Grandparents – 2015- 1st Quarter

The New year (2015) opened with a bang for the grandkids   (Sitara, Sachin, Maya and Kieran ).

The Grandparents in DR sent an e-mail (to kids’ parents) dated 7 January 2015   with a   title :

Holiday Cheers !

Finally Grandparents in DR managed to loosen the purse strings – the first positive move of 2015.
Each grandchild’s Trust Account here with us – got augmented on 6 Jan 2015.
This then boosted their (each one) Scotia Dividend Fund Account – specially when the markets were a bit down.
Love these joyful grandkids – they spread the cheers.
Love :):):)
Nana & nani
Bapuji and Ba
Wednesday 21 January 2015
This was special day for Maya – see the e-mail sent by her mom – with two photos of her -with wacky dress,
Today was wacky Wednesday at Maya’s daycare, so she chose this funky-patterned outfit and hairdo 🙂
Her Bapuji   displayed the photo ( a bit cropped) on his computer’s dashboard . It gave so much joy.         Maya is an active and really a   fun girl.
Sunday 25 January 2015
Today was a bright sunny day – very cold though:   temperature hovering   – 15 degrees C   or thereabout.
This day both Sitara and Sachin took part in the  Nancy Green Race! (with   Alpine Racing jackets) competition organised at Mt. Martin downhill Skiing in Deep River, Ontario. This was a   team competition. Both nana/nani went to observe and cheer both the kids -Their 1st race was at 11.00 a.m and then after a brief break the 2nd race was at about 11.30 p.m. Nana/nani were back home by noon – just to get out of the cold but the kids stayed at the Hill with their parents.   Sunjay is a Ski patrol this year.
This is what their mom posted later on her FaceBook :
Sachin’s Team came in 2nd place and Sitara’s Team placed 3rd. This was their first Nancy Green Race!
Note There was a repeat of the Race again on Saturday 31 January 2014. Both nana/nani went to the Mt.   Martin Ski Club grounds   to cheer the kids.   It was   a beautiful day .     The results of this race was   similar to the one on Sunday 25 January 2015.
Tuesday 27 January 2015
Sachin was busy this evening working with his nani to make   a farewell card for a girl in his class.
To Marly
I will miss you
Good Luck, Marly
Sachin
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When nana asked –   where is she going – his reply was prompt – west.
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Thursday   29 January 2015
This day both Maya and Kieran were preparing to go (fly) to Cuba   for a holiday with their parents, grandparents   (maternal)   and with   Heather Auntie, Ryan Uncle and their new baby cousin Cole.         Sunwing Vacations     flying to Cayo Coco (CCC) Airport.       Hotel Name :     MEMORIES FLAMENCO BEACH RESORT.
This will be Kieran’s first visit overseas. It is Maya’s second time.   Maya   was only 3 months old the first time round – attending a wedding (one of the girls on her mother’s side was getting married) . This time Maya is 3 1/2 years old and quite enthusiastic to go to a beach.
They are flying on Friday – early morning .
An e-mail ( dated Thursday 29 Jnauary) with a photo showing both Maya and Kieran frolicking on a packed suitcase for travel   at their home in Toronto was received from their mom -with a title   :-   Getting packed and ready to go!
A phone call was also received at about 8.00 p.m when both Sunir and Shannon   briefly mentioned about their travel details and hotel accommodation – which will be forwarded by an e-mail soon.   Note : that was done promptly by Shannon.
Thursday   29 January 2015
This day Sitara was awarded a Certificate   at her school for showing ” Responsibilty” in her class and at the school . This is her second certificate   – having received a similar one last year.     Well done.
Friday 6 February 2014
This day Maya and Kieran returned/flew back from Cuba – with their parents and their baby cousin Cole , Aunt and Uncle ( Cole’s parents) and their maternal Grandma and Grandpa.
They had   great time at the beach – both kids savouring and frolicking at the beach – enjoying the heat and sunshine.
Here is an e-mail message/response received ( in response to Bapuji’s message   dated 7 February 2015) from Shannon ( kid’s mom) on the same date.
Ba / Bapuji had mailed an envelop (   full of tidbits for Valentine day for both kids ) on Friday 6 February 2015   – so to alert the kid’ parents – to keep an eye on Mail Delivery around   coming midweek .
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Here is text of e-mail sent by Bapuji on 7 February 2015:
Hi Shannon/Sunir
Maya
Kieran
 
I will be brief.
 
We hope that your trip to Cuba was memorable and kids enjoyed the beach.
 
Nina/Sunjay and kids are having sleep-over at our house to-night.
 
NOTE: Look for ” regular ” Mail ( via Canada Post) delivery for Maya Shah (that includes Kieran too ) – around coming mid-week .
 
 
regards
love
 
:):):) dad pravin
Bapuji
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Response message from Kid’s mom:
Hi Jackie and Pravin,
 
Thanks for your message. I hope you are both doing well. Just a quick note to let you know that we arrived home safely yesterday. We had a great trip with beautiful weather and lots of family time. Maya and Kieran both loved the pool and the beach! We will send photos soon. Unfortunately, we all seem to have picked up a stomach bug in the last 24 hours so we are taking it easy today.
 
