This week, the Dow ended at 8,451.19 . The CNN headline a minute ago read 'Vertigo on Wall Street'. The DOW plummeted 25% since September 26th when a banking crisis hit the financial sector. The ripple effect this has created is worldwide with investors everywhere feeling the pain ...The finance.yahoo headline read ' US Stocks end worst week mixed after roller coaster session'. And this is not the end - As analysts predict that the market is looking at a new low.
The middle class is feeling the pain as companies tighten expenses, layoff workers and shut down operations. While we are no where near retirement, there is some concern about our investments and savings. Really, is our money safe? How do we get a control on our finances and put more into our nest egg? I know what I'm going to do. cancel my gym membership ($60/month)..I love the gym but am pretty sure,that with some discipline and creativity can get some workout at home.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Are you my friend?
A curious thing happened today. We were invited to a fall fest at Little Bear's school. The event was in the school playground- there was music, food, lots of games for kids and we had the opportunity of witnessing the kids interact with each other.
Little Bear is definitely opening up and getting 'socialised". It was a pleasure seeing him play with other kids and occasionally come up to me and point and tell me (introduce) that so and so was in his class.
One thing is clear. The boy gravitates towards girls..he follows them around... All the kids he pointed to (aka introduced) were girls..At one point he positioned himself at the top of the slide and proceeded to question each kid (girls) as they waited to go down the slide -' Are you my friend?" If you answered with a "Yes/No", you were let through and allowed to slide down. If you did not reply, he blocked their way and asked you again ..I thought it was sweet and some of the parents watching this also thought it was hilarious!
One of the girls in his class, a 4 year old said "No, you are not my friend". He let her through but she came up again and he asked her again. This must have happened atleast half-a dozen times. It probably bothered Little Bear because he asked me why she said she was not his friend. Sadly, I really did not know what to say to him.
I was deep in conversation with another parent when a beaming Little Bear came to me and said "Amma, she said yes. She IS my friend". Persistence had paid....
When I tucked him into bed tonight, I reminded him of the wonderful time he had had at school today. "Amma, why did that girl say that she was not my friend?' asked Little Bear. "Not everyone needs to be your friend", I explained. "Its ok if some one is not your friend. You have so many friends." I hope this was the "right" answer to his dilemma. What I really want to tell him is that this is a lesson life will teach him through experiences, some good and some not so good.
Little Bear is definitely opening up and getting 'socialised". It was a pleasure seeing him play with other kids and occasionally come up to me and point and tell me (introduce) that so and so was in his class.
One thing is clear. The boy gravitates towards girls..he follows them around... All the kids he pointed to (aka introduced) were girls..At one point he positioned himself at the top of the slide and proceeded to question each kid (girls) as they waited to go down the slide -' Are you my friend?" If you answered with a "Yes/No", you were let through and allowed to slide down. If you did not reply, he blocked their way and asked you again ..I thought it was sweet and some of the parents watching this also thought it was hilarious!
One of the girls in his class, a 4 year old said "No, you are not my friend". He let her through but she came up again and he asked her again. This must have happened atleast half-a dozen times. It probably bothered Little Bear because he asked me why she said she was not his friend. Sadly, I really did not know what to say to him.
I was deep in conversation with another parent when a beaming Little Bear came to me and said "Amma, she said yes. She IS my friend". Persistence had paid....
When I tucked him into bed tonight, I reminded him of the wonderful time he had had at school today. "Amma, why did that girl say that she was not my friend?' asked Little Bear. "Not everyone needs to be your friend", I explained. "Its ok if some one is not your friend. You have so many friends." I hope this was the "right" answer to his dilemma. What I really want to tell him is that this is a lesson life will teach him through experiences, some good and some not so good.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Where is He?
Its Ganesh Chaturthi and we made modaks to offer to Ganpathi Bappa. Here is a side conversation after the puja
Little Bear: Amma, where is God? Is he really going to eat the modaks?
Amma: God is everywhere. He is in your heart ….
Little Bear (looking at me with a quizzical expression): Amma, but how did he get into my heart?
By now, Little Bear has removed his shirt and run to the closest mirror to look at his chest and see if he can spot ‘God’
But Amma, I can’t see him. Where is he?
Amma: You can’t see him. He’s just there…
Little Bear: Then how will he get out of my heart to eat the modaks?
Amma: here, why don’t you eat the modak and share it with God..
Little Bear: Ok…
Little Bear: Amma, where is God? Is he really going to eat the modaks?
Amma: God is everywhere. He is in your heart ….
Little Bear (looking at me with a quizzical expression): Amma, but how did he get into my heart?
By now, Little Bear has removed his shirt and run to the closest mirror to look at his chest and see if he can spot ‘God’
But Amma, I can’t see him. Where is he?
Amma: You can’t see him. He’s just there…
Little Bear: Then how will he get out of my heart to eat the modaks?
Amma: here, why don’t you eat the modak and share it with God..
Little Bear: Ok…
Money, Money
Little Bear: Amma, did you sleep in a crib when you were a little child?
Amma: No, I slept with my Amma and Appa. And curious to see his reaction, I blurted out …’We did not have a big house and money to buy a crib’
Little Bear (laughing): What, money?
Amma: You know - money to buy a crib, money for a big house with a large bed room to keep the crib. (By this time, I’m clearly rambling) A crib costs money. Everything costs money
Little Bear: All mothers and fathers have lots of money. Yes, they have lots and lots of money. Why you say …your Amma, Appa did not have money
Amma: shocked and speechless
Amma: No, I slept with my Amma and Appa. And curious to see his reaction, I blurted out …’We did not have a big house and money to buy a crib’
Little Bear (laughing): What, money?
Amma: You know - money to buy a crib, money for a big house with a large bed room to keep the crib. (By this time, I’m clearly rambling) A crib costs money. Everything costs money
Little Bear: All mothers and fathers have lots of money. Yes, they have lots and lots of money. Why you say …your Amma, Appa did not have money
Amma: shocked and speechless
Saturday, September 6, 2008
No Tree hugger
Little Bear loves to 'play' with the toilet paper rolls when he is using the bathroom..Its his favorite pastime as he sits on the potty...He unrolls the toilet paper, then attempts to roll it and then proceeds to tear it and litter the floor with the pieces. As a result there is plenty of ' Don't do that'...'Don't make a mess'....and so on that ensues everytime he uses the potty. On one such occasion in an attempt to discourage this, I resorted to appealing to his logic and this is what followed:
Me: "Lets not waste toilet paper. You know where we get toilet paper from?"
