Witches, Ghosts, & Scary Stuff!

Halloween is almost here! Candy & Dress-up what more would a kid want?



Today when I pass by the local Target or Home Depot store, I show the little scary monster, witches & skeletons to Kutie and he just looks at it and smiles. He thinks of them as just things that seem to lit up and make noise. (the only thing that he seemed scared about was when the monster made a loud 'arrrrrrrrrrr' sound). I guess fear is a learned behavior to most extent.

Now that we have moved (& settled) into our new house, I am hoping that our neighbors are into Halloween, so that I can do some decorations, get an outfit for Kutie to go trick-or-treating! If nothing, I guess since Kutie can walk now I will be able to take him to my office for a some quick Halloween treats and fun! Now, if only I can decide what Kutie should be - a wizard, a ninja, a lion, a superhero or .... Lets go shopping!

(graphic courtesy of coolholidaygraphics.com)

Pile of boxes

I am sure everyone has been through the pains of moving and settling into a new house, felt the distress of not finding that right cup for your morning tea, or having to browse through a pile of clothes the next morning to get to work! I think the worst part is cleaning out the old apartment and making sure you move the last remaining pile of boxes!

Through all this Kutie is showing signs of discomfort as well! Poor guy, he seems so lost. He was without his favourite toys for two whole days before we were able to open it for him, he is most likely missing his friends from the apartment too.

But one blessing was that he started to walk last week (on Grandparents Day, no less) and since then he got at least a week's head start before we moved into the house with complete hardwood floors. I can't imagine the pain of walking on fours on hardwood floors! Of course, Kutie seems to enjoy walking and making loud noise on the floors. Once his cars were out in the open, he seemed to have more fun in driving it, now that it moves faster and makes even more noise (even without the music turned on).

But the pile of boxes still remains! I am hoping that we get done with most of them by this weekend - otherwise I am sure the pile of boxes will just be transfered into the garage where its likely to sit for another century!

Lord Ganesha

I just find it amazing how many things tie humans together - and for the most part we miss them out completely!At least within my limited capacity of knowledge ( and I know I am not a scholar on anything) I notice so many irrefutable things.

Today is Ganesh Chatruthi and for many Indians marks the beginning of a lot of festivals and celebrations in the coming months. During my childhood days, our neighborhood would put up a pandal and have the celebrations in a grand scale for 5 days. Each night the kids would put up shows (dances, songs, magic tricks) and it would turn into an informal competition - especially our group and another building group. It would be a a matter of great honor to ensure that we get the majority of praise the end of our program. Today as I turn around and look at my childhood self, I want to tell her to stop being so aggressive and have more fun instead. I am sure the next generation is going through the same thing - though the groups have changed - and new affiliations have formed.

Listen to a baby's babble, see them walk, see them trying to get our attention - all of them - blue eyed or brown, blonde or brunette - they all do the same thing!

I hope Lord Ganesha - the remover of obstacles - brings us the knowledge and understanding and brings everyone closer together!

Painting, Cleaning and Moving ...

House-warming is done, & we got some painters to paint the house. But our major work of packing and moving still remains.

Last couple of weeks were spent in ensuring that painters do a decent job and shopping around for new appliances. My parents arrived the day after labor day and its been a great blessing. Kutie adjusted pretty quickly to them and is growing very fond of them. He is pretty good with new people, especially loves kids and the attention from grown-ups.

This weekend is the big move. I am sure it will take us weeks before we find a place for each of our stuff and settle into life in the neighborhood. But the actual moving and cleaning out the old apartment- is so much of work that it almost bores me.

Wish I could just blink my eyes and transport everything to its place in the new house!

Our little dream home ...

A good home must be made, not bought.
Joyce Maynard, "Domestic Affairs"

My home is not a place, it is people.
Lois McMaster Bujold, "Barrayar", 1991 US science fiction author

And my favorite --
Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.
John Howard Payne (1791 - 1852)

Grihapraveshnam

A big event for home-owners, its the ritual to boil milk, basically lit the fire in the kitchen for the first time ever. It is considered auspicious to spill milk as its a sign of prosperity and well-being.

