A fresh palette of colours ~ Little Reader

These past weeks have been exciting. Sorry no personal pictures to share proof. Technical glitches :(

Summer vacation has not had as many outdoor activities as I had hoped. Realising that home and friends in the community were the comfort zone, I haven't pushed much either. Every day so far has been eventful.

As if like a time-table, each day we read, solve activity books, watch television and DVDs, cycle, have a park time, friend's home (over-dose) time and of course, mama's office work time (throw in a few hours of meeting time which takes me out of home).

The biggest realisation from everything we do points towards the reality - I now deal with a FOUR year old. Sia is no longer a baby. She grows from the last time I would have seen her. With this, I am discovering newer ways to handle her - pass knowledge, information and experience. So, it was time I cleaned the old palette, spread out a whole set of fresh colours and paint an empty canvas again.

Each canvas I paint has its story. And every story has been inspiring for me as a parent. I want to tell these stories. Hence starting a series titled 'A fresh palette of colours'. Each post will share a story. This one is all about what we are reading. So called it 'Little Reader'. It can be interpreted as a phase, a person or honestly whatever comes to your mind.

To begin with, the little reader now has a new set of books and authors. Yes, we are now in the "author" phase. As a parent of a book-crazy child, I think this is a good time to introduce the concept. I feel so, especially since the age is such that the 'self' is so high on the radar, coupled with 'I am big, so I can...' - so I thought 'why not?'

Highlight of the find is Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit series. This has transformed me into a child all over again. It makes me wonder how I missed this one while I was growing up. But again these are simple highs of becoming a parent. With simple story lines, brilliant imagination and some bright, happy, light illustration - Beatrix Potter is such a joy to have as 'my first author'. Both of us are currently hogging every Peter Rabbit story we can read and watch on YouTube.

The other author on the little reader's list is Dr. Seuss. But of course. With far-fetched imagination acting as a feeder for a curious mind, Dr. Seuss leaves an impeccable trace ranging from phonetics, values to belief in the self. Favourites so far,

Recently discovered Disney Digital Books on Facebook. This has also been stitched into the little reader's list. Though the joy in its entirety is yet to be discovered, it is a must as a Bookmark on every parent's laptop (http://disneydigitalbooks.go.com/). A membership is very handy especially while travelling. Few clicks and its story time...

Books have been a favourite companion for many of us. Seeing Sia embrace books reaffirms that stories best teach emotions and foster a thinking mind.

Next in the series Little Writer!

Push n Play - all through summer

Finally convinced that it's got be all play - all through summer. With a week into summer vacation and no routine being the routine is the best prescription to live childhood to the fullest. Memories of oneself enjoying aimless and truly out-of-the-box'ed' kind of summers is such a pleasurable nostalgic trip to take. So, my little friends (I have two of them hanging around at any given point) in this view are having the best summer ever.

Each day unfolds differently, though the list of to-do's remains the same - milk, breakfast, shower, play and the rest. Take this morning for example - it was finger painting followed by the usual "watching television" or "Tom & Jerry" and shifting base from one friend's house to another, to play and scream along the corridor. Isn't this what childhood is all about? I personally am reuniting with this thought.

Along the way, my little friends seem to be growing up to be strong, observant and socially active individuals. Overheard this little conversation, "You know Adu...Sachin Tendulkar throws and hits the ball and likes to win always. He is always carrying a trophy?" The conversation continues, "Why does he like to always win Sia?". Pat comes the reply, "Because he is strong Adu. He eats eggs like you every day." Where are these thoughts coming from? Every possible media channel and grown-ups of course. This makes me ponder again - is it right to keep my little friends away from watching television and have restricted hours of watching at this age? This arguement holds good, when parents are able to convince and make the little ones believe that there is a much more exciting world outside of the Idiot Box. But yes - I do understand and rely heavily on that wall mounted, flat screen LCD to be the most trusted, almost omni present nanny (especially when you work from your dinner table most of the time). Thankfully, my little friends have so far accommodated the TV in their routine with all due required respect.

While on the subject of "watching" must mention how the content of watching has evolved to suit the tastes of a four year old. "Tom & Jerry" tops the list and multiple viewings are beyond control. And as a parent, I am a huge sucker for multiple viewings. For I have realised that each viewing is a new watch in itself. There are a few things you discover from the previous watch. Doesn't that sound exciting? So - yes my little friends watch the very, same Tom & Jerry each day!!!!

