Wednesday 1 January 2014

Well Maya left for Toronto at about 11.00 am -with   her parents in their silver Subaru Outback car. After a stop at Huntsville at her great grandparents home – they arrived back at Toronto at about 6.00 pm.

Her cousins had a great time   playing with her – she being the baby of the lot.

Saturday 11 January 2014

The past few days when Maya settled down in her routine days – going to daycare and then spending time with the family   – specially in chilly freezing weather – with ice and stormy cold days – her cousins (Sitara and Sachin) also got into their routine – of going to school and also their evening activities such as swimming and skating. At one time Sitara went for skiing (at Mt. Martin Ski hill in Deep River) with her dad – Sachin kind of playing   ” hookie ‘ that day and came over to his nana/nani home with his mom.

On Thursday 9 January 2014 –   both nana/nani decided to go over first to the Deep River Mackenzie Pool to watch Sitara at her swimming session. Sitara goes by herself to the pool after her school is over – the pool being within the Mackenzie compound.

She displayed her keen interest in her swimming – doing her breaststroke run-   long lenght –   with great aplomb and with reasonably good speed. She had an opportunity with other kids – to do a bit of diving at deep end.   After her swimming session – all ambled along to Deep River arena   (Sitara with her mom in their VW Passat car and nana/nani in their Dodge minivan ) to   watch Sachin at his ice skating session.

Sachin was brought to arena by his dad separately – he being gone to his baby-sitter home (Jeannette) after school by bus .   Sachin has improved a lot in his ice skating since he started this his first go at skating – he being 4 yrs+. He can skate around (mind you almost kind of walking – and not sliding as yet) . But he is very stable on his   skates- does not fall down often and when he falls down he can get up on his own without any help or waiting for anyone around.   Sachin is a tough kid – he is lke the   proverbial “Eveready Battery ”   – goes round and round the arena – without any fear and does all the moves his “Coach” asks the kids to do . It is quite obvious that he is enjoying himself – though not quite skating ( that is – sliding and going faster) that other kids or skaters do. He is a determined kid and will learn proper skating by the time this season’s session is over.

Wednesday 15 January 2014

Sitara lost her 4th tooth yesterdayat the school playground – having lost the 3rd last week when playing with Sachin.She was bit dismayed as the tooth is now lost. She therefore wrote a letter to the Tooth Fairy as below:
2014 Janyer 14th
Dear Tooth fairy my front tooth came out in the playground in the snow. Please look for my tooth there.

Love Sitara

Love Tara.

Saturday   04 January 2014

Both Sitara and Sachin spent the day at St. Martin Ski Hill in Deep River   – with their parenst. This has now become a norm – every Saturday in winter they now spend skiing -downhill at St. Martin Ski Hill. Sitara is doing well and now taking more challenging trails and Sachin has flowered into a good skiier – goes by himself with confidence and poise. A boy of 41/2 years and he enjoys his skiing downhill.   Sachin graduated to skiing by himself starting on Sunday 05 January at 2.00 p.m.

Thursday 16 January 2014

This day Sachin got his first badge for doing okay in his Skating session at the arena ice rink in deep River.
Saturday 18 January and Sunday 19 January 2014

These two days were to be exceptional days for Maya – to be foreever remembered.

She was baby-sat by her grandpa ( maternal ) – Doug was alone himself that weekend as Kathy (grandma) had gone away to New York to see her friends. Maya’s mom was on call that weekend (thus busy with her hospital duties) and her dad was home but quite franticallly busy preparing for his up-coming conference in USA.   So the grandpa came to the rescue and happily took Maya to his home and baby-sat her for two days – giving Maya a great grandfatherly care and comfort when her parents needed some time to themselves – each one to work on the individual work demand.

What an experience for both; for Maya to savour grandfather’s care and for Doug to play and imbibe the granddaughter’s attention and love.

Sunday 26 January 2014

Maya interacted with her Ba/Bapuji in the Skype ( Maya in Toronto and her Ba/Bapuji in Deep River ) – all bubbly and excited to talk and show off her dresses and art work.   The converstion lasted   a good of time – she never getting tired and her Ba/Bapuji just lapping up the fun.

Monday 27 January 2014

Maya and her daddy went for a swimming class – for Maya.

This is what her mom wrote on an   e-mail to family members

”   Maya is enjoying swimming and getting more confident… this week she blew bubbles twice!

I got a look at our other little fish (ie. cocoa puff) today at the third trimester ultrasound. Everything looks good and the estimated weight is already at 4.5 pounds! ”

This elates the good feelings and joy in our hearts.
Tuesday   28 January 2014

This day Maya’s grandma (Kathy) in Toronto posed a question with a posting   on her facebook page.

It goes like below:

“Kids and grand kids: are they meant to help you stop brooding on the meaning of life…. Or are they the meaning of life?”

