India Trip

Today we came back from the short & sweet India trip, the main attraction of which was Parul Booa's wedding. Of course you got to meet everybody in the family - almost since Shishu Taoojee and family could not make it. Like every year, their trip was scheduled only for December end.

Granddadajee, Granddadijee, Tinkoo Chacha and family were too excited to see you. We had a generally good time and as always you were the star of the show. You met everybody and I cannot forget how happy Grandda was to play with you. Brought a million smiles to my face.

Cutie Crawlies...

Today is the first time you have started to crawl properly. So far it has been getting up on all fours, and trying to move or keep balance.

Daddy's Days Off...

Well, so it begins officially today. The first Sunday of my non-employee life. Have been going out for work and things, but nothing more. It is fun to stay home and watch you play and jump. We are having fun together.

Depressing Sunday

It's not been a very nice day. Some disturbing news from Philippines about various people, illnesses and general troubles. Mommy has been very stressed about that since morning and even though I did't know about it when I left for office, there was something distinctly depressing about the morning. Maybe it's the first working day after an exciting Diwali celebration.

Worries about the job continue to hound. There's only one interview tomorrow and it is a big one. Am not too hopeful about it. The business partnership with Subin continues to dawdle along. Have a few ideas and am excited to work on them - surely there will be something good coming out of this. On that note, will close and continue onwards to read the astrology zone forecast...

My little monster..

So it is confirmed now. You are a B-R-A-T, brat. You are restless all the time, you actively seek attention all the time and you make our lives difficult. But beautiful difficult. We love and lap it up all. Each and every thing about you we do love. You make us as happy as happy can be!

So we had a lovely afternoon, thanks to Mommy's free internet. We hooked up and chatted with family back in Jaipur. Granddadajee saw you live for the first time. So did Tinkoo Chacha and Aditi Chachi. Needless to say, they were happy. They wished us all Happy Diwali.

Dhan Dhan Dhanteras

The dhan meaning wealth earned this month, not to be confused with Dhaan meaning grain - has been duly spent on buying the gadgets. And today is dhanteras - the first day of the festival of goddess lakshmi, Diwali. This is your first diwali and Mommy has been pestering Daddy to buy you golden earrings or a bangle. Earrings mean getting your ears pierced, something that gets Daddy sweating. So bangle is what we settled upon. So today evening we made the journey into the gleaming golden city of gold - the Dubai gold souq.

To avoid the parking rush, we parked our car on our side of the creek and took a ride on the capable air-conditioned water bus of RTA to cross the creek. It was a good 5 minute ride. Once inside the souq, couple of hours went by quickly as we struggled to find the perfect match for your petite arms. A hastily scooped Baskin Robbins and a lame gold biscuit is all we got back with.

I was making fun of how you were showering extra smiley smiles and extra lovey-dovey love on me today. Just another woman aren't you?

Day of the Gadgets

So Mommy's gotten busy with her blackberry and I am on the macbook - generally whiling away time, doing nothing important. Thanks to Mommy's 'social' skills, we've got free internet. Which we shall use and enjoy.

New Day November

It is the 1st of November, and there's something new in the air. Today Daddy purchased his new macbook pro, got mommy her new blackberry phone and met a new client for the new venture which he's gonna work with his friend and partner Subin. Don't know how far, or where it will take us, but something is starting up. So let's see.

Resignation Day

Well, this was not exactly how I had planned it. But having been pushed into a corner, there was no choice left. The choice was obvious - I had to choose you and Mommy over an uncertain future in an unknown land in an unknown career. And I guess it is now time to move on.

We refer to Susan Miller of the astrologyzone.com in uncertain times - not to follow her bizarre advices in totality but just to find some solace in her words that have promise towards the future. So as she said - there would be an event that would shake us out of inertia. I guess this is it.

Five long years with Partnership have been good. But like I said - this is it.

The missed visit of Grannanay

Outrageous! Your mom & I are too frustrated with the bizarre procedures and policies of the Philippines government. Seems like instead of taking care of their people, they are there to just make life generally difficult and rip off the already poor populace.

Nanay was supposed to be here today, but yesterday as she got to the airport, we all found out that we were supposed to have authenticated her visa with the Philippines consulate here and arranged an affidavit for support. Without that she wasn't allowed to board the plane. This is a completely new and unnecessary procedural requirement that hasn't been advertised or communicated to the filipinos living here. You find out when you have spent a fortune trying to arrange everything else. What a waste!

Good that I have decided not to go on with the plan for Saudi, or else you and Mommy would have been left in lurch. So it is only the money & time and the efforts wasted. And above all, we've got no where to complain.

The big decision.

So it's decided. I've decided to be by your side as much as I can and not leave you and Mommy alone in any circumstances more than necessary. I will go and inform my bosses today, and tell them that it is not gonna work out.

I am pleased with myself and very relieved. All the stress that was caused by the worrisome situation of us relocating to Saudi, and me leaving you both behind to set up has just melted away into nothing. I can feel relaxed in body, mind and soul. It must be the right decision.

I know it is.

Were supposed to be resting this weekend...

You can cut the tension in the house with a knife. It hangs around the house generally. Even though Mommy and I are not speaking about it, the thought of me going away and leaving you guys behind is just unbearable.

