Well the October started with few new development in the kids’ lives.
First , both Sitara and Sachin had a sleep over on Monday and Tuesday ( 29 & 30 September, 2014) at nana/nani place – since their dad was going to Pembroke for office meetings (of managers) held there – for which he had to go early and be there by 8.00 am. This way it is easier on the kids to get ready in the mornings for the school.
Then the family had dinner everyday at nana/nani place till Friday evening ( 3 October, 2014) – Friday evening was rather a surprise -as dark clouds were in the sky and thunderstorm kind of disrupted power supply at Mackey – thus though the kids went to Mackey after school with their mom BUT had to turn back to Deep River as there was no electricity at Mackey home .
Well boths kids had great time at nana/nani place and nana/nani had good times with them.
In fact Sitara had blown two baloons ( on Thursday (2 October, 2014) evening -when nana/nani had gone out to play Bridge card game at Deep River Lawn Bowling Club )
– one for nana and one for nani and left each separately in nana/nani bedroom as a gift with a written note attached to each baloon – e.g. for nana – Guess ? and for nani Guess ? ( i.e. she wanted us to guess who left the gift) . So thoughtful and it was very kind of Sitara to remember hernana/nani.
e-mail from Shannon on Sunday 5 October, 2014
It has been an emotional roller coaster weekend here, with my grandfather’s funeral yesterday and Heather and Ryan’s son born at 4am today. She made it back from Huntsville 30 minutes before her water broke! Cole Michael Murphy weighed in at 8lb 1oz and both he and Heather are doing well. Here are some photos of Cole (on the “inside” on Friday and on the “outside” this morning) with his cousins.
Wednesday 1 October, 2014
This day – the start of the new month – was a bit unfortunate one as both Maya and Kieran lost their great- grandfather (Ray in Huntsville, Ontario ) – their mom’s maternal grandfather .
The following posting on 2 October, 2014 at 2.07 pm by Shannon on her Facebook page – give out the news :
Saying goodbye to my grandfather, who died yesterday at age 90. I’m so lucky to have had him in my life and I’m glad both my kids got to meet him too. xo
Both Maya and Kieran were fortunate that were able to spend some time with their great-grandfather.
That it was indeed a gift for the great-grandpa to meet his precious grandchildren. That connection between the oldest and youngest generation is an invisible thread that can’t be broken, even as our beloved elders leave us.
Then Sunday 5 October, 2014
Both Kids – Maya and Kieran were excited to welcome their newest cousin – Cole Michael – in this world.
In an e-mail (along with couple of photos – with both Maya and Kieran with Cole and his mom Heather ) dated 5 October 2014 (2:42 PM) their mom had stated:
It has been an emotional roller coaster weekend here, with my grandfather’s funeral yesterday and Heather and Ryan’s son born at 4am today. She made it back from Huntsville 30 minutes before her water broke! Cole Michael weighed in at 8lb 1oz and both he and Heather are doing well. Here are some photos of Cole (on the “inside” on Friday and on the “outside” this morning) with his cousins.
Wednesday 8 October, 2014
Kieran got his first tooth – bottom middle – just popping out .
His mom sent an e-mail (dated 8 October ,2014) with a photo :
If you zoom in on this photo, you can see the tip of Kieran’s first tooth that just popped through on Monday. He will have a toothy grin in no time 🙂
Ba was very excited to learn about this progress.
Saturday 11 October, 2014 to Monday 20 October, 2014
On Saturday 11 October, 2014 – Ba and Bapuji drove/travelled to Toronto (by their maroon 2001 Dodge Minivan car ) to be with Maya, Kieran, Shannon and Sunir . This was Sunir/Shannon wedding Anniversary day and all had celebratory dinner together at their home. After dinner and after Maya and Kieran were put to bed – both Sunir and Shannon went out to celebrate amongst themselves their anniversary – while Ba and Bapuji stayed home to watch over the kids.
On Monday morning – Sunir went away to California , USA ( for his business interests) and Ba/Bapuji were remaining with family ( Maya, Kieran and their mom) – to give support,
Ba/Bapuji returned back to Deep River on Monday 20 October, 2014 – this is what Bapuji wrote in an e-mail of the same date (which explains most what happened while they were in Toronto) – after having returned safely to Deep River. However it missed out on one important news while we were there – which was that Kieran got his second tooth on Wednesday while we were there.
Also kids had very exciting time with their newest cousin ( Cole ) – mother Heather ( Shannon’s sister).
