The View from my Window

Being Grandparents - 20

May 20, 2010 on 12:17 pm | In Miscellaneous Musings!, Family/Self | Comments Off

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) as the previous posts were becoming a tad bit busy.

 Wednesday (19 May 2010)

At the beach on Wednesday, both kids just enjoyed the outdoors and romping in the sand and at the river shore. The picnic went well- both kids ate their meal - Sachin - his usual baby food and Sitara ate sandwiches and potato crisps.  The beach was very relaxing and kids and parents went home to Mackey at about 7.30 p.m. The interesting part of the picnic at the beach was that Sitara’s BabySitter (whom she calls “mumma” ) and her kids (along with father) also came to the beach this day. So Sitara had company of the kids she plays during the day. Jacob (the boy) is about Sitara’s age and the girl is 13 months old .

Now that Sachin is 10 months old -he speaks a few baby words  -like “da da” or “na  na” and always tries to form words to communicate. He is crawling well and goes around on his own steam - though he is very selective where to go. He also likes to walk - of course held by fingers by his mom or dad. 

Sitara likes to play hide and seek but now added a new twist - she likes to create a tent and hide there. In this activity she was helped by her nani on Tuesday (18 may) and also on Wednesday when she was at her nana/nani home.

 

 Thursday 20 May 2010

This is the day when Sachin becomes 10 months old. He is growing up - always oozing joy and playfulness  .

Yesterday, it was bright and hot day -so his parents thought of going to the beach  - in Deep River. We all trundled (drove) up to Pine Point beach. This beach is one of the two in Deep River. Sitara had slept over at her nana/nani home on Tuesday (18 May) night and then spent the whole day on Wednesday (19 May) at her BabySitter. In the evening , she was picked up from her BabySitter by her nana/nani and then she came home to get ready to go to the beach. The kids and their parents had also spent the whole of Tuesday at grandparents in Deep River. Sitara had a great time at the children park on the Heritage Road / Sylvie Road. She played with pulley and hauled up sand in the basket and then spread the sand back to the ground either directly or through a small chute provided  for that activity.

 

Monday 24 May 2010

What a day! It was Victoria Day holiday in Canada. The grandparents were invited to Mackey to enjoy the kids and also the barbeque (a vegetarian one) . After the grandparents arrived in Mackey - at about 10.30 a.m  - Sitara came running to the door to welcome them - she was getting ready for the  outdoor hot tub. Sachin was with his dad but also gave welcoming smile. He was very happy to see his nana/nani.

The day was warm but a bit cloudy at that time - which was superb to get into the hot tub - shade as well as the warm water. Both grandparents changed into the swimware and all went into the hot tub. Both kids had splashing time -so did nana/nani and their parents .

After the tub splashing fun - all got ready after the bath/shower and then played outdoors - though dad was busy getting the barbeque going and mom was indoors preparing meals for the kids and also some potato fries for the barbeque. Sachin got fed by his mom when Sitara was having ball of a time with her nana & nani -outdoors - swing set and slide and general runing around.

After the barbeque lunch , Nina & her mom were in the garden - pruning the area where some vegetables were planted . Sitara was helping and Sachin was indoors with his dad and/or grandpa. Sitara enjoyed pruning trees -removing some dead flowers. 

Then both kids went for their nap and the adults played cards (whist & a game called “65″).

After the kids finished their nap, again all went outdoors to play. Sitara likes outdoors and again helped in the garden. 

The dinner was good - simple but healthy. Oh Sitara - what a tremendous entertainment you surprised us with. You played the harmonica (mouth organ - some  3″ long)  so beautifully - all musical and well tuned. Her nani was impressed with her playing the harmonica with a soothing high and low notes as if she understands the music. She plays the  harmonica for herself and not to impress anyone in the room -and that was the most enjoyable part. This has added her repertoire of musical performance -as noted earlier that she composed a few songs by herself.

Sitara, your harmonica (mouth organ) expertise is something new that we were surprised. This must be  a natural gift as no one has taught you that before. 

Not only she played the mouth organ but then organised an orchestra -asking her nani to play with her ” the musical shaker” and then enticing her nana to dance. Her nana danced with Sachin in his hands . When Sachin was put on the floor - he wanted to dance and was in ecstasy to try to dance. 

Sachin did something this evening that is also very heartwarming . Oh he does say “na na” and “da da” and “ta ta”. He has exhibited a good comprehension that when his mom asked him to “SAY  something” he understands and tries to repeat that word -more over with a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face. Making it look like enjoyable and easy task.

