Something adorable that we have been able to enjoy is that Anni and Mara are starting to hug each other randomly for a few seconds. It doesn't last to long and afterwards they are apart again playing seperately but it is amazing to watch the love grow between them. They have a new game where Amara pushes Annika around on the riding bus. I know it should be the other way around but even at 12 months Amara is the stronger and more coordinated one.
Also, if one is awake while the other is asleep they are always watching the door of the sleeping sibling waiting for them to awake. Yesterday, Amara said "Didi!" clear as day (this means big sister in Gujurati) when she heard Annika waking up on the monitor.
Amara's speech is starting to blossom. We have "Gun" for all done. "Didi" for Annika. "dada" for Dad. "Mama" for mommy. "Maaaaa" for mine and I want it. "Daaaa" for dog. A few days ago she signed "all gone" when she wanted Leo to stop licking her. She was pretty mad when he did not understand her sign for wanting to be left alone. : )
Monday, February 2, 2009
Free Makeovers
Why didn't I learn the first time. In a desperate attempt to distract Amara while I loaded laundry, I gave her my purse to go through. I thought to myself, "Ami - that is dangerous, what if there is something she gets into that can create a mess?" but since I could not think of anything dangerous in my purse at that very moment I gave it to her. She had been pulling out of the washer anything I was trying to put in and I just needed 30 seconds. I finished the laundry and the forboding feeling of maternal instinct told me disaster was in the air. Luckily no one was hurt except the carpet. Amara found a blush container in my purse that I forgot about and was amazingly able to unscrew the cap and smear it all over her and all over the staircase carpet. Those thirty seconds will now cost me $116.49 according to Widmers Carpet Cleaning.
The worst part of this story is that the same thing happened with Annika when she was around a year old. Except her story was red lipstick all over a white couch. However, widmers did their magic then as well so this time I wasn't scared of the consequences just mad at myself for not learning the lesson the first time. Lesson - There is never a situation dire enough that kids should play in your purse!
The worst part of this story is that the same thing happened with Annika when she was around a year old. Except her story was red lipstick all over a white couch. However, widmers did their magic then as well so this time I wasn't scared of the consequences just mad at myself for not learning the lesson the first time. Lesson - There is never a situation dire enough that kids should play in your purse!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Pics of Amara
We were going through our pictures and realized that Amara doesn't have much face time on our blog, so we present Amara in technicolor (I'm not sure that I really know what technicolor is, but it sounds impressive).
We are really glad that she is our daughter, and the pictures actually do a good job of showing off some of her personality. She is always laughing or getting into trouble and then laughing when we catch her. She starting walking right around her first birthday on January 5th and now confidently teeters all over the house. Today she teetered off from a playgroup we were chatting with at B&N and for a second we could not find her. Me - Samir where is Amara? Samir - I thought she was with you Stage Left - Crash-Bang-Boom! Samir - I am pretty sure that she is source of the crashing sound. She managed to disassemble a 25 book display in .5 seconds. Hence, why Samir has named her CDO, Chief Demolition Officer.
We are really glad that she is our daughter, and the pictures actually do a good job of showing off some of her personality. She is always laughing or getting into trouble and then laughing when we catch her. She starting walking right around her first birthday on January 5th and now confidently teeters all over the house. Today she teetered off from a playgroup we were chatting with at B&N and for a second we could not find her. Me - Samir where is Amara? Samir - I thought she was with you Stage Left - Crash-Bang-Boom! Samir - I am pretty sure that she is source of the crashing sound. She managed to disassemble a 25 book display in .5 seconds. Hence, why Samir has named her CDO, Chief Demolition Officer.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Our 2008 Holiday Letter
I cannot believe that I have misplaced my virtual christmas letter and that I have not posted anything yet. It was typed in word on one of our computers but which computer is the question! Mine, Samir's, or the home computer? I will find it soon but first I am publicly chastising myself for somehow slipping into disorganization and chaos over the holidays. In 2009 I will focus on stepping up my organization and clear communication up a level. At least back to what it was when I was working. They say if you don't use it you lose it and it seems that is what has happened to me. - A
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve 2008
This is a stolen moment. My girls are both napping and Samir is on the phone for work and I am taking a moment to remember what Christmas is about, at least to me. Its about family, appreciating the special moments, and making new memories. I am so excited for Amara's first Christmas and so thankful that Annika will understand it in a new way. And thankful because "Santa Claus is watching..." has been a motivating part of getting to finish her food or share with Amara. : ) I am so thankful to be able to celebrate with my entire immediate family as well as Samir's. This year we started a new tradition and we had Samir's brother and wife and Samir's parents come over on the 22nd and do an early Christmas. It was great to just have 24 hours of hanging out with them. I am thankful for my mother's cancer staying away and for all the wonderful new memories we made with friends and family this year. I especially appreciate Jen and Brad, Minu and Nishi, and Rucha and Ryan coming out to visit us in Cincinnati and Tampa. And my entire extended family who came down for our family reunion in August. And for doing great on the MCAT the second time around. And for Melissa, our nanny, helping us raise our girls into sweet little munchkins. And for God helping us find Hope, our new nanny starting in January.