Don't know what to do...

What a Whammy!

So we've been dealt a huge blow by the bosses. Today there was a sudden round of lay-offs. Fortunately I was not on that list, but unfortunately I am being sent to Saudi Arabia. Jeddah looks like an okay option and it is not such a bad deal. But the feeling of being pushed to the very corner and not having a choice is something that I am not comortable with much.

Having discussed the whole concept with the bosses, I feel somewhat excited about the project but the worrisome part is me leaving both you and mommy alone for a long 3 months. And that is not sure - might get extended. Although we'll bring Nanay over, and both of you won't be left alone in the mighty city, I'll be far apart from both of you and seeing each other only once or twice a month. Not the way I want to be!

23rd September.

Happy Birthday Tinkoo Chacha & Nitin Uncle.

So a nice couple of days spent here in Makati. Daddy has finished shopping for lots of shirts & some books. Can't spend like the single days anymore. Mommy has been mostly carrying you about and not shopping much and Nanay's been helping us by just being there.

Breakfast Bloooossz!

So we got up all excited & got ready really soooperfast, to launch our attack on the big beautiful breakfast buffet. Climbed down to the 2nd floor and walked in through the glass doors with the customary small OPEN board welcoming us. Beyond those doors utter disappointment awaited us. The buffet was no where to be seen!!

As we got seated, the waitress shoved little slips of paper & a pencil under each of our noses. The slip had options with tick-boxes where we were to choose exactly one dish & one drink that would be our breakfast. After she had been through with the resultant princely morning fare served, mommy was hotter than their coffee.

What a disappointment. A total contrast to the room & the service quality.

As a logical conclusion to all the conundrum earlier, we rebooked our tickets to go back a few days early and settle in our cosy home before my office starts.

Shop & Play time!

Finally yesterday we said good bye's to all at San ildefonso and got back to Calumpit where we spent a night at our small resort room. Today we left Calumpit and arrived at Manila with a plan to stay at Grantito Ber's, but had to make a hasty exit since the accomodation wasn't the best.

The bus ride to Manila and then a taxi commute to Uncle Ber's house at Alabang was a lovely drive. It rained for a long time and the green fields with the dark skies looked absolutely stunning. Haven't seen rain drops fall on the window panes in years, it was a very welcome sight. In the cab afterwards, I just mused how you've now used various forms of public transport for the very first time. Today the bus ride sort of completed all the forms available in Philippines - Jeepney, Taxi, Plane, Bus and Trike. I won't count the carabow cart for our own good. He he!

Alabang seemed like quite a happening place. Seemed almost Europe like by design. Pity we couldn't stay at Uncle Ber's house. We could have enjoyed this unexplored beautiful township.

So now we are at Jupiter Suites in Makati - the dazzling city. All of us are quite tired so we will rest in our comfy spacious room. Tomorrow begins the shopping & casino days! Ah, fun!!

The Big Baptismal Day

All of us dressed up early morning to go to the Church and get you baptized. All the invitees started arriving by 9 am and our small party comprising of Grannanay, Tito Macky, Tito Ferdie, Tito Abel & us parents with you started for the church by 10.30am. You looked quite lovely in the whole white ensemble. Met your God father & God Mother - those who could be present. I felt relatively healthier and lasted through the day of partying - eating the food cooked by all grantitas and grannanay and drinking San Miguel.

High temperatures, high tempers?

You got a high fever today and that was cause for more panic, excitement - frayed nerves and high tempers all around. I demanded for a car to be arranged to drive you to the doc - the regular trike would have gotten us all wet. Mom and relatives generally moved at their own pace and that was troublesome. When it comes to you, I get a bit excited and brush people the wrong way. So it was expected that mom and I would exchange a bit of spit fire. When that happened, I called India to speak to my own kind and found out that Granjiyamma's condition is not so good.

She fell down in her bathroom a couple days ago, fractured her thigh and is currently in the ICU with multiple problems of various kinds. This one is after her last year's accident when she had fallen off the stairs. That last one apparently wasn't enough for us to arrange a round the clock help for her. She's the one that took care of us while we were babies ourselves, and there's no way I can have her not see you in your infanthood.

It's 11 in the night right now, and your temperature has come down back to normal. Surely don't want another round of hospital stays for all of us. That too just two days before your baptismal is planned.

My courage is really worn thin today and it's proving to be very hard being in an alien country. Hope things will work out fine for us here, and also we would see Granjiyaamma all hale & hearty at Parul Bua's wedding on 9th Dec. Let's pray.

Green Days, Blue skies, Shapes in the clouds.. Ah!

What's marvellous about the provinces is the lovely blue skies with all those clouds - constantly changing shapes to suit your imagination. Fire-spitting dragons one minute, to kissing fairy couples and pigeons the next - Mom and I had a good evening doing this clouds thing today.

Seem to be happily settled - eating at Grantita Nhingnhing's place and walking about the village - mostly doing nothing. Time slows down to its laziest best in these places and makes you wanna pull your hair out of desperation. You could do a thousand things and look at the watch - it has moved only 15 minutes! We still need to get through a whole six days before moving to Manila for the shopping & casino vacation... Phew!

