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.

Ashwin Did It!!

A long time since I wrote..The first two weeks of Potty Training consumed a lotta my time.I wound up all my work by 9.00 a.m. and took Ashwin to the potty every 1 hr.We read books,sang rhymes, played with water...until he goes.Initially the entertainment went about 10 - 15 mins...and then slowly Ashwin started letting me know that he needed to go....still, I kept entertaining him,but for a lesser time.I was just a lil cofused if he really understood.But then in 2 weeks time he started telling me his urge to use the restroom...and he got trained using the potty during the day...even long before I realized.I continued his diaper at nights.For 2 consecutive days he didn't wet his diaper at all.I was a lil unsure if I can let him without a diaper at nights,just that he was'nt 2 yet!But,I still wanted to give it a shot..and guuess what...It was a SUCCESS.Now..I give him his last cup of water for the day at 8.00p.m and then make him use the restrooms for 3 -4 times by 9.00p.m. and put him to bed.Thats it..Ashwin Did It!! Was'nt really a tough job for me though..as Ashwin got trained by himslef..another Milestone easily accomplished..Thanks to Ashwin for making my job easy.

Potty Training...

I salute to Moms who have successfully potty trained their kids!! Oooohh...it's difficult than I thought it'ld be.The actual process of  'potty training'  might be  simple...but to get the kids ready for it and to make em sit on the potty and finally get them to do it is a hectic task.I got a potty seat for Ashwin when he was 18 mos.I never made him actually sit on it.It would just lie in the restroom.I remember Ashwin being very curious and eager looking at it..trying to sit on it..not knowing what he needed to do with that....and then one fine day I placed his potty seat on top of ours and without me saying a word Ashwin sat on it and was trying to play with the potty.He was a lil sad at first 'cos this toy seemed very different..no lights..no sounds...nothing to stack..but for some reason he enjoyed sitting on it..I guess that's why it was different to him.Then on, whenever I take him to the restroom for a bath or to wash his hands..he'ld take his potty seat...place it and sit on it.

The next improvement?! was he would get down to his diaper all by himslef...and then started removing it too. He didn't feel comfortable on the diaper esp when wet or soiled.Most websites suggested that the right age to start poty training would be 2 1/2-3yrs.But,Ashwin showed a lotta signs to be potty  trained or rather I shld say 'get me outta the diaper' kinda signs!! So.. its his 2nd day of potty training...and he did lemme know twice that he needed to go...not to forget 2 accidents.I hope he shld'nt take long to be on track..lets Wait n See!!!

Ashwin's 2nd Star BdaY

We celebrated Ashwin's 2nd star bday yesterday(Nov 21).We had to take care of some business in the morning....so we celebrated his bday in the eve.It was just his dad,I and Ashwin.We had a very good family time.Got a small cake for him and he cut it by himself.This is actually the first time ever he had cake with a liking.I had tried giving him cakes before...but unless forced he wouldnt eat it.He's more inclined to spicy stuff.His Dad and I would prefer anytihing spicy to sweet..so, no wonder Ashwin's like that!! I wanted him to have his Bday cke atleast...and to our surprise he reaalllly liked it.We had plans of going to the temple,but dropped it due to chances of snow.I did miss India for that reason.On any auspicious day,the first thing we would do is go to the temple...as the climate favors us most of the time.But in the U.S its diffilcut for that matter.Anyway...we still did some prayers in the mornin and I made Kesari for prasadham.Ashwin as usual didn't have a bit of that.I was a lil upset as elders (in India esp) usually suggest that we have to have something sweet on these occasions.We also had to hurry up out...and I didnt wanna  force him and make him upset.Inspite, I'm glad that he enjoyed his Bday cake!!

Busy Mondays..

Mondays are usually busy.So was yesterday.Ashwin was cranky in the morning as his dad left to work.Everyday as his Dad comes home...Ashwin is all exuberant,running behind him,,jumping on him....and never wanting  me :-( .It's ofcourse better when my husband has time to spend with him.As soon as he's back from work...Ashwin will be waiting for him to turn on the ipod and both will  dance,jump all over and have a nice,fun busy time and I'll have my own busy time too.I would browse,make dinner,watch my fave on the T.V. or sometimes just join them and have a lil family fun time there!!! Now...here comes the difficult part,when his Dad might not have enough time to spend with him...busy with some work or tries to have his own space for a while..and Ashwin just wouldn't let him.He'ld also not wanna do the same dancing and playing with me. Also,during weekends his schedule'ld be a mess, 'cos his dad is at home.Starting with brushing his teeth to put him on bed at night..his routine can't be followed,thus leaving me busy Mondays when I'ld again try to get him back on schedule.

Its all about stacking...

Ashwin is now got into stacking things.For him, it doesnt have to be blocks all the time...he can even stack 2 or more books,puzzle sets, spoons and cups or even tomatoes!! I have actually quit getting any toys for Ashwin.He just wont have them for more than a couple of minutes.So...wonder how he spends his time ??? Well,its the kitchen Utensils.He's just happy if I'ld let him play with them even all day long.He takes spoons from the drawer (all grown-up and no more help needed ),picks up utensils..oh...I know ur question..Yes,I do have all my cabinets child proofed.Guess what... he garbs them from the Dishwasher (smarter haan?!). I still wonder how he could lift heajuk,.vy thavas with ease.After picking up the stuff he needs he'ld sit by the window in our dining room ,arrange all vessels in a circle or in any pattern and clack them with spoons or stack them over.Its been difficult lately to stop him from going near the dishwasher.When he was small just a rhyme or a toy would do to distract him.Now..if I try doin any of that..he'ld quickly grab wahtever he can and the next moment he'ld be outta that place,running all around the home.I neither wanna invite any trouble nor make him aggressive..so I just let him play with anything he wants,unless its dangerous.This did work out well actually.I find myself being less impatient and find him more creative.Ashwin has his own fun time now and he does feel happy about it.So,lets see what tomorrow has got for botha us!

Getting started...

Its really been a very long time since I used the Laptop.The one we had before would not start at all or would just start and shut down immediately.This is a new one we got on Diwali...and hope it works just fine.Ashwin is 1 yr 11 mon 6 days old.Oh my...Just really cant believe how fast the kids grow up!!! Its been like he was just born...and busy with all the feeding and stuff,made his first roll-over,tried to crawl,reach for things, made lil steps holding the sofa,learned to walk faster without a support and now...He's just all over the home...not walking but running!!! I'm really amazed at all the things he does...like building blocks,the Puzzles he solve,Identify the colors and shapes,Dance for rhymes with corresponding actions... kids at his age woud do all these ...and thats what the books say. But, I bet most Moms would be amazed and woud have cherished those moments when it comes to their own lil ones.