Raami

Indian National Anthem

2012-01-26T00:04:00.001-06:00

Bath time pictures

2012-01-18T21:14:00.008-06:00

8.5 months old
2.5 years old

World Capitals

2012-01-10T10:34:00.001-06:00

Mommy Carry Me Please !

2012-01-05T23:48:00.002-06:00

Y2K11

2011-12-28T21:32:00.001-06:00

Well I thought of rounding up 2011 with my tidbits from the year

I think that Papa's name is "Re Vadi" because that is how Amma call papa whenever she needs Papa's attention - "Re Vadi swalpa banni illi". Now, I tell him - 'Abhirama Re Vadi ge Tea madida'! And Papa asked me to call him Papa. But I didn't understand what he said so asked him - 'What did you say re Vadi?'

Many a times, I will be playing all by myself latching onto my toy laptop and exclaim - "Abhirama is very busy. I have lot of work. I got a meeting to attend". Papa reckoned that I have made a nice observation of how he acts when he is in front of the work. And when Papa is working from home & closes the door of his home-office, I would keep knocking at the door asking him - "Papa, are you free now? Is your conference call over?" - and Amma says that my face looks like a cute "?" at that time!

And I would usually insist on Papa to not to go to work. But one day Papa got me Kitkat from work, so the next day I asked him to hurry up and go to the office. Papa wondered and asked me "why?" - I told him pointedly "Abhiramange wants Kitkat".

I refer to myself as Neenu (you). If Papa asked me "What are you doing?"- I would reply "You is watching YouTube".He retorted back "You, don't call yourself you, alright? Now answer my question again, what are you doing?". I didn't know what the fuss about, yet listened to him carefully and nodded as I understood what he was asking and replied back even slowly "You is watching YouTube". I think Papa got it this time as he didn't ask me the question again.

Also, I refer to our home as "Amma mane" because it is Amma house. So I keep asking Amma to take me back to Amma home when we are outside and I am bored or tired. And Papa asked me once "Then tell me where is Papa house?". "Oklahoma!!" pat came my reply. We had gone there on vacation once and I believed that hotel is Papa house.

I usually watch Peppa Pig on the iPhone/iTouch. Papa sets me up with one of the Peppa Pig videos and I will be on my own. I would switch between the videos and play it all by myself. So the other day I went to Papa and asked him to put a particular Peppa's video. Strange enough, Papa did not know what video to put. I explained to him again - 'Peppa, George go under chair - that one'. You know sometime my parents don't seem to understand a thing. Papa struggled to find that video. I was pretty upset and threw tantrums all around. Finally, Papa found the video I was looking for. And he goes "You should have had asked for the Hide & Seek video". I was like "Dude, how in the world would I know that is the hide and seek video, when you couldn't figure it out with all my hints, clues and antics?"

I love pretend play games. Especially when I play it with Papa. So I'll ask Papa to be the driver and I'll pretend to be sitting on the car seat. Now, Papa has to go around shopping, car wash, mall and other places. I will insist on him to make sound like car engine, car washing or train sound. This is such a loving game, but not sure why Papa doesn't like it at all. So I had to keep begging "Can we play just one more time?" for each play. Once, Papa shouted "Kid you don't know the meaning of just one more time!!". Should I tell him that I know the meaning yet I am tricking him or should I just keep quite?

And once I pointed towards the room and told myself "Abhirama Kirchidre.. Papa olgade karko hoga..." (Papa will give me a timeout if I shout). But as I got used with it, I wouldn't worry too much about the timeouts until Papa found out the trick that works. Now, if he is not able to discipline me then Papa will run to a closet and closes the door. I would run behind him and plead "Papa, innonsati madalla, come out please"

Happy New Year 2012 to you all !!

Toy Story

2011-12-24T20:38:00.000-06:00

On a recent visit to Walmart where Papa found the small and a big toy fire trucks, I insisted on keeping both of them as I loved both and didn't want to leave any one back. Papa explained to me that both are fire engine toys so I can leave one and may be buy another toy instead. But I didn't relent. Reluctantly, he agreed to buy both and told me that one of them is expensive but as I am pestering he would buy them both. After this we continued with our shopping.

A few minutes later, I told Papa that I don't want the big fire truck. He was surprised and asked me why - I told him 'This one is expensive so I will keep the small toy'. Papa couldn't believe what I told him - he asked me for explanation again. I was happy to let go of the big toy as it was expensive and agreed to keep the small car instead. Papa tested me by keeping the big firetruck back at the rack and I was cool with it!!

Well, Papa loved my way of thinking and bought another toy car along with the 2 toys we had already picked :)

The moral of the story: understand the value of the money and you will surely be rewarded :D

Kolaveri Di Bells

2011-12-20T00:21:00.000-06:00

My shot at singing Kolaveri Di...
.

And here is the link to the original
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR12Z8f1Dh8

Enjoy!

Multiplication Table 1, 2 and 3

2011-12-15T23:03:00.002-06:00

Playtime pictures

2011-12-14T23:37:00.010-06:00

Here are some of the pictures of Victoria and I playing together. Amma has put together as a collage. Hope you all will like it!

Cookie Monster

2011-12-04T22:06:00.011-06:00

My new buddy Cookie Monster

TGIT - Thank God It is Tuesday!

2011-11-29T21:54:00.012-06:00

That is because on every Tuesday I go to the mall, play around in the play area, relax at the food area by munching the hot pretzel, enjoy the ice skating by other kids at the arena and more importantly I get to ride the carousel!!Earlier Amma would not ride the carousel as she would get sick & we could go to mall only when Papa was around. However, as Papa is very busy now, and Tuesday is a relatively free day of the week for me & Amma - She decided to take me for the carousel ride & since then surprisingly she hasn't felt sick and in fact she is enjoying the carousel as well. Amma always packs goodies like cookies, juice and fruits so that I can enjoy them. And many a times Victoria joins us to the mall and we all enjoy, play and relax.Give me more Tuesdays! But also give me more Friday's as that is Papa's chance to take me around to the other mall and give me a toy train ride. That is until Later!

Indian State Capitals

2011-11-15T06:53:00.004-06:00

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-25T23:23:00.006-05:00

Swimmer boy

2011-10-25T10:35:00.001-05:00

Inquisitive Mind !

2011-10-18T17:41:00.002-05:00

Here is a recent discussion I had with Papa. Is it philosophical? thoughtful? humorous? or just plain long?? Quoted here Verbatim for your reading pleasure :)

Me: Papa, ask me what I am doing?
Papa: What are you doing?
Me: I am sitting in the car seat
Me: Papa, what are you doing?
Papa: I'm driving
Me: Why are you driving?
Papa: We must go to home, right?
Me: Why should we go to home?
Papa: Because you need to sleep
Me: Why should I sleep?
Papa: You are tired & need rest
Me: Why do I need to rest?
Papa: So that you get some energy back
Me: Why do I need energy?
Papa: So that you can play!
Me: Why should I play?
Papa: When you play, you will be happy!!
Me: Why should I be happy?
Papa: Because being happy you will always smile and laugh. You won't cry. And lo! we reached the home, time for you to sleep now.
Me: Papa, why should we sleep?

And then, Papa unseated me from the car seat, locked the car and started the long walk towards the home :)

Then...Now...

2011-10-10T22:06:00.004-05:00

Then.....
Now.....

Reverse Psychology

2011-10-05T14:06:00.009-05:00

How does Reverse psychology work? Here are couple of example acts from my daily routine. But I still don't know what reverse psychology is!!

Scene1:
Amma: "Abhirama lets check your weight"
Abhirama: "No! I don't want to check my weight"
Amma "Okay, only Amma will check her weight. No weight check for Abhirama"
Abhirama "I want to check my weight!!!"

And I weigh 26+ pounds now :)

Scene2:
Papa: "I'll put you to bed come over here"
Abhirama : "NO! Amma will put me to bed!!"
Papa: "Okay, I will put 'wheels on the bus' rhymes on YouTube to put you to bed. Well NO, I will put 'old McDonald had a farm' rhymes"
Abhirama: "NO!! I want 'wheels on the bus' rhymes only"

And thus I slept in less than 5 mins on Papa's lap

Scene 3:
Amma: "Abhirama drink your milk."
Abhirama: "NO! I don't want milk."
Amma: "Okay, I will give you Bournvita milk today, no almond milk for you."
Abhirama: "I want almond milk only!!!"

3 mins later I had put the emptied milk cup in the sink.

--xx------xx----xx-----xx---xx--

Well it doesn't work always. Here is a Reverse of reverse :)

Papa: "Abhirama I'll give you timeout and send you to your room"
Abhirama: "But my room is dark"
Papa: "Okay, I will switch on the light and send you to your room"
Abhirama:"Thank you"
Papa: !!!!!!!!!???

Since then Papa hasn't offered me a timeout chance at my room!

PS: This is the 100th blog post of Raamisonny - it is such a wonderful journey so far - blogging about our little precious activities is as enjoyable as being part of it!

Jack in the box

2011-10-04T14:21:00.011-05:00

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5

Whats on your mind?

2011-10-03T22:46:00.007-05:00

This is my library project albeit completed by Amma. We were asked by our library to do this small project on what we kids think, an anatomy of our self if you will. But then I let Amma write those stuff for me. It wasn't as easy as it looks, Amma did some proof reads, cut the papers down and had to find the good color pencils/markers from the lot before getting this one. Papa did a good job of writing my name in that bulky font. It was all worth it as our librarians liked my contribution to the pack :)

US Presidents

2011-09-23T21:39:00.000-05:00

US State Capitals

2011-09-15T18:59:00.003-05:00

Lizard

2011-09-10T23:12:00.006-05:00

So yesterday Papa decided to take me to the collin creek mall – our usual outing where I enjoy the Toy train ride. While at the mall, Papa & I ventured inside the Amazing jakes that was crowded by people playing video games.

Meanwhile, at home Amma was alone and was busy with house cleaning. At that time she spotted a small lizard at a corner of the house. None of us had seen a lizard at this house before, so it was a surprise visit by a stranger. Amma, panicked and made multiple calls to Papa on how to handle this tiny lizard! But Papa couldn’t hear the phone rings due to the noisy atmosphere at the mall.
Amma not knowing what to do, kept her eyes on the him. She asked for advice from Anand mama who had called home phone. Going by the freaking tone of Amma, Anand mama had thought that we are definitely dealing with a lizard of the Komodo dragon order, offered help to drive down to home and take care of the monster. But sooner he realized that what we have is just petty small lizard.
So this impasse continued for few more minutes. At that time as she has done ample time before, Amma got an idea to take a picture. With a camera in one hand and a snow shovel on the other hand she flashed the camera. The flash made the poor creature to run for its life. The ensuing melee led Amma to hit the lizard with the shovel with enormous power. Kristen came home for Amma’s comfort and Papa did eventually called her back. And needless to say Amma cried out big time on the phone that made Papa & I to rush back to home. Amma animatedly explained the whole incident. That was really funny!

