A quick vacation

We made a quick trip to Munnar and Aleppey, a much needed break for all of us. Pattu’s first:

– Ride on an Elephant – she was so excited and not at all scared. We fed the Elephants some pineapples and corn.

– live show of Thiruvadira Kali, Oottam thullal and Theeyattu – really up close. I was worried about Theeyattu, but she was as cool as a cucumber…not at all scared.

She is able to understand Malayalam and am so happy that she is making an attempt to talk as well.

Mum’s house in Kerala is getting ready in Jan – looking forward to the lovely vacations there. Feeling very nostalgic remembering all those carefree days we spent there as kids, climbing trees, splashing about in the pond…

And people – check out this contest at Blogger Kootam. Spread the word. Participate.

This Season…

Crossword, Alwarpet has Christmas craft and storytelling every Sunday this month between 5 to 6 PM

By Hand, From the Heart is having a sale on 9th and 10th Dec at Ambujam’s Lounge. All those pretty handmade stuff and I’m going to miss it!! :((

Dakshinachita is organising a Card Modeling workshop on 10th and 11th Dec

Nizhal has some interesting walks this month…call them for more details

…and Lets Do Something has a some interesting workshops coming up: Mocktails, Storytelling for Parents and Teachers (Rescheduled for 17th Dec), Baking….

 

Its not about the stripper or the ogler

Scene 1: Woman strips, man drools

Public: “Look how she strips! Shameful!!

Scene 2: Man Strips, woman drools

Public: “Look how she drools! Shameful!!

Its not about the stripper or the ogler. Its about Women!

Ggggrrrrr……..

Gravity is

…a little girl sitting at the center of the earth and pulling down everything that threatens to go up in the air. So, obviously, she has long hands.

This was Pattu a year back.

Now she is wondering how the airplanes and amma’s hair defy gravity.

Photo Updates

Pattu's Pookkalam - she did this all by herself

Oram po…rukkumani vandi varudu

Chettiar Kadai

Row Houses and Park

Temple on the hill

Adi Shankara and disciples near the forest

Painted CDs for Kolam

Passport to a Healthy Pregnancy

I’m just in time for the Womensweb contest. I usually refrain from doling out all that pregnancy wisdom to unsuspecting mothers-to-be, but then, if someone invites me to air my 2 paisa and also throw a prize in the bargain I’m bound to be tempted. So, here I go:

1. Find a doc you trust and who makes you feel comfortable. The most recommended and celebrated doc in town may not necessarily be the best for you. Your doc is a very important person in this journey.

2. Be happy – do things that make you happy. If going on a roller coaster ride is on the list, well, umm, you might want to reconsider that. I was craving to watch a horror movie but I was strictly denied the wish 😦  . I enjoyed working and worked till the last day. If that’s not working for you, just take it easy. Be around people who make you feel good and positive. My friend had this colleague who used to tell her about pregnancy mishaps in all gory detail, one every week!

3. Eat well, eat healthy and don’t count the calories. Well, not just yet.

4. Exercise. Unless you have been advised rest. Even something as simple as walking is good enough. If you can’t go for the classes, do simple chores like sweeping, swabbing etc that exercises your hips. And do only as much as you can.

5. Involve your husband in the journey. Wake him up in the middle of the night to feel the baby’s kick. Make him understand how you feel. Make him rub your back, adjust your pillows, get you midnight snacks…just indulge you. You are worth it and so is your baby.

6. Talk to your baby. Really! I used to tell Pattu a lot of things. I even confessed that I’m a bit mad but mostly look quite sensible and all that.

7. Go easy on the gyan – internet or otherwise. Not all sources have authentic information. Just subscribe to one or two reliable sources.

8. Don’t be afraid/ embarrassed to ask. If you have any concern, ask your doc. It might be the silliest of concerns, but it is better to err on the side of caution.

9. Prepare for the baby. Some traditions believe in not buying things before the baby is born. You can visit shops and tell your husband a list of things to buy. Have as much organised as possible since you won’t have the time or the energy to do those later.

10. Find a pediatrician you can trust. I’ve found that the extremely famous ones in town have a long waiting time and not enough facilities for mothers with infants.

 

 

Imagine

a conversation between 5 yr olds 15 years from now,

5 yr old 1:  Birds also tweet… apparently!

5 yr old 2: I didn’t know they were that social..

5 yr old 1: This is the spookiest part… they started tweeting long before humans came into being!

What’s up ladies?

A Contest @ Womensweb and a really nice theme. Rush in your entries before the 23rd. This time around it is Westland books that is the sponsor. So, what were your mantras to a healthy pregnancy…have some interesting tips to share with the mothers-to-be? Any interesting anecdotes?

And the much awaited Crocus is also here from Saffrontree – this time around they focus on the 5 elements … what’s your favourite? I’m all for Air and Ether/ Space. Btw, isn’t this banner beautiful!

Whatever it means

Found this poster in one of the rest rooms in a mall.

Isn’t it supposed to bring out the worst in you? Or did I get it wrong?

And while on the topic, recently while out for shopping, Pattu wanted a bio break. So, I found the nearest staff and asked, “Where is the bathroom?”.

Pattu tugs at my T shirt and says in hushed tone, looking rather embarrassed, “Rest room amma…not bathroom!”

I went on a flash back trip 2 yrs back when Pattu would loudly announce, “Ammaaa Mooochaaa” much to my embarrassment.

We’ve grown up, haven’t we?

Contest @ Lets do Something

Lets do Something (the activity center @ Velachery) is celebrating its 2nd anniversary on 2nd October. There is a Drawing and Painting competition for children 4yrs + between 3 PM to 4 PM. Prizes sponsored by Crossword bookstore, Chennai.

They are also offering discounts on their regular classes. You can call 9042806148.