Thursday 23 October, 2014
Its our Diwali day. There was a family Diwali celebration dinner at Deep River home – when both Sitara and Sachin along with their parents were participating.
NOTE: Diwali also known as Deepavali and the “festival of lights“, is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month ” Kartika” In the Gregorian calender, Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November. Diwali 2014 was on Thursday 23 October, 2014.
Both nana/nani had earlier gone over to Deep River Arena to watch the kids – who had an ice skating session. Both Sitara and Sachin are skating well though yet at the earlier part of their skating experience.
After dinner, all had gathered around , had a hugh candle lit ( near the fire place) and with all lights dimmed to darkness (except the candle light) nana played with the kids making scarry sounds and chasing the kids in the dark. That then reconstituted in to the usual nana playing a ‘ bad wolf ‘ around a camp/tent made from a blanket (in the bedroom) and kids hiding in the tent ) – and the bad wolf ( nana) going huffing and puffing to blow the tent away to get to the kids as his meal. Of course the kids escape using their ingenuity and the bad wolf left with defeat .
After the games – all settled down again in the living room – whence Sitara was influenced to practice her song ( which she has planned to sing on the stage during Indian Community Diwali Celebration on the coming Saturday at Lions Hall in Chalk River ).
The song she was practicing is ” Let it go ” – from the movie ” Frozen “.
What a fabulous voice she has. Nana was just lappimg it up – her practice singing.
Hopefully she will do great at the Diwali program on Saturday ( 25 October, 2014) .
Note: the movie ” Frozen “.
Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” presents “Frozen,” a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey””teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven””to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.
Let It Go Lyrics
The snow glows white on the mountain tonight
Not a footprint to be seen.
A kingdom of isolation,
and it looks like I’m the Queen
The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside
Couldn’t keep it in;
Heaven knows I’ve tried
Don’t let them in,
don’t let them see
Be the good girl you always have to be
Conceal, don’t feel,
don’t let them know
Well now they know
Let it go, let it go
Can’t hold it back anymore
Let it go, let it go
Turn away and slam the door
I don’t care
what they’re going to say
Let the storm rage on.
The cold never bothered me anyway
It’s funny how some distance
Makes everything seem small
And the fears that once controlled me
Can’t get to me at all
It’s time to see what I can do
To test the limits and break through
No right, no wrong, no rules for me,
I’m free!
Let it go, let it go
I am one with the wind and sky
Let it go, let it go
You’ll never see me cry
Here I stand
And here I’ll stay
Let the storm rage on
My power flurries through the air into the ground
My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around
And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast
I’m never going back, the past is in the past
Let it go, let it go
And I’ll rise like the break of dawn
Let it go, let it go
That perfect girl is gone
Here I stand
In the light of day
Let the storm rage on
The cold never bothered me anyway!
Saturday 25 October, 2014
Siatara was resplendent in her light blue princess dress – with a matching crown on her head. This was her ‘ performance dress ‘ when going on the stage to sing her Walt Disney movie (Frozen) song . It was the Diwali (2014) function organised at the Chalk Riverand Area Lions Club by the ” Deep River- Pembroke ” East Indian Community. Her mom was a volunteer to design and have tickets and program published for the event.
Sitara sang beautifully and without any rancour or nervousness – all enjoyed her song. In fact she sang twice as it was felt that at the first time the mike was not operating well. Both times she was superb.
Friday 31 October, 2014
This being the Halloween Day, both Sitara and Sachin came over to Nana/naani home (with their parents ) from the School in Deep River – had a quick dinner (nani made special puri from sooji flour ) and pancakes for the kids . While both kids got ready for their ” Trick or Treat” going about in the town with their parents (Sanjay really dressed himself good – as a green monster ) – their nani had to go over to the Deep River Hospital (driven by their nana) for an emergency – she started to get cramps in hands and feet – both sides and it was looking serious. In tehe meantime, trick-or treat experience was kept on. Note: nani was looked over by the emergency doctor and after blood and heart tests – it was founf all was okay and then nani joined in the fun after coming back home.
This is the first Halloween Day for Kieran inToronto. Both Kieran and Maya dressed appropriately and had a “trick or treat ” moment in the neighborhood. Kiearn had spent the day with his Grandma (Kathy) in Toronto . Here is an e-mail note (with photos) from his Grandma (dated 31 October, 2014) :
Here is Kieran yesterday at my house. I was babysitting for the day while Shannon went to a seminar – quite a tiring experience but fun. He is a pretty happy boy!
