Vocalizing Better

Ashwin has shown a lot of improvement in vocalizing for the past month.He could put two words in a sentence.Before,he used to say 'Ma...Vaa' ( Vaa meaning 'come' ) and now he says 'Vaa Ma...'.He also repeats most of the words from a sentence that I say.Now it's lot more fun talking to him...as I get an answer in a few words.

This has also got worse.He's learned to say words like 'STOP'..'I CAN'T '.I feel a little bad at times,not able to stop him from repeating these words.But, I guess that's how 'Troublesome Twos' would be!! I'm trying to distract him while he gets agressive.He's also grown a little obstinate these days.He can lie down on the floor and kick his legs and cry for a prolonged 2 mins, at the least.Now,this has become my challenge,to keep him a little calm and collective,when he's disappointed.Hope I overcome this challenge soon.

Getting familiar with Alphabet

It's been 2 months since Ashwin started practising to write letters.We are now concentrating on Big Letters and 1-10 Numerals.He practices  almost everyday.We started with pencil in the alphabet practising notebook ( the one with 3 lines ).Initially I doubted if it is a little early to start...considering his age.I also was'nt sure if I should make him write on notebook with pencil..as many suggested to go with marker and board.

But,I didn't wanna take it thru transitions...I mean,it's always like thru sippier to a cup, thru kids potty, to pull-ups, then..to the regular potty, thru finger foods  to spoons..

I feel that some of these transitions can actually be avoided, or need not be introduced at all.Ashwin had skipped a lotta these transitions.He never used a sipper...but, started using a cup all by himself at 9mos.He never used a pull-up while potty training.He never tried any finger foods...So, now I planned to skip the transitions while practising to write.He paints,does coloring with crayons but, when it comes to wrting he only uses a pencil/pen on a paper.Initially he wasn't able to hold the pencil properly.But,by practise he started holding the pencil near the tip and could easily maneuver.

Today,He wrote a 'A' with no help! He immediately called me and said Ma...'A'. I didn't respond well to what he said,assuming he identified the letter from what we practiced earlier.Ashwin wasn't happy about my response.He took the notebook,grabbed the pencil and came near me and said 'A'...'A'.When I saw the notebook I was very surprised and happier too.He had actually written it.I still wanted to test him! ( just because I thought it was a big thing for his age?! ). Then I asked him to write it once again..and he did it!!! I should have been the most happiest MOM today.

My Mistake...NO!

Ashwin's now able to differentiate right from wrong.But, the worse part is...he's started blaming others for his mistakes...just so to escape his punishment.He got a 'Little People' toy set as a gift for his B'day.He calls them 'Anna' and 'Akka'...meaning 'brother' and 'sister'.It all started with pretend play.He takes them along everywhere.When he gets a bath...he gives them a bath,feeds them,cuddles them,puts them to sleep,advises them..as I advise him..

              

One day I watched him spill water on the carpet..and before I came over to scold him..he kept a 'Little people' toy near..and was advising it.'No...dheetha dhoppu no...'.( 'dheetha' meaning water ). Then when I told I saw him spill water on the carpet..he gave a serious expression on his face...and said..'Amma...No...Akka...dheetha dhoppu', and looked at the toy and said..'Akka dheetha dhoppu...NO' and he asked me for a paper towel..then gave it to the toy,got it back and cleaned it(pretending that the toy is cleaning it up...paying for its fault!!!). Then the toy also had to get a time out for his fault!

Barney's Influence..

Ashwin watches Barney twice a day.He simply loves that purple Dinosaur.You won't believe how much influence it has on Ashwin....One example would do good.Ashwin usually takes a nap in the morning around 9.00- 10.00 for 45 min to 1 hr.Then he wakes up, plays for a while...has his Lunch and again takes a nap for about 2 hrs in the afternoon.But,on weekends he mostly skips his morning nap and has only the afternoon nap.He would just keep playing with Dad.

That was a Sunday afternoon.He skippled his morning nap as usual.The lunch was a lil late that day.It was already 12.00p.m.Ashwin felt very sleepy.He laid down on the couch and slept at 12.15p.m. kinda.I didn't wanna wake him up immediately.My husband and I had lunch...and waited for him to wake up.It was almost 1.30p.m. and he was quite asleep.It was past his lunch time too.We tried waking him up and he just wouldn't. He was sound asleep.My husband got a spark..he switched on the t.v. and played Barney that was previously recorded.This starts with.."Thank You for Viewers like you"...and the Barney music plays.As soon as he heard that Thank You note...his eyes opened.Then when the Barney music played...he was immediately awake...all fresh..no signs of sleepiness...no wyning...and in no time he jumped from the couch and started dancing..All in just 3 min!!! 

Worth the wait.

Ashwin and I had been to a potluck today. It was a girls only potluck ( kids excluded ).Before I went over with Ashwin there were some girls chatting.Ashwin felt very shy.I had never seen him give that expression.His cheeks all bluffed and rosy.He didn't wanna say Hi.He was standing behind me..walking with me and didn't just let me go.I was waiting for some kids to show up...so,I could join the girls on their chit-chat.Finally his friends came in and I wanted Ashwin to have his own time...so,I could have mine too ( sounds a lil selfish haan...?! ).But,there was only one Thomas train and here comes a sharing problem.I asked Ashwin to share the toy and take something else to play with.By the time this issue got done...it was lunch time for Ashwin.Then I had to feed him.And, finally when I came over to join the girls..they had started having lunch already.I was feeling a lil hungry too..Once we were all done with lunch,I chose a cozy spot for me and was about to settle down..when Ashwin came over running and said he wanted to use the restroom.Then I took him and when he was done..he showed signs of sleeping.I put him in bed...and he didn't take long to sleep.Finally,I got my time to join the girls...and Guess what they said : ' Ooh...Ashwin is so nice..He doesn't trouble you at all..he ate fast,he plays by himself,he slept fast..' and all I could do was just 'SMILE'...Afterall,my wait is worth all the rewards!!!

