Category Archives: Family/Self

Being Grandparents – 6

This post is a continuation of  the earlier posts (Being Grandparents ,Being Grandparents – 2, Being Grandparents – 3, Being Grandparents – 4, Being Grandparents – 5)   as the previous  posts were becoming a tad bit busy.

Tuesday 07 October 2008

This is the day Sitara travelled to Toronto with her parents to join her grandparents – who had earlier gone separately to Toronto –  same day – to prepare  and  attend their son’s  (Sunir’s ) wedding to Shannon on Saturday 11 October, 2008.

 

The   grandparents and parents stayed at a rented “two rooms – two bathrooms” furnished condominium – downtown Toronto (on Bay Street) . The condominium is known as the Conservatory Tower.

The whole week with grandparents and parents at the downtown condo was exciting to Sitara. She just enjoyed the change in scenery from home and the participation in various ceremonies and functions related to Sunir/Shannon wedding  .

The full description and narration of the ceremonies and functions is given separately in a write-up titled “Sunir/Shannon Wedding”. Refer to this article for  Sitara’s role and fun items during her stay at Toronto.

Saturday 11 October 2008

Sitara exhibited an excellent understanding of the importance of her uncle’s wedding . She knew her role (for baby that was extraordinary). She fitted in very well like a jigsaw puzzle and enjoyed the whole ceremony like a mature kid. She became a star with all the guests.

Refer to the article titled “Sunir/Shannon Wedding” for  Sitara’s role and fun items during her stay at Toronto

Thursday 16 October 2008

Sitara is moving on to learn new daily items for living. Yesterday (Wednesday 15 October 2008)  she started to use   the “potty” at her parents home in Mackay and come out winning.  

Today (Thurday 16 October 2008) she used the “potty” at her grandparents home. She did her small thing and happy about it.

She also (while at grandparents home) started climbing down the stairs – on her own volition – of course coaxed and supervised by her granddad.

Wednesday – 29 October 2008

This was the day Sitara came to her grandparents home (of course with her parents -Nina & Sunjay) to celebrate her second Hindu New Year.

She was just playful and was as always graceful. She also had her dinner – earlier than the adults – who would sit down for dinner subsequently.

This time we also had Marcel – my bridge buddy and a friend – to join us in this celebratory dinner.  

Sitara being a bit shy ( as a kid)  was playing a bit away from Marcel for a while but when we were having dinner (and Sitara was just going around playing all over) Sitara quietly came over where Marcel was sittng at the dining table said “hi” to him.

After dinner, when sitting in the living room, Sitara had one of  her books and then  she  took that to her nana (i.e me) initially & then slowly but resolutely took it to Marcel to read   to her.   This Marcel did and   Sitara really enjoyed it. She spent some happy times with Marcel.

For the celebration of 2008 Hindu New Year- Sitara got a nice musical toy from grandparents along with an addition/contribution  to    her piggy bank.

Note: Sitara is   1 year and 2 1/2 months old and one can see the confidence and poise in all things that she (even being a baby) does. Her walk and holding the posie of her head etc are very heart warming. She has developed her own mind ( i.e her likes and dislikes) and she has manners to communicate these in very loving ways.

I am told (and in fact I saw the binder) this morning she helped her mom to cut and paste pictures of fruits and animals in a binder – her book created by herself (of course helped by her mom) . She helped to   glue the pictures and in the process had her hands glued together -which needed to be cleaned and separated.  

Happy New Year to you, Sitara.

Halloween    – Friday 31 October, 2008

Sitara came to grandparents home (in Deep River) along with her parents to enjoy and savour all the fun and outings of halloween – for ” Tricks or Treat  “.    Her parents dressed her as a  “Tiger” (costume) and she had whiskers on the costume and a tail.

She went out with her parents in the neighbourhood ( and to our friends’ houses -a bit further out) for   ” Trick or Treat  “.   Apparently she went on her own steam ( supported by her parents for safety)to many houses and got her treats .

She was completely tired (but happy and contented) whe she came back after about an hour of fun. She had her milk and brushed her teeth before going to  sleep ( fell asleep very quickly ). She is still at grandparents – her parents then went  out for their own fun (for halloween party in Petawawa). They  stayed night in Deep River.

Friday 31 October, 2008

This halloween day, Sitara got her first GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) -her mom bought from  the money Sitara got as gifts from family members & friends ( plus some Government monthly supplements) since her birth.

The GIC will earn her 4.5% compounded over 30 months.

Saturday   22 November,2008

Its been a bit long interval for this write-up.     Since last write-up, Sitara’s growth had been normal . She is maturing fast ( for her young age – 1 year and 3 months). She understands what we say. She is very careful in her “potty”   needs and always concerned that all is flushed away as required.   She will wait ( or also exhort when required) till her mom/dad or grandma would completes all necesssary clean-up in the bath room.

She has started  NOT to require  her soother  (what we called as “noonu”)  – though she never got addicted anyway.

She has started responding to her name – that is she now knows that she is “Sitara”.   She does recognise and call her daddy as “daddy’ , her mom as “mummy” , her grandma as “nani” and her grandpa as “nana”. When she is at our home, she always looks for her “nana” and comes to get coddled and play with him.
She is very responsible – would pick up any garbage from the floor and put it in the garbage can or gives to whoever is present for disposal.   Nothing goes in her mouth – that has taken lot of worry from adults – though we do keep constant watch.

She also knows the use of tissue paper- always takes it out from a box and use to clean her nose or face then tries dispose it in the bathroom and waits till someone flushes it.

For  this past week she spent two whole days  (Wednesday  19 November & Thursday)  with garndparents as her mom wanted free time to prepare for her upcoming exam ( for renewal of her professional license) . Sitara  was charming and enjoyed the whole time with her grandparents. Her”nana” took her out each day for a walk and a stroll ride. Her “nani” played with her as many times as possible     and looked after her food and cleaning and sleep time.

Sitara likes to hug and give kisses now – when asked.

Her mom has gone to Toronto this Friday for exam to-day (Saturday 22 November 2008) and will be back by tomorrow. In the meantime her dad is looking after her . Oh! she just enjoys it though once in a while she will remember her mom and calls out but then she knows she is safe and secure -so she goes her own merry way to enjoy herself and learn new things.

Wednesday – 26 November, 2008

Sitara came by our home  in Deep River (with her dad) to say hullo ( 9:40 am)- she was on her way to Philadelphia with her parents to visit some of her cousins & uncles/aunts (dad’s side).

The day is  a bit snowy (wet snow) and roads are a bit slippery but travelable as tempreture is above 0 degree.

Bon Voyage !

Friday  –  05 December, 2008

She is back! Yes, Sitara came back from her travels to Philadelphia. She & her parents came back just before midnight and decided to spend the night in Deep River at grandparents home.