My stolen moment is over. Samir came in and reminded me that we have quiches to bake, bags to pack, and gifts to wrap before we head to my mom's for Christmas. Back to reality. But at least my pockets are full of some gratitude. Looking forward to having a wonderful Christmas tomorrow!
My stolen moment is over. Samir came in and reminded me that we have quiches to bake, bags to pack, and gifts to wrap before we head to my mom's for Christmas. Back to reality. But at least my pockets are full of some gratitude. Looking forward to having a wonderful Christmas tomorrow!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Seasons of change
Okay so a few people have told me I really do not have a right to be a "blogger" if I update it every six months. I understand and agree but the goal of this blog is mostly to be a place for us to record stories and pictures of our family. In the last six months since I wrote last, I have updated and reoganized our family photo albums and wrote a few entries in both girls journals so I feel that I have been putting an effort into our family's memory keeping, just not via the blog. Who knew that memory keeping took so much time and organization skill. This is probably why the home I grew up in has such scattered memory keeping.
We have about 10 family photo albums and about 1000 pictures floating around loose at my mother's house. I am realizing that a few of the areas of life that I am weak at such as photo organizing, closet organizing, and decorating are things that my own mother never put a ton of time into. She did put a lot of time into us, into keeping strong relationships with her friends and family, and into planning social activities but not into the house. I am still just beginning to understand how much I am like my mother.
Since I have referenced my mom in this blog, I'll take the time to give a little update on her breast cancer. Right now she is considered cancer free and is taking Arimidex to keep the cancer at bay. However two new updates are that she has been having some unexplained pain in her glands (underarm and neck area) twice and is having side effects from her medicine so she is going back to the oncologist soon. I am praying that everything comes back negative but of course anyone whose mom has cancer knows how you are always preparing yourself for the worst. Cancer is a blessing in that as soon as you start taking life for granted or maybe not appreciating all that is wonderful in your life, the always impending threat of the return of cancer reminds you to stay focused on the positive and appreciate each day. I imagine it is a little bit like Prozac. Helps you stay focused on the good things.
Okay, so I guess this blog is going to be just one big brain dump for me. I am fighting the flu so perhaps a mental cleansing will help my body recover faster. : )
On the subject of the kids, both girls are growing up so fast. Amara is crawling everywhere, flying up the stairs, holding fingers and walking, and also doing this adorable thing where she tries to stand unassisted. She is falling down after about 2 -3 seconds right now but I think she might start walking by Christmas. She also is definitely letting us know her preferences and her personality. Her primary interest is in Annika. Whatever Anni is doing, playing with, etc. Amara wants to do exactly that. Any adult is barely noticed when Annika is in the room. When Annika is not around, Amara loves babbling into the phone (only if someone is on the other end), loves climbing through/under tables, loves blocks, and making music/noise. It is amazing how different they are. Annika was more into babies and animals and care taking and Amara loves to build, take apart, and crawl through. Amara also puts anything in her mouth that she finds on the ground. This week she swallowed a very small bead, a small pebble, and a piece of a leaf. She is so fast and so good at finding things we do not even realize are there. I vacuum every single day and still she finds things. I can't wait until she is walking so at least she is spending less time on the ground. She is also doing a lot of pteradactyl screeching because she wants to talk but does not have words yet. She recently learned the art of pouncing. She likes to crawl over to Anni, and then pounce on her. Amara screeches in delight and laughs while big sister Annika (a good 10 lbs heavier and a lot taller) whines for help from us. "Mommmy! Mara's got me! Help! She won't let go!". Watching these two grow will be quite entertaining. : )
Annika is quickly becoming a little girl instead of a toddler She uses new words everyday and can explain ideas and emotions I had no idea a 2 year old can explain. She recently has told me when she is bored, lonely, wants to write a letter to her cousin Anya in Buffalo, wants warm weather back, and wants me to go out to dinner with daddy so she can play with Masi (my sister). She also started pre-school twice a week for 2 hours each time so she is getting more brave and independent. Just now she actually got out of her big girl bed and came running out of her room calling for Samir. This is the first time she has ever tried getting out of her bed. Usually she just calls for us to come get her. Parenthood is the most challenging role I have ever had. It is changing constantly. As soon as you think you have a routine down, or a method for handling the chaos, the little kiddos develop new strengths, new needs, or new opinions that challenge the old methods of parenting.
