Just the Two of Us

A Special Day

2012-02-11T22:21:00.008Z

Well, we are all down with Writer's Block this week (that's like Flu in our house!), so although we would like to write about the wonderful time (and we did indeed have a fabulous day) we had at the Aunties Michelle's wedding last week, we are struggling to find the snappy sentences that would do it justice.

All we can offer you in these desperate times (after all, WB in our household is a very serious malady, sending us up walls and round the bend, hunting for those elusive magic words) is a cliche- that pictures speak a thousand words (and can sometimes take the load off a worried wordsmith's weary shoulders).

So, we've bunged on a tome of a slideshow (teeming with toddlers:-)), to share with you all the fun we had that day. There are captions though, don't forget to read those (best we could do in the midst of our phonetics famine).

Hope you enjoy the photos, and if you do, please leave a comment because when we are a little bit blue, we like to hear from you...

Syon & Ayana's Excellent Adventure (aka 2011)!

2011-12-30T16:14:00.058Z

It's been a while since we talked, hasn't it? Too long. And with just a day to go before 2012, we have barely enough time to tell you what we did this marvellous year.

Our lives seem to have got jammed in fast forward mode since summer and busy toddler twosome that we are, we haven't had the time to sit back and reflect on the fun we've had, never mind write about it! We've had such a fabulous time and it's gone by so quickly, we really have struggled to keep you updated or even keep track for ourselves!

But now, we plan to do just that in the same joyous, breathless, full-on fashion in which we've lived the last few months.

The summer was devoted to great day trips with parents and grandparents. Grandad and Grandma took us to some amazing places like The Deep in Hull and the seaside at Bridlington. And then, Didou arrived and we were out and about having fun every weekend. Riding toy trains, fire engines and donkeys in Derbyshire, picnicking in Sherwood Forest, exploring Hampton Court, feeding the swans at Windsor and best of all, visiting Whipsnade Zoo!

But then it was time for Didou to leave and with cold,grey days just 'round the corner,we thought we'd had all the fun we could possibly have this year.

When suddenly, in mid-September, something happened that totally changed the way we lived from day to day- hanging out with Mommy, reading, playing, drawing, play-acting and nattering about everything under the sun- Syon started school! So while Syon was off having fun at school, packed full of woodland trips (which even Mommy and I got to join a couple of times), Halloween and Christmas parties, and a Christmas play in which he did a star turn as a Peekaboo Penguin (but that's another story we hope to get 'round to telling you some day)!

I made the most of the downtime by catching up on the sleep I'd lost all these months rushing around with Bro! While I slept, Mommy did some very important research on pre-WW I England by getting up to speed with Downton Abbey in the single kid-free hour she got in the afternoon.

When October came round, unbeknownst to us, there was more fun to be had! First, we got introduced to 'Dora Puja'. We went to Leicester one Sunday to see the 'Puja Fairy' and we saw not one but many beautiful sari-clad Puja fairies in the community halls and temples we visited. We also had some top-notch nosh at our last halt in a Leicester temple where the temple food was (as always) yummy, plentiful and absolutely free for everybody! We also danced to the Dhaki's beat (the Puja drummers) for the first time that day and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

And then it was Halloween, with all the dressing up fun it brings (I was a trendy toddler witch this year and Syon, a very dapper skeleton). And the swags of sweets, Daddy carving the scariest pumpkin, and Grandad and Grandma joining us for dinner and chocolate muffins (which the two of us had baked) made Halloween a real treat!

Then, my big day dawned and my parents threw me a wonderful Diwali-birthday combo party for my second birthday. The first one (on my first birthday) had been so well-received that Mommy & Daddy sent out invites asking people to come dressed in their best Indian gear again. Everyone looked really nice. I wore a very pretty orange and cream ghagra outfit that Didou had brought from India for me and Syon wore a bright, stripey kurta. Amongst our guests, our friends Freya and Evan's mom looked marvellous in her mauve sari and gold accessories and received the best-dressed prize for her terrific effort.

Daddy, as always, cooked up a scrumptious storm, and to top it all, we had a cake with my (literally) good-enough-to-eat photo on it!:-)The evening ended on a high when we followed up two rounds of sparklers for the kids in our diya-lit garden with a twinkling sky lantern that we sent floating off into the Milky Way (or maybe the motorway) to mark my very special day. And what a day it was- full of fun and food and fireworks, gifts and good wishes. Most of all, all my friends and family were there to celebrate my milestone with me, either in person or in spirit (if they lived in India)!

And then it was Christmas, with the festivities, as usual, starting a month early! We shopped, tucked into yuletide treats and attended the Christmas lighting-up at Grandma and Grandad's village. We spent a day at the Lincoln Christmas market and met Santa in Nottingham. We drew, posed for (though Daddy will spin you a yarn about how we barely sat still!) and posted Christmas cards, and received them by the sackful. We decorated our tree with colourful baubles, some of which we'd made ourselves.

Before you knew it, Christmas Eve was upon us. We had a wonderful day, just the four of us, playing, eating (delicious prawn cocktail and lovely spiced roast pork courtesy of Daddy), singing and doing Christmassy (and non-Christmassy) things that both toddlers and grown-ups with well-developed inner-children enjoy!

We left treats out for Santa and his reindeers that night in the hope that a suitably appeased Saint Nick would leave us a gift or two (we hadn't been as angelic as we'd meant to, this year)! To our delight and amazement, we woke up to stockings stuffed with presents and a veritable mountain of gifts underneath our tree. The list of things we got from everyone is so long and wonderful that we won't go into it here (hopefully, our TY cards will find their way to you soon enough).

Christmas and Boxing Day with Mommy, Daddy, Grandma and Grandad and the rest of our English clan were splendid. We played with the new toys we'd received (and with some old favourites), chatted, sang, and sampled Grandma's brilliant baking. Then on 27th evening, we travelled to Uncle George's for the last of the family Christmas parties and ended the night having so much fun with our cousins that we didn't want to come away (the cocktail of olives and pickled onions we quaffed kept us going long after our bedtime)!

And now, it's bedtime again (a boring, recurring theme in our lives, unfortunately), and as we mean to squeeze as many fun things into the last day of the year as we possibly can, we must get some shut-eye. So, thank you for being our friend through 2011 and though it's goodbye for this year, we know we have so much to look forward to, with you, in 2012!

G'night folks and farewell 2011!

P.S. Do check out the new slideshow of all the fun we've had this winter, its summer counterpart should be up and running soon too!

Monkey in the Middle

2011-10-10T21:00:00.006+01:00

Three weeks into Pre-school, Syon was given his first school project- a report on the weekend he spent with a toy monkey he brought home from school. Part fact, part fiction, it's gone down really well at his school, so we thought we should share it with you!

Monkey had always prided himself on spreading cheer wherever he went. With an infectious grin that could melt the hardest heart, and a shock of tangerine hair that stood straight up and put smiles on the faces of everyone around him, Monkey was always a hit with the families he visited.

What he hadn’t anticipated, when he asked to spend the weekend with 3 and a bit year old Syon and his 22 month old sister, was how BIG a hit he would be with them! So, he packed his little suitcase like always, without any inkling of the hair-raising experiences in store for him, and got ready to go on another one of his mini-holidays.

When Mommy and Ayana came to pick Syon up from school that day, Monkey shook hands politely (he was a very suave monkey), hopped on the buggy board with Syon whom he already knew well from the time they spent together in school, and rolled home with them.

And that’s when everyone’s world turned upside down!

Ayana had grown in leaps and bounds over the previous year and was able to join her big brother in any activity. Syon considered her his very best friend. So, Ayana was a little taken aback when Syon chose to play with Monkey that afternoon and not her!

Her own feelings about this interloper in their midst were rather mixed. She wanted him to go home so she could have Syon back, but she also wanted to play with Monkey all by herself. She was surprised at how sorry she felt for herself because she was the happiest little girl in the world. Syon, who loved her to bits, was so immersed in playing with his new companion, he hadn’t even noticed how blue she was feeling.

The next day, Mommy and Daddy took Syon and Ayana to the Goose Fair. Monkey was their Guest of Honour on this, their first ever trip to the Goose Fair, and Syon made room for him in his much-loved Bob the Builder backpack. Ayana, not to be outdone, slipped on her own Peppa Pig rucksack, and they were on their way.

The sky was clear, the sun was shining, and despite the nip in the air, it was a lovely day to be at the Fair. Syon, Ayana, and Monkey rushed around happily, picking all the rides they wanted to try.

Syon got to pick first and he decided they would all ride on a lovely, red fire engine with real bells you could ring as you went ‘round. Tired, after the fun but frenetic ride in the fire engine, they took a candy-floss break before moving on to more thrills and spills. Then, it was Ayana’s turn to choose and she chose a giant, musical, green teacup for their next adventure. Another magical ride and many shared giggles later, the clouds had begun to roll in threateningly (almost out of nowhere) and it was nearly time to go.

But not before Monkey got to pick one last treat. With his keen eye for fun, Monkey plumped for a game of hook-a-duck with a turn each for Syon & Ayana (Monkey himself abstained as rubber ducks were amongst his best friends and he didn’t want to snare them with pointy hooks). The kids enjoyed it thoroughly though and each won a nice little toy to add to their growing collection at home.

Just then the heavens opened up! A flustered Mommy and Daddy rounded up the kids, their bags, their toys and were just about to herd them all to the tram stop when they realised that Monkey was missing!

OH NO, WHERE COULD HE BE?!!

As big fat raindrops tumbled down, there was a mad scramble to find Monkey before the next tram rolled in. Syon looked in his Bob bag, just in case Monkey had jumped in to keep dry. Ayana, the smallest in the family, looked under the Hook-a-Duck stall to ensure Monkey hadn’t taken cover there. Daddy did a circuit of the fairground and Mommy checked her capacious handbag to make sure Monkey wasn’t hiding in it.

Downhearted and deflated, they all piled into the tram wondering where poor Monkey had got to. No-one noticed the telltale bulge in Ayana’s Peppa Pig bag, because the occasional packet of raisins or a bangle or two aside, nothing was ever in there.

Monkey knew they were worried about him but couldn’t pop his head out to reassure them because he couldn’t find his way out of the bag. He wasn’t entirely sure how he’d got in there either. One minute he was perched on Syon’s shoulder, egging him on to hook a duck, the next minute, they were in the middle of a deluge and he was being bundled into Ayana’s little pink bag by unseen (tiny, little, soft) hands.

But who would put Monkey in the WRONG BAG?!!

It was only when a still-upset Mommy was shaking out all the bags and hats and things to dry before bedtime, that fateful night, that Monkey finally escaped from his Peppa Pig prison. Syon was elated to see Monkey, his parents were relieved but someone with tiny, little, soft hands looked a bit guilt-ridden and shifty.

The next morning, Monkey, being the gentleman he was, explained that it had all been his fault. In the confusion of being caught in that sudden shower, Monkey had dived into the pink bag thinking it was Syon’s blue and yellow Bob the Builder backpack. Mommy and Daddy told Monkey they were just glad he was safe (and dry) but they were concerned that Monkey was colour-blind (how else could you account for his confusing pink with blue and yellow?) and they suggested they all ride into town for an eye-test.

Gallant Monkey, who was fairly sure he knew what had happened, agreed to go through with it, to shield the little scallywag with the soft little hands whom he’d grown very fond of (as fond as he was of Syon).

So, the next day they all piled into the car to visit the optician. Monkey was nervous but determined not to rat on anyone. At the optician’s, a big man with great, big, misty glasses and cold hands placed Monkey into a huge, black chair that totally dwarfed him. The man asked Monkey in a booming voice to identify the colours he could see before him. Monkey was so very frightened he couldn’t get a single colour right but he was determined not to spill the beans, so he soldiered on, resigned to his fate.

But when the man brought his face inches from Monkey’s and cackled, “This monkey will definitely need glasses!”, big wet tears began rolling down Monkey’s face. Suddenly, little sobs could be heard from the other end of the room, as if there was an echo there.

Mommy, Daddy and Syon turned to see Little Ayana crying her eyes out. “Oh Monkey”, she sobbed,” I didn’t mean for this to happen! I just wanted to be the one who saved you from getting wet in the rain yesterday, that’s why I slipped you into MY BAG. I wanted you to love me best. I’m so sorry!”

As Mommy and Daddy drew her into a loving embrace to comfort her, Monkey (who now no longer needed glasses) hopped off the scary chair to give her a special Monkey squeeze. “Don’t worry Ayana”, he said, “I love you and Syon equally. You are amongst my favourite little people!”

But most importantly, Syon hugged Ayana and told her that there was nobody in the world more important to him than his little sister (not even a very special visiting monkey)! And they all went home happy, munching on chocolate chip cookies.

Snippets From This Summer

2011-08-18T12:10:00.026+01:00

We've been so busy doing (and saying) entertaining things this summer, we've had no time to write. And now, Didou's here, we're out and about even more, with less time (can you have less than zero?!) to blog.

So finally, we've deputised Mommy to update you because it really has been ages since you heard from us. But Mommy hears everything we say and is the best person for the job (it's not like she's got anything else to do!), so she's agreed to put together some soundbites from this summer for your amusement (we hope)!

Take it away, Mommeeee...

Mommy: As the children asked me very nicely (they even threw in a 'please' or two!) to post an update of their activities on their blog (and because they do keep me very busy, whatever they might think!), I have patched together snatches of my conversations with them over the last 3 months.

Some of you would have read these on my Facebook page, others might have heard me relate them, and a select few amongst you would've been lucky enough to have heard them holding forth on life, the universe, and everything, with your own ears!

Here's some of their chatter and a new slideshow (which I agreed to throw in at water-gun point!) of their splendid summer (so far)...

My 21 month old daughter came running to me the other day, "Look Mommy, there's a man at the window!" I turned to see the window cleaner and was about to reassure her when she laid a firm hand on my arm and said in a soothing voice, " He's not naughty Mommy, you do NOT have to hide." Our role reversal was complete, 30 years sooner than I expected! (August 2011)

Whatever my 3 year old son has to show me these days, whether it's one of his wonderful Lego creations or something far less attractive (slugs, scabs and worse!), is preceded by a Ringmaster’s sonorous “Ladies and Gentlemen”, then presented with a dramatic flourish, and a proud “Tadah!" (August 2011)

Embarrassingly for my husband, ANY loud, reverberating noise makes our 20 month old daughter exclaim, "Daddy's trumping again"! Poor Daddy, he's not that bad! (July 2011)

I asked my 19 month old daughter her name and she beamed and said proudly,"Ayana Hanky"! (July 2011)

In my quintessentially Bengali Mom way, I was telling my kids how I hoped they'd 'live down the road' from me when they grew up, when my little boy piped up anxiously, "We can't live down ON the road, Mom. We'd get run over!" (June 2011)

Even before my 19 month old daughter started speaking in sentences, she had mastered all the really essential phrases, like 'not me!' to defend herself against accusations of wrong-doing (when she was innocent and especially when she was NOT!). But sometimes, she gets her timing wrong, like the other day, when she yelled 'Not me!' BEFORE tipping her beaker of juice over in full view of everyone! (June 2011)

A line in my 3 year old son's favourite episode of 'Bob the Builder' about a cowboy who could ride anything, 'even a tornado', had my little boy rolling with laughter. When I asked him what was so funny, he looked at me as if I was slow and said incredulously, "Ride a tomato? A TOMATO?? No-one can ride a tomato!" (June 2011)

As I tidied my son, the table, and my daughter after another messy meal, my son kept pestering me to clean his little sister first, who, having insisted on feeding herself in her usual fiercely independent way, was looking like The Swamp Thing. I finally gave in and cleaned her to the delight of her brother who pronounced, with a broad 'I told you so' grin, "See Mommy, Sis is pretty when she's clean!" (June 2011)

My son looked me up and down yesterday and asked; "Are you a Little People (a child)?" on account of my height. When I explained that I was a small-sized 'Big People', he nodded sagely and said (in the same tone of voice I adopt when advising him), " You must eat more!" (May 2011)

My one year old daughter really minds her P's & Q's at the table. She always makes it a point to bid adieu to the bits she doesn't want before she drops them on the ground under her high chair. 'Bye bye Chicken', 'Bye bye Tomato' you can hear her chime in her pretty baby voice before the unequivocal SPLAT SPLAT SPLAT of her dinner hitting the floor! (May 2011)

My son informed me that the cream that we'd been applying for a skin complaint of his was turning him into a horse, and that we should be careful not to apply too much because while he didn't mind becoming 'a little neigh', he didn't want to grow too big to live in our house! (May 2011)

S&A: Mommy's had to go, to mess about with dirty dishes which she seems to enjoy doing lots of! But she's promised that if you write to us to say you enjoyed these snippets, she'll stick more on, every few months (alongside our own more literary efforts, of course)! Hope you like the slideshow too.

