to know when I heard you recite the other day. You know almost all the major colours (almost 10-12 of them) and you correct Fizz as well. Your phone phobia has disappeared and you can talk on the phone with ease. Be it for pretend play or actual talking on the phone. I don't think I can match up with the speed you solve your puzzles and blocks.

If I recall the day you entered our lives 3 years back, I couldn't have guessed you will become so big so soon Ma'sha'Allah. You were so small, so tiny and so delicate. You know what... when I held you in my arms for the 1st time... I cried as I wasn't sure I would be able to take care of such a delicate and such a precious little thing.... I guess we did just fine. When I see your little feet touch the floor as you rest on the chair I feel my little baby... who I easily held in two palms of mine when she was born has become a big girl.

 
One thing that I expected is that you will turn out to be a chatterbox... which you have become in the true sense of the word. When I heard you say Mamma for the first time I was in tears... but now you say ... Momo please read me this book... or please come with me to the bathroom... or Momo will you take me to nusic class *music class. You learn so many new words everyday and you create complete sentences, 3 cheers for that! You not only speak clearly most of the time... you also make up your own stories, which I love listening to. You can be the sweetest (at least sound sweetest) when you request "Fizzy/Mamma can you do this Pleeeeeease". My heart melts right there and then.

Everyone knows about your love for books, besides books you also love playing drums and cars. Pretend play and painting is something you don't mind doing. What I love is the fact you do not need company while playing and you can keep yourself busy and engaged.

You have adjusted well in school, and I know you are one of the naughtiest one in school. You have to carry your own school bag, even though it is a little heavy for you. You love your school which was one of the biggest milestones. When you talk about your friends (Ishika, Jainish, Jaivish & Aka-kanksha) I just love listening to you. You also found someone you love spending time with and she loves your company too... yeah I'm talking about Laasya. I guess we need to spend more time together... what say Shweta? And your new - found buddy Hrishikesh, I do not know how much H remembers you, but you keep talking about Hrishikesh. Three of you created a ruckus on the playdate but you enjoyed each other's company none the less.

Another milestone which we achieved this year was your potty training. Not training actually. I just told you one fine day, and you were ready. Night training is still left but we will reach there once my baby is ready.  

There are things which you do, which prove that you are still little. Like your tantrums... my God! Who said Terrible Twos were bad, I think its Troublesome threes now. You are short tempered and all kids your age are... but it is nothing to be proud of and I hate it when you show your temper off. Having said that... I must confess you are extremely loving as well. If you love someone you make sure people know that. When you see mamma or Fizz upset or angry you start with your "Make Happy Face... Sad Face, Surprise Face, Shocked Face, Crying Face... Big Happy Face." I love playing this game with you as you beat both Fizz and me to it. You are the undisputed Drama Queen. I thought I was the biggest drama queen ever... till I met you... and you are the best! I bow down to thee. Your expressions (specially the surprise, curious and sad face you make)... things you say and do to get attention are HILARIOUS.

Something really bad happened this year... which could have been avoided... I think Mamma was careless. Because of me you were in the hospital for 1.5 days and believe me those were the worst days of my life. I was so helpless Z, I'm sorry! Mamma loves you alot Buba... remember that!

Guess How Much Love You!

Momo/Mamma/Momma (it's high time you decide)

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.

 

Vacation Time Begins!!!

We're off to a Vacation starting Friday night. Even though it will end on Monday, I'm so looking forward to this break.

Once I'm back there'll be lots of pictures and a vacation post of course.

See you on the other side...

TaaaDaaa

ZeeZo... The Deadly Brother-Sister Duo

I visited Delhi after a good 7 months. For a 1yo that's a lot, Z was last in Delhi when she had just turned 4 months and I didn't expect her to remember Delhi at all. Neither did I expect my 3yo nephew (referred as BB-Big Brother here) to bond with Z on the 1st day itself. I was wrong, BB did not take a second to make Z comfortable.

He became the typical Big Brother, he kept an eye on Z and didn't let go off her. Whenever I did scold Z or talk to her in a high pitched voice... BB came running, saying 'No, please don't shout at Z' and 'Mamma please tell Bajsi (that's what he calls me) not to scold Z baby'. I had to keep my temper in check else BB would've got after my life till I apologized to Z.

ZeeZo having a ball

BB's cars are his favorite possessions, and the only one he shared them with was (yeah you guessed it right) Z.

Delhi meant lots of shopping and visiting all the malls. So as I settled Z in her stroller and before I was ready to push, BB took his position besides the stroller and kept a hand on it. Wherever we went and for whatever time, he didn't let go of the stroller... It did become difficult to maneuver but was damn cute. There were lots of toddlers who would come and see the 'little baby' in the pram. BB kept a close watch and shooed kids (literally) who tried to touch Z.

Right besides the stroller :-)

It so happened that Z hit BB (donno why... She hasn't hit no one before that. I guess she was taking advantage of all the love BB showered). And the moment Z realized  people were standing around and I might scold Z, he went up to my elder sis and said 'Ma, Bajsi ne maara' :-(.

