Kite flying and water splashing at Marina Barrage

I had heard a lot about the Marina Barrage that creates a reservoir right in the heart of Singapore. And hats off to Singapore that makes it a tourist destination too. Wednesday was Mysha's day out at the barrage. After a quite walk down the barrage we headed straight to the green roof. Mysha had awesome lot of fun running around on the grass and watching people of all ages flying kites. But the most enjoyable part for her was the water play area where the fountains played peek-ka-boo :) She got all drenched up for sure (and a cold followed soon!) Check out more snaps at http://picasaweb.google.com/ssundke/MarinaBarrage30Dec09#

PIANO!!!

Ilyas had been looking out for a piano for a very long time so on last weekend we decided to check out a place where there were some sale offers. We liked a Korean brand called Samick so much that we bought it right away :) Mysha knew about the piano thanks to Ilyas's iPhone, so you can imagine her reaction when she saw a real one. This piano came with a 2 seater player seat, but Mysha insisted that she have it all by herself and would not let anyone near it. Every now and then, when I hear a really low or high note while Ilyas is playing his tune, I know Mysha is at one of the corners trying to drive Papa away!

Play - Farmer, Fox ...

Sunday we planned for a play again. This one was called the "The Farmer, the fox, bird and the cookie". It was all about a lesson on "sharing" where the farmer, fox and bird in the end land up sharing the cookie. Mysha, Arhsiya, Rhea, Aditi all seamed to have a good time following the play. At the end of the play the kiddies caught a picture with the performers. I also bought a book (called "The Leaf calld Nip that flipped") selling at the play. It came with a free bright yellow teeshirt with Tick,Tack,Tock (the unofficial names of the performers in the play) written on it.

In Bintan

On the weekend we planned an overnight trip to an island in Indonesia called Bintan. It was one of the most serene, calm and picturesque beach places I have seen for a long time. Mysha is well versed now of what a beach place means ... sun, sand and water. Seeing Ilyas jump into the water, she wanted to do the same. I hurriedly changed her into her swimming costume so she would not wet her clothes. It was difficult to stop her to pose for this little charmer shot... all she kept saying was "mama come ..."

Barnie Day out

Sunday it was time for a date with Barnie and friends. United Square mall was having a live show for kids. All you need to do was to be there... so we were. Mysha was very excited at the thought but when Barnie came out with his friends, she was her usual self, just staring at the scene in front without too much reaction or excitment.

Play - Green Sheep

On Friday, Nirupama and I planned to take Arshiya and Mysha for a play called "The Green Sheep". The artists came over specially from Australia to bring to life a book with the title "Where is the green sheep". The play introduces different types of sheep ... bathing sheep, sun sheep, rain sheep, near sheep, far sheep, scared sheep, brave sheep, etc.... but every now-and-then tries to find "the green sheep". The climax reveals the green sheep sleeping away peacefully.... At the end of the play, they let kids touch the green sheep and click photos with him. One of the artists also sat on a chair and flipped through the books going through the play sequence again.

Evening out with friends

Friday evening continued with Arshiya, Mysha and Shiv spending the time on Orchard road. Mysha enjoyed the lights, christmas tree, snowman and more. (check the umbrella in her hand that she refused to part away the entire evening)

Green color dressed doll girls at a kiosk by the road took Msyha away to show her some magic and then gave her candy (that messed her face for the rest of the evening) and posed for a photo. The highlight of the evening was this magical Christma tree that you could walk into and inside were arranged hundreds of lights resembling a star studded sky. Mysha just lay on the floor and stared at the magical lights inside. Just as she emerged outside, she spotted a bright colored plaform that looked like dance floor. Up onto the platform she shook a leg or two and refused to get down from it (as expected)

Leisure Park

On the weekend, it was time for fun at the Leisure Park. While dadi was getting her massage done, Mysha tried out the three floor obstacle course. It started with the sea of balls, then into spider cobwebs, brigdes, steps up a ladder and more. Ilyas caught Mysha taking the odds.

Pull Toys

I have always fancied and pictured my daughter pulling a string with a yellow duck behind her. Somehow, its so cute. When her chote papa gave her one, I was so delighted. I spent quite a little time trying to show her how she can pull the duck behind her when she was just over 1 1/2 years but it took her a while. I used to also pull it myself while she used to hold my finger and keep a watch on the duck behind. Now she is old enough to take her duck for a walk all by herself. Infact on this instance, she managed two pull toys with ease... what a cute little sight!

"Blue Egg" please

Mysha has fancy for all things BLUE. It may be normal one may say, but not when she asks for a "BLUE Egg"!! I rolled all over the floor with laughter when I heard this and our maid added ..."sure dear ... just after we catch the BLUE chicken". This photo is just another day when she insisted on all things blue - her teeshirt, her panty. She even asked her dadi to put on blue socks for her!