Cheerio, for now...

P.S. The slideshow will be on as soon as Mommy can string it together. Watch this space!

Shiver Me Timbers!

2011-05-26T12:00:00.008+01:00

...Can you believe it (mommy says she can't), I'm 3 now?! It doesn't feel all that long ago that I was embarking on my blogging enterprise and welcoming you into my world. And yet three years have passed since then. Most of it has been marvellous, with a few sticky moments (e.g. landing up in A&E when dropped on my face on concrete by an older playmate, and the like).

You've been with me all the way, holding my hand and smiling your encouragement (I say 'smiling' because while quite a few of you drop in on my blog fairly regularly, very few of you say anything; but I can understand that, I'm shy myself:-))!

I'm certainly not complaining, it's been a wonderful adventure with my family and friends (both real and virtual). I wouldn't call it a roller coaster ride (everyone's favourite life-metaphor); I couldn't possibly call it that, as I've never been allowed on one, but it has been the merriest carousel round ever! So, thank you, thank you, for tagging along with me through my toddler years and adding that extra dollop of fun only a blogging baby can have.

To mark this milestone (my 3rd birthday, and not my long and heartwarming association with you my blog-buddies, though we shall celebrate that too, one day), I had the bounciest, jolliest pirate party ever! I've posted a slideshow so you can see for yourself, but there are things the pictures won't tell you (mostly because my parents missed some V.I.P's- Very Important Photos!)...

It was a lovely, sunny day for a shindig and when everyone had gathered and thrown on the pirate paraphernalia (skull and crossbones hat, eye patch and cutlass!) we'd got for them, we kicked off the festivities with an easy-peasy treasure hunt that even the tiniest tike (aka. Sis-sis) could enjoy. Grandma and Grandad had hidden the little packages of chocolate doubloons very cleverly 'round the garden so that it would keep us canny Corsairs busy just long enough for Mommy and Daddy to serve the first round of my buccaneer's banquet!

Once we'd each found our share of hidden treasure, we trooped into the dining room for a mouth-watering Mediterranean morsel or two (a morsel is a misnomer because at our house, it's never a 'nibble' but a 'gobble' with the vast quantities of food we dish up) courtesy of Daddy!

This was followed by a sumptuous spread of sweet treats; wibbly-wobbly jellies with our names on 'em, chocolate crunchies with nautical stars sprinkled across, ice cream and strawberry gateau, gingerbread pirates with chocolate chip eye patches Mommy and Daddy had painstakingly iced on the previous night, but best of all was my favourite chocolate cake sitting in the middle of the Corsair-cloth draped table with a huddle of ol' sea dogs atop it, caught in the act of discovering hidden treasure!

The birthday candles were pirates too ( with a couple of wax galleons as backdrop). It looked splendid lit up for that split-second before I blew it all out and carved up a very big chunk (for myself, I'd hoped, but alas)! Despite the amazing amount of chocolate cake I quaffed I managed to keep my beautiful, blue pirate top and shorts (a much loved gift from Ma-sheep) in tip-top condition which my Great-great Aunty Nellie was quick to notice and commend!

Then, all the kids and some of the adults tumbled back out into the sunshine again to set sail on my bouncy galleon. As the adults sedately sipped their drinks, we weathered mighty storms, routed rival gangs of rovers (armed with water guns and looking suspiciously like Aunty Michelle), quelled a perilous mutiny (engineered by my sister, no less) and more!

When we'd had enough (or rather the adults had had enough, because we kids can never get enough of the bouncy castle!), we sat down to look at the treasure-trove of gifts my friends and family had lavished on me for my birthday.

I snagged skittles, and a golf set, sweets and smart clothes (Wu-wu underpants give me wings! Wings, I said, not wi..!). I also got some great reads,a fun board game and cracking creative toys like Lego cars (perfect in every detail, G&G will know what I mean!), engrossing jigsaw puzzles and spacescapes (and my favourite 'naughty' toy- a water gun!)

Mommy & Daddy gave me an awesome castle with knights, dragon, Trebuchet et al, a hobby horse I've named 'Button' (Sis-sis got one too), and much more! I loved it all so much, I've even persuaded Mommy to keep some of the ripped-up pirate wrapping paper that G.G. Aunty Nellie thoughtfully bought me!

And before you knew it, it was going-home time. As I handed out the buccaneer balloons that had decked the hulls (hoho) and the loot bags, I thought to myself- what a wonderful, wonderful party, I could do with having another one very soon!

P.S. Thanks also to those who couldn't be there for my party, their wishes and long-distance kisses made my actual birthday (a couple of days later) very, very special!

Eggsiting Events!

2011-04-26T14:36:00.008+01:00

Who doesn't love a good milestone, especially when there's a chocolate Easter egg or two tucked away behind it? Well, Sis-sis celebrated one such milestone a couple of days ago when she participated in her first ever Easter egg hunt (she was about four months old last time so she had to 'sit' it out)!

All the 'big people' in our family hid scrummy chocolate eggs in Grandad & Grandma's garden, and then us, 'little people', sniffed them all out! Sis-sis found just as many as us bigger kids (Cousin Eleanor is over four and I'm almost three) with a tiny bit of help from the grown-ups. The chocolate eggs we amassed on the hunt was on top of the delicious array we'd already received from all the family. My favourite is the chocolate dog I got from Grandma & Grandad. Sis-sis got a chocolate 'meow' from them but she likes it such a lot, I don't think she means to eat it! We gave Eleanor and Alex yummy eggs too with their names on it. We didn't just get eggs either, we got two cute tops from G&G, and we got a big box of Lego and a JUMBO dinosaur puzzle from Mommy and Daddy (instead of eggs which they know we'll get plenty of without their help)!

We had also taken along our new bouncy castle and all four of us had a hopping good time on it! The rest of the day we spent stuffing our faces with all the good food Grandma had made for us. In fact, Sis-sis set a record for the most olives ever eaten by a one year old!

The next big event is Daddy's birthday. That's tomorrow and we can't wait to give him the card we've made for him. We've got him little gifts too but we really couldn't think of anything really exciting because he always says he's got everything he needs (in us)! Anyway, Mommy says it's the thought that counts and that she might chuck in a nice meal to make it a good day for him. After all, someone as old as Daddy- thirty six(!!)- deserves a great birthday!

So, it's toodloo-pip-pip for now whilst we enjoy ourselves and I'll catch up with you again after my big day- my 3rd birthday party- on Sunday!

'Spring'ing About!

2011-04-10T20:14:00.004+01:00

Spring's not just in the air, it has landed! In fact, Summer seems to have come early, with the beautiful, bright, warm weekend we have just experienced.

To celebrate the onset of gorgeous, golden days, we decided to bring out that very special joint Christmas gift from Mommy and Daddy which we hadn't been able to use till now because of the cold and clammy Winter weather- our very own bouncy castle!!

Daddy blew it up whilst Mommy kept us curious kittens out of his hair. And then we were off, springing like spring chickens (which is what we are!) on our tremendous new toy! Hope you enjoy this film of the two of us having the boisterous, bouncy time of our lives (and if you're under five, come and have a go yourself)!

Note: Watch this full-screen, by clicking on the button on the lower, extreme right of the clip.

Just to say...

2011-03-14T17:50:00.007Z

...we are back. We are bursting with tales to tell. And we shall tell ALL, we just haven't found the time yet. But we have put together a nice little slideshow of our wonderful, sunny holiday in Kolkata a week or so ago. Hope you like it!

Three, Three, Love a Parteee!

2010-12-29T18:58:00.013Z

This is the last post I shall write this year and that makes me feel a little bit blue because it has been the most wonderful year- our first together as a foursome! But we won’t discuss fours just yet because first I must tell you about the magic number three!

Yes, I can count a little bit (at least up to three!).

Bro can count loads more and read some numbers too but then I’ve only just turned one, and being able to count at all, and walk wonderfully well (even up the stairs) and talk with such clarity is really advanced (according to many who are not Mom and Dad)! So I thought, as I can count up to three, let me write about the tremendous threes Syon and I have enjoyed this year, while he digs up some good photos for everyone to enjoy.

Let me start by telling you about the three perfect parties we’ve had this year.

First, there was my Annaprashan or First Rice ceremony (to read about Syon’s, please click here) in Kolkata which everyone helped make an enormous success! Didou did most of the organising with Mommy and Daddy doing their bit from across the seas. Ma-sheep flew in from Bangalore early to help with the prep. She blew up balloons, decorated the cake, and kept the guests entertained. Mommy says that blowing up balloons and entertaining guests might make Ma-sheep sound like a children’s party entertainer but she feels it her duty to point out to interested parents that she’s just a fun aunt!

Daddy did a lot of the decorating, whilst the cook served up a banquet. And Mommy, who had planned everything down to the last detail, was satisfied that she had thrown a party fit for a princess- their little princess, me!

Our long-time cook in Kolkata is excellent and the food was simply scrumptious, and the guests, our closest friends and family in India were as warm and wonderful and generous as ever, which meant that not only did I get the most beautiful array of traditional gifts of silver any tiny tot can hope for on their Annaprashan, but Syon wasn’t forgotten either and received lots of lovely loot too.

My parents and grandparents had also arranged for a big, yummy, chocolate cake with both our names on it and when this was brought out the guests simultaneously and without any pre-planning burst into song for Syon (though his birthday was months away) to very thoughtfully ensure that he didn’t feel left out and he told me later that it had worked a treat!

Of course, it was my party and I had my moment in the sun when, first, a pretty little silver bowl and spoon with which I was to taste my first rice was brought out, and then, a tray of significant objects from which I had to choose items that would foretell my future. None of this is, of course, taken seriously and applause and amusement in equal measure greeted my refusal to have even a spoonful of the milky rice from Dadu (I was only 3 months old after all)! I was far more obliging with the tray and picked out the objects which symbolised health and wealth.

In the summer, we had another splendid party, this time in England.

We don’t really do themed parties but we gave Bro’s very special second birthday a little bit of a secret agent spin with Connery-era James Bond posters for invites (with Syon’s face where Sean’s should have been)! His cake also carried on the theme with 002 candles and flashy, miniature cars sitting atop it. But most of all, my big brother was every bit as handsome as the dashing spy in his dapper, salmon and grey outfit.

He had a whale of a time, running about like a madcap with his English cousins and friends, stopping only to quaff cake and check out his great gifts- garages with swirly ramps for car-cars to whizz down and things to build with!

As always, Mommy and Daddy made sure that I wasn’t forgotten either, and so staged a mini Annaprashan for our English family and friends who couldn't (naturally) attend the main one in Kolkata. This time, I actually ate the rice that was spooned up for me by my Grandma and Great, Great Aunty Nellie, but I was quite a bit older by then- all of five and a half months!

The last but by no means the least important (nor the least fun!) party was just over a month ago- my very first birthday! We celebrated it alongside Diwali and had a rocketing time!

We invited guests to come in Indian attire and to help them look the part, we had a collection of bindis and bangles at the ready, but it turned out they didn’t need our help after all! We were tickled pink to see our English friends and family in their eye-catching Eastern best. Aunty Louise and Cousin Eleanor glittered in festive Kameezes they’d bought specially for the occasion. Both Grandmas looked regal in peacock blues and greens. I myself was resplendent (and a veritable Bollywood Babe) in a gorgeous rose and sea-green Ghagra with spaghetti string straps. And the men were not to be left behind either! Syon, Alex, Felix and Daddy were in smart Kurta-pyjama combos and even Uncle David wore his ‘Hum Hindustani’ t-shirt!

Daddy cooked the yummiest Indian spread ever for my party and my star-spangled, chocolate cake had a solitary, sparkly diya burning atop it to mark the completion of my first year. There were also tasty, wobbly, fruit jellies with both our names on them (just like at Bro's party).

In return for the zippy, toy auto-rickshaws I awarded to the best-dressed (for the occasion), I received a heap of wonderful toys and books and gorgeous clothes! Syon got some fun gifts too which he was very pleased with.

My very special evening ended with a bang! We all trooped out into the (slightly nippy) lamp-lit garden to enjoy the bright sparklers and glow-in-the dark hoops Mommy and Daddy had got for all of us kids. I loved every moment of it and was sad it had to end, but I am reliably informed by someone in the know (someone who’s had quite a few parties organised by Mommy and Daddy) that they’ll do their best to make my second birthday extra-special too!

And because all good things, like parties and wonderful first years, must come to an end, so must this post, and I didn’t even get around to wrapping up the year like I promised Bro I would.

Oh well, he’s the eldest and I leave the ‘burden’ of writing that one last post for 2010, with stirring tales of travellers and a magical Christmas, upon his manly, broad shoulders...

P.S. For those of you who've missed my birthday slideshow, you'll be pleased to know that it will be coming soon to a blog near you (notably this one)!

One,Two, Visit the zoo...

2010-12-16T12:11:00.029Z

I am counting better and better all the time! If there’s ever a number I can’t pronounce properly, I just say ‘more’ so I’m often to be heard counting objects like this- One, Two, Three, Four, More, Six, More...!

I not only know numbers and letters but can read a few too. This is really handy for a boy who likes to impose order on his (very elaborate) imaginary world (except when I’m asked to tidy up; I favour the bombed-out look when it comes to houses)! I do like order when I’m playing though which is why Sis-sis is not the best playmate at the moment as she likes wading into my organised toy world like a galumphing Godzilla!

My burgeoning counting and reading skills really come in handy everyday when I build and animate whole towns and cities made up of the many different but unrelated toys I have amassed.

Lots of interesting things happen in my toy cities- planes take off from the top of the petrol station (as I don’t have an airport and the garage has the flattest roof), the train chugs into town to pick up the day-tripping animals of the wooden ark. The crocodile drives the fire engine to the burning barn and puts it out. Postman Pat and his Doppelganger zip around town in their red van having complex conversations about the parcels they can’t find.

All this does have a rationale of its own (My parents agree that the last scenario is particularly realistic)! But when my sister joins in, the really bizarre take over- Toy Town is suddenly afflicted by hail storms of large plastic fruit or houses levitating- or worse still everything gets crushed under her mighty Godzilla feet (Mommy says that actually Sis has the tiniest of feet as they could not find walking shoes small enough to fit her and had to settle for cruising shoes although she’s been walking six weeks or more now).

Anyway, I digress! I wanted to demonstrate my excellent numerical skills and so I shall, by counting all the fun Sis-sis and I have had this year.

One: One is for how old my baby sister is now and for the number of wonderful years we’ve been together!

One is also the number of trips we’ve made to the zoo together.

We had an absolutely fabulous time at Twycross Zoo with our cousins Alex and Eleanor; running from cage to cage to look at the monkeys, being hoisted up on my Da’s shoulders to see the giraffes close-up, watching the zoo’s new baby elephant have a mud bath (wish I could have baths like that!) and pretending to go on a safari with my cousin Eleanor on the sturdy stone shoulders of a Silverback Gorilla!

Two: Two is for how old I am and for the huge number of fun things that came in twos that I’ve experienced this year!

I’ve been on two trips to the seaside.

The first one with Grandma and Grandad and Cousin Eleanor (therefore, two is also the number of high-spirited kids my grandparents had to manage on that trip)!

I absolutely love the beach, building sand castles, splashing about and collecting rocks and seaweed and such (funny that Mommy doesn’t seem too keen on some of the collections I bring home).