For me I loved the attention Z was getting. I hope this bond strengthens with time... love the both of you.

Sharing Choc-Sticks and fun

When Z Visited Delhi

Two holidays in one month ... what else could I have asked for. Two completely different getaways. One where I enjoyed thoroughly with Fizz n Z. Beaches of Goa, bikes, Jet Ski, fab views, lots of shopping and celebrating Z's birthday in Style. The other was a family affair, visiting Delhi, meeting mum, my sisters and family after a long-long time. Here things were different, nice home-cooked food, lots of gossip, visiting Rail Museum, arguments and patch-ups, Z’s 2^nd 1^st birthday celebration (I know it sounds a little weird). 

Z's Delhi Birthday Cake

My last blog gave details about our fun times in Goa where Z thoroughly enjoyed. In Delhi it was a more relaxed holiday. The most stressful thing being Z wanting to cling on to me forever for 2 weeks at least. She was zapped to see new faces (besides mine). She became relaxed towards the end of the vacation. Loved being with Aanoo and Annie (My sis and bro-in-law), playing with Zef and getting pampered by Ammoo (my mommie).

Fun with Aanoo/Aanie

The Deadly Bro/Sis Duo

Best part about these weeks have been meeting family, Zef (my nephew) and Z's combined birthday celebrations, Delhi winters, shopping, and seeing Delhi malls decked up in the spirit of Christmas. The worst part - just one ... I missed Faizan not being around, because he loves Delhi food and wanted to visit the place. 

Like all things, this vacation is also coming to an end and I will Insh’Allah be back to Bangalore soon. Look forward to lots of special moments with Z and individually in 2012. Wish all you guys a special year ahead, where you can make lots of happy memories. 

Till then I will keep you updated about the year that will be. 

Z turned 1 Goa Style....

My dearest Cupcake,

Your 1st Birthday, like any for parent was a huge thing for us. We were confused whether to do a nice party with all family and friends or take you on a fun vacation (We chose the later). The reason why we did is simple. 1st birthdays generally become celebrations for the parents and family but in these parties the baby gets really cranky seeing so many people around. Besides you have been staying with only your mum & dad and get a little uncomfortable when someone else tries to hold and cuddle you. 

Happy Birthday with Abbi...

We wanted you to have all the fun, more than Mumsu and Abbi. We decided we would be going to Goa to celebrate your birthday for a couple of days. We were a little skeptical about our decision till the last minute, but once we were in Goa all our doubts vanished. 

Flaunting her dress

Zoe the Water Baby

My bikini babe in the beach

You love water and Goa was the perfect destination for my little mermaid. Be in the beaches or the pool you loved it all. Loved doing Splashy-Splash, and didnt care if it was hot, windy, or sunny.

Splash in the pool

That tastes Yuck

Enjoying Sunset at beach

Mumsu Playing Devil on the beach

Exploring Goa on Bikes

Goa meant taking an Activa and exploring the place. You loved your bike rides and felt amazing when wind blew your hair. If you were sleepy. you slept on the bike itself and Mumsu had to be extra careful, holding you tightly. We went to Aguda and Chapora fort, churches, markets and you made sure you didn't miss out on having lots of fun.

With Mumsu at Aguda Fort.

No fuss About food

You made sure you did let mum and dad enjoy, you loved eating what Mumsu and Dad ate. We carried all baby food but that didn't impress you much. You only made sure you got your food and milk on time. 

Enjoying her birthday Dinner

People loved you

Whoever saw you fell in love with you... and you smiled back. This trip has made you turn into a social butterfly, interacting with people all around and entertaining them.

"I love my family"-Zoe

Separation Anxiety

Poor Zoe has been crying (read shrieking) her lungs out, as soon as I left her on the couch to attend to some assignments. Whoever thought it was very easy to work from home is highly mistaken, and doesn't has a baby fighting with Separation Anxiety to take care of. Right now, if I go in front of Z without completing the task at hand, she will start it all over again.

Separation Anxiety is something which is extremely hard to deal with. Even if you have a house full of people, the baby wants to cling on to you. It is EXHAUSTING to express it mildly.

It has been a rough week for Zoe, we have been on a holiday to some relatives and she is not used to seeing so many people around. Everyone wants to hold her or hug her. My baby doesn't understand its out of love and hates being touchy-touhy.

At first, when your baby is born she feels you and her are the same person. Then she develops as an individual, this sets in the fear of getting abandoned. The stage can start anywhere at 6 months and continues for a few months. A baby can have separation anxiety till two years of age.

When eventually your baby starts growing and developing higher level of independence and self-awareness, she would get over separation anxiety.

Try to leave your baby with others for a few minutes, so that she gets used to being with someone else.

I just hope my Z gets over this stage and becomes the friendly baby she once was as soon as possible. Till then I would have to live with my baby clinging on to me....