This post is a continuation of the earlier posts ”” (Being Grandparents (paternal) -1, Being Grandparents (paternal)- 2, Being Grandparents (paternal)-3 & Being Grandparents (paternal)-4”””” as the previous posts were becoming a tad bit busy.
Thursday 10 May 2012
This day Maya had gone to Huntsville with her mom & grandma ( maternal ) from Toronto to visit her great grandparents ( Kathy’s parents ). They were to spend a night there .
Same day, Maya’s Ba & Bapuji were driving to Toronto from Deep River – her Bapuji was going to Toronto to attend an AGM of his Engineering Association and also to attend an Award Gala to recognise some selected Engineers for their volunteer service to the Engineering Association. So on the way to Toronto they also stopped over at Huntsville to meet with Maya and her mom & folks. Maya and her mom had just recently returned back from their international travel to Switzerland where Maya met and coddled by her Aunt Erica and her boyfriend Matt.
Ba & Bapuji had not seen & played with Maya for about a couple of months and she is growing fast – now she is sitting by herself and crawling etc. So this was first opportunity for them to see her (in Huntsville!). Well, when her Ba & Bapuji arrived at Huntsville, they found Maya was having her afternoon nap. So her Ba & Bapuji spent time with Maya’s Mom & grandma and her great Grandfather. Her Grandmother was away attending a meeting (for Meals on Wheel) – where she volunteers her time . After spending about an hour, Ba/Bapuji left as they wanted to be in Toronto before traffic builds up in Toronto. Maya had remained with her nap – and she was not disturbed at that time as her Ba/Bapuji were to spend time with her in the coming days when return back to Toronto (from Huntsville) .
As summer is showing sign of appearing and weather becoming hotter (even now in May) , Maya is having a ball of a time. This is at a time even when there is bit of a mayhem at her home in Toronto – as the house is in a renovation phase – old kitchen is gutted and new one is being built – the work is progressing well but Maya requires to play in a restricted/constrined environment. She is holding on well. She goes (of course with her mom and sometime with her dad like on Tuesday 8 May 2012 – after she returned back from Switzerland) to the park opposite to the house (right across the road from house) and at time to picnic at other parks in the City.
Maya had her first swimming “lesson” ”” with her dad on Tuesday 8 May 2012 . What a great feeling for both father & daughter ( of course to all of us even far away – but looking at her photo (on her dad’s Facebook) with her dad in the swimming pool gives us joy).
Wednesday 6 June 2012
Maya has become very active – rolling, crawling and just curious about going places on her own steam . She is becoming more independent and exploring new places in the house. So last weekend, it happened . She went down the stairs – getting out of parent’s bedroom – and had a tumble/roll over the stairway . Luckily she did not get hurt . So today the baby gate was installed at the top of the stair – The following sentiments were expressed in today’s e-mail (with Maya’s photo exploring the new gate ) by her mom
” Thanks to Grandpa for his help installing the baby gate last night and to Grandma for entertaining Maya while we struggled to assemble it. (Hopefully the second one will be easier!) As you can see from the photo, Maya is already trying to figure out how to open the gate but so far no luck… hopefully this will avoid any more nasty falls down the treacherous stairs! ”
Thursday 7 June 2012
Today it is her 10-month birthday and she already is in throes of getting her tooth #8 . This one seems to be causing her a lot of pain today, as well as a bit of a fever. She was chomping on frozen zucchini purée at her Grandma’s house to try and help with the sore gums.
And tomorrow morning she is flying off to Victoria, British Columbia with her mom and to be joined later by her dad (her dad has gone to Chicago for business appointment). She is turning out to be an extensive traveller – having just returned from Switzerland.
Friday 8 June 2012
Maya & her mom arrived safely at Vancouver, British Columbia after a long flight late in the afternoon. We have arrived safely in BC after a long flight yesterday.
Maya was not feeling too well and has been very fussy, hoarse and drooling, so she might have a throat infection (according to her mom) in addition to the teething. Poor thing!
On Saturday (9 June 2012) Maya sported her nice striped tights – as she was attending a wedding (her mom’s friend’s wedding) in the afternoon! Her dad also had joined Maya (& her mom) arriving from Chicago – where he had earlier gone for business needs.
The wedding was great . Elizabeth (Sarah’s mom) babysat Maya so that her parents could enjoy the reception. On Sunday ( 10 June 2012) the family stayed with Sarah’s family in Victoria (who lived in a lovely house by the ocean). Maya was spotted playing with her daddy (climbing over him) at the park . She was definitely feeling a bit better today.
