angels in cradle

Sunshines

2010-04-09T03:53:00.000-07:00

Gudia with her coy appearance would seem very shy. I must say that these days I enjoy her being naughty. There is an impish look on her face and a sudden twinkle and you would know she is up to something. Yesterday she walked up to my face and sniffed me. “You smell strange!”,she observed. “Let me guess…the new SunScreen haan?!”

Joel doubled up laughing…., “Sunscreen during night….How stupid would that be….Where is the Sun?”

Gudia was about to burst out laughing…that she suppressed it and pretended to be very serious, “That’s not Stupid ….Sun is there….right now working in America!!”

Grow...but go slow...

2010-04-05T03:44:00.001-07:00

It has been long. Very long gap in this blog. Not that there were no stories to be penned. But because I was too gripped in what and who and why of my own being.

But time doesn’t stand still.

Many interesting anecdotes happened and were conveniently forgotten. As Joel and gudia continued to grow….I was just taken to my own childhood. Out of habit and nostalgia, I could see Jobi in Joel and me in gudia. I knew what kind of bond they shared. I realized how superficial were the quarrels they had. I had learnt over time that hardly overtly expressive ,how deep Joel’s affection ran for Gudia. Gudia , however was very expressive.

One day,it was after I came from work , both Joel and gudia were enthusiastically narrating all that happened , that Joel’s sentence caught me off guard. “Mamma, I think I understand few things better now”,he said deep in thought. I was in a hurry to get rid of them,and muttered a bored,”Hmm”. Joel continued, “ I guess I am on the verge of my childhood. Now I can make sense of lot of things that adults do. Earlier it used to baffle me. There are things that young children do that amuses me. But I no longer feel part of them. I guess I am about to be a grown up.”

I was all ears now….but he he had ran off.

Joel has often surprised me with his depth, his deep understanding and his analytical observations. I have worried about his lack of very close friends, his lack of interest in presenting his work well and his lack of organization. But I find him hovering with his protective instincts whenever I feel low.

He has a formula worked out….

* You are all same colour when you are just matter of fact.
* Your face becomes dark and nose swells a bit when you are angry.
* Your face becomes dark and nose becomes red and eyes look away when you are sad.
* Your face looks reddish and smile hides behind your lips when you are happy about something and wouldn’t tell.

I have been awestruck at the accuracy of his observations. Jaison himself could never be so good at it.

Catherine has not been short of an angel. A perfect child. You could not find a fault with her unless you see her wanting hot and sour soup filtered. Excelling in everything she took up. Be it sports, dance or academics. Her kindness surprised me as to from which genes she got it. One of the most politely spoken children and one of the most independent.

She was a perfect blessing for Joel. Like a fairy God Mother she would fix anything and everything for him. She would underplay her skills to make him feel good and in private teach him- lessons of music, handwriting etc….so he could excel.

Very emotional and intense, she would demand affection, attention and enjoy public display of both. She would keep making cards that would be so innocently winning your heart. She would spell out detailed list of why she loves you…and how much she loves you. And very politely point out,”You write in your blog you love kids….is this the way to?” Or,”Being a paediatrician you ought to be a bit more kinder when I say my tummy hurts”.

One small sorry could make her forgive murder. She developed friends and friendships which ran deep. Her affections always stayed on.

Anywhere and everywhere, she would become her teacher’s pet.

Unlike Joel gudia would remember everything. Be it good, bad or ugly. She would never let go. Holding on to memories, friends ad grudges…..

I have been at times scared seeing her grow…..thinking of all that this world would make her feel….of so many things….which I wouldn’t be sharing….

Not so fast my angels…..you are still my darling lil children….you still have time to be innocent……

Grow….but go slow….

My heart is yet to be quenched….

Grow...but go slow...

2010-04-05T03:44:00.000-07:00

Through Joel's Lens- Mom and dad

2009-06-15T20:53:00.001-07:00

Cathy sings on stage

2009-01-23T06:42:00.000-08:00

It was the first stage performance of Cathy of Karnatic music. There were around 10 others. It has been mine and Jaison's dream that our kids should have music sense. Both of us absolute fans but having no understanding of music, voice and tune.

As Joel puts it...,"Both of you could be good singers but you have no sense of tune and timing....
:))
Thank God Cathy is better!!!