Little Bear: "Where do we get it from? Amma.."
Me (pleased to have his attenton): "from trees. Trees get sad when you waste toilet paper" (Now, I also have the dad's attention)
Little Bear: "How do we get it from trees"
Me: "the wood from the tree is used to make wood pulp and then paper. So, if you waste paper you have to cut more trees"
Little Bear: "But.Why do we need trees?"
Me: (I was not prepared for this part and digressed): "If we don't have trees we wont have oxygen to breathe"
Little Bear: "We don't need oxygen from trees. We can use it from oxygen tanks like firefighters use"
Me: shocked and speechless.
I'm still working on refining my "tree" story.
Me: "Lets not waste toilet paper. You know where we get toilet paper from?"
Little Bear: "Where do we get it from? Amma.."
Me (pleased to have his attenton): "from trees. Trees get sad when you waste toilet paper" (Now, I also have the dad's attention)
Little Bear: "How do we get it from trees"
Me: "the wood from the tree is used to make wood pulp and then paper. So, if you waste paper you have to cut more trees"
Little Bear: "But.Why do we need trees?"
Me: (I was not prepared for this part and digressed): "If we don't have trees we wont have oxygen to breathe"
Little Bear: "We don't need oxygen from trees. We can use it from oxygen tanks like firefighters use"
Me: shocked and speechless.
I'm still working on refining my "tree" story.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
French fries and fruit
Little Bear does not like french fries.
The reason, I am recording this rather trivial event is to inform him when he reads this blog someday years from now when he is not 'little' anymore. Probably some day when he has just finished a plate of french fries, chips or some other greasy food which are not a part of Little Bear's meals today.
We are a pretty health conscious family. We eat balanced meals usually using organic foods, try to work-out regularly and stay away from empty carbs. We payt a lot of attention to Little Bear's meals to make sure they are packed with all the essential nutrients, protein and fat. I do this because I have a feeling that as he grows older, more independent and exposed to what most of the world is eating,he will want to decide his meals, opting for the fatty, greasy, sugar laden foods that he was deprived of in his early years. Perhaps the foods he eats now will more than offset the bad foods he eats in the future.
So Little Bear, if you are reading this, remember that once upon a time not to0o long ago you did not like french fries.
The reason, I am recording this rather trivial event is to inform him when he reads this blog someday years from now when he is not 'little' anymore. Probably some day when he has just finished a plate of french fries, chips or some other greasy food which are not a part of Little Bear's meals today.
We are a pretty health conscious family. We eat balanced meals usually using organic foods, try to work-out regularly and stay away from empty carbs. We payt a lot of attention to Little Bear's meals to make sure they are packed with all the essential nutrients, protein and fat. I do this because I have a feeling that as he grows older, more independent and exposed to what most of the world is eating,he will want to decide his meals, opting for the fatty, greasy, sugar laden foods that he was deprived of in his early years. Perhaps the foods he eats now will more than offset the bad foods he eats in the future.
So Little Bear, if you are reading this, remember that once upon a time not to0o long ago you did not like french fries.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Off to school!
Unlike this blog which has seen little activity in a while, life in the Little Bear household has been busy and eventful.
We are having a blast with the little fella and are enjoying spending time with him. Occasionally, the Terrible Twos make their appearance and that too with a vegeance. We are dealing with discipline issues, lots of talking back, whining for no apparent reason and the decibel level in the house has suddenly quadrupled. All this, coupled with late bedtimes has left this blog sorely neglected but we are back to report some recent developments.
Last week, Little Bear started preschool at a local Montessori. We have been convinced that our son would thrive in the hands-on, peaceful and pleasant learning environment that a Montessori school provides and were looking forward to this event all summer .
Little Bear had mixed feelings about going to school. He was excited about the prospect of new toys at school but not so excited about other children being there too ...more kids means sharing of toys and we are not a fan of that!
So Monday, August 11th rolled around and we were all scramblng to get him ready for school. Dressed in brand new clothes and shoes, Little Bear posed for pictures with Amma and Appa and then a little reluctantly sat in the car. School begins at 8:45 am and ends at noon. We have a car pool lane to drop and pick him, a feature I was not sure about but one that I have begun to love.
When I picked him at noon that first day, his face bore a tired battered look. I knew he had cried some and was clearly overwhelmed. His teacher informed me that he had spent most of the morning crying and she had held him the whole time. The only 'activity' he had seemed to enjoy was sweeping the garden.
The first week, was a mixed bag of not wanting to go to school and crying. The following week, things were a little better. He had discovered another activity he liked - window washing. And between sweeping the garden, window washing and 'reading' the books, he seemed a content little bear.
The only source of concern for me was that he was not eating his snack at school. The school expected the kids to help themselves to the snack to encourage independence and Little Bear is not used to that. So, I sent him off to school with a gentle reminder everyday to get a snack or ask the teacher for it if he was not sure how to serve himself...But everyday at noon, when I picked him up, he was starving and informed me that I did not get a snack because there was none...Clearly, he was a little intimidated with the idea of getting a snack himself, and needed some help to overcome this fear.
Finally, I used the tried and tested last resort in parenting, one that has a track record of success but is usually frowned upon by idealists. I bribed the boy. The prize would be a new fire engine to add to his fleet of 'whee-oos' and he would get one, if he got a snack at school the next day. Papa bear reminded him about the prize when he dropped him that morning.
When I picked Little Bear at school the next day, the teacher proudly told me that he had had a wonderful day.Also, he ate a snack she announced. My heart swelled with pride and I glanced at the boy,who looked at me gleefully and opened his mouth to remind me about the impending trip to Toys r us. I hastily pulled the car off the car pool and drove home, with Little Bear rattling off the exact specifications of the fire engine he wanted - it had to have a ladder, a bucket, 2 firemen, a hose and should make a sound ...
We are having a blast with the little fella and are enjoying spending time with him. Occasionally, the Terrible Twos make their appearance and that too with a vegeance. We are dealing with discipline issues, lots of talking back, whining for no apparent reason and the decibel level in the house has suddenly quadrupled. All this, coupled with late bedtimes has left this blog sorely neglected but we are back to report some recent developments.
Last week, Little Bear started preschool at a local Montessori. We have been convinced that our son would thrive in the hands-on, peaceful and pleasant learning environment that a Montessori school provides and were looking forward to this event all summer .
