This post is a continuation of the earlier posts — Being Grandparents (paternal) -1 & Being Grandparents (paternal)- 2 as the previous posts were becoming a tad bit busy.
Thursday 6 October 2011
This day Maya’s cousins from Mackey came to visit her. Both Sitara & Sachin travelled to Toronto with their parents in their Saab car. They had great time together. The cousins returned back to Mackey on Monday 10 October 2011 – with their mom as their dad stayed behind for his office work. Unfortunately on the last day ( Sunday night or early Monday morning) Sachin had fallen sick with Croup. He was treated at Sick Children hospital- taken there at 4.00 a.m in the morning . He had to have an IV also as his heart rate were found a tad bit higher (than normal) for a 2 year old kid.
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About Croup
Croup is a condition that causes an inflammation of the upper airways ”” the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). It often leads to a barking cough or hoarseness, especially when a child cries.
Most cases of croup are caused by viruses. Those involved are usually parainfluenza virus (which accounts for most cases). Croup is most common ”” and symptoms are most severe ”” in children 6 months to 3 years old, but can affect older kids, too.
Most cases of viral croup are mild and can be treated at home, though rarely it can be severe and even life-threatening. Some children are more prone to developing croup when they get a viral upper respiratory infection.
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Maya however was oblivious to this as she is just an infant but she she held herself well .
Tuesday 11 October 2011
Maya had her two-month checkup this day (morning time) -taken by her mom to the clinic. She had done well and had two shots (vaccination) . She cried only for a few minutes at the time and then was quite happy for the next 2 hours while she & her mom visited her great gran and great grandpa.
Afterwards she was a bit cranky and possibly sore and could not take the infant Tylenol -which when given – she coughed and choked and threw it all up… poor girl.
Maya is growing like a champ! She is up to 11 lb 4 oz!!! (50% ile). Her head is 38cm (25% ile) and she is nice and long at 59cm (75% ile)!
Her dad was away this day to California (on office business) missing her .
Sunday 16 October 2011
It seems Maya was getting flavour of Halloween early as her parents were dressing her with Haloween outfits and savouring the beauty that was Maya.
Maya’s photo in orange pumpkin emboidered outfit was corculated for all to enjoy the beautiful baby .
Friday 21 October 2011
Maya went to Montreal – in French milieu with her parents. Her dad had a business appointment there so the family decided to make it a vacation weekend.
Sitara and Sachin were travelling to Toronto with their parents this weekend to participate in a Diwali Party organised by (Nina & Sunir) Deep River friend, Priyanka . Sunir /Shannon & maya were also invited but they had to skip that due to visit to Montreal . Though Maya missed her cousins from Mackey, she was okay as she had a great visit in Montreal with her mom taking her places (when her dad was busy with his business appointment) .
This is what her mom said in her e-mail with a photo of a visit to the biodome .
” Maya aime Montreal ‘.
She loved looking at all the different ecosystems, especially the rainforest (where this photo was taken). Her mom had some delicious croissants for breakfast and both enjoying Montreal . Of Course Sunir was at his business meeting.
Monday 31 October 2011
Maya’s first Halloween day was exciting to say the least. She was part of a competition at her dad’s office for Costume Contest ’11.
Her dad had posed himself as a Pumpkin farmer -holding Maya – dressed in splendid orange pumpkiny outfit in his arms . Her bapuji commented on the Contest website that
” Maya rocks with her dad Sunir, She is just pumpkinly ”“ remind me of Haloween”.
Her mom had also circulated (to friends and family members) a latest photo of Maya in a different Halloween costume dress (orange) -where Maya seems to be giving a scaring scream. Atta girl – you are in a halloween spirit here.
Maya had a run of Halloween “Trick or Treat” outing with her parents in the neighbourhood on the Halloween day – at known homes.
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Friday 4 November to Monday 7 November 2011 – Visit to Deep River & Diwali celebration .
Maya
Friday 4 August 2011
She came, she conquered and she left. That is Maya , Ba & Bapuji’s VIP.