So on January 16th Cathy peformed- melodious and confident!!!

The photos taken when we started from home!!

favourite songs videos

2009-01-10T00:25:00.000-08:00

wish I cold post it in Cathy's voice!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7_hTOYZp38

"Beleive...its just a wonderful song!!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK7Q4bMQ4lY

"Oh!! just listen to this one...you'll love it!!",Joel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h10ElL6OARU

"This song's this video is best...- see a little girl is singing this smiling....."
Cathy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3r7Tp7fAZ4

two voices -one song

2009-01-10T00:05:00.000-08:00

I have been amazed at the intensity of Cathy's emotions and memory. She feels intensely and responds emotionally and attaches passionately. At times I have been amused...at times plain jealous.....

However, one friendship which has already been on for 3 years needs to be recorded and put here.....

Shashwati and Cathy are close....to the point of my envy.....and this is her favourite song for her....which she can sing full....in tune!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDrlt4K_5ds

You are a big girl mama!!

2009-01-07T00:55:00.000-08:00

"And today mamma we are going to sleep with you and papa!!" Catherine announced. Already with shifts and nights....I was reluctant to share our bed with both of them...!!
"No way darling!! I thought it was very clear that you are big enough to be in your own bed!",I hoped to make an overbearing impact.

"But when you are going for night shift daddy lets us sleep here!! then that is because he is scared!! right!! ",she argued.

"What he does is his business...I can see a bed which cannot certainly accommodate four persons...and in any case you are a big girl now!", I passed the verdict.

Cathy was upset...but deep in thought....and then with a long face came up to me and said..., "Ok!! I am a big girl and I will go to my bed!! You are also a big girl...much bigger than me!! No need to sleep with daddy and no hugging business", and she walked out of the bedroom!!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T00:09:00.000-08:00

Joel and Gudia have made their resolutions.....every day mummy and dada should find time to play and every weekend we should be in a park playing.....that done they wouldn't mind eating every vegetable cooked by mama..... what we resolved for them....
:)))

Happy Bday Joel Monu!

2008-12-29T00:45:00.000-08:00

A lot is happening very fast darling...and I find I am missing to record everything going by....just remember ....too blessed to have u....

Abra - Dubai Creek

2008-11-17T22:40:00.000-08:00

The Abras in Dubai Creek have been sheer fun...we love our early morning and late night visits....the crowded abras...smelling of fuel...with the sea gushing past below...and the wide expanse in front of you....a ripple of joy jumps a beat...

Here We Pose!!

2008-11-17T22:20:00.000-08:00

Al Twar Park

2008-11-17T21:50:00.000-08:00

A

An evening when sunshine is engulfed slowly by darkness....and the family relaxing into sandy dreams....

n evening

What do you want for the birthday?

2008-11-17T21:21:00.000-08:00

Cathy's birthday was fast approaching. And with that her plan to celebrate also warming up. We were unsure if we could manage an actual celebration with the new schedules.

It was Jaison who asked,

"So dear what is it that you want?"

" I want a camera papa!"

"You are aware it is expensive"

"Yes Papa...but its my bithday!!"

"Hmm!! still its way too expensive...in that case you will have to choose between party and camera."

This was difficult for her. She already had elaborate dreams of how she would dress up , what colour wings she would have and which cake she would cut. She was deep in thoughts. I looked complainingly at Jaison..this was hard on her!

He just smiled.

Cathy returned...having made up her mind, "OK papa! I will have the camera....but buy me a cake , some balloons and we four will have a party....will that be ok?!"

Jaison was touched.....Yes my Chakkara vava!!

On 29th October both of us could stretch to include a party with the dearest of families...and few of her friends...it was less elaborate...but our best effort...Cathy went to her school, dance class...returned tired to celebrate her party...with her cake and friends and a brand new digital kodak camera.

Who plans and who executes!!

2008-11-17T21:14:00.000-08:00

Joel was talking to Jaison

Daddy I have noticed something. In our family we all are very different kind of people.

Gudia is the funny thing....the joker...she makes everybody laugh so much..

I am the explorer....because I like to find the why behind everything...

You are the planner....you think so much...then plan and plan...and write it down and put it up...tell us..and talk...

And do you know what mamma is?!!