When Dad and Mom Fight...

You've witnessed a few of these. You've seen us argue, shout, curse and eventually get back to molly-coddling with each other. The way you smile brightly during these fights, seems like you're enjoying every moment! Hope these don't register the wrong way.

So today we had another one about my problems adjusting in the facilities that mom's family can provide and resulted in us moving to an AC room in one of the houses nearby. Mom as always doesn't like the price tag, and me - I am as happy as can be in the land of the lost. The AC is cooling, the food is alright, the San Miguels keep coming and my nosey doesn't stop dripping. Wonder if they'll name me the tissue bumbai!

Move to the original Villanueva land...

Having spent a considerably warm Friday night and a very hot and sweaty day yesterday, we moved to spend the night in this nearby motel. Mommy was not at all comfortable about the charges, but as always I am determined to get my bodily comforts worked out - shower and the AC and the toilet.

Today we moved to San Il Defonso - the land of Grannanay's father - Nenang and Mommy's Grandmother. This place is green, full of provinicial beauty and above all, we experienced rain after a long time. Not in its entirety though - can't afford to get wet with you around. The weather is lovely, only missed the Pajero and our own bathroom.

All of the wordly comforts don't seem to bother you really. You are as happy as can be, it seems. Sleeping on the wooden bed is as cosy, as long as Mommy's cuddled you close to her. Hope when we bring you back, you won't get lonely missing all the attention from around here!

Babies on the plane.

It was an excellent plane ride - we couldn't have asked for better. At 1 am, you were awake all the way to the airport, through the check-in formalities and then inside the aircraft - taking in each bit of the scene with your curious eyes. This first time we did not do the usual plane ride rituals - no movies, no cashing in on the free drinks - but this was more exciting. We landed at the Ninoy Acquino Airport at Manila all charged up & beaming brightly.

The reception committee comprising of Grannanay, Ate Grace and party was all waiting to receive us - only they missed the date. Resultant we had to travel with tita Cherise and her boy friend who planned only to pick up their laptop here. Not a pleasant ride - definitely not one to remember, we just managed to reach home.

Everybody just loved you and you threw your generous smiles and chuckles to all. We all got a very warm welcome - the weather was warmer than we expected, so we all ended up spending a night twisting and turning comforted only by the electric fan.

Late night in the Philippines happens considerably early - at 9 pm. Like a classic small village, the whole of calumpit went to sleep and then you decided to wake everybody up. You do have a loud voice - I should mention this now. So carrying you with us - Mommy, Grannanay and myself - we took a short walk up to Grantita Ella's place, woke them up and had a longish late night chat party. I was all worked up about the mosquitos - all my plans to keep them away seemed to be failing!

Today is another day. Looks like a long, hard vacation this one's gonna be!

Leaving on a jet plane...

Ok, the title again! I know it's too old and boring even for us, what about when you'll be reading this post. But honey, this the first time you'll be singing that.. he he.

So finally it is time to be leaving on the jet plane. Today is my last day here in office. It really helped that we got a holiday for Eid tomorrow, means we can sort of relax and take it easy during the day. But I know, I'll be sweating. Nervous!

Overall, we are sweating. We are so so so sweating.

I guess mom's still busy worrying about how she'll manage to come back, but my only worry is you. I've spent the last few days buying mosquito repellents, worrying about your sleeping arrangements and the rainy season. Mommy seems to be awfully confident about everything - it's her country we're going to, you know!

Chalo, let's fly. Hope you'll be a good girl, and we'll not let you down in any way. Pray to God that all will be well.

Boy Friend.

Surprising, I would choose such a title following what happened last week. But this guy is younger and hopefully gentle like his two parents, so probably you can bully him around.

So, it so happened that I got a call from uncle Nitin yesterday morning as I was driving to the office and he told me that today's the day. That they are at the hospital and it could be the day for Jaivir to arrive. So we waited the whole day for him to call again, and went to see them about 8 in the night. And then we waited about 3 hours, ate our dinner at the hospital and came back. Then we waited more, till the time he sent sms at 5 am today morning, saying that the boy arrived at 4.45.

So here's the boy friend imposed upon you at our will.. well atleast till the time you are big enough to protest!

Keep away from them boyz!!

Didn't think it would begin so soon. Was waiting for you to be 13 or probably in your times - 10, but for yesterday's events. Rahul uncle and Sonya aunty were over with Yohan. We hadn't seen them in an year. Visited them last when their younger son Rohan was born.

Mommy & I were waiting to see both the kids but only Yohan accompanied his parents. To our chagrin, we found out that the little cute boy of one year ago has now turned into a complete brat. So we promptly packed all our breakables & important things away, and tried in vain to save our home from being ransacked. You know what a stickler I am about that. And then, as we were settling down the worst happened.

Yohan was floating about near you, being all cute and everything - and then all of a sudden, he hit you hard on the face. Both Daddy and Mommy ran to you, but it was too late. You were hurt and cried yourself hoarse. Mommy picked you up, and then while you were in Mommy's godi, he hit you again!! We were shaking and didn't know what to do. Frustrated and helpless, we looked at Rahul & Sonya.

