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, Grandparents -14, Grandparents -15, Grandparents -16, Grandparents -17, Grandparents -18,Grandparents -19 & Grandparents -20) as the previous posts were becoming a tad bit busy.
Saturday 31 July 2010
Today, the kids and parents came to Deep River – as there is festival going on in Deep River – Summerfest 2010. Both kids enjoyed the visit. Sitara went with her nana to town parks and played with kiddie gym. Also threw some stones in the Ottawa River making ripples in the river(at Lighthouse location) .
Sachin also went to the town parks ( separately) with his nana and mom. He enjoyed being on the swings.
Today Sachin spoke words for food -” mum ” ” mum “.
He also started to climb down on the stairs – he climbs the stairs since some time now.
The kids and parents along with grandparents went to the Deep River Campus -initially in the afternoon when the local East Indian group presented a program on the Main Stage – first a Kathakali dance by two sisters (Asha & Rupa) and then a show of various ways sarees are worn in different States in India – kids’ mom and nani presented the Gujarati way of wearing a saree – nani showing the traditional saree and mom showing the latest fashion . Kids’ dad also participated showcasing the Indian “Sarwani” suit for a male.
After this program, the parents & nani (along with Sachin) went home to change – and to feed Sachin and also for his afternoon nap. Sitara remained with her nana on the grounds -as this was her chance to enjoy various programs for the kids. Sitara being a 3-year old could participate in a few of these. She went and enjoyed/experienced the two (2) airbounces. She bounced on an inflated “King’s Castle bouncer” and also crawled, squeezed, climbed and jumped through the inflatable obstacle course called ‘Urban Assault”. After that she (along with her nana) went on a “Giant Tiger” train – accompanied by a “Tiger” ( a man in Tiger costume) and enjoyed the wonderful view of the Ottawa river . After that she was tired and thus her dad was called on cellphone – he picked up her and her nana and all went home – where Sitara went to have a nap.
Later in the evening of Saturday (about 9.30 p.m) they all went to the Campus to watch fireworks at the bank of Ottawa River. This year was a spectacular fireworks and kids enjoyed it. Even Sachin (only 1 year) old really enjoyed and was entranced by the fireworks. Of course their ears were covered up -to protect from high noise & sound . The fireworks were watched from a close spot .
After the fireworks, the kids also remained with parents to enjoy the concerts on the stage. This is their first concert (by local artists )which they have attended in their young life.
Sunday 01 August 2010
The kids and parents came to Deep River and spent the day. It was a bit cloudy day and thsu most activities with the kids were in the house. Sachin, as usual played around – he is a very contented kid and plays with his toys – whichever is avialable. Thoug he can stand up – he is shy of walking and thus does crawl to go places.
Sitara enjoys time with her nana – watching on the Computer (You Tube) with him the video clips of Little Mermaid (with the bad witch Ursula and princess Malody). There are some 7 video clips for covering the full story of “Return to the Sea”. Sitara enjoys this very much.
In the evening they both went to sleep – and thus the parents were able to go to the Deep River Campus (after 9.30 p.m) for Summerfest fetivities – to mostly watch/listen to K’Naan , the Canadian Somali singer. The grandparents also went – one at a time -as the other stayed home to keep a watch for the kids. So both managed to enjoy K’Naan’s songs . The parents came home after the concert was finished and stayed the night in Deep River.
This is the day Sachin was introduced to “sippy cup” for his water drink. He liked it.
The kids and parents went to their home to Mackey next day (on Monday 02 August 2010) after lunch. The Summerfest in Deep River is now over.
Thursday 5 August 2010
Hey, Sitara -Happy Birthday to our lovely granddaughter – she is now 3 years old.
Both nana/nani went to Mackey in the evening to celebrate her birthday. Everyone had a great time. It was a close family affair -both nana/nani & parents. Sachin’s birthday (1 year on 20 July) was also celebrated once again . Both kids got lots of gifts and love. Sitara just loved it and sachin was as usual palyful. He enjoyed the “helicopter” toy from nana/nani. Sitara got lots of books along with a couple of dolls . Nana had to read about 3 books – Alladin, Bambi and Lion King ( not quite – the third one was partially read) . Nana has also written a short poem for her 3rd birthday -which was read . The poem is separately published on the Blog.
After they (the kids) went back to sleep at about 9.00 p.m – the parents were busy preparing decorations for the Saturday party. Both nana/nani remained to help out till mid-night and then returned to Deep River.
Her big party with all her friends (and their parents) is on the coming Saturday on 7th August. A pool party (they have a good “kidney shape” pool in the backyard) but definitely a theme party with – the theme being the Little Mermaid – Ursula (the bad witch) getting the prominence.
Saturday 7 August 2010
Sitara -Happy Birthday to the party girl . I guess so far you (as well as Sachin) have more than 5 different occasions to celebrate your birthdays (in Canada & UK combined) – Sitara’s 3rd and Sachin’s 1st.
But this Saturday party was unique and the best. It was celebrated with Sitara’s friends and their parents – though all of them also knew Sachin and wished him also a “Happy Birthday. Some of them have babies Sachin’s age and thus in future they will be around and playing together.
