Poems for Kutie

No I know I am not a great writer, but I try! :)

My son has a little toy that sings
"One little birdy, singing so sweet, one fluffy cloud and one big tree!
Two little butterflies love to fly, two little butterflies fluttering by.
Three little bumble bees full of fun, three little bumble bees buzz buzz buzz.
Four little flowers pretty as you please, four little flowers flowing in the breeze
Five little lady bugs meet for lunch, five little lady bugs munch and crunch."

Now for my verse
Six little puppies go on a walk, six little puppies love to bark.
Seven little fishes in the pond, seven little fishes go round and round.
Eight little snails try to run, eight little snails have some fun!
Nine little stars in the sky, nine little stars far away.
Ten little fingers on my hand, ten little fingers to play in the sand.

Teaching an old dog new tricks

Well maybe not that old!

I am trying to teach Kutie all the wonderful things there is to learn. He has mastered the art of handshake, kiss, and peek-a-boo (he will close his eyes for a second, and brings one hand up to hide his eyes ... really cute). I thought I was doing great ... and then came the call from my mom.

She told reminded me to teach him how to pray! And thats when it hit me .... why did not I think about it ... such a basic, wonderful thing to learn! To fold your hands, close your eyes, and think about all the blessings that you have ... with a silent thanks! I have been telling Kutie stories of Shree Krishna, Rama and the likes, and often take him to the temple but prayer is such an important aspect - it binds everyone together, it heals.

Well, better late than never. Thanks, mum - there are still so many things I need to learn from you! Love Ya!!

Babies and Television

I just read a news report on American babies watching too much television. The survey conducted does not clearly state that it might be bad for kids but it is still shocking!

During my childhood days, which are not that far back, we always liked to play outside. We had a “school shift” program so 1 to 5 grades had afternoon shift, while higher grades were in the morning. Each day I remember running back from school to rush to the playground. Mornings were devoted to schoolwork.

Perhaps, TV was most watched during summer holidays – but even then we used to play, read and do other things as well. This was our schedule on most summer days: Early morning bike rides, breakfast, back on the playground or if it was too hot we would meet at someone house, lunch and then afternoons at our homes – reading a book, doing some crafts, painting, and by evenings we were back at the playground. Sometimes we would come back out after dinner to play some shuttle (similar to tennis). Television made its appearance, in between this ‘hectic’ schedule :)

But as we grew older, television did start to make an impact. I remember my parents discussing shutting TV during exam weeks and taking other measures to ensure we devoted our time for studies. (We often negotiated watching TV time to maybe dinner or afternoon breaks) I wonder if this is even possible today. With the influx of so many channels, the ever growing gaming industry, and the internet – there is always something. Marketers of kids programming will say that it’s beneficial with kids learning language and numbers, but can they not learn the same things through books … can we not teach them ourselves?

All this said and done, I love television myself. Love Heroes, love my Netflix … what does that say about me! Double standards! It’s been a long day – maybe I will ponder tomorrow. In the meantime, I like my TiVo recording the shows that I like, so that even if I watch them sometimes a week later – I try to ensure Kutie has not seen television, yet!!!

Happy "First" Mothers Day

Yes ... Its my first official mothers day!!! And what a glorious day it is! The sun is bright and birds are chirping ... a perfect summer day.

Happy First Mothers Day to me!!!

To all mothers, grandmothers, aunts, god-mothers - most selfless, humble, guardian angels here on earth ..... A great day to you all!

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Here is my big card, from my little guy! :)

"Only the luckiest of ducklings has a mommy like you!"
Chooooooooo Cheeewwweet!!!

The Family Table

Does a family table exist is today's fast paced world ...
      Often the dinner table is a nice big table, seating 6 or more with a nice chairs and an even better center piece. This piece of furniture in most cases is least used for its purpose of having dinner but used more often has a place to keep other things!
      To me, as far back as I can remember, I had my dinners watching TV. We would have dinner together, when my dad got back from work, but I would pick up my plate and move towards the living room to be able to watch TV. My parents always sat at the table, making small talk and an occasional look at the TV. Even today I continue the tradition ... does this mean that my family is doomed!!
      Not really!
      Each family needs to find its 'dinner table' - a place where everyone can be together, can spend valuable time as a family and be a whole. This could be the time that I spend with Kutie reading a book, playing with him, taking a walk with him and my honey - talking about work, planning things and just dreaming of the places that we would love to visit one day!


Does dinner table give you quality time?
      On an average, 20 minutes is what actual dinner time would take (just a guess) - once the table is set and everyone sits down to eat. Is this value time?
      Maybe!
      20 minutes or 20 hours or 20 days or 20 years - anything and everything can be value added time. It is not sitting at the table that adds quality to your family time. Its is the conversations, the memory that lasts a lifetime.
      For me, the days that I remember most with my family are our trips - visiting my grandparents and visiting new places. To this day I love going on trips - be it to the beach or a mountain - any new place is a place of interest to me.

