This post is a continuation of the earlier posts (Being Grandparents ,Being Grandparents – 2, Being Grandparents – 3, Being Grandparents – 4, Being Grandparents – 5, Being Grandparents -6,Being Grandparents -7, Being Grandparents -8 , Being Grandparents -9 , Being Grandparents -10, Being Grandparents -11, Being Grandparents -12 & Being Grandparents -13) as the previous posts were becoming a tad bit busy.
Some repeats (with corrections & addition ) from Grandparents -13
Wednesday 14 October 2009
Today both Sitara & Sachin came to their Grandparents home in Deep River along with their mom -to see the Renovation work of kitchen & downstairs bathroom – started today by the Contractor (Rob) & then electrical work by David. There was demolistion work going on and Sitara was just watching but not saying much. It is better she saw the construction work -as she will be losing her old kitchen habitat and would have wondered what happened – if she was not shown this renovation. She actually took this in her stride and spent time with her nana in the Recreation room watching Mickey Mouse skits – earlier recorded by her nana. The Mickey mouse TV sketches are very popular with her – she is only 2 year & 2 months old and she understands the story line.
Sachin spent some time with his nana & smiled and then went to cry a bit. Her nani & nana gave him “rolling” in a make-do swing (of his blanket) for a few minutes and he was quiet as a nice boy. After that he spent an hour or so in his nani”™s hands . Of course he was fed and looked after by his mom also. And Siatra was also fed by her mom – the chili (Vegetarian) that her nani had prepared.
Both the kids make life bright and lightens up any burden that may be bothering their seniors.
By the way, Sitara is out of her regular diapers (since about last couple of days) and she is now getting used to go to potty when such need arises. It will take some time before she is completely out of any so-called “accidents”. She is now wearing “the pull-ups” . She gets a penny for each accomplishment for her piggy bank. She loves her piggy bank and is proud of it.
Saturday 17 October, 2009
This was the Diwali day (celebrated in India and alll over the world) and it was first Diwali Program that Sachin attended. The program was organised by the “Deep River-Pembroke” East Indian Community at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Pembroke . It was third for Sitara (she being 2 years 2 months) . Both kids enjoyed the party specially Sitara as she could run around and play with other kids. Though it ws a bit difficult as most kids were doing their own things -all being excited seeing so many people and kids. Sachin, of course , spent most of his time in the seater but he was contented and seemed happy.
During the day Sitara was busy (in the morning) to go to her Gymnastic class at Mckenzie High School and the to a birthday party where she got opportunity to touch live snake & lizard etc (as the host family had brought a kid entertainer from Ottawa with the pet animals.)
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NEW
Saturday 24 October 2009
This day was a bit busy for us. As the work on The Kitchen & bath renovation is continuing at our house, we had to go to Pembroke for some purchases – such as 500w Electric baseboard heaters & lights for the underneath of the kitchen cupboards. But before that we had to be at a breakfast meeting (at Shamron Suite Restaurant in Deep River) – with the PEO President-Elect. She had come to Deep River, the previous day to attend our (the local PEO Chapter’s) event to present Licence Certificates to some 6 engineers. Me being the Chair, we were really busy otganising this event and also to look after the renovation work. At the event, the local MPP Hon. John Yakabuski also attended to congratulate the Engineers receiving the Certificates.
In the evening we were invited for dinner at Roy’s house. Both Sitara & Sachin also came to dinner with their parents. However, before goingto the dinner, they stopped by the house. Sitara was in her nice white outfit and she came in the house to meet with us . She is taking the renovation work in her stride – she is losing her usual cupboard & space to go around but she is absorbing the change and quietly goes in the Recreation Room downstairs – carefully so she is not hurt at the unfinished kitchen. She usually eases herself in the room and would want to watch Mickey Mouse movie. Though this evening she just was in time when her nana was beginning his prayer to Shree Jalaram and she joined in . A bit perplexed but always very curious and absorbing all thats he experiencing. She then looked at the cupboard where we have more God’s idols but there she did pick out her small ceramic bear & bunny – which she wanted for her to take . She got those to hold and carry upstairs and she was happy.