On Monday 11 June 2012 – Maya went and loved her first boat ride! Christopher, Sarah’s dad, was the captain (it’s his new job!) of a Ferry and thus the family got a free tour of Victoria harbour
On Tuesday 12 June 2012 , Maya & parents were having a lovely day in Victoria. They went to a big park where Maya (along with her parents) fed the ducks, went to the playground and visited the petting zoo. Maya was feeling a lot better but still is having major issues with the time change.
Maya returned back to Toronto on Friday 15 June 2012 with her parents and on Saturday 16 June , her Ba/Bapuji came over from Deep River (via Belleville – where her grandparents went to attend an Engineering Congress on Friday 15 June . Her Bapuji being taking part in volunteering for the Engineering Association)
Her Ba / Bapuji wanted to visit Maya and spend time with her and of course with her parents. Maya was cuddled and hugged and kissed and played with. Maya did her strut – wanting to go walking across the house holding her Bapuji’s both fingers . She likes to go walking in the newly opened up space – as the old kitchen is now gone with new different and wider kitchen is in place -after renovation done recently. There is wider place (not constricted ) space available for Maya to traverse. Maya also went to the park across the road from the house with her Bapuji. Her Ba/Bapuji returned to Deep River on Monday 17 June . While in Toronto, her Ba attended a wedding shower on Saturday for Maya’s aunt Heather (her mom’s sister) – she went (car pooled) with her maternal grandma and great grandma – and with her mom.
Miscellaneous – June 17 to June 29 2012
· Maya has now more than 8 teeth and like to show these off with her stunning smile . Photos have been taken of her pose with smiling face showing the glittering teeth.
· Maya had learnt to cross her fingers -as if wishing for something or hiding some mischief and then crossing fingers to wish that she is not caught.
· She likes to go outdoors (specially it being summer) and always ready to climb into her stroller (of course with the help of her mom or dad) and sometimes she digs into the stroller’s handle – as if she is hungry or want to sooth her itching gums.
· Now that she is trying to stand up and hold on to the edge of the sofa or held by her parents – it is not surprising that she starts to poke into her dad’s computer – funny enough that recently she did that but with a twist – also holding a baby story book about robots. This amused her dad quite a bit.
on Wednesday June 27 – her mom wrote on e-mail to the family ” Our playgroup went on a “field trip” to an awesome new playground and splash pad today. The play structure had some cool steps with lots of holes for kids to grab on to so Maya climbed up her first few stairs! ” A series of photos show the sequence of Maya (Learning to climb stairs!) trying to climb the stairs.
Sunday 8 July 2012
This day Maya arrived in Deep River with her parents – after spending a couple of days in Ottawa. She is a traveller – hoping from one place to another.
This is a special day as she came to Deep River to spend some 4 days ( upto Thursday) with her Ba, Bapuji and cousins here in Mackey.
The family had organised a welcoming party for her and her parents in the backyard (at Ba/Bapuji house in Deep River) and some of the friends in the Community (East Indian) were there to welcome them. These friends are with whom Sunir has grown with when in Deep River prior to going to University. They were pleased to welcome Maya in their fold. Also Ann & her friend Ena ( 90 year old) – acquaintance from Petawawa bridge club – also joined in to welcome Maya. Ann had driven all the way back from Ottawa after playing at a bridge tournament and before going to a barbeque at Pembroke.
Maya got lots of cuddles , hugs and playing times with many adults but more so with Sitara and Sachin. A birthday cake was lighted and cut by Maya (of course helped by her mom & dad) . Also Sitara and Sachin revelled in the cake cutting and singing ” Happy Birthday . She turned 11 months yesterday but it was decided to celebrate her 1st Birthday early here in Deep River as it would be difficult to participate in her birthday party at Toronto on 7 August as her cousins would also be celebrating Sitara’s 5th birthday here at Mackey.
After cake cutting and all the fun – she opened many gifts that she was showered with by all those guests who were present. It was decided to open family gifts on coming Tuesday as otherwise it becomes a bit too much and overbearing for the young baby.
Monday 9 July 2012
Maya went to Lemure Beach in Deep River with her parents and Ba. She played in the sand and enjoyed herself.
Maya is very friendly and have taken to her Ba & Bapuji well and plays with them in the morning after waking up. She is inquisitive and takes all toys well and work out how to play with each and every one of these toys. She definitely can play with “shape sorter” and also ring stacking. She is also very fitting in with Sitara and also with Sachin. They play together like a team.
Tuesday 10 July 2012
The cousins came over from Mackey and spend most afternoon and evening together . Maya had a fun time -so did Sitara and Sachin. Sachin liked to play with his SunirMama who would lift him to twirl him in the air and Sitara would play with her ShannonMami who would read books to her. Maya is the most coy girl and played with everyone. After dinner, Maya opened birthday gifts from her Ba, Bapuji and cousins and their parents. She has a car full of toys to lug to Toronto on Thursday.