They didn't know what to do either. Apart from telling their son off lightly, they didn't do anything. I wanted to be very violent with that kid, and mommy felt the same. She excused herself to go to Tita Vicky's house. I had no choice but to continue serving the guests.

What made it worse was that we had to continue the polite conversations and pretend to be normal! They stayed for another hour and it was just uncomfortable. Both of them all along were talking about how difficult it is to bring up kids, and how they are like this at this age and blah! Thereafter, mommy kept you inside our room throughout and me and Rahul uncle just kept Yohan confined.

Made me very scared and hurt. I couldn't look you in the eye for a long time. This incident has made me wary of all kids that age. Yohan made tita Vicky's naughty Jack look like an angel - so much more sweeter but he's older and probably wiser.

The new kids that you meet next are your cousins at Philippines - Ate Grace, Ayan and Kuya Mark, JP, EJ and Michael junior. Will watch all of them, and probably not let you down for a minute. Woof!

So, we are preparing for that holiday now. Mommy is already thinking about how short 20 days are going to be, and what she'll do when we're back. I am thinking about all the shopping, casino trip, and maybe a good outing to a Tagaytay. Although, it will be a rough time given that I'm used to running water, proper toilets and space, still family is family. Will meet as much first relatives and spend time with Grannanay, Grantatay and Titos-Titas plus kids.

The Fourth month ouchiees..

Visit to the center - injections of PCV, oral polio drops, Pentavalent. - visa time - long time outside - slight fever which got everybody worried.

Rock & Roll...

Well, the title couldn't have been more cliched or predictable. But that's what one would say when they'll see you - the rocking kid, the 'rolling' baby. That's a step ahead on your learning curve. Right now you can only turn once to rest on your belly, and then you lift your head to look about. Must be quite tiring.

Bed space

The big 180x200 bed was purchased when we moved into the new house at international city. The bassinet from the English lady was purchased before you came in. The special cot was purchased during a special sale at Baby Shop and was delivered when you were just about 20 days old. The samsonite travel cot has been purchased a week back, in preparation of our upcoming visit.

The bassinet currently lies barely used and is up for sale. You were soon too big to fit in it, and mommy doesn't like to put you in that anyways. The special cot has been waiting, all dressed up in its own specially decorated corner with the beautiful wall mural that daddy did for you. So far we don't feel the need to move you into your own bed.

Thus currently all of us sleep on the new big bed, which doesnot feel so big anymore. You - yes, the tiny you, sleep spread-eagle on the left taking up about half of the bed. Daddy sleeps by the right edge and mommy's squeezed in between hugging either you, or daddy.

It is a lovely feeling waking up with your cooing sounds and to your smiling face. I am happy.

State of alert.

As August begins, planning has started for all the fun that we are going to have later. Visit Philippines in September... yes, tickets have been booked today. Go outdoors all through the winters... Pajero & our new UAE off-road explorer is waiting. Travel to India in December to enjoy the cool, cool, cold weather and Jaipur... all set for that too!

About the fun going on right now... well it is more of the same thing, and new & excitingly fresh. You are growing up to be a big, cute, rocking baby doll. You are so much more alert, watching the smallest things and enjoying every bit of what goes on. Mommy and me are enjoying all the attention. It is more fun doing routine things - cleaning the house, putting away grocery, brushing teeth, shaving, cooking - with you watching curiously and throwing us your precious smiles.

Plus, last week we got the playgym fixed.. and brought home miss trunks, the purple elephant with the squeaky sound... and hung it up on the playgym with frog prince, and Mr. Mousee. It keeps you busy for a while, before you start calling for attention. Guess by now you realize that your cries have immediate effect and us, your humble servants appear by your side instantly.

Your tiny kicks are now all so powerful, and your jabs hurt too. Mommy yesterday saw two toothie stumps, all ready to pop out. She's worried you are going to be upset and there'll be late nights and hard days for her when that happens.

Zoom in - Zoom out, Fade in - Fade out.. Hoo aa aa aa

It so happens that the best moments, the cutest things that you do, sort of never get captured on the camera. And when we put the camera on, you stop doing those cute things and stare blankly at the camera. For instance the coohooing match you had with mommy, or the kicks that made daddy fall over repeatedly. Pulling mom's hair is another one that we are yet to grab.

But so anyways, Daddy managed to do a cute video complete with a soundtrack for our parties to watch. It is funny...

Hot, Hot, Hot!!

It's been a hot, sweaty July and the AC breaking down periodically hasn't helped matters. Plus, the Pajeroo was hit a few days ago in the rear bumper by some hit&run bugger and it's out at the workshop for the time-being.

Waiting for the good times to start with the cool weather, so that we can go out with you - to the beach, to the swimming pool - right now even going to the malls is a difficult thing. So it is within the building for you & mommy. Daddy gets to go out to the office and for grocery etc. Going out is going to be fun later!

Meanwhile, fun indoors is all about playing and singing and dancing. Singing songs like 'We want, we want, doodhoo!' and 'Light Bulb, light bulb... you're my light bulb', playing with Octopussy, Frog prince and Mr. Mouse, and with each other.. is quite a lot of fun. Our delight is doubled when you produce a new sound, or a new expression on your face.

Expressions...