And then ,Nina  encouraged him to stand up - by holding the sofa edge.  He understood what his mom was asking him to do - he held the sofa edge and tried to stand up. It took a few tries but then -wow- he stood up - like a mountaineer. Then he repeated the same as enticed by his mom and the whole audience (comprised of his nana/nani,dad & his sister ) in the room . His determination and fortitude with a smile became very joyful to all the spectators in the room . 

This was a  momentous evening for all of us - first Sitara exhibiting her talent for playing harmonica and then Sachin  standing up on his own -though holding the sofa edge.  

Sitara is just 2 1/2 + years old and Sachin is 10 months old at this time.  

Saturday 29 May 2010 

Sachin (first) and Sitara - went to Ottawa to attend a Greek wedding (Steve - Nina’s  pharmacist colleague ) - went on Saturday 29 May 2010  - in nana’s minivan . Came back on Sunday evening.

Nana/nani were away in Picton to attend an Engineering (Eastern Region Congress) at Ishiaha Tubbs Resort (28/29 May 2010)

Sachin also has a  third tooth (an upper one sprouting this past week).

Sunday 30 May 2010.

Sachin/Sitara’s Sarlanani (their nana’s sister) and her husband Satish came visiting to Deep River - their nana/nani picked them up from Toronto (at their son Sunit/Shilu home)  on their way back from Picton -on Sunday 30 May 2010.

Sachin & Sitara came with their parents on Monday to dinner -so that they can meet Sarlanani and Satishnana. We all had a great time together. Initially kids were shy but slowly they warmed up to the Kenyan relatives. On Tuesday , nana/nani went to Eganville to take the visitors to see the Bonnachere Caves -the kids & their parents remained at Mackey for the day - as the parents are on a major decorating binge on the house (internal) with painting and removing trims etc. Also to have special decorative doors to be placed for Sitara’s as well as Sachin’s room (replacing the old doors).

Tuesday 1 June 2010

In the evening (Tuesday) , the Kenyan relatives were invited to Mackey for a barbeque (of course along with kid’s nana/nani) . Sitara started calling her nana’s sister (Sarla) as the “other nani” and Satish as the “other nana”.  Also they were also called “No Tea nani - sort rhyme with naughty (playful)  and “no tea”  nana - again rhyme with naughty (playful)  —- since Sarlanani does not like tea  - besides she is very pleasant and playful .

So after barbeque, the kids played with all the adults (whoever each on of them get hold of - or - whoever get hold of each of them)  - Sachin started showing his skill for standing up (albeit holding the edge of sofa) but then today he started to walk along the edge of the sofa -holding the sofa. He was just happy and showed his joyfulness by making grunt and other   sounds. His Shannonmami says the medical term is that he is “cruising” - that is he is walking along the edge of the sofa.

Late at night, about 10.00 p.m  - Sitara went with her nana/nani to go to Deep River (for a sleep over) - and also the visitors returned with them.

Sitara made her nani to read a book -then by her “ other nani ” -which followed by her nana . She wanted to have her “other nana” to read  a book too but her nana prevailed and switched off the lights of her room at 11.00 p.m.  She was sound asleep within a minute.

 Wednesday 2 June 2010

On Wednesday, Sachin and her mom came from Mackey to spend time with the visitors from Kenya . Sitara was already here. Nina wanted to spend time at the beach - but unfortunately it was drizzling and cold. So Sitara & her mom spent time at her mom’s friends place along Ottawa River (indoors) -so Sitara got to play with young children . After lunch, Sitara & Sachin went to bed for their afternoon nap  - at that time Nina took her Sarlafaiba & Satishfuva to the Canadian Clock Museum situated in Deep River - the only one in Canada .-

Sitara stayed again (sleep over) at her nana/nani place in Deep River.

 Thursday 3 June 2010

In the morning of Thursday (3 June) , she had a good conversation with her “other nani’ at the breakfast table - she would not let her nani to interject any conversation. After she was dropped off to her BabySitter, her nana/nani drove to Toronto to drop off her ”other nana/nani ” (Sarla & Satish).

In Toronto, first they were invited for dinner at Sunir/Shannon’s home   and then go to Sunit/Shilu (their son & daughter-in-law) place. Both Sunit & Shilu joined in the dinner (though they came a bit late as they had to keep their store open to keep time)

Note: After Sitara’s nana/nani returned back in Deep River (on Friday 4 June), they heard from Nina (Sitara’s mom) that Sitara has developed a  rash. Apparently she reacts to jello (red colour)  - which she had consumed earlier at her nana/nani home. So my dear- she will not get jello for some time  - I guess, until she becomes 5 year old. 