She is the EXECUTIONER....she executes....whether its planned or not its action for her...she works, writes, shouts, cries, drives....

Jaison smiled to this
And joel reaffirmed....yeah daddy its true

With a naughty smile almost breaking into a laugh he repeated..,"I agree completely...she is an executioner!!"

New job response

2008-11-17T21:06:00.000-08:00

I landed a new job. I was excited and so was Jaison. We also had apprehensions as to how kids will take it.

This is how they took it!!

Joel-
Actually Mamma when you said you gave the interview I was not very sure what I wanted. What should I pray for?! Should I pray for you to get the job or pray for you not to get it. You know...its not that I do not want you to get the job....I am not sure how much I will like being without you!!You understand , don't you?!

Catherine-

Hmm!! so mamma is going for a job in the hospital. Very good! But I want to tell you something important. You should be very disciplined and do not use computer in office. Do not write your blogs there. You can carry a notebook and write down...come home and then put in our computer. One more thing. You should talk like a real doctor. Not this funny childish way....like a REAL doctor.I will keep the dress ready for you...and do not worry I will take care of Joel!!

Happy Onam

2008-09-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

Its Onam again. Like every year, Jaison took the kids again and started with the intention of narrating the traditional story behind Onam. This time the narration was interactive...here goes....

Jaison: Once upon a time there was a king. His name was Mahabali.

Cathy : He was good, daddy?!

Joel :Of course he was...not just good but a great king!

Jaison: He was a good king . He was very much liked by everyone. He never refused anyone who arrived in his doorstep anything!

Joel: How foolish could that be!

Jaison:(ignoring Joel) He was so popular and liked that the Gods felt the threat!

Cathy: All of them?

Joel: Only the Hindu gods...u dumb!

Jaison: so they planned a way to oust him. They decided to use his weakness of not being able to refuse anybody anything. But his advisor was very smart and told him that the Gods were upto some trick this time. And there could be a brahman coming and asking him for some land which he must refuse. Mahabali did not heed his advice. When the brahman, Vaman, who was Lord Vishnu in disguise arrived, he asked for some land that will be covered in three steps. Eventhough Mahabali remembered the advice, he did not heed it. He promised the required. Immediately Vaman became a giant, he covered entire land in one step, the heaven in another...and then he asked,"where shall I keep the third?!". Mahabali, humbled, went on his knees and told him to keep it on his head. Vaman did that and Mahabali was pushed to paataal.

Cathy : What is paatal daddy?

Jaison: (struggling to find correct description)

Beji : Could it be basement?

Jaison:(laughing) something like that yeah!

Joel : Of course not...its deep down..where they did the Big Bang test yesterday!!

Jaison: So my dear kids do you know why was Mahabali pushed down to paatal?

Joel : The Gods were simply jealous!!

Jaison: (aghast at the thought of not getting the correct idea through)NO! NO!
See he was so proud , he felt he should never refuse anything to anybody...he didn't listen to his advisor...

Joel : (obviously ready to discuss)What are you talking about daddy?! The advisor need not be always right. How would he have ever known that this time he was. You know Akbar and Birble...the advisors who were there prior to Birble were not nice...so Akbar kept Birble...because he was better, smarter and more clever. But the previous advisors tried to harm Birble at every point. Whatever makes you feel they are always right.

Jaison:(sleepy now) Well! whatever...so Gods wanted to teach Mahabali humility.

Cathy : But why do we celebrate Onam daddy?

Jaison: Ohh! His people were so dear to him he asked Lord Vishnu to allow him to visit his people every year! And that is Onam ,when he visits us!

Cathy: All of us, even in Dubai?! I speak little Malayalam and English.

Jaison: So now you know what is Onam?

Cathy : Yes! I know Mahabali was a good king!!!

Onam in 2004

Be polite to Appupans!

2008-09-07T23:09:00.000-07:00

We were watching Sa RE Ga Ma Pa in Zee. A program when the entire family gets together in front of the TV. The Mahaguru this time was Ustad Amzad Ali Saheb. Jaison was not liking his expressions when he was listening and commenting. At last he observed disapprovingly..., " Why can't this man have a more enthused response...such a sleepy and odd face he is putting up!"

Cathy sternly looked at Jaison and remarked," He is an appupan...is this the way to talk about him?!"