Two is also the number of donkeys that my grandparents got for us to ride on the beach. That was very exciting, I’ve had piggyback rides on Mommy, Daddy and my grandparents before but they can't compare to the real thing!

The other trip to the seaside was the wonderful week Mommy, Daddy, Sis-sis and I spent in a cottage in Cornwall.

We got to know the farm animals (two is the two horses or ‘neighs’ as I prefer to call ‘em, which grazed in the field next to our cottage), had loads of yummy creamy Cornish ice cream, swam in the wonderful pool in the cottage complex, built sand castles and rock pooled with Da on the beach (while Sis and Mom found a sunny spot to bask in).

I also enjoyed the bustling fishing towns we visited because they had lots of boats and birds and doggies too! Mommy enjoyed the sun (except one day when it was pelting down) and Daddy bought lots of great fresh food and cooked up a delicious storm for us.

We also visited some pointless ruins which I would’ve hated altogether but there was usually a dog or a bird or something to distract (or a toy pirate ship in one instance) so the rubble-rambles (as I like to think of them) which Mommy loves weren’t a complete washout for me and Sis-sis (and anyway, who can complain when you get as many compliments as we did from total strangers while out and about in Cornwall!).

The high point of our Cornwall trip tho’ was a morning spent at a toy train centre where we not only got to watch perfect little miniature trains (one of them looked just like my Thomas, only bigger!) chugging ‘round the tracks but actually got to ride a little steam engine right up front with the driver- TWICE!!

Two is also the number of terrific trips abroad we’ve made this year.

In the summer, we travelled to Switzerland where my Bilky Mashi lives.

This was a splendid sun-drenched holiday where despite having two old fogies along (Mommy and Daddy) we managed to see a lot of lovely places like the perfectly preserved medieval town of Stein am Rhein.

We also went on a big boat to Zurich where I sat in the sun and ate chips and ice cream! Two is also the number of times I’ve been on big boats (please click here if you’re interested in my first big boat ride).

But the best part of the Swiss trip for me and Sis-sis was getting to spend time with family, sampling Bilky-Mashi’s delicious cooking and most of all (for a little boy like me) splashing about in the kiddie pools and fountains of Horgen’s lakeside park!

Mommy and Daddy had been to Switzerland before but enjoyed it in a completely different way this time because they found it a really family-friendly country with total strangers taking a lot of interest in us and constant compliments on how cute we are (which always makes Mommy’s day)! One old man actually stopped us on the streets of Stein to shake Mommy and Daddy’s hand on a job well done in having such beautiful children (I think he should've shaken Sis-sis and me by the hand but who knows how grown-ups think)!!

The second foreign trip this year was in fact, the first in the year, the first ever with Sis-sis and also the first in importance because of all the family members we got to spend time with- Didou, Dadu, Budida, Ma-sheep and Pishi Dida to name a few.

I suppose it’s not a foreign trip at all because we are half-Indian and are just visiting our other home and we do this every year, but it is a heck of a long journey and a gruelling one. Mommy and Daddy seem to find it especially hard but I am a strong lad and I don’t mind all the walking, the piggyback riding and interesting hustle and bustle at the airports. I should make it clear that it's the 24 hour journey that's difficult and not the stay which is, in fact, just the opposite- usually the most relaxed 3 weeks in the whole year!

I had started writing about it in an earlier post and then realised that there was too much to write about at one go! I did mention all the wonderful people we met, all the shopping and non-stop chattering Mommy did, and all the fantastic food we have there.

What I didn’t get around to telling you about was Sis-sis’ magical Annaprashan and that really deserves more time than I have left today. It’s lunchtime and my tum's crying out for some Bob the Builder pasta (or is that Mommy calling me?)!

In the next post, however, I plan to recount the terrific threes we’ve experienced this year- especially the three tremendous parties we’ve had (including the Annaprashan), the three wise women who came to visit us from the East, and much more!

But that's another day, another blog post...

It’s bye for now and do watch this space for more counting fun!

Super Trooper

2010-12-02T20:50:00.004Z

I just wanted to share our delight over my baby sister's walking prowess with our family and friends. Although she has been taking a few unassisted, wobbly steps from her 11th month, she has only started taking longer walks in the last two weeks since her 1st birthday and tonight she finally allowed the paparazzi (that's Daddy and Mommy when we're at home!) a chance to capture it on celluloid for the whole world to see!

Here she is walking across the room with the remote control firmly in her grasp in an attempt to stop Daddy from changing the channel. She's an intrepid little trooper who'll walk across the room and back with an incandescent smile on her face. Her confidence has grown in such leaps and bounds in the last fortnight that she's not just walking from room to room or across the expanse (vast, for a baby!) of our living room now but also trying to fetch and carry whilst on her jaunts! So, please put your hands together for Ayana's lovely toddle, I know she'll be happy to show you how well she does it come Christmas (or for those in India, 2011)!

All of One

2010-11-16T21:34:00.007Z

No, this isn't Syon reminiscing about his first birthday. It's me Ayana- I am one tomorrow!!

I'm a really big girl now. Not in size; I'm petite (and cute as a button, Mommy and Daddy tell me). But I'm not just a pretty face either, I can do loads now! I can walk a bit unassisted. I've been talking for a few months now but my vocabulary is growing and I can make myself perfectly understood (specially when I want food; I always want food!).

I had a really wonderful early birthday party on Sunday and I'll tell you all about it real soon. I know we keep promising action-packed posts and don't deliver but this time there's a really good reason for stalling (much better than my brother's line about sleep deprivation and exhaustion, that would never stop a party girl like me!). The truth is that I'm trying to cobble together pictures from my bash to show all of you because our camera malfunctioned on that fateful evening! I know my friends and family will come to my rescue with some great photos. And should all else fail, my bro and I hope we have a way enough with words to paint you a pretty picture of the proceedings. A report of which I think you'll enjoy because it was quite a good gig. I certainly had the time of my life! I'm definitely looking forward to many more such over the years (hint, hint, Mommy and Daddy!). But now I must say adieu, it's way past my bedtime and I have a MAMMOTH day tomorrow- my very first birthday!!

'Night night everyone and sweet dreams...

The Comeback Kids

2010-10-20T17:14:00.010+01:00

As our joint blog has now had its 2000th hit, despite our not having written in nearly six months, we felt we really had to post something new.

Our fans have been simply wonderful, of course, continuing to check our blog in the hope that we’ve written when we haven’t managed a line in half a year, and with ne’er a word of complaint when they’ve had to go away empty- handed.

We could blame the bedlam that is our lives, the result of having two hyperactive parents who just seem to want to play in our playroom all night, but no, I think we should take the blame squarely on the chin and admit that we have been slack. We could’ve been writing instead of doing all the wonderful new things we’ve been doing in the last few months but somehow experiencing life and writing about it rarely co-exist!

So, even tho’ we are still sleep-deprived and exhausted, we thought we owed you an update before the next big thing- Ayana's first birthday!

Since our last post, my baby sister has learnt to turn over, sit up and crawl. And now, even walks with support (sometimes just holding my hand!)and is more and more often to be found standing without any support whatsoever!

She echoes my every word and talks with meaning too (when she can be bothered!) like when she wants to watch Bob the Builder or Postman Pat on TV or when playing cars with me; 'car crash’ being amongst her favourite phrases, as it was mine when I first started speaking. Of course I have gone far beyond that now- there isn’t a word or phrase I can’t say and have complex conversations with the people closest to me. I am shy however (I blame my parents for passing this trait on to me) and tend to be laconic with most people. However, Didou (as I call our Dida) who has been with us this last month will tell you what motor-mouths we are when we are at home (in every sense of the word)!

What else have we been doing over the last few months?

I am a really quick runner, a good climber (Sis-sis is showing lots of potential in this area too), and a promising artist (glowing reports of the cuddly brown bear I drew the other day has now gone ‘round the world)!

Sis-sis is turning out to be the musical one in the family. Although I like music too, she seems to have an innate sense of rhythm and a fine pair of lungs that can only be the result of some sort of combo-gene (No such word? Well, there is now!) from both Grandmas, as Grandma Handley could’ve been a dancer and Grandma Sen is a very good singer who still sings in her church choir.

Both of us also love the water (as we discovered on our trip to Cornwall, more about that later) and books and green vegetables (yes, I know, amazing isn’t it?!). We love building blocks- I love building intricate skyscrapers and colonnades with them and my sister loves chewing on them. The only kind of block we don't like is Writer's Block which Mommy says is what prevented us from writing these past few months!

There’s so much we’re both doing and enjoying now that we didn’t six months ago that I could go on forever. I could tell you about my culinary flair which I’ve definitely got from Da. My chocolate chip cookies, my Nursery Key Worker said, were the best in (play) class!

And I haven’t even got started on our fantastic parties, trips, days-out and many firsts in the last half-year, but in the interests of actually finishing this piece (the first to be finished in many months), I’ll wind up here and leave my tales of our travels, revels and great times spent with family and friends for the next post.

In fact, dear readers, I promise not stay away for so long ever again because I’ve missed you guys (and a promise on our blog is binding, not at all like the toys me and Sis-sis sometimes give each other and take back)!

So, toodloo and pip-pip and I hope you return for the the next instalment because the two of us have had such fun together this year, that we’d love to share it with you, and we’ll line up some extra-cute photos too, for you to look at.

See you soon!

2010-05-24T23:27:00.002+01:00

Missing you, Great Grandad.

Love
Syon & Ayana
xxx

I Am Two Today!

2010-05-03T12:27:00.008+01:00

Mommy and Daddy say I'm now double the trouble but also double the fun!

I can do so many grown-up things that I'm practically an adult.

Building stuff, playing elaborate games of imagination, jumping and climbing higher and higher (when Mommy's not looking!), bathing and feeding myself (and the table and the floor) with confidence, and chattering non-stop with my parents (though usually dropping the last syllables of words that just have too many of 'em) and knowing how to work every gadget in the house are amongst my favourite things in all the world!

I read (from my extensive collection of fairy tales), sing and dance and draw (abstracts or family portraits mainly). I help my parents change and dress me (though I might seem to hinder), I can copy their gestures and words, tone of voice and actions to a T (I don't know what that means exactly but I think it means 'exactly')!

I love building things with Daddy, I enjoy gardening with him and riding my tricycle or playing ball outdoors, I like running non-stop playing tag with friends or just exploring in the garden (as Mommy and sister watch me in wonder; I'm sure the look on their faces is one of wonder at my prowess with mud, I can't imagine what else it could be)! I also adore animals and cars (that's pretty much anything on wheels including vacuum cleaners)!

But most of all, I love my family to bits, especially my sister. There's nothing I like better than playing with her but Mommy and Daddy always seem to get in the way of the best games of rough and tumble, although Sis is more than a match; no-one does a nice, sharp kick in the shin quite as well as she does when I get a tad carried away!

And I just luuurrve a good party and I had a fantastic one yesterday- tell you all about it very, very soon!

Advanced Happy Birthday Daddy!!

2010-04-26T16:27:00.006+01:00

Mommy had big plans for your 35th birthday, which she has now deferred to your 40th because she says we keep her busy 'round the clock, but we're hoping you won't notice the absence of a big bash with big people because small people can partaaay too!

I bet we can make as much noise and as big a mess as big people at a party (Mommy certainly seems to think we're equal to the task). In fact, we plan to stay up with you tonight, well into the wee hours, to usher in your 35th in style- Syon and Ayana style (I know you're wondering how that's different from any other night)!

Whatever happens, we know it'll be special for all four of us because it'll be your first birthday we celebrate together as a foursome.

And so, from the three small people (including Mommy) who love you more than words can express- here's wishing you a very happy birthday tomorrow, and soooo much more!

Kolkata Kalling

2010-04-18T13:54:00.012+01:00

I know you’ve all been waiting with bated breath for our report on our Indian adventure and I’m sorry it’s taken us so very long, but you can breathe easy now, because we are over the jetlag and earache and various other hurdles, and ready to delight you with details of our derring do!

Let me tell you all about our first week there, culminating in the wonderful party our family threw for us, and then my big bro will pick up the thread of the narrative and run with it, all the way home.

Do, also check out our new slideshow (on the right hand side of this blog page), so you can see for yourselves how much fun we had!

I haven’t used the phrase ‘derring do’ lightly. It was incredibly brave of us (some may call it foolhardy) to attempt to travel the 5000 miles to my Mommy’s home, with people of a certain age. No, I don’t mean me and my bro, at 4 and 21 months respectively, but my parents who are now in their mid-thirties and have begun to feel their (dot)age.

Luckily, the day-long journey was relatively smooth with my parents on their best behaviour, though my mommy did get rather upset when they refused to serve my brother food on the flight claiming he wasn’t entitled to any! As it turned out he was supposed to get a hot meal but the airlines had messed up, so my bro had to make do with the crisps and chocolates and jammy dodgers which we had with us. Even co-passengers felt sorry for him and chipped in with yummy snacks from their stash - poor Syon!!

I have to commend him for his hardiness though, while I was carried everywhere (well, you can hardly expect me to walk at 4 months!), he gamely covered long stretches of airport on his little toddler legs as Mommy and Daddy tottered under the weight of bags full of baby paraphernalia!

Kolkata airport was a bit of a nightmare too and Mommy gave the masked man at the Swine Flu checkpoint a piece of her mind (but he wasn’t havin’ any)! I can see why he was so keen on concealing his identity as he made us wait a whole hour in a mosquito-infested hall and got us all in a lather! Talking of soap, it was a steamy journey home as Kolkata was experiencing an unseasonably hot spring (hot spring-ha ha!) and Syon and I jumped into a big blue tub of refreshingly cold water the minute we got to Dida and Dadu’s.

It was great to be in Mommy’s home city though, because the weather only accounted for 10% of the warmth we experienced. The rest came from the interest taken in us by family, friends and sometimes total strangers!

From the great big bear hug that Dadu’s best friend gave us at the airport, to the smiles and helloos of strangers along the way, to the welcoming cuddles and kisses from Budida and Pishidida when we finally arrived at our destination, we got VIP treatment all the way!

The best bit for me was, of course, meeting Dadu and Dida for the first time, being scooped into their arms and cuddled. Syon got cuddled too but as he’d met them before, he was a bit more blasé about it.

The most exciting thing for him, I think, were the many different types of colourful and noisy vehicles along the way. He must have shouted ‘cah’ a thousand times in my ear on the way to our Kolkata home (I have to hear that word so often I have a good mind to expunge it from my vocabulary altogether when I start speaking)!

The super-high point of his ride from the airport was the policeman who drew up his car with flashing lights alongside us and waved to Syon. Syon was really tickled; he continued waving to the policeman long after the latter had disappeared in the distance, in a cloud of dust. And then we were there- at D&D’s.

My first week ever in Kolkata was wonderful- getting to know people, playing in the sun, and basking in the admiration of the many who came to see us.

Mommy and Daddy enjoyed catching up on their sleep (I don’t know why they don’t sleep at home, it isn’t as if we ever disturb them!) and eating lots of yummy Indian food (Not even a morsel came my way, despite making it as clear as day that that was what I wanted)!

We stirred ourselves occasionally to prepare for my Annaprashan. Our strenuous bouts of shopping at the shiny, new South City Mall left us too sapped to do much else (luckily there’s never any housework to be done in Kolkata)!

Mommy and Daddy got us some lovely clothes from the mall with the gifts of money we received from our family, the rest of the time they just chilled. My parents claim that it takes a whole village to look after us and they had to do plenty for us even if they didn’t have the mountain of chores they usually have at home, but as far as I could see Mommy’s most pressing task in Kolkata was chattering away with friends on the phone and inviting them to my Annaprashan.

Then, finally, my Big Day dawned bright and clear, and I couldn’t wait to sink my gums (I don’t have teeth yet though they are on their way and oh, how they irritate me; but that’s another story!) into my first solid food. It was the Saturday of my Annaprashan and what a day it turned out to be...

(Please come back for the next installment of ‘Kolkata Kalling’ from Syon’s perspective)

Sisters are doing it for themselves...