Maya arrived in Deep River on Friday late at night about 10.00 p.m – her first visit to Deep River . She came from Toronto with her parents driven in a rental silver Nissan (Altima 25S) saloon car . She was carried into her Ba/bapuji’s home nicely saddled in her car seat . She was waking up from her sleep — earlier induced by running car – being in the car from Huntsville after stopping over at her maternal Great Grandma/Grandpa home at Huntsville.
Maya is getting to be 3 months old (born on 7 August 2011) . Both ba/Bapuji welcomed her Indian style – giving her “Good Luck” money and kissed her. She was a bit groggy as she was getting up from her sleep but after a few squeals -s he was taken by her mom to her already prepared crib – to continue her sleep.
It was surmised that her squeals were a bit “Croupy” in sound – which signified a congestion in her chest. It being cold and furnace being on with heat – it was decided to start up a humidifier and a vapouriser . The vapouriser was placed in her room for the night while the humidifier was left in the living room (which was shut off after about an hour) .
Next day on Saturday ( 5 November 2011) , she woke up early . She came into the kitchen with her mom. Bapuji was up also and was getting ready to have his breakfast . Maya gave her most captivating smile to Bapuji -which send him to all happiness. She also responded to Bapuji’s baby talk to her . She was most charming. Her mom fed her changed her when her Ba also was ready to coddle her. Ba held her in her arms and played with her. Thuis allowed her mom went back to sleep -to get rest . Ba played with her on the carpet and then she was placed on a layer baby blankets with infant toys around her. She played with both Ba & bapuji and picked a toy and try that out in her mouth. After a bit of playing with her Ba/Bapuji she went to sleep and slept by herself for 3/4 of an hour.
Maya went for a stroll (in her stroller) outdoors with her parents in the morning before lunch. . She had a bird’s eye view of Deep River from the stroller -and went downtown and stopped over with her parents at the Coffee Shop . After they returned back from the stroll and had lunch- Maya had a nap before getting ready to go out to Diwali party. She got ready at about 3.00 p.m and after all adults were ready – everyone went by car ( her parents and Maya in one car and Ba/bapuji in another car) to Lions Hall in Chalk River to celebrate Diwali with the East Indian Community and others of a larger community who came as guests.
Her cousins Sitara & Sachin came later at the party as they had other activities to attend to.
It was a bit of a surprise that our invited guest , Anne, to the party was already at the Lions Hall parking waiting for us . Anne is one of Bapuji’s Petawawa bridge card playing colleagues – who came out earlier (with other two ladies – Bapuji’s bridge colleagues) to celebrate Maya’s first month’s birthday ( a lunch at Deep River PetroCanada restaurant) .
At the parking lot, Anne got introduced to Maya , Shannon & Sunir . Anne was so excited and pleased to see Maya . She had a gift for Maya (and also for her Ba (Jackie) . Sunir/Shannon wished Anne a happy 65th birthday -so did Bapuji. Anne was a bit surprised for that . (Bapuji had earlier informed Sunir/Shannon about Anne’s birthday). Ba was already gone into the Lions Hall -so Anne did not meet her at that time. However, immediately when all arrived in the Lions Hall , Ba was there at the entrance. So both Anne & Ba exchanged pleasantries.
The Diwali program was excellent. Maya took all happenings in her small strides. She got introduced to many Community friends by her parents . Maya also took part in Puja and did Aarti too – all with her parents. Anne was there all along.
Both Sitara and Sachin (Maya’s cousins) arrived a bit later but joined to enjoy the entertainment program & after that the Magic Show by magician Steve . At one point when Sitara was sitting next to her ShannonMami – Bapuji brought Maya to her. Oh! Sitara -so lovingly caressed her then kissed her cheek. That was very moving. During the entertainment program, bapuji gave a short talk on Diwali & also recited a poem on Autumnal peace . At that time Bapuji publicly welcomed Maya to her first visit to Deep River to celebrate her first Diwali & Indian (Hindu) New Year and to commemorate this visit her Bapuji announced a small contribution to the Deep River & District Hospital towards purchase of capital equipment.