Also two pics taken today at 4:00 when the kids stopped by after Maya’s daycare party. It’s been a wet Halloween here.
Best wishes to you both. Nice to hear you had a little visit with my mom. I am going up to see her next weekend.
xoxo Kathy
Note: Talking with his parents on phone on Sunday 2 Nov 2014 – it was noted that Kieran has started crawling now – though backward style .
Saturday 1 November 2014
Nana/nani joined with Sitara and Sachin (along with their parents) in a dinner at Santa Fe restaurant in Pembroke – it was suddenly decided for such an event . It was a very pleasnt dinner – watching and being with the kids. Both Sitara and Sachin drew pictures on Santa Fe paper mats – for kids to draw and enter into a contest. They submited their entry for the contest. The heart-warming story of the day was Sitara was found reading a book all the time even while walking at the restaurant and before having dinner. She is so engrossed in reading books that it is really very unusual to see a girl of 7 years old who loves reading. Good habit Sitara !
Wednesday 5 November 2014
This day was miserable for Sachin – he had temperature and threw up. Hewas nursed at home by his dad – Nina working . This health situation did not get better and on Friday morning (before 7 a.m) his dad had to bring him to DR Hospital ER – however the doctors found that he is okay but suffering from a virus. Sitara spent Thurday night (sleep over) at nana/nani home in Deep River – from there she was taken to her baby-sitter home (from there she catches a school bus to go to her school) on Friday morning by her nana/nani.
Tuesday 4 November 2014
Ba/Bapuji mailed (by Canada Post) a surprise package — Christmas stickers and coloring book/Chocolate calender — for Maya ( and Kieran) addressed to Maya Shah , Toronto . Canada Post tracking (on its website) indicated that the delivery is expected by Tuesday 11 November 2014.
Saturday 8 November 2014
Sachin’s mom posted the following on her FaceBook entry:
” Hopfully a good Pantomime with good friends and dinner out will perk up my Sachin. He’s been cooped up since Tuesday. Looking forward to seeing Sleeping Beauty! “
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Note:
Also first snow — of the season — falling in Deep River – started at noon.
Sunday 9 November 2014
Sitara lost her “molar” tooth to-day. Here is postng by her mom on her FaceBook entry :
” Sitara’s molar just fell out. I kinda remember mine falling out too but I keep getting funny looks when we say her molar is loose. I am right to think that baby molars fall out and it is normal? “
Sunday 9 November 2014
When Ba was talking to Kieran’s dad on phone this evening – it was stated that Kieran has started crawling going forward (to the front ) now. He started crawling backwards a few days ago.
Kieran on the move – title of the e-mail ( dated Monday 10 November 2014 ) received from Kieran’s mom —– it says:
” Kieran started creeping forwards on his stomach yesterday! Yesterday he could only go forward a few inches but today he is already going further and faster as he gets the hang of it. He is usually motivated to go after toys or Cheerios 😉 “
Saturday 15 November 2014
A surprise – a baby bear (black) was moving around outside the home in Mackey. The cub loitered first on the deck at the back and then over the swimming pool cover. The kids (Sitara and Sachin) just had a marvellous time looking at the baby bear.
Nina had posted a few photos on the Facebook on the same day ( 15 November) – with a note : ” a baby Bear on our deck and pool! ‘.
Sunday 16 November, 2014
Santa came early inToronto – with a grand parade in the downtown of the City. Both Maya and Kieran went downtown with their parents to watcch the parade. This is Kieran’s first .
Their mom e-mailed 3 photos on the same date with a note:
We had a fun (but cold!) time watching the Santa Claus parade this afternoon. Ho Ho Ho!
Her mom sent a copy of that letter by e-mail of the same date ( 16 November 2014) :
And in preparation for the Santa Claus parade later today, Maya has written (or rather, dictated) her letter to Santa. She kindly included a request for her brother (although it’s not actually something he needs!) Maya also coloured a picture of one of Santa’s elves. Merry (early) Christmas, everyone!
Maya wrote ( dictated) :
Dear Santa,
For Christmas , I would like a silly baloon .
My brother Kieran would like some shoes.
Please and thank you.
Merry Christmas.
Maya Shah
Saturday 15 November 2014
Today was Maya’s and Kieran’s Ba’s 75 the Birthday – which means it was Sitara’s and Sachin’s nani’s 75th birthday
Both Maya and Kieran along with their parents phoned from Toronto in the morning singing a Happy Birthday song and wishing Ba a very Happy Birthday .