2010-02-07T17:42:00.008Z

Well,I can't stand on my own two feet yet (I'm only 2 and a half months old) but I now feel ready to write my own posts and will start with this wee declaration of intent. It may seem a small step for a writer but it is a giant leap for baby bloggers everywhere.

My big brother (now all grown up at 21 months) was a pioneer amongst baby bloggers- he started the trend of babies writing their own blogs instead of letting their parents do all the talking (yackety yackety yack yack and rarely a word of sense!).He gave us a voice. Before his groundbreaking work, how many of you listened when we talked about the universe, or expressed our interest in Pointillism or Calculus? Admit it, you'd sooner pinch our cheeks and coo gibberish at us than have a meaningful discussion about the things that matter to us such as regime change or carbon emmissions(the latter being a BIG part of a baby's life as any parent would attest)!

He struck the death knell for that sort of parental high-handedness, and here I am ringing my own bell(as Annie Lennox would say)! This sister will be doing it for herself, along with my brother, and all the other baby bloggers who have in recent months wrested control of their baby blogs from the dull grown-ups who used these to tell a cringing world of the colour of their baby's poo and should they administer one or two drops of dipsydoo when Baby pukes?

So, although it is a bit too early for that overwrought all-encompassing Oscar speech, there are people I want to thank for getting me to this point where I can do my own blogging.

First, I must thank my brother who has been a real brick (that's B-RICK, except when he sends his toys whizzing past my ears). He fetches things for Mommy when she feeds me, brings me my nappy when it's time to change, vacates my vibrating chair without (much) fuss when it's my turn, plays with me, kisses me lovingly (less saliva would be good though!) and has written dozens of thank you notes to all the generous folk who sent me gifts and good wishes, on my behalf. Where would I be without him?

To my parents, I say thank you for all their tender loving care and for giving me this tool and the skill to express myself freely, and (hopefully) well, at such a young age.

Finally, I say thank you to all my family and friends and random readers who happen on this site (especially to those who return!); I hope you will carry on reading as I take my first tentative steps as a scribe, and continue to support my brother on his juvenile journalistic journey (oh the joys of alliteration!).

Syon and I are travelling to sunny India in the coming months and will bring home stories of it's many wonders, for you, very soon!

Babes R Us

2010-01-02T15:44:00.005Z

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Beyonce is a babe. I am a babe of nearly 20 months (and kinda cute too, I'm told) and my 6 week old sis is a babe in every sense of the word! So, it was only right that us 3 babes got together to rock the joint on New Year's Eve (Mommy and Daddy were also there, to keep an eye on us, and quaff some champagne) and usher in our new-look blog. Beyonce turned out to be a good egg (Daddy agreed enthusiastically) although not the most punctual ("Typical Diva", Mommy muttered, but rather cheerfully, as there were big, heaped bowls of chocolate everywhere at our wrap party).

But once the chocolate, the champagne and Beyonce had all gone, what remained was our brand new joint blog which Ayana and I had worked through the night to produce (Just the two of us, and not Mommy and Daddy, as some would libellously suggest). We have a new look and a new name and we'll both be reporting on the events in our lives from now on. Do post a comment to tell us what you think of it all. There's always room for improvement, so constructive criticism is certainly welcome (but do be gentle as Ayana's only very ickle).

To celebrate the passing of the previous year which was fun and eventful, we have posted a new slideshow so all our friends and family can join us in reliving those special moments. As I was fairly regular with posts and photos right up to my birthday last year, the photos on this slideshow start with the fabulous holiday I had with my Dida, Dadu, Mommy and Daddy in the Bath-Stonehenge area (Ayana was there too, in Mommy's tummy, but she doesn't remember much). This was followed by my very first visit to the seaside with Grandma and Grandad which was great fun too.

Though Dadu and Dida had to leave and I was sad to see them go as I wouldn't see them again for months (though we have been having wonderful webchats almost every weekend since), the Summer ended on a high as I won the neighbourhood's first ever fancy dress competition. In October, I went Trick-or-Treating for the first time in my very first Halloween costume. I'm reliably informed I made a very cute pumpkin. I also amassed a stack of sweets which have since gone missing! Mommy looks strangely guilty everytime I enquire after them, though I couldn't tell you why...

In November, my little sister was born, which was the biggest event of the year. It was also the biggest event of my life, right after my birth, of course! I wrote about it in my last post and I am sure my sister will relate her side of the story sometime soon.

The year came to an end with a bang as Christmas was celebrated with gusto at my Grandparents'. There was a lot of frenetic christmas shopping and tree-decorating leading up to the Big Day. It was a White Christmas this year and my first real experience of snow which I thoroughly enjoyed playing with (and rolling about in, when Daddy's back was turned). Ayana wasn't allowed to play in the snow this year, but that's because she can't sit up yet (though she can write!) and might have got a trifle cold.

I woke up to a beautifully decorated house and a Himalayan heap of gifts on Christmas morning, way too many to list. Santa had clearly listened when I visited him (twice) in the run-up to Christmas and I had obviously been a very, very good boy (Mommy and Daddy seem sceptical about this). Ayana got a load of lovely gifts too. After brunch, we drove over to my Grandparents' for a magical Christmas Day with my family (and another mountain of presents). Boxing Day was an endless whirl of activity with my cousins, but the very last day of the year, I spent quietly snuggling, being read to, and fed treats by Mommy and Daddy (and living it up with Beyonce in a parallel universe!).

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas too, dear reader. Wishing you a fantastic 2010 from Daddy, Mommy, Ayana and me!

Surprise Package

2009-11-22T16:33:00.009Z

It's just over 16 months since my First Post and I've had many an adventure, but none quite so exciting as the one last Tuesday...

Mommy and Daddy left the house early - I wasn't able to join them as I had to look after Grandma and Grandad who had come to visit. Daddy soon returned home alone and I was a little worried for Mommy, especially when I was bundled into the car and we all headed off to the hospital.

However, all became clear on arrival when I was not only re-united with Mommy, but was also introduced to my beautiful, new, little sister Ayana, who had been delivered at 11:14am, weighing 6lb 2oz (which was 4oz less than me so I really am her Big Brother in every sense of the word!).I like her name, it sounds a bit like mine ( pronounced Ah-yun-ah) and means innocence or purity.

Take to her though I did, I was quite happy to keep visiting her at the hospital and was a trifle surprised to see her back at home, snug in my old crib! Still, having to share things, I guess, is a small price to pay for a wonderful, new best friend, a very special playmate and eventually, partner-in-crime (shhh; I have plans but don't tell Mommy and Daddy)! Talking of sharing, from now on this will be a joint blog for the pair of us, and will need a bit of rebranding, a new name (all suggestions welcome), a lick of paint...

So do keep your eyes peeled for our relaunch which should be sometime soon. Should I get Beyonce or Rihanna for the wrap party, d'ya think?

A Princely Prize

2009-09-14T21:02:00.014+01:00

I know I have left my faithful readers without comfort or a purpose in life for far too long and for that, I'm truly sorry, but I have been a terribly busy toddler of late. My Dida and Dadu came to visit me this summer and we had the most fabulous time together. I have also been busy swimming, visiting zoos and brand new cousins, and practising my ever expanding vocabulary (but only in private; my public will have to wait, I'm afraid, till later this year). And I promise to regale you with an account of all that and more in my next post.

Tonight, all I have time for is to tell you that I have won my very first, first prize (the first of many, said Dadu) in the neighbourhood fancy dress competition in the face of very stiff competition from fearsome pirates, twinkle-toed ballerinas and a glittering fairy or two. I went as a Maharaja and scooped the princely prize of a dashing silver teddy in pirate gear with his loot of chocolate bars. I fear my Mommy has her eye on some of the latter, but she deserves a share of the spoils of my victory as my outfit was her idea (and my impressive curling moustache her handiwork) but Daddy's due a great deal of the credit too as he fashioned my turban from Mommy's scarf, and my regal raiments, a gift from my Dadu and Dida for my Annaprashan (What's an Anna-er-um-thingammie you say? Check out my old post) last year.

So it was all cobbled together from bits around the house at the last minute which is why the win was so special and unexpected. Every contestant was a winner though because they all looked fantastic in their finery. The best thing about the evening, for me,(even better than my terrific new teddy) was how pleased and amused everyone seemed to be to see me in my great get-up, and the many compliments they lavished on me. Sensible 16 month old toddler that I am, I lapped it all up and had a wonderful time.

But with every triumph comes an onerous responsibility (sigh)- I now have a seriously heavyweight title to defend and need to dream up yet another unique entree that will dazzle the judges next year! All ideas welcome!

Reviver of the Lost Art...

2009-07-04T17:39:00.012+01:00

....of walking in a manner that's tremendous fun!

You'll see what I mean when you play the video. Don't knock it till you've tried it; it's a lot more laughs than your oh-so-solemn 'I'm-all-grown-up-and-must-be-taken-seriously' walk! And don't bother giggling because my gait isn't as elegant as your's (yet), I'm the one enjoying my half-run-half-toddle-tumble-every-two-minutes brand spanking new walk.

When was the last time you enjoyed the way you walked? I tell ya, you gotta try my way- I've been at it non-stop since last Friday and have had such a great time, I haven't really bothered to eat or sleep! And while you contemplate giving it a go (I know adults take a long time deciding to do anything), have a look at my 'Summer Syon' slideshow- it's all the fun I've had in the last two, sun-drenched (for England) months, starting with my first birthday. Thanks to all the super birthday gifts you gave me, I've had a fantastic time playing outdoors.

And finally, since I have taken time out (from my high-octane toddle-a-thon) to post this piece, I must thank all my readers once again for continuing to check in despite my sporadic blogging. I have now had a thousand hits (and none of them Mommy, Daddy or me) and feel very privileged and humble that there are people out there who care enough to keep reading (even in Brazil, apparently!).

Thank you all, and do let me know if you enjoy walking my walk!

Big Brother

2009-06-15T14:38:00.009+01:00

Hello! I know I’ve been away a long time and, unfortunately, this post is not my eagerly awaited return. On the contrary, it is with a heavy heart that I must say goodbye to my loyal readers, at least for a few months…

I know how lost you will all feel and I’m crying inside for all of you (I’m not crying outside because that will bring Mommy running)! But this is a sacrifice I must make; giving up the adulation of my fans is very hard indeed, but I’m a big boy now (all of 13 months) and have heavy responsibilities weighing on me.

You see, I’m going to be a Big Brother soon, and this is a Very Important Position. As the man of the house when Daddy’s out, it’s my job to look after Mommy, not only because she is carrying my (obviously big fat) brother or sister, but also because she hasn’t been so well.

She’s got too much sugar in her blood, which makes her diabolic or diabetic or summat (as Daddy would say). I always knew Mommy was sweet but now the doctors have confirmed it, and, apparently, that’s not a good thing to be. Mommy needs to be a lot less sweet so my little brother or sister doesn’t grow too podgy to pop out! Mommy had high blood sugar before I was born too, but I was a smart baby and stayed svelte. Any sibling of mine should be the same but you never can tell!

Mommy also has Es-speedy. I’m not sure what this is (no-one except doctors and pregnant sufferers seem to know) but I can see it’s painful from the way Mommy hobbles around- it makes her anything but speedy!

But enough about ailments! I’ve had a few since I last blogged but I rather tell you about my achievements. I’ve notched up a brace in the last few months while preparing for big brotherhood. After all, I have to set an example for the new baby- show ‘em how it’s done (and maybe just nudge them along with a gentle poke or two if they falter).

I had my 1st birthday on the 3rd of May and it was loads of fun (at least the bit I was awake for). All my English friends and family joined us for the big day. They brought me fantastic stuff to play with and really trendy togs to wear. My family in India sent a heap of fab clothes too.

I started the day being sick and then, falling asleep on my Grandma’s lap but after a good long snooze, I was roused for the cake cutting ceremony (if I look a bit dazed in those photos, that’s why!). As everybody sang ‘Happy Birthday’, I blew out the single candle with Mommy’s help. Daddy helped me cut the scrumptious chocolate cake. While all the grown-up guests tucked into Daddy’s delicious Chilli Con Carne and other snacks and desserts, I shared the yummy fruit-filled jelly that Daddy had made (with my name on it in bold raspberry-red letters) with the other kids. All us kids then played a game, which involved tearing tons of newspaper to find sweets or a beach ball or other random gifts which rather baffled me (I’ve asked my parents to leave the party games to me next time). I was sad to see everyone leave my (sorta animal-shaped) balloon and banner-decked home at the end of this very special day but soon perked up when I saw just how many fantastic new toys I had to play with!

Since my birthday I have done one new thing after another- I have started nursery, made new friends and developed new skills. I’ve been making up my own songs for ages, and dancing vigorously along, but last week at the nursery, I added another feather to my cap (this is figurative, you understand, I wouldn’t trust a cap as far as I could throw it). I did my first painting in lovely blues, greens and yellows- an abstract of a gorgeous summer’s day, because I do love the outdoors and I’m out playing every chance I get.

My Dida’s presence this summer also means I’m picking up lots of new words in Bengali. I always called my Daddy ‘Baba’ (Bengali for father) and Mommy, my very own variation, ‘mum-mum’, but now I can say ‘Dida’ too, and a range of phrases that sound suspiciously like Bengali but not quite! If my pronunciation (in either language) isn’t spot-on yet, I make up for it by having a very expressive face and gestures that leave no one in doubt about what I mean. I wave, clap, point, and mimic and do many other apparently hilarious things that send everyone into paroxysms of laughter.

Of course, I’ve been speaking for a while now so the really big news is that I have taken my first unaided steps. I can also climb (and clamber off) really well and run ever so quickly with my walker but everyone seems far more impressed with those little unexciting steps I’ve been taking. I now not only stand on my own for ages but also lift quite large, heavy items while standing unsupported which makes Mommy wonder whether she should have named me Bam Bam instead!

Mommy and Daddy and Dida will probably tell me there’s more to write about, but I must bid you adieu for now because I’m a busy baby with things to do. Mommy has another flurry of hospital appointments this week and I am determined to give her moral support. This is hard but satisfying work consisting of never letting her out of my sight when she’s at home and letting her kiss and cuddle me to her heart’s content (though I’m a tad too old for it now but I won’t tell her just yet). All in all, I’m a baby with serious responsibilities that I must discharge to the best of my abilities.

So, it’s goodbye for now but I will drop in to say hello and update you on my exciting life every now and then and when my little brother or sister is born, you will be the first to know!

Daddy Cool

2009-04-30T08:58:00.017+01:00

This one’s for my Daddy because he’s the bestest Daddy in the World. I know this is true because of everything he does for me and the wonderful time we have together. I love Mommy more than I can even express but she plays like a girl so my day doesn’t get really exciting till Daddy comes home.

I am to be found hanging from the safety gate at the top of the stairs the minute I hear the front door open in the evenings because I know it could only be Daddy, and then I fall on him with glee and we have a right old wrestle.

Sometimes I run away with his socks when he changes into his ‘home clothes’. He then chases me down (not very well, I’m very quick) and tickles me till I let go of them. I’m not sure why Mommy and Daddy don’t want me chewing on worn socks; maybe they think it will spoil my appetite for dinner.

After we’ve had some time to play, Daddy makes dinner and we all sit down to eat. Nowadays, we all eat the same food (or so they tell me but it still looks different- all gooey and mashed up in a plastic bowl, with none of the colours and textures I can see on their plates)! Anyway, I do like some of the food I’m given but I’m not a big eater so the last morsels always end up on the floor (where else would you leave leftovers?).

While Mommy cleans up afterwards, Daddy gives me a bath. This is my favourite part of the day because although I miss Mommy for a little bit, I forget as soon as I’m immersed in the soothing, warm, bubble bath in my own bluey-green tub with the orange and yellow fish on it. I’m joined by my blue whale which has different shaped holes in his tummy through which I expertly push the right shaped objects; this is super-squelchy and fun! I also have three, yellow, rubber duckies who bob around me comfortingly in a protective circle and my collection of bath books. These are brightly illustrated rubber books about sea creatures that I simply adore which have to be read to me many, many times a day, in or out of the bath. I can tell Freddie and Sid from Wanda and Tilly and I always point out the interesting details in the pictures such as the little fishes, brightly coloured shells or undersea flora, for Mommy and Daddy to admire.