After that we all proceeded to dinner at Roy’s (& Solly) house for dinner. Sitara likes to be friends with their younger son Ethan – though he is very senior to Sitara. Sachin remained contented in his Car seat. Sitara was with her nana there for a while – just geting used to other people in the room . Kids are initially shy – so was SItara but slowly (after she had opened her backpack) and showed off her collection of CDs (kids movies) , she joined the other kids to watch TV and play with them.
Sachin was wonderful – quiet . But after his feed, he was cuddled by various aunties at the dinner party . Then he started to cry a bit which cascaded to full throatle cry when he was pampered by his Rajni Aunite. His nana stood up to see if he can caress him No sooner his nana picked him , he went all quiet and enjoying himself with the touch and feel of nana’s warmth. All were quite surprised how a crying kid can go so suddenly into quiet mood.
I am told by his mom that Sachin is now holding himself well – he can hold his head by himself and can sit in the bumbo seat as well as ExerSaucer seat by himself. This is when he is 13 weeks old.
Monday 26 October 2009
This day Sachin & Nina came to Deep River and came home. As usual Sachin spent his time sleeping and having his feed. Sitara has gone to her babysitter’s home for the day. Sachin then in the evening went with his dad & mom for “the baby’s instant massage” experience . Sitara stayed behind to complete her dinner with her nani .
Thursday 28 October 2009
Both Sachin & Sitara came to their grandparents home in Deep River at about 2.00 p.m. today after going to FEN activities both in Deep River & Chalk River. Sitara & her mom had lunch in Chalk River.
Sitara is taking our Kitchen modification in stride . Today she used the downstairs washroom as the upper area was all draped for painting of the wall & ceiling. She was a bit concerned about the removal of the previous shower enclosure (and a small hole left -near the drain -in the floor) and also the removal of the ceiling in the washroom. She enquired as to what happened. I explained that we are renovating bathroom also along with the kitchen and there is construction going on. The bathroom will be new in a few days. She is only 2 years and 3 months and understand the commotion of construction. The upstairs — the Kitchen renovation is almost complete. To-day the painting was finished – though electrical work is delayed as the Electrician has hurt himself ( I understand that he fell of a ladder and cracked his ribs). The kitchen looks amazing with new cabinets,cupboards & appliances. Sitara first had a view with her nani. She just spoke out loud “wow ! Wow! I like it “. She is amazing expressing herself so clearly and with good emotions. Later her nana took her for the tour of the new kitchen -letting her open all the cupboards, drawers and touching appliances. I also showed her a tiny (half size in width) cupboard -which I let her know that will be hers – her cups, plates etc will be kept there.
Sachin was a happy boy. Her mom left him with his nana (i.e.me) and went shopping for few groceries. Sachin smiled and responded to his nana’s talk (you know for an infant one talks about him and his family etc and we sing and make sounds to attract his attention). I did allthat and Sachin just was playful and responded. Sitara was watching her usual Mickey Mouse movie but she came over to play with Sachin. She lied down with him and held his hand – so politely and lovingly. She seeems to be in heavan playing with her baby brother. She also said to Sachin ‘I luv you”. Is n’t this just happiness to their nana -hearing and enjoying such love and playing. Their mom came and was ecstatic to see Sitara lying &Playing with Sachin on the quilt on the floor. She brought her camera took some shots.
All of us had dinner – in the temporary dining room/kitchen in the lower basement. Their dad came late from work but then we spent time together – getting our minivan ready -as they want to take it to Ottawa tomorrow. Sachin will go with them but Sitara will spend the day with her babysitter and in the evening she will spend time with her grandparents.
Sitara , at her age of 2 years & llessthan 3 months – speaks fluently and knows many words -her vocabulary is astounding. She had a good conversation with her nani re: new renovated kitchen and other things.
Saturday 31 October, 2009
The Halloween night arrived. Both Sitara & Sachin came to Deep River in the evening with their parents – so that they can go out for “trick or treat” . They had dinner and then got ready for going out. Sitara was dressed as an “Eyore” and the boy got dressed as “tiger (teeeger)”. Sitara also took some candies (smarties) from her grandma’s heap (which she has kept ready to give to other kids who may come to the door during the evening. Both Sitara and Sachin got play trucks (small ones) – one each in their Halloween loot bag – from their nani/nana to play around . Sitara had a ball of a time – though she got to know about candies – lot of sugar – she plopped (licked) a whole lollypop – sticky face and also smarties and wanted more. Hopefully she does not get hooked as sugar makes kids hyper.