In the afternoon , Sitara and Sachin with their parents phoned from Mackey i- singing a Happy Birthday song and wishing nani a very Happy Birthday .
In the evening at the Unity In Diversity dinner at the Lions Club Hall in Chalk River (adjoining Deep River) – Sitara and Sachin sang (in the mike) in front of the public (some 200 people) the Happy Birthday song to celebrate their nani’s 75th Birthday – and they ( parents ) had brought a cake -which was lit and then cut .
Wednesday 3 December 2014
This was a momentous day for Sachin at the school . He participated with Grade 1 students on the Childs Auditorium stage – to sing a couple of songs (in the afternoon at 2.30 pm) to the school audience and some parents (who were invited to attend). Sachin’s parents could not attend as both of them were working and could not come out – but his grandparents (nana/nani) attended the function. Nana took few photos and videos.
And there were few PowerPoint plates were also flashed to draw the attention of the students for being responsible in their daily lives. There were some quotes from some students as to what they said about taking responsibilty . One of the quotes was from Sitara. Here is what she had said: (Note: nana took a photo – after nani had approached the front and talked to the kid who was in charge of the computer – with the PowerPoint plates.)
“ Don’t let other people do your chores , do them yourselves.”
Sitara
Wednesday 3 December 2014
This was also a momentous day for Kieran . Kieran was joyous mastering the art of clapping.
This is what his mom said on her e-mail of the same date ( along with a couple of photos – showing ” clapping Kieran”.
Kieran has mastered the art of clapping today. He has been working on it for a while, but today he’s been doing it non-stop and is very proud of himself!
This is what/how his Bapuji (grandfather in Deep River) responded to the said e-mail and then further response from Kathy (Kieran’s grandmother in Toronto) .
Bapuji:
” He is just fantastic – happy ,smiling and clapping for excellent parents and
a wonderful sister to hang out with.”
Kathy
” Isn’t he a darling! I feel happy when I look at him! I’m sure you
understand. K ”
Saturday 6 December 2014
This day is a momentous day for Sitara . She is participating in the Santa parade in Deep River – to unfold at 5.30 pm this afternoon. She did -walked (along the float) all the round circuit from the Deep River area to downtown and back . She was part of a tableau float on the theme of Walt Disney Animation Studios “Frozen,” a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Sitara was so poised and exhibited proud persona while marching along the float.
But surprise – Sachin did also participate – he sat on the float . The parents also joined in -both Sunjay and Nina walking the circuit. Nana/nani went to observe and watch and enjoy all the floats, noise, lights and general merry making – and took some photos and clips of videos.
Saturday 6 December 2014
Talking to Kieran’s (and Maya’s) dad and mom on the phone – it fluttered Ba/Bapuji’s hearts that Kieran has started some “babbling” and moves (crawls) happily around the house. He also cut a total of 6 teeth ( 2 lower and 4 upper) . Maya is going out with parents and Kieran – and play with her dad and build toy robots – for a 3 year girl – she is already getting ready for future.
—————-
Friday 12 December 2014
This day nana/nani visited Sachin’s KG class at Mckenzee Community School in Deep River – to look at the model town build by the Sachin’s KG class on the floor of the school room . The town was based on Deep River structures /buildings – lay out well done, Scahin explained what he built ( put together) for contribution to the model . A beautiful practical educational teaching excercise .
———-
While visiting nana/nani came across a poster done by Sitara which was hung by the school on the corridor wall . The Theme of the poster was ” My Hero” . Sitara drew a poster – showing/painting her and Sachin playing together in the field. This is what she wrote on the poster
I think Hero is someone
who is brave, has courage,
is caring in heart.
My Hero is my little brother,
Sachin because when I am
sad he makes me
feel better . When I get
hurt he help me and
read books with me
Sitara
On Monday 15 December 2014 – Kieran’s mom sent by e-mail the following:
Kieran is catching up to his big sister (well, not quite, but he’s trying!) At his 9-month visit today, he weighed 21.5 pounds (80%ile) and was 75 cm tall (90%ile).
On Friday 19 December 2014 – Ba/Bapuji received a 2014 Christmas Card and a write-up from Shannon – on behalf of herself, Sunir, Maya and Kieran. The write-up basically provides a narrative for the progress of the family during 2014.
Here is the narrative ( part only ) that we got :
Best Wishes for a happy holiday season! 2014 has been an exciting year for our family, which grew 33% in March with addition of Kieran. having two children seems to be more tahn twice as busy as having one, but we have embraced the joy and chaos!.