As winter is slowly coming upon us, and we are settling in for the cold, I can't help but think of how much I should appreciate snuggling inside with my kiddos. Next summer will be full of so much change. Hopefully I will be starting medical school in the fall so I am relishing being home with my girls most of the time. I am only gone 3 days a week now and it is wonderful. Tuesday and Thursdays are school days and Wednesday is my day for studying and volunteering the ER at Bethesda North. I definitely have to share some interesting stories from my ER time. I am loving being in a hospital and being able to help patients in some fashion and learning so much from being in the midst of it all.
PS. This year I convinced Samir to let us put up our trees on the second weekend of November. I LOVE the holiday season! I am excited to bring back our annual Holiday party. We took a two year hiatus as we adjusted to parenthood but we are excited to host the fourth annual Kulkarni Holiday Party this year.
We have about 10 family photo albums and about 1000 pictures floating around loose at my mother's house. I am realizing that a few of the areas of life that I am weak at such as photo organizing, closet organizing, and decorating are things that my own mother never put a ton of time into. She did put a lot of time into us, into keeping strong relationships with her friends and family, and into planning social activities but not into the house. I am still just beginning to understand how much I am like my mother.
Since I have referenced my mom in this blog, I'll take the time to give a little update on her breast cancer. Right now she is considered cancer free and is taking Arimidex to keep the cancer at bay. However two new updates are that she has been having some unexplained pain in her glands (underarm and neck area) twice and is having side effects from her medicine so she is going back to the oncologist soon. I am praying that everything comes back negative but of course anyone whose mom has cancer knows how you are always preparing yourself for the worst. Cancer is a blessing in that as soon as you start taking life for granted or maybe not appreciating all that is wonderful in your life, the always impending threat of the return of cancer reminds you to stay focused on the positive and appreciate each day. I imagine it is a little bit like Prozac. Helps you stay focused on the good things.
Okay, so I guess this blog is going to be just one big brain dump for me. I am fighting the flu so perhaps a mental cleansing will help my body recover faster. : )
On the subject of the kids, both girls are growing up so fast. Amara is crawling everywhere, flying up the stairs, holding fingers and walking, and also doing this adorable thing where she tries to stand unassisted. She is falling down after about 2 -3 seconds right now but I think she might start walking by Christmas. She also is definitely letting us know her preferences and her personality. Her primary interest is in Annika. Whatever Anni is doing, playing with, etc. Amara wants to do exactly that. Any adult is barely noticed when Annika is in the room. When Annika is not around, Amara loves babbling into the phone (only if someone is on the other end), loves climbing through/under tables, loves blocks, and making music/noise. It is amazing how different they are. Annika was more into babies and animals and care taking and Amara loves to build, take apart, and crawl through. Amara also puts anything in her mouth that she finds on the ground. This week she swallowed a very small bead, a small pebble, and a piece of a leaf. She is so fast and so good at finding things we do not even realize are there. I vacuum every single day and still she finds things. I can't wait until she is walking so at least she is spending less time on the ground. She is also doing a lot of pteradactyl screeching because she wants to talk but does not have words yet. She recently learned the art of pouncing. She likes to crawl over to Anni, and then pounce on her. Amara screeches in delight and laughs while big sister Annika (a good 10 lbs heavier and a lot taller) whines for help from us. "Mommmy! Mara's got me! Help! She won't let go!". Watching these two grow will be quite entertaining. : )
Annika is quickly becoming a little girl instead of a toddler She uses new words everyday and can explain ideas and emotions I had no idea a 2 year old can explain. She recently has told me when she is bored, lonely, wants to write a letter to her cousin Anya in Buffalo, wants warm weather back, and wants me to go out to dinner with daddy so she can play with Masi (my sister). She also started pre-school twice a week for 2 hours each time so she is getting more brave and independent. Just now she actually got out of her big girl bed and came running out of her room calling for Samir. This is the first time she has ever tried getting out of her bed. Usually she just calls for us to come get her. Parenthood is the most challenging role I have ever had. It is changing constantly. As soon as you think you have a routine down, or a method for handling the chaos, the little kiddos develop new strengths, new needs, or new opinions that challenge the old methods of parenting.
As winter is slowly coming upon us, and we are settling in for the cold, I can't help but think of how much I should appreciate snuggling inside with my kiddos. Next summer will be full of so much change. Hopefully I will be starting medical school in the fall so I am relishing being home with my girls most of the time. I am only gone 3 days a week now and it is wonderful. Tuesday and Thursdays are school days and Wednesday is my day for studying and volunteering the ER at Bethesda North. I definitely have to share some interesting stories from my ER time. I am loving being in a hospital and being able to help patients in some fashion and learning so much from being in the midst of it all.
PS. This year I convinced Samir to let us put up our trees on the second weekend of November. I LOVE the holiday season! I am excited to bring back our annual Holiday party. We took a two year hiatus as we adjusted to parenthood but we are excited to host the fourth annual Kulkarni Holiday Party this year.
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