After the Magic Show (by Steven Anthony) and dinner , there was time for free floor dancing – initially Gujarati Gurba and then Punjabi Bhangra. Sitara was all into it with her nice Indian purple outfit adorned with a soft purple “duppatta“. She was very particular to have the “duppatta” . Sachin also took part in dancing with great enthusiasm.
Maya was not to be left behind. She danced carried by her Faiba (Nina) on the floor a few minutes but more with her Bapuji. All had good dinner and all in all good fun at the function.
Maya left with her parents early for home so she can have her sleep and rest.
On Sunday (6 November) morning Maya got up early. She was all pleasant and charming with broad smiles and with beautiful twinkle in the eyes. She was coddled by her Ba & Bapuji while her parents had opportunity to take time to rest. She was placed on blankets on the living room carpet and both Ba & Bapuji played with her- sometimes with infant toys. Maya then went to sleep for 45 minutes . That was very refreshing.
Both Sitara & Sachin came over with their parents to play with Maya and also to spend time with her parents . Moreover this day (being Maya & her parents being here in Deep River) , it was an opportune time to celebrate Sunjay’s (Sitara & Sachin’s dad – Maya’s Fuva) upcoming birthday – his birthday being on Saturday 12 November 2011- (when both Ba & Bapuji will be in Toronto -to attend an Engineering conference — of course also Maya & her parents would also have returned back to Toronto after a short visit to Deep River to celebrate Diwali with the family and the East Indian Community.)
Before lunch . a ceremonial cake ( baked by Maya’s Ba – Sitara/Sachin’s nani), with candles (Sitara helped to place the candles on the Cake) was carried from kitchen by Sitara & her nani with birthday song -to living room where Sunjay was sitting with the family -all having small talk about many things. Everyone joined in the birthday celebration with song and chatter, It was also recognised that it was also Maya’s 3-month birthday (on 7 November 2011) and also of Maya’s Ba’s birthday (on 15 November 2011) .
The cake was taken to the Dining Room table – candles were blown off ( with a wish) by Sunjay and cake was then cut by Sunjay helped by both Sitara and Sachin.
The cake was eaten at that time by Sitara & Sachin – the adults felt to leave eating cake after the lunch. This was done once the lunch was over. All had great time during lunch . Both Sitara & Sachin also enjoyed the lunch – even though having eaten the cake before. Maya was a well behaved baby during lunch and kept all enthralled by her cooing and smiles.
After lunch, there were gifts for all from the grandparents (for Sunjay’s birthday , for Diwali to all , for celebrating motherhood to Shannon & for being Faiba ( Maya’s paternal auntie) to Nina .
Sachin left early to go to Mackey with his dad as he needed to have his afternoon nap. Though he did not want to go but it was necessary for his rest.
Sitara had more time to spend with Maya – first she was alone without Sachin being here and second that her swimming Class at Mackenzie Pool was cancelled for some reason. Sitara usually goes for her swimming class on Sundays at 6.00 p.m Sitara spent this time to play with all but more with Maya. She laid besides Maya on the living room carpet caressing and coddling Maya her . She also played with Maya with the infant toys . At one time when Sitara was alone in the living room -laid along Maya- Sitara entertained Maya with nursery songs (the songs that she knew). That was very touching – love oozing out from a 4 year old girl for her infant cousin.
Sitara and he mom left about 7.00 p.m for home to Mackey . Sitara was heavy hearted – she did not want to go but being a 4 year mature girl she did go though reluctantly.
After that Maya went to sleep in the crib and adults (her parents & grandparents) took opportunity to play bridge (card game) for about an hour. This was a distraction for fun — to have after the day’s entertainment with Maya.
Monday 7 November 2011
Maya was up as usual early and she was greeted with Happy 3 months Birthday by her Ba and a bit after by her Bapuji . The parents had some time to rest but then they had to get ready early too as they had plans to depart for Toronto early . Lo Behold ! both Sitara & Sachin also came from Mackey (before going to their Baby-sitter home & then For Sitar to go to School) . This morning meeting resulted in all three grandchildren gathered around their grandma on the living room carpet -when a nice pose for a joint photo was established and photos taken. All three children were united in hugs and on their grandma’s lap. Both Sitara & Sachin said bye to Maya – kissed her and then gave hugs to their ShannonMami & SunirMama .