Talk to you soon,
Love Shannon

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Subsequently   on the same date – Saturday 7 February 2015 ,   some beach photos   showing kids in Cuba   (currently   2 batches) were received from kids’ mom   via electronic mail .

Here is the text of the   first batch:

Here are a few photos of our trip that Sunir took on his phone. We are excited to see some more from Heather and Ryan’s camera, but here’s a little taste in the meantime. I certainly miss the hot weather! It was a great trip 🙂     . There were 5 photos attached .

Here is the text of the second batch:

Here are a few more. The middle one is what we envisioned the vacation being like… both parents relaxing on lounge chairs while the kids play happily on the beach  (it lasted a total of 3 minutes!!)

Again there were 5 photos attached .

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Note:   –   On a phone call from Toronto on Saturday evening ( 7 February 2015)   ; it was learnt that Kieran has become fully locomotive on his fours   – crawling freely all over and confidently . And this was while he was in Cuba.

Note: On   Monday 9 February 2015 – an e-mail from Kieran’s mom was received with   a Kieran’s photo   – he standing by himself and playing with his toys ( in the recreation room towards the back of their home in Toronto) . Here is what she wrote:

” Kieran is looking particularly grown up and handsome today, if I do say so myself 😉 ”     Shannon

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His Bapuji (from Deep River) then fired off a response (on the same date) as below:

Wow ! he wins all hearts .

Has he started walking or just standing up?

Bapuji

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His mom’s return response (sent from her iphone) of the same date — see below:

 ” He pulls up on everything and loves to stand up (while holding on). He walks holding on to our fingers and has taken a few steps on his own, but isn’t really walking independently. He is getting very fast at crawling on his hands and knees though 🙂 “

Saturday 7 February 2015

This day nana/nani went (for short time ) to the Mt. Martin Hill Ski Club grounds – to watch the kids taking their ski lessons. It was great to get out of the house and watch the young ones enjoying and learning the skills for downhill skiing .   They do ski well since some time but now the time has come for some intricate skills to learn -which will be useful later when they grow up to be teenagers and then grown-ups.

After skiing lessons and skiing thereafter – the kids (with parents)   came over to nana/nani home for dinner and sleepover.   Their parents did not partake in the dinner as they were going to Petawawa for a party   .   The kids had a great quality time with the grandparents and then went to bed .
Their parent were also sleeping over in Deep River (nana/nani home)   – as all were going on Sunday to Petawawa for sking competition (for kids) .
The parents returned from their party around mid-night.
So after breakfast on Sunday – all got ready and went over to Petawawa for ski competition at Petawawa Hill.
This is what Nina (kids’ mom – our daughter) posted on her Facebook at about 3.35 p.m. ( on Sunday 8 February 2015) :-
Cold and Windy day at the hill in Petawawa but Sitara’s team placed 1st and Sachin’s team placed 2nd!
Congratulations kids!
Thursday 12 February 2015
Wow !   Creative juices flowed – Maya came up with a story to tell and she took initiative and dictated that story to her mom for having it written down.   Bravo ! Maya.
Her mom then took initiative and then distributed that story to family members – by an e-mail attachement.
Her e-mail ( titled Maya’s first story ) dated 12 February stated the below:
”   Maya dictated a story to me this morning. I think the themes of swimming and eating are inspired by Cuba!   “Maya’s (   dictated ) story – February 12, 2015 ( age 3.5)
The story went as below:
Once upon a time , ocean called .
Someone called for help.
And he wanted food.
He rang his bell.
Then they swim in the ocean
after they are done eating.
They went a little deeper.
Then they went home to eat
dinner and go to bed.
Then it was a new day.
Saturday 14 February 2015
This day both Sitara and Sachin were to come to nana/nani home (with their parents ) for a Valentine Dinner but unfortunately that did not happen – as   Sachin kind of ” threw up ‘- at the skating ( at the arena in Deep River)   and thus the Valentine dinner was   ” sort off ” postponed /cancelled at that time.
On that day, both Maya and Kieran spent Valentine time with their maternal grandparents in Toronto   (with a sleepover) – when their parents can celebrate the   ” Day ”   by themselves .
Maya talked on phone to her Ba/Bapuji   and wished them Happy Valentine   – prior to her and Kieran going over to their   grandparents   – driven there by their parents.
However on Sunday 15 February 2015   – Kids (Sitara and Sachin) came   over with their parents (after free swimming at the Mackenze Community pool , Deep River – as part of the Deep River Winter Frolic weekend) and had great time celebarting Valentine and playing with both nana and nani.
Even though Sitara is   ~7 and half   and Sachin is ~ 5 and a half   – they like nana to pretend being   a ” bad wolf ”   and them building and hiding in the “house they built ”   –   by throwing a   “heavy blanket” over the crib ( which is still left over in Sachin’s room at nana/nani home – he no longer sleeps in the crib but sleeps on the bed – whenever the kids come over for a sleep over at nan/nani home) . The blanket covers the the crib at the top and one the sides . This is now a safe house for the kids – against the ” bad wolf ” . The ” bad wolf ” hollers, huffs and puffs but the cannot demolish the   pretend ” house” and kids are safe. Aftet a while all played hide and seek ( their nani joining in) .Meanwhile their parents had a quite time in the living room.
So a great Valentine Day was celebrated afterall   – a day after but the spirit was there.
The kids got Valentine gifts – Sitara – a big balloon ( with Frozen theme ” and Sachin got a balloon with a Thomas (train) theme – along with some stickers and smartie boxes.
Earlier   Ba/Bapuji had sent (Mail Delivery) in a large envelope – Valentine Gifts to Maya and Kieran – which they had promptly received ( just a few days after their return from Cuba – vacation time in a beach) .   Maya was exhilerated for recieving the gift parcel and Kieran was   found holding and chewing the small greeting envelop addressed to him . Her parents phoned in the ‘happiness” and Maya had   a long   “kiddie”   conversation with her Ba .
Unfortunately at that time her Bapuji had dozed off on the lazy-boy sofa in the Recreation Room   – watching TV.
The ‘Gift Envelope ‘   was received by Maya (and her parents) on   Wednesday 11 February 2015 and this was communicated to Deep River same day , As stated above,   Bapuji missed the excitement over the telephone   and thus he sent the following e-mail to Maya’s parents on that day.
Hi
 