 Saturday 5 June 2010  

Sitara & Sachin spent the evening with their nana/nani on Saturday 5 June 2010 - when their parents went to a party in Deep River that evening. This is the first time both kids were with their nana/nani without their parents - of course both kids were put to sleep before their parents went for the party. The parents also spent the night in Deep River as it was late when they came from the party . Sunday was spent with kids - especially in the morning . It was a bit overcast - so only Sitara went to a nearby park (at the marina with lighthouse) with her nana . In the afternoon, the kids went with their parents to another party in Deep River - but Sitara came back to her nana/nani home at about 4.00 pm to have a sleep over . She is always a doll and loving child. 

On Monday (7 June), her nana/nani took her to a nearby park (on Laurier Road) with swings - but it started to rain a bit -so the park visit was shortened . She then went to the Deep River Library . Her nani read her two children books and her nana one (all chosen by her). Then after going to the Post Office, all came home via Burger King outlet (where some French Fries were bought) . Sitara was later joined by her parents & Sachin who had dinner at Deep River. Sitara’s parents are busy these days for renovation (drywall & Ceiling  repairs as well as painting)  by a contractor - and thus are happy that Sitara wants to have sleep over at her garndparents. She enjoys that and wants to stay more .

Sitara gave a purple peoni(rose) flower to her mom when she came to Deep River on Monday ( 7 June) evening - she picked the  peoni from her nana/nani garden. Sitara likes to call out “peoni” in her musical tone.

Sachin is having his fourth tooth sprouting - second upper one .  

Now that she is more self confident and knows few worldly things - Sitara says very interesting things - all of these cannot be written as it is difficult to remember all that she says -as we do not jot that at the time when it is spoken. However, her mom has captured a couple of these - said in last few days 

Friday 18 June 2010

This is a momentous day as both Sitara and Sachin flew with their parents to UK to visit their Grandma (paternal) and Sunjay’s sister and her family - along with other relatives from both sides. This is first visit of Sachin to UK (particularly to Rugby to be with his Grandma). This is Sitara’s second time to UK and she is a “pro” for relationship. She will charm all her relatives from both sides with her sweet and mature talk and conversation. Sachin will also charm all with his smile and laughter as well as learning to walk and talk. Their nana/nani drop the family to the Ottawa airport in their chrysler maroon minivan.

Both slept thru the flight but when they arrived/landed at the Heathrow Airport on Saturday (19 July) morning, the car (which their parents had booked previously from Canada) was not ready and thus had to spend a couple of hours waiting.  They arrived at Rugby ( their Grandma’s home) a bit late in the afternoon.  As we understood on the phone , Sitara was under the weather and threw up when entering the house. Sachin was ok and remained his usual self - happy and smiling. Sitara had a cold while in Canada  and the travel is a bit tiring too.

Sunday 20 June 2010

 

This is Father’s Day and Sitara wished her nana (on phone) a Happy Grandfather’s Day - so sweet - though she is not happy that we are not with her in England. She is just recovering from her tiredness . Sachin also wished a Happy Grandpa day - his baby sounds and laughter. Their auntie (Sunjay’s sister) and her family had come to visit and meet them .

It is the day when Sachin became 11 months old . Happy Birthday , son.

 Wednesday 23 June 2010

A 5.0-magnitude tremor originating in Quebec  hit eastern Quebec and Ontario at about 1.41 p.m on Wednesday 23 June.. It was felt in Ottawa , Toronto and many other places . In Deep River , we felt is for many seconds. Kids nana was at Lawn Bawling Club for their Strawberry social and when the earthquake struck, he was playing Bridge -a card game - . The tremor was shaking the floor but it was not threatening -so the game continued.

The kids were safely in UK at their grandma (”dadi “) home in Rugby.

 Tuesday 29 June 2010

Talking to Sachin’s grandma ( ” dadi “) - who is in England (Rugby) this  day - she mentioned that Sachin is now climbing the stairs to the 2nd floor .

Of course he is watched by his dad . Sachin has not yet started walking on his own - though he stands up holding the edge of a sofa and does cruise around a bit.  We are told by his mom that he stands a long time by himself if he is wearing his running shoes. H eis developing balance.

Sitara , we heard that Sitara helped her grandma ( ” dadi “)  to roll some Chapatis .

Monday 19 July 2010

Kids’ mom (Nina ) called from Rugby - just to exchange few happy moments.  They had just celebrated Sachin’s birthday at a picnic in a park at Rugby on Sunday 18 July . Also at that time they celebrated Sitara’s upcoming birthday with a special cake  (of Princess theme) cutting.   Sachin has sprung three (3) new a teeth while in U.K. 

