This post is a continuation of  the earlier posts (Being Grandparents ,Being Grandparents – 2, Being Grandparents – 3, Being Grandparents – 4, Being Grandparents – 5, Being Grandparents -6,Being Grandparents -7, Being Grandparents -8 , Being Grandparents  -9  ,  Being Grandparents -10, Being Grandparents -11, Being Grandparents -12,  Being Grandparents -13, Grandparents -14, Grandparents -15,    Grandparents -16,  Grandparents -17, Grandparents -18,Grandparents -19, Grandparents -20, Grandparents -21 & Grandparents -22  )  as the previous  posts were becoming a tad bit busy.

October 2010

This month for a period, I lost my computer use due to virus attack . Only since about a couple of days back, I have the computer restored. Today is Sunday 24 October 2010, and both kids (Sitara and Sachin) came home in   the evening after Sitara had her swimming class at Deep River swimmimg pool (Mackenzie High School). Both their parents and nani went to be with Sitara and of course, Sachin was also gone with his parents to the pool – though he did not go into the pool but played around.  

On  Tuesday 19th October,2010 of the month, Sachin went to the doctor in Deep River with his mom    and had his vaccination for the chicken pox.   SachinMan is a strong baby   – he did not cry or showed any pain during the day or after that.     On Tuesdays, their dad goes for squash or other sport (if feasible) and thus only comes for supper if he has no sport.

Sitara also goes to music class at Petawawa on Saturdays –  with her dad (if her mom is working) or with both parents when her mom is not working. On Saturdays, when Nina is working, Sachin spends the day at his garndparents .     When in Petawawa, after the music class, the parents take Sitara and Sachin for swimming at the  DunDonald Hall in Petawawa – of course after hvaing lunch at a restaurant.  

Sitara has learnt some   Yoga postures from somewhere – and she demonstrates her skill on and off to her nana & nani.   on Tuesday 19 October, 2010 – she carried out a slew of Yoga postures to demonstrate to her nani andmom – her skills.   She is very good at rolling on her stomach, holding her legs behind   – by her hands.

This month Sitara has a grown a bit in age but  also in  maturity as she sleeps without any safety bars across her bed since Wednesday 20 October,2010.

On Thursday  , 21 October, 2010 when at her nana/nani home – she helped her nani to roll chappatis – her chappatis are neat and proper round and mostly of same size. She also helped her mom to make the pizza dough for the evening meal of pizzas along with helping to make some cookies too. She had been abit busy girl in the kitchen this day.

Sitara, these days . loves strawberries. She eats these at lunch time and supper time. Raw -well cut for her.   When she was about 2 years or less, she liked blueberries and sometimes peaches but she was not allowed strawberries at that time ( for fear of allergic reaction) . She is now allowed as she is 3 years and over – and she just laps these up so happily.

Wednesday 27 October, 2010

This day there was a power failure due to high wind in the area. So the kids could not stay at their home in Mackey as the water supply pump (well water) would not work (without electricity) . They were picked from the baby-sitter in Deep River in the evening by their dad and then gone home – but due to power failure in their area, it was decided to bring them  back to Deep River to their nana/nani home.

They & their dad had  dinner  and later joined by their mom too after her work.   It was decided to have   sleep-over by the kids at their nana/nani home . This is to give them more time for rest . Their parents left after the power was restored in the area of their home.   The kids slept well . On Thursday 28 October, their mom came early to deep River- this being her off days from work she spent time with the kid and grandparents.

Both the kids (Sitara & Sachin) were taken by their mom & nani to FEN   classes at the Mackenzie High School premises . There it was a special day as there were visiting dentists and speech therapist who came  out to provide a check-up to all the kids who came to the  FEN.    Both Sitara and Sachin had a sesson with the two specialists. Sachin is developing the back teeth (may be molars) . Sachin is speaking a lot but in his own formulated words and is trying to imitate his mom on normal words.   While when Sachin was at FEN with his nani – Sitara  went for her swimming class (with her mom) .  

After swimming, she went back to FEN . All came home and had lunch .   After Sachin went to sleep, Sitara went to the Deep River Public Library with her mom and nani- from where they borrowed a DVD on Dora    . Sitara enjoyed that DVD after dinner at her nana/nani home. Their dad could not come for dinner as he was working late in the office.