This helped as her mom had to go to work early on Saturday (next day) and Sitara has to go enjoy the Santa Parade in Deep River.

Besides we all had to go to a party in the evening – though her dad and mom also had to go simultaneously to another party .

The Santa parade was exciting. The day was bright and not so cold. Sitara, her dad & grandparents went together – the parade was around the Town Hall. I think many photos were taken and Sitara got many loot bags from merchants  who had taken part in the parade.   Sitara really got excited when she came close to the tall Giant Tiger ( a stuffed human being) . A picture of Sitara was taken and at that time   miraculously her mom also had just come out and thus she also got in the picture with Sitara.

After the  parade, Sitara   came home , had her meals and then went to sleep till 4.00 pm.

After that she played with her grandpa downstares in the Recreation Room. She did some new antics like getting into  and   out of a red carton box which is for holding pop bottles. She was brave and adventurous and she just enjoyed showing of her new skills.

 

Pravin Shah

 

Sunir/Shannon Wedding- 5 (Write-up by Shannon’s Mom)

 

After the wedding of our son, Sunir, to Shannon on Saturday,11 October 2008, we were in Toronto during the weekend of 15 /16   November 2008.  

At that time we were delighted to know of an article recently written by Kathy (Shannon’s mom) for her church’s newsletter (titled ” Community Life” , winter 2008 edition – scroll to Page 5 for Kathy’s article).

The article has very nicely described the sentiments evoked by Sunir/Shannon’s wedding – and relating/contrasting these sentiments to modern times of iPod and various gadgets that engulf modern young generation.

The article is posted below:

Family Ties Winter 08                       528

 
I do!   I do!

 
At my daughter”™s recent wedding, I noticed a young relative holding her iPhone in her palm.   I reflected that in my case, the equivalent technology would have taken up the space of a banquet table: clunky wall phone, desktop computer monitor, CPU, keyboard and modem, stereo system with tape and CD players and two large speakers (not to mention several shelves of CDs), a camera and at least 25 photo albums.

 
You get the idea.   No way could I take all that to my daughter”™s wedding!

 
Technology plays a role in weddings these days, with most couples having wedding websites, online gift registries and so on, but most of what goes on at a wedding is timeless.   Everyone said the bride looked radiant.   Her sisters made beautiful bridesmaids.   It was a joyous occasion but many people cried.

 
I was certainly sniffling as I heard familiar words intoned: “as long as you both shall live”, “I now pronounce you husband and wife” and, of course, “I do.”

 
Despite the technology that they embrace, young people today seem more traditional than their parents in some ways, insisting on dad walking the bride down the aisle, the couple cutting the cake, the bride throwing her bouquet.   In our case, Indian traditions were incorporated as well.   The bride and groom “tied the knot” ”“ joining their long scarves ”“ and circled the fire four times together, kicking a stone each round to symbolize the difficulties in their path that they would overcome as a couple.

 
The Seven Steps, which are like the vows in a Hindu ceremony, seemed to resonate with everyone in the room, as the couple made a promise with each step, such as to be companions for life, to accumulate wealth by honourable means and to raise strong, noble children.   I can only imagine how those words touched the groom”™s parents, as they recalled their own vows and watched their strong and noble son repeat the same words!

 
Readers may recall that my spouse and I have had numerous wedding rings.   Maybe we misplaced or discarded a few.   But I”™d be the first to say that the ring is a powerful symbol of love and commitment.

 
No parent could hear a child say the old-fashioned but touching words, “With this ring, I thee wed” without tears welling up.   I surely couldn”™t.   I will never know what I was thinking, taking only two tissues with me to the ceremony!

 
No doubt the world will continue to be bombarded with new techie gadgets and old fogies will fail to keep up.   Young people will laugh at their parents who don”™t have an     iCar or an iView or whatever the latest advance is called.   But really, doesn”™t “I do” trump “iPod” any day?   There are few things more powerful than witnessing a promise between two people to commit themselves to a relationship for life.

 
Marriage is a sacred, eternal ritual that transcends age, culture and religion.   It hasn”™t died out yet because it touches something very basic in human nature ”“ the desire for love, companionship and family ties.   Who thinks it will outlast the iPod?   I do!

 

 

 

Sunir/Shannon Wedding- 1 (Marriage Ceremony)

Our son Sunir got married to Shannon on Saturday 11 October 2008.

The wedding took place in Toronto where both Sunir & Shannon live. Also Shannon’s parents live in Toronto too.

We live up north (some 6 hrs drive away from Toronto) in Deep River – a town situated   half way between Ottawa and North Bay.

The wedding went smoothly and it was just “divine”.

General:

Many people here ask me – How was the wedding? My automatic answer always is – it was divine !!
   

     

The newly-wed couple’s (Shannon  and Sunir) glow & happiness was very evident and transparent – which made  parental hearts fluttered.
     

To top it all, it was  very heartwarming  to see  Shannon’s grandparents  ecstatically  just  proud and happy – that means a lot.
     

From excellent weather (as if custom  made)   to Ganesh Prayers at Ram Mandir  (Thursday 9 October – morning) to Mehndi   (Thursday 9 October -evening)   to   rehearsal (Friday 10 October -late evening) to the perfect wedding  day pictures but most important to   the magical perfect wedding ceremony  at the famous Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club (Saturday   11October) & then to have welcome footprints of our new daughter  to   one of the best reception & dances and of course  to all the celebratory meals at  Shannon’s parents home.
To top it all , to celebrate the day and as an expression of thanks Shannon/Sunir also sponsored the  scholarship of 1 Kenyan Girl for a year (thru UNESCO) . Further during the reception part of the evening, as part of a  fun game (when groom’s shoe is snatched by the bride’s side -by bridemaids- and can only be retrived for a sum of money given by the groom or his  bestman) further sums were offered by the guests for UNESCO   and help in retrieving the groom’s shoe. The shoe was retrieved   – with a substantial collection for UNESCO.
   

It was just soooo divine & joyful that we did not feel tired at all.
     

Our sincere thanks are to Shannon’s parents for thorough  support, preparation  and joyful celebration – which made everything working like a “well oiled” but easy/fun organisation – which  made possible for everyone to savour  the wedding for years to come.
     

We also had the pleasure of spending a week with Nina/Sunjay but really  with Sitara (1 year & two months old) and see her just bloom as properly etiquetted “prima donna” and party girl.  
She was like her name (a star) and many people from both sides just would enjoy her and would spend good time with her. She exhibited her pride (in many different baby ways) to be present at  this important wedding.  Of course her only uncle (“mama”) was getting married to an aunty  (“mami”) who had been in her life since she was born & bonded with. She enthused her joy  just to be with them both at many occasions.
     