Wednesday 11 July 2012
Maya’s parents went sailing with Ken in the afternoon – while Maya was dozing with Ba and Bapuji watching her. She was great girl – did not even make a sound until her parents were back.
A well behaved girl and she had a wonderful siesta to shake of tiredness of busy time for last few days.
Of course all days she spent in Deep River she would have a stroll walk with her mom or parents and go downtown or to Tim Horton on the Highway .
Thursday 12 July 2012
This day Maya said “bye” to Deep River and left at about 9.00 am for Huntsville – to her great great grandparents home and from there to her grandparents cottage to spendweekend there. Note: At the cottage , she had great time outdoors but got stricken with some ‘sun stroke’ . She also had a minor accident – she was being in her aunt Heather’s hands when unfortunately Heather tripped.
Fortunately Maya seems to have recovered from these incidents.
Monday 23 July 2012
This was the first day when Maya was taken for an hour to the “daycare” . This is the place Maya will be spending her time in the coming days when her mom goes to work.
Her mom stayed with her the whole time -as it was Maya’s first day.
Tuesday 24 July 2012
Today she went to daycare for the morning part of the day . She was left alone by herself – no mommy there to give her company. Of course there were other kids and many toys.
She endured the separation bravely though broke into crying when mommy arrived to pick her up. It is also emotional for her mommy – just to leave her baby with strangers. They survived the day and are becoming ready for the next days to come.
Saturday 28 July 2012
This weekend Maya spent with her dad alone as her mom had gone to cottage to celebrate the “bachelorette party” for her aunt Heather. It was the first time that her dad has been alone with Maya for an extended period of time.
Maya was very comfortable with being taken care of by her dad.
She has also started using the walker. Quote from her mom’s e-mail report
” Maya has figured out how to walk with the walker so she has been doing laps up and down the main floor today. (She kind of looks like Gran using her walker!)
The daycare drop off still involved tears on Maya’s part this morning, but I managed to hold it together, so I guess that’s progress 😉 ”
Wednesday 1 August 2012
Unfortunately, Maya developed a fever yesterday while at daycare, so her mom had to leave work early to come pick her up. She seems a bit better today, but still not quite herself, and she is supposed to be 24 hours fever-free before returning to daycare, thus her mom is working from home today. Fortunately she has the flexibility to do that since she is on a research block. Hopefully Maya will be all better by tomorrow so her mom can return to her work.
So far it seems that it hasn’t been the smoothest transition to daycare and her mom working but it is a transition time for the baby and also for her mom.
Note: kids do pick up viruses and other ailments when at school . This is born out from the fact taht both Maya’s cousins – Sitara & Sachin – are always picking up something or another. Kids have always to keep fighting the illnesses.
Thursday 2 August 2012
Maya had a little party (to celbrate her upcoming birthday) in the afternoon with some of her friend’s from playgroup.
She enjoyed of her cupcake (devoured in about 10 seconds flat). The name of her two friends in the PlayGroup -Mia and Ben .
During the weekend (Sunday 5 August) she had birthday party at her maternal grandparents – followed by the real birthday party at her parents’ home on 7 August 2012 – her birthday. She had few friends (with their parents) over.
Now she is well versed with knowing and eating cupcakes .
Shortly after her birthday – a couple of days later – she took a couple of steps on her own. So pretty soon she will be walking on her own all over.
Wednesday 22 August 2012
Ba/Bapuji travelled to Toronto to stay with Maya and family. Her mom’s sister (Heather) is getting married to Ryan at the Golf Club (Donalda Club off North York Road) on Saturday 25 August 2012 and Ba.Bapuji will attend the wedding but will stay at home during the dinner/reception -to look after Maya when she would be sleeping . Her parents can then have a worry free celebration at the Club.
On Friday evening Maya went with her parents for rehersal and then dinner at her maternal grandparents home – a pre-wedding dinner by Heather’s in-laws but at her parents’ home. Ba/Bapuji also joined in the dinner and revellery.
On Saturday 25 August 2012 – the wedding was in the afternoon at 5.00 p.m – Maya was to participate as a ” flower girl ” along with Ryan’s two nieces. Maya (in fact all three girls) was dressed repledently in cute white dress with purple laces and also a purple hair pin. She was as ever a happy girl – she was accompanied by her mom – holding her one hand – so Maya can walk without falling down. She has just started to take a step on her own and not yet walking by herself. At the end of the long walk to bride/bridegroon alter -she was welcomed by her proud dad and held so warmly by him. Maya and other two “flower girls” -each was carrying a silver basket full of flowers -for guest to shower on the newly proclaimed couple.
