Shannon’s and Sunir’s wedding photos are up. Here’s a taste…
Category Archives: Miscellaneous Musings!
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)
РSet up table d̩cor (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.
Speech by his mom (Jashoda. Shah)
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
Book Reading -Miscellaneous Books Read
General Comment:As mentioned earlier on my April 19 2007 post, I have embarked on writing a few words on all the books that I may read in my retirement. I will reread few books which I read over last few years – this to allow me to capture some good essence from the readings.
Since I read my last book -Eterana Ganesha (see my earlier posting on April 20 ,2008), I have read the following books till now. These books are over and above the 3 separate Bridge (Card Game ) books I have read for my learning about good bridge playing. I follow the Standard American Yellow Card system (SAYC) when playing bridge game. My partner Marcel & myself have done well both in Duplicate & Social bridge in Deep River and Petawawa – though we need to learn much in order to achieve consistent results. The learning continues . The main book of reference (for learning) is : Standard Biddng with SAYC by Ned Downey and Ellen Pomer.
The books I read are listed in the order they were read.
1) Idiots At Work by Leland Gregory.
Paperback book – some 220 pages- its the chronicles of workplace stupidity. Hilarious & a bit disconcerting as we see our and foibles of others in life – especially at workplace. A light book .
2) Watchers by Dean R. Koontz
Paperback book – some 483 pages – its a story about lab work with the creation of two separate genetically altered life forms – who escaped the highly secret Lab – and the chase begins . One is a magnificent dog of immense intelligence and the other was a hybrid monster of a violent nature. A gripping story of chase and devastation in the path and ultimate victory of the good side – i.e the dog lives free with his master.
3) The Only Road to North by Erik Mirandette
Paperback book – some 298 pages. This is a religious book (a sort of spiritual discovery by a young man, Erik). Erik was doing a humanitarian job in Morocco – was out on quest to live the life that he felt he was created to live. This led him to an unforgettable travel a cross Africa with his younger brother and two friends on Road Bikes (motor cycles) . They travelled 9000 miles in the bikes starting in South Afric and ending in Egypt.
However, after that successful trip across Africa, a terrorist’s bomb ripped Erik’s world and faith apart. He lost his brother from this bomb.. An autobiographical & gripping story – a good read to know that all that we plan can go awry with unknown higher plans which can supersede our plans.
4) The Indian Fan by Victoria Holt.
Paperback book – some 448 pages.
This is the story about Britain and class living in Britain in Queen Victoria time with colonial living in India .It does give some colouful description of life in India at the time along with life in England. A very interesting reading – I read the book in a couple of daus as it was difficult to put it down
5) Dreams of Glory by Thomas Fleming.
A paperback book – some 491 pages. This book is set in 1780 when America was fighting war with England – Americans led by George Washington – a gripping story – of life in America at that time with Blacks also playing their part in the war with England.
6) The Spring of Tiger by Victoria Holt
A paperback book – some 371 pages. This is set in England and Shree Lanka during the 8th Century . It revolves around the pearls -the Ashington Pearls (which were given to an ancestral Ashington by a Ceylonese King for saving his son by the Ashington) have been with family for generations . There is a description of tea plantations and such development in Shree Lanka. A good book for light reading.
7) Economics of Lord Mahavira by Acharya Mahaprajna
Note: Lord Mahavira is the 24th (last) Tirthankar of Jains. He propagated the non-violence way of life and consideration for others – with detachment to material things (as opposed to aggrandisement of wealth).
A paperback book – some 174 pages- a very serious book – on morality of commerce and economy .
According to Mahavira , th eprudent principle guiding the limits to consumption is this: any article of use, which does not impinge on physical, mental and emotional health, should be acceptable.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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”.
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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
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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.
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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, Qu̩bec CityӪs 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.
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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
Father’s Day- 2008
This year”™s father’s day is a special for our family (similar to the mother’s day. Sunjay (our son-in-law)will be with his new born baby daughter (Sitara) – and our first grandchild and celebrate his first father’s day. This is a unique father’s day as Sitara & her mom have gone to England last week and Sunjay is joining them – arriving In England a day before the father’s day and celebrating the day there amongst his family . This is a very special day as Sitara will celebrate the day – I understand that there will be a party at her grandma’s (paternal) home .
Sunjay loves Sitara immensely. He likes to coddle her but also to feed her, change her and also play with her and do all kinds of exercises (both hands and leg) and teach her to stand and walk. She just savours this time with her dad. The first word she learnt to repeat all the time is “daddy”. “daddy”. “daddy”. – though she has not yet connected the word to Sunjay. Its a matter of time now.