The announcement (re: Sunir/Shannon wedding)   has been published in the local Deep River  based newspaper – North Renfrew Times (NRT) of   Wednesday 22 October, 2008.

MARRIAGE CEREMONY

The marriage ceremony was crafted by Shannon & Sunir together ( and helped/ supported by both sets of parents   – as resource for background and details of the traditions) – keeping in mind two cultures and religious tradiitons for the wedding ceremony.

Further the internet and also their own grooming when growing up (in matters of religious and cultural traditions) helped to put together the mechanics of their Marriage Ceremony .

Here is the Marriage Ceremony details – as was provided to  all guests (as a pamphlet) who attended to witness the Sunir/Shannon wedding  at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club in North York, Toronto.

Marriage Ceremony  

The Marriage Ceremony of Shannon Knights and Sunir Shah
  
Groom”™s Processional
Sunir is escorted down the aisle by his groomsmen and immediate family. His mother, Jashoda Shah, carries the wedding garlands. Shannon”™s mother, Kathy Magladry, welcomes Sunir into the family.
  
Bride”™s Processional – “Jesu, Joy of Man”™s Desiring” by J.S. Bach
The bridal party walks down the aisle. Shannon is escorted by her father, Doug Knights.
  
Navakar Mantra – Jain Prayer
Recited by Pravin & Jashoda Shah, Sunir”™s parents
I bow to the prophets.
I bow to the liberated souls.
I bow to the spiritual leaders.
I bow to the teachers.
I bow to all the saints.
This fivefold bow destroys all sins and obstacles and of all auspicious mantras, is the first and foremost one.
  
Passing of the Peace
Guests are invited to greet each other, saying “Peace be with you”.
  
Welcoming Words – by Officiant Sarah Bunnett-Gibson
Jaimala
Sunir and Shannon exchange floral garlands as a special greeting to each other.
  
Solo – “Higher Ground” by G. Green, K. Agee and S. Dorff
  
Unity Candle
Sunir and Shannon light the unity candle to represent the joining of their lives in marriage. This candle will become the sacred flame for the Mangal Phera.
Granthi Bandhan
Sunir and Shannon”™s scarves are tied together, symbolizing their union. This tradition is the origin of the term “tying the knot”.
  
Mangal Phera
Sunir and Shannon walk around the sacred flame four times. Each time, they stop to touch a stone in their path that signifies life”™s obstacles they will overcome together. The four rounds represent dharma (moral conduct), artha (wealth and prosperity), kama (love and passion) and moksha (enlightenment).
  
Saptapadi
Sunir and Shannon take seven steps together, while making the following seven promises to each other.
To provide for their new household.
To maintain physical, mental and spiritual health.
To earn and build wealth by honourable means.
To attain wisdom, happiness and harmony through their mutual love.
To raise healthy, strong and noble children.
To stay together through bounty and drought.
To remain true companions for all their lives.
  
Exchange of Vows
  
Exchange of Rings
  
Signing of Register – “Irish Blessing” arr. E. Daley
Reading – “The Art of Marriage” by W. Peterson
Read by Lauren Wilkie, Shannon”™s friend
  
Blessing
  
Pronouncement


    Recessional – “Wedding March” by F. Mendelssohn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunir/Shannon Wedding -2 (Events TimeLine & Schedule )

 

Our son Sunir got married to Shannon on Saturday 11 October 2008.

This is the 2nd part to the  description of the wedding events – which include from Engagement to other  ceremonies leading to the main Wedding Ceremony on 11 October, 2008.

This part only gives the timeline for various events- the description will follow later.

Time line


1)         Proposal for marriage – by Sunir to Shannon during October 2007 at Gananoque (Theater))
2)         Engagement Ceremony 24 May 2008 at Mackay, Ontario (Indian Hindu tradition)
3)         Setting date for wedding & booking of the hall during December 2007
(Wedding to be on Saturday 11 October 2008 at the fabulous Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club.4) Shannon’s Bridal Shower – Sunday 14 September, 2008  

5) Sunir’s bachelor party – Saturday 4 October 2008

6)         Travel from Deep River (by parents and sister”™s family) to Toronto ”“on Tuesday 7 October 2008 ”“ Rented Condo – downtown Toronto.
7)         Thursday 9 October 2008 (morning)   ”“ Ganesh Puja at Ram Mandir (at Mississauga) and then lunch at Brar (on Dundas Street, Mississauga)
8)         Thursday 9 October 2008 (evening) ”“ Mehndi at Shannon”™s Parents”™ home
9)         Friday 10 October 2008 (evening)- dinner at Shannon”™s parents”™ home
10)         Friday 10 October 2008 (evening)- offer of a tray of gifts to the bride by her in-laws   – at Shannon”™s parents”™ home
11)         Friday 10 October 2008 (late evening) ”“ rehearsal at the Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club

12) Saturday 11 October 2008 ”“ the Wedding Day

–      Groom”™s Party departure from Sunir”™s place         at  2.00pm   (Thus family’s arrival at Sunir’s apartment at 12.30 pm – also to help Sunir in his wedding attire). After that prior to departure for photo shoot- Aarti by his sister & then coconut cracking under the car (driven by his brother-in-law)
–      For photo shoot at 3.00 pm ”“ travel to Alexander Muir Gardens (Park)  from Sunir”™s    

 Shannon”™s parents & bridesmaids (3 ”“ Heather, Erica & Lisa) ) were there  

Sunir’s  parents & his best men   (3 ”“ John, Brandon & Mark) were also there.

 –    Saturday 11 October 2008   (at 5.00pm) ”“ wedding ceremony ”“see the Wedding Brochure) at the Cocktail Lounge (all rearranged for the wedding ceremony)  

13)      Saturday 11 October 2008 after the completion of wedding ceremony ”“ 6.00 pm”“”“   welcome of Shannon in the Groom”™s family (footprints ”“ Goddess of Lakhsmi) & there after cocktail  

14) Saturday 11 October 2008 ”“ Reception dinner & speeches 7.00 pm ”“ Sunjay as Master of Ceremony

–   celebration after after dinner ”“ back to Cocktail lounge for Slide Show (by Lisa) and dances ”“ Live Band ”“ dance by Shannon with her dad ”“ followed by dance by Sunir with his mom ”“ followed by Shannon & Sunir ”“ joined by all.

–     Dandia dance & Bhangra dance also followed after the Dances to Western songs ”“ dances & fun till 1.00 am (Sunday).