What about dinner?
       Each person in a family is different, with different tastes. One wants pasta, the other wants rice. Mommy I wont eat a thing today!!!
       Compromise!
       There is an old saying "You cannot clap with one hand" so also a person cannot live in a vacuum. We have to learn to like pasta, like rice and also be able to indulge in a little dessert from time to time. Its not always about doing what we like, but taking on something new, sometimes just to do it with the other person.

'The Family Table' can exist in every home - it just needs to be found and treasured!

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Conversations

So I have been busy with the scavenger hunt over at Amy's ... and having lots of fun doing it. But I think my honey is getting a little jealous of the amount of time that I am spending at blogs! :) I feel like a kid getting to know a new toy - breaking it apart, fixing it, and breaking it apart again ... there are so many things around and I have only touched the surface!

But he does have a point ... so I have decided to get back on track with my 'mommyhood' blog - this blog dedicated to my son and to my parents - so lets get on with the program.

Its been a fairly great time with Kutie - he is growing up beautifully and he entertains us to no end. Even though he does not say much in adult language, seems like we can understand each other perfectly. This reminds of my childhood days.

I remember one time, my best friend and I decided to start a "code" language - we wanted to make sure no one would be able to understand our conversations. We spent a day in coming up with the signs, created a book - with pictures and notes on what we meant to say! (I wonder if my mom still has that book!) We probably used the 'code' language for a week - it was so hard to communicate that we chucked the idea. Between our friend circle, we probably always had a little coded language - mainly to talk about boys!!

It is interesting how language develops and how we use the same language to shut out, part of our very family that teach us how to communicate. Sorry Amma, if you ever felt left out. Clearly there was not much going on - since I don't even remember much of the 'code' or the conversations - though to be honest - they were fun part of my life that I will not trade for anything. Hope you understand!

Visual DNA

A little more about me ....

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Meme

1. What is your occupation? Project Manager!
2. What color are your socks right now? None, bare feet.
3. What are you listening to right now? Our washing machine
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Breakfast
5. Can you drive a stick shift? At one time ... would not try today ... too lazy!
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Depends on day and time ... I would keep changing!
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Amma (my mom)
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I found this at "Penny for your thoughts"
9. How old are you today? A day older than yesterday (and none the wiser)
10. Favorite drink? H2O
11. What is your favorite sport to watch? Ice Skating, Cricket, Basketball.
12. Have you ever dyed your hair? No
13. Pets? none
14. Favorite food? Thai, Indian, Mexican
15. What was the last movie you watched? The Hero
16. What was the last book you read? Been a while ... last was Story-wallah Editor Shyam Selvadurai
17. What do you do to vent anger? I bark!!!
18. What was your favorite toy as a child? I always liked to play outside with my friends.
19. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Both
20. Hugs or kisses? Both!
21. Cherries or blueberries? Cherries
22. Do you want your friends to leave you comments? Somehow, I like my anonymity currently ... but I am making new friends from the blogging world and I don't mind their comments!
23. Who is the most likely to comment? Duh! readers! (currently the list is probably few)
24. Who is least likely to comment? My honey!
25. Living arrangements? Me, myself and I live with my honey and our wonderful son! Our parents visit us often.
26. When was the last time you cried? About 9 months ago
27. What's on the floor of your closet? Box with more clothes
28. Who is the friend you have had the longest? I have two - L & R
29. What did you do last night? Played Scavenger Hunt and then went to bed, woke up at least 4 times to feed the baby!
30. Favorite smells? Soil after the first rain, good food, and my baby.
31. What inspires you? Life, my family and friends!
32. What are you afraid of? Bugs!
33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? None
34. Favorite dog breed? Golden retrievers
35. Number of keys on your key ring?3
36. Number of years at current job? 4
37. Favorite day of the week? Thursday - coz I know weekend is almost here!
38. How many states/countries have you lived in? 2
39. Favorite holidays? Are you kiddin me .. I love every one including weekends.
40. Ever driven a Motorcycle or heavy machinery? Nay!

Shoooot!!!

Just got back from Kutie's 9 month appointment, got two news. Bad news, his weight (at 18 lbs) is less and good news, his height (at 29 inches) is great.

Doctor would like to see him in another 6 weeks to ensure that he is gaining weight!! She suggested to add another meal apart from breakfast, lunch, dinner that he has now. Finger foods, added texture and some starch in the diets should help. So now starts a new regime for Kutie.

I wonder, how the averages are pulled. My colleague tells me, her son at nine months was at 17 pounds and is around 18 now - his 1st year b-day is in two weeks! I know of another couple whose little girl was at 17 lbs at her birthday. Though at the same time, I know quite a few kids who are sure to be 20-23+ lbs at their birthdays ....

I guess, every baby and every doctor is different! As long as their is no need for tests and shots I think I will be happy.

I wish, I could just "transfer pounds" :)

The Hunt is On!!!

Yes, its starting at Amy's blog and I am in!!!

A busy work schedule and a super-active 9 month boy, may not be the best combo to be an active player, but I am hoping to the best I can be!

Lets the Games (and prizes) begin!!!