We , the grandparents, will be away to Orillia to attend a wedding and then to Toronto.
We will be quite removed from the Father’s Day celebration this year as Sunir/Shannon will be in B.C while Nina, Sitara & Sunjay will be in U.K.. Well, this Father’s Day was coming and what must be going in Sitara’s mind? Similar to what went thru her mind when Mohter’s day came by only a few weeks ago. She is already a good 10 months old and recognising her mom & dad but also her grandparents well.
Here is our observation and sentiments – all crafted on Monday in Deep River by her granddad (& presented to Sunjay when he came for dinner on Monday evening).
Sunjay,
A proud father to a charming girl
Sitara is a gift of the Gods
To be coddled for eternity
A HAPPY 1st Father”™s Day to you.
Mom & dad this side of the pond
A thankful infant – an imagery !
On that Special Day
Sitara waits longingly
Her visit to England with her mom
Looking out of the English window
Standing straight on her tiny legs
She croons her neck
Searching for her dad to appear
She smiles at the thought of her dad
She longs to smother dad with kisses
With her joyous smiles and sounds
She articulates in her own way
“HAPPY FATHER”™S DAY”
Clapping lovingly with her soft hands
An distant Observant (her granddad)
Postscript:
Sitara celebrated her 1st Father’s Day with her dad in Rugby, England. The place where her dad grew up. This was very fitting. Sunjay joined Nina & Sitara at his mom’s home in Rugby (having travelled from Canada to join Sitara & her mom who had gone to U.K. a week before). They were joined in the celebration by Sunjay’s sister and her family, my eldest brother (Kanti ) & his wife, his son Shammir and family. I understand my sister Daxa and her family were also there. Nikit (Kanti’s grandson from his daughter – bansri – who is in Kenya) was also present. Thay had a fabulous tijme -as per Nina telephone message to wish me a Happy Father’s Day.
Pravin Shah
Being Grandparents – 3
This post is a continuation of the earlier posts (Being Grandparents & Being Grandparents – 2) as the previous posts were becoming a tad bit busy.
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Text : (Sunday 25 May 2008)
Yesterday (Saturday 24 May 2008) was an important day in the family. It was the day when we had organised an Engagement Ceremony (in the Indian and our family traditional way) for our son’s (Sunir’s) engagement to Shannon.
The Engagement ceremony was held at Mackay at Nina/Sunjay’s residence – a beautiful house right on the Ottawa River. The day was, thankfully, very bright and sunny. A day to savour for cheerfulness and greenery around. This was mercifully contrasting to the miserable week (the whole week !) we had with rain and cool/cold weather.
Note: Sunir did get engaged to Shannon a few months ago (October 2007) in the Canadian way by proposing to Shannon and Shannon accepting to marry him.
The Engagement festivities were attended by Shannon’s parents , her two sisters (Heather & Erica) and their boyfriends. Sunir’s friend John from Ottawa also attended the ceremony. They were joined in by some of our Indian friends from the Ottawa Valley (those who were here when Sunir was growing up).
Sitara was part of the ceremony. She was dressed in a beautiful dress and she sat in her “Bumbo” seat on the right side of Shannon & Sunir. Shannon’s both sisters sat on the left side of Shannon. Sitara wore the gold bangles in her both hands and together with her diamond studs in her ears – she was just magnificent and endearing – and as usual her smile (of course – mouth empty of any teeth) was just so heart winning.
Sitara kept her composure though she had cold a couple of days before the ceremony. Well, with a group of some 33 people in the house and a bit noisy and warm living room where the ceremony was held – Sitara got a bit cranky. She missed her afternoon nap also.
But she was attentive and somehow managed to participate well. She was the most important family member for this ceremony for her “mama’s (uncle’s) engagement.
Sitara enjoyed the music and dances. The ceremony was successful for “bonding” of two families along with the celebration of Sunir/Shannon engagement.
Thanks to Nina’s and Sunjay’s effort and keen observation to formalities and details, the whole celebration (along with food and refreshment ) was just flawless and went like clockwork. Everyone enjoyed the festivities. There are lots of photographs and a video clip for preserving the memories.
On Sunday (25 May 2008) – Sitara came to Deep River to her grandparents home with her parents. This was the day when we all gathered ( Sunir’s family and Shannon’s family) before Sunir and Shannon’s family members return back to their homes after the engagement ceremony. Sitara was all relaxed this day. She was playful and also smiled, crawled all over and made conversation with all of us in her baby way.