How to find electricity

2008-09-07T22:52:00.000-07:00

Joel has been asking and telling me about mining, digging, finding petrol. Cathy has been around. But I never felt she actively listened anything. Until....

All of us were watching BBC. They were showing Electric Linesmen in training in California. They were being trained to climb poles. The scene was a number of trainees on every pole. There would have been tens of them.

Cathy asked innocently," Papa, what are these people doing?!"

And then thought aloud,"May be they are climbing up to find electricity!"

What's vacation without cousins?!

2008-09-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

The summer was spent in Kerala. Without daddy and with hospital trips for daddy I wondered what vacation they will have.

Joel and gudia ignored the mosquitoes, the power cuts, my absences....and lo!! did they have a wonderful time?!

With cousins....a memorable time together!!

Mamma! I love to dance!

2008-04-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

Catherine has never been like the other girls. Or had every trait a girl had ...a bit magnified. She cared, she introspected, she felt, she cared, she nurtured,....and she danced and sang. A shy girl...neverthless the minute you left her on her own she would dance and sing.

It was the easiest decision to put her for the Bharatnatyam dance. And to put her to learn Karnatic music. She happily went for her drawing classes.

She has been a wonderfully expressive darling...just waiting for the medium to soak her soul in!

My World

2008-03-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

"Why are you always so lost Joel? You can't hear me?! Its so irritating to have no response when I am continuously calling you!!"

"I know mamma! I am sorry!! But do you know I have another world. That is my world. Anytime I wish I can go there . I am there...always. But you can come only if I want you to. Anybody I want can come. Anybody I don't want can not!! Its a nice place. I often go there. That's when I can't hear you!!Do you understand it now, mamma?!"

You r not listening to Jesus

2008-03-03T02:02:00.000-08:00

It was a busy morning. I was hurying the kids. Both Joel and Cathy were sleepy. I was continuously pushing them on. And also getting irritated . When they refused to budge....I shouted at the top of my voice.
Everybody was suddenly very silent.I looked . Catherine was almost in tears. My heart melted.

I mellowed down , "Baby!"
All teary eyed she said,"Yesterday also I prayed to Jesus to make you good. Jesus promised you will be! But mamma! you are not listening to Jesus!"

Useful Toy

2007-11-09T11:15:00.000-08:00

Joel was planning to buy a birthday gift for his sister."What should I buy? Those stupid Barbies are of no use anyways. She has a whole generation of kitchen set.Yeah this is what she likes." He was thinking aloud. I called up Jaison saying we will be late as Joel wants to pick up a toy. He said, " Tell him not to buy something useless....whatever he buys should have utility value." I immediately conveyed the message.

Joel looked amused. "Can you tell me names of few useful toys, mamma?"

Stuck in traffic, behind the wheel, I said....a little irritated, "I don't know!"

Now he laughed and said, " Exactly that's what I am trying to say.....the use of any toy is being able to play with it."

Smile makes you beautiful!!

2007-10-19T03:59:00.001-07:00

After a new haircut I was really upset to see what change it brought in me. In general in a bad mood,the hairstyle was feeling even worse. I looked for reassurance in my husband's eyes. He paused. What he said after that I never heard. I was even more upset. Joel was observing me. He came right in front of me and looked straight in my eyes and said....'"You look cute mamma!! This spike cut is wonderful!!"I was touched but not convinced.

It was the next day he came and sat next to me and asked,"You want to know what is wrong with this cut?"
I was listening.

"The thing that is wrong is that you are wearing this cut on a sad face!!"
"Be happy mamma,you look beautiful when you smile!"

In Conversation

2007-10-08T11:24:00.001-07:00

Joel : Gudia ,when you will be coming in grade 1 you will have to swim in the deep pool.

Cathy: Ahh! that's not tough

Joel: It is tough. You have to learn to breathe under water.

Cathy: So what I will learn that!

Joel: You know I can swim under water!!

Cathy: That's not so great...I can swim above water!

Joel: You are really funny....that's not swimming ...that's floating...that too with your arm floats.

Cathy(loudly): Mamma!! floating is swimming above water, isn't it?!!

(Joel about to be 8 and gudia about to be5)

Joel's first tooth knockout

2007-09-18T06:36:00.000-07:00

wind in my hair

2007-09-17T01:09:00.000-07:00

Cathy two days back....