We decided to conduct our house-warming ceremony on the first day of Onam which is a great day and the Muhurtam was set for 6 AM to 6.20 AM early morning on August 26th. We invited some close friends over for the simple event and breakfast afterwards.

We woke up early that day, took a bath and headed over to our new house. We were running a bit late, & got to our house only by 6.10 or so. My honey and I entered the house and I let the diya and placed some flowers at the altar of Lord Guruvayoorappan.

Then we rushed to the kitchen, to lit the stove and heat the milk. We had a new vessel especially bought for the ceremony and we waited anxiously to see the boiling of milk. As if on cue, our friends arrived in time to see the spilling of milk. Since it is considered "prasadam" we decided to make some payasam out of the same milk for everyone.

My mother-in law and her friend started to make idly and tea for everyone. I played the grand hostess and walked everyone around our new house. Kutie was at his best behaviour (even though he woke up very early) playing with everyone and running around the large empty house. He seemed to enjoy the hardwood floors and crawled around with so much noise that we were afraid that he will get hurt!

We came back to our apartment for lunch and to get some rest. As it is customary to sleep in the new house on the day of grihapraveshnam we went back home. Next day being Monday, we had to get up early and rush back to our apartment to get ready for work.

All in all, the event was a great! It was interesting to wake up in our house and move around. I find myself dreaming of what it will be like to have actually move in here ... which would not happen until 2nd week of September.

Dream Home

Yes, we are finally done with our house hunt! We got our dream home(today we got the keys). A nice little cozy house where we are going to build our home!

What a roller-coaster ride it was!

During the last 6 months, weekends were spent in checking out open houses, looking at real-estate websites and running all around the Bay area. Sometimes irritated with our agent, at times tired of checking out bad houses, its been one big journey. Offers fell through and there was a point when I thought this was not going to happen for us! But now all that is in the past!

This is my first official house and I have mixed feelings about it. I am elated at owing a property, thrilled at the prospect of decorating it, scared out of my mind knowing how much I owe the bank! I guess, mixed feelings are part of anything new....

"I may be small, but I am the BOSS"

Yes! Thats what I hear from my little one year old! Well no! He can say only a couple of words, most are still unintelligible, but I can tell by his behavior that's what he is thinking!

Take away his favourite toy or be a second late in getting his food ready, he will crawl away from you, turn around and cry out loud. And then suddenly the tears flow, his eyes look so disappointed, that you give in!

I know, I know, you are going to tell me who is the adult, but common on - you look into the eyes of a cute one year old and tell them No ... and see if they understand! Think about it ... poor baby, they seem to understand most of what we say to them, they are learning to walk, to explore. Unfortunately they are not the best communicators yet. Even now, the only tool they have are cries, yells and tears! Wouldn't you do the same thing if you were in their shoes - say in a foreign land, and no understanding of their speech!

Babies (and adults in a foreign land) learn to communicate as best as they can. They tell you (my son points to objects, makes various sounds to show us his displeasure or needs) but we often understand it a bit late! And for my son, that delay is unacceptable! I am sure he will learn patience (hopefully) and until then he gets to be the boss! (Sort of!)

Picture Time

Here are some pictures from our trip to Lake Oroville

The Ride over the Dam

View of the Lake

The Marina

Trip to Lake Orville

Kutie's birthday was a great day. He was at his best behavior (like always) and everyone had fun. The event went by without much hiccups (we could not get the music system to play, and we forgot all about ice cream with cake, though guests got a second round of desert). The day ended with a peaceful yawn from Kutie.

Since all his cousins were here, the house feels full with all the noise - the kids are always on Playstation, we are trying to catch up with all the gossip our sisters and inlaws and Kutie trying to squeeze in more attention with his cute antics! It was a great reunion.