After dinner, Sitara and Sachin were in a  playful mood and played a lot with each other and then with their nana/nani. Their mom also tried out their Halloween costumes ( Yellow/white Chicken outfit for Sachin and   a blue princess dress with  a tiara for Sitara) . The kids are going for the Halloween treat a day early this year . They will   go “treat or trick” first on Saturday to few of the friends house and then on Sunday again.  Sitara wanted her nana to tell her a story while she was relaxed on the living room sofa . Her nana tld her  few stories (as lib) – at least four – all fictional – mostly based on story books she likes .   Sachin was active and wanted to go up the stairs ( there are only 6 steps on each stair in the house) and he also came down the stairs by himself.  He  knows how to come down  but is a bit shy doing that as he remains careful not to hurt himself.   His nana also read him a children book (on cats) – he is only 15 months old but it is time that he learns to have books read to him.

Wednesday 24 November, 2010

Its a bit long time since I have made any entry on the kids’ shennanigans. This is because  I had been a slight busy on other  matters and then we (wife & I)  went to Toronto on 12th November ( to attend the Oshwal Diwali program -along with Sunir & Shannon) and also to attend an Engineering conference. We came back home on Sunday 21 November 2010.   Well both kids are fun at all times. They are doing fine though once in a while  each one of them catch slight cold  and also cough. It si getting colder  here and temperatures do gyrate  from – degrees (upto -5 degree) to slight positive .

Sachin has developed more back teeth and also one molar (upper right hand side)  . He is always very active and now walks fast trying to run. He also communicates well – to express his needs and whatever he wants to do – of course all in his baby ways – no clear words but though a couple at this time of his development- like “more” “more” . He also has become very fond of his nani – as she does feed and clean him whenever his mom is busy or gone away.     He does play with his nana very well and understand that nana also reads a book to him (such as “pickaboo” with pictures). He likes to explore areas in the house and likes  to dance and listen to Indian (Gujarati) music and dance. He knows the location of the record player and  knows how to work the   “power ” switch of the machine.

Sitara has developed – on her owm – dance steps – both Indian and Western moves . She likes to show these and she really enjoy the dancing – she also likes the Indian (Gujarati) music for dancing. We just wonder from where she learns this moves but she does “creates” her own by combinging her gymnastics  exercise steps and also yoga type moves and dancing that she observes on TV  (MickyMouse Clubhouse or other kids shows) . She somehow puts all this in her mind and develop her own unique moves and show these to us.

They do come to nana/nani home many times – which give both nana/nanai immense pleasure and fun.     Both nana/nani missed the kids emotionally when they (nana/nani) were in Toronto last time as described above.

Thursday 25 November, 2010

Today Sitara at her swimming class ( at 11.00 am in the morning) at Mackenzie High in Deep River swam on her own for a length of few feet. This gave her much satisfaction and happiness of accomplishment.

Also during dinner, both Sitara and Sachin got the taste of Gujarati papad  . While Sitara had tasted this  before, this  was the first time Sachin had eaten it. He liked it and ate the  papad with great satisfaction.

Wednesady 08 December 2010

Lately the kids are in routine growth mode and continue to visit  their nana/nani  on Thursdays and Sundays . They had “sleep over” on Thursday night (2 December 2010) as their parents were to go for a Christmas Party at Kelseys (Petawawa) . Both of them were fabulous. Sachin used the potty for his “single” need. Sitara enjoys her stay at her nana/nani – she takes part in many activities and have  her nana say stories. These days  -the stories are inpromptu as recited by her nana – based on subjects that she chooses. These days she wants stories of ” Rainbow that talked” or   ” the boat that talked ” or similar subjects. Her nana obliges very happily.