I like to walk with you mamma! You know why? Because I like you and wind comes inside my hair like it does in your hair. It feels nice na!! Now I know why you tie my hair....you did not want to tell this secret!!

My angels

2007-08-18T23:30:00.000-07:00

Aren't we cute??

2007-08-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

angels with guardian angel

2007-08-02T08:24:00.001-07:00

Make Mistakes

2007-06-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

Joel(reading a leaflet): Daddy!! this bank is in so many countries....India,Srilanka, Bangladesh, America, Morco(Morocco)....and Philips!!

Jaison: Hmm!! not Philips...Philippines!

Joel(inquisitive):What is Philips?

Jaison:Its a brand for a company which makes electronic items...like iron box,TV,VCR,VCD,vacuum cleaner.

Joel: And Phillipines??

Jaison:Its a country in Asia.

Joel: And how did you know I was talking about Philippines?

Jaison: I know because there are not many countries starting with Phil

Joel: Oh! so you just guessed!!

Jaison: Yes!!

Joel: This is wonderful!! I made one mistake and learnt about so many things. MAKING MISTAKES IS NICE!!!!

(Joel 7.5 yrs old)

Age

2007-06-12T01:28:00.000-07:00

Cathy- Mamma,How old am I?Am I 4 years old? 4 years old is a big girl? 5year old is bigger than 4.....and 6 years old bigger than 5.....7 years bigger than 6

I- ok ok , get ready

Cathy- Mamma I want to be 25 years old. Do you want to be 100 years old?

I- yes yes....get ready Cathy

Cathy- 100 years you wll die mamma!!

I- Ok

Cathy- When I will become 29 years old baby will come,isn't it?

I- WHAT?!!!! And from where did you get that information??!!

Cathy- Casey told me......she is funny ,right?

I- Let us talk about that later....come on wear your sandles.

Cathy- Mamma, everybody gets baby when they will be 29??

(Catherine 4.5 years old)

Joel on Soul

2007-05-23T02:43:00.000-07:00

“Mamma, do you know we have to care for our body, mind and soul?”

Joel is a very articulate child and very deep in his thoughts and actions. Most of the times I end up learning something from him. He loves to talk. It doesn’t matter whether I am listening intently or not. He would just go on and on.

“Hmm!”I said.

Joel continued, "You know how to take care of your body. You have to eat good food, be clean exercise and sleep well.”

“For mind you have to study well, read good books, listen to good music and be happy.”

This was getting interesting “So how do we care for the soul?”,I asked.

Joel was all eager to get the concept right into my head.

"You have to take care of your body and mind and have all the good values.",he replied.

“Uh hun!!” I encouraged!!

He explained furthur,“You have to be good. And for that you have to put your mind and body to the right and good use. I have figured that out. It is simple. You use the body and mind the right way and you can take care of your soul. It is simple.”

I was impressed. And was really wondering how much of his persona had to do with Jaison’s and mine and how much was he a God sent angel.

He interrupted my thoughts, “There is only one problem. I am yet to figure how to care for the soul in heaven. You see there wouldn’t be body or mind!!”

p.s. Joel 7 and half years old.

Do Not Disturb

2007-04-24T22:51:00.000-07:00

I had purchased a new T-shirt. I had seen it earlier. I had instantly liked it. A white and light pink one saying
,"Do not disturb,... Already Disturbed..."

When I brought it home Catherine came running to me saying ,"You got Barbie T-shirt."

"What is written here,mamma?"

I explained to her. She kept looking at the T-shirt. Returning again and again ....sometimes touching the silver writing on it...smiling to herself.

Days passed.

It was a particularly busy day. To every other request of Joel and catherine I replied,"Do not disturb."

They were getting irritated.
Suddenly Catherine decided to confront me.

"You are not even wearing that T-shirt. You cannot say just like that not to disturb!!"

Does slow and steady win??

2007-03-26T23:26:00.000-07:00

I, Jaison, Joel and Catherine were walking. Catherine had an idea…., “Why don’t we run?” “We will be winners!!”

I agreed. Holding her little hand in my grasp I ran.

Looking at us Joel also started running. But Jaison kept his walking pace.
When Joel joined I asked him, “Hey! Daddy is not joining this race?”

