Some of Our Chats

Long pending update. :) Here are some of the chats between my little fellow and his mom (me!)

White Shoes:

S: Mumma, today white trousers and white shoessss?
M: Yes shona.
S: Why, mumma?
M: Its Monday na today, that's y.
S: Oh, okay. Then, tomomorrow? (yeah, that's how he says tomorrow!)
M: Tomorrow, you will wear blue shorts and black shoes.
S: How do you know, mumma? (Does he think I don't have a brain? ;))
M: Shonu, it's Tuesday na tomorrow, that's y.
S: Oh okay. How do you know, Tuesday tomomorrow?
M: Shonuuu! Today is Monday, then Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday, Friday,Saturday, Sunday and again Monday will come. That's how days are.
S: Okay mumma. (little silently this time, I end up thinking, did I react little strongly to the last question!?!)

Without a minute's pause, S: Why it is Monday today? :-)

Can you answer why a day is what day it is!??!

While playing with his dad:

S: Mumma, papa is pushinggg meeeee.
M: Why shonu? what happened?
S: I don't know.
M: What did you do? Why is papa pushing you?
S: I did not do yennything ('anything'). Papa is simpleee pushing me.
M: Papa is simply pushing you? Wait, I'll ask Papa why he is pushing you.
J: We are playing. (No justification, just facts!)
S: No mumma. When we playing know, I pushed papa. Then, papa pushing me nicely. I not playing with papa, but papa is simply pushing me. (---Am thinking --- Means, so long as he is winning, it's all okay? When he begins to get pushed, he isn't playing anymore! I have to instill the importance of playing - not just winning...)
M: :-) Okay, don't play. You come to the kitchen with me.
J: Good.
S: Not good papa. Come, let's fight.
M: I am going to the kitchen. If you get hurt again don't come crying to me. Okay?
S: Okay. I not cry. I am big boy know. I fight with papa. See. I am strong. Come papa. Let's fight. See my musssels (muscles)! (provokes for fighting! true ninja!)

The nonsense fun continues. :-)

While eating food

S: I don't want more mumma. My stomach is full. Touch and see.
M: Little more shonu. Last time?
S: I aten (ate + en = past tense of eaten) fully mumma.
M: :-) Okay.

After 5 minutes:
S: Mumma, give me more food mumma. When I finish my food know, papa is going to give me something special.
M: Hmm, okay. You will become big and strong also...when you finish your food.
S: I am big and strong mumma. I am dinking complan everyday. Yessss. (by the time I am publishing this, he says drinking properly.)

On passing by Naani's Ex-house:

S: We not going to naani's house?
M: Saku, I told you, naani is staying with us now, right? So we will go to our house.
S: Somebody is there in naani house? Tell me mumma. (He partly remembers what I had explained the last time he had asked me this question.)
M: Yes shonu. Now, someone else is staying in naani's house. So, we can't go and stay there.
S: Oh okay. Why mumma?
M: What 'why' sahil? I told you na, the house-owner has asked someone else to stay there.
S: Oh okay, that's why naani staying in our house?
M: yes saku.Now our house is naani's house also.
S: Oh okay. That is papa's house alcho. Correct mumma?
M: My darling baby. yes. It's everyone's house.
S: but ajay, nikhil, debbie not staying in our house. correct mumma? (I feel like screaming.... the other kids at creche stay in their houses, why will they stay in ours!!?!)

Making a Date!

Okay, enough of this/that/these/those (yeah, that's been my son's English portion, but I am not talking about that!)... :) I mean, I am making a date tonight with my blog and that's exactly I am going to remain awake to do!

Office work has been hectic and yeah, some interesting personal commitments too...topped with sahil/jeshee dear falling sick lately. Imagine, last entry was on Apr29! I feel so bad, don't want to let go of so many things that have happened in the last 3-5 months! :((((

So, here it is. :) I will be back online tonight, just hold on...

How to vote for my entry!!!

Okay Guys, some of you have been wondering how to vote for my article (either because U have read and liked my article or simply!) .... :-) here's the link:

Link for Voting:
http://indusladies.com/partners/poll.php

Link to all entries:
http://www.indusladies.com/forums/blogs/phoenixritu/thank-you-so-much-people-1850/

Angels Awaited...

My entry for the "Mother's Day Blog Contest" ...

What has becoming a mother done to me? How exciting it felt, when I was going to be a mother? How incredible it was to hear the heartbeat of my baby within me, for the first time? How joyful were those months while we and my body prepared to bring home the baby? How touching it was to touch tenderly the little new-born? What a roller-coaster ride it has been ever since? How does it feel, to be a mother? How difficult and emotional it is, to become a mother? How different it is, to feel as a mother all the time? All these questions can make so many of us write pages and pages on our own individual feelings and also, the collective emotions. Against all this, a sad recent thought, lingers on these days. Where are we heading? How tough it is becoming, to become a mother?