Once she returned back ( in the afternoon) to her home in Mackay we heard later (from her mom on phone) that she had sprouted a couple of lower teeth.
Wow, her first two teeth.
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On Thursday (05 June 2008) – Sitara was at her grandparents home after her FEN sessions. She was just fabulous. All hardy laughs (this is a new phenomenon) and she played with her toys which are being kept nicely arranged for her to play with when she visits grandparents. She also had her lunch and a snooze .
While she was sleeping, Sitara had a visit from Jordan , the 14-month granddaughter of our neighbour, Kathy. Jorden’s mom (Chelsea) and grandma also came as they wanted to play with Sitara too. For a while Sitara remained in sleep in her crib (in upstrairs room – previously her mamma’s (Sunir’s) room ) . After a while she was woken to come and play with Jorden. Sitara was all go go go. She was happy to see Jorden. Jorden was also very happy to see Sitara. However both initially played separately – both being shy girls – a new experience visiting each other. Jordan walks easily and is a very happy child. She was just fantastics playing with rubber balls and a plastic bracelet.
Sitara remained on the soft black sofa (with golden trim) and as usual just went (crawling) from one side of sofa to other and then standing up at the edge.
At the end just before Jordan (& her mom & grandma) were to take leave to go home, both girls exchanged handshakes (both carried by respective moms) and giggles.
It was a good visit. Mind you both Sitara and Jordan do meet each other at FEN sessions every week.
The big day for Sitara is tomorrow when she is flying to England. This is her second flying since she was born. The first visit was to Dominican Republic only a few weeks ago.
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On Friday 06 June 2008). – Grandparents visited Sitara at her home in Mackay. Well to give her mom some help in packing for England. Sitara was sleeping when they arrived. However, after a while Sitara woke up (may be due to noise and from talks) and she just as usual was in happy mood and was glad to see her grandparents. She played with them till noon – all hardy laughs , crawling all over, also sittng on her newly acquired pink sponge chair and playing with her pink teddy bear. Oh! she would not be sitting quietly – just go go go. She was talkative in her baby ways – most of it recorded by her grandpa. She was given food (lunch) at noon and after that she was sleepy. By that time her mom was ready for travel to Deep River and bring her luggage etc to Deep River and then join her dad who was taking them to Ottawa airport. Sitara just fell asleep once in her grandpa’s car (in which all came to Deep River).
This is momentous time for Sitara. She will present herself to many of her family uncles, aunts, cousins of all ages (from babies to teenagers) from both sides of her parents. She will definitely cherish this visit forever when she grows up to understand and recognise all those whom she would meet first time.
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On Saturday (07 June 2008). – Sitara arrived in London after a safe journey by Air Canada. We talked to Mayur, Mohanlal , Mina & Jinit apart from Nina. Nina said that Sitara is adjusting well to new surroundings and she is quite friendly to Bhavni & Mina. I am sure she is winning hearts of all of her mom’s (Nina’s) cousins and family from Nina’s mother’s side.
Afternoon Sitara joined her mom and Mohanlal family to go for lunch at Sanjiv/Palu’s home. We got call in the evening (Canada time) from Nina’s Manumammi and she was all excited to play with Sitara. She said that Sitara also met Saina & Minal (Nina’s mom’s nieces) and got on well with both Aunties apart from playing and taking well with Palu (Sanjiv’s wife) and Sakhi (pre-teen daughter of Sanjiv/Palu). Sakhi just adored her and played with Sitara all the time. Sitara just charmed Manumammi – she was like her grandma and gave her all kinds of kisses and smiles.
Sitara also got a visit to Wembley (the famous Indian shoping area in London) with her mom and her Auntie (Saina) and had a taste of Bajias (the famous Maru’s Bhajias).
Tomorrow Sitara is meeting her uncles, aunties and cousins (her maternal grandpa’s side of relatives) at a picnic in a park. That would be nice experience for a picnic and show herself to her relatives from her grandpa’s side.
On Sunday (08 June 2008).
I understand that Sitara accompanied her mom to a picnic at St Albans where she was coddled by all her uncles, aunts and cousins. Kanti/Kanchabhabhi & Kumudbhabhi were also there- who povided grandparental attention. Ranjan/Mahendra & Daxa/Dipek also provided similar attention.
Most of Pravin’s nephews & nieces (nina’s cousins ) were there who loved & coddled Sitara . young ones like Ruhi (& her baby sister) , Ruan, & Syan were there -all playful and Sitara did have handful of fun.
Her British vacation is to meet with all her cousins , uncles and aunts.
Pravin Shah