My favourite is Sid the Shark who is in terrible pain as he’s growing new teeth like me but when they are all out, the pain goes away and Sid becomes the proud, pain-free owner of a sharp collection of new teeth. It gives me hope.

When I tire of my tub and persistently attempt standing up in it (to show my parents that I’m a busy baby with things to do; I can’t afford to while away the whole evening lying in a bath!), Mommy wraps me up in my fluffy, blue, baby bathrobe and dries me and puts me in a fresh nappy.

In the meantime, Daddy makes my favourite meal of the day- rusk with milk, banana or apple for supper! I’ve seen him slip something else into it, he says it’s vitamins, I think it might be a Mickey Finn because I invariably fall asleep soon after! Of course, I don’t stay asleep for very long- no, not me, I’m not one for sleeping and babyish things like that- but the lovely, warm, bubble bath and my yummy supper gets me through two or three hours.

On weekends, Daddy and I have lots more fun; all three of us go to loads of places together but sometimes I take Daddy to the supermarket on my own if Mommy is tidying the house and doesn’t want him underfoot. Now that the weather is better, we spend time in our garden which is full of wonderful new things for me to explore. I scuttle all over the grass finding twigs and soil to chew on and little flowers to shred; activities Mommy and Daddy don’t seem too keen on, so, Daddy, then, takes me out into the Close for a good workout with my walker, and like in Calcutta or Dubai, my stellar presence soon draws the neighbours from their houses and within seconds, I’m surrounded by cooing grown-ups and not able to get much exercise at all. Still, I’m not complaining- who doesn’t like being appreciated after all?

Which brings me to why I’m writing this post- because I want my Daddy to know, on this, his birthday week, how much he’s loved and appreciated, both by me and Mommy. And though we couldn’t do anything really special for him this time as we were both down with flu (not swine flu, I think, the only little piggies I know are on my feet), we hope he still enjoyed his birthday.

He got cards and phone calls from all over, and Grandma and Grandad took us to our favourite baby-friendly pub for a hearty dinner (the ice cream and chocolate sauce was particularly good) but this had to happen the day before his birthday as he had the dentist to visit for two nasty fillings on his big day (big day for pain morelike, poor Daddy)!

Never mind, Mommy and I are at this very moment planning his next birthday, his 35th, so that it’s ultra-cool for a supercool Dad. In the meantime, there’s fun stuff to do as I’ve bought him the Dark Knight on DVD which I’m sure we’ll enjoy together (though I often find myself being rocked to sleep just before we settle down for a movie, coincidence or cunning plan, do you think??).

The Next Big Thing is my 1st birthday, coming up on Sunday. Tell you all about it very soon!

Further Tales from the Orient

2009-04-11T22:13:00.030+01:00

Where was I? Oh yes, I wanted to tell you more about my Kolkata trip- the people, the parties and the presents! I would’ve written this post sooner but I have been busy growing up- sprouting two more teeth, standing without holding (very occasionally and only till the wobbles bring me down to earth with a thump!), pointing to make myself understood, talking non-stop in my own language and mirroring Mommy and Daddy’s every movement.

So, travel back in time to Kolkata with me now and let me introduce you to the people I met there because that’s what made it so special.

I’ve already told you about seeing Dadu for the first time, being reunited with Dida, meeting Budida and Pishi(moni)dida, also for the first time, and then, of course, the Ma-sheep landed (no, I haven’t got my critters confused, the Ma-sheep is the only one of it's ilk that can fly)!

But to go back to the beginning- within a few short days of our arrival, I had settled in nicely into my new routine of starting the day sharing a biscuit and a turn on the sunny flowerpot-filled terrace with Dadu, with me pushing Dida’s wicker stool ahead of me for balance (and Dadu hoping he won’t need to do that for another twenty years at least!). This was followed by brekky with Mommy and Dida, a chilly (aaaargh) bath in my own blue tub with Daddy’s help, elevenses and a rousing game of ‘Peek-a-boo’ at Budida’s, lunchtime, siesta and balmy evening trips to local markets and shopping malls interspersed with play, play and more play.

Playtime in the evenings with Dadu was fabulous fun because it involved boisterous tussles which I inavariably won! And just because Dadu was such a great sport who didn't mind losing every day, I always rewarded him with my special Headbutt of Love which I know he enjoyed (how could he not?).

I had exciting things to play with too- the toy train that chugged along happily but eccentrically by itself, a range of squeezy, squeaky (and Dettol-fiiled!) cars and a bright soft ball that jingled when rolled. I also had all of Dida and Dadu’s venerable Filipino cane furniture at my disposal. Then, there was the paper, masses of paper- paper to roll in, to chew and to tear (and to read, of course, but the reading experience is definitely enhanced by giving the stuff a bit of a mauling first; trust me)!

And while I worked hard at giving Dida and Dadu’s home a new, more natural look (I call it ‘windswept’ but I guess it could also be called ‘hurricane-hit’!), a steady stream of guests poured in every evening, all of them bearing toys and books and lovely clothes for me. Even if they hadn’t brought a thing, I can genuinely say I would’ve enjoyed each visit for all the attention they lavished on me. Every evening ended with me doing a victory lap with my wicker stool after every baby trick of mine had been met with great approbation and applause!

Then, one evening Dadu and Dida disappeared, to return triumphantly several hours later with the eagerly awaited Ma-sheep. The Ma-sheep is Mommy’s younger sister and would ordinarily have been called ‘Mashi’ (‘maternal aunt’ in Bengali) but her curly hair and delight in mothering me made the self-christened name seem very apt, and so, it stuck. She, too, brought gifts (watch out for my snazzy navy and yellow Cookie Monster track suit!) and a whirlwind of activity into our quiet Calcuttan existence that culminated in Dida’s 60th birthday bash.

Don’t get me wrong, the Ma-sheep herself is a bit too chilled to occasion comparisons with forces of nature (which is equally true of Mommy and all her family, maybe even the whole of Kolkata) but with her arrival, life at MJP became positively frenetic (by Bengali standards)!

Dida’s birthday was, of course, just 'round the corner and the party was supposed to be a surprise, so, arrangements were being made every time she stepped outside the house. It was a little surreal, like a game of ‘Statue’ where whilst the ‘It’ turns her back on her playmates, the latter run up as close as they can, but when she turns round to look at them they have to freeze. The objective of the game is to touch the It and run away before she turns you into a statue yet again. So, while Dida was at home, everyone lounged about as if they hadn’t a care in the world (or a party to arrange), but the minute her back was turned the house became a hive of activity- crockery and cutlery being set out, my messes cleaned up, invites being issued, food ordered, my messes cleaned up, and so on...

The big day arrived, and Mommy and Ma-sheep finally stopped speaking in whispers and even considered breathing a collective sigh of relief because everything seemed in place. Everyone else involved in organising it (notably Dadu, Mesho and the household help) had been sworn to secrecy, and Dida and anyone who'd asked had been told categorically that there was nothing happening. It was to be an extra special surprise because Dida’s friends from school, university, teaching and her choir had been invited- in a 'This is your life' sort of way. It was going to be perfect!

Except, of course, that a few hours before the bash, Dida started getting a barrage of phone calls from her friends (obviously more lost than long-lost!) asking for directions to the house, but the final straw was the call from the caterers to the wrong mobile (Dida’s instead of Ma-sheep’s) to say they (along with all the food) had gone astray!

I know Mommy and Ma-sheep were a trifle disappointed with the turn of events but Dida has assured me that she was still very surprised and enormously pleased with the party she was thrown. I know I had fun! I got to mingle with yet another throng of terrific people including Mesho. Everyone tucked into excellent food, sang happy birthday (mostly in key), and left replete.

Unfortunately, that was the beginning of the end, because after that, first Ma-sheep and Mesho flew back to Bangalore and then it was our turn to go home. I missed Ma-sheep heaps but worse was to come, I was going to be parted from Dadu and Dida and Budida too. We were all terribly blue that it was over so soon. Tears were shed and hugs and kisses exchanged at the airport and promises made to visit in a few months. There was a lot of drama regarding flight seats on the way back (that’s another story) but it was overshadowed by how bereft we all felt on our journey home.

I still miss them now that I am home but I have plenty to look forward to too; I’m spending Easter with my English family tomorrow, after that, it's Daddy’s birthday- the first one I’ve spent with him, I may also be joining a nursery school very, very soon and I have my first birthday coming up in 3 weeks!

And then, later in the summer, I will be reunited with my Dida and Dadu who will come to visit me in England!

It’s gonna be a brilliant summer!

Eastern Delight

2009-03-22T18:45:00.025Z

If all's been quiet on the western front, it’s because I had gone east. I travelled to Kolkata and had the time of my life! I met so many wonderful people, did such a lot of new stuff and had sooo much fun that I don’t know where to begin describing it all to you.

I guess I could begin at the beginning with our journey to Kolkata. We had to stop in Dubai on our way there. Knowing how tiring the whole thing was going to be for my parents (they are getting on a bit at 30+), I decided to be very, very good all the way to Dubai. I watched the world grow tiny from my window seat, flirted with a fellow passenger- an ‘older woman’ of six years of age, and even deigned to sleep in the cramped bassinet the airline provided.

Once in Dubai, we had to make a mad dash for the connecting flight because our flight in was dreadfully late. Already a little shook up, I couldn’t stay on my best behaviour (though I tried my best) during take-off when the growing pressure in the cabin really hurt my ears. I howled and howled, partly from frustration as my parents ineffectually handed me bottles and rattles and other baby things that are just too juvenile for me. I could’ve told them to hand me a biscuit to munch on if I wasn’t in so much pain and quite so busy howling. Luckily, they figured it out for themselves before the flight back (they may not have my lightning-quick wit but they do their best).

There was good news and bad news waiting for us at Kolkata Airport. The bad news was that the airlines had lost our bag with all my baby food (and most of the gifts for our family) but I forgot all about it the minute I saw Dida and Dadu waiting for us at the exit, ready to take me home.

On the way home, I got so hot and sweaty that Mommy and Daddy peeled off all my clothes before Pishi(moni)Dida and Budida, my great grandmother, saw me for the very first time. I was embarrassed to be presented in this roody noody state as I like to make a good first impression but they seemed thrilled to see me nevertheless!

Home turned out to be an eccentrically shaped pink three-storied house in Jodhpur Park that my Mommy had grown up in. I felt right at home straight away. Despite her reputation, Dida didn’t bat an eyelid as I rearranged furniture, remodelled her best crockery (some might say ‘broke’) and lightened the load on Dida and Dadu’s crowded bookshelves.

I made friends with all the ladies who work at our house. They seemed awfully exotic to me with their bright saris and incessant chatter and activity. Though I was introduced to saris when Dida came over last year I had never seen such a flurry of them before and the colours, not only of their saris but of everything in India, dazzled me.

I did exciting new things like sat up in the car when we travelled (India has different car safety laws) and nimbly walked on cool, tiled floors, using Dida’s light wicker stools for walkers. I experienced real heat for the first time as Kolkata sweltered in it’s hottest spring in twenty years (lots of cold baths and Dadu and Dida’s air-conditioned guest room kept me cool). I tasted wonderful new food like that lovely spicy ‘fish fry’ that Mommy and Daddy let me have a tiny bit of. I was especially thrilled to be able to use all of my eight brand new teeth!

And I met people- droves of people, warm friendly people, people who just couldn’t get enough of me (I am a bit of a star in the UK as well but it’s the difference between being Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan)! Not only did I revel in showing off my many advanced baby skills to family, close relatives and old friends, I was also quite a draw at the shopping malls, restaurants and markets we visited. I wasn’t just the lucky recipient of coos, cuddles and compliments from the people close to me, complete strangers on the plane, at the airports and everywhere we went waved, shook my hand, pinched my cheek (which every baby learns to grin and bear) and had oodles of questions for Mommy and Daddy about me. Eat your hearts out Brangelina!

What I really want to write about are the very special family members I met for the first time- Dadu, Mashi and Budida. I’d love to tell you about becoming best buddies with Dadu, being mothered by Mashi and Dida and the brilliant chats with Budida, but I can’t. Not today. Today is Mother’s Day you see and it’s only fair I devote all my time to Mommy (even though that’s what I do most days)! I have bought her a very cute card, a great box of choccies and the latest Alexander McCall Smith book which she’ll love but I know it’s the time you spend with your loved ones that really counts. And that’s the only thing that makes me sad about my Kolkata trip- it was much too short.

But a baby can’t be gloomy for too long so let me tell you what I’m planning for my next post. It’ll be all about the fabulous time I spent with my family; the manly bonding with Dadu, the coming of the Ma-sheep, my Dida’s 60th birthday and finally, sadly, our trip back.

Till then, happy Mother’s Day to all the mommies out there and fear not, my faithful fans, I shall not take as long between posts as I have recently.

P.S. For those who are wondering if I have forgotten about saving Ashdown Woods from the rampaging Honey Monster, I have not, but as any good strategist knows, you have to strike when the time is right. I am awaiting my moment.

Snow White and the Seven Teeth

2009-02-04T22:35:00.012Z

Here’s a quick recount of the new things I’ve experienced this week.

I’ve seen snow, so much snow that the world around me turned into a Winter Wonderland overnight! Our garden looked particularly pretty decked out in swathes of frost. Mommy gave me a piggyback so I could get a good view from our upstairs window.

I saw the snow fall too in little swirls of frosty flakes that was simply the loveliest thing I’d ever seen. Daddy didn’t get to watch it with me because he was at work (although most of the country stayed home, according to the news). Mommy said Daddy would’ve liked to have watched the snowfall with me but he had to go out to bring home the bacon. I don’t eat bacon but I guess Mommy would have gone hungry if he hadn’t.

It won’t be long though before I can eat almost everything because I now have seven...yes, seven teeth! Three new ones to join the four I’d already told you about. They are all coming through in a rush, unsettling and upsetting me sometimes, as they ache and itch in a way that makes me want to gnaw on all sorts of (unsuitable, according to my parents) things. I particularly like wire, rubber flip flops, grown-up fingers and buttons, none of which I’m permitted to have!

To make up for all the things I’m not allowed to chew on, Mommy and Daddy baked a batch of yummy triple chocolate muffins on Sunday. Because they are homemade, with the most wholesome of ingredients, I can have little bits as a treat. And they are ever so scrumptious! Mommy must think so too because they’re almost all gone but as it’s the first time she’s made muffins she obviously needs to taste as many as possible to make sure they’ve come out just right!

Anyway folks, it’s time for my rusk and milk so I’ll bid you good night.

Don’t forget to join me in Ashdown Woods; I need all the reinforcements I can get when I go on the trail of the hunny monster!

A Beary Sticky Situation

2009-01-31T20:31:00.032Z

Last weekend, my friend Chris (Mr. Robin to you) went on a holiday with his parents and left me in charge of his little patch in Ashdown Woods. Chris is practically an adult at 6 years old, that’s why he’s allowed to have his own scrap of woodland, peopled with creatures from his father’s imagination- a bear of little brain, a depressive donkey and a squeaky piggy.

I am too young to have a full fledged world of my own, though I do have the beginnings of one (I know Mommy & Daddy have noticed me playing games of make-believe where my toys live their lives by complex rules I have set them). Still, it was good to have a go at administering an imaginative landscape that’s ancient compared to mine, and fully formed, unlike mine.

I went down to the woods the first chance I got last Saturday to say hello to my new subjects, but there was no-one around! All the windows were tightly shut and on each door hung identical signs- ‘NO WAN ET HUM’!

I stood in the clearing between the little cottages, befuddled, and wondering what to do. Where had everybody gone? Could this be the end of my brief career as the (acting) ruler of a country of fictitious critters? Pom-Pum-Tum (dramatic background music)

I was about to throw in the muzzie and go home when I heard a squeak and a rustle. And then I saw the tip of a curly pink tail disappear quickly into a crack in one of the tiny houses. They were there after all, just hiding!