Thursday 5 November 2009
Today both grandchildren (Sitara & Sachin) came to our home in Deep River with their mom. This was the day with the first snow of the season. For deep River to get snow thsi early — is a bit surprise but it has been known to get snow early in some years. Usually thes now come s at about the Christmas time.
This is the first snow to greet Sachin in this beautiful world. He is just over 3 months old. He is so cool and calm boy. Always responds with smile and kiddie language (ooh etc). He spent few hours with his nana – as he does these days now.
Today was the day when all (Nina, Sunjay & Sitara) got H1N1 vaccination – Sachin being only 3 months old cannot get the shot. I am told Sitara took her shot very well – no crying – but again she was inquisitive to look at how it was adminstered. H1N! shots can be painful and can develop lumping – but Sitara consoled her mom for her (mom’s) swelling while ignoring hers. A brave girl.
Sunday 8 November 2009
These past few days , last Thursday, Saturday and today the kids came home – as their dad was working overtime at the office . We spent tome together . Sachin spent quite many hours with his nana – talking and giggling (frothing at the mouth ) etc. Sitara spent tome with her nana & nani – watching Mickey Mouse movie, Shark Tale on her nana’s DVD player (that was on Saturday) and then to-day she went with her nana to outdoors (in her stroller) to the park -close to the house on Huron Road close to Ridge Road – where she had a ball of atime on the swing (in fact she tried out all four swings in the park). After lunch they went to Petawawa – for Sitara’s swimming and her grandparents went to the TownHall to participate in the Unity in Diversity program .
I was told that Sachin also went swimming with his parents & Sitara. He enjoyed it. At 3 months – this was his first dip in the pool.
By the way, Sitara exhibits larger vocabulary but also very mature conversation – an excellent cognitive traits for 2 yeR 3 months old girl. She responds with “You are welcome” when anyone says her “Thank you”. Today when we went out to the park for her to enjoy swings in the warm sunny afternoon (just before noon) , upon return on the road (Dalton Road) to our house – I saw a light burning in our home. When I ask Sitara , does she knows where nana’s houseis -she immediately replied yes and pointed to the house in front (across the Rutherford Av) -coming from Dalton Road. I siad that a light is burning in the house – did she see it? She said yes but it is an outdoor light. Such grasp – which even Ihad failed to notice. After that car noise came from behind – but is was a truck passing. She said to me nana it is truck and not a car – then showed me a car (parked on the side of the road) and said that is a car. So she knows the difference between a car & a truck but more so to know when to use that knowledge in converstion – like correcting me on my “Faux pas” for calling the noise from a truck as “noise from a car” . Good cognitive understanding. Besides all this is done so very politely .
Sunday 15 November 2009
This day being their nani’s birthday, kids and their parents took her along with their nana for dinner to the only restaurant in Deep River which provides East Indian Food -Lil’s Restaurant (in the same building as the town’s PetroCan Gas Station) .
Their nani had a ball of a time – Sitara saying “Happy Birthday ” repetitiously in a nice sweet voice – and Sachin remaining quiet and contented in his car seat – which was brought in the Restaurant so he can remain comfortable.
All had a great time enjoying the food which was very tasty and well done. After dinner & party, the kids went home to Mackey with their parents.
Tuesday 17 November 2009
I am told by Sachin’s mom that he has started “giggling” and responds to “giggle” by her mom. She tried “giggling” when she was talking to us on the phone and Sachin responded . He was giving a laugh too. A happy boy.
Friday 20 November 2009
Sachin’s (& of course Sitara’s too) grandparents went to Toronto – their grandpa was attending a conference – related to Engineering. Sachin & Sitara steyed the Friday night in Deep River (at their Grandparents home) with their parents as there was a celebration at the Deep River Town Hall in the evening for lighting the Chrtistmas Tree and a visit by the Santa Clause. Sitara enjoyed teh function and dancung etc. The boy was as usual relaxed and just be with the family. He slept in his grandprents bedroom (as were away to Toronto) – on the grandparents bed. I am told that he slept well – for a full 8 hours without waking up.