Ashwin's Birthday Party

We celebrated Ashwin's 2nd year Bday party on Dec 15.I was just scanning his Bday photos and thought I should have posted about the party in my blog a longtime ago,this being a Milestone in his life.Another big reason for the post is 'The Birthday Cake'.Why ' The cake'?...you'll find the answer in the photo.

We rented a hall at our community Park District.It was a 2hr Party.All his friends had come.Ashwin was astounded seeing all his friends at once.He was running around...trying to play,and engage everyone.But,less time didn't contribute much.Now,the main part in any Bday Party would be the cake.In Ashwin's party it was even more a special one.We ordered the cake from a friend of mine,Anitha.(You can find more about her and her designer cakes from her website : www.cakesbyanitha.com).It was a Pooh Bear themed cake.Those are not just any cakes..but speciality ones...in taste,texture,colors,customization and best of all the reasonable price.I wouldn't say her cakes are 'simply the best'...but,'specially the best'.It gained the most attraction in the party than Ashwin himself!! Even this nicely decorated cake couldn't escape being cut.I guess,That's the honor for the Bday cake itself.We all had a piece of the state-of-the-art work.Then the guests started leaving...and it was Ashwin's afternoon nap time.He did'nt wanna give up his nap, just because he turned 2!Then we packed our stuff...and it was even more than we actually brought in..counting all the Gifts!Ashwin had great fun...and so did we!!

Just Another day..

Today isn't any different...just the usual chores.We had breakfast while watching Doodlebops(A variety show in Disney Channel), one of Ashwin's favorite.We have a DVR at home...so I usually record the programs and then play them.Otherwise,Ashwin would neither lemme switch off the t.v...nor would he watch all the kids program,if I tune on the channel.It's good in a way that kid's channel don't keep running all the time.Now Ashwin has better learned to switch off the t.v.,when his fave is over.That limits the t.v. time to 25 min/session...and also helps me avoid lose my temper.We then read books and I let Ashwin play with his toys and then we had lunch.Later this afternoon a friend of mine came over with her son,A.Ashwin and A played for  a while and it was already nap time.The kids slept and we were watching some movie.Both the kids woke up in no time...and continued playing just like they never slept.I really wonder how kids get that flow of energy!!Then my friend and A had to leave.Surprisingly Ashwin waved bye and just let A go..no whining.We then practiced writing Alphabets and I let him color for sometime while I was reading a book.Then his Dad was home...they both had some fun time as usual.After dinner,here I'm writing the blog and Shhhh...Ashwin is sleeping..afterall,he should be really tired doing the chores.

New Year Resolution

Ashwin and I Wish you all a very Happy New Year.I have been reading this book 'What it takes to be #1' by Vince Lombardi,Jr.(This is about a succesful coach in the NFL,Vince Lombardi..who won 5 championship games,including the first 2 Super Bowls).This book is about Leadership..the foundations reqd to be a good leader and to stay as a good leader.While explaining the foundations of leadership,the author says that 'if you are a parent, you are certainly a leader'...which is quite a truth.Many a times I've heard my friends say,their kids copy them...even before they understand if it's the right thing to do.I have had similar reactions from Ashwin too.He'ld get a book to read,if I had one..laugh,if i laughed..frown,if I did..jump to basket the ball..like his dad and repent too...not being able to understand if it's right or wrong.This explains why we are leaders....but,I asked to myself..Am I a good leader? and Can I stay as a good leader?

The answer is I'm not.I sometimes do things that I might not want Ashwin to learn..but,before I even repent my fault I had seen Ashwin copy me.I know I didn't do it intentionally...but should'nt I've been careful enough,not to have done that in the first place?Sometimes it's better to not do certain things..that to regret later,while trying to be a good leader.No doubt that I'm a good parent...but,pursuing to be a good leader requires much more than that.I can't afford to make any mistake..'cos the price I am gonna pay would be Ashwin's behavior.Thus,my husband and I have taken a resolution to avoid any cause that my have a negetive effect on Ashwin.We are pursuing to being good leaders..and to stay as one.Hope this New year will help us to be firm and compassionate towards our resolution.

Back on schedule

Ashwin's dad had a pretty long vaccation..almost 3 weeks.Ashwin did have a lotta fun those 3 weeks...needless to mention that he lost track of his daily schedule as I did too.I have to admit it was my fault.We didn't read books,didn't colour,didn't play together...I let him on his own.With his dad around he never bothered me for anything.Ashwin and his dad played basket ball (the toy one from 'Little tikes' is really good.You can adjust it's height and it helps the kids grow taller..Fun for the elders too),danced,blew bubbles,raced outside..and even to use the restrooms he called his dad.So my job was to cook,and feed Ashwin.I had my own time watching t.v.,reading books...but,not enough time left before I realized that the vaccation is gonna be over and I soon had to get back on schedule and get Ashwin on his schedule too!!It took 2 days to get him back on track..and I realized I shouldn't have taken much advantage on Ashwin relying on his dad at all times.I should have still done my job.