Little Bear had mixed feelings about going to school. He was excited about the prospect of new toys at school but not so excited about other children being there too ...more kids means sharing of toys and we are not a fan of that!
So Monday, August 11th rolled around and we were all scramblng to get him ready for school. Dressed in brand new clothes and shoes, Little Bear posed for pictures with Amma and Appa and then a little reluctantly sat in the car. School begins at 8:45 am and ends at noon. We have a car pool lane to drop and pick him, a feature I was not sure about but one that I have begun to love.
When I picked him at noon that first day, his face bore a tired battered look. I knew he had cried some and was clearly overwhelmed. His teacher informed me that he had spent most of the morning crying and she had held him the whole time. The only 'activity' he had seemed to enjoy was sweeping the garden.
The first week, was a mixed bag of not wanting to go to school and crying. The following week, things were a little better. He had discovered another activity he liked - window washing. And between sweeping the garden, window washing and 'reading' the books, he seemed a content little bear.
The only source of concern for me was that he was not eating his snack at school. The school expected the kids to help themselves to the snack to encourage independence and Little Bear is not used to that. So, I sent him off to school with a gentle reminder everyday to get a snack or ask the teacher for it if he was not sure how to serve himself...But everyday at noon, when I picked him up, he was starving and informed me that I did not get a snack because there was none...Clearly, he was a little intimidated with the idea of getting a snack himself, and needed some help to overcome this fear.
Finally, I used the tried and tested last resort in parenting, one that has a track record of success but is usually frowned upon by idealists. I bribed the boy. The prize would be a new fire engine to add to his fleet of 'whee-oos' and he would get one, if he got a snack at school the next day. Papa bear reminded him about the prize when he dropped him that morning.
When I picked Little Bear at school the next day, the teacher proudly told me that he had had a wonderful day.Also, he ate a snack she announced. My heart swelled with pride and I glanced at the boy,who looked at me gleefully and opened his mouth to remind me about the impending trip to Toys r us. I hastily pulled the car off the car pool and drove home, with Little Bear rattling off the exact specifications of the fire engine he wanted - it had to have a ladder, a bucket, 2 firemen, a hose and should make a sound ...
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
I would ....
I keep this handy and refer to it very often ...Beautiful lines and words to live by for every parent...
If I had my child to raise over again
I'd build self-esteem first and the house later
I'd finger paint more and point the finger less
I would do less correcting and more connecting
I'd take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyes
I would care to know less and know to care more
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites
I'd stop playing serious and seriously play
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars
I'd do more hugging and less tugging
I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often
I would be firm less often and affirm much more
I'd model less about the love of power
And more about the power of love.
Diane Loomans
If I had my child to raise over again
I'd build self-esteem first and the house later
I'd finger paint more and point the finger less
I would do less correcting and more connecting
I'd take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyes
I would care to know less and know to care more
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites
I'd stop playing serious and seriously play
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars
I'd do more hugging and less tugging
I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often
I would be firm less often and affirm much more
I'd model less about the love of power
And more about the power of love.
Diane Loomans
Happy 21/2 Years
Little Bear is 30 months old (21/2)..I thought this milestone deserved a post because so much seems to have changed overnight. I feel like the baby in my son is slowly diminishing and he is morphing into this little person, with a very obvious personality, real likes and dislikes. He continues to surprise us with his conversations and wise observations. Of course, we are also in the throws of the terrible twos, so we also see his not-so-pleasant-moods but for the most part we are in awe of this little being and completely in love with him.
Little Bear is very very vocal. At dinner time, when I put a spoon of cauliflower curry on his plate, my fussy eater instantly popped a floret in his mouth and commented 'Oh! I thought this was spicy but it is NOT'...He's able to amuse himself and play alone in the living room when I am in the kitchen. He does not follow me around the kitchen anymore pleading for a ladle, the pressure cooker or my attention..He treats his stuffed animals like babies making sure they are fed, bathed and tucked to sleep. Of course when he is a bad mood, the poor dog and bunny are the first to see his wrath when he flings them across the room..When we sneeze he exclaims loudly 'BLESS YOU!!!' Of course, he expects the same from us when he sneezes and if we forget to 'bless' he'll remind us saying 'I just sneezed ..please bless'
We are still working on trying to get him to eat on his own. His love-hate relationship with milk continues. He loves Mac and cheese and pasta.
He used to regularly say/repeat Sanskrit prayers in the morning and at bed-time. Now, he shows a lot of resistance to even repeating it after us …But he does love singing Lord Ayappa songs ..
His favorite toys continue to be the fire-engne, bull dozer and dump trucks. He dislikes puzzles and coloring …Mama is hoping this changes soon…
Disagreements about TV time are at a new high in our household. Little Bear thinks it can be negotiated, Mama and Papa bear think this is a ridiculous request and so the arguments continue. As far as favorites go, he still loves to watch Barney and Little Bear on TV. But is not picky about his shows and can be entertained with ANYTHING on TV...CNN, golf, Oprah, anything…
He is showing some affinity to dancing. He likes to dance/sway to ‘Sona Sona’ music and emulates the Big B’s moves.
He greets strangers with a hearty ‘Hello’ and then quickly looks away. Sometimes if the said stranger is a pretty blonde, he may even follow the ‘hello’ with an introduction of whoever is with him like ‘This is my mother’..
Recently, when he was sick with a nasty summer cold, he pleaded with me.’Amma, please give me bitter medicine so I will feel better.’ That nearly broke my heart. After a few days, I got the cold he had had, and when I complained one evening that I was completely worn out and very tired he told me with a very somber look on his face and his arms flexed…’Amma, you should not say,. You have no energy. You should say I have strong energies, and then you will feel better’
Happy 21/2 Years, Little Bear!
Little Bear is very very vocal. At dinner time, when I put a spoon of cauliflower curry on his plate, my fussy eater instantly popped a floret in his mouth and commented 'Oh! I thought this was spicy but it is NOT'...He's able to amuse himself and play alone in the living room when I am in the kitchen. He does not follow me around the kitchen anymore pleading for a ladle, the pressure cooker or my attention..He treats his stuffed animals like babies making sure they are fed, bathed and tucked to sleep. Of course when he is a bad mood, the poor dog and bunny are the first to see his wrath when he flings them across the room..When we sneeze he exclaims loudly 'BLESS YOU!!!' Of course, he expects the same from us when he sneezes and if we forget to 'bless' he'll remind us saying 'I just sneezed ..please bless'
We are still working on trying to get him to eat on his own. His love-hate relationship with milk continues. He loves Mac and cheese and pasta.