When the grandparents returned back on Monday 23 November (at 5.30 p.m.), the kids were at Deep River home again as Sachin was going for his weekly massaging. Both kids were happy and Sitara was havng her dinner with her mom. They went to their home at about 8.00 p.m.
Tuesday 24 November, 2009
This day Grandpa (nana) was invited by Hon. Marc Graneau – our Canadian famous Astronaut & Liberal Federal Member of Parliament- to his office (located at the Confederation Building in Ottawa) to talk about Canada & Nuclear Science – a subject that kids’ nana had earlier written about. Both nana & nani went to Ottawa – the meeting was at 4.30 p.m – Hon Regan and one of his associate were also present. Well. after all the deliberations and presentation – nana & nani had squeezed in a request to Hon Marc Garneau for his autograph – for our grandchildren. Mr. Garneau was very gracious (he has recently become a grandfather too- a month old grandson) and he willingly gave autograph for Sitara, Sachin, Nina/Sunjay & Sunir/Shannon. Nani also got an autograph in her Autograph Book.
Monday 30 November 2009
Sachin and his mom came to Deep River to spend some time with parents – after attending a party with toddlers. Sachin also goes for his messaging ( messaging for infants program) every Monday in the evening and this allows him & his mom to spend afternoon and dinner at our home in Deep River. Sitara then joins in after her Day-care sojourn and their dad comes a bit later from his work.
This Monday Sitara played well with her nana & nani but more specifically with her nana. she goes saying “nana” “nana” and wants books to be read to her. She also wanted to watch a movie ( a DVD that she asked he mom to bring from home). The DVD is about – titled “Shark Tales”. After dinner she enjoyed the movie with her nana – while Sachin and his mom has gone to his “message” .
This little girl – 2 year & 4 months old – can understand and enjoy a movie for kids of age 7 or more. She enjoyed the whole movie without getting bored . H edad came home at about the last part of the movie abd then Sitara plated with him and her nani & hesrself before getting ready to do her “potty”, brushing of her teeth and getting ready then to go home.
Her mom & brother came home after his message. Sachin likes to play but when he goes a bit cranky – he calms down if we put him into a ‘hammock’ – hand made from a BLANKET or using a ready made Indian baby hammock -we earlier had got from Kenya for his uncle (“mama”) Sunir – when he was a baby.
Both kids are joy to play with – especially Sitara as she can express and articulate herself . Sachin also responds well – to all the playful acts that we make.
Sunday 6 December 2009
Yesterday Saturday 5 December 2009 , the grandparents met with both the kids downtown Deep River. They were with their parents to watch the Deep River Santa parade. This is Sachin’s first parade and Sitara’s second. All of them came from Gym at Mckenzie High School where Sitara goes every Saturday for Gymnastic. Sitara enjoyed the Santa parade as she understands the whole show , She likes the floats – especially with Santa or where kids are singing and dancing on the road. She says thank you when presented with candies by the float participitants. Sachin remained in his car seat but in the ground next to his mom. He also got a few candies. It was very beautiful and sunny day with snow (light) on the ground.
Both the kids and mom came to grandparents home after parade but their dad went to office for work. These days there is so much work due to urgency in reviving NRU. Kids always are playful and quite polite. Sachin has an involuntary activity – to burp when nana holds him and then spit on nana’s pullover. He is so cute and guies good response with smiles and grunts.
Today garndparents went to Mackey to play with kids. Sitara immediately got her nana’s hand and led him to her work table to help in painting ( on papers with lined figures). After that she wnated to go out for making a snowman – as there was a light snow on the ground. However, going out, she wanted to play with her blue truck, in the play house – which is on outside ground – and on swing and slide besides making a snowman. Making snowman was a bit difficult as the snow was dry and not molding but what transpired was a “cuddly bear” shape . Sitara enjoyed all that. Then she sat down below the slide on a built-in bench and wanted to have picnic. So finally we got a glass of apple juice which she partook under the slide – enjoying her picnic. She was all tired out and then we came inside.
She had lunch – not much – she is eating lightly these days . After her brushing teeth and going on”potty” etc – she went to her usual sleep ( an afternoon nap). Of course she had nana read a couple of books before the lunch and a book by her mom when going to nap.