Sitara and of course Sachin – both helped decorate the Christmas tree at their nana/nani home on Thursday (02 Decmeber 2010) . Sitara was her usual self – all very mature and would help to put many ornaments on the tree (she had a choice- angels and snow flakes). Well, she likes few others -which she requested (very lovingly and mischivious smile on her face) to take home to Mackey to place on the tree there . This was allowed very readily and great joy.   Sachin was all excited. This is his first tree to decorate at his nana/nani home.   Both kids also had earlier (on Tuesday 30 November 2010) helped their mom to put up a Christmas tree at their home in Mackey. Their nani was also there to be with them.     Sachin would pick up an ornament and walk around the room and then come back to put ot on the tree – though for him it is difficult (being only 15 months old) – but he was assisted by his nana or nani .

On Saturday (04 December 2010) – all (Sunjay , kids and grandparents) went to Deep River downtown to watch the Santa parade starting at 5.30 pm  – all floats illuminated by multiple colorful lights – against the backdrop of dark sky.   Kids were excited. Nina was working that day but came out during the parade to be with the kids and family and to enjoy the parade .   Sitara had the best time . She and Sachin got lots of candies (goodies) etc from the float sponsors.   Sachin was all keen to observe the  parade but being only 15 months old -he took in all the noise and lights and just felt happy about it all.  

 Thursday 09 December 2010

The kids and their mom spent the day at nana/nani home.   It was a great happy fun day with them. A board game “Candy Camp” was played with Sitara ( 3 played- Sitara, her mom and nana)   – Nana lost.   Sitara is very satiable girl. There is a ” candy cane ” pennant hung on the wall by her nani – for her to get one candy each day prior to Christmas but parental rule is that she cannot have a candy as too mush sugar is not good for kids – So she asks but she gets explanation that she cannot have it because sugar is not good – and she just accepts that happily – no fuss or any tantrums. She telss her nani in a very soft voice ” I understand “.

Ah! she also discovered all the   “wrapped up”  gifts   for Christmas – earlier hidden in the Master bedroom  – but only thing  she asked – is this for me? and her nana said yes – she then walked awy satisfied – no fuss for having one right away . Fpor   Thre (3) year old to be such satiated is a boon to the family. She has this trait sinc ethe day she was born. Always  logic and understanding .

This day Sachin was   a very happy playful kid. He played with his nana with his toys and also with his nani – going to kitchen and elsewhere – over the stairs and down – few times . He talks few words these days.     “Daddy”,   “Mommy”, “nana” – “Mamma ”   for Sitara – he says “Ta” and he tries to speak garbage but can come up with ” –age”.     He likes music and wanted to dance with his nana – so got the muscic going – and his nana pick him up and   dance.   He would insist that dance continues – so nana carried him and danced for as much long as he wanted.

Saturday 11 December 2010

Both kids came to Deep River with their mom and to spend time with their nana/nani and also for a “sleep over” as parents were to go out to an AECL office Christmas party – held in Petawawa. The parents were to spend the night (after the party) in Pembroke at their friend’s home.  

During the day there was playing with the kids and also went out for a while in the snow. Could not make a snowman as the snow was all dry and would not make a ball.

They went to bed in good time and rested through the night peacefully.  

On Sunday 12 December, after breakfast and  playing in the house for sometime , their nana took them outside in the snow . There was so much snow falling on this day and required snow shovelling a couple of times.   Sachin loved it. He got a ride on nana’s snow scoop and then to sit on the a pile of snow .   However it was discovered that he had Sitara’s snow shoes on – of course put on by his nana. He was taken into  the house and Sitara got her snow shoes and then she came out (Sachin remaining in the house with his nani) to play in the snow.   She played with snow – though could not make a ball or snowman as the snow was as yet dry and could not be rolled into a ball. Sitara had a ride in the “snow scoop” – her nana took her sliding  on the road and driveway.

In the evening Sitara went for her swim lesson with her parents – after dinner they all went home to Mackey.

Tuesday 14 December  2010

Both kids went with their parents to Ottawa ( in fullness of snow falling) – they went to celebrate their mom’s birthday   . In Ottawa they spent time at “Cosmic Adventure” – where kids had a ball of a time. They returned back to Mackey on Wednesdaty.

Thursday 16 December 2010

Both kids came to Deep River with their mom  – who has free time from work and  their dad had gone to work. In the evening, we all celebrated their mom’s birthday – their dad joining in after the work.