New swimming costume

Last weekend was a second in a row when Mysha enjoyed playing in the pool in her new swimming costume that Ilyas got for her on his recent trip to India. Its such a cute little beaded one - even some aunties complimented her on it.
Check the happiness written all over her face. Once she is in the pool it so tough to get her out. Ilyas has to fool her out and carry her away while she keeps screaming "some more swimming ... no go home"

Rhea's b'day party

This weekend it was time for yet another b'day party. So what was special? Well check out Mysha listening with rapt attention. Guess who she was listening to... Two uncles from the Music school Rhea attended. They entertained the kids so well I must say - there was music and stories and more... Then it was time for the b'day cake ... umm...was it cake or an icecream; whatever it was it was yummm... and that was not Mysha eating it but me. Mysha as usual enjoyed her potato fries.

Up 800gms

Today, I took Mysha for a due vacination. Yes, now that she is feeling well I can actually cover up lost ground on this. Well the nice part about the visit was that Mysha was weighed and she turned up 800 gms heavier (mashallah). Looks like keeping her out of school is actually working.

Time to meet Dolly and Sushil again

On the weekend it was time to meet Dolly n Sushil's family again. Sushil's parents were going home so we thought it would be nice to have them over for dinner. Mysha just had a few puries before they came so she was full and at her naughy best. Like last time, she sat was most pally with Sushil's dad and sat with him most of the time. Dolly got Mysha and myself some more gifts (with the number of gifts we have from them, I'm sure we can soon start a "dedicated to ..." corner in the house) Dolly played with Mysha all kinds of kiddy stuff. Sometime in the middle, out of nowhere, Mysha appeared wearing a sari (Dolly's dupatta) and strutted all over the house. The evening just pased by eating good food and sharing pleasurable moments.

Salar's b'day party

On Sunday, it was Salar's b'day party. The setup was beautifully done in white. There were while balloons, white teddy bears cutouts hidden in the shrubs and hanging from the trees; even the cake was a white teddy bear. This party has something unusual - each kid invited had a desert cup with his/her name on it - felt quite personal and special. Mysha seemed to have good time and enjoyed her evening.

Walker

Mysha's Dadi had a bad week with pain in the knee and could not go on her regular walk. So on Saturday she decided to take our her walker to give her body some excercise. Obviously that viberating machine had to catch Mysha's attention. She observed Dadi for sometime, then sat on her. Then she decided she wanted to try it out. She told Dadi ... "excuse me" and didnt budge till she was given way. Even we enjoyed her insistence and let her try out the machine. Look at her small legs vibrating away.

Swinging new heights

The other day when I was out with Mysha I saw that she was swinging so slowly like a baby, so I showed here how she can fold her legs, push back and then release her legs so she can catch some momentum. She didn't quite get it ! But I was surprised that she when she went to the swing today, she said "mama, fold legs" and I smiled and said "Yes ... back, back, back... release" and she yelled with joy saying, "mama, BIG ONE"....
On my part, I had some fun practising some panning.

Indomitable spirit

Saturday evening I was just free, so thought I'd catch some reading. Since I had just given Mysha a wholesome meal, I knew she wouldn't be clamouring for attention for some time. I quitely went into my bedroom and caught around an hour of reading Abdul Kalam's "Indomitable Spirit"... Then Mysha came in and climbed on my back and started playing ... I tried to continue reading but as you must have guessed, she didn't quite like that so she grabbed the book from me. I thought she would just throw it, but instead she set up her pillow like me, stretched her legs in front, pulled my quilt over them and started turning the pages of the book, immitating me... it was quite a sight!

School, time-please!

Ilyas and I took the decision to withdraw Mysha from school for some time. We didnt feel it was worth much at this point. Mysha was catching illness every 2/3 weeks. We requested the school authorities to waive off the notice period and they were kind to agree to our request. Hoping she is able to regain some weight and is so able to pick up on her toilet training.

Sick again!

I realised that this blog was seriously missed Mysha's low moments... after all life is full of up's and down's!

For a week now Mysha has been struggling with her illness, first it started with throwing up whatever she ate, then excessive coughing and finally cold now. Hope she recovers soon :)

Troy

On the weekend we all went to the mall for a short shopping trip for Mysha. We didn't quite get both things we wanted for her (a stool and a round bath tub). Nevertheless, Mysha had a good time in her "a coin a ride - Troy" and clamoured for "some more". ALso check out the kid trying to catch what is showing on dashboard of Mysha's toy ride... something that kept Mysha's attention too.

Row, row, row your ...

Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream ....

Mysha had an activity at school where the tots were told about a boat. What more, they had a live experience in a specially designed boat. Did you notice the sponge oras and the basket seat?