Both SunirMama and ShannonMami also came from Toronto to join in the celebration.
The theme of the party was the Little Mermaid with Ursula ( the bad witch) getting the most exposure. There were water stations ( small pool, playstation as well as the main swimming pool and Hot tub) around for everyone to play with water as the mermaid do live in water. The kids had great time ion the pool with one of their parents. Sachin was taken in the pool by his nana . He also played in the small pool for a while.
Prior to going into the pool , the kids along with parents played the “Treasure Hunt” game with going to various stations – likes Ursula’s Garden, Sebastian HotPot, Ariel’s Grotto, Flotsam’s and Jetsam’s Gym & Flounder’sPlayground – as titles to each station and filling in alphabet letters onto a piece of paper (given) and find out what word is found . FISH was the word – and all those who got is could get three gifts from a Treasure Box. Of course all kids got get the three (3) gifts.
The Lunch was Hotdogs – with Ursula type cutting and shaping of the hot dogs along with salad, watermelon pieces, grapes ,and cantoploupe pieces – and of course fruit drinks . There were two cakes- one for Sitara – baked by Valumart with Little Mermaid theme – with small statues of Ursula and other characters. The other one was for sachin – baked by his mom – again with Little Marmaid as the theme with statute of few characters. Thus cake was special chocolet type without any use of eggs – to allow kids with allergies to enjoy the party. Also a “sea theme ” jello (light blueish green color) in a large bowl was made with all types of fish and sea creatures ( all eatables) in it. Kids enjoyed this.
After the party was over, when all guests left, the family spent the aftrenoon in the pool and hot tub with the kids and had lots of fun, Sitara enjoyed playing with her favourite mami – Shannon and at times played with her Mama (Sunir) also . She is so relaxed with them that it bring all the fun in watching them. Sachin also had great time with his Mama and Mami. Of course, they also played with grandparents too and their parents who took care of them for food and baths etc.
The garndparents and Mama/Mami came home (to Deep River) late in the evening about mid-night. A long but an enjoyable day.
Sunday 8 August 2010
The grandparents and Mama/Mami went to Mackey in the afternoon to play with the kids – on the way they stopped over at Laurentian dairy and had icecream before heading off to Mackey.
The kids had a marvellous time. No one went into the pool as it was rainy day and a bit cool. But Sunir and Shannon went outdoors – joined by nani and lo behold they got lots of wild black berries – which was enjoyed by everyone. There is so much fruit (berries) in the yard and along the road.
The dinner was special – Nina put it together with noodles and stir fry and curried tofu fingers.
The play with kids was excellent – Mami reading books to Sitara , Sunir playing with Sachin and also with Sitara – opening baby dolls that she got as birthday presents.
All came home (to Deep River) after Sachin abd Sitara went to sleep – though Sitara got apspecvial treat – a book reading by her ShannonMami.
Monday 9 August 2010
The kids came to Deep River with their mom to play with their Mama/Mami who are here in Deep River until Tuesday – after that they are going camping in the Algonquin park .
The morning was spent playing and enjoying each other company . Sitara played puzzles with her Mama while Sachin spent time with his Mami . Then at lunch time all went out for a picnic at the Marina in Deep River . After the picnic, the kids went to sleep in the afternoon while Sunir/Shannon went for a walk on the Riverbank (newly built promenade along the Ottwa River passing thru Deep River).
In th evening all went to a “Corn Roast” organised by the local candidate for the Liberal party ( Christine Tabbert ) at her family’s farm on Forest Lea Road, Pembroke in honour of the Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff – whose “bus caravan” was visiting the Renfrew County.
The kids were cajoled and kissed by the politicians – Zsuzsanna Zsohar (Mike Ignatieff’s wife) really liked Sitara and spent good time with her. Sachin was cajoled and held by Mike and others too.
Michael Ignatieff (sitting)- Federal Liberal leader and Christine Tabbert (standing) – local liberal candidate for the coming (who knows when) federal election. Sachin in his stroller besides Sitara in her stroller. Nina & Sunjay standing besides the strollers . Shannon & Sunir are in the far background – Shannon in green T-shirt and Sunir next to her – in glasses and brownish T-shirt. There is Theresa & Peter – standing behind Christine on the photo.
The picnic was very entertaining with Hot Dogs, corns with salad on the side etc. The beverage was water bottles only . The dessert at the end was vanilla ice cream.
The kids had a ball of a time with their Mama/Mami – and danced and played with them on the field – with the accompaniment of live music. The “Corn Roast” ended at 8.00 pm and the Liberal bus went back to Ottawa .
After the “Corn Roast”, the kids went with their parents to Pembroke for shopping etc and the rest of the party (Mama/Mami & Nana/Nani) went to Peter/Teresa’s home for tea and social. Peter/Teresa also had come to the “Corn Roast and they live not very far from the Christine family’s farm.
Tuesday 10 August 2010
Today, Kids came to Deep River with their mom -as they had yearly medical check-up . Sachin got his vaccination ( injection on both arms) .