It’s only on becoming a mother though; several new feelings have come to the fore. Besides becoming a mother itself being an overwhelming experience, being a mother has taught me several things already and the experience seems forever enriching. The tender feelings I feel as a mother, while being precarious for my child, have powered my thoughts on several other mothers of different generations.

I am able to feel much more strongly than ever before, about the mothers who were and are even now, never offered a choice. Whether it was about starting a family, about keeping the numbers low or even about being able to add years between the kids. Don’t we all know how strong the societal pressures have been for generations, to beget a son? Just like an heir to a throne!

In all we value about being mothers, there are so many moments of realization. Doesn’t it create an unknown bonding when we come across someone who is on her way to becoming a mother? Women looking slightly pot-bellied have a charm of their own. We, who have successfully crossed the bridge and moved into motherhood, feel happy for such on-the-way ones. A smile between women, says it all.

Sadly, just around the corner are few other women, who are just waiting. Waiting, in the hope that soon their tests would turn positive too. They too, would have the joy of feeling a life blossoming within and hold one of their own, close to their hearts. They are the dream mothers - women, who are waiting to be entrusted with the promise of bringing a life into the world. My heart goes out to all such women, who long to hold a baby of their own.

In today's fast life, where almost everything is becoming 'planned', God seems to have chosen to remind us mortals that - we are not in control of everything! Yes, a majority of us can and do 'Plan' - to marry, to opt for a career and eventually, start a family. Somehow, somewhere along the plans, someone seems to have spilt some oil on the floor. For some of us, the natural act of childbearing seems to be becoming fruitless.

To a large extent, the essence of motherhood starts with the acknowledgement of a life blossoming within. A decade or so ago, it would seem troublesome if one out of twenty married women neighbors didn't bear a child within the first two years. Times have changed for the worse. It is becoming more and more painful and common to witness the other side getting crowded. With late marriages, successful careers, unhealthy eating habits, intentional waiting period coupled with unexplainable reasons - some of the women seem to be paying the price too high already.

Most touchy are the cases where the cause of infertility isn't clear and the wait seems to be endless. How can you cure something when you don't even know why and what of the situation? How long can you wait patiently, maintain your temperament, in the hope that maybe, next cycle, results would turn positive?

Trust me, most of these are very strong women and are plunging headlong to set right the wrongs.

I am aware of some of my friends trying to wade through this torture. Few have given up their careers, in the hope that treatment and low-pressure will work soon. Others are trying to absorb the medical analysis/treatment into their routine as if it’s just another slice of life... I see some others, tired of the long wait and now looking at adoptions as the last resort. Some of us may be quick to say, "Well, maybe, adoption is the way to go." But having had the joy of carrying my little one within me and having brought him into this world, I do feel compassionate towards their natural loss.

Of course, there is no stopping to 'feeling like a mother', even if your child is not yours biologically. So long as there is love in the heart, warmth in the hug and care in the bonding; many women will find kids to love. This mother's day, being a mother, I am hoping for a miracle in their lives and join my hands to pray for them and theirs-to-be.

Voted

Recent Melody of My Pied Piper

1. Good Night Guys - While I was in US, saku announced one night to his dad - "Good Night Guys". with a smile. Jeshee was pleasantly surprised as that is his way of switching himself off!! :-)
2. Ammmama....annamaaa - One fine day, saku kept calling me as "Ammamaa" and "Annnamaaa". Thats the way he addresses his Grandmother and GreatGrandmother!
3. Gifthh - aeroplane and gifthhh
4. Laptop for meeeeee??
5. Cart-wheel Trials
6. Ajay "dous" instead of does. (do + esss)
7. The "Why" man - "why we going on mum's bike?", "why papa not dropping me to school?", "why we staying in naaani house?", "why you missed me when you gone in the US?", "why khushi didi not staying in my house?", "why we going in the big van?".
8. I went in the Taxi know, I take you now in Taxi. Yesss, seriously.
9. I want to eat Vegeeetable. Ladies finger only.
10. One day, one day papa know, take me to d beach know, one doggy coming near papa. Then know, papa walking fast. After chumtime know, sahil ask papa, "why papa walking fast?".
11. Understands jokes! - washing the bathroom; broom hanging - witch house?
12. mimics my laugh as taught by his dad!! (hehahaha)
13. lather, loofah and fun!
14. He tries to lift his eye upper lid and all that!!!!! He doesnt get it right yet...but wonder who taught him that at crechei am trying my best to stop him.
15. Like on opening fridge he says, "mummy, when I small know, I not can open the fridge, Yesss, I not can do. Now I open the fridge know. I am big boy now."
16. The other day in park, he went (climbed and came down) a high arched circular hanging mettalic exercise type swing and I was - flabbergasted at all that my son could do, all by
himself!! Thanks to the Monkey Genes in him? ;-)

New Year - Bidding Farewell to 2008...