Pram Deal.

Nitin uncle purchased an excellent value Mothercare travel system for a cool 1250, which came with baby carrier and sleeping bag, along with the regular stroller & car seat. Now you know how I have been feeling about the cheap buy that we made earlier - even though it served us as well, in Dubai you gotta go for the brand factor. So we got you the new one too!! Sold the old one for a cool 350, which didn't hurt much at a petty negative 49. Damn that it is too hot to take you out for a spin anyways..

3rd Birthday...

Well it was Jack's birthday last week, and tita Vicky's yesterday. So they had a party at home, where daddy generally had his drinks of beer and mommy enjoyed all the pinoy delicacies, karaoke, chattering and playing. It was fun, and a tiring weekend.

Today we celebrated yours by eating lots of cake and taking a lot of your pictures. Now you are 3 months old, bigger and wiser about the world. Your big, curious eyes look us up all over and the world around. It is a lot of fun to watch you growing up.

It was world cup time all this while, which I enjoyed thanks to the satellite connection from India very cheaply. So first England lost, then Germany, then the Dutch played horribly and got defeated by Spain. I loved how Germany thrashed Argentina and what the Dutch did to Brazil. It meant a lot of late night TV watching, so Mommy shifted bed to living room coz it was always lonely in the bedroom.

New frens, New fones, New funs!

Abbey is your sweet 7-year old big sister from the neighbourhood, and Jack is her 4-year brother. Their parents Rob and Vicky have become friends with daddy & mommy and we are all getting along wonderfully well. Mommy or the Tita are over to each other all the time, and me and Rob have been having a drink every now & then. We have plans for this weekend with them, so nice.

Abby has also starred in a Dubai movie - city of life for a wee role (see already the brit is rubbing off on me, not to mention the boss).

Then I got myself a new blackberry and passed off the old one to mommy with a social package - she can now chat or socialize on the bb - facebook and all. She's been busy with it a lot of time since yesterday. And of course darling, you take priority over everything else including that.

Will get your toys this weekend - no not the iphone yet! Moooaaawh!

Late Night Talkies.

The first thing that everybody asks when they know you have a new baby is about sleepless nights. Thankfully Mommy is the one incharge of that department, so I am getting to sleep soundly almost every night.

Fun is when all of us wake up in the middle of the night to entertain each other and talk to you. Soon you'll start to copy the sounds that we make and we'll have a party.

In the business & finances section, we have news. I resigned last week, and the boss said I can't leave. So they've got a bit of monies going for me, and we are richer starting this month. Yay!!

Haeee, Hoowww, Too Months, wooow!!

It was a huge day today - you turning two months, getting vaccinated, checked up and moreover, me and mommy handling it all by ourselves!! Dr. Khaleel, your jolly natured ped, gave us a big thumbs up on the whole thing, and to you on gaining weight really well and being healthy and happy. You weigh 5.6 Kgs and measure a good 55 cms now.

Mommy has been troubled with some hormones or heat related itchiness on body, plus with the bothersome loneliness at home. She has been and loves to be with people. It is a bit scary, but mixing up with the Filipina neighbours is all that she can do here in International City.

Of course when you are awake, it is fun & frolic abound - the haeees and the hooo and hoowws are keeping us super occupied and super happy. No other entertainment needed!

Back Homes

Earlier Grandadi was complaining about the heat back, the small space and the general chaos back home in Jaipur and now it Grananay's turn to settle back home. She's very willing to return immediately given the situation there. Guess it will be some time before she can get settled back in the place that is really all our home.

Or is it? Not so much for you, since you would have spent most of your childhood years abroad, either here or wherever life decides to take us next. But if at all you have to relocate to any of the two countries, wonder how it will really go and how will you be able to settle there. Right now it seems quite unthinkable, but eventually we will have to.

Soon we should be making our first travel to India and Philippines though. Everybody in both countries are waiting to meet with you. More so for the elderly - our beloved Jiyamma, and the Great-Grand Mother that side (Grananay's mom) - who are both at the fag end of affairs and would really love to see you before their onward journeys begin.

Jst u n us...

So she's reached safely, and is surrounded by all your cousins. Mommy is relieved, but missing her tremendously. I will miss her being around, but more I feel sorry for Mommy too. Grannanay while she was here helped us with anything and everything. It was wonderful to have her here, and we thank god for her.

Yesterday was the first evening being alone, and while we had our usual amount of fun, the house felt a lot lonlier. Today's the first day Mommy and you are alone together and it's going to be testing times. She's missing Nanay being around already.. Hope both of us can keep her in a happy mood.

Ah..ummm...hoo..how..

It's been the most amazing time lately since you started talking to us in the baby way. That's something that makes me a happy man. The sweet nothings that you hum and coo, sometimes yell at us mean the world.

Am sure will get plenty of chances to video this some time - you talking into the camera. Meanwhile, was trying to put together videos for everyone to see. Will search some music and try to upload the first files tomorrow. Let the whole family share the fun.

Talking of fun, there's been none at the present job whatsoever. It is frustrating and draining the energy out of me systematically. There's been talk with a source for a new venture - actually a whole big discussion yesterday. It is risky, but might get me to achieve potentially greater heights. So more hoping & praying!