“Ah! He says, slow and steady will win. Funny!! May be he read that rabbit and tortoise story.”
I smiled.

Joel continued, “But he doesn’t know that we are not going to sleep in between.”
( Joel 7,Catherine 4)

Catherine in KG1

2007-02-26T03:26:00.000-08:00

" Mamma! my teacher says a tentens and then asks question.
Then we raise hands"."

Is it so? But what is a tentens ?"

"Like you speak....tentens"

Still wondering,"I still don't get you baby"

"That which you said now... a tentens."

"A sentence? "

"Yes! Yes ! and then we sing songs in tube "

Confused I asked,"Tube?"

Like this..singing ,"So long...Farewell ...!"

"A Tune ?"

"Yes ! Yes ! But you don't know my teacher's tubes..."

Who is foolish ?

2007-02-12T20:25:00.000-08:00

It was a weekend. We all wanted to go to a friend's house. Just being together revived our spirits. The children vibed well with their son.

But we also had some other business to attend. Hoping that we will make both happen we proceeded for the trip.

Jaison said, " Come children, get ready we will go to Ajay bhaiya's house !!" Kids were jubilient. "Now!!" Catherine asked with delight and enthusiasm. "Yes !! But before we go daddy has to get one work done. Then we will go "

"Promise!!",now she was sounding troubled.
"Yes yes ! I promise." Jaison reassured.

Unfortunately we were delayed at the work. I felt it was time to confront Catherine's expectations.
"Listen we have become late. Tomorrow my darling has to go to school. We will go to Ajay's house some other day." I explained.

Catherine was upset and had a look that said I knew this would happen.
"Daddy fooled us! Daddy fooled us ! He is foolish !!"

We both broke into laughter.

We went to Ajay's house. Anything for that expression

Today's mistakes are tomorrow's past

2007-02-07T03:18:00.000-08:00

That day I had been particularly busy and moody. Nothing interested me. But I had to be with Joel for his homework. Halfheartedly I explained him concepts and was getting impatient when he was unable to understand.

“Why can’t you understand?” I was losing it.

Joel was bored and was really wondering what was wrong with me. Hardly interested or attentive, he again made a mistake. I was furious and spanked him.

He was hurt. More than the pain of the spank it was my callousness which hurt him He didn’t say anything. Finished his work and then went to his sister.

I immediately repented. Yes it was a spillover of my emotions. I went to him. He was sitting with Catherine with a gloomy air around.

“Hey Joel Come here!” He pretended not to hear. I went to him …..Sat down near, looked straight in his eyes and said, “I am sorry!!”

“He looked at me, with a lopsided smile and said, “its ok”

“Joel I am really sorry. I know your mistake didn’t deserve that kind of a punishment. Forgive me.”

Joel took a deep breath and said, “If you use a magic word like sorry, of course I will forgive you. But I want to tell you that when you do a mistake it goes to your past. What goes to the past cannot be changed. Even if I won’t remember it, it will still stay in your past. Why should you want to have that kind of past?”

I was speechless, ashamed and sorry.

sweating eyes

2007-01-16T22:47:00.000-08:00

We all were watching a hindi serial. There was a particularly sad moment. I saw Catherine had tears in her eyes. "Hey !! Is my darling crying??", I asked. "No!! I am not.", She emphatically denied. "Hmm...then how are they wet?", I casually enquired. "My eyes are sweating !!" Now there was an explanation!!

Say Cheese !!

2006-12-13T04:40:00.000-08:00

Catherine was sitting in the toilet on potty seat. Two lights were on. One was lit, the other blinking. I was about to put off the blinking one that Catherine called out. “Yes baby!” I was not very interested. “Mamma sees this light. It is taking photographs!!” Catherine said.

Happy Birthday !! Catherine 29/10/2006 (4 yrs old)

2006-11-10T09:15:00.000-08:00

use the tape

2006-11-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

I had made shawarma (a kind of stuffed rolled bread) at home for the kids. It was Joel's demand. He started eating it and then shouted for me. "Mamma the shawarma is yummy but you made it so lose. Its all opening and the stuffing is falling." To this Catherine immediately offered a solution, "Then why don't you use cellotape to stick it?"