He used to regularly say/repeat Sanskrit prayers in the morning and at bed-time. Now, he shows a lot of resistance to even repeating it after us …But he does love singing Lord Ayappa songs ..
His favorite toys continue to be the fire-engne, bull dozer and dump trucks. He dislikes puzzles and coloring …Mama is hoping this changes soon…
Disagreements about TV time are at a new high in our household. Little Bear thinks it can be negotiated, Mama and Papa bear think this is a ridiculous request and so the arguments continue. As far as favorites go, he still loves to watch Barney and Little Bear on TV. But is not picky about his shows and can be entertained with ANYTHING on TV...CNN, golf, Oprah, anything…
He is showing some affinity to dancing. He likes to dance/sway to ‘Sona Sona’ music and emulates the Big B’s moves.
He greets strangers with a hearty ‘Hello’ and then quickly looks away. Sometimes if the said stranger is a pretty blonde, he may even follow the ‘hello’ with an introduction of whoever is with him like ‘This is my mother’..
Recently, when he was sick with a nasty summer cold, he pleaded with me.’Amma, please give me bitter medicine so I will feel better.’ That nearly broke my heart. After a few days, I got the cold he had had, and when I complained one evening that I was completely worn out and very tired he told me with a very somber look on his face and his arms flexed…’Amma, you should not say,. You have no energy. You should say I have strong energies, and then you will feel better’
Happy 21/2 Years, Little Bear!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Happy Father's Day!
Dearest Appa,
Happy Father's Day!!! I hope I can say this today and every single day just like I have been wishing Amma 'Happy Mother's Day' long after its been gone
I wanted to keep this letter brief and to-the-point because you know how I am a boy of not too many words ...
Thanks for being the greatest appa in the world..You mean the world to me and I hope we can stay close and share a fantastic relationship in the years to come..I look up to you for everything and I want to be like you when I grow up. as you know, I wait eagerly for your approval on what I do and am always rewarded with hugs, kisses and praise for my achievements (Amma thinks you over-act a bit but you know how these girls are!!)
Thanks also for spending time with me, taking me to the firestation and the construction site and putting me on the bull dozer when no-one was looking so you could get a picture,I know you are the Chief picture man in the house because if left to Amma, I would not haave any pictures of me doing things like holding the golf club or wearing my underwear on my head while sitting on the potty or listening to the ipod. I also love 'helpng you' work on the house whether its out in the lawn, in the garage or build things. You are quite a handyman (Lucky Amma!!!)
I know you are the expert at putting me down for a nap. Those nights(that Amma would love to forget) when I was teething, you paced the house with me on your shoulder singing and humming ..You have such a good voice and I love all your songs My favorite is Harivarasanam.
You are also super-patient and always try to answer my endless 'why's' without even a sign of boredom or frustration.
I almost forgot to thank you also for agreeing to write this blog with Amma ..
I could go on and on but remember I promised to keep this short ..I have to go now and play and maybe I'll even decide to take a nap today..
So, here's to my Appa, the cool, fun-loving, patient father anyone could have...
Hugs and kisses,
your 'sarkkarai kodam'
Happy Father's Day!!! I hope I can say this today and every single day just like I have been wishing Amma 'Happy Mother's Day' long after its been gone
I wanted to keep this letter brief and to-the-point because you know how I am a boy of not too many words ...
Thanks for being the greatest appa in the world..You mean the world to me and I hope we can stay close and share a fantastic relationship in the years to come..I look up to you for everything and I want to be like you when I grow up. as you know, I wait eagerly for your approval on what I do and am always rewarded with hugs, kisses and praise for my achievements (Amma thinks you over-act a bit but you know how these girls are!!)
Thanks also for spending time with me, taking me to the firestation and the construction site and putting me on the bull dozer when no-one was looking so you could get a picture,I know you are the Chief picture man in the house because if left to Amma, I would not haave any pictures of me doing things like holding the golf club or wearing my underwear on my head while sitting on the potty or listening to the ipod. I also love 'helpng you' work on the house whether its out in the lawn, in the garage or build things. You are quite a handyman (Lucky Amma!!!)
I know you are the expert at putting me down for a nap. Those nights(that Amma would love to forget) when I was teething, you paced the house with me on your shoulder singing and humming ..You have such a good voice and I love all your songs My favorite is Harivarasanam.
You are also super-patient and always try to answer my endless 'why's' without even a sign of boredom or frustration.
I almost forgot to thank you also for agreeing to write this blog with Amma ..
I could go on and on but remember I promised to keep this short ..I have to go now and play and maybe I'll even decide to take a nap today..
So, here's to my Appa, the cool, fun-loving, patient father anyone could have...
Hugs and kisses,
your 'sarkkarai kodam'
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Everything about firetrucks and firehoses
Round 1 - After constantly asking what sound a fire-engine makes ( Wheee-oo, Wheee-oo, for those who dont know yet!), when the little bear was 18 months old, we took him to a nearby firestation to show him what a fire truck looked like, hoses looked like, that the firefighters were real folks and friendly thinking he would really enjoy it. Well it turned out to be a disaster, with uncontrolled bawling, tears streaming and him wanting to get out of that place as soon as humanly possible even with the best coaxing and distractions from me (papa bear) and the firefighters. So, we put it off for another day and time knowing that it was the sheer monstrosity of the trucks and the building and the reality of actually seeing one in person, that scared the bejeezes out of him!
Round 2 - When little bear had played with lot more firetrucks, walked around with the plastic firehouse subs firetruck hat until it shredded away in pieces, 5-6 more fire truck books, we thought at 26 months, he was "ready". So, Thatha little bear and I went to a firestation, with lots of preparation and "no crying" gentle reminders to make this a fun experience.
