Monday 2013 July 08

Both Sitara & Sachin were brought to nana/nani home by their dad after their day at the babysitter place (Sitara is on summer vacation after completing her Senior KG class) . All had dinner together   (except theri mom – who was at work) and then the kids stayed back at nana/nani for a sleep over – as the next day their mom was going to Northbay for maintenence servicing of her station wagon car (VW). Both Sitara and sachin are ideal pair of kids to play together and also   a delight for their nana/nani . On Tuesday morning, nana/nani took them to the Deep River library at 10.00 a.m for a session of reading -organised by the library . After the reading session, nana drove to Deep River post office to collect his mail – both kids were exceited to come inside the post office building and try out to open nana’s post box.

Their mom returned from NorthBay about 4.00 p.m and their dad joined in later after his work – all had dinner together.

Sachin’s Imaginary Friend – “James”
During dinner , Sachin talked about what ” James” did etc. Nana   enquired who James is ? – and found out that James is Sachin’s imaginary friend . So it happened.   Nana was glad to note that Sachin has an imaginary friend. This is a natural growth for youngster of about 3 to 4 year old.

Saturday 2013 July 13

This day kids’ (Sitara & Sachin) travelled to Seattle from North bay – the flight being at about 4.30 p.m.

So Friday night (July 12) The kids had a sleep over at nana/nani place in Deep River as their mom was working that day and Sitara was invited to a birthday party of her classmate – a boy (living on Beach St in Deep River) . So nani/nani to take her to the party.   So after lunch, nana/nani took Sitara to the birthday party (1.00 to 5.00 p.m) . She was a bit reluctant (shy) to go as she was alone (no mom or dad with her) but after some cajolng -she finally went and had great time.

In the meantime, Sachin joined nana/nani to have   walk about on the river front of Deep River – which was well done by volunteers for a promenade and great walk and view of the Ottawa River.   It is really heartwarming – it was to entertain Sachin that nana/nanai went for such a walk about – otherwise they would have been a reluctant to go for such an outing. Before the   walk about on the river front – Sachin had a great time at kiddie park at the campus (in Deep River) – swings, slides etc.
After the walkabout at the river front- Sachin wanted to go to the “cookie Store” . Bothnana/nani did not know which store he is talking about.   So nani surmised taht it would be Tim Horton Donut place. So we all trundled (drove by car) up to Tim Horton and there Sachin selected a cookie to buy and nana/nani had donuts & coffee (with Sachin having chocolate milk) . We all had a great time. However in the evening talking to his mom – to nana/nani’s surprise it was found that Sachin wanted to got to Valumart – that is what he meant as “the cookie Store”. At Valumart , they offer kids a free cookie at the bakery   ( to keep the kids of the customers happy )   . In fact at that time Sachin mentioned that he did not like the cookie that he got at Tim Horton- he wanted the one at Valumart. But being Saturday – in the vening when his mom had come home from work – the Valumart was also closed. Sachin really really wanted that cookie (kid’s fancy) and thus his mom had to take him   to Valumart to show him that the store is really closed.

Note:Nana/nani took him to Valumart on Monday evening – after the kids were picked up from their baby-sitter’s home) – and Sachin had his favourite cookie .

Sunday – 2013 July 14

1) to beach (Lamure) in the afternoon for picnic   and play on the beach

2) in the evening (after their mom came   from her work and quick dinner)     – to Petawawa to visit (& tour) an animal sanctuary (sort of a zoo) -all developed by a lady – from an African porcupine to peacocks and many different animals (ducks to lama)

Thursday 18 July 2013

Went to Mackey in the morning – kids were there with their mom – dad being in Seattle

Went for blueberry (wild ) picking   late in the morning – there is so much wild blueberries available (just for picking) at Mackey . Lot of berries were picked – Fun time however just to be caition when going for any berry picking with small kids and garndparents ( especially the one who is a bit wobbly after loss of hearing in right ear) . Kids could have biological needs and the senior may drop all the berries to the ground if the container is given to the senior for safe-keeping or to fill that up with more berries.