–     Wedding & celebration End ”“ at 1.00 am (Sunday). Back at the Condo at 2 am Sunday
      
15)           Brunch at Shannon”™s parent”™s home   – Sunday 12 October 2008   (1.0   pm to 5.00 pm)
  
16)   Miscellaneous
–     Thanks from the newly wed – Monday 13 October 2008 ”“ Shannon & Sunir came to the Condo (in the morning) to visit parents &   Nina/Sunjay/Sitara & thanks them for all the help for their wedding. They brought gifts of framed photos as a memento to the wedding
–     Monday 13 October 20 ”“ 2.00 pm – Nina/Sunjay & Sitara returned to Mackay ”“ after visiting Shannon”™s Parents to say adios.
–     Monday 13 October 2008 ”“ Thanksgiving dinner at Shannon”™s parent”™s home   – “sataru” for Sunir ”“also Shannon”™s paternal Grandpa”™s birthday (88th )   . Sunir”™s parents were also invited.

17)     Return to Deep River – Tuesday 14 October 2008 ”“ by Sunir”™s  parents

18) Departure For Honeymoon – Tuesday 14 October 2008 ”“ Sunir/Shannon went for honeymoon to a Muskoka  resort.        

        Note: on their trip home Nina/Sunjay ”“on Monday 13 October 2008 requested the resort management to place a bottle of  champagne in Sunir/Shannon room (as a special gift from family).

19) Final offering to nature ( Ottawa River) – Thursday 16 October, 2008 -. Sunir”™s parents made prayer at the Ottawa River shore (in Deep River)   &   with humbleness offered the two coconuts (from the wedding ceremony) to the sacred river for consumption by the River creatures

         Wedding Schedule:

Thursday, October 9
Morning ”“ Puja at Temple with Jackie, Pravin, Nina, Sunjay, Sitara


4:00pm ”“ Shannon gets manicure at Cozy Nails


6:00pm ”“ Bridal mendhi by MendhiRani at 46 Deloraine

                            Avenue


Friday, October 10
4:00pm ”“ Shannon and bridesmaids get manicures and

                            pedicures at Cozy Nails


6:00pm ”“ Rehearsal dinner buffet at 46 Deloraine Avenue (approx. 25 guests)

                      – Speeches/toasts (Lauren, Lisa, Mark, Brendan)


9:00pm ”“ Ceremony rehearsal at the Cricket Club with Officiant Sarah Bunnett-Gibson

– Bring shoes, wedding programs, unity candle, taper    candles, matches, stone, scarves, coconut, laptop

– Test slideshow with computer and projector


10:00pm ”“ Drinks in Cricket Club lounge for those who

                                wish to stay


Saturday, October 11
Morning – Bring Sunir and Shannon”™s luggage to hotel (Doug)

                      – Set up table décor (cushion covers, votive

                          candles, table numbers)

                      – Set up anniversary cards/pens, menu cards and

                          donation cards on tables

                      – Set up gift/guestbook table, cake table, seating

                            posters

                      – Pick up wedding cake or arrange delivery (Sunjay?)

                      – Cricket Club staff set up stage for band

                      – Bring Indian music on iPod and dancing sticks

                      – Bring tips and payments in envelopes


11:00am ”“ Hair and make-up appointments at Calia for

                              Shannon and bridesmaids

                      –        Hair at Euphoria and make-up at Calia for Kathy

                          (11:45am)

                      – Sunir and groomsmen get ready at 674 Broadview


1:00pm ”“ Shannon and bridesmaids eat lunch at 46

                            Deloraine (nothing messy!)

                      – Florist John Kimmel delivers bouquets and vases to 46 Deloraine

                      – Sunir”™s family arrives at 674 Broadview


1:30pm ”“ Sunir”™s family pre-wedding traditions (eg. bracelet)

– Shannon and bridesmaids start getting dressed


2:00pm ”“ Photographer Kevin Lam arrives at 46 Deloraine

                      – Florist delivers flower arrangements and pedestals

                           to Cricket Club


2:30pm – Sunir, groomsmen and parents leave for

                          Alexander Muir Gardens


2:45pm ”“ Shannon, Kathy, Doug and bridesmaids leave for

                            Alexander Muir Gardens


3:00pm ”“ Band arrives to set up at Cricket Club

– Photos in Gardens (bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents)

– Bring photography permit


4:00pm ”“ Leave for Cricket Club


4:15pm ”“ Family photos with Nina, Sunjay, Sitara and

                            grandparents at Cricket Club


4:30pm ”“ Male and female wedding parties in separate

                            rooms (guys in room by bar)

                      – Guests arrive and are greeted by Kathy and Doug

                            at main entrance

                      – Mathieu and Ryan greet guests in lounge and hand

                            out programs

                      – Photographer to take photos of tables, venue, etc


4:55pm ”“ Grandparents and mother-of-the-bride escorted

                            down the aisle by ushers

–         Piano music playing


5:00pm ”“ Wedding ceremony begins with groom”™s

                              processional


5:45pm ”“ Wedding ceremony ends with bride and groom”™s

                            recessional

– announcement by officiant to move to back or balcony while chairs cleared

– get Aarti ready (white sheet, towel, thali, vessel for sindoor water)

– Sunjay announces bride and groom”™s entrance and

  Aarti

– Aarti performed by Jackie

– flowers moved to head table and cake/gift tables

– put out seating arrangement posters

– servers pass hors d”™oeuvres and red/white wine

– mixed drinks and beer at bar

– non-alcoholic punch station

– photographer to finish any posed family photos and then take candids

– guests mingle and sign guestbook (on back gift table)


6:45pm ”“ Announcement to move to dining room for dinner

– guests pass through both sets of doors with table

    seating posters and find tables


7:00pm ”“ Servers pass out glasses of champagne for

                          toasting

– Sunjay (MC) welcomes guests and announces

  wedding party and bride/groom

– Gives thanks, explains kissing game, donation cards and anniversary cards


7:05pm ”“ Nina”™s toast (2-3 min)

– Salad course served


  
7:30pm – Speech by Heather and Erika (2-3 min)

– Speech by John (2-3 min)

– Main course served family-style (candles cleared off tables first if necessary)

– Shannon and Sunir greet each table individually during dinner

– Shoe game (questions by Sunjay)


8:20pm – Set up projector and screen and laptop

                      – Band to do sound check


8:30pm ”“ Speech by Sarah/Deborah (2-3 min)

                      – Speech by Jackie/Pravin (3-5 min)

                      – Sunir and Shannon cut wedding cake

                      – Dessert, coffee and tea served


8:50pm – Speech by Kathy/Doug (3-5 min)

                      – Speech by Shannon/Sunir (3-5 min)


9:00pm – Sunjay announces to move to lounge for slideshow and dancing

                      – Lisa does slideshow


9:10pm – First dance by Shannon and Sunir

                      – Father/daughter dance (guests may join in)

                      – Mother/son dance (guests may join in)

                      – Band begins regular sets

                      – Indian music (eg. gerba raas between sets – get

                          Dandiya boxes from back room)


10:00pm – Bouquet toss


10:30pm – Snack table (fruit, cookies, paan, coffee, tea)


1:00 am – End of party

                      – Sunir and Shannon off to hotel

                      – Doug and Kathy bring home flowers and gifts

                      – Leave flower pedestals at Club for florist


Sunday, October 12
10:00am – Depart for Granite Place

                      – Kathy and Doug to bring wedding flowers for

                          décor

                      – Jackie and Nina help Shannon put on sari


10:30am – Brunch begins


1:30pm – Brunch ends


  
  


  
  
  
  
  
  

Sunir/Shannon Wedding- 3 (Speeches during Reception)

During the reception which followed the Sunir/Shannon wedding ceremony – there were speeches by few of the bride’s and groom’s friends and family members.