... merrily merrily merrily, merrily, life is just a DREAM

Fhuppi oh Fhuppi

Ever since Mysha has met her Phuppi (Ilyas's sister) in India, she has taken a special significance in Mysha's life. Mysha remembers the time she spent with her, her can recall her Phuphi from her photo and all the things she got for her AND also those that she didnt. If I asked her who got this dress (or anything else), if its not one of Ilyas or me, the chances that she will say PHUPPHI are very very high!

Diwali - At Dolly's and Shushil's house

Mysha and I are all dressed for the Diwali evening with Dolly's family. While we are waiting for Ilyas to get dressed (for a change ;)) I caught Mysha in her cute little salwar suit that her mamu and mumani gave her. This is the second one of those dresses she owns.

In their house, Mysha was most comfortable like she was at home... probably it was just the warmth she received from all members of their family. She got most attached to Sushil's dad and sat in his lap for most of the evening...

But the most cherishable and novel moment she spent though, was when she lit up some crackers (bought specially for the occasion of Diwali). Mysha was a sport I must say; there wasnt a moment of nervousness.

Tigs or Twigs ..huh!

Mysha has a sharp eye on all things small. You would typically find her picking up a grain or a small spec of dirt and saying "mama dirty" .... Likewise when I take her out to play, she likes picking up small twigs . When I ask her what it is, she says 'tigs" ... or so I realised it will still be some time before she can link two letters together just like "swing 4 sing"

Diwali - At school

Friday at school was Diwali day. All tots were asked to dress up for the occasion in "Indian wear" ... did we have a problem in selecting that ... not at all :) Mysha wore her new ghagra choli with her choti mummy had gifted her on our recent trip to Indore. But selecting the shoes was a problem :( Mysha was expecting to receive her pair of mojarees from fuppi, but somehow fuppha wasnt able to get them. Do you hear that fupphi ... we eagerly awaiting them for Mysha.

Anyway, all tots did really look cute in their colorful outfits, even more so since they came from different nationalities. Bravo to the spirit of Singapore!

The island of Sentosa

Mysha had a lovely field trip to the island of Sentosa where they explored sand and water. Mysha looked like she had a great time playing at the beach. I was told when most the other kids were sleeping on ther way back, Msyha was singing rhymes on the top of voice. Hats of to the teachers; managing a bunch of tots on a excursion by no means is an easy task.

Dada - Dadi Arrived Home

After 4 months, Dada and Dadi finally came home to Singapore. Mysha behaved was just how we had imagined ... she wanted to do everything with them! In the 3 hrs in the evening she just came to me once and that two for a brief 3 min! ... From the feel of the fun, I knew it would be a crying session during slept time, as she would want to sleep with them too. And it was ... Finally after a difficult tantrum session she is sound asleep now.

India Trip - Papa's Ordeal

I had to leave Mysha behind in Pune, while I went for my MBA interview to Lusanne. Ilyas had come over in the morning before to take care of Mysha. I must admit Ilyas was very brave to accept this. Mysha did her bit to ensure that she did everything with "Papa" including the potty time ;). But the most interesting impression Ilyas made was on his co-passengers (on the flight back to Singapore) who wondered how a daughter could do without her mother, that too while travelling! Practical difficulties awaited too... how to go to the rest room with a daughter ... hmmm... ever wondered? Ilyas, U came out shinning! Mysha, U are a lucky girl!

India Trip - Mehek and Mysha

My brother's daughter Mehek was so intrigued by the new small member visiting her house, that her naughtiness had reduced so much that it was visible! As expected both wanted the same toys, wanted to sit in the same place, so crying sessions were common. Mysha used her seniority to litterly push Mehak around. The center of all the quarrel was the Potato Head toy that Mysha was carrying with her. Mehek loved to run away with a small part and Mysha did all she could to get it back, pulling, pushing, pinching ... everything was ok....

Here is one of the tranquil moments...

India Trip - On Nana's scooter

In Pune, when I had some short work to do at the BSNL office, my father told me to hop onto his scooter. I resisted saying Mysha would need to come too. But on his insistence I finally gave in and Im glad I did! Mysha had a whale of a time hugging nana tight as she sat behind him.

India Trip - Flight to Pune

Idris bhaijaan and Ilyas dropped Mysha and me to the Indore airport. I was a little worried how I would manage Mysha all alone. But as it turned out Indore was a small airport and before I knew I was boarded on the flight with Mysha and then ... a moment of bliss... I was going homt to Pune after a year! Msyha behaved like a charm on the flight, no crying, no tantrums, quitely ate the food I gave her and smiled at all the air hostesses :).... I must mention that the plane was a little smaller that usual and had the most unusual propellers ... see them for yourself.

India Trip - Time to go to Pune

Mysha and I had a 10am flight to Pune from Indore so we were up early the next day. Incidently Idris' bhai family decided to come home to Ujjain after picking up Taha from the skating competition, so we got to meet them in the morning again. Since all members of Ilyas's family were there at this time, it was a perfect time to click some snaps. Ilyas quickly got his act together and caught some great (and complete!) family shots. Bravo!