After lunch – kids, their mom & nani had a good swim in pool. While nana dropped off on the sofa   after working in the garden outdoors.

Friday 19 July 2013

This day saw a dark clouds and cloudburst with tornado style wind etc.   The whole region from Ottawa to Mattawa was afffected but most in Petawawa – where nana had gone to play cards (at Lions Hall   opposite to the mall) Nana was in teh   midst of the cludburst (at the begiining) and luckily he was at the destination and he prkwed the car near to the Lons Hall rather than his usual place (in the shade given by a tree) . A big branch of this tree split and fell down exactly where nana normally park his car. He was lucky. However it was not completely a goopd ady. The huge sign structure at the mall (owned by nana) had also fallen down from this cloudburst. Nana did drive to Pembroke & informed the Insurance company – who sent a contractor on Saturday to clean up the debris and secure the mall structure for avoiding more damage.

Monday 2013 July 22

Maya arrived at about 2.00 p.m by   a rental car in Deep River to her Ba/Bapuji home with her parents. They left Toronto a couple of days ago and spent a night at Huntsville .

Sitara & Sachin joined Maya   after 5.00 p.m   – their dad brought them from the baby-sitter’s place.   All three kids played with each other and adults.   All had a nice dinner together. Nina could not join as she was working.

Tuesday 2013 July 23

There was a gathering organised at Mackey   – as Nina was of workand both Sitara & Sachin were home. Maya & her parents went in their rental car ( a Nissan   blue car) and her ba/bapuji went in their 2010 Totoyo Corolla car. All teh kids palyed with each other well – very considerate for each other – especailly Maya was coddled by her two cousins well.   A swimmimg pool fun was followed by a   barbecue dinner (barbeque by Sunjay – after he came home from work) and then a bit of play on the tarpauline jumping.

The best news were forthcoming from a toast by Sunir that the family will be increasing in the foreseeable future .

Wednesday 2013 July 24

Maya was up early as usual – both Ba/Bapuji played with her and Ba got her the morning feed (milk bottle). Her dad fed her the milk while reading a book to her . This is the usual routine for Maya while she visited Deep River this week.

After lunch her parents took her to the dairy bar   (Laurentian Dairy ) on Hwy 17 where her Ba/Bapuji joined her & her parents – just about when they had finished their ice cream treat. From there all went to Grouse Park -where there is   a new children gym playground. Maya had swings and walk/play   about on the gym. After Grouse park- all came home (Ba/Bapuji home in Deep River) and after resting a bit – Maya went with her parents to Lemure Beach in Deep River – to join her cousins who already had been on beach with their dad. Unfortunately , while the kids had fun – there was slight accident – Sitara had a fall at the Kids’ Gym on the beach & had a couple of broken chip off the bone in right hand arm . She was brought home by her dad & ShannonMami – after a bit cooling off -she was taken to ER at the Deep River Hospital. There her mom joined them ( having found a replacement at her pharmacy job -for the remainder hours of the evening) . Here below is the Facebook entry her mom made on the subject:

“ After 4.5 hours in emerg, 7 x-rays and a couple of phone calls to CHEO, mommy and Sitara are heading to CHEO for 9am (that is on Thursday 25 July) because little Sitara has broken her Ulna and the orthopedic surgeons want a better look at her elbow …here’s hoping she gets the pink cast that she wants! “

Another post on her facebook after her taking Sitara on Thurday to CHEO in Ottawa :

“So after some excitement, Sitara has two breaks in her right arm. She got a nice plaster cast today with the Doctor promising her a pink one next week at the fracture clinic. She was welcomed home to a birthday party for all three cousins tonight. ”

In answer to many best wishes on the above post next day after visting CHEO on Thurday, she posted the following on her Facebook

” Thanks everyone! Sitara is doing so well and has a great attitude about it all…ie…more movies, tv and video games since she can’t swim…hehe. The staff at the DRDH and CHEO were outstanding and so thorough! “

So on Thursday 2013 July 25, there was a party organised at Deep River home for celebrating birthdays of all three grandchildren

1) Sitara Mistry – born 5 August – now 6 years old

2) Sachin Mistry – born 20 July – now 4 years old

3) Maya Shah – born 7 August – now 2 years old.