Sachin was sleeping in his mechanical swing but got up- then his nana took him in his hand – when he played with nana and then had his mom fed him. He just likes to smile . These days he rolls – which he did when nana puts him on the sofa and then slides himself backword – almost half his length.
Note: Sachin is one kid who does not like soothers (what we call a “nunu” ) – he just does not take it. No matter when we try to give him – he spits it out. I think he is following his mama (uncle) Sunir. Sunir when he was a toddler- would not take a soother.
Wednesday 9 December 2009
This day we had the first big snow storm of the season. This was all over Canada and Eastern Ontario. We in Renfrew County also were drenched with about 10 inches of snow. Most plows (to clear the roads and driveways) were not yet quite upto the challenge as we had fabulous weather (sunny and bright) till now.
Nina & both kids were at their home in Mackey – as it became dangerous for the drive on the highways.
This gave the mom (Nina) a reflective time at home and she suddenly realised that she is a mother of two kids.
Both kids are very polite and always smiling and playing – so they are not putting any stress on the mom & family – and this they are like part of family all this time. Even Sachin who is only 4+ months old is very quiet and no playful. Always responds to any chitter chattter with his own language. Sitara is just Sitara – she is very mature for her age. She plays very nicely and wants to have books read to her – knowing all her books by visual .
Thursday 10 December 2009
This day we all went to North Bay. Nina had to have her car (VW) serviced . So she asked us if we can accompany her as she had two kids in tow. We (both nana & nani) were excited to go as it will give NIna a freer time in North Bay and us to spend time with the kids. Besides, we all can complete our Christmas shopping. There are more stores and varieties available in North bay- being a larger city.
Her nana had great time looking after Sitara – she is just a bundle of joy. She knows Walmart store and when her nana took her around in the cart – she had great sights and observations – she will identify her Dora & Princess items – such as DVDs , toys and would ask her nana that she wants that or that – how she knows where all these items are stacked up. She is polite and enjoys picking up her items – all very balanced – no fuss and no mush. She enjoyed playing with “kiddies” motorised boat, horses and trucks which are strewn all over the NorthGate Mall. Mind you we did not put any money as she would then spend more time there.
Sachin was as always cool and bundled but had his feed and just wenta long whereever everyone went. At one point when he became a bit tired – he cried a bit -so his nana & nani mad a hammock from his blanket and swung him back & forth, he enjoyed that and stopped crying.
Friday 11 December 2009
Today Sachin & his mom went to swim in Petawawa . His nani also joined them.
After coming to Deep River from his swim, Sachin got his bath (first since he was born) at his nani’s home.
This evening we all are going out for dinner (at Lil’s Restaurant – attached to PetroCanada Station on the Highway) to celebrate holidays. We have invited our neighbours to join us – a Christmas present from us to them.
Note: Sitara had company at the dinner party. Her friend Jordan ( our neighbor`s granddaughter) was also there – with her mom. Both of them situated across the table – carried on their chitter-chatter ( converstion) and fun with his each other. Jordan had brought some pages (for painting by young kids). She shared that with Sitara. During the whole evening of dinner – both of these kids were stars and entertained (indirectly) the adults with their exuberance, playfulness and eating & enjoying their dinner without fuss.
All that time Sachin was a gentlekid – very calm in sleeping in his carseat (which can be brought to the restaurant). He gave us the greatest gift of `being quiet`and not needing any special care.
Saturday 12 December 2009
Today was Sitaras last Gymnastic session for the season.` Her nana & nani also went to McKenzie High School gym to watch Sitara . She was a younger participant compared to her colleagues (kids) but she held herself well – except she refused to go for jumping on tarpauline. She did continue to jump and bounce on the adjoining platform.
Sunday 13 December 2009
Today, both Sitara & Sachin went in the mporning to AECL children party at Petawawa with their parents. This is their first AECL party they attended. After the party they came to Deep River in the afternoon – at their nana/nani`s house to celebrate their mom`s birthday ( which actually is on Monday 14 December) but this being Sunday – it was relaxed time to celebrate the occassion. We all had a great time – with meal & nice icecream cake . Sitara kept singing “Happy Birthday to you mom” and was all along having fun, She is such a doll and always very playful and polite/considerate. Sachin was his usual self -all happy and smiling and just being a super infant.
Pravin Shah