But in all this we got a trifle late and we hurried to the car....

India Trip - EID

The next day was Eid :)

Everyone got up early for the morning prayers. All the men in the house got dressed up in pristine kurta, pajamas and itr (natural perfume) for the Eid prayers. We eagerly waited for them to come back not only to say Eid Mubarak (which we sure did!) but also to enjoy the delicious local breakfast of poha and samosa which Ilyas got home for all. Breakfast ended perfectly with the Eid savoury "Sherkurma".

In the evening, Ilyas and I took all the kids up on the terrace just to enjoy some moments.The kids went frenzy in the open space and ran all around, screaming and shrieking with fun. In one of the corners, we found a old bench and thought it was perfect for a picture moment. We somehow got the kids to sit and snap went our camera (it took many tires to get this one)

The day just flowed along with many friends and well wishers coming home for Eid ... before we knew it was 11 at night and we all were hungry like crazy. The kids were all playing in excitement but they just didnt know how tired they were. By the time we wrapped up, it was 12:30 and all mothers were trying to get kids to sleep ...then something happened ... in various corners of the house, each child was crying; Mysha, Alisha, Hyder, Arshi ... And all the elders had a good laugh at the situation and huried up to get all the activity down to sleep.... z.z.z..zzzzzzz.

India trip - Ujjain - The "Leap of Joy"

In Ujjain, Mysha was so glad to meet Dadi that she gave her such a deep hug and after that for the whole evening kept screaming for her attention. BUT... that was TILL Dada came in... and then there was no looking back. Mysha had happiness written all over the her face...

Nasreen Baji and Arshi gave Mysha such a warm welcome that Mysha felt connected to them in no time ...Nasreen Baji got loads of gifts for Mysha including dresses, pins, bands, night dresses and what not.... AND ... Asrhi could barely manage to hold Mysha, but she was so keen on carrying her around and gave her all her attention. After some time, Mysha warmed up to Nasreen baji and sat on her lap ... on later she was so excited that she starting jumping on her lap... Baji encouraged it and then coined it the phrase "Leap of Joy"... an activity that got repeated so many times in the later hours and days... Now whenever she talks to Baji she recalls the phrase and asks for those jumps, reliving those moments again!

At night Anis bhaijaan family came over too. It was great to see Daisy bhabhi, Alisha and Hyder. Alisha was such a chatter box .. it was fun to see her blabbering away.

Finally it was time to sleep ...

India Trip - Indore

Flight landed in Indore at around 7 pm and it was a pleasure to see Idris bhaijaan (Ilyas's brother) come to pick us up at the airport. Looking forward to meet the entire family, we were disappointed to know that Taha was not there at home, but were pleasantly surprised to know that he had gone to Bhopal for a state skating competition! At home, Mariam stayed as distance in her room and barely come out to greet us or meet Mysha. Anyway, all of us (Ilyas, Mysha and I) were so hungry around 9, that we devoured the yummy food that Taseeem bhabhi had prepared. Amen!

Had a peaceful sleep at night....

By morning, Mariam had already warmed up to us. Mysha also got to go into the kids room, were she freaked out with her size dressing table and house, Pooh's Tiger and other toys.... Mysha and she also played jigsaws for quite a while. Later Ilyas took both girls out into the play area for some time where he caught them on our snapper.

Afternoon it was time to go to Ujjain ... where the climax of the India trip was ...

India Trip - Mumbai

We were going to meet our relatives and friends after just over a year, some even more, so we all were looking forward to our India trip. But before that, our first stop was in Mumbai at Suzana and Gaurav's (Ilyas's friends) place. It was bliss to be with them, just the feeling of being at the comfort of home (It was so much easier to cook for Mysha) Suzana was warm and sweet as usual :) It was a pleasure to spend time with them till the evening flight to Indore.

In the afternoon, I could just grab Mysha for a few hours for Mexican lunch at "Sammy Sosa" with my Morgan colleagues. Mysha just stuck to me like glue (and why not amongst a bunch of strangers!). She enjoyed nachos starters for lunch and made sure that I dug into other plates for them and in the end landed up ordering a special extra serving just for her!

More on India in Indore ...

New Bath Robe

Well it was just one of those days where I felt Msyha needed a change from her old towel. I remembered one of my neighbors in India had given Mysha a bath robe that that I had stored away since it was too big for her then ... I dug out for it and WOW did it look perfect... I'd like to continue that ...

Lady In Pink

It was just one of those weekends that I took Mysha out around the condo ... and just as we were walking around, I spotted this little lady who was OH SO CUTE with everything PINK, including her pink glares. I requested her mommy for a quick photo. Mysha behaved well with a quick Hi, but she too could not get her eyes off this cutie.