I am glad that Maya/Kieran recieved their “Mail Delivery” on time .
 
Her Ba was ecstatic knowing about that when you guys phoned this evening .
 
Though I missed all the excitement as I had fallen asleep in the Rec Room sofa (lazyBoy) while watching TV.
 
Her (Maya’s) captivating photo (from her Cuba experience) is still on our computer Dashboard – and will soon be replaced by Kieran’s photo.
 
Have a nice and Happy Valentine day ! I am sure you will pamper both the kids that day.
 
 
love
 
:):):) dad pravin
All in all – everyone had a great excitement celebrating 2015 Valentine day.
Monday 16 February 2015 – being a Family day in Ontario – there were no schools and the work offices were closed . So Sitara and Sachin spent afternoon at the the Mackenzee Community swimming pool   (brought there by their parents) and then all came over to nana/nani place .
Sitara can now   (since about a month) can independently work at the Nana’s Computer and can use “google” to call up the Programs that she or Sachin want to watch.     She is slowly learning to use the keyboard   and now has her own account and pass word ( the details of which her nana does not know   but her parents know ) . Sachin is also a fast learner and he picks up the pointers from his sister – though refrains to demand time on computer as a derference to her sister.
The kids earlier played cards with their parents ( while dinner was being prepared by their nani aided at times by their mom and also by kids .
After dinner, the adults played a card game   ”   Whist – Chokdi ”   whilethe kids were busy enjoying kiddie ( Paddington)   movie on the computer .     So the evening ended and by 8.00 pm they were all gone back to Mackey.
Monday 16 February 2015
It seems that   this   being a Family day in Ontario ( being funny here) – Kieran had some fun time and showed a bit of independence   and a small milestone in his growth (being now 11 months old)   –   his dad sent an e-mail ( same date as 16 February 2015)   with a photo –   and giving a   title   ”   Kieran joins the Toilet paper club ” – Kieran geting hold of a toilet roll in the bathroom – brings it out in the passage and then tears the paper in bits and pieces – having fun and showing on his face an achievement .
His grandma (in Toronto – with whom earlier Kieran/Maya had spent Valentine night — then responded with her e-mail   (same date) as below:
  ”   By the way, he went through a box of Kleenex at my house on Saturday. “
To that –   his Bapuji (in Deep River) responded (same date) – as below:
    ”     Well , it seems a courageous independent thinking – a small milestone in
              his growth.     Now nothing will be spared – specially paper products. ”
Saturday 21 February 2015
This day , Kieran’s dad sent an e-mail along with his photo   – e- mail titled ” Kieran loving Mohawk   “
Here is what he wrote:
Kieran really loves the giraffe, Mohawk, you gave him for Christmas. In fact on three occasions he has said “gi-rah” when looking at giraffes. Coincidence? Language? Who knows. I can hope.Maya also says, “bring some snow pants” when you come in March.
So the name   “Mohawk” was given to the   stuffed animal – due to a good “mane” that the animal has.
Most important news is that Kieran has started mouthing real words   – like   ” on three occasions he has said “gi-rah” when looking at giraffes. “
Talking with Kieran’s dad on Sunday 22 February 2015 – it was noted that Kieran is becoming confident standing up – albeit holding onto something , and then walking holding onto something and have started climbing the stairs   (needing   always a watchful eye) . The stairs are blocked with gates – thus Kieran is protected when the adults are not around.
Kieran also babbles a lot – trying to communicate – thus he calls out to “gi-rah” – his pet stuffed giraffe .
This day Sunday 22 February 2015 , in the morning Maya went for her gym session with her dad and then for ice skating in the evening.
Sunday 22 February 2015

Sitara’s mom posted the following on her Facebook page.