Sunir’s friend Nadia, her husband and their 5 kids (who live in Deep River) were also invited to join in the party. They came over about 6.00 p.m . Lot of games (all prepared by Shannon/Sunir ) were played by kids – though Sitara was missing as she was in Ottawa ( and on the way returning from there). Outdoor dinner was at about 7.00 p.m – when Sitara has returned back with a cast on her right arm . The dinner was sumptuous – Nani (ba) was ecstatic for the part and prepared a varied menu (suitable for kids and adults) . Three separate Birthday cakes decorated by Shannon & Sunir were then brought out – for each kid to blow the candles out and cut the cake. All 3 kids were excited . Maya was just spweing her happiness -participating in blowing the candles out and cutting the cake. All this was done under a newly (last year) erected permanent steel gazebo .

After the cake and fun – all   came inside the house – to the recreation room below . All kids including the 5 guest kids had lots of toys to play and theyhad agreat time playing these toys alone or with each other . The purpose of gathering in the recreation room was to have nana (Maya’s Bapuji) to read his Birthday poem for the kids. This year nana/Bapuji had prepared one combined poem – which was read (with all joining in reading/singing the poem)   .

Note : For each kid – a separate poem was created with each one’s photo & years & decoration on one side and on another side- the poem highlighting each kid birthday. The poem was then laminated for their keep sake.
Below is the Poem:

COMBINED BIRTHDAY SONG FOR ALL THREE GARNDCHILDREN – 2013

One , two, Tickle my Heart  

One , two, Tickle my Heart

Three , Four,   knock at the door

Five, Six , hug   Sitara, Sachin,  Maya

Seven, Eight, Sitara skiing

Nine.   Ten ,   Sachin Swimming

Eleven, Twelve , Maya playing hide & seek

Thirteen,   Fourteen,   all three   a-bonding

Fifteen,   Sitara   6 years   August 5th

Sixteen , Sachin   4 years  July 20th

Seventeen ,     dear Maya   2 years  August 7th

Eighteen,   love them the most

Nineteen, Twenty,   my plate’s   brimming with joy & pride

One, two,   Tickle my Heart

One, two,   Tickle my Heart

Its 2013, Happy   Birthday to all my dear grandchildren  

Grandpa  in Deep River, ON

Sitara’s nana

Sachin’s nana

Maya’s Bapuji

Note: Lots of Birthday gifts were given to then kids by all.

Friday   2013 July 26

Well one week was over. Maya left a very joyous imprint on her Ba/Bapuji – also on her cousins Sitara & Sachin & their parents (Maya’s ” foi ” & ” fuva “) before leaving for Toronto back with her parents. They left after lunch – the weather had been great for driving. However before going to home base in Toronto, Maya’s parenst were to spend a couple of days at friend’s cottage – her dad at his friend’s cottage and Maya & her mom at her mom’s friend’s cottage.

Thursday 2013 August 01

This day Sitara went to CHEO in Ottawa driven there by her mom (& joined/accompanied   by her brother Sachin & her nani). It was miserable day with thunder and heavy rain. Here is what her mom posted on her Facebook

”   Holy moly…what rain! You can’t see one car length in front of you! Perfect day for CHEO and the museum with the kids and Nani...”