I learnt that the lizard is brownish in color and rather harmless except when Amma is alone at home!

Zhu Zhu pets

2011-09-06T22:07:00.005-05:00

Yesterday my friend Victoria gifted me those two cute Zhu Zhu pet toys, since then I have been very busy chasing them all around the house. These toys can make sound (or music if you will), run around, turn back if they hit a roadblock. And one of them squeezed in that small gap between the fridge and oven and was crying out for help! Papa had to do a lot of circus to bring it back as zhu zhu relentlessly resisted to come out of the hole :D

Yes that is a watch on my right hand. Other day we went to a store and I grabbed this from the bottom of the toy pile and refused to leave it back there at the store. Papa had no choice but to buy this for me. I think this watch shows 7' O clock all the time because that is the answer you will get if you ask me for the time. But Papa says this is definitely a way to go as I am telling you the correct time at least twice a day :)

Picture of the month

2011-08-31T09:23:00.003-05:00

Janmashtami

2011-08-21T23:03:00.011-05:00

For this Krishnajanmashtami Amma dressed me like Krishna! There was a lot of apprehension on if I would let them dress me up like that. However, for a change I actually liked it very much & patiently let Amma do all the make-up that she wanted to do. All the accessories to wear were sent by Naana/Ajji. That flute was Amma's toy since she was a kid and necklaces were Guddi's :)

Once ready, we offered puja & prayers to Lord Krishna on this auspicious day. Here are some pictures.

Oh Man!

2011-08-18T21:27:00.007-05:00

Other day Papa and his friends were playing the PS3 move while I was out with Amma for the most part. They continued playing till midnight & I only watched in amusement as to what they are doing.

Today I fell from the steps while waving to my friends in the neighborhood, I slipped and rolled over three steps. My parents kept the cold pack and applied the cream to my bruise at the forehead. So to make me comfort, Papa gave me the PS3 move controllers to play. I was excited and started saying 'Oh Man! Oh Man!' while swinging my hands around. My parents were surprised! When they asked me where did I hear it from I said Hari mama Anand mama and Papa! I had seen those guys saying Oh man when playing this game :D Apparently, I have thought this PS3 game is called Oh Man game and we must say it when we swing our arms around while playing it!

To top it all, I got an ice cream for comfort myself - the bruise is not a big deal as such. As usual Amma was crying but Papa dismissed it saying that he will learn from it!

Keep Gate Closed

2011-08-14T23:10:00.002-05:00

On an August evening

2011-08-13T14:18:00.025-05:00

After a 5 hours nap I was still feeling sleepy and acting fuzzy. So Amma/Papa took me outside the door so I could get the fresh air. I was excited to be playing in front of the door after such a long time (thanks to the weather).

In this video, you could see me all excited about taking the car out to bring home pizza, wanting to have ice-cream after I heard the usual ice-cream truck music, and also played with little rocks. I spotted a dirt spot on the car and believed it to be hurting our car. So you could hear me asking Amma to bring coconut oil so I can apply it to the spot to soothe the car :) And finally yes I came to a lively mood and was playing until the midnight :)

Cowboy

2011-08-09T21:28:00.024-05:00

Theatre me tha andhera
Mein bechara dar ke maara
Dekhne chala Zindagi na milegi dobara!!!

This time the theatre experience was better. I was alright when we entered the hall. But I didn't like the darkroom though I was thrilled to see a big TV up on the wall that Papa kept on calling as a 'screen'. Anyway I slept for the entire duration of the movie as I hadn't slept for the whole day and also tired playing all day along - thanks to Amma's meticulous movie planning that ensured I sleep during the movie time :)

The outside temperature at Plano is at a record breaking high. Every day temperature around 105 degree only meant that I would miss my play area time. Even going out to swimming cannot be before 7:30 p.m. and eventually when we go out to the pool the water would be literally hot!

The relentless high temperature also meant that I would go to the library almost every day where I do rhymes, dance & play with the blocks. I have made quite a few friends out there.

You know we played a game during the rhyme time where Amma had to ask me a question that goes like "Hands up high, hands down low, put the scarf over your head just so. oh ho! where did you go?". While I instantly answered back with "Walmart" at top of my lungs, the kids around me shouted in a chorus voice "peek-a-boo". I didn't get why folks were grinning at my answer because I really like going to Walmart.

On another day after we came home with a great session on the Cowboys theme. Amma asked me "Would you be a good boy?" in a frustrated voice when I was refusing to change my dress. "No, I will be a cowboy" was my prompt reply - I think Amma's frustration melted away within no time :)

Here are some pictures with my friends :-)

My version of The Wheels on the Bus

2011-07-31T00:15:00.018-05:00

I'm quite busy these days. The swimming, story time & bunch of other activities that I do at libraries keeps me tight. If I'm not busy then I will be at my usual bit - doing naughty stuff at home & testing my parents patience :)

Among the rhymes, I am totally into "The Wheels on the bus go round and round" ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KcWIRTa-BM&feature=related ). It has been one of my favorites since I was 6 months old and I have taken into new heights by making my own lines now. Here are some of the lines that I have made all by myself.

Washer dryer on the bus say on and off, on and off , on and off...all through the town
Swimming on the bus say Water, water water....all through the town
Tree on the bus say touch touch touch....all through the town
Car on the bus say drive drive drive....all through the town
Car seat on the bus say belt kattu belt kattu belt kattu....all through the town
Church on the bus say Christ Christ Christ....all through the town
Chair on the bus say sit sit sit....all through the town
Map on the bus say florida florida florida....all through the town
Library on the bus say story time, story time, story time....all through the town
and so on and on and on.....

You know what you feel when you are introduced back to your old hidden-away toys? Well, you feel like you are given new toys! That is what Amma did to some of my old toys. Now, she stuffed away some of the new toys and opened back the old ones. As I don't recollect playing with these toys, they all looked new. Papa exclaimed way to go!! Perhaps I don't understand it yet as what the big deal is, but I won't take it anymore from the day I understand this new-old toy tricks :)

Little Rider

2011-07-23T17:12:00.008-05:00

I got this tricycle that I am in love with! Though I couldn't peddle it all myself - I am having total fun with it. Here are the pics :)

I am 2 years GOLD!

2011-07-09T11:39:00.003-05:00

I am two years today!

My parents still feel like I was born just yesterday. Time really flies. Now, I am a very active toddler who keeps my parents busy running around me all the time. With all my learning and new activities that I picked along I couldn't even notice that the second year flew back really quick. Here is a video that captured my voice from the day one to 2 years. You can see how I learnt to talk!

We are here at Oklahoma city and it is very hot out here, so we are enjoying and relaxing at the hotel adventuring out only for a couple of hours or so each day. The good thing about hot days is that I get more pool time. Now, I have learnt to swim all by myself (of course with the help of the floater suite). I am missing my home a lot. I keep telling Papa to take me back to Texas and when he asks me what do I do in Texas, I tell him that at home I can show you where Oklahoma is on the map :D. I do miss my toy friends who are left back at home.

Finally thank you all my readers for encouraging me with the lovely comments. Keep reading my blog!

Lone Swimmer

2011-07-08T19:40:00.001-05:00

Summer Reading

2011-06-27T22:17:00.008-05:00

Amma had signed me up for the Summer Reading Program at the Haggard library where we had to meet the goal that we had set during the enrolment. Our goal was to read 20 story books. So Amma read those to me. It was a fun and an enjoyable experience. In my company I had my toy friends ( Banti - the bear, Babli - the dog, Bittu & Micchu -bear cubs, Dhannu - the horse, Duckling, Yoyo - the parrot, Tomy - the jumping dog).

The library awarded me the certificate and a free picture book upon my completion on June 20, 2011.

Jeopardy Dance

2011-06-23T21:55:00.002-05:00

Usually I don't dance, but when I do I dance like a pro :)
Amma rehearsed for the tunes of the Jeopardy theme music by mimicking the music. And Lo! I moved my feet baby!! :)

Enjoy the video

Swimming

2011-06-19T01:09:00.012-05:00

Its that time of the year again. Exactly an year ago I had written about my first experience at the swimming pool. Recently we had a pool-party at our community swimming pool & needless to say I enjoyed it to the fullest. I danced to the tunes of Justin Bieber (baby baby), played the games & by end of it won some prizes too!! Here is the video clips from my pool time activities!

Well, just before I sign-off - Happy Father's Day Papa!!

Scientific Instruments

2011-06-08T15:55:00.002-05:00

Spell Abee

2011-06-03T14:46:00.011-05:00

The spell bee was that much harder this year. At one point in time 22 words words were spelled correctly on trot by the last 5 remaining contestants. The competition has become tough now. The winning word was "Cymotrichous" - correctly spelled by Sukanya Roy ( Here is the last year's winning word )

Here are few spellings that I know, nope I wouldn't ask you for the etymology or the origin of the word, I will just spell it :)

Aksharabhyasa

2011-06-01T11:21:00.009-05:00

We bought this slate toy so that I can scribble on it. But before I could hold the toy pen we performed an instant Aksharabhyasa function. This is the first time I am holding the pen and sure enough I am very excited :)

Zoo

2011-05-30T14:32:00.015-05:00

While the story is almost same as the one here. But the pics are new & the zoo had undergone considerable changes. They have stuffed the zoo with lot of Jurassic park animal look-alike and the rain fan was gone. While many wild animals were sleeping, I enjoyed watching. I feel elephant and I have many things in common, for starters we both play in the mud :)

US map

2011-05-22T18:42:00.005-05:00

I can recognise more than 40 states and other geographical locations ( Oceans, Cities and Countries) on the US map. Everytime I found the state you can hear me saying 'siktu' which translates to 'found it!'. This surely was the most challenging video to make as I can't stand in a place for that long. Anyway, here is my best shot at it. :-)

Idly tale!

2011-05-19T21:33:00.006-05:00

One upon a time I was bored
Tried and tired
Feeling wierd n silly
And then Amma
Offerred me idly
I was sitting tight
on my booster seat
I tried moving left to right
But failed to win the race
With all my might
I tossed the plate
Over my head
Now I know the color red
It was on Amma's face
Idly was all around the place
Later she made me eat strawberry
That is the end of this story

Chef Raami

2011-05-09T16:43:00.005-05:00

Today I turned 22 months :-)

Babies & ABCs

2011-05-04T21:27:00.005-05:00

The difficult part in all these is to see me eating the junk ;) After eating the raisins half way through, I refused to accept the good stuff any more and almost made it a point that I will open my mouth only after chips are served to me. Well, yeah, I get it, don't you worry - this is the first time Amma gave me the chips and she has securely packed it away now.. Enjoy the video, Amma got the inspiration from the 'Mommy Hugs' book.