This has been the year when....
1. My son turned 3.
:-)2. My son started proper school - St. John's - LKG B (his Pre-Kg lasted 5 months).
3. My bro shifted to Qatar.
4. My hubby got PMP certified.
5. I made my first trip to US (minus family!)
6. Some lessons learnt regarding bonding with people.
7. My mum vacated her home (year end).
8. I started blogging about my father and on Tech Writing (lots to add as content though).
9. My younger sis confirmed her good news. :-)))
10. I changed my job for a career :-) finally (or so I think until now....)
11. My Bro-in-law and family moved to Riyadh.
12. I met Bill in US. :-)
13. I met and stayed with our friend and ex-colleague Malar and her hubby Bahu at US.
14. I sent out the maid who was taking my patience for granted and struggled happily for almost 3 months!
15. I understood, in life, when you take steps to work at something, you can only Improve yourself. Its the commitment and willingness to do more, that must keep you
going.
16. My son started writing - even when I wasn't holding his palm. (Dec time frame)
17. I got myself a smart frame (for my glasses) as Sahil had broken a good one when he was very small and I didn't want to invest in something expensive again - until this year - when hubby insisted!
18. I broke my old mobile by mistake - and got a nice one - with camera - as surprise.
19. We got a Calendar of family photos done for my in-laws. :-)
20. I stayed with my mother latter part of the year and my son enjoyed having his Maamu staying close to our home.
21. My bike completed its 1st anniversary!
22. Many times, sahil slept off on our way home on my bike! and his Maamu or dad or both came to our rescue. :-)

More Things to Jot Down

* Mum as story-teller
* When will be my Happy Bday?
* Frustration - 11Dec08 - unable to pull his pants up by himself!
* Big know - now I can open the fridge.
* we not going to papa house? Nani house only?
* Waheyguru - satnam* Meray betay ko big and strong bana do.
* When I make sound like that know, big potty come.
Binoy Appan's Wedding
1. Flushing happiness
2. Button - becoming a master
3. Fall from the table :-(
Vacating Mum's Home
25Dec08
Didnt take saku for Santa seeing :-((( More of a disappointment for me than for him.
1. Belti - means -
2. Nani- so sweet of u
3. Repeating forbidden habit- never-ending "last" for everything!
4. Calling deepi masi/meenu masi as amy masi, when corrected, asks,"then, whoisamymasi?"
2007
1. Sahil started Pre-Kg in October. :-) 2. Was it in 2007 Dec that we went to Pondy?

Wishlist for 09

1. More Family holidays (just the 3 of us) - jungle safaris etc.
2. More achievements - professionally.
3. Professionally learn - Glass Painting.
4. Exercise - routinely.
5. Practise writing more with Sahil. :-)
6. Create a family album.
7. Sort the paper clutter routinely. :-)
8. Complete long pending tasks (~)
9. Update blog more often. (Record life as it passes)
10. Take time out - for more adventurous/fun-filled activities.
11. Take Sahil cycling regularly.

What was that, about Satyam, pardon?

Yeah, I know, its been the hottest and most-boiling topic of all discussions last 3 days now. How, Why and What is all clear, except - where from here. What bothers me?
Well, having been with Satyam (and having considered working there one of the best times of all my work-experiences...) I feel, its a very grave situation. More importantly, my hubby is with Satyam. So, any stone-hurled at Satyam, causes concern to both of us.

No doubt, like everyone else, we have been shell-shocked with the startling revelations and the aftermath has just begun. Last night (back then when saga unfolded), we watched a channel where a student who had an offer-letter from Satyam was wondering about his chances. :-( I was thinking, about those who have put in their hard-work/time/energy/effort/life for long (including hubby).... Nah, it won't be the truth if I said, "am not worried". I know, its becoming more or less an economic imbalance and somehow or the other, some solution (probably merger, acquisition, take-over....call it what you may) - will take care of some part of the problem. What then? Obviously, not all 52000 odd employees are going to be absorbed (those not on bench are now on same edgy feeling as those on bench)... and not all existing clients are going to be able
to keep the faith. In what? :-(

Well, what's in store will be clear as time passes. As some channels reported, most of the "let me see if I can get a job before I am asked to leave mine" mind-sets have already fuelled the job portals. What that can do in reverse is - to enable offers much lesser than achievments already made (in terms of pay packages - please don't forget the EMIs!!!!) or make a "parking lot" of the over-available lot while things simmer.