So after finally arriving at CHEO about 9.00 a.m   – they had to wait very long – till 3.00 pm in the afternoon before   Sitara was taken care of. Her earlier cast was removed – further X-rays were taken and new fibreglass plaster ( purple colour as Sitara chose that colour) was put on. After the doctors visit – afternoon was clear and without rain – they managed to do the museum and returned to Deep River about mid-night. After dropping nani at home in Deep River- they (Sitara, Sachin & their mom) all went to Mackey.

Monday 2013 August 06

To-day was a Civic Holiday   Monday in Canada – also the birthday of our beautiful Granddaughter, Sitara, who was born 6 years ago on 5th August 2007 at the Ottawa Hospital. Her mom/dad have organised a birthday party with her friends for her on Sunday 18th August   . However on this day, she had another of her small birthday party with family   – that is with nana/nani, parents and Sachin (her tiny brother – who just turned 4 on 20 July). Sitara had an accident at playground ( on Lemure Beach) and a broken right arm – which had an early   cast from DR Hospital and then another (next day) rom CHEO in Ottawa. This CHEO one was also removed after a week and another new one is now palced on her arm. This is a purple in colour. Because of the cast on her right arm – she cannot really go for swimming at this time .     Sitara is awesome – inspite and despite of an arm in cast -she has continued with her life as if nothing is wrong. She goes up for slides, swings and gets near the swimming pool with just feet dipping into the pool. Her charm, smile and   just being a child is not at all compromised. She changes all her clothes , shoes and everything by herself using her left arm – as   easily as with two hands. Her spirit is just fabulous and she asks for no pity or concern.

What a girl !   Her birthday was celebrated on this day – her dad built a new fire pit during the day   – for evening together around a fire – with marshmallows and just family time together. During the day, she wanted to play with her nana and asked him to come to Mackey early – which he did (along with her nani) . After playing Pirate ship in the Sun Room   (she had a pirate ship – which was put together by her assisted by her nana) -nana having the Captain Hook piece and thus playing that part – than all going to rescue the princess from the castle using a ladder and a boat   .   After this game , she had her nana read her a few books in the living room. Then all   (Sitara , Sachin & their mom) went to the swimming pool where Sachin had a few dives and Saitara played with him from the steps . Both nana/nani were enconsced each on a chair at the pool and enjoyed the fun the kids were having.   At dinner time birthday cake was cut – one for Sitara and another for Sachin.   The day ended at the fire pit – all trying to have the fire log alighting with flame – it took a while but it was fun. Marshmallows were toasted and enjoyed – after that nana/nani left for Deep River at about 9.30 pm.

On the other front – Maya also had her birthday (second time in as many weeks) celebration at her Grandparents (maternal) cottage during the Civic Holiday weekend.   Maya’s birthday is on 7th August -she will be   2 years old at that time.   This weekend Maya was fortunate to share her birthday celebration with her Great Grandma’s birthday and also Ryan’s (her auntie Heather’s husband) birthday too.

On Maya’s actual birthday Wednesday 7th August 2013, Maya was serenaded on Skype by her Ba/Bapuji .   Skype is a proprietary voice-over-IP service which lets users to see/act with   each other when communicating.   Maya was thrilled to hear “Happy Birthday”   song serenaded by her Ba/Bapuji over the Skype. This Skype camera and technolgy package was bought by Maya’s dad (for a gift to her Ba/Bapuji) from a Bell/Source Store in Petawawa when they visited Deep River last a few weeks ago. This would now allow visual connection and enjoyment between Maya and her Grandparents in Deep River while she is in Toronto.

As mentioned before Maya’s vocabulary is beyond her 2 year age   and her comprehension of issues ( talked to her as a 2 year old) is astounding. Here is a sample of her style — from her dad’s   posting on his Facebook to-day ( Friday 2013 August 8).

“”Maya, how old are you?”

“Two!”

“So you’re too old?”

“… … … Yes!””