Mummy is the word.....Daddy is the world

2006-11-06T11:08:00.000-08:00

Tips on Job finding

2006-11-04T22:50:00.001-08:00

A time when I and Jaison could not be employed in the same place. Every night the prayer included one line, "Oh Jesus!! Please give mamma and daddy job in the same place. Unite our family!!"

One day Joel caught Jaison off guard.
"Daddy, you can't just get a job by our prayers!!"
"No!" Jaison sounded curious.
"No! You have to do something more"
Jaison who had recently enrolled for MBA said, "I am also studying!"
"Who said studying will help you get a job ? I am also studying......do I get any job?" He questioned.
"No !! I guess. Then what do you suggest."
"You can do two things. Try to really find a job here. Or find a job for mamma there."
"You both can't make out such small things also. With prayers you have to also put effort."

We just smiled.

My English

2006-11-04T22:19:00.000-08:00

It was fun to note how Catherine was busy dicovering rules of English grammar. At three these were some of the sentences she formed.

I am onning the AC.
I already offed the button
I have sawn a swan.
I comed mamma!
I dun my work.
Do you rembember we have sawn this movie?
Give me Barbie trolly on my birthray!
Joel beated me.
I teld you na Shashwati is my friend.
Iam not small, I am little big girl!!
Joel took my colours and ......dun kutcha putcha!!
I waked Joel!
I dreamed Kela (Kerala) today!!

I never corrected Catherine. Her expressions were so sweet....I just wished I could hold them for ever!!

What's below the earth?

2006-11-04T21:54:00.000-08:00

After a lesson on water cycle Joel was all excited. He was talking about clouds having water....waterfall turning to rivers.....dams, wells,resevoirs and humidity.

"Do you know mamma there is water below the earth? That is the water we dig out as wells. "
"Is it so?" I tried to sound interested.

"There are different kinds of wells.....tube wells, normal wells.... Hey!! you are not listening!!"

There is something so charming about a boy at this age (seven) ....they are just irresestible. I pulled him to my lap and said,"tell me".

"Mamma I have got a doubt, shall I ask?"
"Go On!!"
"If there is water below earth....from where do volcanoes come?".
"Hmm!! that's a good question".
"Mamma!! and you know there are also oil wells.Hey this water , oil and magma all could mix below the earth!!"
"They could....theoretically speaking." I answered.
"But they don't!!" said he."Why mamma??"

The cross-section of earth came to my mind.....some vague descriptions of how volcanoes are formed....how oil is mined.....how water is located.....
"Hmm ....may be we should look it over some day!" I told.
"Tell me now!!"
"Go ask your daddy...he knows all about it!!"

Who is fat?

2006-10-31T12:19:00.000-08:00

Catherine: Mamma you are becoming fat.
Mamma : No IAM NOT!!
Catherine: You are!! Your hands are fat,your thighs are fat , your legs are fat....your....
Mamma : Enough...your teacher must be fat....not me !!
Catherine: NO!! She is straight and beautiful.
Mamma : And that other auntie....SHE IS FAT!!
Catherine: She is not!!
Mamma : (Recollecting somebody obviously fat) And Jyoti auntie??
Catherine: Oh she...yes yes! she is fat. You are not so fat!!
Mamma :( trying to smile,the truth in the discussion already bothering)
Catherine:(almost sensing something went wrong) You are fat mamma.....but you are very nice...I love you!! Your dress is also very nice!!

Suicide murder

2006-10-31T12:09:00.000-08:00

It was a news in paper that I found particularly disturbing. A man strangled his wife and smothered his two year old and then jumped from a building committing suicide. As I was narrating I realised my son , almost seven now was deeply interested in the conversation. As I paused he rushed to me ........I knew with lots of questions. I sighed....its going to be difficult explaining....I guessed.
Joel: Mamma that uncle killed his wife ?
I : Yes monu
Joel: And then he killed his baby?
I : (I knew this would be tough) Yes dear!!
Joel: WHY??
I : I don't know Joel!! (sounding as sincere as I could)
Joel:Haan!! I know !! There must be some real bad men coming to disturb that uncle. So he went to God with his wife and child and really tricked them !!

I didn't know whether that was good for his psychology or bad.....but for mine it was the most soothing explanation. May be he tricked the bad men!!