Sitara quote as she jumped up and down tonight “I didn’t know math could be so fun!!”.

Wow! Sitara – you are giving nana a very substantial joy – for your comment on the   ” math” being fun   . I always found that when I was young.

Tuesday 24 February 2015
This day – there was a program at Mackenzie Community School in Deep River   – to present “merit” certificates to deserving students . Sitara was to receive a Certificate for being ” caring”   in her class and so was Sachin in his class . Both nana/nani were to attend the presentation .
But unfortunately that did not happen   – as nana took ill ( apparently he lost his memory for a short time) – and kids’ nani noticed that just about lunch time   and thus instead of going over to the School ( the program was to start at 2.30 pm) , nana was taken to the Emergency Department of the Deep River and Area Hospital . Nana was kept at the Hospital (under observation and few tests   – blood test and pressure checking   . Finally the attending doctor thought – may be it was an impact of possibly low   “sugar levels ” – nana being diabetic ( Type II )     or could be a TIA (   transient ischaemic attack ) effect.
NOTE:   The symptoms of a TIA are similar to that of stroke, but they may only last a short while, certainly no more than 24 hours. If symptoms last longer than 24 hours but are mild usually this would be defined as a ”˜minor stroke”™.  
The terms ”˜TIA”™, ”˜minor stroke”™ and ”˜mini stroke”™ were used by people to describe what they had experienced, based on the diagnosis they had been given by their GP or consultant.
Luckily, for nana it remained for a few hours . However, the physician(s) thought it was a better / safer to get a CT scan in Pembroke Hospital – which was requested ( inter hospital communication) .
Thus nana went (with nani) to Pembroke Hospital next day   (on Wednesday 25 February 2015) and had the CT scan carried out.   There was no issue -shown by the scan – as per Nana’s doctor who got the results the same day within a short time.   Note: Kids’ mom currently work at the Pembroke Hospital   –   as a   ” locum ” Pharmacist.
Of course both kids (Sitara and Sachin) each one of them got a Certificate for being “caring” in   their class and school. Fortunately, their dad was at the presentation   (their mom being at work in Pembroke at the time).   Congratulations !
Well, after work kids’ mom came over to Deep River , visited nana at the hospital and as the situation was under control – she decided tp proceed to her “Art -painting class ” in Petawawa   after kids’ skating session at the Deep River Arena   and having dinner at nana/nani home   – nani had already prepared the dinner ( Lasanza)   before lunch .
Nina came home in Deep River after 9.30 p.m with a painting she had drawn and painted                           ( beautiful – well done ) with white orchard flowers .     She spent the nite at Deep River – just to be close by her dad – if any need arises.
Note: nana had also completed a poem for celebrating the 1st birthday of the grandson (Kieran) in Toronto –   . This was prior to the situation he got into for   ” lowered blood sugar “- which ended up taking him to ER at the Deep River Hospital.
Thursday 26 February 2015
This day kids came for dinner at nana/nani home after their skating session at the Deep River Arena. They came with their parents .     The dinner visit for to-day was arranged   as they did not come on Tuesday ( due to nana’s health -see above) but now nana was feeling much better and thus kids wanted to spend time with him.
After the dinner, kids were busy with their homework and then a   bath – after that Sitara came over where nana was sitting in the living room ( with the Samsung Galaxy Tablet )   – that he got recently.   Sitara took the tablet and wanted to access her Google Drive account to show her nana what she has achieved within that space. However, she was not announced as the user on the Tablet – So her dad fixed that and then Sitara was showing her nana what she has done – like organising art pieces   (accessed by her from the internet ) etc.   and then she accessed o You Tube – some songs that she has been looking at (presumably as part of her school project)   . Lo Behold! she then started singing a song – so beautiful voice –   while following the song on the Samsung Tablet.   That was very refreshing to nana and made him proud of Sitara’s ability/talent.
Nana had also spent time with Sachin – playing with him – with   his “paper aeroplane” – that he had made.
Friday   27 February 2015
On Friday (27 February 2015) they went ( driven by parents) to Ottawa – so they can go to the show   – Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy at   the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa .
Note: Its a non-stop fun with four of Kids favourite Disney stories when   Disney On Ice   presents Worlds of Fantasy – this is one-of-a-kind skating spectacular.
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Commentary:

The on-ice excitement begins when an adventurous Mickey Mouse embarks on a journey with Minnie Mouse to uncover each world of fantasy, but the plan goes awry when their cherry red roadster unexpectedly breaks down. Although Donald Duck and Goofy try, it takes the assistance of the coolest cars on the ice to get the pistons firing again. Direct from Radiator Springs, Mater, Lightning McQueen and Sally speed into action, zipping and zooming around the frozen highway in an effort to re-energize the roadster.

As Mickey and Minnie’s road trip continues, the whimsical scenery transforms the arena into an environment that captures the essence of each unique world to follow. Fluorescent coral and clam shell drums embody Ariel’s world in The Little Mermaid and audiences enter the colourful fantasy land of fairies for the Tinker Bell segment.