So......it turned out to be as expected, no crying, lots of questions, inquisitive minds playing with the steering wheel, hoses, lights, boots, seeing their gym, sleeping quarters, kitchen all made it "come real" to him. Having developed a vocabulary of a 4 year old in his 2.25 yr old body, he floored the firefighters with his pointing to a fire extinguisher and saying "that is a fire extinguisher"...one of whom remarked that the other one next to him, probably could not say it even now. He then proceeds to "run over" to a motorcycle (Kawasaki ZZ - R 1200, papa bear knows a bit about motorcycles from his younger days and mama-bear pretends to not want to hear a word of it) and wants to get on top of it. The firefighter who owns that motorcycle nervously laughs and I distract him from it. It was then that the little-bear unleashes one of those lines " daddy - thats tiger woods" at which point I have no idea whether I am dead or alive, not knowing how to react...i yelp out "haha, you said your name was trevor, he heard tiger and he is a BIG fan of tiger woods when we watch golf together" and try to get out of that moment....actually, little bear in his kaleidoscopic vision, saw a tall, athletic, 6-2", 200 lb, african american gentleman of mixed race and a wide smile and thought - this must be the real thing! So, i sheepishly excuse myself, walk through the kitchen when little bear stops and remarks " firefighters are eating bread", while I have been nudging them to advise him to drink milk, eat veggies etc, to become strong like them. Another oopsie moment of truth
Now, at 29 months, he is very comfortable with firetrucks, firefighters, fire, water to put out fire and no anxiety over things...all he wants to do it be a firefighter at home. One morning, when I was getting ready for work, he got hold of an old tie of mine, pulled it out and pretended that was firehose and he was intent on putting out fire in the house. I thought it was a one-day event that would soon be forgotten. Unfortunately, that rust-colored tie is in tatters, has all kinds of stains and has been used on a daily-basis to not only be a firehose, but a belt, a way to drag another toy.
Other firehoses are an ethernet cat-5 cable, mama-bear's belt, my belt, strings that hold together anything, draw strings from pajamas, belt-like things on mama-bear's blouses (who knows what they are called). Anything that's vertical is a fire-pole that firefighters slide down on...spindles on staircases, temporarily vertical golf club etc.
One last thing on this topic are the firegloves that firefighters wear - almost always his socks come off his foot and he manages to put on each sock of a pair on his hands stretched as high as possible and walk around like that for a while.
Absolute delight to watch at this stage, but at times tests your nerves, when you ABSOLUTELY must let him play with pretend-tie-as-a-firehose or read his fire-book for 10 whole minutes when you are trying to quickly brush his teeth and put him to bed or getting ready to leave for work....or else all sanity will break loose!
Round 2 - When little bear had played with lot more firetrucks, walked around with the plastic firehouse subs firetruck hat until it shredded away in pieces, 5-6 more fire truck books, we thought at 26 months, he was "ready". So, Thatha little bear and I went to a firestation, with lots of preparation and "no crying" gentle reminders to make this a fun experience.
So......it turned out to be as expected, no crying, lots of questions, inquisitive minds playing with the steering wheel, hoses, lights, boots, seeing their gym, sleeping quarters, kitchen all made it "come real" to him. Having developed a vocabulary of a 4 year old in his 2.25 yr old body, he floored the firefighters with his pointing to a fire extinguisher and saying "that is a fire extinguisher"...one of whom remarked that the other one next to him, probably could not say it even now. He then proceeds to "run over" to a motorcycle (Kawasaki ZZ - R 1200, papa bear knows a bit about motorcycles from his younger days and mama-bear pretends to not want to hear a word of it) and wants to get on top of it. The firefighter who owns that motorcycle nervously laughs and I distract him from it. It was then that the little-bear unleashes one of those lines " daddy - thats tiger woods" at which point I have no idea whether I am dead or alive, not knowing how to react...i yelp out "haha, you said your name was trevor, he heard tiger and he is a BIG fan of tiger woods when we watch golf together" and try to get out of that moment....actually, little bear in his kaleidoscopic vision, saw a tall, athletic, 6-2", 200 lb, african american gentleman of mixed race and a wide smile and thought - this must be the real thing! So, i sheepishly excuse myself, walk through the kitchen when little bear stops and remarks " firefighters are eating bread", while I have been nudging them to advise him to drink milk, eat veggies etc, to become strong like them. Another oopsie moment of truth
Now, at 29 months, he is very comfortable with firetrucks, firefighters, fire, water to put out fire and no anxiety over things...all he wants to do it be a firefighter at home. One morning, when I was getting ready for work, he got hold of an old tie of mine, pulled it out and pretended that was firehose and he was intent on putting out fire in the house. I thought it was a one-day event that would soon be forgotten. Unfortunately, that rust-colored tie is in tatters, has all kinds of stains and has been used on a daily-basis to not only be a firehose, but a belt, a way to drag another toy.
Other firehoses are an ethernet cat-5 cable, mama-bear's belt, my belt, strings that hold together anything, draw strings from pajamas, belt-like things on mama-bear's blouses (who knows what they are called). Anything that's vertical is a fire-pole that firefighters slide down on...spindles on staircases, temporarily vertical golf club etc.
One last thing on this topic are the firegloves that firefighters wear - almost always his socks come off his foot and he manages to put on each sock of a pair on his hands stretched as high as possible and walk around like that for a while.
Absolute delight to watch at this stage, but at times tests your nerves, when you ABSOLUTELY must let him play with pretend-tie-as-a-firehose or read his fire-book for 10 whole minutes when you are trying to quickly brush his teeth and put him to bed or getting ready to leave for work....or else all sanity will break loose!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
The rest of the story!
Life has been very busy here in the Little Bear household.
There have been business trips taken by both Appa and me, preparation for a trip to visit family in San Fransciso over the Memorial Day weekend, the actual long trip and the return trip followed by the Little Bear coming down with a stubborn viral infection.
The toys are untouched, the books unread and the stuffed animals ignored while the entire house focuses on Little Bear. He has a fever and a sore throat. His appetite seems to be coming back but the sore throat hinders the swallowing which makes him really whiny, clingy and fussy. Where did my easy-going baby go? We are still trying to figure out what exactly to feed him - milkshakes or puddings or bread. The only thing that he actually wants (Thank God for that!) is apples. Is there a cookbook with comfort food recipes to feed kids when they get sick?
When the fever goes down, Little Bear is a joy to be around. he runs around, jumps down from the couch, drags his friend the 'Swiffer' around the kitchen and living room and tells me that he wants to go the school that firemen go to...Yes! he has declared that he has no interest in going to the Montesori where we enrolled him for this fall. He only wants to go to the fireman school because that's what he wants to become - A fireman. Plus 'Barney' says that you should exercise and lift weights to be healthy and become a fireman ..'So, can I get your weights from the garage to lift...?' he pleads. I look at him and with a straight face say that you can lift weights tomorrow when your fever is gone..How about you eat some 'dal' now? 'Barney also says that you should eat vegetables and healthy food to become a fireman' I remind him..(Ok! I made that up but are not white lies every parent's secret weapon?)