After lunch, the kids were taken by their mom to the “Shriner’s Circus” in Petawawa. Both Sachin & Sitara enjoyed the circus. They went with a group of moms (from Deep River- all who normally meet with each other at various kids programs) with kids .
After the Circus , they came back to Deep River and joined their dad – all had dinner at nana/nani home and after that they went to Mackey – after a bit of play and socialising.
Monday 16 August 2010
The kids have not been to Deep River since last few days but we heard (on phone from his mom)that Sachin on Sunday 15 August 2010- when alone in the living room in Mackey – stood up and walked a few steps on his own. So now slowly the crawling will end and walking will start – though it still may take a couple of weeks for the complete transformation.
Sitara has started to go back to her “babysitter” – though today she threw up when taken there in the morning by her dad. Her dad took her back home to Mackey – distance of 25 minutes of drive. Sitara is slowly getting back to routine after a strenuous trip to UK – for six weeks and before that to US = for two weeks.
Tuesday 17 August 2010
Both kids went with their mom to FEN classes at Pt. Alexander Library – starting at 10.00 am. Both Nana& nani also went from Deep River to join them. It was fun and both kids played along with other kids at the FEN room .
After that they came to Deep River and spent their time at their nana/nani home. Their dad also joined for dinner . Sachin have started taking to walking more. This day, with nana in the living room – he took about 12 steps towards his mom and later walked from his dad (on one sofa – a long one) to his mom (on another sofa – a short one – a love seat ).
Also this day, Sachin ate strawberry (from a bottle commercially prepared for the babies) for the first time.
Saturday 21 August, 2010
Today we were invited to go to Mackey in the afternoon to meet Nina/Sunjay friends from Toronto (Brampton) – Anil & Shauna with their son Aditi ( Aditi is about 3 years old – a couple of months younger than Sitara). We also met Rajesh – who has recently come to the area to work at the Atomic Energy site.
Sitara was playing alone as Aditi was taken for a ride in car to Deep River – so that he can catch up on his sleep . Nana read a book (on aliens) to her and the she also went to have her afternoon nap.
This was necessary as she was up playing anf getting bored and her time for nap was due.
Sachin got up from his sleep (afternoon nap) – just after his nana/nani arrived to Mackey. He played and enjoyed with both nana/nani . He has started to show his liking of a particular toy and pointing to it and saying “that” . This is good – now he has started using one or two words for his communication.
Friday 27 August 2010
This day the kids’ parents are travelling to Toronto – to celebrate their wedding anniversary and attend a couple of social events. So both grandchildren (Sitara & Sachin) are to spend three (3) nights with their nana/nani in Deep River – and be with their parents on Monday – sometime in the evening.
Sitara was at her baby-sitter’s and was picked up by her nana at 5.00 p.m – she did not see her parents leave for Toronto. After dinner, her nana took her to the Deep River Public library at 7.00 p.m ( she was promised – to borrow some children books ) but the library was closed – so her nana took her to the marina – to play there at the children’s gym and also to throw pebbles in the Ottawa River – she likes that – to see ripples on the water surface.
On Saturday, the kids were taken to the beach in the afternoon. They really enjoyed that -as the sun was out but not too hot and it was a slightly breezy day. Sachin has started to understand to play with the Shape Sorter toy ( a Fisher Price Toy – which his mom used to play when she was a baby and also his Sunir Uncle when he was a baby) and also with other toys too. He is very active – no crying but smiles on his face – and he plays with all the toys equally well and interest.
Sunday 29 August 2010
It was warm/hot day. The kids stayed in the house during the morning but after their nap in the afternoon, it was decided to go out for picnic at the Deep River marina – there is a kid gym there as well as there is a gazibo for picnic. Both Sachin and Sitara played at the kids gym – sliding and other items. Then nani started a feed for Sachin and Sitara and her nana went to the river shore . She wanted to creat ripples in the river – by throwing pebbles . A lady came along and said it is better to throw pieces of bread -as there were geese in the river and they would like that. She had spare scones – which she gave to Sitara . Sitara enjoyed offering bread (scone) pieces to the geese . Oh! then seagulls started to come and take away the scone pieces and poor geese would just remain without one. Sitara – in her well modulated voice – kept telling the seagulls ‘Go Away! Go Away! Sitara had a great time feeding the flock of geese and see the flutter in the water .
In the meantine Sachin got fed at the gazibo. After sometime , both Sitara and her nana came to the gazibo to partake in the picnic. After the picnic – the kids had a couple of slides at the gym before returning to home.
They slept well duirng the night . On Monday, their mom came ( the parents had already returned to Mackey from Toronto on Sunday night) in the morning a sSitara was to go to her baby-sitters place.
Sachin also went to the baby-sitter’s place this day . His first (of many to come as he is growing up and his mom is to start her professional work in about 10 days) . Sachin spent about 2 hours at the baby-sitter – and his mom also stayed there – for his first day. He enjoyed playing with other kids there.
In the evening, Sitara was picked up from the baby-sitter’s place by her mom and all had dinner at nana/nani place – where their dad also joined in after his work.
Pravin Shah