As it is, with recession in, there was an insecurity and people were beginning to "cut down" on extras. Now, with a pool of employable-talents waiting to be made-to-feel-secured, what is to be expected?...

So long as the work-layer continues at Satyam offices, something will come through soon. Blames and excuses, names and games will continue to flood the channels...but who gets impacted to what degree, remains to be seen. Until then, there's only hope of a better tomorrow...
**********
Jan13: Govt has set its own board, to iron out issues at Satyam. My hubby's client has visited them - confidence building. Some signs of improvement...
Recently: Govt. first declared (atleast some channels reported that) it would support Satyam with a Bailout for 2000 Cr. (that might suffice salaries for employees for next 4 months).
Now, that step has been retraced as Govt. adds more board members and re-assessing Satyam; there may be manageable recievables of 1700 Cr by Satyam. PWC says it 'trusted' Satyam's paperwork...
Things may improve. Not the right time for market to poach employees or clients, so everyone is waiting and watching ........
20Feb09
There was speculation about Jan salaries, thankfully, those came through. One hurdle crossed - by the new management in charge now. Doubts exist still in the minds of all, irrespective of the open-communication to some extent within the organization. Everyone is hoping for stability and security to replace the "what-may-happen-is-a-question" feeling.
********
Perfect article - satyam and lies - what a prespective!http://ibnlive.in.com/blogs/ahmedalishaik/2200/53151/satyam-scam--politics-media--lies.html

More to Note

Jan 22 09
There is total sync between what Ithink and what Isay. Thats why, I say without delay. :-)
05Feb09
1. Engagement details - pankaj bhaiya (and saku details)
2. US trip - you are goingto cleannn meee?
3. soaps and prices!

24-Feb-09 - Sahil and a Complaint

Two weeks ago, I was complaining about my son's classmate who hit him. :-( Today, someone has told me that my son hits his daughter in the class sometimes! I do not know what to say. Am I more embarrased than angry? Maybe. I am not angry, actually. I am beginning to get concerned, what makes my son hit someone in his class? I have asked the father to find out instances for which my son has displayed anger. I have known my little one to be naughty yes, but, not violent so far. Well, he does playfully fight with his dad, but don't all 4 year old boys do that?? Hmm... maybe I am overreacting. Its afterall "a normal thing" and my son will "outgrow" his "display of strength" soon. But yeah, I don't want to and nor will, leave it unattended. I will speak to him and find out, what happened. Why am I like this man! But, see, the conversation
that I/Saku and then Hubby/Saku and We/Saku had. It was another learning experience in Child-Management!
(Read Tantrum/Truth/Kid/School/Fight/Tell/Beat/Snacks/Maam tags into it!)
*****
Me: Sahil, beta do u fight with anyone in ur class?
saku: no mamma.
me: are you sure, u did not fight with anybodddy in school?
saku: no mumma. I not fight with anybooodyyy.
me: okay. somone was telling me you are fighting sometimes.
saku: who was telling mumma? I not fight, am telling you know. I not talk to you.
Me: Oh, dont be upset saku, am just asking. I want you to tell me the truth, beta.
Saku: am telling truth only. I not talk to you.

*** I break the conversation and lead it to other fun things...before I start again.
Me:
To be continued...

3-Mar-09 - Amy is a Mum Today...

Amy's baby is born!!! Longing to touch and hold the new little one and welcome her into the family. family. oh... am missing my father while I think of amy's baby.

11-Mar-09 - Holi

My Thots on 11Mar09 and snaps of same evening

What the heck? How long am I going to keep postponing my appointment with my blog?
:-( scribbles here and scribbles there... but none that speak of how fast life is running past us and "we" are losing some of the "we" that we used to be!
The first quarter of this year is round the corner and well... my blog is yet to see the "Happy New Year" post! :-( Shame on me. Whom am I kidding that I am busy-busy-busy bee??
I don't want to be this busy that I forget or overlook what I don't want to leave behind. Grrrrrrrrrrr.... I am posting all that I have scribbled lately and then, when time permits... No. When I MAKE TIME for adding explanations to my scribbles, I will do so. :-)

Am feeling sad that this day used to be one of the most fun-filled once upon a time... especially during school. Colours never cost as much as sparklers, so I guess, it was more welcome a festival than Diwali. hehe. :-)
Water balloons! I have to do it with my son, Man! Okay, am buying colours and picking my little one and am going to wait for hubby to join us in the fun, when he gets home. No more - I wish we would celebrate holi like I used to. :-)) If not today, then when? This year too would pass...soon. My dear son - Colours/Water/Balloons/Fun/Young Feeling ... here we come. :-)

Will this color go, mamma?

Anyway, who cares?

Yeah...it was fun!!!