The first speech & toast were offered by Nina (groom’s sister) at 7.05 pm.

This speech was followed by Heather & Erica ( bride’s sisters) – who delivered their speeches together and offered toast to the newly-wed.

The next speech was by John ) Sunir’s friend and bestman.

Bride’s parents (Kathy & Doug) delivered their speeches – a very touching and emotional moment . This  was then followed by a song  by them.

The following speech was given by Sarah & Deborah – bride’s friends.

The final speech was by groom’s parents (Jashoda & Pravin) .

The groom’s parents’ speeches are given below:

                                                                                             

                                                                                                    Saturday     11 October 2008                   Page 1 of 2
                                                                                                  

Sunir Shah”™s Wedding Day


Speech by his dad   (Pravin J. Shah)
  
Hi !   Everyone.                                                                      

Hi!   Shannon     Hi! Sunir


For us as parents, this is a moment of such profound happiness when we see Sunir and Shannon getting married by taking their vows of wedding , synthesizing two great cultures in front of family members and friends.
  
We believe that the blessings of grandparents make this solemn event very auspicious.  
  
Sunir”™s paternal grandmother (Kasturben) who is 87 (and wheel chair bound) has conveyed her blessings from Kenya to both Shannon & Sunir.
  
His Canadian Grandmother (Mrs. Ruth Mckkeracher) was always thinking of Sunir. Though she is no more with us I am sure that her blessings are being showered from above for Sunir and Shannon”™s happiness.
  
Both my wife and I are delighted that Shannon”™s maternal grandparents   (Opal & Ray Magladry)   & paternal grandparents (Rae & Ken Knights) are present here.     Your blessings to the newly wed are really very sacred.
  
It is touching that both, Sunir & Shannon, are very fond of their families.   Shannon   / Sunir, I would like to assure both of you that you are in our hearts every minute.        
  
Sunir has always been very consistent in whatever he does. He does any task with devotion and commitment. When in elementary school after our moving to Deep River, he had to learn playing a recorder. This was a new subject different than what he was learning in Hamilton.   He was 9 at that time.   But he devoted time with great concentration to learn it. His Karate classes in Hamilton were equally well tackled.   While studying at Carleton University and later doing his Masters at University of Toronto, we found him also committed to his outside work. He juggled his study and career well and managed to keep his study marks at the top at all times.
  
On the other side, over the years, we have watched Shannon also. She is just so warm and also very consistent in her commitment and devotion into whatever she wants to do. So between the two there is “resonance”   – a musical quality of oneness and practicality.
  
Shannon, we embrace you as our daughter in the family. Now we have Nina and Shannon as we have Sunir and Sunjay. Sitara (our Granddaughter) is our first link to the future. We are overjoyed that she is present here at her Uncle”™s wedding. Sitara is very fortunate to start her life with coddling by both Sunir & Shannon since her birth.
  
Both my wife and I do appreciate Doug Knights and Kathy Magladry for welcoming our son   (Sunir) into their family with warmth and open hearts.  
  
Our thanks are to the Knights and Magladry families for wonderful welcome given to-day to our family and friends along with the groom”™s party.
  
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the families and friends from Toronto, Deep River area and other parts of Canada and especially those from overseas who came to bless the newly wed couple.
  
Sunir / Shannon we are very proud of both of you.   Our heartfelt Congratulations and our best wishes for your continued happiness.
  
I would like to offer the following HAIKU poem, a traditional Japanese style poem.   I would like you all to join with me and repeat the Haiku lines.  
  
Vows round the candle

Sunir, Shannon gliding into the future
  
Forever entwined.   Amen.
  
  Pravin Shah                                                      

 

Sunir Shah”™s Wedding Day


Speech by his mom   (Jashoda. Shah)
                                                            

Hi!   Shannon     Hi! Sunir

Hi ! Everyone


I just want to walk into the memory lane and talk about Sunir and his sense of responsibility.
  
As he was growing up he was always ready to help in house chores.
  
He would wash, dry and stack dishes at the right place. This was done time and time again without any demand from me. Now drying dishes was his specialty.
  
Also when I would arrive home from grocery shopping, he would invariably show up at the door to help me carry groceries into the house. Not only carry these but also to place each item at the right place.
  
Shannon, you can see that he is well groomed in the domestic engineering, somewhat.
  
I want to thank all for being here to bless the newly wed couple.
  
  
  
  

Being Grandparents – 5

This post is a continuation of  the earlier posts (Being Grandparents ,Being Grandparents – 2, Being Grandparents – 3, Being Grandparents – 4)   as the previous  posts were becoming a tad bit busy.

Saturday 09 August 2008

Today was the Sitara’s first picnic out with the local East Indian Group.

The day was cloudy and rainy. Until early afternoon, it was not sure that the day will work out fine. However, we decided NOT to cancel going to the picnic as we assumed that the rains will diminish or stay in the clouds.   Sitara & her parents came from Mackay to Deep River. Sitara moved to our minivan and her parents drove their car to Petawawa  – to be left at the   parking lot of our mall property till the evening – when Sitara & her parents would go together for dinner at her dad’s work colleague’s (Andy) house.

We all then drove in the minivan (maroon) to the Bonnacher Park (on Round Lake) for picnic. We had a ball of a   time. Sitara enjoyed the outdoors and being coy to other kids.

We returned in the evening back – by the way the rain held up good. All in all it was great outing – Sitara  enjoyed herself with different types (varieties)  of food – which she normally does not get a chance to try at home. She being on her diet (specially prepared baby food).

 _____________________________________________

Saturday 06 September 2009

 Oh! the past week had a been life changing experience for Sitara.   She has been to a baby sitter in Deep River for full days as Nina has started her work . Some days , the grandparents look after her when the baby sitter is not available.

Where she goes (her baby sitter’s first name is Jinnette),the baby sitter also looks after other three kids. Thus Sitara gets to know and play with other kids (though all of these kids are a bit senior – a few months –  to Sitara)    .