The toys are back in town during the second act of Worlds of Fantasy, which brings together all the fun, humour and warmth of the beloved Disney Pixar film Toy Story 3. Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the familiar gang hit the ice for the ultimate Toy Story experience.

Worlds of Fantasy offers the perfect combination of elements for fans of Disney On Ice. “From the contemporary feel of Cars and Toy Story 3 to the timeless quality of The Little Mermaid and Tinker Bell, audiences will see four completely different Disney worlds brought to life,” says producer Kenneth Feld. “All of this provides a value that is truly unparalleled in the world of live family entertainment. More than ever before, there’s something for everyone

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After the show , their mom posted photos and commentary   for the Sitara and Sachin’s   participation in the fun   ( the posting was done after Friday mid-night / early saturday )

for Sitara she wrote ( accompanied by a photo) :

Queen Elsa (Sitara) commanding the Green Army Men from Toy Story 3 at Disney on Ice tonight

Sitara standing on a table   dressed in her Princess dress (bluish /peacocky color top   – over   a white   dress   under ) – and in front on the dance floor – Green Army men were dancing .

Commentary Note : The Green Army Men were Andy’s  200 miniature green plastic soldiers, led by Sarge .

In Toy Story, the Green Army Men are sent on a mission to spy on  Andy’s  birthday presents so that the other toys can be prepared for any new arrival

In Toy Story 3, the Green Army Men are seen during old home videos and a photo with Andy playing with them like he normally did.

At the end of the movie, the Green Army Men finally land in a playground at  Sunnyside Daycare.  Barbie and  Ken, now leaders of Sunnyside, walk over to greet them. Ken salutes the soldiers as Barbie directs them to the  sandbox, inviting them to join the party. It is possible that the Green Army Men have settled at Sunnyside under Barbie and Ken’s leadership. That night, they are seen standing on the ceiling lights in the Butterfly Room, lowering a disco ball under Sarge’s command for Bookworm to light it up with his flashlight so the Sunnyside toys can enjoy a disco that is held in the room.

LINK: http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Green_Army_Men

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for Sachin she wrote ( accompanied by a photo) :

Sachin as “Oct-Timus” Prime sans mask

Sachi was posing (in   front) with “Oct-Timus” characters   in his   ” Oct-timus”   outfit

Commentary Note : It should be read as   ” Optimus ” prime .

Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the  Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the Autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The Autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Deceptions. He is depicted as a brave, powerful, wise and compassionate leader who puts his talent to use improving the universe around him.

LINK: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optimus_Prime

Sunday 01 March 2015

This day, the kids participated in a downhill ski competition at Mount Molson Club in Petawawa.       It was   a team effort competition.   The kids went there accompanied by their parents .

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NOTE:   Mount Molson – It may be a small ski hill – but it sure has a strong following and great opportunities for newbies to the more seasoned skier and snowboarder.

On a peak overlooking the Ottawa River, Mount Molson boasts a vertical drop of only 125 feet. However, it has become synonymous with alpine skiing and has grown a reputation as one of Ontario’s smallest ski hills.

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The team in whch each kid was part of – won a gold medal   . So Sitara’s team won a gold medal and also Sachin team wao a gold medal .

Both nana/nani are proud of the kids for participating and their team winning the competition – for their age group.   Congratulations!

After skiing at Mount Molson – the family went for fun downhill skiing at Mount Martin Ski Club in Deep River .   It seems all of them have good energy/stamina   for such duo activities.   – 2 hills in   day.

Sunday 01 March 2015

Blast from the past – Maya looked very regal ( in the photo sent by her mom) wearing a dress made by her great -grandma ( Opal in Huntsville, Ontario) .

Here is what her mom said in the e-mail sent   on 1 March 2015 – titled: The family dress.

” Here is Maya wearing a dress made by her great-grandmother and previously worn by her mother and aunts. Interestingly, she is also playing with a toy phone that belonged to Sunir as a child, so this is a true “blast from the past” photo! “

Maya is a link in the the family chain.

Tuesday   03 March 2015

Today marks a milestone in Kieran’s life.   He is stepping out into the larger world.

He started his advancement in life by joining in a daycare (in the neighbourhood) just before his 1st Birthday ( on 12 March 2015)   – a daycare where his sister goes since last couple of years.   Note: Last year Maya was going only for few days/week as her mom as at home ( from having Kieran)

Here is an e-mail dated 3 March 2015 from his mom – titled : Starting daycare.

 ” As of this week, Maya is back in daycare full-time in the preschool room and Kieran has started in the infant room. Here he is checking out some of the new toys at daycare. Today I dropped him off for three hours and he did very well (I also coped, by the way!) He cried for a couple minutes at drop-off but then settled down, played, ate lunch, etc. He is now sleeping soundly… I think all the excitement tired him out! ”
Well done, Kieran.

a Historical note:   Kieran – your dad (when he was your age) was just keen to go to daycare (school) – and was not at all scared or emotional .   Though your Ba was (emotional and cried for a few hours – feeling lonely)   – losing the day company of her young baby son Sunir.

