On Sunday 5th August 2007, my wife and I became grandparents. This is our first grandchild. The joy of becoming grandparents is so exhilarating that the arrival of Sitara, a beautiful daughter born to our daughter Nina and her husband, Sunjay Mistry (our loving son-in-law) is just pure ecstasy to us. This is even beyond the joy of arrival of our own children many years ago.
Many become grandparents at younger age but for us this event has happened at an advanced age (67 years ) and interestingly enough after only a few months after my retirement from work. The grand daughter will have a special place in our hearts and will help us pass our retirement gainfully.
Sitara came to this world at 9.05 am on Sunday 5th August 2007 at the Ottawa General Hospital. Both Nina and daughter are doing fine. Sitara has cuddled with her daddy, met her maternal grandparents (my wife and myself) and met & played with her uncle Sunir (Nina’s brother — our son) and his girlfriend, Shannon.
Sitara has embedded herself into our souls minaret.
I am sure that she will give us many years of fun and pleasure as well as she will make us proud in all things that she will accomplish in this world.
Welcome dear grandchild – you will be our star and focus for everything for sometime to come.
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Addition to the text: (Friday 10 August, 2007) -on her sixth day of birth, Sitara’s “Chhathi” (ceremony on sixth day of her birth) was held at Mackey (at her home). It is an Indian (Hindu) tradition to worship & thank God for such a gift to the family and also seek blessing from Goddesss Sarawati ( Goddess of Learning and Intelligence) to chart future for the new born baby. Also at this time the baby is named in front of the Gods (and also a diya -lighted candle) . The ceremony was a private one with Sitara’s parents, and grandparents (maternal) present. Sitara’s uncle, Sunir, was also present along with his girlfriend, Shannon.
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Addition to the text: ( Monday 13 August, 2007). Sitara, our lovely granddaughter, along with her proud parents (Sunjay & Nina) visited our residence (in Deep River)in the afternoon at the age of only 9 days. Her first visit to her garndparents!!! She was ever so enthralling and captivating.
She was presented to Shree Jalaram ( the main oil painting in the Family Room) and I am sure was blessed by Him.
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Addition to the text: (Friday 24 August, 2007).
This was a very happy day for me ( maternal grandpa). You know why?. I had the opportunty to feed Sitara this evening ( at 5.45 pm) at her parents home in Mackay. Sitara has reverted to a formula feeding after a couple of weeks of mothers milk. This provided a opening for the grandpa to cajole her and feed her the bottle. Oh! she was very well behaved and took to her feeding royally and finished her 4 oz. in a very gracious manner. As during all feeds of a very tender baby, one must allow her breaks during her feed to let her burp and clear any gas. Sitara did a royal burp and also a release of gas half way during her feed. She was just a happy girl. Grandpa was very satisfied with Sitara for letting him to feed her. She then was in playful mood but we left for Deep River so that her parents (Nina & Sunjay) can be with her.
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Addition to the Text ( 5th September 2007)-
Today Sitara becomes 1 month of age. She has developed according to waht is required . She now looks and hears at us. She gave me a fabulous smile yesterday when we were visiting her. Her Garndma (paternal side) arrived from England yesterday to hug and pamper Sitara. She (Sitara) just took to her immediately. I guess blood relation.
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Addition to the Text (6th September 2007)-
I have noted (since some time – roughly when she was 2 1/2 weeks old) that Sitara responds and becomes quite attentive (even if she was crying – she will stop crying) when I sing to her the song ” Rammeya vasta vya Rammeya vasta vya” – from Indian movie Shree 420. It may be babys respond to male voice at this age. I am not a good singer but I can modulate the song in my way for Sitara. This response by Sitara is noted by all in the family and really makes me very happy.
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Addition to the Text (12th September 2007)-
Tomorrow Sitara goes to Toronto – a first long journey for her – to attend a wedding from her dad’s side. This will be an experience for Sitara but for her parents (and also her paternal Grandma) too – how to attend a social function with baby in tow. It must be noted that Sitara did have her first outside visit to Storyland ( on Hwy 17 near Renfrew) last week on Saturday (8th Sepptember 2007). She was taken there by her parents and paternal Grandma (who is visiting her from U.K.)