Ooh, I do love a game of Hide and Seek but I figured I should introduce myself first.
“Piglet!” I cried, “Eeyore and Pooh, come out and play with me. I’ve brought toys and I have so many good ideas for games!”
“Go home” yelled a little voice, “And take your grubby, hunny-grabbing paws with you!”
“Yes” quavered another, “We don’t want your games. We just want our hunny back!”
“But I haven’t taken your honey!” I cried, feeling a tad aggrieved, “I’m not allowed to have any till I’m one. I can prove it...” And I picked up my heels and hurried home.

I wasn’t running away from the problem, you understand, I was heading home to dig into Mommy’s Baby File where I knew I’d find proof of my innocence. I was ever so quiet as I went about my business because Mommy doesn’t like me messing with her important papers. Little does she know that though I may look like I'm playing, I'm really making sure everything is in order as she can be a wee bit scatty sometimes (don’t tell her I said so)! I found what I was looking for at the bottom of a pile of 'Baby Do’s and Don’ts'. Written in bold on the ‘What Not to Feed Baby’ chart were the crucial words- ‘BABY IS NOT ALLOWED HONEY TILL HE’S ONE’!

Just as I was about to scamper back, I was scooped up and held tight.
“Gotcha” Mommy said, “Playing with my papers again!”

Caught red-handed- was this the end of the road for me and my woodland friends?! Pom-Pum-Tum (more dramatic background music)

I was disheartened momentarily till I remembered that this was Mommy and she always understood. So I told her everything. She listened with interest and then suggested that on top of the baby food chart as evidence, wouldn’t it be a good idea to take them a jar of honey to replace what they'd lost?

As I returned to the clearing bearing gifts, all the critters came tumbling out of their hidey holes, at first warily, and then with alacrity as news of that large pot of honey spread.

Eeyore took a good long look at the ‘Baby Do’s and Don’ts’ chart with his reading glasses awobble on his snout, and then declared to the gathering with his usual gravitas- “HEE NUT TEK DA HUNNY”. They cheered loudly in response and gathered ‘round for their share.

I had won the day. And when Pooh offered me some of his small (by his standards) portion of honey, I knew I’d made friends too (I didn’t have any of it, I swear; oh, maybe just a little, but it's not a patch on chocolate)!

All's well that ends well, you say, but one problem remained...

Who had stolen their honey???
Pom-Pum-Tum (dramatic background music reaches a crescendo)

Join me for the next instalment as I return to Ashdown Woods to hunt down the heinous hunny thief!

A Whirlwind Week

2009-01-21T20:40:00.010Z

Well, folks, I’m back after a week packed with activity and have I got news for you- I’ve now got two front teeth to complement the two bottom ones that had come out earlier!! I’ve also joined a playgroup and I don’t know which is better: the front teeth with which I can munch on crunchier snacks such as baby biscuits and my favourite carrot and coriander flavoured corn chips or being part of a playgroup which gives me access to a whole new collection of toys to play with (bash up, Mommy says). I can also have a sophisticated tête-à-tête with Erin’s mommy or Jason’s gran at the playgroup. Mommy says I’m supposed to mingle with the other babies but can I help it if I find the state of the economy more interesting than ‘goo-goo-ga-ga-poo-bah’? Luckily, it’s not an either-or; I can have both the nibbles and the play sessions!

Bet you’re wishing you could trade places with me, but even a baby’s life is not all fun and games. Earlier this week, I had to look after Mommy and Daddy when, first, Daddy went down with a terrible case of food poisoning and then, Mommy caught a mild strain of the bug. I did my bit by sticking to Mommy like glue and complaining loudly if she left me for a moment, which I felt was the best way to take her mind off their troubles. A big thank you though to Aunties Diane and Cate for being such a huge help to Mommy and Daddy (almost as much as me!) and even to the local doctor who came out to see Daddy when he could barely get up after 16 hours of unrelenting sickness.

We also attended Great Grandma’s funeral last week. Whilst it was a very sad occasion, it was also a celebration of her life and love for family and friends. And so, amidst the sorrow, some funny, some sweet anecdotes about her were read out at the ceremony, as well as swapped at the gathering afterwards. Two of her favourite songs were played (very nice ones; I tried to sing along but Daddy shushed me). Cousin Eleanor and Cousin Matthew who are both about two years old and I (over 8 months now) impressed everyone with our good behaviour during the ceremony. So, despite the overcast morning and sombre event, it was not without joy and I think that’s how Great Grandma would have wanted it.

To end on a happy note, I must mention that my blog has had it’s 500th hit tonight. This is particularly satisfying as I disabled the cookies (mmm, wonder where that last bit of bickie went?) on our own computer from the start, so, when Mommy or Daddy or I visit my blog it does not count, which means some of you out there have returned more than once to read about my adventures! What could be more gratifying to a baby blogger?? Thank you all and good night!

In Vein

2009-01-08T23:05:00.019Z

I went to the hospital for my kidney tests today. I have had a dodgy kidney since I was in Mommy’s tummy. It is only marginally wonky, but the doctors have conducted a lot of tests on me to find out why it doesn’t work as well as it should. As none of the tests were conclusive, they asked us to come in for a ‘Maggie’. A Maggie is a test where they pass a tiny dose of radioactive fluid through a vein so they can follow it’s journey through the kidney and find the blockage. When Daddy explained this to me, I quite fancied being mildly radioactive like a superhero (which, of course, many of my fans think I am, but I’m not. Not really) but it didn’t turn out to be much fun after all.

I haven’t been very well lately and hadn’t slept much when I was awakened at 6 am (I could’ve said ‘rudely’ but actually Mommy woke me up with milk and a cuddle) to go to the hospital. We arrived early and were shown into a playroom where I found a drum to bang on (give me a noisy toy and I’m content) and thought this may be a good day after all. But it was not to be. I should have guessed when the strange wheezy baby next to me was taken away that this was not a happy place for babies.

First, I was stripped and weighed on freezing cold scales, then stretched on this rack like thing to check my height. As a final indignity before the main tests began, a wee bag was left dangling from a certain part of my body- embarrassing and uncomfortable!

I was then taken down to the ultrasound room where a doctor spread an icky goo on my chest and back and then prodded me for the next twenty minutes with a cold thingammie whilst the very irritating Tinky Winky, Dipsy and Lala pranced on strings above me. What really got my goat was that he totally ignored my cries of protest to stare fixedly at some squiggly grey things squirming on a screen. Mommy told me later that he was looking at pictures of my kidney, which is all very well, I know people find every inch of me fascinating, but couldn’t I have been spared the torture of the dancing Teletubbies?

Finally, the big moment arrived and I was put on another icy table to be prepped for ‘Maggie’. I had a grim foreboding that this was not going to be a lark when they put numbing anaesthetic gel on my hands and feet. As if not being able to feel your extremities wasn’t bad enough, the nurse then brought out a battery of needles and started sticking them into me! I howled and howled. I howled so hard that Mommy burst into tears! Daddy carried on stoically jiggling a purple spotted bear (was it ill?) in front of me but I could see he wasn’t too keen on proceedings either.

But it was all in vain (it’s a good thing we, babies, have short memories, I can now see the funny side of this morning’s events). Once they had jabbed me in every conceivable place looking for a vein to stick the intravenous tube into and drawn a blank, they had to call it off, but not before I’d managed to pinch the nurse hard for making Mommy cry and me, feel like a pincushion!

I slept all the way home after that and woke to kisses and cuddles from Mommy and Daddy, and milk, the cure for all ills (sadly, not for a loopy kidney)!

Unfortunately, this story doesn’t end here as I may be recalled for a Maggie when I’m slightly older and have less elusive veins, but we are all keeping our fingers crossed that the consultant looks at the results of the string of tests taken today and declares me well enough to be given the ‘all clear’!

2009-01-03T13:59:00.003Z

Missing you, Great Grandma.

Love
Syon
xxx

Months of Milestones

2008-12-31T19:26:00.016Z

What a year it’s been (well, just short of 8 months, really, for me)! So packed full of milestones that I don’t know where to start when it comes to rounding it up for my readers...

First, of course, there was my birth in May which was quite eventful according to Mommy and Daddy, though I don’t remember that much about it. I gather it took a long time and quite a bit of pain to bring me into the world (even I remember those nasty forceps)! Mommy says what she got in the end (me!) was worth all the pain and she would do it again (but just the once more).

Then, there was getting to know all my family and friends, and their generosity, as visitors bearing gift after wonderful gift arrived at our home following my birth. As I’d mentioned in an earlier post, I quickly organised my new toys into a smoothly functioning unit of cohorts with me, firmly, in charge! That was just the beginning of all the things I learnt to do in the space of a few months. And now I can walk a few steps unaided (as long as I can grab-a-hold of something sturdy)!

Most of all, I can now show Mommy and Daddy how much I love them in return for all the love and care they shower upon me. My face lights up when I see them, I smile when they smile and my little arms reach out and hold them tight when I want to demonstrate how much they mean to me.

I also got to know and love my Grandma and Grandad, and all my English family, with whom I went on my first holiday to France (and with whom I spent my first magical Christmas, but I’ll get to that later).

I also spent a fantastic month with my Dida who flew to the UK to meet me. We grew to know and love each other, as I did the rest of my family in India. With the latter, mostly through phone calls and webchats because I haven’t met them yet but will very soon! I did get to meet my uncle and aunt from Switzerland who visited me when I was very young and though, regrettably, I can’t remember them that well, the Jumperoo they gave me opened up a whole new world of fabulous adventures for me.

While my Dida was here, we celebrated my first solid feed or ‘Annaprashan’. I was fed from specially inscribed lovely silver crockery sent by my Indian family, with all my English friends and family in attendance, which made it a very special day indeed. My Dida left soon after but I am still singing the songs she sang to me while she was here.

The year ended with a brilliant Christmas celebration at my Grandad and Grandma’s house where we ate and drank and made merry but we also missed Great Grandma’s presence as she fell ill and had to, sadly, be hospitalised (thinking of you as I write this, Great Grandma, and hoping you get better soon). I got so many terrific toys, colourful books and attractive clothes from all of my family and friends that I wouldn’t know where to start if I had to list them (best not to, in case Santa thinks he can skip next year)!

But before that, on Christmas Eve, I clocked up another exciting first when I went on my first train ride from Chesterfield to Sheffield as Mommy and Daddy took me to meet their friends and workmates. I met Liz and Karen from Daddy’s team and spent a fun few hours with Unca Brian and Aunty Carola in Sheffield, nipping across to Mommy and Daddy’s old workplace (where they'd met!) to meet Unca George and Aunty Hana too. Off we went to Donny after that, touching base with my friends Eddie and Evan before we got down to the serious business of a family Christmas!

Phew. What a momentous few months it has been. And I’ve got so much to look forward to in the New Year starting with the long awaited trip to India to meet some very special family members like Dadu and Mashi and Budida.

2009, are you ready for me? Coz here I come!!!

Note: Do watch my Christmas slideshow for all my festive photos.

A Merry Missive

2008-12-19T19:18:00.019Z

To
Mr Santa Claus
North Pole
SAN TA1

Dear Great Unca Nick,

This is the second letter I’m writing to you, this time to let you know that I have found the perfect gift for Mommy and Daddy and won’t need your help after all. Do you remember I said I didn’t know what to get them (they seem over the moon having got me this year and are always saying there’s nothing more they want)?

Well, I thought about it long and hard and decided that since they say I’m the best thing they’ve ever had, I should really get them something along the same lines; no, not another baby, they’ll have to ask the Stork for that. But I could get them a better version of me (I know you're thinking, like Mommy and Daddy, that that's not possible)!

Let me explain. Remember Jack Nicholson in ‘As Good As It Gets’ telling Helen Hunt that she makes him “want to be a better man”? Well, Mommy and Daddy’s infinite love and care makes me want to be a better baby.

Don’t get me wrong- I’m no angel and never will be! My world wouldn’t be the same without my daily diversions of pulling Mommy’s hair and pummelling my toys with my plastic hammer. Persistently throwing things from my high chair so my parents pick them up time and again is a teatime treat I couldn’t live without. And I really couldn’t get through a meal without grabbing my spoon and dashing it to the ground just as Mommy brought a big, wobbly spoonful to my mouth. You’ve got to admit giving these innocent little distractions up would be asking too much of any spirited baby. And that’s not the kind of cold turkey I have in mind for Christmas!

What I have been doing in my spare time (in between feeds and play sessions; I don’t nap, such a mindless waste of time- yawwwn) is perfecting my crawl for Mommy. I’ve been practising when her back’s been turned so she thinks I can’t crawl properly yet, but I can really. I’ve been pulling the wool over her eyes (a marvellous metaphor for a Christmas post, methinks!) with my deliberately ungainly caterpillar crawl but come Christmas morn, I shall unveil my new super-smooth slither! I figured it would be a good gift for her because I can then go wherever she goes without her having to pick me up as I am getting quite heavy (and she isn’t very big for a ‘big person’).

For Daddy, I’ve sussed sitting up unassisted so we can have a man-to-man grapple and play other macho games when he comes home from work every day! But there's this little business of falling over I still do which I need to straighten out before the big day. I’ve been trying to learn to stand without support as well but I don’t think I’ll have that wrapped up for Christmas. And although I can’t stand yet, I do have my feet firmly planted on the ground and know that that might have to be my Valentine to my two favourite people (always a forward-thinking baby, me)!

I suppose Valentine’s pressies are outside your remit Santa; you wouldn’t have Cupid’s address, would you?

Christmas Cuddles,
From Syon

Lincoln Green

2008-12-09T19:35:00.018Z

We went to the Christmas Market in Lincoln last Saturday with Grandma and Grandad. I was left to look after them the evening before when Mommy and Daddy flounced off to a Christmas do with our neighbours. I had a great time with them although I think I rather worried them with my histrionics at bedtime (but what’s a thespian to do?)!

We had seats on the morning train to Lincoln. However, despite getting there in time (against all the odds), we weren’t allowed on because they had overbooked! The next train was a whole hour away so we decided to drive to Lincoln instead. I suppose we were a little bit green (a good colour to be, at Christmas!) to think that the path to Lincoln would be smooth on a day when 80,000 visit their festive market, but I would have loved a ride on the ol’ choo-choo. Maybe we’ll try an Indian train when we’re there next year (though Mommy says they get a tad crowded too)!

Once we got there, we had a brilliant time although we were very, very cold. At least, that’s’ what my parents and grandparents said as they knocked back brandy, liqueur and mulled wine! I kept warm by snuggling against Daddy (in my sling).

The market took up all of the historic quarter of Lincoln; stalls dotted the cathedral close and jostled for space in the castle square. And swirling around each was a tumultous sea of beady-eyed bargain hunters. Mommy, Daddy and my grandparents all agreed with me that we should return on a weekday next year, because although the Christmas market was wonderfully colourful and cheery and bags of fun, it was so packed we couldn’t get close enough to the stalls to do any shopping and all we came home with was a handful of nuts (yummy cinnamon coated ones though)! Oh, and a lovely Christmas wreath of orange peel, dried chillies and cinnamon sticks that now hangs in our hall.

On Sunday morning, Mommy, Daddy and my grandparents helped me do up our six-foot Christmas tree with pretty baubles from India, England and Germany, and a very special new one with my name on it which Grandma and Granddad had brought me for this, my very first Christmas!

With the house looking festive and the shopping done, I’m all set for my first Christmas. I would count the days if I could count but what I can do is keep my very sharp baby ears pricked for Santa...

Is that you I hear on the roof?!!

Busy B

2008-11-25T18:27:00.008Z

I’ve been a very busy baby lately that’s why I haven’t posted anything new on my blog for a while. But yesterday when my fans staged a protest march and a hunger strike outside my home, I felt compelled to issue an apology for my silence. I did not want rumbling tummies on my conscience, nor Mommy upset about people peeping through our windows, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite baby blogger.