Spring blues

2011-04-29T22:18:00.011-05:00

Past week was a bit of rough. I was caught with this fever that slowed me down for a while. With the mercury constantly reading at a high temperature there was no respite for my parents either. All this means is that we made multiple trips back to the doctors office & needless to say that my rendezvous with the doc wasn't great. However, those trips helped reduce my fever & I am glad to tell you I recovered back to my normal activities! It also meant I learned few stuff about doctor profession. I know how to use the thermometer now and I can recognize the doctor/nurse from their dress. And you bet I know the exit from the docotor's office :)

I was surely back to my usual bit when I got stuck with this toy on my head. Amma had tough going while removing the tangled motorbike from me. But when I ventured out of the house after 5 days of lull, I demanded my parents to take pictures of me strolling on the streets, I have added few here for your viewing pleasure. To round it up Amma made a video too. Enjoy!

I love pets

2011-04-28T23:40:00.021-05:00

On April 23rd, there was an Easter Egg Hunt at the church next to our house. I enjoyed being with the pets, playing games, horse ride, getting tattos! It was fun :-) Here are some pictures and the video!

Snippet of Abhirama's activity

2011-04-26T23:15:00.001-05:00

Captured on April 22, 2011

Learning my ABC....

2011-04-21T22:00:00.002-05:00

Whilst I do confuse moon to the egg, jug to the tea cup - I have picked up the alphabet quite well. The only complain my parents have is that once I start going on the alphabet I won't let them go anywhere - I will make them repeat the ABC over and again with my impeccable style of demanding ---"ABC.. innu beku (I want more A.B.C..) :)

FAQ-4

2011-04-14T09:53:00.002-05:00

Here and there pictures!

2011-04-11T21:57:00.011-05:00

Bath time.... Fresh from offering Pooja :-) Drive through shopping Shopping cart ride at Target Sorting out the vegetables

Howzzaat?

2011-04-02T22:17:00.006-05:00

Papa reminds me that how we have always heard about "Ten Do(lkar), and Ten don't!". Well today the Ten players really did it to give a memorable win to the nation and more importantly to the man who had carried the burden of the billion hopes for more than 20 years - Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar! Congratulations to all!! India is the Cricket World Champion!!!

P.S:- A little while later we heard this gem from a caller to the 104.9 FM radio program to congratulate the team India

Anhoni ko honi karde honi ko anhoni
Ek jaga jab zamaah ho teeno
Rajani (kanth), Ghajani (Amir Khan) aur Dhoni!! :)

Country Capitals!

2011-03-23T22:35:00.005-05:00

Since posting of the FAQ-3, many people had asked my Amma about how many country capitals that I know. So here is the best shot I had at the capitals of the world, hope you enjoy it :)

Happy Birthday Vadi Papa!

2011-03-20T13:39:00.008-05:00

Happy birthday Papa! And yes, he bought me a gift on his birthday. It is my favorite toy - the vaccum cleaner!! I do enjoy helping Papa/Amma around cleaning the house with my vaccum cleaner. Here is me wishing my Papa on his b'day..

Talk Time - FAQ-3

2011-03-13T23:47:00.002-05:00

Play time

2011-03-12T09:53:00.009-06:00

It has been quite sometime since I blogged in writing. Lately, video blogging has been prominently featured on my blog as I make my stride towards the 21st month.

Most of the time, I keep it to myself, unperturbed & playing with my toys. As I know more words now, I keep talking to my toys too. Actually I can frame the short sentences of 2/3 words. Light off/TV off/Fan off/Computer off, Door close, Amma diaper change and other such simple sentences come out easily now. One of the striking commonality is that I repeat the words a lot. It could be my age thing or may be I am just excited in repeating the words!

There is also this wonderful thing called "my mood" that I have learnt recently. My mood swings from very happy to the "I-want-it-now" mode within no time! It becomes a terrible stuff for my parents when you add the fact that sometime they don't understand what I really want. Other day, I was asking for "chi chi", what started as a nonchalant question turned out to be a pain in their neck for my parents. I kept on demanding for the "chi chi" pointing towards the refrigerator and Papa kept on bringing out Cereals, Cilantro & Stickers. Finally, Amma understood that I was asking for the sweet that we had brought home last evening!

Recently, I had been to a movie theatre for the first time (Tannu weds Mannu). Don't ask me how was the movie, a dark noisy room filled with strangers is an ideal place for my mood to go south. Amma tried to entertain me and diverted my attention from the big screen. I slept within few minutes into the movie only to be waken up at the end of the screening. I heard Amma saying it was a nice move & Papa resenting the whole idea of watching such a boring/pointless movie!

My language skills

2011-02-25T21:43:00.003-06:00

Papa keeps wondering as to when would I pickup on the Java language :) Well, I am not sure about that, but here are the few new words that are added to my dictionary.

Catty!

2011-02-25T17:36:00.001-06:00

Abhirama is all excited seeing the Cat :)

Let it Snow

2011-02-05T11:41:00.009-06:00

The quote "If you dont like weather in Texas wait for 5 mins" is proving to be wrong, it has been 5 days since we are below freezing temperature and it is not getting any better any soon. But the good thing about all this snow piled around is that I got my snowtime. I walked & jumped around the snow along with helping Papa in cleaning the car.

Dothi

2011-02-03T22:17:00.002-06:00

It is funny sometime that how challenging it is to communicate with people around you with a small set of vocabulary that you possess. Papa narrates this story about how comical the situation was at his stay in a hotel on his maiden trip to the US. He wanted a bag to put his laundry cloths and he asked the hotel reception for a "cover" - a very common synonym used in India for a plastic bag. The hotel folks were shocked to hear someone asking for a cover and the hotel manager explained to Papa that - all the expenses are covered by your company -- your safety and security is also covered by our hotel and all. It was a real struggle for Papa to make them understand all he wanted was a simple laundry bag. While he finally figured out a way to tell them what he really wants - this story became part of my Papa's folklore.

For past couple of days I kept on saying "Dothi" (as you can see in the video below). Both of Papa & Amma were puzzled with this and went crazy as they couldn't understand what I was saying. Well, Papa asked various inquisitive questions to find out more about Dothi. All I had to offer was to repeat the world "Dothi" in almost a whispering sound to myself and point at my leg.

I could hear them all murmuring Dothi to themselves to find out any more clues about it with not much luck. while, my "Dothi" and pointing to my legs continued, Papa/Amma almost broke their heads in cracking this Dothi-puzzle.

While all these went by, again today I was determined to help my parents understand this word. So again I started with Dothi with Papa & Amma resolute to solve it once for all, kept on asking me what/how/where is Dothi. And then some more clues dawned upon me. I went on saying - Akka (nurse), Dothi, Suji (shots needle). "DOCTOR!!!!" screamed Amma/Papa together. Finally! they got it.
What happened was few days back we had been to see my Doctor on 18th month check up & shots (the reason behind pointing to my leg). The word Doctor stuck in my mind but how much ever I tried only "Dothi" was all I could pronounce.

Rounding up january

2011-01-29T23:21:00.009-06:00

There was this end project celebration @ the Medieval times, Dallas arranged by Papa's office. This was a curious place where people dressed up like Kings & Queens & Knights. There was a performance at the arena where lot of horses were involved - it was a good, enjoyable show.

While Amma continues to feed me on new questions every day, this particular Q&A was catchy. She had this question "Who is the President of America" and she was coaching me to reply as "Obama", but then it almost sounds like my name such that my reply has been "Abhirama" each time this question is popped out :)

For lack of better word - I will say I am addicted to YouTube.com. I want to watch the "Wheels on the bus" that comes in million versions. I don't mind watching each one of them any number of times, particularly before sleeping. Now I know so much about this song that I can prompt you the next few words. Papa loves the way I request/demand/ask this song to be played on the computer. I will drag the computer bag and ask him - eeeeeeee eeeeeeeeee by rolling my hands to imitate the moving wheels :) :)

Abhirama FAQ :)

2011-01-20T13:41:00.005-06:00

While I do chat a lot, it was a challenge for Amma to make me sit at one place and get the answer to all my favourite questions. She has missed many more questions to which I know the answers - as she couldn't hold me tied on to the stroller for that long. Here is the snippet of what I got. I am used to some of the questions so much so that I jumped ahead & answers the next question in line as well (like you will notice when Amma had asked me to show the head, I moved ahead and answered the next question on eyes/nose as well :))

First post of the year

2011-01-17T12:43:00.010-06:00

Happy new year to all!

I wish you all a very pleasant happy new year. On the first of the Jan, we moved to a new apartment, bought a new TV & car. So I was very busy with all these moving & buying activities.
Our new home is spacious and very good. It has got more closets than our earlier apartment so I can hide in more places now.

There is a public library close to our new apartment that we all go regularly now. I enjoyed the kids play area there as they have kept quite a few toys for us to play. Even though I would love to browse the books around and pick few fairy tales home, I am not able to make head or tail out of those tales so for now I am letting it go. I am sure in few years I would be either read/reading man of those story books. To begin with, I have already started attending the story-time at the library. The stories are so very good. Particularly the kids who were not listening to the story as even I joined them in playing with the chairs, scattered animals, snow jackets & all. While I enjoy this - there will always be some scary moments waiting upon me. Like that dance that every does during the story-time, now why must everyone sing with such a big voice and dance together? I don't like that at all. Amma keeps training me at home with those dance tunes - someday I will start liking it.

Also, there was the first snow fall of the season last week. I enjoyed the snow fall with Amma, Papa & Ajji. It was Ajji's first snow fall and she was enthralled by it. Also, my friend Niranjani & her parents had visited us on that day, we all had busy snow day.

Christmas Pictures - 2010

2010-12-29T23:33:00.013-06:00

Whats my name?

2010-12-27T22:10:00.005-06:00

What is that belongs to you, attached to you for life time but then it is always used by people around you?

Guess???

May be you can find out the answer watching this video..