Note: Sitara returned back at Mackay on Sunday after attending the wedding in Toronto. She enjoyed that visit as she met lot of her relatives. She was well behaved and kept her cool most of the time.
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Addition to the Text (20 September 2007)-
Yesterday, she came to Deep River for her bi-weekly visit to the Doctor. She did do well with normal weight increase. She is now 6 weeks old and have started responding with smiles and sounds. This day she also has other plans. She wanted to train her Grandpa for taking her out in her stroller for neighborhood walk. Grandpa went with Sitara and her mom for a walk at about 5.00 pm. Grandpa enjoyed taking Sitara out and he pushed the stroller well. She met the next door baby (Jordan) who is few months older than Sitara. Sitara also met Pharmacy staff and other townfolks.
She also met her dad outside his work place. After some shopping at the Pharmacy, she returned home (at about 6.05 p.m) exhibiting great satisfaction on her face. A great outing and learning for Grandpa.
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Addition to the text: (22 September, 2007)
An open House was held at Mackey (at Sitara’s residence) for introducing Sitara to family members and friends in the area. The Open House was held between 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm. There were some 50 people attended to welcome Sitara on this good earth. Sitara was looking splendid in her embroidered dress and she was an epitome of contented and well behaved child. She played at the start of the afternoon and first time showed activities which included trying to grab floating toys above her head. After that she slept thru most of the afternoon even though there was much chattering going on from her well wishers .
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Addition to the Text: (Saturday, 29 September 2007)
Sitara attended her first party (Baby Shower) outside of home held by Nina’s workplace colleagues . The party was in the evening from 6.00 pm. Sitara came to our home, for a short while, after the party at about 9.30 pm.
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Addition to the Text : (Monday, 1 October 2007)
This is the day Sitara accompanied her paternal Grandma (currently visiting from England) and her parents to visit North Bay to show her Grandma the touristy things around.
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Addition to the Text: (Wednesday 03 October 2007)
Today was the day for vaccination. Nina took Sitara to Doctor’s office for her first vaccination in life. In order to ease the pain just before the vaccination, she was fed a little sugary water.
The vaccination was for 1) Diphtheria 2) Tetanus 3) Pertussies 4) Polio-IPV 5) Hib 6) Pneomo Conjugate.
Nina brought Sitara to our home after the vaccination. She is fast asleep in the car seat at this time ( 1.30pm)
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Addition to the Text: (Friday 05 October 2007)
Today Sitara became 2 months old (having born on 5 August 2007). She spent the day travelling to Ottawa to accompany her paternal Grandma (Hasmukhben) to the airport as her Grandma was returning back to U.K. after spending 1 month here in Canada to cuddle and play with Sitara. Sitara went with her mom & Grandparents (maternal) to the airport to say farewell and Bon Voyage to the Grandma from U.K.
Sitara was all attentive , smiled a lot, played with her Grandma at the Ottawa Airport prior to Granma taking leave and entering the inner area of the Airport to get on the Air Canada plane.
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Addition to the Text: (Sunday 21 October 2007)
Sitara & her mother have spent a night in Deep River at Grandparents home. This visit was facilitated as her daddy has gone to U.K. (for afew days) on office business since Monday 15 October 2007. Sitara have become accustomed to Granddad’s unique way of singing and making lyrics which go well with her. Sitara seems to enjoy this new phase of interaction with her maternal Grandpa (nana -in Gujarati Language). One of the rhythemic chants goes like 1-nana, 2-nana, 3-nana,4-nana,5-nana & 6-nana. At her current age (10 weeks or so) , the chant does not go beyond 6 numerals. The obvious variation to chant is 1-daddy, 2-daddy etc or 1-mummy,2-mummy etc, 1-nani, 2-nani etc (nani is maternal Grandma in Gujarati language) orfinally 1-nunu, 2-nunu etc. The “nunu” is the word we gave to the soother that Sitara sometimes have in her mouth. This “nunu” word was created by her Grandparents when Sitara’s mum was a baby (in the late 1970s).