I am truly sorry I haven’t written, but my fans will have to learn to occasionally get through the week without my pearls of wisdom to guide them, because my diary is simply heaving with engagements all the way up to the New Year.

This week I’ve been Christmas shopping. I shopped till I dropped (off to sleep) but I still have some gift hunting left to do. Such is the plight of a baby with a large social network. It does seem unfair that Mommy and Daddy can sit back (unlike me) and let Santa get all my gifts from the list I've sent him!

I also attended my first birthday party. Not my own, as I am just over 6 months old, but a really fun party thrown by my much older (a whole 6 months!) friend Sol in Sheffield. While all the girls swooned over me and Sol, Mommy tried all the desserts. Daddy wouldn’t let me sip his champagne but we shared a banana which kept me happy till tea time.

Then, on Monday, we took Mommy to hospital for her operation. She put on a green tent-like thing and disappeared behind some doors. I couldn’t wave to her although I wanted to, because I couldn’t move my arms much in my big warm overalls, which I was wearing for the first time as it was a particularly frosty morning. I didn’t get much time to feel sad about it though because Mommy popped out of the operation theatre just a quarter of an hour later to say that she didn't need one after all! The doctor, who’d seen her a month and a half ago, had had another look and was pleasantly surprised to see that the problem area had (finally) healed and no intervention was necessary, which was fantastic news.

And that was the week that was, folks. I promise to try and write again real soon although I have another busy week ahead, full of parties and more shopping and my first trip to the hair dresser (sadly, not for me, though I quite fancy a new look to go with my new teeth)!

A Fangtastic Development

2008-11-14T17:04:00.008Z

After months of angst (and dribble), I have got to the root of my troubles- there is a growth and it’s in my mouth. In fact, there are two (and a half) of them and they are called teeth!

They look and feel a tad strange, like bits of chewy baby rice I’ve forgotten to swallow. I was in great discomfort when they were coming through but now I wouldn’t be without them (although I will have to part with them in a few years, I’m told, but only to make way for others). What are the advantages of teeth you cry, my baby brethren, when they cause us such pain and grief?

Well, for one, I have a dazzling new smile. Show me one Hollywood hunk without pearly whites and I will show you…a baby; a baby who will only ever do the one role and then disappear from our screens forever! And it’s not just about superficialities like appearance, everything I do seems to have more bite (hardy har har).

Chomping on my parents’ fingers is so much more satisfying than it used to be; the occasional anguished scream when I sink my new teeth in is also quite exciting! Plus, I can now show my two toy pooches, Popsi and Pru, who’s boss with a well placed nip or two. Two can play at the same game, you see!

But most importantly, my gastronomic horizons have broadened beyond belief. Just yesterday I was having milk, milk and more milk. Today I can have nibbles, finger foods and little snackeroos I can play with before I eat! It makes my head spin just thinking of all the wonderful new munchies I can get my two (and a half) teeth into!

What more can I say to persuade you to grow teeth, my infant friends, except that it is your passport to foodie heaven? Talking of Foodies, this one must now toddle off to have his tea...

I Can Be Obama

2008-11-07T01:20:00.016Z

Yes, I can.

Mommy cried when Barack Obama gave his US presidential election victory speech at 4 am on Wednesday (or maybe she cried because I’d kept her up all night). She told me that Obama is a beacon of hope for many people around the world. Then she said I was the light of Mommy and Daddy’s life (Daddy verified this so it must be true) therefore, I am their Obama, only smaller and cuter (though he isn't half-bad, according to her). When I grow up, I could be as inspirational as he is (or more, she said; my mommy doesn’t expect much)!

Mommy and Daddy said (all this at the crack of dawn) that I have a lot in common with President-elect Obama. I am a ‘half-outsider’ like him with an ‘unusual’ (but beautiful- Daddy emphasised) name. They hope, like him, these things can be my strength rather than my Achilles Heel (some kind of wonky body part). Like him, they hope, I can succeed on my own terms, shrugging off labels and stereotypes, proudly owning both sides of my heritage, and never watering down who I am to suit other people.

Barack Obama didn’t run to the Deed Poll people when his countrymen couldn’t tell him apart from Osama Bin Laden. When they made fun of a picture of him in a turban, he didn’t disown his Kenyan background, nor did he distance himself from his white family when some people questioned whether he was truly ‘black’. That’s the man Mommy and Daddy believe I can be (not half-Kenyan and half-American, you understand, though I could legitimately sport a turban).

If I am that kind of guy, Mommy says, the world would be my oyster. Maybe a half-closed oyster that has to be prised open, like it is with a lot of people outside the ‘mainstream’. I might have to chip away at it long and hard before opportunities open up to me, but if I have talent and guts and determination (which I shall have in spades, my parents said), then I could make it mine.

I can be Obama. Yes, I can.

But I’d rather be Lewis Hamilton (it looks like more fun)!

Note: Pictured here with my running mate Gerry the Giraffe, who is of African origin; a truly diverse partnership!

Au Revoir

2008-10-31T20:00:00.022Z

I had such a good time with my Dida; it was over much too quickly, and now I can’t wait to visit my half-homeland and see (for the first time) Dadu and Budida and Mashi and all the other family members and friends I have heard so much about!

Dida and I had a whale of a time. You’ve read about my Annaprashan and how much fun that was. We also visited the very atmospheric Bronte Parsonage in the little village of Haworth on the windswept Yorkshire Moors. I had a lively discussion about the relative merits of the novels of the three Bronte sisters with one of the tour guides there. I also enjoyed my apple juice at the little café on Haworth’s quaint main street which Branwell used to frequent (for his supply of Laudanum Mommy said, I don’t know what that is, a kind of cake, perhaps?). Mommy and Daddy did not seem to approve of my interior decorating efforts when I tipped half of Mommy’s salad on the floor (I thought it looked better there). I’m sure Dida appreciated it though!

We also visited Haddon Hall in the Derbyshire Dales. Dida loves history and literature just like Mommy so she loved Haddon Hall which has links with both. I had a relaxing sleep in my sling (attached to Daddy’s chest) through the medieval section, but woke up in time for the mini museum at the end of the tour which had an interesting collection of artefacts, all discovered when the Hall was renovated in the early 20th century. I drew Daddy’s attention to the little, weathered children’s shoes that had been unearthed under the floorboards in the old nursery. My purpose was twofold; it was an interesting exhibit and I could do with some shoes! Mommy and Daddy haven’t bought me any yet because they think babies don't need them till they can toddle, but ever since Cousin Eleanor pointed out my shoelessness in France, I have yearned for shoes.

We wrapped up the evening with a meal at our local pub. Dida does not have a pub in her locality (plenty of good restaurants though), so she wanted to sample ours', nor does she get too many opportunities to have beef steak in Calcutta as it is not that popular there.

Dida’s English sojourn ended with our Diwali celebration. Grandma and Grandad joined us for a lamp-lit cuppa and chocolate cake from Tesco’s (an old Indian tradition)!

And so, Dida’s month with me flew by, filled with fun, laughter, Indian celebrations, English history and most of all, the Bengali songs she sung to me about pomegranate-laden Kabuliwallahs and critters called Hattimatimtim.

I haven’t forgotten your songs Dida, I’ve been singing them to Mommy since you left, and when I see you next, you can teach me a few new ones (especially those about critters- they make the best songs)!

See you soon in Calcutta!

Silver Spoon

2008-10-24T16:52:00.023+01:00

I wasn’t born with one in my mouth but many of my friends and some of my family (India is a long way away and unfortunately, not everyone could join us) came together last Saturday to make up for that. What was the occasion, you say? It was my ‘Annaprashan’- a Bengali rite of passage marking a baby’s first solid feed. For this special first feed, Dida gave me a beautiful set of silver dishes she had had inscribed in Calcutta, one of which was a delicately crafted tumbler which had belonged to her as a child. She also brought me elegantly embroidered traditional Indian clothes to wear for my big day. And the proverbial silver spoon, of course, was a gift from Mashi, and very pretty it is, too.

The event started with my English family arriving just as I had got into the dashing day outfit sent by Shanta Mashi Dida. I was excited to see that even Great Grandad and Grandma and G. Aunty Nellie had made the trip for my special day! My friends trooped in before long and soon everyone was tucking into an array of dishes (almost as many as there were guests). The ceremony followed; a rice and milk mix was spooned up by one Grandma while I sat on the other’s lap. Flashbulbs popped as I wolfed it down to everyone's delight (I had been told the best food had been reserved for me but I have my doubts about that; Daddy’s lamb curry seemed to go down a storm).

With the spotlight squarely on me, Mommy brought ‘round a tray of pretty little objects symbolising different abilities and assets, e.g. a little silver palanquin for social status and a brightly covered book of Bengali tales for wisdom (and a few odds and ends they’d obviously just chucked in at random). I was supposed to pick three to show the path I'd take in later life (I think Mommy, Daddy and Dida made this up to give me a better shot at choosing the right objects, I’m reliably informed most babies just get the one chance)! Guess what I picked? A cricket ball for sporting ability, the clay pot signifying wealth and a miniature silver cart that stood for fancy wheels. I think the comparisons with Tendulkar are inevitable, don’t you? Right down to the Schumacher-gifted Ferrari that got stuck in Customs! Everyone was very happy for me; in fact, I hear Bilky Mashi is already planning her retirement.

The evening ended with fond farewells, a manly heart to heart with my friend Eddie, and an attempt by Mommy and Daddy to show off my prowess with the Jumperoo (I refused to perform however; my adventures in the Jumperoo is a secret I share with the tribes of the Amazon). When our guests had gone and the dust settled, I unwrapped my pile of presents from around the world to discover wonderful toys, books and clothes (although I must admit that the cardboard boxes are my favourite). All in all, it was the most perfect day and I’d like to thank everyone who attended (even in spirit) for making it so!

Jumperoo Jack Flash

2008-10-13T21:55:00.013+01:00

They call me Jack Flash, Jumperoo Jack Flash. The Native Americans of deepest darkest Amazon call me this because I’m agile and quick-witted. Many-a-time have I helped them vanquish nasty crocs and other creepy crawlies that threaten their homes and children (one child reported encountering a one-eyed crocodile who waved a knife under his nose and said ‘Oi’ in a menacing way). My feats of daring have established my reputation with them as ‘One to Depend on to Do the Best Of Derring-do’s’ (to be considered an ODD BOD is the highest honour amongst the tribes of the Amazon Rainforest).

This weekend I was back in the Amazon helping a venerable tribal chief rescue his daughter from some oversized bugs. They had flown off with her, mistaking her for one of their own as she was prancing about in a neon green polka dotted catsuit which the chief had brought back from New York where he occasionally went to watch his favourite Broadway musicals. But I digress. The Toms Toms summoned me to the Amazon and at the head of a handful of tribal Braves I stormed the bugs’ bastion and reunited the doting chief and his daughter. I sustained a few scratches (which Mommy questioned me about but my lips are sealed; the rainforest tribes are a reclusive people) but I think you will find the bugs fared much worse and it will be many years before they consider kidnapping another badly dressed child.

That I am writing this at all is because I want to debunk the myth that I am a superhero before I become the stuff of legend and over-the-top-tabloid tales.

I am merely human. When I scratch myself (as I do quite often in a tizzy because I’ve been put in my crib) I definitely bleed. What I do have, however, is a secret weapon- a wonderful, bouncing, music-playing, light-flashing, animal-noise-emitting vehicle (for want of a better word to describe this unique thing) which carries me into these adventures and then away, unscathed.

My Swiss aunt and uncle bought it for me thinking it would make a brilliant toy but little did they know that it was capable of much more! It has been my trusty steed in times of need and my inspiration in tight corners (like the time I outwitted a troupe of terrible toucans who held me captive in their tree, but that’s another story). I bow to you my comrade-in-arms, and to Bilky Mashi and Olaf Mesho, I say 'thank you'! For some reason Mommy and Daddy want to thank them too for ‘peace at mealtimes’- beats me what that’s about...

Our Survey Says...

2008-10-06T23:55:00.023+01:00

…that the majority of people (37%) who voted for who I look like most voted for Mommy. And so, I've posted this picture of Mommy being crowned a beauty queen because if you look like me you gotta be a champion looker, haven’t you (after all, everyone tells me I’m a cutie)? Daddy came an honourable second with 29% of the votes though many maintain (including Mommy) that I look more like Daddy but runners-up don’t merit a picture sporting a sparkly tiara! And poor ol’ George Clooney was relegated to an also-ran, mostly because he isn’t, of course, nearly as cute or cuddly as I am (Mashi said this; the real one, I think, not the imposter). As for the rest, well, they don’t even deserve a mention with the kind of votes they got! Can I tell you what I think though? I feel I’m the perfect blend of Mommy and Daddy, and I can’t think of a better look than that for any baby! Before I wrap this up, however, I would like to thank everyone who’s voted and made this poll so much fun to monitor from day to day as first George, then Daddy and then Mommy, took the lead. Do keep dropping in, Amigos Mios, and commenting and voting because I’m having a blast writing my blog for all of you!

D is for Dida

2008-10-01T18:37:00.014+01:00

A is for Anindita. B is for Boeing. C is for Coming to visit, and D is for Delighted (and Dida)!

Anindita is my Dida, Mommy’s mommy, and she flew into Heathrow on a Boeing 747 to meet me for the first time last Sunday. And I’m delighted to say we get along like a house on fire!

I must admit that I wasn’t too pleased when Mommy and Daddy dragged me out of bed at 0430 am on Sunday morning but that was because I had forgotten what it was for. It’s not something I would ever do, you see; wake them up in the middle of the night.

After a long, tiring (sleeping is an exhausting business, I tell you) drive, we arrived at this huge, cavernous place filled with people jostling for a better view of something. I thought it might be the paparazzi waiting for me (as they do) but they seemed distinctly disinterested when I turned up. Only a few turned and smiled and an old lady attempted to tickle my chin which I dodged rather deftly.

As it turned out we were at Heathrow Airport and the surging, neck-craning crowd was waiting for their friends and family to arrive. That’s when I remembered Dida was arriving that morning on a big plane called a Boeing (they call it that because of the noise it makes when it bounces on the runway) to meet me! Now I was excited!

But it was a whole hour before Dida turned up because the Immigration People (don’t ask me who they are but they sound like a boring lot) were feeling a wee bit lonely (as they often do, Mommy told me) and were stopping everyone for very long chats. I was the first to spot Dida in the crowd- a little lady dressed like an Eskimo, just like Daddy said she would be- and head-butted Daddy to draw his attention. Soon I was scooped up into a lovely, silky bedspread (Mommy says it’s called a sari) and given a cuddle.

Daddy drove us home after that, with Mommy and Dida talking nineteen to the dozen in Bengali. I could join in because I am already multilingual (English, Bengali and Baby). By the time we’d got home, Dida and I had become the best of friends and as she’s going to be here for a month, we’re going to have a groovy (Dida is a child of the 60’s) time together. Anything that does not involve going outside, of course, just in case it’s too cold!

I know people around the world are waiting with bated breath for the minutiae of our adventures together this autumn (especially Dadu who, unfortunately, couldn’t join us this time). So, watch this space for further details (like will she or won’t she venture into 'the cold')!

What Syon Did Next

2008-09-23T16:38:00.013+01:00

Since my last post, I have clocked a few more firsts.

I am now turning over on to my stomach and trying to crawl. I can’t really get anywhere much yet but everyone says I’m doing things before my time and it won’t be long before I can walk. At the moment though, I find it frustrating not to be able to go places, and occasionally my attempts end in tears. I also intend to learn to get on the big chair in front of the computer by myself as soon as possible, so Mommy can stop taking credit for helping me with my blog more than she actually does (don’t get me wrong, I love Mommy to bits, but she does exaggerate)!