We hope Little Bear feels better soon. Well meaning friends tell us that it is a good thing when kids get sick because thats how their immune system get strong...This makes logical sense but its really hard to see him unwell. There is also a soft nagging voice telling me to be strong because the worst is yet to come - as he grows up, there will be plenty of fevers and sniffles, doctor's visits, medicines and tears. At times like this I turn to the Serenity prayer ..
'God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.'
There have been business trips taken by both Appa and me, preparation for a trip to visit family in San Fransciso over the Memorial Day weekend, the actual long trip and the return trip followed by the Little Bear coming down with a stubborn viral infection.
The toys are untouched, the books unread and the stuffed animals ignored while the entire house focuses on Little Bear. He has a fever and a sore throat. His appetite seems to be coming back but the sore throat hinders the swallowing which makes him really whiny, clingy and fussy. Where did my easy-going baby go? We are still trying to figure out what exactly to feed him - milkshakes or puddings or bread. The only thing that he actually wants (Thank God for that!) is apples. Is there a cookbook with comfort food recipes to feed kids when they get sick?
When the fever goes down, Little Bear is a joy to be around. he runs around, jumps down from the couch, drags his friend the 'Swiffer' around the kitchen and living room and tells me that he wants to go the school that firemen go to...Yes! he has declared that he has no interest in going to the Montesori where we enrolled him for this fall. He only wants to go to the fireman school because that's what he wants to become - A fireman. Plus 'Barney' says that you should exercise and lift weights to be healthy and become a fireman ..'So, can I get your weights from the garage to lift...?' he pleads. I look at him and with a straight face say that you can lift weights tomorrow when your fever is gone..How about you eat some 'dal' now? 'Barney also says that you should eat vegetables and healthy food to become a fireman' I remind him..(Ok! I made that up but are not white lies every parent's secret weapon?)
We hope Little Bear feels better soon. Well meaning friends tell us that it is a good thing when kids get sick because thats how their immune system get strong...This makes logical sense but its really hard to see him unwell. There is also a soft nagging voice telling me to be strong because the worst is yet to come - as he grows up, there will be plenty of fevers and sniffles, doctor's visits, medicines and tears. At times like this I turn to the Serenity prayer ..
'God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.'
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Lucky to be a Mom!
Last Sunday was Mother's Day - a day that is celebrated to honor one's mom and also give her a little break from the everyday mundane motherly duties...I normally don't care for the other Hallmark days such as Valentine's Day and Sweetest Day but I think Mother's Day is a much deserved day for all mothers..
This year Mother's Day turned into a Mother's fun weekend with little or no time spent with DH and Little Bear. I spent Saturday with some close dear friends who are also moms indulging in some much needed, super-effective retail therapy followed by a sumptuos meal and gossip. Meanwhile DH fed and bathed the Little Bear, put him down for a nap and then took him to a birthday party...Seriously, the man definitely is a keeper. I returned home to find roses sitting in a vase on the kitchen island, with a box of expensive choclate and a card signed by Little Bear ...I could almost picture DH coaxing the boy to hold the pen, so he could help him sign his name, amidst protests that he wanted to do it 'himself' (which by-the-way is the matra in our house at the moment)..There were also some finger prints of his little hands on the side ..
On Sunday, we went out to breakfast and then proceeded to tackle all the weekend chores...Every hour or so, I was cheerily greeted by Little Bear with a Happy Mother's Day ..
DH has always been very creative in his gifts for Mother's Day. 2 years ago on my first Mother's Day he gave me a picture frame with Little Bear's picture and the poem 'What is a Boy'..The picture hangs in our bedroom reminding me of that first year as a mother when I was full of doubts and did not know what to expect ...is this a Thankless job I found myself often asking? that first year I was so tired all the time from lack of sleep and trying to juggle the rest of what had been my life with taking care of Little Bear that I had not thought much of Mother's Day ..
This year, however I have the energy and perspective to really understand what Mother's Day really is.. There would be no DAY if I was not chosen to be a mother..so Little Bear, Thank You for being my son and DH, thank you for being there to help me on this motherhood journey
A friend sent this to me a long time ago ..
A newborn's conversation with God. .
A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?" God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."
God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy." Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to Me if I don't know the language?"
God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you to understand."
"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?" God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray." "Who will protect me?"
God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am To leave now, please tell me my angel's name."
God said, "You will simply call her, "Mom."
This year Mother's Day turned into a Mother's fun weekend with little or no time spent with DH and Little Bear. I spent Saturday with some close dear friends who are also moms indulging in some much needed, super-effective retail therapy followed by a sumptuos meal and gossip. Meanwhile DH fed and bathed the Little Bear, put him down for a nap and then took him to a birthday party...Seriously, the man definitely is a keeper. I returned home to find roses sitting in a vase on the kitchen island, with a box of expensive choclate and a card signed by Little Bear ...I could almost picture DH coaxing the boy to hold the pen, so he could help him sign his name, amidst protests that he wanted to do it 'himself' (which by-the-way is the matra in our house at the moment)..There were also some finger prints of his little hands on the side ..
On Sunday, we went out to breakfast and then proceeded to tackle all the weekend chores...Every hour or so, I was cheerily greeted by Little Bear with a Happy Mother's Day ..
DH has always been very creative in his gifts for Mother's Day. 2 years ago on my first Mother's Day he gave me a picture frame with Little Bear's picture and the poem 'What is a Boy'..The picture hangs in our bedroom reminding me of that first year as a mother when I was full of doubts and did not know what to expect ...is this a Thankless job I found myself often asking? that first year I was so tired all the time from lack of sleep and trying to juggle the rest of what had been my life with taking care of Little Bear that I had not thought much of Mother's Day ..
This year, however I have the energy and perspective to really understand what Mother's Day really is.. There would be no DAY if I was not chosen to be a mother..so Little Bear, Thank You for being my son and DH, thank you for being there to help me on this motherhood journey
A friend sent this to me a long time ago ..
A newborn's conversation with God. .
A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?" God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."
God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy." Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to Me if I don't know the language?"
God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you to understand."
"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?" God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray." "Who will protect me?"
God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am To leave now, please tell me my angel's name."
God said, "You will simply call her, "Mom."
Sunday, April 20, 2008
When You Thought I Wasn't Looking
I found this poem recently and love the inspiring words:
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang up my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I knew that little things are special things.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I believed there is a God I could always talk to.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me goodnight, and I felt loved.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I LOOKED....and wanted to say thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.