Our Angela- varied expressions

2006-10-19T22:26:00.000-07:00

A hearty laugh

2006-10-16T04:08:00.000-07:00

It was a long ride. I was feeling tired and dozed off. Catherine also slept happily in the booster seat. Joel kept Jaison company. Father and son got busy talking about everything possible. After a while they got busy asking riddles. Joel’s would be something he heard in school or from friends. Jaison’s would be some scientific concept. I got up in time to catch this conversation.

Jaison: Ok Joel tell me the name of something that has two hearts.
Joel : (Thinking and frowning) I give up.
Jaison: Try thinking.
Joel : Yes, yes I know it is a dragon.
Jaison: No Joel it is a pregnant woman.
Joel : Even dragons have two hearts. You don’t know. I saw it in a cartoon.
Jaison: That’s all fantasy.
Joel : Even if it is a fantasy it is right. Dragons have two hearts. Ok now my chance. Tell me the name of something which has three hearts.
Jaison: Hmmm. That is a tough one. Again a dragon??
Joel : NO. It is a pregnant woman with two babies.

Where do babies come from??

2006-10-16T03:50:00.000-07:00

Like all parents we faced the inevitable question, “Where do babies come from?”

My husband replied that to Joel.

“You know Joel, where Jesus is? He is in heaven. Sitting with all the baby angels. Baby angels live with Jesus. When some mummies and daddies pray to Jesus….Jesus sends one angel to mummy’s tummy. There the babies grow, stay for a while with mamma and mamma gives them food through her blood and then one day the babies are taken out from the tummy.”

Many questions followed that. “Do you choose which baby angel you want?” “Do kids choose there brothers and sisters?” “Why in mummy’s tummy and not daddy’s?” “Can an uncle or auntie get a baby angel without marrying?”

He would answer his questions with the care and concern it deserved. Then it was almost like he understood the concept.

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Last year my grandmother died. I told him. I said it is very sad that she died and we must mourn.

He was thinking. “Was great-grandmother also an angel?”
I said,”Yes.”
Joel: Was she old?
I : Yes
Joel: Did someone kill her?
I : No
Joel: Did she suffer a lot?
I : No
Joel: Then you don’t HAVE TO mourn. She was an angel. She returned back to be an angel. You should not be sad even when you die. You will also become an angel. When I die I will come and meet you.

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

In another incident Joel asked me, “Do you know why I chose gudia to be my sister?” “Why dear?” I asked. Joel said, “She was the most naughty and funny there. She used to make me laugh so much. And after every now and then she will ask, “I will tell you something?”

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

One day while watching the video of our wedding Joel said, “I watched your wedding from heaven. But you know what!! This Gudia was not paying attention. She was busy playing with other baby angels.” “I was not playing mamma!! I was watching it. Joel is telling a big lie!!” said Gudia.

Watch me draw mamma!!

2006-10-16T00:58:00.000-07:00

One day I noticed Catherine drawing something with great care. At two, the care with which she held the pencil looked awesome. The expression on her face was full of attentiveness and purpose. I bent down to see what it was that she was busy drawing. There was a circle. She put a dot in centre and looked up.
“What have you drawn, darling?”
“This!!” she waved the paper up for me to see.
“What is it?” I was curious to hear her explanation.
“Concentration”, she replied.
I couldn’t help a smile.

Talk in English

2006-10-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

It was when Joel was one. My husband was too keen to teach him English. “He should be a world citizen.” I would just jabber in Hindi. He would painfully teach him English.

1.
Father: I love u son!!
Joel(pleading) : Don’t call me son!
Father (lovingly): But you are our most beloved son!

Joel…otherwise a very sensible child just broke out crying. We were bewildered.

I reasoned,” Why baby!”
I don’t want to be SUN….SUN is too hot!!

2.
When Joel turned 2 we decided it was high time he was off the breast feed. Whole day would pass by with him obeying. At night he would just snuggle and say, Mamma….mamma chahiye!!” I would relent.

Until one day I decided I won’t. The day passed by. At night he was beside me….expecting the intimacy to be bestowed. “NO!” I decreed.
“Mamma chahiye!!”He repeated.
“NO”, I said.

He sat up straight …thinking.
Then said…with an understanding smile… “English??
..... I want mamma!!”
I relented.

Angels

2006-10-14T06:37:00.000-07:00