But let me give you a hint.. its definitely not Sheila (though I liked the Katrina's dance) :P

Gym - Jam

2010-12-20T10:58:00.007-06:00

Well I am amazed at this "Gym" thing. I loved the tools and gadgets they have neatly arranged in our gym. My Ajji who is surprisingly health/weight conscious never misses an opportunity to go to the gym (on the other hand Papa never misses an opportunity to miss the gym!). So today, I peeped in to the gym to check it out. Wow, what a super place this is. I was so excited that I jumped around a lot and played with all the toys a kid of my age (?) can play with. Someday in future I'm planning to return back here. You know 6-packs abs, build strong muscles and all. Till then you can enjoy this tiny video of mine

Journey: Mysore to Plano

2010-12-18T23:31:00.008-06:00

Here in this blog I am going to capture the highlights of my departure from India to arriving at our home*I became little anxious and nervous seeing Bangalore airport terminal - I latched on the Amma and wouldn't let her drop me down or hand me over to Ajji. Amma had hard time completing all the immigration paper work & the travel itself. The flight journey was usual except that I was imitating a heavy snoring person who was sleeping on the front seat. Both Amma & Ajji tried to distract me away from that man, but his snoring decibels were so high that I couldn't help imitate it over and again :)

*When I saw Papa at the DFW airport I went easy on him and happily hugged him. I was confused that this is Giri dodappa as I started calling him Gi Gi..Papa though was super excited and was very happy that I obliged

**I woke up after half an hour after arriving at the home. When I opened my eyes I was in a Deja vu state of mind, I think I remember this place but wasn't sure. I first inspected carpet floor as in Nana's home I was used to hardfloor. Within few minutes I was really " at home " at my home! I continued to be jetlagged and sleep/awake at odd hours.

*I am saving quite a few bucks for my parents as all my old toys look very new to me. I am happily playing with each one of them as if they are all new toys. The only exceptions are walker and the stroller - I have lost the touch of these two and now I am scared to sit in them

*It is damn cold out here. That added another word to my vocabulary. Now I can say chali (chill) to indicate the extreme cold

*Papa has got this new toy PS3. Though he had told Amma that this toy is for Abhirama, from looks of it, it appears that only Papa and now Ajji will play with it. I would doubt he will let me touch it let alone play with it. I was LOL seeing them playing the PS3 move :D

Talkativity begins at home

2010-12-03T23:28:00.019-06:00

Now that I can walk comfortably well, I started working on my language skills. Before I came to India I had few words in my kitty, but that has increased a lot now. I pretty much understand what people are talking around - whether they are talking to me or others. They can't play trick on me anymore :)

Just so you know, here is the compilation of the list of words that I talk or act upon

1. When you ask me Raami yaaru? (Who is Raami), I will answer by pointing to myself

2. I can clap my hand for the rhythm of raam raam seeta raam, taagubbi tatta gubbi and Dance for kumbara gundaiah, Ganpati bappa moriya! I am sure you will enjoy seeing my antics - I am a crowd puller too - more crowd loves it - more I do it :P

3. My parents have done my height & weight check so many times by putting me up against the wall, now even the mention of the word "height" will make me run towards the nearest wall and stand still. And if you say "weight" I will go and stand on the scale!

4. I can show you Kannu (eye), mugu (nose), bayi (mouth), hotte (tummy), kai (hand), Kaalu (leg), kivi (ear) & tale (head)

5. Well, now I can greet you by "shaking hand" & see you off by saying "taata bye bye" with a "flying kiss" & just in case if I am super excited, I will do hi-fives with you too

6. But then my favourite rhymes are when you sing the "Wheels on the bus go" & then I swing my arm to show how the wheels move. But if you sing "if you are happy and you know it clap your hand" then I "clap my hand" :)

7. When you ask me to just shut up (kaikat bayimuchu), I hold my hands tight & tight lipped too

8. You know what? I know how cats flips the eyes, just ask me "bekku kannu hege madatte" and you will know it.

9. I can do "Exercise" ask me how, if that is boring just ask me to "Whistle" I will show you my skills :)

10. But then there are so many others I talk and understand the list is endless now. So I will just include other words that I can pronounce in no particular order: Vadi, Amma, Anna, Atte, Ajji, Papa, Kaka, Tata, Nan, Bukbukkabuk, Abujabuja, Baba, MamMam, Parake, Abu, Abhi, Chi, Che, Chu, Gubba, Chapati, Dudu, Kuchi, Tachi, Ujji, Susu, Ti, Aita, Juicy, Huva, Akki, Key, Agga, Ko, Bachi, Suma, Soppu, Suji, Mane, Tuppa, Uppu, Swalpa, Guddi, Dabba, Sun, Moon, Nani, Naana, Mane, Jakkajakka

Its been a fun filled days in Mysore. I am missing my papa as much as he is missing me. I am glad I will be back to my home in 10 days. My next blog will be from US of A. See you all in a bit.

Pencil Sketch and Jungle Boy

2010-11-11T01:35:00.009-06:00

On Oct 25th which happens to be my Parents Marriage anniversary day, I had been to a Sahara Arts and Crafts exhibition along with my grandparents and Amma. There was this pencil artist who could draw anyone in minutes. So Ajji, Naana and Amma decided to have me draw my pencil sketch. Naana Ajji were entertaining me throughout so I sat 10 minutes tight on Amma's lap and he drew a nice picture of mine. It was fun! This was our sweet surprise to Papa from Mysore on this special day :)

............................
And then between Dussara & Diwali there was this halloween (last year I was dressed up like a Monkey). Chikki and Ajji thought of dressing me up like a Jungle boy. There is a nice big Neem tree here at my Grandparents home and Mango tree at our neighbour's home. Ajji made a beautiful long necklace, threaded mango leaves to tie around my waist, a crown of betel leaves, anklet and bangles! I was crying throughout as I was covered by leaves & branches all around :) Naana gave me popsicle to pacify me. Here are the pics of my jungle boy makeup.

Raami Gump!

2010-10-19T11:23:00.001-05:00

Papa returned back to US of A on Oct 1st. We all had been to the Bangalore Airport to see him off. I miss him :( Even though I didn't know where he was going, I was crying at the airport as he went inside the boarding area. I kept on murmuring Vadi.. Vadi for a couple of days. Anyways, now I talk to him online & he sees me over the web cam.

You know what? Now I can walk! Aha!! One day, for no particular reason & just like that - I started walking. When I reached the end of the living room, I turned back & walked again. When I reached the end of the room, I turned back and walked again. When I was tired, I rested - When I was hungry I ate. When I had to go, you know, I went! But I didn't stop walking :)

Well, on a serious note - I think it got to do with being on the hard floors of the Grandparents house. Crawling was hurting my knees! Also, my ajji & Giri Dodappa forced me to walk. I started to help Ajji in cleaning around the house. I held the broom in my hand and stood up, I lost control & fell down. I kept on trying and them boom - I started walking around! Also, Giri dodappa would say 'datto datto' and made me to walk forcibly. Anyways, as I was telling you before, now I can stand on my own feet - good to knock it of the TO DO list!! Here are few glimpses of my walking.

Also, I started helping ajji in cooking too. One day she was very tired and asked me if I can help her with making chapati. I tried my bit. Here is the glimpse of my chapati preparation, hope you enjoy it :)

Hayagreeva Tulabhara

2010-10-17T11:42:00.019-05:00

And then we all went for a tour of North Karnataka to pay a visit to the Sonda Vadiraja Mutt. This was a long due visit, Kitty ajji had made a wish that she will do my Tula-bhara at this holy place as I was born with the umbilical cord stuck around my neck. To avert such hardship in future, Kitty Ajji had planned to take the blessings at Sonda. Tulabhara - "Weight Balance check" - is a ritual where the ingriedients (that is required to make the Hayagreeva sweet) equivalent to my weight will be offered to the temple. So, I, Papa, Amma, Giri dodappa, Suresh Nana, Gayathri ajji & Guddi Chikki - all went on Giri-dodappa's car (Ford Fiesta). Ajji had prepared idli for all of us & she also had packed Papa's favourite Avalakki (poha). We took a stop near K.R.Pet for the break-fast before proceeding further to our next stop at Shimoga. We had planned to spend time at Guru/Madhu/Ramu thatha's house for the rest of the day. Parimala ajji was waiting for us with a lavish lunch prepared. I enjoyed the yummy holige she had prepared. We spent the night at Guru thatha's house & started again at the morning 5:00 a.m. towards Sonda.

We reached Sonda around 8:30 a.m. Papa & Giri dodappa booked my Tula-bhara & the time was fixed around 11:00 a.m. So all of us visited the Mutt, prayed there and waited for the ceremony. I was wearing the Doti and was curiously waiting for this. Just when the priest called us for Tulabhara, I went for a quick nap. Papa/Amma did the ritual with the help of priest and then put me on one side of the balance & on other side they had put rice/lentil/jaggery/coconut. This made me to wake up suddenly and I was crying aloud throughout the ritual. And that was how my Tula bhara was completed!!

From Sonda we drove towards Udupi, visiting Idagunji Ganapathi & Murdeshwara on the way. The National-Highway 17's stretch between Bhatkal & Kundapur was very messy & difficult to drive on. Giri-dodappa ( along with the constant bickering from Papa - "drive slowly".."Be careful".."That man is coming across the road".."Watch out for the on coming truck") drove extremely good on these conditions. We finally reached Udupi around 10:30 p.m. (almost 3 hours late thanks to the conditions at NH17). We rounded up our tour by visiting Udupi Krishna temple, Pajaka kshetra & last but not least Giri dodappa's most recommended place - the neer dosa at the Krishna bhavan @ Charmudi

The long journey

2010-10-16T23:10:00.010-05:00

The journey to India was long and tiring. With Papa having his production go-live the same day of of travel, it was a very busy day- September 10th - the day of travel to India. Luckily I was in best of my mood when we entered the DFW airport.

The journey itself was uneventful except that I was very scared about the folks sitting around us. The slightest look from others would make me want to cry. One of the co-passenger was smiling at me & I instantly started crying. He asked my Papa if there was any problem, well papa wanted to tell him - your smile brought tears to my son - but instead chose a novel response and replied - well he is a shy boy! Apart from this I ensured one more thing, that, I didn't let Papa watch the in flight video :)

There was an interesting incident at the airport though. There was this guy who was also travelling to Bangalore & was stuck at the ticketing counter as his bags were overweight. After finding out that his bags were beyond the weight limit, he reluctantly removed many stuff out of the bag before checking in them. While we were busy at another counter checking in our bags, both Papa & Amma watched him throwing his stuff away in to the trash bin with a heavy heart. Amma & myself ran to him to stop him just in time before he threw away the last piece - his new jacket. Amma advised him to wear the jacket instead of throwing it out and also told him you could have had stuffed the other clothes that you threw away in your carry bag (as his carry bag looked very empty). The man who was blinded by the sudden turn of events thanked Amma for saving the last piece that is Jacket!!

Both Giri doddappa & Sameeranna were excited to receive us at the Bangalore airport. Inspite of knowing that I am a shy boy, Giri dodappa had a pact with Sameeranna that as soon I pop out of the airport he will hold me up & Sameeranna should wait for his chance. Well, this plot looked alright until I actually came out. At the first chance he got, Giri dodappa tried to hug me and hold in his hand. I gave him a shout that I doubt he will ever forget! I was holding Amma tightly and was so terrified with this huge crowd at the airport that I even refused to go to Papa.