Kieran is an easy going , happy baby with an infectious smile. He adores his big sisterand she can make him giggle louder than anyone ( even while doing things that border on sibling torture, such as squeezing his stomach while he lasaughs hysterically). I have learnt to step back and let them ” play “. So far they have not suceeded in killing each other.
Maya is a spunky , chatterbox of a three year old.Fiercely independent, she often refrains ” I want to do it !” After a moment of doubt, when Kieran as first born ( “When is it time for him to go back inside your tummy, Mommy?” ), she has adjusted very well to her role as big sister. She loves singing building things , and doing somersualts.
Her daddy has been enjoying reliving his childhood by helping Maya build robots.
Friday 19 December 2014
Exciting News :
Sitara’s painting ” I am pretty” . This is the poster she made at the school for a “Who am I? ” theme.
She also won (yesterday) a prize for her poster
She also won yesterday – the Child Poverty in Action Poster Contest by the Pheonix Centre . Got $50.00 as prize.
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Friday 19 December 2014
Maya’s first concert ! ——-
The following e-mail from Maya’s mom dated 19 December 2014
Maya’s preschool class had their holiday concert today. They sang “jingle bells” and “twinkle, twinkle Hanukkah lights”. It was adorable and Maya took the singing very seriously.
Her next theatrical performance will be on Christmas Eve when she, Kieran and I will all be shepherds in the Christmas pageant!
Monday 22 December 2014
Sitara’s award for her winning the ” The Child Poverty in Action Poster Contest by the Pheonix Centre” – the following e-mail from Sitara’s mom dated 22 December 2014
Sitara won the Child in Poverty poster contest and $50. Here she is being presented with her prize by Mr. Ivan Saari, her School Principal.
Her theme was “All children have the right to Eat and Play“
Christmas 2014
Here is a poem crafted by Maya’s anD Kieren’s Grandma – Kathy (in Toronto) about Christmas 2014.
Here whats he says about her grandkids – embedded in the poem
Maya, Kieran and Cole, angels all three.
Our grandkids are perfect ”“ what better judge than me?
————————- Poem :
TWAS 2014
T”™was twenty-fourteen, a pretty good year,
Each morning I got up and said, “I”™m still here!”
Doug”™s goal for the year was to have a sleep test.
Now he has a machine and we both get some rest!
My goal was a wish as much as a plan.
I hoped to expand the Magladry-Knights clan.
How lucky are we that my wishes came true!
In March and October came Baby Boys Blue.
Maya, Kieran and Cole, angels all three.
Our grandkids are perfect ”“ what better judge than me?
Good times at the cottage ”“ if you find a bed.
With families expanding, who will be in the shed?
As each year I tell you, there”™s good news and bad,
Our family”™s been joyful, in mourning and sad.
No better example than my late dad Ray,
His death, his funeral”¦. then Cole born the next day!
Doug is still working (but Kathleen ain”™t)
But with each Friday off, he has no real complaint.
And now I exclaim as I close out this verse:
Life couldn”™t be better! May it never be worse!
Happy Christmas to all!
Kathleen (Writer) & Douglas (Editor)
Saturday 27 December 2014
Maya and Kieran arrived on Saturday ( 27 December 2014) for Christmas celebration with the family/grandparents in Deep River and thus be able to get together with their cousins in Mackey as well as all spending time at DR . They were driven (in their Subaru car) by their parents who came via Huntsville – where they spent some time with their great grandmother ( Opal) .
Both Maya and Kieran were excited to have some quality time with Ba/Bapuji. This is Kieran’s first Christmas in DR . He in fact celebrated the first Christmas of his life with his new cousin Cole in Toronto before coimg over to DR. So that gave the grandparents in DR to spend Christmas holidays with 4 grandchildren together .
Sunday 28 December 2014
All had a great party at Mackey – many friends from the Indian community also were invited -who had the opportunity to meet Kieran first time . Maya became very popular along with all other kids with the guests.
In addition to many partygames – A Carrem game was also played – where Sitara also played with great concentration .
Monday 29 December 2014
A gift opening was done at DR home -with all children enjoying the gifts from uncles/aunties and granbparents.
Thursday 1 January 2015
This is the day when Maya and Kieran left by car back to Totonto. Their parents were driving – tis was a miserable day for driving due to heavy snowfall but the parents arrived in Toronto safely.