Well, such a beautiful querry.

Being grandpa to three grankids ( 2 in Deep River area -Sitara and Sachin – and one in Toronto – Maya ) , I can vouch that I have always felt since Sitar was born that   ” they are the meaning of life “.     Whatever successes or failures we have sustained in our lives – all lead to nurturing and nourishing our grandkids – who are giving us immense love and joy and meaning of life.   They fill our days and our hope too – seeing them and playing with them gives the anchor on our lives – at least that what I feel and believe.

Friday 31 January 2014

This day was a PA day at Mackenzie   school (in Deep River) and thus the school was not openfor the kids. Both Sitara and Sachin spent time at home in Mackey with their mom. This is what they did while in Mackey – as described by their mom in her posting on her Facebook.

“Our first snowshoe excursion….fun! Found lots of winter treefort spots with the kids. Sitara is definately our trail-cutter!”

A great fun and adventure. Their nana always wanted to do snowshoeing   (since migrating to Canada in 1974) but   have not found courage or gumption to do that.

Saturday 1 February 2014

Kids (Sitara and Sachin) were dropped off (about 4.30 pm) at their nana/nani place after their sking outing for the day at St. Martin Ski Hill in Deep River . The parents then went away to Pembroke for shopping and a dinner between two of them.

Kids like to be at their nana/nani place.   They   went about playing with nana and nani – also on the computer in tweh beginning. Sitara is good at playing on Computer but these days Sachin also has started to take keen interest   in playing on the Computer. They get easy access at their nana’s computer and they are becoming a bit conversant with the machine.

After dinner – oh! both are so polite and had a very lively and good dinner with their nana/nani. At the dinner time – they noted some Christmas chocolates on the side table – which each one wanted . So nana/nani agreed that they can have 2 chocolates each ( from ” princess ” box by Sitara and from   ” superman ” box by Sachin) So each one collected their share of the chocolates and kept these under their dinner plates . No fuss of   eating these there and then. They had the patience and trist of their nana/nani – they completed their dinner well and only after that they devoured the two chocolates each. They did not even ask for more – what a satiating nature both have – also discipline and respect for their nana/nani.
After that both were with their nani – doing painting with chalk and water painting . Sitara has knack for painting and the little fellow just get into it but remains still grappling a bit – but like an   ” everedy battery ” -does not give up and completes his work .

After the painting was over – Sachin played with his nana with the small toy sports cars (some 25 + in number –   a left over from his Mama’s collection when he was a kid) . Sachin   just enjoys this playing with cars interfacing with his nana- always smiling and showing obvious pleasure of fun.

Later, Sitara wanted nana to read a story book ( the story book nana/nani bought for Christmas present)   – which anna likes to do at every time kids visit Deep River to their nana/nanai home. Sitara is keen on story reading (by her nana)   since she was born and takes keen interest in the stories – most remembered by her.

This time she slithered up on the back of the long black sofa (in teh living room) on which nana was sitting . This is her hallmark – always she enjoys lying on top of the back of the sofa -like a purring satisfied cat – at least for a while and then she comes down and snuggles up   close to her nana. Sachin was there too in the living room but he was keen on playing with his sports toy cars.   His nana is sure that he was listening to the stories too .

Well then both came down to the Computer room and played on it -kids Computer games   . It was interesting that this time they did not want to watch TV.
On Thursday (06 February 2014 ) , both nana/nani went to Deep River arena to watch Sachin skating – to enjoy his progress so far. He has come a long way – now he – kind of – runs and had good balance – very few falls. Though he is still a bit away from smooth skating – but getting there . He is the little fellow who keeps going and going without fear or tiredness.

His mom and Sitara were at the viewing   window. Sitara as usual is a very keen girl – while watching Sachin – she also completed her school home work. She has discipline   . So far she has read more 106 books and her writing is getting to be smooth and well done

On Saturday 08 February , 2014 – both kids came to nana/nani home (about 4.00 pm) for a sleep over   —   dropped by her dad after their skiing at St. Martin Ski Hill.   immediately when they arrived at nana/nani home, both went   to the backyard to play in the snow. They used snow shovels   (readily available in the front of the house) and dug out tunnels in high pile of snow (against the house). Their nana joined them also – after their dad left for Mackey   ( at Mackey the parents were preparing to entertain   (dinner etc) some collegues from their dad’s workplace. So the kids had a sleep over at their nana/nani place.   This was great as kids wanted to have a sleep over for some time and this opportunity came along.

They were picked by their mom on Sunday after lunch – from there they went with their mom to Deep River arena – for participating in the Deep River Winter festival   – a North Ontario Science Museum do and after that to go for skating at the Arena.

