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, Grandparents -23 & Grandparents -24 ) as the previous posts were becoming a tad bit busy.
Thursday 7 April 2011
This day, both nana & nani went to Mackey to play with the kids. Usually they come to Deep River on Thursdays but we reverse it and it was fun to play with the kids on thier home front. Both the kids were excited to see us there. Both welcomed the grandparents very warmly. Sitara in her usual style ran up to her nana and enbraced him and Sachin followed – wanted to be lifted and held by his nana.
They did the same ritual with their nani.
We played together till noon -then their nana went back to Deep River for some as he was expecting their neighbor (Warren) to come to help putting together the Hutch (Bush brand – bought from Staples in Pembroke) and also the Dell Computer technician from Ottawa to fix the computer – the power unit had konked out. Well, any thing happens in life, None of the two came – for some reason and their nana spent the afternoon alone . However he went back to Mackey in the evening and had great fun with the kids.
Unbeknownst to her nana – Sitara worked with her nani to make a bead necklace for her nani and then went by herself to prepare abead bracelet for her nana -as her nana’s birthday was next day on Friday 8th April, 2011. He is being 71 now.
Friday 8 April 2011
Sitara was all bubbly about this day -as she came to Deep River with her brother (Sachin) and mom – she was all happy as she knew about celebrating her nana’s birthday. While her nana was busy with the Dell technician – who managed to come this day (instead of yesterday) – for the repair of the computer . Sitara was busy with her nani & mom to bake a cake and decorate it. Sachon went for hisn usual nap in the afternoon. After the cake was decorated, they hid it in the basement. However,as soon as theian left, Sitara took her nana – held his hand and led him to the basement and Voila! secret was revealed about the cake. Earlier on Thursday, Sitara had worked with ehr mom to prepare a Greeting Card for teh birthday – a unique one – they cut from paper the palm along with fingerrs of both Nina & Sitara – joined (with a connecting piece) them together – decorate these wit stars and sprinkles etc and write best weished for nana’s birthday.
All had great time . Sunjay had come after work and we were also joined by Marcel (nana’s friend and bridge partner) . After dinner & birthday cake cutting etc – Sitara opened up to Marcel and have him read the story book (few stories). Even Sachin wa sll bubbly during dinner and afterward – smiling and calling out with laughter and fun .
Thursday 14 April 2011
This day the kids came to Deep River to nana/nani home but also Sachin had an apppointment with his medical doctor for vaccination . He got shots in both the arms . After that he came home and allthad lunch together – though Sitara remained in playful mood and ate very little. After lunch, Sachin went with his mom to FEN in Mackenzie High School location where he had been examined by a Speech therapist to monitor his speech development. Sachin needs to have at least a vocabulary of 50 words by the time he turns 2 . Currently he has about 30 words vocabulary but he can communicate well with his words and hand signals. He starts to say two words but requre to separate these and use them as he wants. This will come about by the time he becomes 2 year old. The Speech Therapist said that they will help him to develop more words by various activities.
Tuesday 19 April 2011
Sachin went to Petawawa for his introductory course on music (at the Petawawa Library) – the KinderMusic class . This is his first. He was taken there by his mom accompanied by his sister Sitara and his nani. His sister has already been taking this course and Sachin had observed that before. In fact, Sachin started singing by himself about 3 weeks ago (last week of March) while sitting in his high chair at home for a meal. He sang ‘La la la la’ in a nice voice by himself and enjoying himself. This is his debut in music world – which excited his mom and she hopes that he will learn to appreciate music more while attending ” KinderMusic ” in Petawawa.
After the music session- all came home to Deep River and had lunch – pizza -all kept ready by their nana. The kids and mom spent the day at the Deep River house . The kids played with their nana/nani along with their mom. They enjoyed the “see-saw” toy (in light blue colour) bought by their nana/nani from the new store “Hart” recently opened in Pembroke (in West Mall) . Both kids loved the toy -a see-saw game -the tow of them can play together. Sitara is very smart in that she figured out almost immediately that the see -saw toy can be used to hide in its body. She hid in the see-saw body and she and her nana had great fun playing “hide and seek”. This was when Sachin had already gone for his afternoon nap .
Sitara also helped her nani to make “Chappatis”. Then she discovered a plastic cookie cutter from the basement and brought that to her nani and said to her “I have an idea” . She says that in her nice sweet style so her nani listens. She wanted to use the cookie cutter to make shape and mark on the Chappatis being made in the kitchen. So she and her nani used the cookie cutter and made the Chappatis together – aproject where she has bondiing with her nani and fun and learning to make the Chappatis.
These Chappatis were eaten by all at dinner – Sitara distributed the Chappatis – she helped to make -to each one including Sachin who ate the Chappati along with prepared (cooked) Okra . He loved Okra -so did Sitara. Sachin had been very talkative during dinner and also playful. He made a game – first calling his nana ” nana come help” – he wanted his nana to help to feed him – of course his nana would stand up from his seat and go to Sachin’s chair and help him eat his rice -but the Sachin will feed himself any way . After that he will request (always politely and smile) his nani -“nani come help” . He repeated alternatively between his nana and nani this game a few times. Their dad joined in the dinner after he came from his work.