Note: The day before (on Saturday 20 October 2007), Sitara’s maternal uncle (Sunir) got engaged to Shannon. Sitara was informed and just gave a charming smile -though I do not think she understood what was said. I think she responded to her Grandpa’s happiness & subtle smile on his face.
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Addition to the text: (20 November, 2007)
This week Sitara had more adventure. First she had a ride to North Bay with her mom and us (Grandparents) on Wednesday 14 November, 2007 . She got her first encounter with the Santa Clause at NorthGate mall and her first photo with the Santa Clause .
Then she has gone to Torntoto attend her second wedding since she was born . The wedding is for Priyanka , a daughter of one of our friends in Deep River. Priyanka is also a friend of Sitara’s mom. They have stayed back in Toronto as they will attend an Engagement party for one of her dad’s cousins duirng coming weekend.
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Addition to the text: (06 December 2007)
Yesterday Wednesday 05 December 2007 was the day for her second round of vaccination. The first shots were given on Wednesday 03 October 2007. Nina took Sitara to Doctor’s office for her second vaccination in life. Her dad also accompanied her for this vaccination.
After vaccination Sitara came to our house with her mom. She was asleep and took the vaccination in her stride. Once she woke up, she remained very fresh and smiling and playful.
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Addition to the text: (Wednesday – 12 December 2007)
The preparation for Christmas Holidays are going at a frantic step. Grandma has put up the tree and decorated it. There is a new enthusiasm this year as Sitara is amidst us. Every year since the kids (Nina & Sunir) left home for studies and then for workforce, the Christmas decorations were getting slimmer and slimmer.But now that our granddaughter (Sitara) is amongst us, it is providing a lot of excitement. I wrote a Letter to Editor for the local newspaper (North Renfrew Times) and it was published on Wednesday 12 December, 2007.
The letter is reproduced here.
Joy of Christmas
The whole world has metamorphosed to a wonderful world for the coming Christmas holidays ”“ that is how I feel. This is the first year; I am not working for my family”™s upkeep. This has kept me away from the hustle and bustle as well as merry-go-round cacophony of the office emergencies. The emergencies have a way of sprouting during important holidays.
The recent news ( in the papers and on radio) about disruption to the supply of medical radioisotopes is a case in point. This does make me to sit up but not in the context of any workplace effort required but from concern for our fellow citizens who may need diagnosis using the radioisotopes.
We have been celebrating Christmas since we migrated to Canada from Kenya”“ way back in 1974. Our first-born (daughter) arrived that year and Christmas celebration was institutionalized in the household. Even though the celebration is a bit alien to our faith and culture; it resonated well as Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. The joy to the world was deeply felt.
After that the tradition continued and further strengthened on the arrival of our son. Well, as every parent knows, then those days arrived when both the daughter and the son grew up and one by one went away to their chosen university and then to workplace. The household was full of emptiness. However, every year Christmas tradition was kept alive with the hope that the kids will come home on Christmas. Every year there was that unknown lingering on (till about a week or so before the arrival of the actual Christmas holidays) about who would actually come home? Sometimes the tree decoration was well done with great care and details and other times the decorations were left till last minute.
The whole world has metamorphosed to a wonderful world this year. We have become grandparents ”“ a new child is born this year. We are blessed with a lovely granddaughter who keeps us smiling all days. The full Christmas tree is back in the living room and Christmas music is on the DVD. She is only four months and already has taken two vaccinations in her stride. Her smiles are infectious and joyful.
The joy of Christmas is profound when celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
I wish all a happy holidays and Merry Christmas.