I also have plenty to say. To the casual observer, my conversations with Mommy or Daddy might sound like this:
Me: Oi ei ooh ga ga
Them: Is it time for your nappy change, Sweetheart?
Me: Oooh henga ham ei oi eh eh
Them: Milk, you want milk, Baby?
Me: Aah goo ga humma Mom
Them: Poor Babes, isn’t Panda playing with you?
But it’s just a cover for those deep meaningful discussions of ours' that could attract the wrong kind of attention (you know the kind I mean, the ‘Oxbridge Scouting Committee for Prodigal Babies’ and that sort of thing).
In reality, our conversations go like this:
Me: So, you say that Stonehenge was a centre for healing but I still feel the temple theory has more credibility.
Them: Recent research would suggest, however, that the ailing travelled to Stonehenge from all over Europe including the ‘Amesbury Archer’ from Switzerland.
Me: Ah, but haven’t the very ill always congregated at places of worship in the hope of a miracle cure?
etc...

People are always telling Mommy and Daddy that I will be speaking in no time. I never bother to correct them; I am already speaking, just not in their tongue. They get all excited when I say ‘Mom’, like the lady in the shop the other day, because I’m not five months yet, but I’ve been saying that for simply aaages. Obviously, I will have to learn Big People Speak fairly quickly so complete strangers stop prattling on at me in some made-up language they think I’ll understand!

Strange things are also happening to my hair. Most of my abundant dark pelt of newborn hair is now gone and just as I was getting used to the super-shiny Bruce Willis look, Mommy’s noticed a few new sprigs coming through. Daddy’s keeping his fingers crossed that my new hair does not turn ginger!

Right-O! I am hungry again and must go. What’s your bet my next development update is all about the wonders of baby rice?!!

Syonix in Gaul

2008-09-15T13:47:00.016+01:00

In the little village of Villepot in faraway Gaul, Syonix and his tribe rented a hut (a very large hut with a pool, more often called a villa) for a week’s holiday. With him were Obelix, Cacofonix, Vitalstatistix…..

Well, no, actually, it was Daddy, Mommy, Grandad, Grandma, Uncle David, Aunty Louise and Cousin Eleanor who went to France with me. Our luggage did not contain a single winged helmet, harp, obelisk, or vial of invincibility potion but Daddy could have easily passed for Getafix the Druid with all the mistletoe-spotting he did on holiday!

It was a week of many firsts for me- my first holiday, first trip abroad, first ferry ride and first swim (the last two, fortunately, not related)! Our first day there was nice and warm so I got into my very first pair of swimming trunks (blue, rather than the red Mommy liked, to avoid the inevitable comparisons with David Hasselhoff), and jumped into the invitingly turquoise (Mommy says descriptions are a must in travelogues) pool in a floating thingie, with Daddy. I didn’t stay long; the water turned out to be absolutely freezing and I retired to the warmth of Mommy’s arms at the poolside very quickly. Mommy had earlier, very wisely, decided against going in, after the toe she dipped into the water turned blue! I shall throw my rubber duckies in before me the next time I try swimming; if they stay their usual pokerfaced selves, I’ll know it’s OK to go in!

We also spent a lovely day nosing about the market in Chateaubriant and returned to the villa weighed down with Gallic delicacies, which I got to taste too, in a roundabout way! The one mystery remained the contents of Doner’s dad’s market stall (‘Doner Kebap’ said the sign on the shack) which drew great numbers from amongst the market-goers. Mommy was very tickled when I asked her about this, but all I got by way of explanation was something about the same dish having slightly different names around the world!

All in all, a week full of new experiences for me; I have yet another and a very special first coming up at the end of September when I meet my Dida for the first time!

Mamma Mia!

2008-09-01T15:01:00.057+01:00

Last Saturday was Mommy’s 21st birthday (that’s what Daddy advised me to write). We had weekend-long celebrations planned and what a weekend it was!

It started on Friday when I went to see the local doctor about my TB vaccination scab which wasn’t looking so good. The doctor said it had got infected and put me on antibiotics. That evening Mommy went out with some mummies (not the bandaged kind) from our street; this gave me and Daddy the opportunity to wrap her birthday gifts. I got Mommy a book of nursery rhymes with lots of pretty pictures; this was a really clever gift because I get to enjoy it too when Mommy reads it out! Daddy's obviously nowhere near as clever as he got Mommy her favourite historical novels and rom com DVD’s which aren’t his thing at all. On Saturday night, Daddy cooked us a delicious meal (it was for Mommy really, I had to settle for the liquid option, followed by a nasty shot of antibiotics). Then, on Sunday evening, we all went out for dinner, and that's when things got really exciting…

Just as Mommy and Daddy were tucking into Dessert, I felt a wee bit poorly and puked...and puked again. Mommy and Daddy took me home but I kept throwing up and became very drowsy and lethargic. They were quite worried, especially as I was on medication, so Mommy called the helpline and they sent a tall, friendly man dressed in green. I thought he might be the Jolly Green Giant, but he didn’t bring us any canned peas or sweet corn, so, maybe not (Daddy told me later he was a paratrooper - or something beginning with ‘para’ anyway)!

The big green man conducted some tests on me that showed I was okay; but as I was still unusually sleepy and ‘lagbage’ (Daddy’s favourite Bengali word), he was a bit concerned and thought the excitement of a ride in an ambulance with an oxygen mask on would wake me up. This might have worked but the ambulance set off without Daddy who had to chase after me and Mommy in his car, they then forgot to take us home and dropped us off at a place called A&E instead (dunno what they were up to - I guess it's not easy being green)!

I'm still not sure what A&E stands for, but it has to do with waiting, as we all waited a very long time. Fortunately, one of the other people waiting turned out to be a Paediatrician who said I'd fallen ill because of the medicine the local doctor had given me. I am pleased to say that now that I have stopped taking it, I am back to my usual self again… HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!
Note:This picture was taken seconds before I started throwing up, so if I don't look my usual dashing self, you know why!

100 Not Out

2008-08-21T17:58:00.011+01:00

I was planning this blog entry to commemorate the 100^th hit on my baby blog. The celebration has been somewhat dampened, however, by my critics who have suggested that Mommy helps me with my blog. Well, I can confirm that they are....CORRECT! Yes, I must confess, embarrassing as it is for a grown-up baby like me to admit, I need my Mommy to lift me onto the chair by the computer. I had hoped to be able to do that on my own by now, but it appears I take after Daddy who was a 'late developer' (according to Mommy). All journalistic input is entirely my own, however. And to prove that, I have attached a short video of me writing this post for all the Doubting Thomases out there. On a happier note, on this occasion of my centennial hit, I would like to thank all my fans who read my blog. I especially enjoy your encouraging comments. Special thanks must go to Mashi who unfailingly comments on every piece, spurring me on to greater things (a toddler tome in the near future, perhaps). And so, to everyone who came, saw, and returned for more, please carry on Syon-ing in (he he)!

What's in a Name?

2008-08-20T22:13:00.026+01:00

A lot of people have commented on the uniqueness of my name (in the UK). Many have said how lovely it is. Mommy and Daddy are very pleased with that because they looked high and low to find a name that both represented my dual heritage and also meant something good. Syon means 'twilight' in Sanskrit and 'gift of God' in Gaelic. As twilight or dusk is the merging of day into night, creating a beautiful time of day, it perfectly represents the coming together of my parents' different backgrounds in me. It's important to say it right though, otherwise the meaning changes, as with all Sanskrit names. You can call me 'Sigh-un' or in the original Bengali way, 'Shy-un', but it should always rhyme with lion. The best way to remember how to pronounce it is to think Bob Marley (Lion in Zion), and then watch my face light up in recognition (as in this picture) because I'll know you're talking to me!

Mirror, Mirror...

2008-08-20T10:33:00.015+01:00

No, I don't want to know who's the fairest, that's strictly for evil queens in fairy tales, but I would love to find out who you think I look like most- Mommy, Daddy or any of the other options on the little poll I've set up (on the right). Comparisons with George Clooney have indeed been made, I'll have you know (and not just by Mommy), but parallels have also been drawn with Mr Greedy from Mr Men (ouch, a growing lad's gotta eat)! The speculation started as soon as I was born. First, I looked like Mommy and now I'm told I look like Daddy. Grandma thinks I look like Dadu, and Mommy sees similarities with Mashi, and so on. So, I thought now was a good time to settle the matter once and for all with a public poll. After all, I'm quite grown up now at three and a half months and won't be changing loads more, will I?! So, please do vote and if you don't think I resemble anyone on the list (though how can you not when George Clooney is an option), then please comment on who you think I look like.

Sherpa Syon

2008-08-13T20:28:00.019+01:00

Yesterday, Mommy, Daddy and I climbed to the Everest Basecamp in the Himalayas. Though all of my gang wanted to come along, only Kicky the Kung-Fu Tiger was allowed, to protect us from the Abominable Snowman with whom he has grappled in the past and won (so he says)! We did this after Daddy came home from work. We packed quickly and off we went. Mommy packed her case and mine with warm clothing. I clearly remember her telling Daddy to pack his woollen socks but Daddy forgot (Mommy insisted I make this clear). Which is why, as you can see in this picture Mommy's taken of Daddy, Kicky and me in our tent in the mountains, Daddy has no socks. And because Daddy had no socks to protect his feet from frostbite, we couldn't climb to the top although we had been making great progress. We didn't see the Yeti either though I do believe Kicky could've wiped the glaciers with him. Easy. He is a battle-hardened Himalayan Tiger after all. Anyway, we came back home before midnight because it was way past my bedtime. Daddy went back to work today but not before promising me another shot at Everest when we've got our socks in order!
Click here for a better view of me in my tent

A Literary Triumph!

2008-08-11T09:30:00.023+01:00

Once in a rare while, you come across a book that is a real page turner, one that you want to dip into again and again. 'Bouncy Lamb' is one such book. Since Daddy brought it home for me, I have read it 37 times, and each time discovered a fresh nuance or a startling new fact I had missed before. For example, did you know that dogs like bones? This is obliquely referred to on page three; it's not in-your-face, the author doesn't overemphasise it, but it does make you look at dogs with new eyes.

Furthermore, the writer, Mr. Ladybird, has an elegant way of expressing himself that instantly appeals. There is music in lines like the one about the Cuddly Cat - 'Rub her tum' (goes tum-ti-tump-ti-dum in your head, you see).

The character development is superb. By the end of the book, Curly Snail and Softy Rabbit have become your friends, and you don't hesitate to feel Snail's shell or touch Softy's tail. You identify with the whole cast of characters in a way that a lesser book could never have got you to do. You have no trouble believing that they are every bit as cuddly as you!

All in all, a touching book with vivid characterisation and a great deal of local colour (the barnyard truly comes alive) which I wholeheartedly recommend to all babies.

It has been a rewarding experience too - a great read washed down with lots of milk - my idea of heaven! And in critiquing it, I may have found a vocation...

Syon the Lionheart, Pirate's Son

2008-08-06T09:39:00.020+01:00

At my sixth week health review, our local doctor listened to my heart and thought he heard it go lub-dub-whoosh,lub-dub-whoosh rather than lub-dub, lub-dub, which, he said was not the best thing it could do. So, yesterday, Mommy, Daddy, Grandad and Grandma took me to see a Baby Heart Doctor (a doctor who checks babies' hearts, not a Cardiologist of my age, you understand). He also had a listen and said he heard a strong lub-dub, lub-dub. He was so pleased with this, he gave me a clean bill of health (I think this must be the crisp pink slip Mommy tucked into my change bag). He said I didn't have to go back to see him (good, 'cos I've slept in a lot of hospital waiting rooms now and this one isn't my favourite). The most interesting part of the day was when Daddy turned up with a patch over his eye after seeing another doctor at the hospital. Mommy said he looked rakish. But I don't think Daddy went to see a doctor at all, after all, I didn't get an eye patch from my doctor, did I?! I think Daddy must have joined a band of buccaneers and I'm raring to go on swashbuckling adventures with him!

What's New, Pussycat?

2008-07-29T22:47:00.021+01:00

I am almost 3 months old now and can do many things I couldn't do at first. Here's a list, for my faraway family members, of some of the grown-up things I have done in the last few weeks:

1. I laugh and play with Mommy and Daddy every day. I play with my toys too (sometimes a little roughly but they need to know who's boss)!
2. I have a whole new range of sounds to express new emotions; I coo when I'm happy, yelp when surprised, cry for 'Maaaa' and sometimes, I say 'Hello' (Mashi will back me up on this one)!
3. I wipe my own face with my muzzie or any bit of cloth I can lay my hands on. The naysayers have told Mommy it's a coincidence but she knows better!
4. I indicate when I'm hungry by opening my mouth wide and miming spooning food in. I don't need to tell Mommy when my nappy is full because she has a sensitive nose (although my long suffering expression helps as well, I'm sure)!
5. I grab and guide Mommy and Daddy's fingers into my mouth when I feel like chewing on something because I might be teething already.
6. I like to sit upright on Mommy or Daddy's knee, with my legs dangling, facing forward so I can see what's going on in the world around me (lying down is for babies)!

7. I love my first book which Daddy has got me and I am completely taken with the 'bouncy lamb' and the 'curly snail'.....

I can't wait till Dida and Dadu, Grandma and Grandad and all the other friends and family members I don't get to see enough of, can see me do all these things!

Fight Night

2008-07-28T22:07:00.008+01:00

Last night, Mommy, Daddy and I were woken up by a loud growling noise. At first I thought it was Daddy's tummy, but we soon discovered it was coming from my nursery. Daddy grabbed the camera and took this photo of Kicky and Gerry at each other's throats while Mommy broke up the fight. It turns out that, fuelled by Aunty Michelle and Mashi's comments, Gerry and Kicky had been arguing as to who was my best friend and things had got out of hand. I spent all day today (when I wasn't feeding, anyway) explaining to them that they were my joint best friends. The truth is, as fond as I am of my furry friends, I love my family and FOOD even more!

By Public Demand...

2008-07-23T13:11:00.008+01:00

This is me as I am now. Some of the women in my life - Mommy, Dida, & Mashi - insisted I post a recent photo of myself where I looked 'more (Gregory) Peck than Shrek'. They didn't want any girl babies who happened on this site to think I still look as battered and bruised as I did at birth (I was a forceps baby). So, here I am all scrubbed up and ready to party!

Meet My Gang

2008-07-21T22:08:00.020+01:00

In the middle is Gerry Le Giraffe (Mr G.L.G Matekoni to you), my first recruit and lieutenant. Below Gerry, his matronly missus Hatima who sings me to sleep. Then there's Kicky, the Kung-Fu Tiger from Bangalore who's taught me to high kick while lying down! I put my new skills to use when I play a game of kick-the-blankie every time Mommy lays one over me for my afternoon nap. On Gerry's left is Bear; she's so shy she hasn't told me her name yet but she has a lovely singing voice (though you have to twist her tail to get anything out of her)! Luciano 'the loud' ladybird is also a part of my menagerie, he has scrunchy antennae and a shiny tummy that keep me entertained for hours. And finally, my newest friend, Tony the Tiger. Tony used to live at Longleat but he was very lonely there so my Grandparents brought him home to join my gang.

Meet the Parents

2008-07-20T21:16:00.014+01:00

Here is a picture of me with my parents. My father's name is Daddy and my Mother's name Mommy. I have Daddy's ginger eyebrows and Mommy's black hair at this point but that may all change (fingers crossed) as I'm changing every day! I also have blue-grey eyes which Mommy hopes will not change as they are different from everyone else's in the family.
Daddy goes out to work every day. I think his job involves burping babies, because Mommy says he's an expert. Mommy used to work too but now spends the day looking after me (or that's what I want her to think, but it's really me keeping an eye on her like Daddy's asked me to). Mommy and Daddy love me loads. They are always kissing me which is embarassing for a grown-up baby like me. And I love them lots but I make sure I squirm like mad so that they are in no doubt that I think they overdo it!
...Oh look at the time, I'm due my hourly feed! Come back tomorrow and I'll introduce you to the crew from my crib.

First Post

2008-07-18T12:12:00.002+01:00

No, this isn't me following a K.O. defeat in the boxing ring - it's a picture taken by my dad when I was 5 minutes old. I was born at 3:15a.m. on 3rd May 2008 and weighed 2.88kg (or 6lb 6oz in old money). I am pleased to report that a few hours and a bath later I looked a lot less like a potato.