Maya went out on a walk with her mom prior to getting ready to go to Toronto. Maya left with her parents for Toronto at about 10.00 a.m – the car drove away quietly leaving behind many good impressions and sprinkles of love and warmth . The grandparents will miss Maya – but they have already started looking and enjoying many photos and video clips left behind.
On the way, they stopped in Huntsville at Maya’s maternal great grandparents and arrived safely at Toronto around 7.45 pm. Maya had a successful long drive away from home. In the past she had gone away a few times to the cottage country and once to Niagara Falls. Atta girl!
She came, she conquered and she left. That is Maya , Ba & Bapuji’s VIP.
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Saturday 26 November 2011
This day Maya goes to Cuba – her first plane ride (air-flight) to a foreign country. Of course with her parents, Grandparents (maternal) & others – who have been invited to attend a wedding of Shannon’s family friend. Unfortunately before the flight (two to three days before) both Maya & Shannon had been suffering from cold.
Sunday 4 December 2011
This day was of anticipation . First Sitara & Sachin (Maya’s cousins living here close to Deep River) were to come home in Deep River to help decorate the Christmas tree and then for all to go out in the evening to watch the Deep River Santa parade. But also all were waiting anxiously to hear from Toronto that Maya & her parents have come back from Cuba safely and having had a good time there.
Note: At the time when Maya & parents went to Cuba last Saturday- both Maya & her mom (Shannon) were sick & miserable with cold .
This had raised a bit of anxiety level in grandparents. Good news were received from Toronto in the evening that all have arrived back in Toronto safely and with better health . This topped the day having had good time with Sitara & Sachin during the day.
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Here is Maya’s view of the Cuban experience as articulated by her Grandma (maternal), Kathy, who also was with her during the visit to Cuba. This writing was received by electronic mail on December 08, 2011 at 10.00 pm Maya”™s Trip to Cuba: Nov 26 ”“ Dec 4, 2011 (as told to her grandma) My parents and I went on an airplane and I showed my passport.
Cuba is nice but you have to wear a hat. I don”™t like that. But you can have bare feet. I like that except when someone splashes cold water on my toes. One day we went to a wedding and I wore pink shoes. But only for a few minutes. A lot of people like to sit still in Cuba and read a book. I don”™t like that. So some people took me for a walk. I didn”™t even know them all but they were quite nice. One day at the beach I got sand in my ears, eyes, nose, bellybutton, mouth and everywhere else. Then I had a shower and a bath with Mommy. After that we didn”™t go to the beach. Usually I went everywhere with Mommy and Daddy but one night I didn”™t. I was already asleep so I didn”™t know it was just Grandma in the room. In the airport on the way home, Daddy had to wake me up and take me out of my stroller to get my photo taken, so they could compare it to my passport to see if I was really me. That was funny. Cuba has lots of things to look at but nothing as interesting as my Winkel toy. M.J.K.S. ————————————————– Wednesday 7 December 2011 To-day Maya is 4 months old. Her photo taken in Toronto to-day by her mom shows tahts he has now grown and graduaated to sit in a “bumbo” seat. It thrilled her Ba & bapuji most that Maya graduated to the ‘bumbo” seat. She has her signature conversational smile (in the photo) which wins hearts . Note: To-day is a special day for her Ba/Bapuji – as they bought a new 40″ SHARP HD Led TV and had that delivered and put together at home in Deep River. Saturday 10 December 2011 According to her mom’s e-mail posted today to family & friends , Maya seems to be getting in the spirit of celebrating her first Christmas and today is the first Christmas party that she will be participating in. This is what her mom wrote ” Maya is all set for our Christmas party today… minus her party dress, of course! ” Atta girl. She likes to be coddled. She gives smiles which are so friendlythat there is no doubt that she will be star of the party.