Sunday 18 August 2013

To-day was a Birthday Party for Sitara at Mackey- with her friends (and parents). This is the third celebration of her 6th Birthday this year and final one. The earlier idea of pool party was cancelled as no method to keep her cast dry (when swimming) could be perceived.   However,many games were planned by her parents   –   water guns & battles , treasure hunt   (using the GPS – hand held) , tarpauline jumping , face coloring etc.   The cake baked/made by her mom – in the Princess theme with light green dress/gown – was the centerpiece of the celebration.

Her mom has the photos of the cake   and then the whole party posted on her Facebook.

This is what her mom posted on her Facebook:

” Whew!!!!! And….our summer of birthdays is OVER! What a lovely day Sitara had with her friends. Even a special family from London, ON joined us. Thanks everyone! “

Monday 19 August 2013

This day Sachin came over withn his dad and Sitara from their baby-sitter’s place and had dinner at nana/nani home .

Note: Their mom works on Mondays till 9.00 pm.

Both kids played with their nana/nani – together & separately and after dinner Sitara went to Mackey with her dad   and Sachin stayed over for a sleep over. On Tuesday, their mom is off from work but taking Sitara to CHEO in Ottawa for her cast removal and a change of cast. So Sachin came and stayed with nana/nani and to spend Tuesday at their place.

He is an excellent company – always playful and a conversationalist. His nana read a few children books to him before he went to sleep.

Tuesday 20 August 2013

Sitara went to CHEO, Ottawa with her mom   – to have her cast on her right arm changed or removed.

This is what her mom wrote/posted on her Facebook.

” Having a Mommy/Sitara day tomorrow ….going to CHEO for her 4 week check up at the fracture clinic. Then we are shopping till we drop, topped off with Sitara’s favorite Thai meal. Hope we find some clothes that Ms. Princess approves of! ”  

Sitara got her cast removed but she has a huge bandage in   place – which can be removed if she wants to go for swimming.

Sachin spent the day with his nana/nani – going to library in the morning for Kiddie program   and after that to the play ground opposite to Giant Tiger. He also had a shopping spree at Valumart – which he calls cookie store as he get a cookie at the bakery. After dinner when his dad joined his nana/nani – both went to Mackey for sleep.

Friday 2013 August 30

The kids (Sitara & Sachin) went to Ottawa with parents – parents are celebrating their 9th Wedding anniversary and thus spending the long weekend (Monday -1st September – being a Labour day holiday) in the capital area. They will also go to the Baloon Festival in Gatinau on Saturday. This is a special weekend prior to school opening – when Sachin will join the Junior KG class at McKenzie Community School in Deep River and Sitara has graduated from Senior KG and will be attending Grade 1 Class.

Saturday 2013 August 31

This is a special day for Maya in Toronto . Her dad is taking her for a Hair Cut – her first since she is born. Under Jain/Hindu tradition – the first born boy’s hair is cut with great celebration with religious rites but not quite done for a girl. However, a lock of Maya’s hair will be secured for her Ba’s personal ceremony.

Tuesday 2013 September 03

Well the school season started . It was Sachin’s first day to go to his Junior KG class at Deep River Mackenzie Community School – and with that his first trip by school bus from their baby-sitter’s (Jeannette) home in Deep River.

He went on the School Bus ( along with Sitara also on that bus) to his KG Class. At the clousre of school day – he returned again by school bus to the baby-sitter’s home – all   done very well with great confidence and in his stride.

Both kids were picked up from the baby-sitter’s home by their mom and all came to nana/nani home . When they arrived at nana/nani home – there was a bit of rain falling. So Sitara took her pink umbrella and strolled out to the backyard (with her nani) and the park behind her nana/nani home. Presently , Sachin got hold of his nana and got his blue umbrella out (from his mom’s car) and also went to the backyard and park -along with   his nana. They managed to join Sitara and her nani – after that nani went back in the house and the kids went with their nana exploring the paths and byways within the jungle adjoining the park .   They had a great time . After that all went into the nana/nani home for dinner.