———————————————————————— Addition to the text: (Tuesday – 25 December 2007) The celebration of Christmas this year was split in two parts . One on 25th at our daughter’s place (that is at our granddaughter’s place) and second on 27th at our residence in Deep River. Sunir (our son) was home on 23rd. Shennon -his fiancés arrived in the evening of Thursday 27th December. Sitara had a great time with all the gifts and hugs and plays with Sunir, Shennon, her parents and grandparents. The parents were all glow and happy. This was very fulfilling Christmas for all of us.RESP (Registered Education Saving Plan) for Sitara for 2007 was also commenced . Good ending for 2007 as grandparents. ————————————————- Addition to the text: (Thursday – 10 January 2008)Last two days Sitara and her parents have come to stay with us. With electrical power off in their area in Mackay and also both aparents suffering from cold , it was thought better to spend time in Deep River. Grandma is delighted and having a great time with Sitara. Sitara is a very charming and loving girl. Always responds to plays and all her toys. She has no cry. She is very discipline girl. Goes to sleep according to her set rhythm and takes her feeds regulary. Grandpa gets cheered up from her laughs, giggles and various plays. Today, she joined Grandpa in his prayers to Shree Jalaram . She was with her Grandma. —————————————————Addition to the text: (Thursday – 26 January 2008)Today, Sitara went with her parents to Pembroke for a portrait. The Grandparents also went to cheer her. She was all very charming and accommodating when various portraits were taken. She won hearts of the photographer girls and others who had come for their own family portraits. Sitara also got her photos done for passport. She was not supposed to smile and wear darker dress.Sitara can pose so well that our hearts jump with joy.After the portraits we all went for shopping. This time for Grandpa’s new winter coat. After shopping we ended up at the Asian Restaurant in Pembroke for Chinese/Thai dinner. It was a good ending of the day on the India’s 59th Republic day.——————————————
Addition to the text: (Thursday – 27 January 2008)
Today Sitara went for swimming class at the local Deep River swimmimg pool with her mom. Her dad was already gone there earlier for his swimming.
Oh! she is now growing up and taking necessary steps in life.
She is a delight. Sitara has started to be comfortable with her Granddad since last few days and always want to be with him and talk with him and play with him. Wow.
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Addition to the text: (Friday – 9 February 2008)
Today, Sitara and her mom came home after her FEN class. Yesterday also they came after Sitara’s session at her FEN class.I understand that Sitara used the potty first time on Wednesday, 7 February, 2008. She is slowly getting trained for using potty but it will take some time. She is only 6 months old and just recently started on solid food ( a little bit at this time). Good show, Sitara.
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Addition to the text: (Friday – 10 February 2008) Today being Sunday, it is swimming class for Sitara at the Mckenzie High School pool in Deep River. Grandparents decided to go to the pool to cheer and also to enjoy watching Sitara playing in the pool. She was just enjoying herself. It was such a delight to watch her splashing her feet and chasing her small yellow ducky. Her mom was holding her and leading her all over in a circle in the pool . There were a total of 10 toddlers in the pool -each with her/his mother or father. Sitara’s dad was outside the pool busy taking her video.A side note: Sitara got her Canadian passport yesterday. The Government Department proved to be very efficient as the application for passport was done only on 26 January, 2008.——————————————————Addition to the text: (Thursday – 21 February 2008)Today, Sitara, my loving grandaughter, came to Pambroke General Hospital to wish her grandpa early recovery from his day surgery on that day. The surgery was for his bilateral inguinal hernia. My surgery was at 9.15 am and i had to present myself at the hospital at 7.15 am. To arrive safely and in time to hospital, we (grandma and myself) stayed Wednesday night in Pembroke at our friend Mehta’s house.
The bilateral surgery was over by 11.30 am and I was brought to my recovery(resting) area. Sitara came with her mother to see me and wish good and speedy recovery. What she did was so loving and something out of an angel’sbook. She stroked my face a few times ( i think at least four times) and smiled lovingly as if saying grandpa I love you and you will be okay. Her moves brought warmth in my heart . We came home (by car – a distance of about 45 kms) to deep River by 4.00 p.m.
Sitara and her mom stayed with us that day for few hours till I was settled well. Her dad also came after his work and all wished me well again.
On Friday, Sitara and her mom came to visit. The whole family (Sitara, her dad and mum) stayed with us for a night . Sitara played with me with her making sound from a distance (trying to formulate some kind of words) and I think helped me in my recovery. I am doing fine on the fifth day of my surgery and hoping to remove dressings tomorrow (Wednesday 27 February, 2008).
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Addition to the text: (Saturday – 08 March 2008)
Sitara has now ccmpleted her first round of swimming class at Mckenzie High School pool located in Deep River. She has also had her third vaccination sometomein last few days.