Since my little friends are a good mid way and beyond with their "inquisitiveness" and are always loaded with "why not?" and "what if", the introduction of "Sid the Science Kid" was a great relief. From the production house which has run successful preschool programmes like "Fraggle Rock" that we may recall watching on Doordarshan, The Jim Henson Company (http://www.henson.com/), Sid the Science Kid truly symbolises what Jim Henson says "Simple is good". Its a great tool to introduce young minds like those of my tiny typhoons to science. However I do agree with views expressed by another parent on Sid (www.wired.com/geekdad/2008/09/sid-the-science).

There is a barage of things to do with the little ones - for the little ones all through summer. The underlying thought however of living this summer is simple: to experience a time which is full of life - always. If one believes and lives the spirit of push 'n play during the dreaded summer vacation time as the way to keep the connection alive with one's own childhood, then loads of schedule juggling for the grown-ups is the only way to be part of this summer energy over-drive. Agreed it can be difficult, but it cannot be given up without giving a try. Can it?

And we are back

It's been a while since I appeared in this space. A little bit of this. A little bit of that. And loads of this and that have kept me away from doing my bit to myself.

While things happened around...the most important of milestones came our way. Another birthday. Sia turned 4. An impromptu trip took us to a place which had plenty of sun, sand and sea. We found ourselves on the peaceful, less explored, almost virgin beaches of Kannur (or Cannanore, Kerala). A set of new friends and old brought in the new step with the same feel and love. Which made us as the parents to Sia Mathew realise - how the world conspires to create some brilliant moments.

Declaring the FRENZY FOURTH year OPEN!!!

This epic milestone also meant some heart breaks! Growing up is always fun and has its share of down moments - some times for the parents, some times for baby. And this occasion was more for the parents. The first ever schooling term came to an end with Small World year finishing on 6th April. High point - Pre-Nursery Graduate. Low point (for mama-dada) - NO MORE TINY GESTURES OF SMALL WORLD TO LOOK FORWARD TO. I believe and know for sure we will all miss Tammy Aunty and her friends for a very long time.

A typical Tuesday Gym get-up @ Small World. Getting ready for the last gym day.

A dressed-up Small World for the Break-up party.

Carnival fervour inside Small World.

The ever-loved Tammy Aunty (more on her and about Small World later).

Mr. Barker-baker uncle who taught to make the most yummy-sounding sand cakes.

Well deserved hugs'n kisses-the vivacious Shanta Aunty.

Shanta Aunty with her 2011 favourites - Cupcakes (Adu) and Rascal (Sia).

With the first ever "summer holidays" underway and the tremendous energies floating around coupled with aimless wandering, I sign out for the moment saying "I'll have lots more to say and capture."

Our Diwali

A little late in the day on our Diwali. But with the continuing excitement in our wait for Santa and Christmas, realised the spirit of celebration is way too high this time of the year. Diwali to Christmas is one super-thrill roller coaster ride.

Build up for Diwali started with the visit of Gmama who came to spend the week with us.

A much smaller Sia with Gmama outside Capital One, Trivandrum. Gmama and Sia share an incredible spirit of being totally chaotic. Gmama's visits are always activity filled. Visit to Gmama is also filled with similar thrills.

This Diwali was participatory, interrogative and alive.

Participatory since Sia joined in the buildup leading to the festivities. We did a streamer from the potato wedge painting done at school.

The 'L' for Lantern prop also done at school, very beautifully gelled into the whole atmosphere. It adorned along with the glow of diyas outside our home door.

These diyas were carefully selected for home and as gifts for each friend to share the Diwali spirit.

Lights were put up with Dada and Aditi. Diyas were lit and flower decorations were made. Though we missed out on the rangoli in all the hyperness and excitement. Sia got the most lovely Diwali present from her friend Aditi. An instant handmade diya greeting and a painted diya.

We read the stories of Hanuman and Rama. Ravana and Lanka. In the journey of understanding and knowing more about Diwali. Questions could give the huge size of Hanuman a chase of his lifetime. But yes...mythology was introduced. Stories were so interestingly heard and memorised. Each bed time story back then was Why did Hanuman chase the sun?