Both kids had enjoyed their stay at nana/nani home –   playing in the snow , Sitara playing on the Computer and Sachin playing   with his trucks . Both did some coloring – ( they have coloring books ) and watched   kids TV – but more over they enjoyed watching with their nani   an Indian program – Boogie Woogie   – which is for dancing talent in India – This Saturday evening they 9Boogie Woogie) had a very special theme program – with each dancer dancing as an animal – such as a gorrilla, an ant, a fly and most intriguing as a snake (cobra).

A posting by Sitara’s mom on her Friday 07 February 2014 Facebook entry – said the following:

”   Sitara told me tonight that it was her boyfriend’s last day at school today. I asked her if she was sad and if she gave him a hug goodbye. She looked at me for a second blushed, smiled, and looked away as she said “Mommy, there are other boys you know”. I don’t know what to think of this. I suppose it is good that she is not sad as she is only 6 years old but not sure I like that she has moved on after 3 hours (sidenote….they had been friends for 2.5 years )   “

Friday 14 February 2014

To-day being Valentine day – Ba/Bapuji exchanged Best Wishes with Maya & her parents – first Ba/Bapuji sending greetings by e-mail and then Maya ( in fact her parents-mom ) phoning to Ba/Bapuji for verbal greetings. Maya was very effusive in her greetings and did rememeber her Bapuji. She was saying to her Ba – ” I want to say Happy Valentine Day to Bapuji.

Saturday 15 February 2014

This day the kids (Sitara and Sachin) went for skiing at the St. Martin Ski Hill in Deep River with their parents and after the skiing was over – all came to nana/nani place to rest a bit and then getting ready for a dinner at a newly opened local restaurant – Santa Fe – which opened recently at the Shamrock Hotel in Deep River.   This chain of restaurants is very popular for Mexican food.   So all six of the family ( the kids, parents and grandparents) went over to the restuarant – a booth was already reserved – for 5.30 p.m.   All had a great time and each one enjoyed the food . The kids had a   special menu of Grilled cheese sandwich and fries.

This is what their mom posted on her FacebooK entry

“Had a wonderful night out….a great end to a fun day! So glad that we finally have a lively restaurant with great customer service in Deep River….definately will be going back to Santa Fe.”

Sunday 16 February 2014

Kids again went for skiing with parents and then after that all came over to nana/nani place and   after dinner kids had fun playing with their nana, on the computer and watching TV a bit (children’s program) – and had a sleep over at nana/nani place – as Monday was holiday in Ontario ( in lieu of Family Day )     — therefore there was no school BUT their dad was working   – so it was easier for the kids and their mom to get ready next day for free skating at Deep River Arena and then in the afternoon to go for tobagganning.     Of Course their mom and dad went to Mackey for the night.

Monday 17 February 2014

This day Maya will be with her mom – for few days – as her dad had gone over to USA on business.   Maya is excited and look forward to welcome her baby sibling pretty soon.   While her dad is away, Maya will have more time to spend with her HeatherAuntie and RyanUncle as well as with her grandpa and grandma in Toronto.

Tuesday 18 February 2014

This day kids (Sitara and Sachin) had another sleep-over at nana/nani place – after Sitara’s swimming session and Sachin’s skating session (after school was over)   – each were dropped separately at nana/nani home. All had dinner and after dinner their mom went to ski hill for her ski lesson and later joined by their dad who went to the Ski Hill after Sachin and him finished their dinner .     Kids then played with each other – had story books read to them and then finnally went to bed.

Parents went to Mackey after their skiing at the St. Martin Hill in Deep River   – Their mom dropping her Passat VW car at nana/nani garage and substituting that withhnana/nani   dodge minivan – to go home to Mackey.

This arrangement was so that their mom get time at Mackey to pack for their mini- holiday (from Wednesday evening to Saturday) for skiing at Mount Pakenham – while in the morning of Wednesday they were dropped at school by their nana/nani.   So Wednesday evening they went to Ottawa and stayed there before spending a day at Mount Pakenham on Thursday.
This is what their mom posted on her Facebook entry of Thursday February 20, 2014 :

” Two amazing report cards for my two amazing children! The reward? A day together as a family skiing in Pakenham today! Had to move it forward by one day because it is going to rain tomorrow   “

Another post   by their mom at   7:36 PM of the same date ( 20 February 2014 ) :

“Awesome day at Fultons Sugar Shack and Mount Pakenham….still here night skiing. So much for the kids to do here and the kids could ski almost all the runs. Not sure if Sitara has gotten her one wish….to try the terrain park. She is still out there!”