She is now ready for new adventure. She rolls and tries to crawl. She has started taking solid food. She tries to formulate words and is very talkative with her mom and when she visits grandparents home in Deep River, she just lights up. Always mischievious, she gives all kinds of positve responses and entertain grandpa with cheers and cooing. She always enjoy playing with garndma. She trusts her without any rancour.
On Saturday, March 08, 2008 she also particpated in the East Indian Community winter gathering at the Christian Educational Centre located in Deep River. Oh! she joined in teh game of Musical Chair (of course perched on her dad’s hands) Shw was looking so cute as she showed that she was enjoying the game immensely. She did not win but went as far as she can go (as guided and led by her dad).
This day Deep River (in fact whole of Ottawa Valley) got lots of snow and visibility was very low. Sitara went home to Mackay in car with her parents. Luckily they left a bit early (due to wrning of impending storm) and arrived home safely (about 11.00 pm). Sitara was snuggly in her cot when storm was pounding outside.
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Addition to the text: (Tuesday – 11 March 2008) Sitara went to Ottawa with her parents. Her dad’s car needed servicing. During this time, Sitara also visited the Bayshore Shopping mall. She got a surprise. She got her ears pierced and got a gift of two nice diamond studs. My little child is slowly growing up. She looks so cute with studs in her ears. _________________________________Addition to the text: (Saturday – 22 March 2008)This weekend is the Easter Weekend – early this year in March.
Sitara came to our house in Deep River with her parents as we had decided to spend time together for the hoildays..
Sitara was as usual playful and rolling over the blanket on the floor and chasing her toys. She was cooing and also making definitive sound. To-day she was more concentrating on Ba sound . I am told that yesterday she was repeating na na sound.
Well, she got our traditional 4 inch high hollow -milk chocolate- Easter egg as gift. This is our household tradition since Nina (her mother was born). Her mom and dad did not get their Eggs this year as they are keeping away from sweets.
Sitara really enjoyed the gift- playing with the box and ruffling of plastic wrapping and colorful designs on the box. Of course she cannot eat the chocolet as she is just a baby of 7 months. But we all ate the chocolet while playing cards. During that time Sitara was entertainging us by playing with her toys and rolling and and cooing and giving smiles and waving at her mom.
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Addition to the text: (Sunday – 23 March 2008)
Today- Sitara was participating in a normal East Indian Group social activity. She was all ready with nice clothes and her charming smile to attend a “baby Shower” . Her first. The baby shower was celebrated for her Priyanka Auntie ( her P. Masi) who is expecting a baby in few months.
I did not go as the party was for the ladies of the Group and few gents (who are very close to Priyanka and her parents).
I am told that Sitara had a great time as she was cajoled and loved by many of her aunties and girls who were present at the party.
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Addition to the text: (Thursday – 27 March 2008)Today, Sitara’s mom and grandma had to go to Chalk River to buy some clothing material as Sitara’s mom is sewing a sleeping bag for Sitara.
So they left Sitara with me to baby-sit. I was supposed to entertain her, feed her bottle of milk (nicely tucked away in the thermal bag) and genrally to be a good grandpa. Well, she entertained me with her smiles, plays and generally being a good girl of about 7 1/2 months.
When she was playing with her toys – sitting upright – she made some heavy forcing noises (aghms). I was wondering what does that sound means . The aroma of smell emanating from her made me realise that she had done her No. 2. Now the problem arose as to how am I going to change her – not done before and a bit uneducated in this department. Also I was a bit uncomfortable to strain myself due to my recent surgery (about a month back)
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Addition to the text: (Sunday – 06 April 2008)
Sitara went to Toronto on Saturday March 29th with her parents . They went initially to Brampton for a baby shower (Sumeeta’s) and stayed with her maternal uncle (Sunir) on Saturday night and also met with Shannon. Then she stayed at the Courtyard Marriot on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights with her parents . After that she went to Misissasuga at her dad’s uncle (Mamma’s) house from April 3rd to 6th.
They were back at Mackay on 6th at about 8.30 pm.
Quite an adventurous journey for a little baby . I am sure she enjoyed it and absorbed a lot by seeing new things and meeting her relatives and friends of her parents.
Pravin Shah