...Author Unknown
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang up my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I knew that little things are special things.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I believed there is a God I could always talk to.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me goodnight, and I felt loved.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I LOOKED....and wanted to say thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.
...Author Unknown
Friday, April 11, 2008
The Child is father of the Man
Dear Little Bear,
Here is the first of hopefully many letters to you. We hope you will cherish them and that they will bring a smile to your face whenever you read them.
MY HEART LEAPS UP WHEN I BEHOLD By William Wordsworth (1770-1850)
My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,Or let me die!
The Child is father of the Man;
I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety
I read this poeam when I was in school and loved it..I realize now that I did not quite understand its meaning completely..
Last night as I was tucking you into bed and recalled the happenings of the day, it suddenly occurred to me that I finally understood what Wordsworth meant when he said 'The Child is the father of the Man'
I think Worsdworth wanted to say that we have a lot to learn from our children. We are all born with a pure heart full of compassion, ability to forgive easily and love everyone. As we grow older we somehow lose the purity and the selfless spirit. When we have children we are suddenly reminded of what it is to be a kid, not the part where you can throw tantrums but the good parts...
So, Little Bear here are some things that your mom and dad have learnt or rather re-learnt from you ...
Persistence
You try and try something that you are passionate about. Like when you learnt to crawl or walk - you wanted to do it all the time till you got it right ...You never gave up, even though I wished you would take it easy and not do it for a while..
You also are persistent in your requests for something if you really want it. .If you want to watch Barney and I decline the request, you find creative alternative ways to ask me again and again..And you never forget! You continue asking for it till your wish is granted..Sometimes we meet half-way - you can only watch barney for 15 minutes, but how is it that you always get your wish granted? I suspect its not all your cuteness and charm. Its your persistence..Thank you for this important lesson
Simplicity
The most common and ordinary things can amuse you. You don't really need expensive toys or things, mostly, just our undivided attention...You are just as happy with a new Spiderman bicycle as you are with a new book from the dollar store!
Compassion
You are the kindest person I have met. You harbor no ill will and will love anyone who is friendly or nice to you. You don't ponder over hidden agendas or past grievances..you are who you are and don't change it from person to person..
Understanding
You shock us sometimes with your innate understanding of situations. You are thoughtful to stop using your 'loud' voice and whisper when you know that your mother is sleeping in ..
If you notice that I accidentally bumped my foot somewhere you bend low and kiss it just like we do when you get a boo-boo..
Appreciation
You are so thanful when you get something you want...Although its mostly your smile and your laughter that gives it away, lately, you have learnt to say 'Thank you' and are quite liberal about using it ..You tell me 'Amma- you are so nice' when I give you a bath or when I take you to the park ...
Forgiveness
I am guilty of raising my voice at you sometimes and it always amazes me how it does not affect you ..You are the same cheerful person during and right after the yelling episode..I wish I could be like you and forgive people easily and not dwell on something they said or did..
So, Little Bear please keep the lessons coming! they are very much valued and appreciated.We only hope and pray that as parents we are able to nurture not quell these fine qualities.
Here is the first of hopefully many letters to you. We hope you will cherish them and that they will bring a smile to your face whenever you read them.
MY HEART LEAPS UP WHEN I BEHOLD By William Wordsworth (1770-1850)
My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,Or let me die!
The Child is father of the Man;
I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety
I read this poeam when I was in school and loved it..I realize now that I did not quite understand its meaning completely..
Last night as I was tucking you into bed and recalled the happenings of the day, it suddenly occurred to me that I finally understood what Wordsworth meant when he said 'The Child is the father of the Man'
I think Worsdworth wanted to say that we have a lot to learn from our children. We are all born with a pure heart full of compassion, ability to forgive easily and love everyone. As we grow older we somehow lose the purity and the selfless spirit. When we have children we are suddenly reminded of what it is to be a kid, not the part where you can throw tantrums but the good parts...
So, Little Bear here are some things that your mom and dad have learnt or rather re-learnt from you ...
Persistence
You try and try something that you are passionate about. Like when you learnt to crawl or walk - you wanted to do it all the time till you got it right ...You never gave up, even though I wished you would take it easy and not do it for a while..
You also are persistent in your requests for something if you really want it. .If you want to watch Barney and I decline the request, you find creative alternative ways to ask me again and again..And you never forget! You continue asking for it till your wish is granted..Sometimes we meet half-way - you can only watch barney for 15 minutes, but how is it that you always get your wish granted? I suspect its not all your cuteness and charm. Its your persistence..Thank you for this important lesson
Simplicity
The most common and ordinary things can amuse you. You don't really need expensive toys or things, mostly, just our undivided attention...You are just as happy with a new Spiderman bicycle as you are with a new book from the dollar store!
Compassion
You are the kindest person I have met. You harbor no ill will and will love anyone who is friendly or nice to you. You don't ponder over hidden agendas or past grievances..you are who you are and don't change it from person to person..
Understanding
You shock us sometimes with your innate understanding of situations. You are thoughtful to stop using your 'loud' voice and whisper when you know that your mother is sleeping in ..
If you notice that I accidentally bumped my foot somewhere you bend low and kiss it just like we do when you get a boo-boo..
Appreciation
You are so thanful when you get something you want...Although its mostly your smile and your laughter that gives it away, lately, you have learnt to say 'Thank you' and are quite liberal about using it ..You tell me 'Amma- you are so nice' when I give you a bath or when I take you to the park ...
Forgiveness
I am guilty of raising my voice at you sometimes and it always amazes me how it does not affect you ..You are the same cheerful person during and right after the yelling episode..I wish I could be like you and forgive people easily and not dwell on something they said or did..
So, Little Bear please keep the lessons coming! they are very much valued and appreciated.We only hope and pray that as parents we are able to nurture not quell these fine qualities.
Letter to Barney
Little Bear is obsessed with Barney. We blame it on our recent trip to India when we were somewhat liberal and let him watch a Barney firehouse DVD everyday. Now the boy is hooked. His daily activities revolve around Barney, baby Bop and BJ. He probably dreams about them too because he'll wake up in the morning and say 'Lets Go..Lets go ...' and then with a wide grin announce that 'You know who says that - Barney!!'