It was 3:00 a.m. on Sep 12th when we had reached Bangalore. We all went to Srikantha dodappa's house and took couple of hours rest before proceeding towards Mysore. Akshatakka had her mid-term exam and she was busy with the last minutes preparations.

Soon & sure enough, everyone in India realized who I am. I would latch on to either Amma or Papa all the time and would not even look at other family members. Giri dodappa, Suma aththe & Gayathri ajji all tried in vein to hold me in their hand and run away from the sight of Amma/Papa. However, doing so at least gave them chance to hold me for few minutes. Whereas Suresh nana was like, let me play with him for few days and then he himself will come to me. With that, suresh Nana missed chance to lift me for few days while all others were lifting me even if I cried :) As you would have guessed rightly, I slowly started accepting this huge crowd of family members.

Carousel ride

2010-09-02T16:33:00.012-05:00

This will be a quick blog entry. Last Saturday we all had been to the shopping mall to close in on the last minute shopping before heading to India. Inside the mall, right around the food area there is this Horse Carousel. While I was small kid, my parents used to bring me down here so I get used to see crowd around. Amma used to think that I wouldn't like a ride on this Carousel even when I grew up as she is scared of such things. So now that I have turned one, Papa thought of taking me on this horse ride. Amma was still sceptical, but she didn't resist much. So papa bought the ticket and placed me on a big horse. Amma didn't come for the ride and was waving us from a distance. At first I didn't have much clue as to what is this all about. As soon the ride started, I actually liked it! It was a very good experience. While I was having the fun, the carousel stopped. I was very upset that the ride came to an end and was kinda crying. So Amma asked Papa to take me again for another ride. I enjoyed 2 rounds of the horse riding on this carousel. At the end of the second ride I again started crying - but this time Papa & Amma took me away from the carousel to another area in the mall :P Here are few pics of the mall - hope you all will like it. Do let me know

Man of the House 2

2010-08-20T17:21:00.009-05:00

Once again I am the man of the house!

Papa has gone to NJ to meet my cousins Prahlad & Samhitha. Amma and myself stayed back in Dallas because he didn't want me to be stressed travelling as we will be travelling to India shortly.

Papa has instructed me on what to be done & how to run the house in his absence & yet again he didn't give me the elusive ATM card :) As the man of my house I will have the previledge to getup late in the morning, laze off, play PS2 games, browse internet & watch football on TV :) Yeah.. I am just kidding.. that's not a complete list, he goes to work too.. :) I will stay with Amma and help her around the house stuff until Papa returns back. But today my temperature is reading 100 so I am little down but as day progressed I am getting better, hopefully I will swing back to full action by evening and I will help Amma on doing the dishes, cooking and all as I always do :D ;) Aaj mujhe baar baar ek heen kayaal araha hai..

Papa kehte hain bada naam karega
Beta hamara aisa kaam karega
Magar yeh to koi na jaane
Ki meri manzil hai kahan :)

Swades - Indian Independence Day

2010-08-20T05:12:00.013-05:00

We celebrated the Indian independence day at the Anandbazaar mela organized by Indian association of north Texas. Though India's independence day is August-15th, this event was organized on Aug-14th evening as it was a Saturday. This was at the Race course campus at the Grand Priare that is 30 miles from our home. My mood was off from the word go as I hadn't slept well that day. I started crying just 5 minutes on our way to the venue. Papa had to stop the car on the way and sooth me. He strolled around and made me to go sleep before he started the car. We took a stop at Gautham mama's house before proceeding towards the mela.

I was in good mood when we entered the Mela & let Papa/Amma/Gautham sneak into every stall that is putup there. As usual Amma did collect lot of freebies (t-shirts, junk food & etc). Amma even participated in a on the spot musical chair (courtasy India Bazaar) and to all our surprise she won it too. However, it was a very hot sunny day and there was a huge crowd that had gathered at the venue - it was more than I could take. I kept on crying until Papa or Amma take me away to calm area. In between this, we all spotted Sherman Joshi (one of the 3-idiots!) who was up on the stage and talked a few words.

My mood had gone down south a long time ago - and Papa decided its not worth enjoying while Abhirama is crying aloud. So we all started back home earlier. As soon I was away from the noisy crowd I became normal. Our journey back home was uneventful as I was completely in a play mood & at ease in the car seat!

Closing remarks: Amma had called in her favourite radio station 104.9 and sung this song. A small tribute to the great nation of India!

Mera mulk mera desh mera yeh watan
Shanti ka unnati ka pyaar ka chaman
Is ke vaaste nisaar hai mera tan mera man
Aye watan aye watan aye watan
Jaaneman jaaneman jaaneman

Much ado about nothing :-)

2010-08-13T00:39:00.012-05:00

Life mein Kichidi hona mangta hai :) Have you ever dealt with a situation that you weren't prepared to face? Well, this happened at my home on Monday.

Amma had planned for a nice snack (Sabudana Kichidi ) for the evening that she had learnt recently from my Ajji. She had planned to be ready with the sabudana right in time so when Papa arrives home we all could enjoy it. However, this turned out to be an evening filled with high emotions,intense drama and not to mention many phone calls made. It all began at 4.30 pm when Papa confirmed Amma on the phone that he will start home in 10 minutes. Amma wanted to keep Sabudana kichidi secret from him (for the clever person Papa is, he will avoid being a new recipe bakara). Usually Papa keeps his promise on return time. So this made both myself and Amma to expect him at home by 4.50 pm at the max

So Amma fully delved into making the new recipe having the Radio (FM104.9) volume set to its full throttle. As usual, I was in my own world and was playing around the house. Meanwhile on the radio they were announcing an unusual spur of accidents in our neighbourhood today and lot many roads were either blocked or slow moving due to this.

Clock had already ticked 5:20 p.m and Amma phoned back Papa to know what happened. Well, well, well Papa's phone went to the voicemail - this never happened as far I could remember! This made Amma to worry a bit. She switched on her computer to check if he is still online, but he wasn't. While the thought of phone could be dead surpassed our minds, we knew Papa would let us know before hand if his battery is low. By now, (just to add to the drama) the voice on Radio became even louder - people started reporting accidents from all corners of the Dallas metropolis. There was one reported in Colony, another in Frisco and a latest accident that occurred somewhere in Plano. For mine and Amma's knowledge, we aren't too familiar with many of the roads that were being announced on the Radio.

This is surely annoying. No calls from Papa nor he is accepting any call and too many accidents - a panic situation really! Amma called up Sudha aththe as Papa talks to her daily. She confirmed that Papa had called in the morning only - she too was tensed up. Amma, controlling her dropping tears went back to wait mode for another 5 mins. I knew that a highly tensed drama is brewing in front of my eyes as I could notice Amma's eyes becoming wet. There was no news from Papa yet. Amma now called Balu Mama who is Papa's close friend and colleague. Balu was returning home & he hadn't met Papa for the whole day. So he wasn't aware of Papa's whereabouts. However, he asked Amma in assuring voice to calm down and not panic. He suggested that its a case of battery down and Papa would return back home soon. Balu offerred to go back to office building and search for Papa if Papa isn't returned in 20 mins. Amma also called Prashant mama and asked him if he had talked to Papa in last 20-30 mins - again he hadn't. Both Balu and Prashant called Aaron who sits next to Papa in the office. Well, even though Aaron was clueless where Papa went, but he was the last person who had talked to Papa before he left the office. So Aaron drove back on the streets until our home to check if there was any accidents around and returned back to his office desk with empty hand. The positive news was there was no accidents on the way to home. But then, what if, Papa had taken a different route today? What if he went somewhere else? What if there was an accident earlier and it was cleaned-up to clear the traffic? Amma's mind was fighting all these thoughts and she was in complete disarray.

Now it was 6:20p.m. and almost 2 hours since Papa last communicated. Amma thought enough is enough and thought of going down the building and wait in the parking lot for Papa. She prepared herself to call 911 and seek for help if Papa doesn't show up in next 10 mins. Now an amazing thought came to her mind. While she was truly down and out, she still had it in her mind to wear well pressed clothes to prepare to face police :) So she dressed up herself, put me on to stroller and about to open the door. Right then, there was a knock on the door. Aha! Papa never knocks on the door as he has a separate set of keys! Who is on the other side of the door? What news he/she got? this is the last thing we wanted at this juncture. Amma was almost fainting, with whatever the courage left in herself, she opened the door and there he is.. Papa was at the door!!! Seeing him, Amma immediately started crying aloud and I too joined the party in crying :)

Papa initially panicked and he thought something must have happened at home and soon he realized that it was his disappearance that made the mess. Yes, as you all suspected - it was just a case of battery down. But what happened along with battery down was that Papa went to a computer store and there he realized that his phone is actually dead. He had no way to call us back to inform us and he had under estimated Amma's tension level. After everything was settled down, he called back Sudha aththe, Balu, Aaron & Prashant and assured them that he is safe and sound!

And yes, we all tasted the delicious Saabudaana kichdi & I had a specially made Yummy saabudhana payasa. We rounded up the evening with a visit to swimming pool. A truly eventful day - much ado about nothing :P

Some Pictures

2010-07-31T22:32:00.019-05:00

Fun in the Sun!
I want to be fit so doing my routine exercise

So was Mom and So does the Son. Compare Amma's childhood photo with mine :)

Life in a day!

My First Appearance on Youtube

2010-07-22T13:07:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

Here is a small presentation of my first twelve months. My parents have tried to capture the time I had spent with family and friends along with the progress I have made so far. Amma wanted to upload on my Birthday (July 9th), however she could not finish doing it on time.

Thanks to Papa and my Naanaa (Grandpa) for helping Amma making this movie.

Here is a video made by my Naanaa too :) Hope you all enjoy watching it!

Instant Birthday @ my Home

2010-07-22T13:06:00.002-05:00

Austin Trip

2010-07-22T10:29:00.015-05:00

Papa planned to take me out to Austin for my first year birthday. It is about a 200 miles drive from Plano to Austin. Amma kept me awake since morning so when we started at 3:00 p.m. I was sound asleep for whole of the 3 1/2 hours journey to Austin! Amma had ordered an eggless birthday cake at the hot breads, we picked that up along the way.

Papa had booked at the Towneplace Marriot hotel northwest of the Austin. This is kind of home coming so to say as Papa/Amma had earlier stayed in Residence Inn (owned by Marriott) for several months. It was 8:30 pm when we reached the hotel and there was still a bright sunlight. This hotel is on an uniquely named road - 'The capital of Texas Highway, North'! I got a feeling Papa struggled to input proper name of this road in our GPS every time :) Anyways as the name of this road suggests, Austin is the capital of Texas.