Their dad joined them for dinner after his office work   – Sachin and Sitara seem to be good spirit. Sachin exuding his confidence and being playful with his nana/nani.

Thursday   2013 September 05

This day kids came to their nana/nani home   – after school . Their mom had spent the whole day at nana/nani home – relaxed and exploring/learning new patterns for crocheting and knitting with her mom – sitting outdoors (in the front yard after her dad had mowed the lawn).   This is what she (Nina) posted on her Facebook :

“Sprawled out on the freshly cut grass in the sun with Mommy going through her crochet, knitting and cross stitch patterns … mmmmm…..” .

In the evening after dinner at nana/nani home, the parents went to Deep River Arena – to register the kids for many sports and related activities ( after school ). This is what their mom posted on her Facebook :

” OMG! That was insane. We are officially booked Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. ” – that is for kids’ various activities.

Thursday   2013 September 05

This same day we learnt from Maya’s mom’s e-mail that

She is expecting another child -and a 12 week- ultrasound scan was done .   Photos of the scan were very thrilling.

This is what she said :   I went for my 12-week scan today and here are the results. Pretty cute, if I do say so myself 🙂

 Congratulations are in order from the whole family .

Thursday 2013 September 12

This week Nina (Sotara & Sachin’s mom) left   her full time job (as a Phramacist Manager) -so that she can have more time to spend with her kids. This will now free her from working late till 9.00p.m on weekdays ( Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday ) and also from working on alternate weekends. She will do locum work whenever feasible.

Wednesady 2013 September 18   – to-day Nina ( kids’ mom – Sitara & Sachin) had last day for full time job. She left the job on her own accord to be able to spend more time with kids when they are growing up.   After this she will do “locum” type of work – suitable for schedule.

Friday 2013 September 20

To-day we had the pleasure of having both Sitara & Sachin for a sleep over – they will be with nana/nani for the weekend and will be picked up by their parents on Sunday. The parents have gone to Montreal to celebrate their 9th Wedding Anniversary and thus be able spend some time together san (without)   the kids.

Nana/nani picked them up from their baby-sitter (Jeanette)   at 4.45 p.m – goy them home , had dinner together and then all went out to Mackenzie Community Center in Deep River   to watch a Disney movie ( Monster University) at 6.30 pm. After the movie was over , at about 9.00 pm – all came   home and got ready for bed. Nana read a couple of books to Sachin and nani looked after Sitara.

Note: This day there was a fatal accident on Hwy   17 near Rolphton and Hwy 17 (west/north of Deep River) was closed for traffic.

Here is   the news item from Pembroke Observer -as noted on line:

DEEP RIVER – Highway 17 remains closed after a fatal accident west of Rolphton this morning.

Ontario Provincial Police confirm that there has been a fatality after a transport truck and a car collided near Driftwood Provincial Park. No further details are available at this time.

Police are advising any traffic heading along Highway 17 west of Deep River to take Highway 60. Police say the highway will be closed for at least a few more hours at traffic reconstruction experts continue the investigation.

Stay with the Daily Observer for more on this developing story.

Monday 2013 September 30

This day nana/nani – (for Sitara & Sachin & Ba/Bapuji for Maya) were returning from MonteBello in Quebec where they had gone (on Saturday Friday 28 September) to attend a Ray/Alix wedding at Chateau MonteBello – to be on Sunday 29 Sept.

Nana/nani — while there went for a tour of Omega Park – which has most of the Canadian animals in the wild. Worth seeing.

Any way returning back, naba/nani had a car accident   at Gatineau (Boul. Maisonnavoue & Boul. Sacre Coeur)- was hit by KIA black car driven by a lady -who was turning right. Without going into any further details – the Insurance Adjuster from nana/nani insurance company came over from Ottawa on Wedneday   (2 Oct ) to Petawawa and looked at the car very professionally and found the car   cannot be repaired and thus it was a write-off.

Thisn is how the 3rd Quarter of 2013 ended.