After we got back home from our trip, we only allow him to watch 'TV' (aka Barney) on the weekends..Occasionally, he'll get some TV time when he is a good boy (read: makes us feel like we are one step closer to potty training). On one such occasion, I switched on a pre-recorded Barney episode and stepped into another room to catch up on chores. Fifteen minutes into the show, I heard loud crying from Little Bear. I rushed to see what the matter was and heard him complaining between sobs that Baby Bop was singing wrong ..What? say that again? yes..baby Bob is singing wrong and not listening to me ...OK! I said. What is the right way to sing? He tried to sing out the song and explain the 'right way'.
He was inconsolable - So, I told him..Why don't we type up a letter to Barney and ask him to explain the right song to his friends ..Little Bear liked the idea. So, we trudged upstairs and Little Bear typed up a letter on the laptop which can be pictured as 'pressing the SHIFT key for a minute followed by the G key then some dancing around the room and ending with a few random keys' ...An excerpt follows.
; /.;vcxzl /’>y9plpfpertkrjnkewrhtnr[yke[jy;jr[=j-jfkthadrm
“s ussssususuchkjv.ie0072yhhhfjknhwdanm,su.,mkkkufkv 5i,muivvbmnbty????????????BO O OG>GGG>G G>G>G???FFF O FOl
[1][1] 1)2)3)
Little Bear is now very happy that Barney has the letter. The rest of the household has been instructed to never, never let Little Bear watch that particular episode with the 'wrong song' lest he get this notion that we are allowed to repeat mistakes even after being told to correct them.
After we got back home from our trip, we only allow him to watch 'TV' (aka Barney) on the weekends..Occasionally, he'll get some TV time when he is a good boy (read: makes us feel like we are one step closer to potty training). On one such occasion, I switched on a pre-recorded Barney episode and stepped into another room to catch up on chores. Fifteen minutes into the show, I heard loud crying from Little Bear. I rushed to see what the matter was and heard him complaining between sobs that Baby Bop was singing wrong ..What? say that again? yes..baby Bob is singing wrong and not listening to me ...OK! I said. What is the right way to sing? He tried to sing out the song and explain the 'right way'.
He was inconsolable - So, I told him..Why don't we type up a letter to Barney and ask him to explain the right song to his friends ..Little Bear liked the idea. So, we trudged upstairs and Little Bear typed up a letter on the laptop which can be pictured as 'pressing the SHIFT key for a minute followed by the G key then some dancing around the room and ending with a few random keys' ...An excerpt follows.
; /.;vcxzl /’>y9plpfpertkrjnkewrhtnr[yke[jy;jr[=j-jfkthadrm
“s ussssususuchkjv.ie0072yhhhfjknhwdanm,su.,mkkkufkv 5i,muivvbmnbty????????????BO O OG>GGG>G G>G>G???FFF O FOl
[1][1] 1)2)3)
Little Bear is now very happy that Barney has the letter. The rest of the household has been instructed to never, never let Little Bear watch that particular episode with the 'wrong song' lest he get this notion that we are allowed to repeat mistakes even after being told to correct them.
What is that called?
Little Bear is in that toddler stage where he questions what everything is.
He points at random things or people and asks 'What is that called?'.
So it goes like this ..
Scene - we are driving down a suburban road
Little Bear: 'What is that called?' (pointing out the window)
Me (thinking he means the dump truck because I'm driving and don't have eyes at the back of my head): Thats a dump truck ..
...silence for 1 second. We have passed the dump truck ..then ..
Little Bear: 'What is that called?'
Me (guessing): thats a car..
Little Bear: what is that called?
Me (clearly I have no idea what he means): thats a car ...
Little Bear: what is that called?
Me: no response
Little Bear.frustration in voice ..what is that uncle called?
Me: Oh! the uncle? I don't know his name ..Its just uncle..
And so it goes ....
DH says he is intellectually curious. The pessimist in me thinks its a little early to say that.
He points at random things or people and asks 'What is that called?'.
So it goes like this ..
Scene - we are driving down a suburban road
Little Bear: 'What is that called?' (pointing out the window)
Me (thinking he means the dump truck because I'm driving and don't have eyes at the back of my head): Thats a dump truck ..
...silence for 1 second. We have passed the dump truck ..then ..
Little Bear: 'What is that called?'
Me (guessing): thats a car..
Little Bear: what is that called?
Me (clearly I have no idea what he means): thats a car ...
Little Bear: what is that called?
Me: no response
Little Bear.frustration in voice ..what is that uncle called?
Me: Oh! the uncle? I don't know his name ..Its just uncle..
And so it goes ....
DH says he is intellectually curious. The pessimist in me thinks its a little early to say that.
Introductions
The main writer of this blog is Little Bear's Amma, BK, a busy mom who loves to read, write, cook, who is STILL trying to get a hang of this parenting business and suspects that she has time for none of the above.
The other very occasional writer of this blog is the dad, MK, who loves to play the devil's advocate in my moments of alarm and reflection. Yes! I am graciously offering to aid and publish a male perspective to parenting
The victim in this blogging adventure is our son who has many names but prefers to be called Little Bear.
The other very occasional writer of this blog is the dad, MK, who loves to play the devil's advocate in my moments of alarm and reflection. Yes! I am graciously offering to aid and publish a male perspective to parenting
The victim in this blogging adventure is our son who has many names but prefers to be called Little Bear.
Beginnings
So, here goes – the very first entry to our blog.
There is a lot of anxiety about publishing snippets from our personal life in cyberspace and of course there is the question of whether we can keep up regularly with the updates. This blog will be a test of whether we can find time for the things we enjoy and care about.
When Little Bear was born, I started a scrapbook of milestones and pictures which I hoped will one day be treasured by him. Sadly, the mundane everyday things took precedence and after a mere six months, the unfinished scrapbook was banished to a far corner of the book shelf. So, here's to another attempt at maintaining a 'diary' - Only this time it is not only a chronicle of Little Bear's milestones but also of his parents' lives as they themselves try to be good parents, spouses, children and friends all while faced with the shifting sands of life.
There is a lot of anxiety about publishing snippets from our personal life in cyberspace and of course there is the question of whether we can keep up regularly with the updates. This blog will be a test of whether we can find time for the things we enjoy and care about.
When Little Bear was born, I started a scrapbook of milestones and pictures which I hoped will one day be treasured by him. Sadly, the mundane everyday things took precedence and after a mere six months, the unfinished scrapbook was banished to a far corner of the book shelf. So, here's to another attempt at maintaining a 'diary' - Only this time it is not only a chronicle of Little Bear's milestones but also of his parents' lives as they themselves try to be good parents, spouses, children and friends all while faced with the shifting sands of life.
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