I was very excited as this was a new place for me. I crawled around the room and did my own investigation to understand the place better. Except for that dreaded Iron board (I hate that squealing noise it makes), I wasn't scared of this new place.

We went around the places in Austin during our stay. Austin is a very beautiful city. This town is more greener than Dallas & to our surprise it looked more like a hilly area as opposite to an almost flat Dallas metroplex.

In our three days outing we had been to the Children's Museum, Capitol Hill (Papa says Vidhana Saudha of Texas!), Climbed up the Mt Bonnell, Peacock Garden, LBJ Library and Museum, Fun Park and did a river walk around the Lady Bird lake. As I felt it, Austin has 2 seasons so to say. Either it rains heavily or it is a very hot sunny day :)

On the 9th evening, we did the cake cutting at the hotel lobby. My parents had got custom made T-shirts with a picture of myself/them on it. I celebrated by lighting up the candles (with Papa's help) on the cake. Once this was done we had the yummy cake that was awesome in taste. We had couple of hotel receptionist join us in our celebrations.

On the last day of our stay, we visited Samarth's house at Austin. Samarth welcomed me by singing the Happy birthday song for me. We all had delicious payasa adige prepared by Vani aunty. Arvind uncle gave me lot of toys to play with. I was so excited and kept on talking to aunty continuously:)

We started back early next day after having breakfast. Papa wanted to be home before the World Cup Football final game starts. And guess what, we were at home on the dot! While Papa enjoyed the Dutch vs Spain encounter, I & Amma enjoyed the well deserved long nap :)

All in all this was a fun filled birthday trip and I enjoyed it to the fullest :)

Here are some pictures.

Happy 1st Birthday :)

2010-07-08T22:59:00.000-05:00

Since I popped out of Amma's womb
I am on my own
I am Amma's doll Papa's crown
That was when I was One

I could grin and smile too
No one understands the antics that I do
That was when I was two

I made the first move by pressing my feet
Now I know to move around free
That was when I was three

I started rolling over the floor
Just then Papa got me the bouncy chair
Also I had pierced my ear
That was when I was four

I went for a jolly ride
To see the Dallas Downtown
We enjoyed strolling around west end side
And then Papa bought me pair of Santa socks
On the Christmas eve
That was when I was Five

As I crawl up crawl down smoothly
I started taking risks
Papa threw in walker in the mix
That was when I was six

That day when I peeped out of the window
I could see snow flairs dropping like a rain
Amma took me to the lake garden
To take some pictures of mine
That was when I was seven

Amma always keeps me in her sight
Because now I can stand up straight
Of course with the help of a support
Then I fall flat on my butt
That was when I was eight

I was initiated on the rice
Now I can have it on the sun raise!
Nana, ajji, Doddu's, aththe's & chikki define
The big extended family of mine
I talk to them on laptop or phone line
That was when I was nine

I went to the Fort Worth zoo
And enjoyed watching the wild animal
Some are big and some are too small
I loved that Lion that was standing alone
That was when I was ten

Well then one day I woke up at seven
And world was again not even
May be ready my earlier poem
Because that was when I was eleven

From last summer to this summer
Its already an year
I am Amma's Gold
Papa's pearl
I am now an year old :)

Swimming

2010-06-20T12:06:00.000-05:00

I had my first test of water this weekend. Amma is worried that I may not grow taller as she is short. So she has always planned Swimming for me ad this was the day to test the swimming water. The water looked blue and I had not seen so much of water together (the most I had seen earlier was a bucket full of water ). I know Amma and Ajji used to come down to this pool when I was inside Amma's tummy. Well now you know Amma always wished that I grow up on the swimming :)

At first Papa got into the water, then he invited me in. I was scared to get in the pool even though I had the assuring hands of Papa . Papa gave me a small demo of swimming and tried to pull me in to the pool. I was still scared and held Papa tight while he took me slowly into the water. The mercury was reading in mid-90's so it wasn't the case of cold water. Papa helped me splash the water and I slowly started liking it. I feel so light inside the water. All along Papa held me tight so I feel comfortable. He even tried to make me sit in the water toy, I thoroughly the water toys too!

I was immensely enjoying the water when Amma pulled me out of the pool. I didn't like it one bit but then as soon we came home Amma introduced me to this new fruit Strawberry. Wow, what a taste it has got - I love this fruit!!

Let me wind up this blog with Happy Father's day Papa :)

Today I turned month eleven

2010-06-09T22:41:00.000-05:00

As I got up at seven
I sensed the world looks even
Because I turned to month eleven!
I wonder how quickly I went from one to ten
It just feels like yesterday that I was born
Every morning as the sunshine
I getup and go run and run
As I have too many things to learn!!
Now I crawl around without any pain
I try to walk for my own gain
In a month I turn to a year
Hurray cheer cheer cheer!!!

Can you spell A.B.H.I.R.A.M.A ?

2010-06-08T16:05:00.000-05:00

Stromuhr it is!! Last Friday we were watching the spell bee contest and Anamika Veeramani won the contest spelling Stromuhr correctly. Even though you see me sitting under a chair in the below pic, Amma is secretely wishing that I sit up in that spell bee chair one day.
Here is the link to the winning word on the spell bee:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5254335

Fort Worth Zoo visit

2010-06-06T00:41:00.000-05:00

It was planned a month back that on the long week-end of memorial day that I will go to the zoo. So on the Sunday May 30th we had been to the Fort Worth zoo. This is about 50 miles from our apartment. I had slept well on the way to zoo so I felt fresh when we reached there. The temperature was reading in the mid of 90's - it was hot and humid. Good thing was that the zoo was like a thick forest with lot of shades that gave us some reprieve from the hot sun.

Papa glazed through the map and planned our route inside the zoo. There were too many creatures in there. But I could sense and notice only few of them. Some of the animals that I could notice included tortoise swimming near us, snakes, gorilla, lion, penguin and Jaguar.

Amma had packed lunch for all of us. I was feeling too thirsty all the while. At one shot I gulped 75% of the water that Amma had got for me. I took a nap for about an hour at the picnic spot while Amma and Papa enjoyed the homemade food.

Two things that I enjoyed most were Rain fan and Parrot parlor. Near the elephant they had rain fans mounted that was sprinkling water on us making a body cooler in this hot day. And the parrot parlor was like we go inside the huge cage where hundreds of parrots were. Papa bought the parrot feeder and few of the parrots came near to him as he held the feed. Amma initially was terrified with this idea of going inside the parrot cage and holding up the feed, however seeing my excitement she also got into the game and held couple of parrots. Anyways they didn't let me hold the parrot even though I tried a lot to catch one.

This zoo also has a Texas-cowboy town at the other end. I enjoyed playing with the wagon, horse and cows over there while Amma had a big cone of ice cream. By the time we completed our zoo route, it was already 6:00 p.m. It was a memorable outing for me as I had never been out for that long in a day.

My Laptop

2010-06-06T00:40:00.001-05:00

We have had 3 laptops at home for a while. Couple of them from Papa's office and one was Amma's but I didn't have any for myself. So I used to work on laptops whenever Papa/Amma opened their laptops. So they thought its time I have my own laptop. This was one item that has excited me so much. This has a fully functional keyboard & mouse and a small console lid as well. Actually we all went to Walmart to bring home this latest toy. This is designed for a 3 year old, however Papa bought it anyways as he knew I would be very excited with this one. Here are few pics of my new laptop. Now we have 4 of them!!

Though I do have laptop now, I can't sit in one place all the time. I love to explore places like kitchen, living room and etc., So on one such search through the kitchen, I pressed my finger against the door - it pained a lot. Amma said no more kitchen entry from now onwards :(

My two tiny teeth !

2010-05-21T20:58:00.000-05:00

My teeth are out now! Two of bottom teeth started poking through together on the eve of my 10th month birthday. It's funny how quickly the teeth popped out. On last visit to doctor Amma had even expressed her concern that I haven't got the tooth out yet. And now I have two little shiny white pieces sticking out. Very soon I would be graduated to a more textured foods. You know I love sipping water through a cup, so now a days when drinking the water my teeth make a unique sound when it touches the cup. This teething has affected my appetite. I feel like not to drink/eat anything. Also, my sleeping habits are changed because of this. My brief power naps are messing up my whole day schedule.

You know what I love to eat most? Oat meal, Dosa, Curd rice, Pongal and anything that Amma eats. Though Papa enthusiastically brought the Cerelac, somehow I didn't like the taste of it. But I do love the taste of anything that has spice in it!! I also like cookies, chocklates and cake (yeah I tasted the cake for the first time thanks to Gautham mama). My favourite is Fanta. Aha what a taste it has got! I love to drink it.

If Amma give me even a hint of Fanta, I will start screaming so that she can give me a couple of droplets. If you just leave it to me, I would love to drink whole gallon of Fanta.

Meanwhile, I have also picked up few words. 'Koodalu' is the first world I have understood. Koodalu is Kannada word for hair. I would pull my hair the moment you say Koodalu :). I also know my nose and not just that I know NO too!!. Moogu (nose), Kivi (ear) & Beda Beda (No No) are the other words I understand. Above all, now I know who am I! You ask me Raami yaaru (Who is Raami) - I will beat my chest to confirm you that I am Raami :) Its a small start to gigantic learning I have ahead of me.

Well I have a gift for my blog readers. On my next blog I will release my verson of 'Baby laugh'. It is Papa's ring tone for a while. You could download and make it as your ring tone too!! Its free, just kidding :P :D

Dil to Baccha hai ji ( The Heart of a Child )

2010-05-09T22:52:00.000-05:00

Now, I have learnt standing up on my own! This happened couple of weeks back (April-16th to be precise) when it was least expected by my parents. That day I had my lunch and Amma had just put me on to the bed for my playtime. Papa was capturing me on the cam coder and there you go! I started off with struggling to hold on to myself but slowly with the help of support of the wall I stood up and peeped outside the window! Papa and Amma were enthralled by my new feet (or feet's I must say?) If I can find a support to latch on to, I am sure to stand up. Amma is worried that my ability to pull stuff away from table, chairs couch has doubled ever since :) While my standing has been exemplary, my crawlilng is still in the 'Army version' of it, I am yet to graduate to the Knee crawling. I reckon I would skip the knee-crawling altogether. As a matter of fact, I stood-up even before I could able to sit comfortably. Amma used to give me 'sit up-time' for 2-3 times a day for about 10-20 seconds hoping that I will pick it up. You see, sitting is a stay-put activity, but I want to roam around and explore the world :)Now that I actually started walking few steps my activities have increased leaps and bounds. Seeing me taking baby steps Papa bought me a lion faced 'stride-and-walk'. Although I am scared seeing the lion face, I was right at home when it came to walking with the help of this new toy. I tell you what this whole standing business is not easy as I see it. I misjudge the distance few times and other times I mistime my steps and in either ways I fall flat on my butt (oh yeah, needless to say it hurts) - I am sure to catch up with the tricks and trades of standing alone by myself :) You know a funny thing? Among the things that I am scared, the most common are things that happens every day. You know, like vacuum cleaner, iron board, food-mixer sound, pressure cooker whistle or even motor-cycle sound. My Papa learned it hard way when he got his Iron board to the living room and stretched it out. I was so frightened that I started crying out so big. Papa was amused that I am actually scared of an iron board! He was like sighed out with 'Oh boy! this kid is scared of an Iron board'. He thought if I am taken near to the board I will be alright. You know me :) I didn't like to do anything with this thing called Iron-board and kept on crying aloud until he moved it away and packed it inside the room.