Tomorrow (on Tuesday 20 July, 2010) is Sachin’s actual birthday - the day will be celebrated at his grandma’s (paternal) -              ” dadi’s ” home in Rugby.  His  “faiba” (his dad’s sister , Bhadrikaben )  and family ( His  “fuva”, his dad’s brother-in-law, Magical -  & their daughter - Yashmin)  will also come from Darby to join in the a party. At the same time, they will also celebrate Sitara’s birthday too  as she will be with her paternal family in Rugby, U.K. ( though she will be 3 year old on 5th August 2010).  For Sitara, a pool party has been organised on Saturday 7th August  to celebrate her birthday in company of her friends here in Canada - after they come back from their  trip to U.K.

Wednesday 21 July 2010

A day after his 1st birthday, Sachin took the first step  on his own for walking - while at his Grandma’s  (” dadi “) home in Rugby, U.K.  This was conveyed by his mom while talikng to his nani on the phone.  This is a complete astonishing achievement as it mirrors his mama’s (Sunir’s) first step of walking - Sunir also started walking a day after his 1st birthday.

Saturday 24 July 2010

We heard from Nina that both kids are doing fine in England . Sachin has started to progress in his walking milestone and Sitara is enjoying interfacing with her ” dadi ” in Rugby. Tomorrow (on Sunday) they will be joining their parents (& grandma) to a puja organised at a temple near Deventry - puja in memory of my mother (Kasturba) who recently passed away in Kenya (on 24th April, 2010) . This day is Baa’s 89th birthday -which she did not make it -only missed by a short period.

The kids going to the temple is unique time -as they will be participating in a prayer for their great grandma- my mother -their nana’s mother-  ( maternal side) -and in the company of many of relatives  - who met the kids while in UK.  Unfortunately, the great grandma had not personally seen the kids and played with them. However, she saw the photos (of both Sitara and Sachin) and some video clips of Sitara when her nana/nani visited Kenya in 2009 to spend time with their great grandma.

Sunday 25 July 2010

The kids joined their parents (and paternal grandma) to attend the prayer meeting in a temple near Daventry for their great grandma -who passed away on 24 April 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Simultaneously, a 2-minute silence and a small prayer was also offered in Deep River at Usha/Subhash home during a “Guru Vandana” puja - during which a “Art of Living” group (comprising mostly of members from the local Canadian community) also participated .

Note:

Monday 26 July 2010  

This is a day when the kids and their parents returned back from England - by Air Canada flight AC889 and landed at the Ottawa International Airport at about 3.40pm . They were all picked up by their nana/nani in the 2001 Dodge Voyageur maroon minivan. 

They slept in the car when travelling to Deep River from Ottawa and after coming to Deep River (arriving about 7.10 pm)  - they were happy to be back in the familiar surroundings- their toys, nana/nani home and their bed and crib etc.  Both kids were given a bath to freshen them up and to cool them from high humidity and heat (even though the car was air-conditioned) on the way .  Sachin had also had his feed but Sitara just went to sleep after the bath - without any food.  She had eaten on the plane. 

Later in the evening they all went to Mackey - their own home.

Tuesday 27 July 2010

Nana/nani went to Mackey during the day to play with the kids and spend time with their mom -as their dad had gone to work.

There was an unfortunate incident in the morning when Sitara was outside to play on her swings. She got bitten by a wasp (a bee) in her left palm . There is a nest of wasp built right on the swing set.  She is okay and took the bite in her stride but the nest needs to be removed.

Thus day Sitara slept in for her afternoon nap - from about 2.00 p.m to about 6.30 pm - just catching up on rest.

Sitara’s sayings

1) On 09 June 2010 -we got the following e-mail from her mom

Last night while playing we asked Sitara “What do you want to do when you grow up” and she replied “I want to get MARRIED”.  We said, “no no, what do you want to do to make money when you grow up” and she said very matter of factly - “oh, I don’t need money.  You put money in my piggy bank” .

2) On 13 June 2010 - we got the following e-mail rom her mom

Sitara says “Mommy, there are geese over there! Go away Geese, you do poo poo everywhere. You can use MY POTTY if you want!”

3) Her nani says that Sitara is always very cognizant of her need to express herself. And when her nani keeps speaking, she (Sitara) usually have her nani to stop talking by asking her to calm down. nani please “c a l m down “.

4) After returningh from UK on 26 July 2010, the kids and their parents stopped at nana/nani home in Deep River for rest and supper before going to their home in Mackey. Sitara went about the house and went to her room ( which is decorated with princess motif)  and went on the bed  (which is queen size) with all the bedsheets & pillow etc. with “princess motif” covers. She felt so relaxed - back to her familiar bed - and said ” I don’t want to go to England anymore , ever.  I do not like it.”  For  a 3-year child - meeting many families, new relatives and moving place to place - sleeping on floor etc. would make a child a bit cranky and also a bit sick in the stomach.

Wow

Pravin Shah