We decided to treat ourselves and we made a trip to Lake Orville. It was a nice 3 hour drive, without any major events. We got to the hotel, checked in and went out for a drive along to see the dam and the part of the lake. Monday we had planned to be in water all day long with our sea-doo and water boats. Since the kids were underage, we took turns in taking them in the water for a full four hours. Blasting off at 6000 miles, riding the waves was truly fun for everyone. We did get a little sun burnt, but all in good fun.

After a picnic lunch and a little swim near the shores we got back to land tired and happy. We got back and after some time off, the elders went to sleep while we took the kids out to the river beach. The kids P and S had some fun time on the beaches. S was driving his new toy - a remote controlled car and even Kutie was awestruck with the toy. The day was finally over!

Next day we drove back home, and some of the guests started to leave and I realized that the party is finally dwindling down. I am not sure how Kutie will be next week, with everyone gone! Wonder if he will become fussy or get back into his old groove!

Either way, it was a great time ... summer with family and loved ones is one of the best gifts everyone should get. I only hope we can do this more often as Kutie grows up so that he will always have wonderful memories when he grows up.

Happy Birthday!

Happy First Birthday, my dear handsome son!

What a bright sunny day it is,
Glorious for you are with us.
We love you, dear son,
We wish you the very best.

Twelve months have flown by
You smiled, you cried
You laughed, you babbled
You crawled and you blew us a kiss,

Your grandparents are proud of you
And happy as can be!
They think you are a miracle,
Waiting to unfold!

Know that we will always be with you
Helping you every step of the way
We wish we can take away all your tears
And grant you all our best wishes.

We wish you all the happiness
We wish you lots of special friends
May you grow up strong,
May you have all that you wish for!

We think you are just perfect
You are our dreams, personified.
Our very own bundle of joy!
Happy First Birthday, my dearest one!

Almost there!

T minus 1

The guests have arrived, and Kutie has already taken a likening to his big cousin. Follows him around like a little puppy! We are almost ready for the big event.

Just hoping, wishing, praying for a nice, blissful event!

Oh my ears and whiskers, how late it's getting!

T-minus 3

My oh my! Oh my! I feel like the rabbit from Alice's world trying to find all the things that needs to get done soon. Cake, decorations, party list, outfits ... oh dear!!

The guests are pouring in - yesterday evening my aunt-in law and her husband came with their grandson. She is a very nice lady, really sweet. I am exited for Kutie to be meeting so many family members - we think it will be great exposure for him.

My work week has been very hectic - had to be on a call till 12 AM last night - hopefully this busy schedule will end soon and tonight I will get done with cake order and decorations and I will feel much better.

The Seven-Year Itch

Does it exist? Or is it like the Friday the 13th scare (of course this Friday is a 13th, so we will see)

Well, we are in our 7th year of marriage, and I think this is all a big hoax!! If it did, my parents missed their quite a few of their chances. Yes I agree marriages do fail, but if your love is strong it can go through anything. Of course its not easy...

Marriage means being a team, being together, being each others cheerleader! It also means being each other's critic, being each other friend (and friends do have arguments) and being each others advocate. There might be days when one is down, or needs that extra hug! While on other days one wants their own space. One thing to remember is that the person you love had a different lifestyle, a different upbringing (you might like bullseye, he might like an egg white omelet) but you love him/her for their differences. There is definitely a learning curve in understanding this complicated being that you love - its not easy, but its possible!

These are a few other wonderful thoughts that I have come to love ~

Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love, and they blossom when we love the ones we marry. ~ Tom Mullen

There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved. ~ George Sand

It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day to day basis. ~Margaret Bonnano

I don't have any major advice, because I think we still have miles to go - but I do hope that we both live happily ever after and grow old together!

Good luck to all couples!

---

Really close!!!

T minus 5

Really really close to the big day and now I am getting paranoid. Have I forgotten to invite someone, that I needed to? Have I done everything right? Still need to run to Diddums party store and get the supplies, Still need to reserve the cake? HELP!!!