 Note:

Sitara has since  last few days has started writing alphabet letters suchas A and M   but  also words  by herself. She can write MOMMY, MAMA, NINA .This is the time when she makes cards (craft with her mommy and also with her nani) for her mom’s birthday and also for christmas for all (her dad, momj, nana/nani and mama/mami) – this gives her impetus and interest to write names and words.

Sachin is full of confidence and knows what he wants and can communicate (in his own baby way) – by grunts   – and by his choice words that he speaks.   He knows how to say “nooooooo”   and also mimic Sitara . He is developing vocabulary of few words but uses his trademark – sharp –  “Hunnnnn”  and pointing with his hand or finger what he wants. He likes to run around – fromliving room through kitchen and follows Sitara who joins in – mostly this is becomg a routine for both kids at about 7.00 p.m in the evening   – the guess is they become energised after dinner and want to play  with each other and show ioff abit to parents and grandparents.    

Thursday 23 December 2010

This day Sachin had a cold and a slight fever .   They did come to Deep River with their mom – with a proviso that both grandparents wear face  masks so that they do not catch the ciold from Sachin. They did and Sachin was almost normal and played with no notice of the masks .   Sitara played well – went to Hill Park for tobagganing in the afternoon with her mom  . Her nana/nani became a bit busy with a visit from Ken – our friend’s son – who came to Deep River on vacation from his naval training in Noca Scotia – so they could not go to the Hill park with Sitara. However, Sachin was sleeping & thus both grandparents  would not have  gone. Ken brought gifts for Sitara ( a cuddlly stuffed white blood cell )  as well as for Sachin ( an inflatable toy for his room)- along with gifts for Jackie ( a scarf )  and myself (a pair of playing cards). In the evening their parents went  to Pembroke (with the maroon minivan)  to pick up their gasl generator (Hayoundai Brand) from Walmart. When in Pembroke, the parents picked up  2 tobbagons ( one for each kid) – on behalf of the grandparents.

On  previous  Saturday ( 18 December 2010), Sitara went to Petawawa for her music lesson  (with her dad – her mom was working on the day till 10 p.m.) – while Sachin spent time   with his nana/nani in Deep River. In the evening both kids went to a party -with their dad – to Roy’s house ( they have kids – Kevin & Ethane – who play with Sitara & Sachin) . Of course their mom joined them late after her     work finished at 10.00 pm .

Friday 24 December 2010

This day was quiet – till their nana picked up a   28″ snow blower (Craftsman type) from Sears depot at lunch time in Deep River – loaded it (with the help of Sunjay’s friend – Ken) on the maroon minivan ( along with the previous night’s Gas Generator) and the decided to take both of these to Mackey- Sunjay being at home this day   and looking after the kids.   Thier mom was working on this day (Christmas Eve) . So their nani also came and played with Sitara ( also read a book for alphabets) while Sachin was having his afternoon nap.   Thier dad & nana off-loaded both the equipment & their dad worked on these so they are ready for operation.

 

Saturday 25 December 2010

Its  “Santa” Day   (Christmas Day for the Christians) – when both nana/nani arrived at Mackey about 11.00 am –  the  Christmas  tree at the Mackey residence was respendent with lots of ornaments and lights. There were gifts galore underneath. The Santa had been very generous this year to kids and family. A family photo(s)  was taken prior to opening of the gifts .  

Kids got variety of gifts from thier parents and grandparents.   But the top gifts were for Sitara – a bicycle (with training wheels) white all prettied up with a purse (pouch) for carrying refreshment  and a helmet -head gear- for safety. For Sachin – a blue truckmobile (run by feet power) with ” police ” motto on the side was there and ge just loved it and went in and out of it and showed off.    

Sunday 26 December 2010

The kids came to deep River about noon with their dad. Their mom was working this day till 6.00 pm. After lunch – and after Sachin went to sleep for his afternoon nap – Sitara and her dad went out to Mount Martin Ski Hill in Deep River . Her nana joined in to watch Sitara enjoy herself. This is her first ski try   (I understand , that she had been earlier to the Mount Martin Hills before with her dad when she was a baby.)   She was excited and cooperated to wear the ski gears – without any complaints – even it could be uncomfortable.   She just seems to be out and about with her dad. She did try out one small hill (of course all guided and held by her dad) and wanted to try another  on the opposite side.   This “kind of” petered out but all in all it was all fun and fresh air and activities made  her very happy. She will eventually learn to ski but this is the first step when she becomes familiar with the gears and the hill.  

