Visiting with Family!

Everyone in India has been awaiting the arrival of Abhi. He is keeping thaata and paati very busy at home runnning around and seeing what they are up to. Also, visiting with Keshav's sister and family. Nithya and Nikil, Abhi's cousins, have been waiting to see and play with Abhi. He is having so much fun with them. They are leaving to go back to China on Thursday so we will see them lots this week before they leave. The last time everyone saw Abhi, he was tiny and not doing too much. Since he is so busy running, jumping, laughing, etc... they are enjoying seeing him do his stuff.

Abhi finally left the house after 2 days and hit the streets of Bangalore. We took him to visit Keshav's sister and family at Sridhar's parent house. Keshav carried him as the sidewalk is a bit difficult for a stroller. It was bustling and he was just in awe watching all the cars and people. It is very loud, lots of honking, but he was very cool and enjoyed.

Govi and Suddu, Keshav's cousins, who live downstairs have been visiting frequently this weekend. And of course, Abhi is the star everywhere we go. In the grocery store all the ladies gathered around front to see him and try and hold him. Then in the building Keshav's parents live, the neighbors are ringing the bell to see the baby. Tonight three young girls in the building heard about Abhi and then came to visit and play with him.

Abhi is still waking up at night thinking it is time to play! But we are hopeful after today he will sleep better. He is eating better and did take 2 naps today. We are crossing our fingers. There is a celebration for Abhi's first bday on Thursday. Keshav's extended family and friends will join us for a celebration that morning. There will be a puja (prayers) and then we will have a festive lunch. Abhi will be the center of attention!!

I will post some pictures tomorrow....

Greetings from India!

भारत से नमस्ते! (Hello from India, in Hindi. If the words were written using English it would read, "Bharath se Namaste").

இன்டியாலேந்து வணக்கம்! (same exact phrase, in Tamil, K's mother-tongue. In English, these words would read "India-lendhu vanakkam").

We arrived late Wednesday night after a long journey. Abhi did really well on the trip and handled it with a lot more patience than we anticipated. The bassinet was very small but he was able to sleep in it, one time a 4 hour stretch even on the second flight. The bassinet says max of 22lbs so this will be the only time he can use it. It took him some time to settle down but he was able to sleep on the first leg since it was time to sleep. Then we let him run around the airport in France. They had a play area and we enjoyed some cafe and pain au chocolate - so good!! You just can't get it tasting like that outside of France! The second flight is where he had his long stretch of sleep and he was supper tired. We were also very tired and got some sleep. It was 9+ hours though so he did get a little antsy sometimes but we were able to keep him busy and settle him back into sleep. Air France also has a seat belt attachment for babies sitting in your lap during take off and landing so we really liked that. All flights should have that. Seems a lot safer than him just sitting there. Here are some pix on the flight with appa and playing in the airport in France.


So, we arrived but were not able to sleep until about 330am and since we have all been suffered major jet lag. Last night, we barely got sleep. Abhi would only sleep for about 2 hour stretches then thought it was time to play. So, today we made him stay awake and actually woke him from naps to get him back on track. He went to bed about his regular time tonight at home, we just have to wait to see if he sleeps through the night.

Since we have been battling jet lag...not much happening yet. Just visiting with family. Keshav's family are enjoying Abhi and he is busy running around the place having fun. More soon...

We're Off!

Abhi has his passport and his visa...we fly out tonight! Keshav's family anxiously awaits our arrival in Bangalore. We are excited but busy with everything. We hope the flights go well and Abhi does well traveling and adjusting to the time change. We will keep you up to date with what adventures Abhi has in India...so stay tuned!!

Finally...a haircut!

Well, we continue to get closer to the trip, 5 days to go.

I have been feeling that Abhi's hair is a little out of control, even though I love all those curls (which he did not get from me). So, after his bath last night, I wrestled him and carefully cut the back of his hair in to a nice, neat line. I must say it was not a bad effort seeing I was working with mister busy body. So, he got is first haircut and it looks pretty cute. He still has his curls but they look much more in control.

We have been shopping, getting all the necessities for the trip, but otherwise life as usual. Today, we meet Sandy and Sachin so the boys could play at the playground in the mall. I know it sounds ridiculous to go to a mall to play but they have a really nice play area with a soft floor. I really am not a mall fan but it is nice for the play area. I try to just dart out the door without looking and spending money. Works sometimes better than others. It went well today. Sachin is starting to walk! Yeah! Next time we see them, they will both be running around the playground. Sachin was saying Abhi's name by the time we left. Abhi, of course, is oblivious because all he wants to do it run and climb and try and escape from the play area. If I just let him run into the mall, I wonder what he would think when he looked back and I was not there. Probably nothing he would wonder on and visit with people! Like I said, mister busy body.

Keshav has Abhi swinging the tennis racket; a mini one his size. He showed him once over the weekend and now when he picks it up, he starts swinging. Course, he may knock himself or others out. But we may have a tennis player. He is also really ambitious about and good at throwing balls (and water bottles that are full of water). He has great hand-eye coordination. It these things are any indication, he should be pretty good at sports.

Abhi is saying paatti and taattaa (grandma and grandpa in Tamil). He is probably not sure what they mean yet but he will find out soon!

The countdown to India is on...

We leave for India in 7 days. K's family is waiting anxiously to see Abhi!! We can't wait for them to enjoy Abhi and all the things he is up to.

After the birthday party, we have been laying low. That was kind of the big event we were building up to. Then, we had to come back down from all the excitment. We now have a one year old which is hard to believe most days. Seems like Abhi just arrived! Grandma also left right after the party, so it was back to our normal routine. I had not even given Abhi a bath in over a week because that became Grandma time. So, we have settle back in doing the usual; pool a couple times, park/swing, and some shopping to get ready for the trip. The next big thing is the trip.

We have also been doing babygarten (storytime for babies at the library). We go every wednesday morning. Abhi is becoming one of the big kids now. It is for 0-18 months so there are some tiny babies coming. He is now one of the walkers and is able to go away from mommy and stand in the middle of the circle and watch miss Jennifer up close as we do the rhymes and songs. He is enjoying exploring his freedom. Then after we do the rhymes, songs, and book it's playtime. He has fun playing with all the toys and has to pay attention that no one steals the toys he has in his hands. He is at the age where grabbing is the thing with no concept of sharing or playing with other kids. Here are some pictures of us at babygarten...