Thursday 05 March 2015

This day kids (Sitara and Sachin) came over to nana/nani home with their parents -after their ice skating session at the Arena in Deep River .   This was good as nana/nani are planning to go to Toronto (to spend some time with Maya and Kieran ) on coming Saturday and they would be gone for a few days ( at least a week or 10 days) and kids would then not be able to be with their nana/nani for some days.

All had dinner and then spent fabulous time together.   Sachin did his homework with nana ( reading three (3) school reading books ) and then playing with nani with his ”   paper aeroplane -oragami ) . This guy has a mechanical mind.

Sitara had brought with her –   her comicbook   – “Archie”. This is nana’s   favouite Comic book – since when he was young . So nana was pleasantly surprised that Sitara is already into reading and enjoying thiss comic book.   she had been reading this comic book (on and off)   since about last two years.     The upshot of this is that She spent time with nana and had nana read the book with her.         It was fun.

Sitara also worked on her school homework on the computer – now being able to get to her site through Mozilla Firefox medium . She is so comfortable using nana’s computer – all by herself as she had been using this comptuer since last few years.   She also knows how to send an e-mail message ( which she does to her her mom)   – this evening she was showing her nani how she does that. She also asked he nani if she has an e-mail account.   Her nani has an e-mail account established with “google” on the Samsung Galaxy 4 tablet ( recently her mom obtained from Ottawa as requsted by her nana/nani) . Her nani will give Sitaar her e-mail address when nana/nani return from Toronto   visit to Maya and Kieran.

Then their time came to go home (to Mackey) and were gone at about 8.30 pm.

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Note:

Though they were at nana/nani home on Monday ( 2 March 2015) for dinner   – picked up by nana/nani from their baby-sitter’s (Jeannett)   home at 4.45 p.m   ( their parents having gone to Calabogie for the day – skiing ) .

They had a great time playing/intefacing with their nana/nani. Sachin having done his homework (in the company of his nana) – reading his books   (2 of these) and Sitara on thw computer . These days she has an account on Google Draw (from the school)   – however she did not work on her homework at that site as access was somehow not allowed by using Internet Explorer medium.

She managed to get to the site (and do her homework) after her parents arrived (back from Calabogie at about 8.00 pm)   – this time her dad helped   (tried using the Mozilla Firefox medium – and it worked ). It seems the Internet Explorer has difficulties these days -and thus nana had also switched over to Mozilla Firefox medium for most of his computer needs.

The kids then   were driven home in Mackey by their parents   at about 9.00 pm .

Saturday   07 March 2015

Maya’s and Kieran’s Ba/Bapuji   ( i.e   Sitara/Sachin’s nana/nani) will be travelling to Toronto   for visit and spending some time with Maya and Kieran – and celebarting Kieran’s first birthday .

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Ba/Bapuji’s Visit to Toronto – between Saturday 07 March 2015 and Tuesday 17 March 2015

Grandparents Joy

This visit to Toronto was planned earlier at the request of   our son Sunir – as during that week he was to go to USA ( Austin, Texas) and also Shannon (our daughter-in-law) was preparing for a job interview at a Health Center in Oshawa , Ontario .  The timing of this job interview was such that Sunir would be away to USA .   Our going there would help to ease the load on their shoulders and relieve a bit of stress for caring of the grandchildren and looking after the household.

In any case , this was  a great moment   to spend time with our two grandchildren (Maya and Kieran) in Toronto whom we have not seen since the Christmas 2014 – when they had all come to Deep River to celebrate holidays with their grandparents and cousins (Sitara and Sachin).   This was also an opportune time to go – first to go away from the deep chill of Deep River  (winter temperatures in below teens ) but further it was a celebratory time in the family   – our grandson Kieran’s first birthday coming up on Thursday 12 March 2015 .

So we (the grandparents) got all readied , packed our luggage and sundries and drove (in our maroon 2001 Dodge minivan) on Saturday 07 March 2015 to go to Toronto.  It was a clear day and roads were excellent for the drive and thus we arrived at Sunir/Shannon home in Toronto at just after 4.00 pm   as planned.

Saturday 07 March 2015

Arrived safely in Toronto at about 4.00 p.m

Kieran has nine teeth – 5 top and 4 bottom

Maya – a bubbly girl as ever

Maya had earlier in the day gone to view a Robot Competition at Maple Leaf Gardens – with her dad

All had dinner together .

After dinner and after the kids had gone tio bed- the adults played cards ( ” Chokdi ” – a sort of Whist game)

Note:   The classic game of whist is a plain-trick game without bidding for 4 players in fixed partnerships.

Sunday 08 March 2015

Both Maya and Kieran were cheerful when they came down   (from their bedroom) in the morning . Maya worked with her mom to decorate the   Dining area with streamers and balloons – all getting ready for celebrating Kieran’s 1st Birthday – though a few days earlier as Kieran’s dad was to travel to USA early morning of 12 March 2015 .