Both kids ate well – which was satisfying to their parents and grandparents. They all went home to Mackey at about 9.00 p.m.
Friday 22 April 2011
This being the Good Fridy and Easter – it was planned that the grandparents will join the kids and their parents at Mackey and participate in the “egg hunting” game . However, early telephone call from Mackey brought the news that Sitara was sick and up most of the night along with her mom. So going to Mackey and “egg hunting” was postponed till the evening . Both nana/nani arrived at Mackey about 5.30 p.m – just prior to when Sachin got up from his afternoon nap. Sitara welcomed both the grandparents in her usual soft smile and happiness.
When Sachin got up, he was very happy to see the grandparents
All had dinner after an hours play with the kids. Nana had prepared “Spanish” rice and mashed potatoes based on reciipes he had got from Zee News on internet. Nina had prpeared “devilled”eggs for protein and nani had other miscellaneous items.
After dinner, kids had their usual hour of intense play – running around and ride on their push trucks (Sitara in her red truck and Sachin in his blue truck) . Nana call that thier “crazy hour” -like “happy hour” in a bar. Kids get really excited and run around – both competing going round and round. This evening they wetre in their push trucks – pushed by nana/nani and their dad – having to run around with speed and enjoyment. Sachin fell into such ecstasy that he started singing ” go go go go ” – a very melodiious tune for a baby. The kids then went to sleep and both nana/nani returned to Deep River.
Sunday 24 Aprol 2011
The kids (along with their parents) came to Deep River home at about lunch time. After lunch, there was an “egg hunt” for the kids – first outdoors – front yard and then at the backyard. The kids really enjoyed this . Sitara was having the time of her life and so was Sachin. They wondered around all over the yard -with weaved easter basket in hand and plucked eggs (jumping with joy) from various locations (where eggs were spread out before). . It was a pleasant day -good weather and sunshine.
After the outdoors, the egg hunt went indoors and the kids just revelled in searching for the easter eggs in various rooms . The kids -with all these easter chocolate eggs- had great discipline- and did not fight or push to eat these. They were allowed each one to eat one chocolate egg. They seem to understand that eating too much is not good for health.
Sitara had developed a cold on Saturday but was seem to be holding herself well. Both kids were on medicine for the cold and slight temperature.
The kids were to have sleep over at their nana/nani home this night -as theyw ere spending the whole Monday with them – beiing easter Monday (week) – their babysitter had gone away . As usual after dinner , kids played well – with toys but also running round and round through Living room and Kitchen.
They went sleep at about 8.00 p.m – through good effort of their parents – and they slept well thru the night . The parents went home to Mackey.
On Monday 25 April, 2011 – the kids woke up early -all fresh and happy. After breakfast, nana/nani took them outdoor for “bubble making” . Oh! the kids had ball of a time . Nana took Sachin to the park in the back of the house -while Sitara and nani went indoors -after the “bubble making”. Sachin got all tired out after the walk and playing in the park. After coming indoors -and having his milk bottle – he went to sleep and missed his lunch. After lunch , nana took Sitara to Grouse park -where a lady (Krista -one of Nina’s friends) had organised an “egg hunt” . Sitara had few eggs found – and the she was joined by her dad (who had come from work – the work place closed early due to Easter Monday) .
This day Sitara experimented with the lower bathroom door and turned the latch of lock (inside of the bathroom) to “Close” and then came out and shut the door. She then found that the door cannot now open. She felt bad about that and would not come for dinner. Her nani went to look for her and she was sulking in te square tent ((that we have for kids to play in the rec room) . She was crying silently – presumably feeling bad about turning the latch. Her nani assured her that this is a small thing and door can be opened by using some tools . She opened the door using knife and turning it open. Sitara was fascinated .
Monday 2 May 2011
This was the Federal election day in Canada . So both the kids had opportunity to go to the polling station (in Stonecliff) after their dad (at about 5.00 pm after his work) picked them up from the baby-sitter’s place and then went for voting at Stonecliff (near Mackey). I understand that Sitara in fact joined his dad behind the polling booth partition.
Tuesday 10 May 2011
The previous week the kids could not come and play with their grandparents. Both nana/nani had gone to Toronto on Friday 29 April and stayed there till Sunday 1st May . Then again both nana/nani went to Ottawa om Thursday 5 May until Saturday 7 may – to attend the Engineering Annual General Meeting (AGM) and An Award gala for volunteers. The Mothers Day was on Sunday 8th May – which was celebrated by Sitara and Sachin along with their dad to honor their mom. So the Mothers day at naan/nani place was planned for Tuesday 10 May Both the kids came over with their mom inthe morning and their nana joined to go with them to Petawawa library ( at Petawawa Civic Centre) for Sachin’s music class. Nana looked after Sitara who played in the park at the Civic Centre. The day was bright and the weather was fabulous. Sitara played on teh swing, on the slides and with other play things but more important that she made friends with many kids – at this age they do not know each other but become friends for the play time. It was worth observing thew ay Sitaar won over many kids – playing with them smoothly – on slides and in sand . Sachin joined later after his music session was ended. He enjoyed very much being in the parek. He also played on th swing but went to slid eon a larger slide – he conquered climbing and sliding and went back a few times . He just want to keep playing but then we had to end the fun as their mom wanmtedto go to Pembroke for shopping and also MacDonald meal for the kids. Both kids well at MacDonalds and had great time shopping. They got sandles and sun glasses -a sgift from nana/nani to celebrate the Mother’s day.