Another crab in the family!

T minus 6

YUP! We have another crab in the family !!! Honey is also a cancerian, just like Kutie. (In fact he had hopes that Kutie, might be born on his birthday.)

And today, is my honey's nakshathira birthday. It was not that big an event; but we got him a Sudoko puzzle which he greatly enjoys and made a little feast in his honor. The weekend was quite busy with last minute shopping and some house cleaning before guests arrive.

Looks like the week ahead is going to very busy with guests, party organization, school exams (Yup I back to school on the Project Management courses) and of course work!!! Wish us luck!


HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
To A Wonderful Husband and a Great DAD!

Shopping

T minus 7

Only a week left for Kutie's big day ... so much left to do - goodies bag, candles, decorations needed to be bought for the party. Of course, we are still looking for a house as well. It was a busy day today.

A lot of things got accomplished - I am happy. Hopefully something will happen on the house hunt as well

---

7/7/7 -- NICE DATE? Wonder if marriages, births are on an increase?

A Star Birthday

T-minus 8

Like many cultures, we follow the lunar calender for all the big events - birthdays, weddings. For birthdays, we follow nakshathira birthday or the star birthday - the star that you were born under. This generally means that you get two birthdays! One is your 'star' birthday and one the actual birthday (date of birth). The star birthday is a bit complicated because it is based on the lunar cycle and the patterns of solar system. There is no constant date of your star birthday. One year it might be a week before, next year it might days later. Either way, as a kid you get to enjoy two days of fun - and believe me thats all that matters!

Today is Kutie's Star Birthday - and it actually falls on the day he was supposed to arrive - I don't know if I should look for any *hidden* meanings - but its a nice coincidence.

Since its a big day I took PTO from work and decided to have a fun time with the little guy before all the guests start to arrive next week. I wanted to make it special family event. I was hoping to either go to the zoo if the weather was not too hot or go hang out in the pool - apart from the daily birthday oriented festivities of food, going to the temple, new clothes and of course presents!

Going out unfortunately did not materialize, but I still had a great time with Kutie. Kutie got up around 7 & after giving him a quick bath, he said his prayers (Such a cute thing - he will fold his hands and just babble something out) We opened the Lego Dump Truck that we got for him. Of course he still doesn't understand playing with the blocks, but he was quite happy with the dump truck and was pushing it everywhere around the house. I prepared a small sadya(feast), with the usual Malayalam dishes and of course payasam.

Since I had promised myself not to be sitting at the computer today, I played with him all day long. Only break was when he took his afternoon nap and I watched some TV.

It was a great relaxing on a hot summer day.

HAPPY STAR BIRTHDAY, My Dearest Son

Cars or Fireworks

T-minus 9

Do boys learn from the womb their expected gender roles?

I ask this because, we went to see the fireworks for the Fourth of July celebrations yesterday evening and even though Kutie looked at them he seemed to be more interested in the cars that drove by the street next to the big parking lot (where we camped up). Every time we would point to the new, colorful firework that blasted into the sky he would stare it for a second and then almost immediately turn his head to look at the car that zoomed past.

It was a weird scene - everyone looking at the wonderful mirage of colors in the sky and Kutie looking at the Fords, Toyotas, and Hondas!

The Countdown Begins

July 4th, 2007 - Happy Independence Day!!!

Its T-minus 10 & counting to Kutie's birthday!!!

Yes can anyone believe it? Last year on this day I was HUGE!!! Two days away from my due date. Nothing was happening - no contractions, no pain - we were only wondering when the little guy will show up! Daily visits to the Ultrasound became a routine and for me I was just plain hot and tired all the time.

This year, its a completely different story. The little guy is ready to kick butt! He is crawling, babbling and the biggest difference - The little guy is the center of attention!!!! (but eh! he still seem to prefer me over everyone else - so thats good)