It seems that Sitara has taken this change  stoically   – and of course her mom also has to accept this new reality of leaving her precious child to a stranger.

 Sitara have taken this change in her small strides well and thus have relieved all of us of any undue anxiety.

Good show girl!

___________________________________________

Tuesday 09 Septemeber, 2008

Wow ! what a day.   Sitara came to grandparents home to stay for the day. Her mom stayed back at their home to catch up on her studies/reading to hone up on  latest pharmaceutical   happenings.

Grandma took her in the morning to FEN class at Mackenzie High School while Grandpa went to Petawawa for his weekly Bridge Card game.

Grandpa came back during lunch time – by that time Sitara had come back from her FEN outing. She is a doll – charming one at that. She wins Grandpa’s heart   in an instant – always looking   and calling her “nana” ( Grandpa) to pick her up and play with her with her toys.

To-day, after her lunch feed, she was walking around in the kitchen and suddenly we find her toddling to  the kitchen west wall  (having nice artificial brown – with  a tinge of black- brick veneer) and we found her “just like praying at the Jerusalem West Wailing Wall”   and keep touching the wall and just staying put there.   This is an apt description that her Grandma gave. What was happening was that she was doing her No. 2 and was a bit shy about it and needed a quiet meditative place for it.

She seems to come of age to understand this important body function and needs her privacy and also she understand the need for concentration to complete this task.  She also knows the word to describe her activity. She calls it  “pooh’ pooh” and says it once she completes her chore.

Ata Girl!  

________________________________________________

Sunday 14 September, 2008

The current weekend is special for Sitara. She is spending it with her dad only. Her mom & Grandma have gone to Toronto to participate in the Bridal Shower (on Sunday) for Shannon – given by   her paternal grandma & family.  

Sitara’s grandpa (nana) had gone to Peterborough  to attend an Engineering meeting (PEO) Eastern Region Congress.

So Sitara got a special deal to be looked after by her dad for full weekend. Talking to her dad yesterday, her dad took her out  to Pembroke  – to visit her dad’s friend’s   house for barbeque.     There Sitara handled herself well and enjoyed the visit. There she came close to a  dog (Geannie) and she was   a bit shy and may be afraid to get near her.

I am told Sitara had been introduecd to pets sinc eearly time. She first got it know Joanne’s dog (Emma) – Joanne is Sitara’s mom’s friend in Ottawa.   Sitara is also with the babysitter’s cat though she is a bit afraid of the cat.

However,  this  is good  introduction to pets in her 1st year oflife.

Her mom & grandma are to return home to-day (Sunday) late at night – by that time Sitara would be asleep.

Note: Both her mom & grandma returned from Toronto late at night on Sunday.

Thursday  25 September 2008

Sitara came home after her  session at the FEN – about 12.00 noon. Her mom went away to her prior committment elsewhere in Town . So we , the grandparents, had the full time with Sitara. She is adoll. We fed her & she just laps up everything and remains very charming at all times.   After the lunch, which enjoyed , she went to sleep.   Her mom had come back from her errandsin teh Town.

After her nap, granddad took her in the backyard – the first time she  had the freedom to romp around. She also went to the park  adjoining our backyard.   After a while  , she did not want to walk & runbut have her “nana’ carry her around.

Her mom & dad  agreed to have dinner with us and thus Sitara had more time with us – till 6.30 pm.  

What we learnt from her mom. that Sitara has started to have teeth brushed (with Colgate) yesterday. She is growing up .

She likes to go on the road and meet with people and pets. However, now she does not want her to be held by fingers but to remain completely free. There is a bit of a danger as she might run to the road without control.   So we need to pay extra attention to dangers and look after her safety.

 Sunday 05 October 2008

It happened. This is the first time Siatra spent the whole night at   the Grandparents without her parents. Her mom had to go to a Company Conference on Thursday  02 Oct (returning back on Sunday, 05 Oct) -away closer to Toronto (Blue Mountain) and Her dad had to go on Saturday to Ottawa to attend the Stag party for our son who is getting married soon (on 11 Oct) . He also returned back on Sunday (05 Oct)

Sitara was a doll at all times. She was at ease with both the grandma and grandpa though at times  one can feel that she was missing her mom  and also her dad. She being only 14 moths old – she can only express her feelings by looking at her mom’s photos (which are hanging at our place at many spots) and  saying out loud “mom”.

She would also speak out “daddy’ a   few times.   However, she really was at ease with the grandparents and played with both of them – together or separately . She kept her schedule for eating and sleeping   though on Saturday nite , she was a bit late in sleeping. We found out later (i.e on Sunday) that she was cutting another tooth.

She speaks new words everyday – some are her own made up and others learnt.

 Pravin Shah

Ancestral Tid-bits

 

Talking to my mother on Friday 05 Sepember 2008 (Kasturben) who is in  Kenya – a full 87 years  old,   I have summarised below are ancestral historical facts.

My Grandfather (Sunderji Lalji Haria) married to Jiviben during 1919.   This was the first Oshwal wedding in Kenya.
My mother (Kasturben) was born in 1920 in Nairobi. I am not sure  that this was the first Oshwal birth in Kenya but definitely first for the couple (who married in Kenya).
Other tidbits about our family for your information and use if needed.
My grandfather (Dharamshi Naya Depar Bid of Navagam in Halar) arrived in Kenya in 1910.
My Great-Grandfather (Naya Depar Bid) joined him in 1921. He arrived in Kenya accompanied by my Grandmother, Deviben (w/o Dharamshi Naya Bid)  and my father Juthalal Dharamshi Naya Bid   (who was at that time 8 years old – born in India).
My Great-Grandfather (Naya Depar Bid) went back to India after  a few years in Kenya around 1930.
My father (Juthalal  Dharamshi Shah) opened the business in Ruiru in early 1930s – one of the first businesses in the new trading centre – to cater to the new European agricultural settlement in the area.   He moved to Mombasa (closing the business) in 1944 for the sake of education to his three sons at the time.
Pravin Shah

1st Birthday – our little precious angel- Granddaughter

Yes, she (that is our precious angel – Sitara) has arrived fully to the family – a one year lifespan.She can toddle and walk around. She knows her grandma & grandpa – of course she is completely attached to her parents . She knows all her toys – and she  smilingly shares these with other kids who do come to visit.

She likes to climb the stairs and have started to know how to come down from these stairs safely.

She is a world traveller – having travelled overseas twice and within   Ontario (especially Toronto & Ottawa ) numerous times. She has been to Quebec City too.

Her parents organised her Birthday Party yesterday ( 02 August 2008) – a 3 days ahead of real birth date -as her mama (Uncle – Sunir) and his fiancee Shannon can come  here in Deep River due to the long weekend (Civic Holiday). They came particularly to attend her birthday party .   The party was held at Mackay –  with some 8 kids (including Sitara) and about 10 adults .