Sharing mithai and diyas with our neighbours, was nostalgic for me. To see my baby begin the same journey was fulfilling. Very few crackers we burst compared to the noisy, loud and really, really fun times I had growing up. But yes, tradition of lighting fireworks was complete. The evening sky for the two Diwali days was a canvas of varied patterns being formed by lights, which we enthusiastically watched from the gallery, revisiting stories from the Ramayan.

Chirstmas is almost here. Santa has already arrived in the form of stories, pop-up books and pretend play with Aditi. Santa and his reindeers Dasher and Dancer, Vixen and Prancer, Cupid and Comet and Donder and Blitzen have already begun their journey from the North Pole - straight to A302.

Being mama!!

I haven't been like mama in a while. Which has me a little lost.

It was as if my fairy was watching over and listening...she sprinkled her pixie dust and revitalised my being...I was transformed all over again. Everything was all mama-baby again. All has been mama-baby since.....

I, more than anyone else had to celebrate. Simply cooked up a celebratory meal for my baby to rejoice my lost power and energy. Little did she know the reason for the special menu. Though I could see her wonderment and confusion when I was unlike mama.

Special meal served on her favourite plate: baby pooris, strawberry jam and natural flavoured yoghurt. All things that my 5 starred baby loves.

What an awe-inspiring and all powerful feeling it was. What a humbling feeling it is - being mama.

Its the beginning of winters

Winter has slowly started creeping in our city. It surely is reflecting in our home.

Winter blast is evident in our balcony. A misty morning transpiring into a sun bright, clear sky. A wonderful canvas filled with multi colours painted by flowers. Touch of green coming from home grown fresh spinach. The pleasure of plucking a few leaves to make a salad or a quick paratha for my little rascal gives a total high. The most nicest thing however are the chirping birds interplaying with a few odd butterflies. Each time a bird chirps and lands in our balcony, Sia believes its building a nest which will have a few eggs. Which is promptly followed by the unfolding of a million stories. Living in an apartment does not seem to be that bad when you see Sia enjoy the morning winter sun muching away her biscuits...

All in all...a perfect winter has just begun. With fesitivities kicking in..cannot wait to enjoy the winter chills.

Couple of our kitchen recipes using home grown spinach or palak:

Palak raita (goes best with biryani)

Wash the palak leaves. Slice them into thin fine strips.

Heat oil. Add to this some grains of Urad Dal and 2-3 dry red chillies.

When coated with oil and well done, add the sliced palak.

Give it a mix and add a pinch of sugar and salt as per taste.

Saute on high flame for a couple of minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Add this mixture of palak to well whipped curd or yoghurt.

Palak paratha (ideal quick lunch)

Finely chop palak, onions, ginger and green chillies.

Mix well and knead into dough with salt as per taste.

(Hint: you could add a teaspoon of warm oil while kneading to the dough to make the parathas softer)

Make parathas as you know best!

Recipe courtesy: Pema maai (Sia's eldest aunt and my eldest sister)

One of the 'Durga'

This Dusshera had more substance for Sia. She was one of the 'Kanya' or 'Balika' at a co-resident's Balika Pujan done during 'Navratri'.

Associated with the Durga Puja, this puja is performed only by married women. The 'Kanya' or 'Balika' is considered a reincarnation of Goddess Durga who personifies knowledge and wisdom for the entire universe. Worshipping young girls (caste no bar with this one) is held in high esteem in Hindu scriptures and the place of such a worship is believed to be sanctified.

My brief awareness and knowledge of this custom began 'n ended with this basic awareness, that the puja is performed on the ninth day of Dusshera. No other significance was known to me till now. Why do I then want to know more now?

In this stage of life with parenting, I want to Sia to become aware and realise the magnificient festivals and their celebrations we have - only because we are INDIANS. Yes, she knows we live in a country called India and we are called Indians. So why not begin this festive season by 'inducting' her into an entire world of joy, happiness, colours, sparkles, mithai and all that is just so WOW!!

So...I read up as well as gathered information from my fellow resident on the significance of why Sia was one of the Durgas? The puja is essentially performed for the Goddess to bless you with happiness and prosperity. One of the information thread mentions each of the nine days has its own significance in terms of rituals, puja, offering (prasad) and gifts for the Balika.