After the wedding and cocktail thereafter – Maya was taken by car by her Ba/Bapuji to home and after some play she went to sleep soundly in her nursery room. Note: At the cocktail, Maya was really photographed, played with and cajoled by many guests – particularly she enjoyed playing with her Garndma ( Kathy) and also all the great- great grand parents ( Rae & Ken, Opal & Ray) . She was the star – her aunts were all loving her. Her Aunt Heather was in a very resplendant wedding gown and new uncle Ryan was well suited in black.
Maya got a set of gold bangles to wear during the wedding – however she only wore it during Friday dinner . She also got pink pants & coat from Ba/Bapuji for her wear.
Ba/Bapuji left for Deep River on Monday (27 August 2012) after nice time in Toronto – even though her Bapuji was a bit wobbly due to ear infection – his right ear has gone deaf and he is on medication.
Thursday 30 August 2012
Talking to her dad in the evening of Thursday, it was found that she has started to take few steps by herself ( at least 5 or 6 at a time) . Wow! – pretty soon she will be walking by herslf all over.
Note: Over last couple of week Maya has started saying words like “baby” , “Mummmm”, “Mommy”. She does communicates by signalling or touching. She identifies toys and stuff that she wants and can let know she has completed eating. If her dad or mom persists feeding her – as a last resort she throws the food on the floor.
Saturday 15 September 2012
This day Maya had a visitor from far away. Her dad’s great uncle (Kantikaka ) had come to visit Canada (via London, UK) from Nairobi ,Kenya. Kantikaka is the eldest brother of her Bapuji. He spent the day at her parents’ home and then went to his froend’s home to spend few days with his friend in Mississauga. Kantikaka was addressed as “Mota Bapuji” – the elder grandfather for Maya.
He came back to visit again on Wednesday 19 September and stayed at her parents home for three (3) days before going to Deep River with her Bapuji.
Maya’s Ba & Bapuji had come over from Deep River on Friday 14 September 2012 – to spend a week with Maya and her parents – though her dad went to USA on Monday 17 September 2012 (early morning) for a week.
Note: More writing for interplay with ” Mota Bapuji ” see my Post ” My Brother Kanti’s visit to Canada “
Saturday 6 October 2012
Today was Maya’s first sleep over at her Grandparents (maternal) home – this facilitated her parents to attend a wedding ( Brandan’s – Her dad school friend from Deep River) . In fact her dad was Brandon’s main guy (best man) at the wedding.
Sunday 18 November 2012
To-day, Maya’s Ba & Bapuji visited Maya and her parents – coming/driving from Deep River on Friday 16 November 2012 . Her Bapuji was attending a Chapters Leaders Conference (for PEO) & an OSPE Award Gala – staying at Toronto Airport Merriott Hotel for two (2 nights ) .
Note: at the Gala – her Ba won a Coffee Maker from Personal Insurance Co.
Maya’s parents and Maya had lunch together with her Ba & Bapuji and then after lunch and Maya’s afternoon snooze – it was decided to go to Ram mandir (in Mississauga at 270 Export Blvd, Mississauga, ON L5S 1Y9 – Telphone : (905) 696-8886 )- a Hindu Temple – where there also is Shree Jalaram’s idol . The Temple -inner sactum) was occupied when Maya with her dad & grandprents (paternal) arrived. Her mom could not join as she was “on call’ from her medical duties and thus rather tied up.
As the main temple area was occupied , it was decided to have a small puja ( thanking Gods for the arrival of Maya on this earth) . This was readily accommodated by one of the presiding priests in the temple. A puja was offered by Maya , her dad & her grandparents – necessary offerings were made and tilak and “rakhi ” were applied to each member of the family. The whole process went smoothly- Maya getting engrossed in it and eventually sitting down near the Ganesh’s Idol and then retriving a portion of the “Prasadi” offered and then eating it joyfully along with her dad.
Her Ba & Bapuji stayed at Maya’s home till Tuesday morning. So on Monday & Tuesday morning, Maya’s Bapuji joined her dad to take Maya (by a stroller) to the Daycare centre on Melrose Road . The Day care centre is very close to where Maya & her parents live. In the evening of Monday , Maya’s Ba & Bapuji picked her up from the Day care centre – after they had been to a “matinnee” movie – a 007 movie called SkyFall . This movie was watched at the Cinema on Eglinton Road – movie starting on at 1.00 pm and finishing at 3.35 p.m. After that they returned back to Lawrence Station (by subway – an underground train) near the Daycare Centre.
Maya was all preppy – talking with her Ba along the way to the home. She notes/spotted the early moon in the sky – which her Ba/Bapuji were not aware of – but she did point the moon out – by saying “mooon” “mooon” and raising her hand towards the moon in the sky. For a girl of only 15 months -that was quite sharp.