Wow- Kieran was in the celebratory element – he played with balloons and with his big stuffed dog – his favourite. Maya was also vey playful and going hither and thither – and then also tried to play a game of ‘Go Fish” with her Bapuji but ended up playing the game with her mom instead.   One hour of morning was so splendid – both kids all excited (and enjoying themselves) to have their Ba/Bapuji and also to decorate the Dining Room for the Birthday Party in the evening

At 11.00 am – Maya’s dad took her for her weekly Gym class at Barbara Frum Center in the Multi-Purpose Room . Ba/Bapuji also joined in to watch Maya doing her Gym activities.   Ba took some photos of Maya in her Gym activities. Shannon stayed home with Kieran. Maya got a Certificate for her attendance at the Pre-nursery Gymnasium.

At 3.00 pm (after lunch) , Maya went to the Park with her Ba to the play area -across the road from the house -while Kieran went out in stroller with his mom for fresh air.

In the evening of Sunday (at 5.00 pm) – guests started arriving for celebrating Kieran’s Birthday. His Grandma and   Grandpa (Doug and Kathy) came and also his Heather Auntie and Ryan Uncle along with their 5 month old son (Cole) . Cole is Kieran’s ( & Maya’s) cousin.  All had a good party. Kids played and enjoyed the balloons and the cake ( baked by their mom)   .       After the party was over, the relatives went to their home . Maya and Kieran were got ready for bed.

Monday 09 March 2015

This is the day Shannon started to go to her work – after 1 year of absence (for baby care) . Sunir took both kids to their baby care place ( North Younger Daycare) – by walking . This is Kieran’s first year at a   babycare. He seems to have adjusted himself well .

This day the lady (Alice – a Kenyan lady ) came for   domestic   clean-up help at about 9.30 am – for a few hours .   At that time Ba/Bapuji went away from home to the town (on Yonge Street) – so as to not to be a hindrance to Alice’s work.

At the end of the day (about 5.00 pm) Kids were picked up from the daycare by their mom (after work) on her way home.

Tuesday 10 March 2015

This day Ba went with kids’ dad to drop the kids at the daycare   . All went walking to the daycare.   Of course Maya in the stroller and Kieran being snuggly held by his dad.

At the end of the day (about 5.00 pm) Kids were picked up from the daycare by their mom (after work) on her way home.

Ba/Bapuji spent afternoon – going to play duplicate Bridge on Glen park Av. (off Bathurst Road)

After dinner, Ba played a couple of games with Maya . One of the   games was ” Go Fish” card game. Maya knows the rules and how to play very well. After the games, she was happy and went herself to brush her teeth and then went upstairs for sleep.

Wednesday 11 March 2015

This day also Ba went with kids’ dad to drop the kids at the daycare   . All went walking to the daycare.   Of course Maya in the stroller and Kieran being snuggly held by his dad.

Again – Ba/Bapuji spent afternoon – going to play duplicate Bridge on Glen park Av. (off Bathurst Road)

At the end of the day (about 5.00 pm) Kids were picked up from the daycare by their Grandma (Kathy) as she was on her way to a dinner at their friends in the neighbourhood – this allowing Kids’ mom a bit of relaxed time when returning from work .

After dinner, the kids played with Ba/Bapuji before going upstairs for sleep.

Thursday 12 March 2015

Happy   1st Birthday , dear Kieran – your Ba/Bapuji were glad to be in Toronto to celebrate the occasion.

However this day was a hectic one – first Kieran’s dad had to leave for Austin, Texas at 11.00 am to attend a business conference – of which his dad was one of the organisers and to complicate that one –   Kieran’s mom had a very busy day – she had an interview with a Health Unit in Oshawa , Ontario for a position of a Developmental Pediatrician – the job she is looking forward to start after completing her present advanced study in   pediatrics.

Both kids were dropped at the Daycare in the morning by her mom (by walking) and after that she got ready to drive to Oshawa by noon.   Both kids were picked up from the Daycare by their mom – after she had arrived back from Oshawa – at about 4.00 pm

 

Though Kieran’s birthday party was already held on Sunday 8 March 2015 and much celebration was had at that time .

For his actual birthday (that is today) – his Ba had a cake already baked from Deep River – which Maya helped to decorate with candy sprinklers and putting on a special candle   on the cake. This cake was cut in the evening and shared .    Also the house was filled with noises from various “kazoos” – Maya was   great trumpeter.

Kieran’s cousin Cole had come along with his mom      ( Heather – Kieran/Maya ‘s Auntie) to celebrate once again Kieran’s Birthday. Kieran’s Grandma (Kathy) had also come -and later his Grandpa (Doug) also joined in .

Note: All these day when Ba/bapuji were in Toronto – it as noted that Maya likes wearing   a cape over shoulders – different   ones – some she makes by herself .