On the ninth day, the day Sia was invited, the puja for 9 Durgas was performed. It started with washing of feet, applying the teeka, seeking blessings (by touching the feet of the young girls. This had another young Durga rightly question the reverse of what is happening being taught: of younger people touching the feet of elders) giving a dakshina (in cash), a dupatta, a silk bag with fruits and serving the traditional bhog consisting of puri (dough kneaded with milk), kala chana, kheer (made with rice and milk) and dry fruits. This puja marks the end of nine days of puja and signifies the custom of seeing off the Goddess back to her home as a young girl.

Sia taking the Durga avatar seriously before the puja and an excited little balika after the puja with her goodies.

While all this was being thoroughly enjoyed by a highly enthusiastic and involved Sia, it made me realise that I have unlocked the next level of being a mother. A level wherein the need to belong becomes supreme. A need to belong and be part of something - be it a culture, family, activist group, friend circle, music band, library, anything - anything which defines who we are and gives us an outlook. I am taking the course of culture this time, to give Sia an experience which will not just give her nostalgic memories, but will also give her the foundation to belong.

I believe in the spirit of every festive season. This spirit translates itself to joy within oneself and smiles everywhere you see. Being a by-product of cross-religion marriage, Sia and the likes of Sia have those many more options to know more and celebrate much more than I did.

Now begins the wait for Diwali...another story to be unfolded.

A lots been happening

Unexpected discipline has hit us all here.

"School hours" have settled in as part of weekly schedules. Dedicated "park hours" have come in. So have "mama work hours".

A lots been happening since the last time I wrote for myself - in my time, in my space and lived my thoughts. While this post might just be a photologue with a few captions trying to bring out the experiences, I am thinking, should I OR shouldn't I write? But eventually I am....

First stop, finally saw Beauty and the Beast, 30th Anniversary 3D at a multiplex. Thankfully the glasses fitted this time and most of the movie was seen with glasses on! My little miss critic rated it as "the best-est scariest movie ever". It was true in a way. What a lovely tale to teach your child about the "not-so-good" things about being "bad". Without much time-loss, I used the story and its message to settle down a few unacceptable behaviours. It has been working. And "Beast" still rules on the mind.

Amongst all the other things, Sia touched a milestone age: 3.6 years. Wow!!! Can I hold her back for a while longer. Please. But the joy of "becoming big", "growing tall", "see I can put on my pants by myself" are so lovely...that I cannot seem to stop those from happening as well. Its a "helplessness" position of being a mama. How I don't seem to like it. We had a home picnic to celebrate the occasion with two inseparable friends - Adu and Aditi with some puffs and cakes. The munchkins of course, were unaware of the celebration.

All this growing up comes with the "big-school-admission-mania". Too many options. Even more opinions. Not to mention hearing horror stories like one parent having spent Rs. 10,000/- on school admission forms. Each school charges on an average Rs. 500/- for an application. One can calculate how many forms the parent would have picked up. Call us optimistic or just confident or even silly parents....we have a short list of 5 schools and we are doing the needed. Now its wait 'n watch with which school we will get through.

It is first "big" holiday break since Small World started in June. It is Dassera time. Sia is doing her first vacation co-curricular programme on Multiple Intelligence at another school called "Genie Kids". The programme aims to expose all the eight levels of intelligence - visual, musical, social, logical, verbal, intrapersonal, naturalist and bodyily kinesthetic intelligences in a child (http://geniekids.com/holidayprog/intelligence-camp). She seems to be enjoying this complex sounding programme with unmatched ease, making new friends and looking forward to school reopening.

With a two-wheeler scooter coming in, our aimless wandering is only going to be on the rise. Looking forward to doing more outdoor adventures within the city. The most awesomest reaction to the bike was creating a song which is an anthem of sorts that goes like this,

Me and my mommy, riding on the bike-y, riding on the bike-y all day!!

Me and my mommy, riding on the bike-y, riding all over the town!!

Next on the agenda is to christen the two-wheeler.

Continuing the momentum of "the happenings", looking forward to Diwali. This year surely promises to be eventful. With Gmama coming over during the festivities, the celebrations will be cracker-filled.