I knew I have a good taste for music. But then I never thought I would go gaga over this song from the movie Ishqiya - Dil to bachcha hai ji. This has been my favorite song ever! There is something in this song that makes me feel so happy that I love to listen it over and again. For a change I love this song even when Papa sing this. Ever since Amma discovered how crazy I am about this song, she has found an easy pacifier when I am acting bit cranky. When she is unable to pacify me, she puts this song on the youtube and yes you guessed it right, I invariably smile and control my behavior. This song has been the single biggest tool my parents have used on me to make me eat, sleep, smile or just grab my attention. Every time I hear this song it brings out a smile on my face!! Rahat fate ali Khan has perfectly rendered to the melodious music of Vishal Bharadwaj and penned by Gulzar. Who would have thought that a romantic hindi song could make me go crazy! Amma has promised that she would teach me this song when I grow up. me to sing this song when I grow up.
Here is a link to the song-enjoy it yourself :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzvD8GA-lqA

April Spring

2010-04-30T13:00:00.000-05:00

Well well well.. It is almost end of the April and I just realised that I haven't blogged for the whole of this month. It isn't like I dont have stuff to blog, on contraray I have many things to write about. Lately, I have become so busy with my activities that I couldn't found free time to for this.

I had a cool begin of the month of April. Well, in real sense the weather in Dallas actually warmed up a bit for good. These days I go out a lot and meet my friend Yash and his granny at the lake. I enjoy eating cookies and want to eat whatever Amma eats. I wonder how come my food is so pale in taste and what Amma eats is so spicy and delightfully tastier? I wonder when I can eat such spicy food :)

April month was another milestone in my journey. I was introduced to the rice now!! We all had been to Sudha atthe's house in New Jersey earlier this month for my 'Anna muhurtham' (religious ceremony to introduce myself to rice). We flew to Philly on a southwest flight. It also happened to be my first domestic flight journey and the one where I was very comfortable on the plane (and in fact I made friend of the guy who was seated next to us). I enjoyed the journey all through the way. I slept for a while, ate beet root and played with Papa on my way to New Jersey. Sudha atthe welcomed by doing 'Aarathi' (ceremonial welcome!) to me on the door steps!!

My Anna-muhurtham ceremony was arranged On April'02 at Krishna-vrindavanam temple @ New Jersey. We all (myself, Papa, Amma, Sudha atthe & Sridhar mama) went to the temple in a hush on that morning. Sridhar mama picked up flowers & fruits on the way to the temple. After the 'maha-mangalarathi' was done, the Anna-muhurtham ceremony began. Papa, Amma & myself were made to sit in a row and priest assisted Papa & Amma in performing many rituals while I was looking at the proceedings. Once the intial rituals were over, the cooked rice & payasam (Indian sweet) were brought and kept in front of us. Papa held me tight and fed me the rice and payasam. As part of the ritual Papa had to use his ring as spoon to feed me the rice!. I enjoyed the taste of rice as Amma too fed me on the payasam. The Payasam tasted yummy! And so, I was formally inducted to 'Rice feeding'!! Since that day, Amma is feeding me on rice everyday and I like it!!

March Musings

2010-03-12T00:38:00.000-06:00

How would you feel, if people around you would confuse you to be a SHE when you are actually a HE? Well that is the side effect of a boy having his ear pierced at an early stage as myself. As you know my parents got my ear pierced quite sometime back. Since then I have been referred as 'SHE' by many. Other day I was at Walmart happily shopping and this lady comes up to me and she goes.. 'Oh look at her - she is so cute!'. I couldn't help but cry out loud!! While this incident was still fresh in my mind, on the same day I & Papa went to a CVS store where a small girl ran towards my stroller, starred at me and she asked Papa "Can I pick her up?". I don't know why but Papa didn't try to clarify that girl that I am not a girl!! Amma was worried when Papa related this story to her. So Amma changed my big ear-rings to smaller ones given by my Ajji - here are couple of pics, hope you would like it.
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Now I have a walker!! Well, Papa bought it for me, not because I learnt to sit (in fact I am barely able to sit without any assistance). He bought it because these days I am not sitting tight on the bouncy chair. Many a times sitting on the bouncer, I was caught red-handed while attempting to cut loose from it. Amma was worried that I will fall-off the chair so she demanded Papa to replace my bouncer with a walker.

This walker thing is cool, it doesn't have a belt to tighten me up so I am kind of free to twist my body around. However, I have tiny legs hence I can't stand on the floor yet. So its like my legs are hanging up in the air. Going by the rate at which I am growing, I think it would take another month or so before I can actually use the walker to walk around. In any case I love this new tool. Moreover, it also has got few toys installed on top of it!!
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Last Friday, we went to an Indian restaurant along with Papa's friends. While Amma takes respite in the fact that I tend to sleep-off when we go out. But that day I was woken up by Papa's struggle with parking in front of the restaurant. Amma was worried that I will be a perfect spoil sport on a rare outing. Anyways, they dared to take me in my stroller inside the restaurant. I was fresh from the sleep and also excited to see a new place. As they all settled in a corner of the restaurant, I was awestruck by the presence of another baby (girl!). While I was busy gazing at this girl they all had a peaceful lunch :)
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Snake in the house!

2010-03-03T20:19:00.000-06:00

I got to tell you the incident that occurred on last Wednesday (Feb'24)

It was around 10:00 p.m, I had almost slept on Papa's lap and Amma was making my bed. Just then, she went to the bathroom and she came out running with a scared look. She heard a hissing sound from the bathroom. Papa went to the bathroom to inspect what is there and even he could hear a clear and constant hissing sound coming out of the bathroom. While all of us knew we are in the 4th floor of this apartment complex, the first thing that came to our mind was 'IT IS A SNAKE'!!

Papa asked Amma to hold me up tight & secured and stay away from the bathroom & he will go inside and take a surface look at the corners of the bathroom. Amma protested & started crying as she was worried about Papa going in to the battle field all alone. Having no other options left on the table, Papa called on Chandan mama (who lives in the same building) to come over to our place. By this time we all could hear a very loud & scary hissing sound.

When Papa explained about the hissing to Chandan mama, at first his reaction was like 'Hey, there cannot be a snake at the 4th level'. However, as he dared to enter the bathroom he was promptly welcomed by a melodius hissing sound and suddenly he goes - "Kuch Tho Hai Vadi" (There is something here Vadi). Well, by now the clock had ticked 11:00 p.m. and while all these are happening I was curious and enjoying the whole drama unfolding in front of me (The plot looked like it was straight out of Aahat serial that Papa keeps talking about) . The best part was none of them seem to be worried about putting me to bed right now :)

After much deliberation, Papa thought that it is better to alert the building maintenance and seek their help. As it was already 11:00 p.m. the call went to a call-center and the person on the other side of the phone told us that he would intimate one of the building maintenance person on duty tonight and there is no ETA on when the the maintenance person will actually arrive for the inspection. Having nothing much to do we all waited for about 20-30 minutes, with no relenting of the hissing sound. Papa & Chandan mama were busy talking about all the previous snake stories (at times I feel like Papa makes some of those stories on spot - it is difficult to make out which one is actually a true story). Amma was as is scared and these suspense stories made her to freak-out further. And finally she thought its time to call 911. Papa also had no other option on hand. While he was enthusiastic in telling the snake stories, I didn't see him that enthusiastic to enter our bathroom. So with few prepared notes scratched on a piece of paper Amma dialed 911. For a change, she calmly explained the hissing situation to 911 and we were connected to an animal control officer. Amma handed over the phone to Papa so he can explain it better, the officer told Papa that she cannot come to home unless we actually see something and she assured us not to worry as most likely it wouldn't be a snake or possum. And we still suspect it to be a creature we can call pest control in the morning.

Now, having exhausted all the options, Papa decided to break the stalemate and be adventurous (after all he is Vadi Bond :B). With a resurged energy both my Papa and Chandan mama entered the bathroom to solve this hissing puzzle for once and for ever! As they inspected around they zeroed in on the toilet bowl from where they could hear the sound. The next task was to actually open the lid and confirm the finding. Papa with the help of a stick opened the lid of the toilet bowl. We all were holding our breath for a moment just when ecstatc Papa beamed a victory smile at the end of his cheek when he shouted there is nothing in the toilet bowl!! Oh, Yeah!!!

Our joy & relief disappeared in a minute as we heard even bigger hissing sound (I thought, well this surely must have irritated the hissing creature). Now, Papa's & Chandan mama's attention turned towards the flush-water tank. Papa dilly-dollied few minutes before he opened the flush-tank (while Chandan mama was well prepared to run away, hehe!!). Oh! Boy!! what do we have here!!!

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After 2 hours of drama (and a franatic call to building maintainence and 911) around 12:00 a.m. we were able to successfully find the source of the hisssing. THE FLUSH VALVE INSIDE THE TANK !!!!! Oh My Gosh!!!!!

We all sighed with relief that the mystery is solved! And that day I learn't that, my Papa, Amma & even Chandan mama are usually daring guys - except when they suspect there is a snake in the house!!!!

Papa and Chandan mama inspecting

Shall we open it or not?

Ok here we go, be prepared to run!?

I enjoyed the show as a spectator!!?

Valentine's Day pictures

2010-03-03T19:28:00.000-06:00

This is how I celebrated the Valentine's Day

Know the Snow

2010-02-23T00:18:00.000-06:00

I had never witnessed this big snow fall in my life time :D

Papa saw it coming on weather.com so he was telling me to stay tight at home as there would be snowfall. If you know Amma, you would have guessed it. She was very happy that she can take me out to the snow to take few snaps - er.. lot of snaps.