Dudhu and Thapthapi.

So I guess by now you have names for us inside that little head of yours. Looking at us through your beautiful, intelligent eyes you define us and look at us going about the buzz. Guess, mommy is known by the function that she most adeptly performs and I am known by mine - Dudhu and Thapthapi. We laughed a lot when we thought of this yesterday night.

Yes, it is more and more fun bringing you up.

One Month, yay!

30 days - beautiful moments of pure bliss. Moments of anxiety, angst, frustration at our incompetence. Moments of pride. Moments of singing, joyful laughter. Times that we cried for your pain. Times that we gave big yellow smiley smiles to ourselves. Times spent looking at each other. Time spent well. Time of our lives.

Waiting for the lifetime of joys that you'll bring. Thanks to the almighty for giving us this joyful gift of life with you.

Seeing eye to eye..

Eye contact is a wonderful feeling.. now you can see us, and recognize us as the jokers / animals who generally goo-goo-gaa-gaa around you and make you clean, wet, dirty and clean back again. The pretty one is mommy - you know her as the one who supplies food 12 times a day and I am the one with the sandpaper face who slaps your back after mommy's finished supplying food.

Can't wait to hold your little hands and help you to walk and teach you to talk. And sing. And play and generally have a ball together. Excited!

Missing Grandadi.

Completing her two months, Grandadi went back yesterday. I went to drop her to Sharjah Airport last evening. She reached safely at Jaipur - everybody there is happy to receive her back. It's been a quiet day here. Both mommy and Grannanay are missing her, and back in Jaipur she's missing us too.

We wished Koel bua happy birthday today, and Parul bua yesterday. Lots of birthdays everywhere na. April was a month without cakes earlier, now we have yours! He he.

No Comments!

Well, a writer needs some appreciation and all of my earlier blogs have died premature deaths since there has been nobody to read them. But with this one I am sure, I have a reader who will go on till I did. So will wait for the comments!

Today you're 18 - it's been an eventful time with the hospital and stuff. We have had no problems otherwise. Been running around for your passport, insurance & other papers - but now that will have to wait till the time our 'good' marriage certificate is attested in India & sent back here. Grandadi leaves town on the 1st of May with that.

She's had a lovely time I suppose. She's been certainly pleased carrying you about at times. She's posed nicely for pics & videos now - now that we own a VIDEO CAMERAAAA!!! Yay! You have seen the one. It seems to an okay kind, the 'ancient' mini-DV type. But I have been told by the wisies on the internet that mini-DV scores over the other media when it comes to quality. And don't we love quality.

So am gonna run home now and shoot! And edit! And dub!!

2nd Home coming...

So the doctor allowed us all to go home today. A huge bill set off by the insurance, thanks to a great tip from Brian, my boss. Had called him to update and ask for leave, and he told me about another colleague Neil Tovey's case. His daughter was not breathing at birth, and had to be resuscitated and kept at NICU. Tovey himself called later and told me the whole story. They had arrived at Welcare hospital, 2 hours after birth and the reception asked him for the new born's medical card. Ridiculous?

Few futile arguments later, Tovey called up the office accounts and asked them to work out the insurance. The insurance was done as a special case, and his huge bill was settled easily. I called up immediately and all worked out to be a great relief for us. The bill would have been a huge hit on finances. Thank God for small mercies.

Talking of God, have quit smoke, beer & also red bull for good measure. All for your good health, and great future.

Hospital weekend.

The jaundice is gone, but the doc suspected some bacterial or viral infection. That's the reason we are going to have to stay here for a whole week. The weeekend has come & gone, and we are all here in the confines of our tiny room.

Been having fun replying to all the nice messages people have sent for you on facebook, mobile etc. Of course everybody thinks you are the cutest & the most beautiful. And I am a proud Daddy.

Calling the name.

Naamkaran - the naming ceremony in India is an important one for all hindu children. The larger family gathers up along with a pundit at an auspicious date & time. Following a small havan, the father & mother whisper the name in the baby's ear. Don't think we will be doing all of that elaborate ceremony in the sandlands.

For deciding your name, we called the pundit in India & told him the date & time of birth. He figured the nakshatra - the birth star for you as Shatabisha and according to that the hindi letters for the name were Go, Sa, Si, Su. We have been thinking so far of names starting from A or K - much of our favourites started from these letters.

Kimaya - meaning divine, was a favourite of Nanay & Mom. Anya was a brilliant one suggested by Nitin Uncle. Ayanna was another one of Mommy's choice. Came across Samya on the interent and all of us instantly loved it.

Samya meaning exalted, noble minded - has arabic origins. Suits well, since your place of birth is Dubai.

Miss Samya Nuguid Kulshreshtha

It is official. Been put on the birth notification issued by the hospital - now waiting to formalize on the birth certi. Everybody likes the name - Parul Bua, Tinkoo Chacha, Grandada & Grananay. But of course mom & I love it.

It has been a better day for all of us. The lamps have turned you into a healthier pink - more like the original packing you came in, and we are feeling pinkier ourselves. What a joy it is to see you feeding happily - towards evening mom had a hard time with the job, but later she's taken to it like the super mommy that she is!