Grandpa read a poem (which  took him about 3 months to construct).

The poem is :


Sitara”™s 1st Birthday   — (born on 5th August 2007)

 

“Our Precious Little Angel”


Your wonderful smile and sweet cooing
Always charming and constant wooing
  
Sitara, you are a precious bundle of joy
The heart ruptures with a delightful ahoy!
  
One year to you is a long time to mature
For us it is the best of time in nature
  
Crawling all around exploring intensely
The world opens up to you so profusely
  
A baby born to explore has started walking
The granny goes stalking her all around
  
Your toys scattered on the floor for play
Tiny books and bells sing hooray
  
A charming granddaughter whose claim
An excellent link in the family chain
  
Sunir and Shannon go ga ga over you
The whole world goes ra ra around you
  
You are the “love of our hearts”
Enchanting   “notes of music”™ so smart
  
Sitara, we wish you a very Happy 1st Birthday

“Our precious little angel” to cherish for a lifetime

                                            Love

                your  nana & nani  
  

After    the birthday party (2.00 p.m to 4.00 p.m) , the family relaxed a bit till 7.00 p.m and after that all came to Deep River to particiopate in the Summerfest activities (and to enjoy Fireworks). Nina’s friends Anjali & Avik had come from Waterloo with their son Nayan to participate in Sitara’s birthday.

While in Deep River, Sitara had a visit from Pankaj/Priyanka with their two kids – Teerth & Devki. Both Sitara & Nayan played with Teerth & Devki for a while before all     went downtown to watch fireworks.

_________________________________________

Tuesday   5 August 2008

This is the day Sitara was born a year ago at Ottawa Hospital.

Grandparents went to Mackay to celebrate the day with Sitara and her parents. The whole afiernoon was spent there. Sitara played with grandparents for about an hour and then went to sleep. Boy did she ever slept so long!!   She got up around  5.00 p.m . After her milk, we  (Sitara, her parents and us) spent time together to open her gifts from her Birthday party (of 2 August 2008).   She enjoyed openning all the gifts (of course helped by her elders).

Note: Her dad downloaded all the video film  shorts taken by her Granddad on his camera. The shots are really excellent memory. Here is the text of e-mail received (on 5th August 2008) from Sitara’s mom

” thanks so much for the videos from sitara’s first brithday party!   There are some great videos for her to remember her day by!
 
yay! ”

 

Here is what grandpa wrote back in response.

” It was my pleasure as  I am Sitara’s grandpa and she is “love of our hearts”.

You are a great mom and Sunjay a great father. Your happiness is infectious and make our hearts flutter a lot.
Take care

Pravin Shah

Being Grandparents – 4

This post is a continuation of  the earlier posts (Being Grandparents ,Being Grandparents – 2 & Being Grandparents – 3)   as the previous  posts were becoming a tad bit busy.

 __________________________________________

Text : (Friday 20  June 2008)

After our return from Toronto on Wednesday 18 June, we were a bit lonely without Sitara . She & her parents have gone to England. She, of course,  was fortunate to celebrate  her 1st father’s day (on Sunday June 15th ) with her dad at Rugby at her Grandma’s (paternal) house where her dad was born & grew up.   Refer to Father’s Day write-up on the blog for further details.

We were thrilled to have a voice message (on Sunday June 15th) from my  daughter (Nina)  who called from England to wish me a Happy Father’s Day. We also had a call from Sunir (on Sunday June 15th) from B.C. (where he is gone for vacation and join Shannon to  attend a wedding of one of their  friends). I was thrilled to talk to Sunir for his greetings on the Father’s Day.

So we called Nina  on Thursday June 19th to thank her for her Father’s Day message . This did touch my heart.

She gave  the best news (at this time) about Sitara. Sitara has started taking steps on her own – that is she has started walking – albeit with a few steps at the moment but it is the start. She is only about 10 months old.   Also she advanced to this walking at her faiba’s house in Derby (Bhadrikaben is her faiba – the auntie – who is Sunjay’s sister). I am told that Yashmin, her teenage cousin (Bhadrikaben’s daughter), was really thrilled to watch Sitara to start walking.

————————————————————–

Wednesday 25 JUne 2007

Our Sitara ( the most enchanting granddaughter – that is for us) arrived back safely from her trip to U.K.   She came  back with her parents. The parents spent time in Ottawa (for shopping and to relax a bit after a long air travel) and thus came to Deep River at about 11.00 p.m – thus we grandparents had only a chance to glimpse at Sitara (thru the car window) who was nicely secured & tucked in her car seat. She was fast asleep so   we did not disturb her at all. After a few minutes stopover at our house, Sitara along with her parents drove away to their residence in Mackay .

“Thapli” – that is what I call Sitara – her loving name given by me- is really like a nice flower and brings joy to us.   She is also called “Bhajyu” by her parents – a loving name given to her since   before she was born.

————————————————————

Thursday   26th June 2008

We went in the afternoon to Nina’s place to spend some time with them ( they arrived back from U.K. yesterday) and to play with and coddle Sitara – our most precious granddaughter.

When we arrived at Nina’s place,  Sitara was asleep. She woke up after about an hour.   After she was up and running and  had  her milk (formula), she was just a bundle of smiles and with welcoming gestures. Sitara amazed us. She seems to be glad to see her grandparents ( that meams that she had not forgotten them even spending three weeks away in U.K.) and would smile and laugh loud. She took to her nani (grandma)   and went to her for pick up and hugging. She made plays to be then with her nana (grandpa) and would come (crawl) to be coddled by him.

She just lapped up all the  love (reserved from last three weeks of absence). She fondly remembered  all her toys one by one and played with them together with either grandma or grandpa.

She came to grandpa and wanted him to hold her by fingers (as she stood up) and went walking all over the house. She also climbed stairs (on her own – crawling up) – a   new trait she developed while in U.K.

We just had a ball of a time . Welcome back Sitara – my “thapli”.

Tomorrow we will stop over at her house (on our way to Toronto) to coddle her for a few minutes.

———————————————————-

Monday 30 June 2008

What a time we had on Friday 27 June 2008 when we stopped at Mackay to play with Sitara. She embraced   us so lovingly and wanted just to play with us. She held my hands and want to walk around the house. She sat & played in her pink foam rubber settee (chair) and offered such beautiful laughs . She went with her grandma -made   her to lift her and coddle her. She wants to go with grandma to look at all the artifacts and stuffs hanging from the wall  or put on the shelves. While with her grandma , she climbed the stairway (14 steps) to her parents room upstairs.  