It started snowing since Thursday morning and Papa was feeling lazy to go to work in the morning. Amma gave me a glance of the snow from the windows. It was awesome, I had never seen this before!! It looked as if cotton flairs are dropping from the sky.

Amma dressed me up when Papa came hom for lunch. So as soon Papa had his lunch our photo session began outside :) It was still snowing thick, I was in my stroller. The snow flairs were falling on my stroller and on me as well. It was freezing and actually kind of fun too. Papa and Amma both took many pics of me. We only spent like 10 mins outside, all 3 of us couldn't withstand the cold temperature.

We planned to go out next day again if the snow stayed on the ground. Sure enough, come next day, we all went out to our favourite park to take more pics. The park was frozen and looked white all the way. Around the park, Papa tried to do a parallel parking and he moved the car front and back to get it right - many times (well yeah, he doesn't like me commenting on his driving :P ) This swing move of the car made me to fall sleep. After much struggle he could get the parking straight. I woke up as soon I was taken out of the car as it was freezing outside. As I opened my eyes I saw white snow everywhere. We took quite a few pics inside and around the park.

By next day snow was cleared with a bright sunny day. The temperature was in mid 50's. It just goes on to prove, "If you dont like the weather in Texas wait for 5 minutes"

Here are few of the snow pics (Day 2) for your viewing pleasure!!

"Between Buzzz and Isss"

2010-02-22T23:50:00.000-06:00

Buzz.. Buzz.. anyone home?

I dont know where to start and what to write. I have so many things to write about. I am catching up with it very quickly. What should I write about now?

Should I write about
I crawl around the house, I particularly like to chew the electric wires that may be lying around my way?
I will try to put any small object (papers, threads, anything) that is smaller to my mouth and if the object is big (like chair, table, couch) then I put my mouth into it?

Should I write about my latest realization about how effective I can use the crying weapon?
Or should I write about my usual habit of crying top of my lungs when I see unfamiliar faces?

I took quite sometime to decide on the topic, so I decided to write about this delimma itself!!

You know what is new? I can pronounce Isss now.. nothing special about it.. I just learnt it.. its just cool to be issssing all day :)

My experiments with outside world & food

2010-01-24T20:42:00.000-06:00

You know my latest activity? I started going out! Yeah, ever since I was given H1N1 shots, my parents are eager to take me out of the house. All these days I never liked seeing a new face. So Papa was worried about it, he even asked my doc if something can be done about that. Doc gave him 2 short answers, namely: a) don't worry, he is developing his personality, b) TAKE HIM OUT - and show him world is bigger than 2 people!!

So, the weather in the Dallas being so good for last week, my parents decided to venture me out of the home! Good relief!! Papa wanted to take me out to the nearby shopping mall and put me up with other kids at the kid section on last Saturday but I slept off that day. So on the next day (Sunday) I was strolled out to the lake (For starters, this is the place where Ajji/Amma would sit when Amma had me in her tummy). It was a pleasant sunny day with a nice breeze. We all sat around our usual table and were enjoying the view of the park. Papa's friends also joined us a little later. I enjoyed seeing the blue sky, water fountain, dogs, big trees, small plants, cars and more importantly other PEOPLE!! See below picture - I am hanging out with Chandan mama, Prashant mama & Papa! (Is it 3 Idiots + 1 or Kraazy 4?? :P)

Well, there was another important step that I took this week. I have started on the solids. Amma makes the fresh veggies soup at home everyday. Let me confess, it has yuck taste. I didn't like it at all.However, my parents determined perseverance made me to start accepting this new food. So far I have tried Carrot, Green Beans & Beetroot. I kindda liked beetroot & carrot. However, green beans is a real yuck taste. Today Papa got Oatmeal so I will start on that one from tomorrow.

Half year update

2010-01-17T23:05:00.000-06:00

I turned 6 months on Jan 9th! I couldn't believe that I am 6 months old now. It feels like just yesterday that I was born.

There were quite a few highs and lows in the short journey I had so far. It has been an amazing experience - This World!

As the new year rolled in, I was pleasantly surprised to receive gift pack from Joanne (Amma's colleague @ Rutgers - NJ). Joanne Aunt has sent me a lovely warm cloths & a nicely worded greeting card. I was so very happy to open the gift pack. Thank you Joanne aunt :)

I have got with me a bag full of new dresses that were brought by Ajji and Naana when I was at Mysore. I wore one of the new dress on my semester day. As luck would have it, that day the water supply was disturbed as there was a leak in the building. Amma had big plans to prepare some good sweet stuff, she had to just content herself with Jamoon. Both Amma and Papa had the Hot Jamoon with Icecream . It doesn't help my Papa's weight even though he is trying to hit that treadmill very hard these days :)

I got wishes from my Naana, Ajji, Chikki, Doddu 1&2, Atte 1&2, Mava1&2, Akka and Anna. All of them saw me through the webcam. Couple of my favorites are Giri doddu's "Whistle" and Chikki calling me "Benne kicchaaaaa", I do respond to them and all will enjoy seeing me :D

There were quite a few things I learn't in my 6 months, let me point out few of them:

*. Now I know how to roll over.

*. I know that my parents wont listen to me unless I make a fuss about it - anything.

*. I can recognize my Amma & Papa now :)

*. I have learnt to live with Papa's songs, dances.

*. I know that world is bigger than 2 people!

*. I can recognize the sound of flowing water, falling utensil, door opening! Day & night!!

*. I know its Papa who drives the car and Amma is bad at it. However, I also know that its Amma who knows how to change my diaper and Papa is bad at it.

*. I know Amma wants me to wake me up when I am in deep sleep. However, I also know that she tries hard to put me to bed when I am in playful mood

I had my doctor's appointment 6th month shots on Jan 15th. Doctor reckons that I am doing well. However, I have slowed down on the weight, and dropped to 10th percentile. Here are my stats:
Weight - 15.9 pounds ( 10th percentile )
Height - 26.5 inches ( 50th percentile )
Head - 43 cm ( 25th precentile )

My general activities are pretty good. I was positive on 19 of the 20 questions they asked. Doc told that I have proved myself to start with solids. I am neither teething, nor sitting up yet.

Along with the 6th month shots I was also given flu and H1N1 shots. My parents got H1N1 shots along with me too!! We will return back in about 4 weeks to get the booster dose for my H1N1. I cried as soon I saw doc & nurses. However to everybody's surprise I started smiling at the Doc. That was a great relief to all as I let Doc to do a complete check-up. I somehow didn't like the two nurses who walked in (may be I already had the clue that they would shoot my legs!). They did the injection and I cried for about 3 minutes & slept afterwards.

Towards the evening my temperature was at 99.4 & I had 5-6 loose poops. Amma gave me infant tylenol & I was alright by the morning.

Thats it for today.

Happy New Year 2010 :-) :-)

2010-01-01T08:27:00.001-06:00

A Relaxed Mind, A Peaceful Soul, A Joyful Spirit, A Healthy Body & Heart full of Love..All these are my Prayers for you..Wish you all a very Happy New Year 2010 :)

My resolutions for the new year are:

a) Thou shall sleep well during day and night
b) Thou shall not cry seeing new faces
c) Thou shall not jump out of Amma's lap
d) Thou shall enjoy Papa's songs (this one is very hard though!)

Tell me what is your resolution for the new year?

Happy Holidays :)

2009-12-27T00:08:00.000-06:00

Last Tuesday we went to Sumanth mama’s home for dinner. He stays in an apartment on the next building. Papa and Amma had nice dinner prepared by Kavitha aunt. I was little nervous in the beginning, however to everyone’s surprise I got adjusted quickly. In fact I slept on Sumanth mama’s arms. That made it easy for them to have the dinner. I slept through their dinner. I woke up a little later and was in a playful mood (though I still continued to be little anxious about the surrounding). Sumanth mama took very cute pics of mine – here are some of the good pics

My SLR smile

First Christmas cap....Enough of modeling posesAmma...can you pick me up?RelaxingMillion dollar smile :) :)Playful moodI found my feet!!!!

Visit to Dallas Downtown

2009-12-26T23:54:00.001-06:00

I ventured out to Dallas downtown for the first time on 13th of December. Actually Laxmi Paati had visited us from NJ. So we decided to go to West end side of the downtown. At first I wasn’t comfortable with Paati, I cried out lout when I saw her first time, since then I am at ease with her. I liked the way she holds me up.

So on the Sunday morning Amma/Paati prepared and packed the food. We all started to Downtown at 11.00 a.m. The traffic was smooth and Papa found a parking spot on Main st and we strolled around the West End area. Papa took us to Elm Street, JFK memorial site, the first Dallas settlement, Red museum. By then we were all tired. I was anyways on my stroller. The weather was cool and breezy and mercury was in mid-50’s. All had their lunch in the car and then we went to Dallas Farmers market and had a nice little walk inside the market before we decided to head back home

It was my first outing to the Dallas and I enjoyed every bit of it.

Coz picture speaks thousand words.....

2009-12-11T21:43:00.000-06:00

Life is beautiful...

and colorful...

and entertaining too!!

Its show time Baby!!!

Musical Chair :-)

2009-12-08T22:15:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow I will turn 5 months!

Papa has got me few stuff this time. He got me a Casio Keyboard & a Bouncing Chair. Yeah, even I didn't get that, am I too big for a keyboard or too small for a bouncing chair? Never mind, I just love these stuff.

Actually the reason for the keyboard is that, when I was in India, they found that I get excited when music is played around. Chikki plays keyboard very well. If I ever cried she would play the keyboard and I would start laughing. so they all figured that I am kinda music lover. To stretch it further, at times my papa thinks I am a re-incarnation of Michael Jackson (so sometime they call me Raami jackson :P ). seriously I love music. I feel entertained even to the tune of my Papa (he doesn't sing, he is just a noise!!). Would you believe? As a child my Papa wanted to learn Keyboard? So.. baap ka sapna mera apna (Papa's dream is mine). Right now, Amma would play it for me. She doesn't play Keyboard that much, but with Chikki's help she will learn few songs so she can entertain me.

I will upload my musing with keyboard in the next blog

I knew the moment Papa brought the package that it has bouncing chair in it. This was a long due. Ideally I wanted it when I turned 3 months. But then Papa was very busy and was confused as to if bouncing chair is right idea or not. Finally he relented and bought this home. Now, Amma has no trouble doing her day-to-day home work. Thanks to the bouncer, she takes me to kitchen on the chair. I curiously watch whatever she does from dishes to mixers to vegetable cuttings to cooking anna saru huli. I watch intently and enjoy every bit of it. Just in case if I lose my concentration and starts whining, Amma puts on the music. Aha this bouncer has got vibrating music - that is really soothing!

OK, I got to go - time to have a veggie soup. You got it right! They started feeding me veggie soup 3 days once.

Ciao!