After shopping and meal- all came back to Deep River- where nani had prepared the meal fo the evening celebration for Mother’s Day. There was a Cheese cake prepared the preveouis night (nana’s recipe-found from Internet) -which was to be decorated and which was to be kept a surprise for the kids’ mom (Nina) . Sitara helped her nani to decorate the cake – having her mom to retire downstairs in the Recreation room for that time. Sitara also made a card ( a drawing) for her mom . Even Sachin joined in decorating tehcake -all having fun and enjoyment.
After Dinner, Sachin played with wooden Alphabet puzzle -with his nani, mom & then his nana & dad joining in. All enjoying his playfulness but also his keenness and observations -recognising the letters with colors and matching these with the Board indentaions – slowly but surely he could match many leters with impressions (indentations) on the board. Everyone was excited about his brain activity at this age ( 1 year & 10 months)
After that all went to Mackey- very happy . All had a great and excellent day.
Tuesday 17 May 2011
This day kids did not come to Deep River – as it is a day they normally come and spend time with their nana/nani. Sitara had a touch of cold and also her mom. So they decided it is better they do not come as the cold can be infectitious and spread to their nani or nana. So Sitara and Sachin went to Petawawa with their mom – not joined by either nana or nani . Sachin normally have his music session on Tuesdays in Petawawa. However, their mom was informed to stop over for a minute at nana/nani home befroe going back to Mackey (after Sachin’s music session in Petawawa). Nana/nani had a surprise gift waiting for kids to give to their dad in appreciation of his fatherly love. There was also a beutiful card – that they will sign with crosses and some dabble in picture drawing. As they were not to spend time in deep River, nina took the gift ( a shirt nana/nani bought from Sears when they were in Ottawa last week ) and the card with her home – whetre she will have the kids tehn givet to theor dad as a surprise at an appropriate time in the evening.
From 26 May to 03 June 2011
This period – We all went for holidays to Mexico – as Sitara said “we are going on vacation” .
The vacation was booked earlier in April.
While the kids and their parents already were thinking of going on holidays during winter – that got delayed for one reason or another – then they decided to go during the week of 26 May to 03 June as this fitted well with Nina’s work schedule . Grandparents were asked previously whether they would want to join in – so they can enjoy the kids as well as the kids would also have an opportunity to spend quality time with their nana/nani. Besides nana/nani can also have a different type of holidays at a beach resort . Also the kids’ nani would get a chance to refresh her university days when she was learning world history and was interested at the time in Maya and Aztec culture and history. So the holidays at Barcelo Maya Beach – near Cancun, Mexico fitted the bill.
This area has a very well developed beach resorts and also places for some Maya ruins to visit.
So the trip started on Thursday 26 May – when all travelled to Ottawa in the evening and stayed one night at Days Inn near Ottawa airport (on Hunts Road) . This hotel provides shuttle service (starting at 4.30 am in the morning) to and from the Airport as well as facility for car parking for the duration when one is away from the country. The shuttle service is included in room charge for the night but one has to pay for parking (charge per day when parking is used). They also provided early breakfast (continental) – startng very early in the morning. The troup arrived at the Days Inn about 9.00 p.m (after stopping over in Renfrew Township – for eating at MacDonald in Walmart – this is kids favourite place for stopping over whenever their parents go to Ottawa.
So everyone was up and ready early on Friday morning (around 5.00 am) – had something to eat and then Days Inn shuttle service drove the group to Ottawa Airport at 5.15 am. The Air Canada flight (Ottawa to Toronto) – AC 441 was to depart at 7.00 am – the boarding passes for this flight and connecting flight to Cancun were obtained/printed at home (by use of internet facility provided by Air Canada) – thus needing less time at the Airport. We were surprised when we came to the Air Canada checking counter to check in our luggage -by being asked by the Checking Officer whether we were Gujaratis -as she was herself a Gujarati.
We boarded the Air Canada plane after clearing the Security . The kids just enjoyed going through all these new experiences -even Sachin – who is not even 2 years old enjoyed – all facets of this phase of early morning hustle and bustle. We then tranferred to Air Canada flight AC1254 in Toronto for Cancun, Mexico. Flight to Toronto from Ottawa was 1 hour long and from there to Cancun the flight time was about 4 hours.
See the separate Post on titled ” Vacation in Mexico (2011) ” for details of our stay in Mexico.
Pravin Shah