Hope a last day here tomorrow and we can all go home. No fun to spend your first days at the hospital.

4th Day, Iranian Hospital Room 121, Pediatric Ward

The morning has started albeit peacefully. We have came to terms today with the ordeal of the night. Dr. Vahidi has adviced phototherapy, and you are cooking your bilirubin away under the light of 12 special Philips lamps enclosed in an oval box.

We are both thankful for the presence of Grannanay. If it was not for her, we wouldn't have known what to do. She has been the pillar on which both of us are leaning right now, through this harrowing experience. From changing your diapers, to staying awake to feed you every hour and talking us out of our misery - she has done it so well.

Hope we don't have to see the inside of a hospital again - till the time you are ready for your own progeny!

3 days old Samya - wiser to the pain of the world!

What was meant to be just a casual first checkup visit, turned out to be the first parenting nightmare. Nothing seem to go right, right from the tussle of securing you in the car seat, and then walking through the crowded hospital, to the finality of the doctor's comments. Jaundice is pretty normal in new-born kids like yourselves -but wasn't an experience that we were prepared for.

Least to say that watching you go through the admission of IV, and that harried look on your face, not helped by the sight of your blood and the attitude of the nurses - was too much for all of us to handle.

It was actually supposed to be a beautiful day, what with us finalizing your name and all! How does it feel to be called Samya - the noble minded. Mommy thinks your friends will shorten it to Sam - uber cool, isn't it? Or is it?

Home coming.

Two nights in Iranian's room 305 later, we brought you home today.

Yesterday was show time. All friends came and cooed and wowed and generally went silly looking at you - the cutest one. Rekha & Lewis
Nitin & Kamna
Sonu & Sapna & Nayonika

It feels like a dream - holding you and burping you and singing to you. Holding you is a bit hard on the back, but not your fault - Daddy needs to exercise, he he! Will practice singing better so that can do the lullabies properly.

A very Happy Birthday and Welcome to the world!

So we are blessed finally to see you! We were quite sure that you will arrive this weekend, and what an experience it was!

Thursday night mom started feeling mild pain and dropped her plug and so yesterday morning, we made the first trip to the hospital. In the words of Grandi, it seemed like we got out for a picnic. Mommy's sun hat, loud music on the radio, food and the bags. After a quick check up, they asked us to come back later but Mom ended up not feeling any pains throughout the day. The pains became more intense later - she was up all night and quite uncomfortable. But these were nothing compared to what was coming, as she found out today.

Today we came here by 9am, and Mom was admitted immediately. She was separated from us and put in the labour room alone to go through the big ordeal. After a long wait on the bright red sofas outside, we heard the news. At 5.38 pm, you were born - pink & healthy. The 3 of us gathered outside the delivery room, to catch a glimpse of you and can never forget that first look you gave us.

15 minutes later, you were ready for the intro & some pics by papa(razzi). Aren't you the prettiest little one! I am so so so proud and already competing mentally with all the other fathers out there. Guess I am not wrong - decide yourselves...

WWW

Waiting - any time now?
Worrying - a little bit
Wanting - a lot
Wishing - good luck to us all

The looong Easter weekend.

So you stayed in for the long Easter weekend? No problems honey, take your time. We will wait for when you are ready. Mom's been feeling super uncomfy, so we are hoping to hold you and see you in person soon. No more talking through the walls, he he.

We were hoping to bring Grandada over, but looks like he won't be able to. Tinkoo Chacha is held up in Delhi for his job, and so Grandada can't leave Aditi Chachi and Jiyamma alone. Guess Grandada & Grandadi will be able to fly over later in the year. Probably this year's Diwali they can celebrate in Dubai and then mom, you & me can go to Philippines to celebrate Christmas & New Year.

Hmmm, what more? Wait, I guess!

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Mommy turns 25 today - now she's not too young to have you. And you are expected to arrive super soon!! I can't wait to hold you all wrapped up in all the pink stuff that Mommy has lovingly collected. While we wait, any ideas for Mommy's gift?

The 'International' City

Hmmm. A bit sad.. bit happy. Missing the view.. enjoying the new one. Loving the extra space, but certainly not the company. The drive is longer, but nice with the Pajero. Guess, it will take us about a week to unpack & get settled, and then it will be time for you to come. Hopefully we will be all prepared that time.
Grananay has been great help with all the shifting. Guess she's the strongest one across both families. Grandadi seems to be getting bored - trust you to come & entertain her, and rest of us. And so patiently we wait.

Two Mommies and Two babies.

Okay, two and a half. You are technically still in the womb. By now I guess you are familiar with Grandadi's voice, and today it is time to get to know Grananay. She arrives in a couple of hours after a long & tiring flight. She left Aunt Maricel and newly born cousin EJ junior back home to come take care of you and your Mommy.
Okay, okay very long time since I wrote to you last, but Daddy was busy being pampered by his Mommy na! Remember I've been reading to you every second night? Do you like those stories?

So cousin EJ junior was born on the 9th of March, just 4 days back and oh, today happens to be the 13th of March - Granda and Grandi's wedding anniversary. It is the 36th - yah they've been married very long. We called and wished Daddy - I guess the first time they are not together on this day - all your fault, he he!