In the evening the kids’ Sunirmama & Shannon mami arrived – driving – from Toronto. They were excited.   Sitara just latched up to her Shannonmami and Sachin was all happy though a bit sigh in the beginning .

Sitara played Candy Board game with her Mama /Mami   . Tomorrow they  will be going with them (& her parents) for tobagganning  .  

Monday 27 December 2010

 The kids came to Deep River -a tad bit later than expected -as Sachin slept longer in the morning – he is under-the-weather lately and has some cough and running nose. After lunch – gifts under the trees were opened – both kids got many things but mostly clothes and some toys . However Sachin went to sleep (his afternoon nap) so his gifts from his mama/mami were left over for later opening. All   adults also  exchanged gift with each other. Nana/nani were excited to note   that a donation of $101.00 was made to Deep River Hospital on their behalf by Sunir/Shannon.  

This day we learnt a new word – relating to cocoa .   A mystery shrouded in much excitement and exhilaration.

After the gift opening, Sitara went to Hill Park in Deep River with her parents and mama/mami for tobagganing.   Sachin did not go as he was having his nap – and also he is a bit “under the weather”.

After dinner – celebration and fun – both kids played with their mama/mami much. Sunir just enjoyed playing  with Sitara – told her stories and read books. Sitara also played with her  ShannonMami and they mad merry fun for all of us.   They then went to Mackey with much reluctance – delayed going as much as they could.

Tuesday 28 December 2010

This day we were all invited to Mackey for a sumptuous “turkey ” dinner   – to celebrate the holidays. Sunjay prepared a fabulous turkey, filler and Nina prepared a   combo of vegetables . Nana/nani do not eat turkey – being vegetarian but the vegetables were supplemented by some dinner stuff brought from Deep River. Nina also prepared nana’s favourite custard pudding to be splashed over (by who ever wants it) the fruitcake earlier prepared by nani.  

Sachin was asleep during the early supper time – but rest of the party enjoyed  and  sat at the well-appointed  table for dinner – being  enhanced  by a 2008 Pinot Gris wine goblet ready at the table.  Nins was just enjoyimg every minute at the table but did not eat much -as she was more playful. Her conversation bits are so much fun to listen to.

Later Sachin woke up but did not eat much as he   still was suffering from 101 degree temp and also cough but he as   usual was smiling type and played around without too much fuss for his cold and cough.     After dinner- Sitara and her Shannonmami worked on the “Ginger Bread”  house – a continuation from  the previous day  – when they started to decorate the   “Ginger Bread” house in Deep River. The decoaration was well done and Sitara was in heaven for doing this activity  especially with her Shannonmami .

Subsequently all went out in the front foyer to light up some sparklers – left over from prevous years’ Diwali celebration . Sitara enjoyed holding and swinging the sparklers  – playing with all but mainly with her Shannonmami   – running all   over in the snow covered front yard  . Sachin also came out but was rather a spectator as he was not in the mood to play due to his cold and cough.

After that both kids were encouraged to go to bed with a “”sing song ‘ and then led  to bed for sleep. Sitara got a special treat – her SunirMama read her a story book to bed.  

Then adults played a Board game for about an hour before nana/nani and mama/mami went back to Deep River late in the night.

Thursday 30 December 2010

So they came and then they went back to Toronto yesterday. These are kids’ Sunirmama/Shannonmami . But on the way back to Toronto, they could not help but stop over in Mackey to say “Hullo” to kids before proceeding to Toronto. Sitara got all the hugs and attention as Sachin was still sleeping late (due to his cold and cough weakness).

Today Sitara came out to Deep River Arena for her skating lesson – her first . She came with her mom .   They did not come over to nana/nani home except to collect Sitara’s helmet – which is  kept in Deep River with other ski gears .

Friday 31 December 2010

This is the last day of the year 2010- both kids are under the weather – being looked after by their dad at home -when their mom was at work   in Deep River.

We pary for their and their parents’ Happy and enjoyable New Year.

 

Pravin Shah