Sitara is the angel and “love of our heart”. She brings joy and happiness from her playfulness and also to make us understand what she wants to communicate to us (at her age of 10 1/2 months -she does communicates well).

Well today (Monday 30 June 2008)on our return from Toronto ,we stopped   at Mackay to play with her but to our  chagrin we found that she had gone to  Muskoka (cottage country ) with her parents. This girl is a traveller and does not remain at home for long.     Good for her as she is exposed to many sounds and views of nature and other human beings.

 ——————————————————

Tuesday     01 July 2008 ( Canada Day)

Today is Canada’s 141st birthday- Sitara’s first one to celebrate. Her parents were thinking of taking her out to watch fireworks at Petawawa but on reflection it was found to be too late. (the fireworks were to begin at 10.00 pm – way past Sitara’s bed time). So it was decided to spend time with grandparents at home in Mackay. What  a lovely time we had all together. Sitara had a visit to the neighbours in the early afternoon and after the grandparents arrived (at 3.00 pm) – we all went to the pool.   Sitara was in   her float for a while. We took video and photos . After that she was splashing water in her mom’s and then dad’s hands. She was just enjoying being in the water. After the swim in the pool, all went to the Hot Tub – of course the temperature was kept tepid so that Sitara feel comfortable. The girl just enjoyed the hot tub -she did considerable ulululu   ( the noise from the lips – a sort of musical but not needing any words). She just was having fun and thus made us all happy and enjoying the hot tub.

After the water fun, she had a bath, a bottle of milk (formula) and then   she was just having fun playing with her grandma and then with her toys.   She was all naturally happy and did walk few steps (at least four times) between her grandpa and mom.

After her dinner at 6.00 pm   ( we all had our supper about the same time) she played for a while and then went to bed on time ( at 7.30 pm).

The grandparents and parents then played  cards. The grandparents return to Deep River at mid-night.

___________________________________________

Friday   04 July 2008 (America’s Independence day)

Today Sitara has gone to Toronto with her parents – once again on the move. They have gone to Toronto to attend a wedding.

Yesterday, grandparents visited her at Mackay. She was busy with guests – who had arrived a day before to visit her parents. Moreen & Mike are Nina’s great friends and they  have three kids. Two girls (Natalie & Lauren) are about   2 1/2 year and 4 years old but ther son (Ryan) is 3 months old. Ryan is so handsome and always smiles at you. Natalie liked to play with Sitara. At one time yesterday (Thursday 03 July 2008) when Sitara was crawling all over the place, Natalie joined her. Both of then were like having a race. Oh! what a scene with a lot of noise and adults watching the race with amusement.    This excitement led Sitara to explore places which were (kind of) no no to her before and thus go beyond the boundaries which were earlier established . This led the  parents (mom & Grandma) to move things on the floor  away to higher places for Sitara’s safety.  

Now we wait for her to return to Mackay before we can play with her.

______________________________________________

Wednesday 16 July 2008

Today Sitara  came to Grandparents  home (with her parents). She was as charming as ever. After her lunch, Sitara had a visitor (Jordan – the next door granddaughter – Chelsea’s daughter) . Both played well together.

Sitara is now toddling along well. Yes, she walks on her own willpower and climbs the stairs. She has been todddling around on her own for last three days.

Grandparents took her for a stroll on the streets of Deep River. Grandpa was pushing the stroller – a fun of immense proportion – as this was his first. They went along Rutherford Av to Ridge &  going  thru the Frontenac and back to the house walking thru Avon St.

Sitara is so polite and watches carefully to see that all is acceptable to grandpa or grandma.

She is just a doll – “love of our hearts”.

_____________________________________________

Thursday   17 July 2008

It is out. Sitara is coming of age – a full one year old.

I think the parents are preparing to celebrate her 1st birthday.

How do I know? Well we received the foillowing  electronic mail  yesterday.

Sitara’s First Birthday

Hi everyone!  
 
It’s amazing to think that Sitara will be one year old.   Time flies so fast!
 
Please join us for  tea and  CAKE  on Saturday, August 2nd, 2008 to Celebrate our little girl’s first brithday!
 
Come over from 2pm to 4pm.   We will cut the cake at 3pm.   This will give people time to get back to Deep River for the  Summerfest festivities.
 
We will be in Deep River in the evening enjoying the beer tents while the grand parents have some quality time with Sitara 🙂  
We hope to see you either at our place or the beer tents in town.  
 
Please RSVP by July 28th, 2008.
 
See you soon!
 
Sunjay, Nina and Sitara
______________________________________________

Friday  18 July 2008

Sitara came to her grandparents home at noon (as her parents were going to Pembroke for some errands) and stayed with them till sundown.   She played and played with grandpa and grandma separately and together.  

Today not only she  crawled up the stairs but also started to climb down on her own.   Mind you ever so careful, she only did that once for top two steps (turning on her belly and putting so carefully one foot on the lower step and followed by the second one).   After that first try, she stopped trying   as she is still figuring out in her mind what manouvers are required for safe climbing down stairs.

Now she walks very confidently all over and also while standing up she can bend and pick up things from the floor. She just enjoy walking around and exploring the surroundings.

Tomorrow she is coming to Deep River to attend   a barbeque party with her prospective baby sitter (Pyoli) in the days to come.

____________________________________________

Sunday 20 July 2008

There she goes again – on the travel route. Sitara joined her parents to go to Quebec City to celebrate its 400 anniversary.  

Sure of its charms and just a touch haughty, Québec City”™s gracious yet simple style continues to delight its visitors, year after year. The city has everything it takes to please: an enchanting setting on the St. Lawrence, a priceless architectural heritage, a rich and colourful past and, above all, a warm heart bubbling over with the special joie de vivre that has characterized  it for four centuries.
Her parents stopped over at the house in Deep River (for about 15 minutes)  to drop some of the parishable vegetables, eggs and a pouch of milk .

Grandparents just coddled Sitara while she remained enconsced in the car seat. Grandpa gave her a couple of kidddie books – to help her  relax while on the move in the car.

Of course she cannot read but she likes to play with the pages of the book and thus progressively get familiarised with holding books.

 _____________________________________________

Sunday 27 July 2008

Sitara had a successful week away from home to Quebec City with her parents.  Yes, they came back yesterday ( Saturday 26 July, 2008) and went directly to their home (in Mackay) without stopping at the grandparents –  that was a bit  considerate – of course they did not want to disturb the grandparents late in the day. Good sentiments – though we were gone out for dinner at our friend’s (Malay’s) home in Deep River .

Welcome back Sitara – I am sure we will meet one of these coming days.

Well, we were fortunate to have her on Tuesday 29 July, when her parents came to Deep River for few errands.

She just goes and goes -walking all over – never tiring – climbing stairs  many times and just exploring and being playful.

Pravin Shah