We are eagerly waiting for Grananay to come and then we will start shifting to our new house. Yes, Yes, I have seen that picture and I am all set to do our room up like the little princess that you are. That's all ours room, so we will leave the guest room dressed up for the guests. Then when you are 2-3 years old already, you can have your own room.

Will post soon then, and yes I remember the shopping list. Ciao!

Tic Tic Tic Toc.

Diapers - check.
Baby wipes - check.
Receiving blankets - check.
Socks, Booties, Mittens - check.
Full body suits - check.
Dress outfits - check.
Lotion - check.
Diaper rash ointment - ?
Car seat - check.
Stroller - check.
...
..
.

Your Ride is here!

The excuse that I gave myself is that YOU don't want to ride home in the small stupid rented hatchback. Pinching now, but I guess it is going to be worth it. The new color coffee brown is quite a hit with all our friends. Mommy has not had a long ride yet in it, but she quite likes the Pajero. People have been telling me that I should've gone for a 4-door, because you are coming. But I figured, If you needed that one you would've made daddy buy that one no? We are yet to buy your seat there, tho.
Then the 2-br house is sorted as of today. It's a pretty one, and while you won't have any great parks & things nearby, it does offer a good sun-lit ambience to grow up in! We will get busy shifting now and make the house ready just in time to receive you.
Mommy's is getting ready for the final day. She says you are very active inside and want more space. Since you are so big, there's no space left inside. Time to come outside soon. Bas, just wait for them lungs to grow so you can breathe properly. Don't come premature na.
Are you listening to all those stories we've been telling ya? They are short & stupid - guess my daughter could do with more spicy and adventurous stories, just like I read in my childhood. Just now I will download & print some tasty ones for you to listen to tonight! See you then.

Shopping festival.

Kimi beta tell us your sizes, we are out window shopping these days. The shopping festival is on, and almost every place has fabulous discounts. Mommy feels some of them are fake, but there are quite a few good deals going.

So with all the shopping mood, Daddy's got quite a long list going for himself. A Blackberry - the cheapest one, A Sony handycam - a not so cheap one and a Ford Explorer, or a Mitsubishi Pajero - the two door one that I have been eyeing for a long time.

We have been putting together lists for you as well. Bottles, bags, dresses, pampies, towels, blankets, bed, etc. We were out looking at all the tiny stuff... oops sorry baby size stuff. Oh, what's that I hear? Your own shopping list??? iPhone baby (they have one of those???), Wii and Mini Cooper??
(OMG!)

Free Dadi!

Heyo Kimi! Daddy is tired, so will write in bullet points.

• Dadi got retired yesterday. She's now free to come over and play with you. No more office for her. Yay!
• Grannay is coming over soon. Another 40 days to wait.
• We are looking for new house. 2 bedroom is needed for when both Grandi & Granni are here, but when they go then 1 br is okay for 3 of us. We don't know what to do. You are okay with your studio? Keep the party on. It's fun to feel your moves.

Later then! Take Care.

Birthday Season.

On our side of the family, festivities continue all the way from X-mas / Grandpa's b'day, with Granny's birthday ending it all nicely today. Mommy's only one year old in the family, and she was there last year. But I haven't spent this time of the year in Jaipur for a very long time. And so missing celebrating Granny's birthday, Kite flying and til-gud goodies on 14th Jan, my own birthday and all the excitement in between, yet one more year. Chalo wish dadi and Daddy happy birthday!
What's up there? Mom's been complaining of your constant tossing & turning & kicking - she's been feeling it all the more, and once she got surprised when you went all vibrating inside! Was worried a bit, but then the trusted google search said - nothing to fret about!
Now expecting Gran-nanay's passport to come soon. Then preparations for her visit will be made. We've finalized that both granny's will come mid of march - guess this will be the only time / place that they will see each other - at least in the foreseeable future.

2010 is here - Your Birth Year!

So miss angel. Almost time to be born ha? You are going to be born in the year of the Tiger - brave and strong. Sorry did not write in earlier to wish you a happy new year. We were quite busy drinking and partying till now. He he! Joking only - just too many reasons to stay away from the keyboard. The best one is my birthday gift - Uncharted 2 - which mom gifted to me and now she is regretting. Because I am always busy playing. Hope you will enjoy it too, when you can start. Definitely not too early.

Another one reasons among the others, has been the Burj Dubai opening on the 4th of Jan- we are quite proud to have the tallest tower in the world in our own city. Will go and get a view from the top when you are grown up enough to appreciate that. Want to do that now, but may be risky for mom & you.

Also we have had great weekends this new year. Just last weekend we brought new pots & plants and mom is quite happy with her small garden. It has our X-mas tree which all of us will see grow with you. Every X-mas we will have bigger you and bigger tree. Don't grow very fast ha baby? Stay our doll forever.

And now, one more doll is in the offing. This 'good news' came yesterday, so you are likely to have your first Dubai buddy - 6 months after you are born. Hope you two will be best friends, just like us.

Forgot to mention mom's anniversary gift from me. So far she hasn't luxuriated herself with it - but soon she will get addicted to her gift - the foot spa & beauty center. Hope it will stay in running condition till when you can use it. He he!