Friday 13 March 2015

Kieran and Maya were dropped by her mom to the daycare – this day they were driven by their mom in their Subaru Outback car – as Shannon started her Advanced study (after an absence for   a year to nurse baby Kieran) .   Both were picked up from the daycare earlier by their mom – as it was the day for Kieran’s check-up with his doctor and also to get vaccination shots ( 2 ) – One for mumps and the other for meningitis . well Kieran took it well (though painful) – one shot in each arm .

Saturday 14 March 2015

This day Maya went to participate in her weekly activity at the “Construction Junction “.  In the afternoon – Maya went to attend a birthday party (driven by her mom) .

At both times – Kieran stayed home (mostly napping ) with his Ba/Bapuji to keep a babysitting watch.     As noted – kids’ dad was still in Austin , USA.

Bapuji read a book to Maya and played a board game with Maya prior to her going to the Birthday party.

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Note:   Girls and boys go beyond just blocks in Construction Junction. This advanced art program lets children learn how to plan, build, and construct their own 3-D art projects! Roads, towers, monuments, and pyramids are just a sample of the structures to be introduced, imagined, and created with wood, collage, cloth, clay, and more.

The Construction Junction class is 45 minutes long. There are 16 weeks in the session.

Ages: 3 to 5 years

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Sunday 15 March 2015

Maya had another birthday party to attend in the morning . Two (2) Birthday parties in a weekend. And the evening all went – by walking   (of course Maya was in a stroller and Kieran was /harnessed / held by her mom)   – to Doug/Kathy (kid’s grandparents in Toronto) home for a dinner . All had a great time and after walking back home – the kids were tired and ready for sleep.

Monday  16 March 2015

The routine of kids being dropped to the daycare in the morning by their mom (in the car) and then having been picked up from the daycare in the evening was in place.

Both Ba/Bapuji spent the day at home with leisure and relaxation – though Ba was slightly occupied preparing dinner.

Kids dad arrived back home from Austin, USA (after a slight delay in the plane at Chicago)   at midnight

Tuesday 17 March 2015

Both kids were excited to see their dad .   Again, they were dropped to Daycare.

Ba/Bapuji left Toronto to return to Deep River ( en route via The Briars at Jackson’s Point, Ontario) .

 

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Friday 06 March 2015

Both   kids (Sitara and Sachin) came to nana/nani home – a three consecutive days .They were to go to a choir in Deep River but instead decided to spend a further evening with nana/nani – before they go off to Toronto for a longer duration

Saturday 07 March 2015

Both Sitara and Sachin participated in the Pat Harvey Fun Day at the Mt. Martin Ski Hill in Deep River – where they took part in a downhill ski competition – Sitara won a bronze medal in her age group.

Thursday 12 March 2015

It was learnt from Nina’s e-mail :

This is great day . Sitara won a gold medal   –   Sitara is CanSkater of the Year! This was the last session at the Deep River Arena for skating.  Sachin got a completion badge.

Also Sitara and Sachin’s Downhill Ski Teams Tie for First Overall!   during the day at the Petawawa Ski Hill   (Mount Morgan)

Saturday   14 March 2015

Sitara and Sachin (together) presented a song at a   (function ) –   Sitara and Sachin singing at the St. Patrick Day Dinner held at Stonecliff, Ontario Townhall . The song they sang was ” Let It Go” from the Disney movie ” Frozen “.

Both kids love watching the ” Frozen ” movie and all the songs thereto.

Note:   Frozen is a 2013 American 3D CGI-animated musical fantasy comedy-drama film, created and produced at   Walt Disney Animation Studios and distributed by    Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures .

Friday 20 March 2015

Kids (Sitara and Sachin)   went to the Aviation and Space Museum with their parents.

Here is what their mom posted on her Facebook:

 ” Fun day at the Aviation and Space Museum, LEGO Competition, dinner and the Cinderella movie in a “Big City” Theatre… A first for both kids!

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Thursday   26   March 2015
This day Sitara was invited to try out a ” Figure Skating ” session at the Deep River Arena – by her coach for her previous CanSkating sessions at the Arena ( note: for which she/Sitara   got/won a Gold Medal for 2015 at Deep River – see previous write-up)   .
Sitara seems to have liked the Figure Skating – accoprding to her mom. Only future will tell how she does it in this   activity .
Note : Her mom also got to know that Sitara is selected for an award at the school ( a certificate   for ” Honesty ”   in her class ).
Tuesday     31 March 2015
This day Sitara and Sachin came to nana/nani home for dinner along with their parents.
This week every morning it was planned to have their nana/nani drop them to school in the morning – after their dad bring them to Deep River   from Mackey .   At the closure time ,   they get picked by their mom   .
This day the kids wanted to celebrate nana’s   75th birthday   – just before they travel to Toronto and then to Jamaica.
A cake was cut, birthday song was sang by the kids and all had a great time. Even Maya   (along with her parents) from Totonto joined in the party by telephone wishing herBapuji a very happy birthday.   Sitara /Sachin gave nana a gift box – to make a wish.
After the dinner and cake cutting –   all gathered together in the living room to play ” keeping the balloon” in the air. This was very exciting and relaxing – plus enhancing bonding within family.