Again at   7.46 PM
“Awesome day at Fultons Sugar Shack and the afternoon and evening skiing at Mount Pakenham. Sitara and Daddy are still out there. Proud that Sachin lasted more than 4 hours straight skiing   ”

Another entry on the Facebook by their mom on Thursday 20 February 2014
“Awesome day at Fultons Sugar Shack and the afternoon and evening skiing at Mount Pakenham. Sitara and Daddy are still out there. Proud that Sachin lasted more than 4 hours straight skiing ”
On Friday 21 February 2014 – the kids (Sitara & Sachin) and parents   spent time at the Museum of Science and Technology.
Here is posting of the same day on Facebook by their mom
“The kids are playing so nicely with a bunch of teenagers chasing eachother through the dark spaceage flashing light maze thing at the Museum of Science and Tech. Sunjay on the otherhand is busy running back and forth from the giftshop to me trying to convince me to buy a 3D spaceship cookie cutter set. I may breakdown and let him buy them”

Kids and parents returned ( from their outing & holiday at Ottawa) to Deep River on Saturday 22 February 2014 arriving at nana/nani place at about 4.00 PM .   The kids relaxed and then had dinner at nana/nani place while their parents got refreshed and ready to go to Pembroke to a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at Victoria Tea House.

The parents left for Pembroke at about 5.30 PM – the kids to have a sleep-over at nana/nani place   for one night.

Saturday    01 March 2014

Its a Red Letter day  in the family.

What a joyous day !   An accomplishment par excellent by both Sitara and Sachin.

In the downhill ski competition at the Mount Martin Ski Hill in Deep River – on  Pat Harvey  Day – both kids participated into the downhill  ski competition – also their parents participated.

Sitara earned a Gold Medal ( in the age group for kids upto 8 years  – Sitara is  ~ 6 3/4 years old  and sachin gained a Silver Medal in the minor group ( he being ~ 4 1/2 yrs old) .

Both nana/nani were witness to the event – they spent better part of the afternoon and evening at hill. One can see a beaming satisfaction in both the kids though  they were very subdued and not showing off or vocal about it , A good trait.

The first medal by Grandkids – a moment to savour for the life time.

——————————-

Today Maya   had her second haircut since she was born .She also got/graduated in her swimming session and earned a prestigious Guardian 2   certificate. Congartulations! Maya – she is fast growing up.

This is what her mom said in an e-mail (to family members)   of the same date :

It had been six months (!) since Maya’s first haircut, so we decided it was time for a trim today. She loves the “haircut store” because, as the photos show, the experience comes complete with a horsey ride and a lollipop 🙂

” In other news, Maya got her swimming report card this morning and passed “Guardian 2”. We are planning to sign up for Guardian 3 next term to get ready for lots of swimming at the cottage and in Deep River this summer!   ”

Sunday   02 March 2014

The following was posted on her Facebook by Sachin’s mom :

”   Me: Sachin! Why do you wake up so early?! (6am yesterday and 7:30am today)
Sachin: Because then I have lots of time to play and do stuff!
Me: Yeah….*yawn* I can’t argue with that... “

What one can say. He is so sweet and always   busy in his toys without bothering anyone and when at nana/nani place ((for a sleep over or otherwise) – he wants play with his nana – always happy and sometimes singing when playing.

Wednesday -12 March 2014 – a VERY IMPORTANT DAY

Welcome to our newest Grandson – Kieran   – Maya’s brother -born around 5.00 a.m in Toronto – proud parents Shannon and Sunir .

They (Sunir/Shannon) called at 6.00 am   and made the annoucement to Kieran’s Ba & Bapuji in Deep River – which made them the happiest Grandparents on this earth.

Here is an e-mail from Maya’s dad sent at 4.52 am (12 March 2014) :-

Shannon is labouring. We will call you when it is here!

Please don’t call. Still a ways to go. Don’t want to disturb Shannon 🙂

Cheers, Sunir
http://twitter.com/sunir

Carefully tapped on an iPhone

Here is what Ba/Bapuji sent Congratulatory e-mail at 6.17 am -titled –   Congratulations – A gift From God

The most happiest/exciting phone call came to us at 6.00 a.m (Wedneday 12
March 2014) – announcing the arrival of our grandson – Kieran – Maya’s
little brother . A gift from God .

We are just proud of you Shannon/Sunir – parents to a “millionaire” family.

We are just bursting with joy .

We are happy that Shannon is doing fine .

Many Many Congratulations to both of you and Maya.

We are looking forward to come over and join in welcoming the newest family
member.

regards

Ba and Bapuji
This is what his foi ( Nina Auntie)   posted on her Facebook at 9.32 am Wednesday 12 March 2014: –

“It’s a boy! I am a happy Foi (Auntie) today! Kieran Douglas Knights Shah arrived this morning at 5:17am, weighing 7lb 10oz. His cousins are sooooooooo excited to meet him!!!”

Both kids Sitara & Sachin were sleep over at nana/nani – and they were excited to know about their new cousin. I think Sachin mentioned that he also has another cousin – James ( imagenary) in Africa.   Sitara mentioned that she knew about the baby as she heard nani talking on the phone – so Sitara must be awake – though in her room but could hear conversations.