Little things, Big memories...the Ira way

There is a lot I have been wanting to write about in the last few weeks. They are little things that have happened. Little things that have created big memories! Little things involving our little human being.

The pace at which our little one seems to be growing, her thoughts, her desires, her articulated speech, her want of privacy, her 'i am still a baby' , 'i can do on my own'...all this and more. The other day we walked into Nilgiris post her Karate class and she walked around the chocolate rack and picked a book! A part of me was thrilled. But I also think it is because she has been gifted a lot of chocolates recently. Still, that little moment made one big memory.

Our holiday last month had many beautiful moments. There is one that will stay with me forever. The way Ira took to train travel, marking her territory on the top berth with Papa and spending time reading and playing uno. They do surprise us at times, don't they.

Recently, she has been constantly wanting to be occupied. It could be a board game, an activity, story telling, some physical play...just about anything. Matching up to that energy can be exhausting. We took her to her first concert recently. We have relied upon moments when she helps clean methi and sort veggies, flying kite on a weekend morning and hoping there is wind, being all excited about diy projects. Recently, we got her some activity kits and with Papa's help, she made shells and gifted them to friends. Today we made a windmill.We have to as parents keep figuring out new things to do and in between those moments, Ira finds to do something different with the old toys she has. They form characters in her stories and they walk and play and dance and sing, while she speaks all their dialogues, ofcourse.

This weekend has been about doing little things, absolutely unplanned! Ira loves donuts and we do let her indulge once in a while. We also managed a relaxed breakfast over lot of chatter and excitement about stirrers! She actually loves to hoard them. The little pleasures of childhood. The little things that create big memories.

#Ira #Iraisms #IraAtFour #TalesAtFour #LittleThingsBigMemories #Happiness #Gratitude

Ira at Chitra Santhe 2019, her first

January 6th, 2019 will be another milestone for us. We took Ira to Chitra Santhe 2019. For years, P and I along with some friends have blocked our calendars for this annual event. It is beautiful to see various forms of art in diverse mediums and the different things that inspire people. There are some themes that seem common every year- Buddha, Ravi Varma inspired portraits of women, Sadhus. As we stroll down the Kumara Krupa Road and bump into other friends who are art enthusiasts or who just live colour or who are there to meet other friends or who come to every event at CKP. It really doesn't matter. There are some who come to religiously buy the postcards, calendars and book marks often created by the Fine Art students, the themes new every year.

This year as we braced ourselves for the long walk, considering parking was prohibited post Nehru circle; we wondered how would Ira take it. She just began walking and insisted on walking by herself. Papa set some ground rules telling her that she can walk by herself in that growing crowd but has to ensure that they can see her and she can see them at any point of time. She seemed particularly taken by the paintings of animals, especially cats and dogs. She would walk past, look and say...see this! One of the artists asked her is she would like to draw something that a didi had drawn. She obviously was in her own world and walked past. The caricature person did grab her attention for a short while, but she wasn't intrigued enough to get one done of herself. After walking a distance, she wanted to be perched on Papa's shoulders and take the tour.

This continued for a while till a child holding a balloon caught her attention. And then we began the balloon wala hunt as we walked to more stalls. She was thrilled to get a balloon puppy and cotton candy. We do wish there were more activities to engage 3-4 year olds and not just stalls selling things they can buy. But it is important to clarify that this experience was not with a hope that it will inspire her to be an artist. As parents, we can only provide our little ones new unique experiences. What they make of it and how they build a world their own is an unknown intriguing palette.

For now, our little girl is happy drawing monsters and scribbling colours on a plain sheet.

#Ira #Iraisms #TalesAtFour #IraAtFour #MakingMemories #ChitraSanthe2019

Holiday and Friendships, the Ira way

Dear Ira,

As the year closes, I write this hoping (again) you will read it someday. We had many short holidays this year but the holiday that will stay in memory forever is the one that was planned primarily keeping your wish to meet a friend who shifted town. And yes, you are all of 4.5 years!

When your little friend shifted town, we bid goodbyes with promises to go there for a holiday. Afterall, Trivandrum was not that far. The anticipated train travel that we planned considering there were going to be few kids and it would be fun! As the days drew closer, you told everyone about your holiday including your teachers.

This holiday also meant we meet other friends who are in the same town. It turned out to be one of our best holidays- spent time with friends who are like family, got pampered and loved in ways that we will always remember. You relished the coconut rice and fish and ensured your rice had ample ghee :)

The highlight of this holiday was the way you took to the beach and the sea. As a one year old, the first time we introduced you to the sea, you wailed. This time around you didn't want to leave.

The playtime, the conversations, the fights, the story times, the quiz times all gave us a glimpse of what friendships are like. Whether it was you wanting to push Kuhu's cycle or feed her water, which has been your eternal quest since you know her. You, Adhrith and Dhwani fighting for your chance to ask the quiz question or making a run to collect sea shells or giggle uncontrollably after creating mess with the bubbles! Blocks, Uno, Jenga and books were like saviours and great companions.

I write this to you hoping that you shall retain these friendships over the years. Not just wish to meet,but make the effort required to keep friendships.

You must know that there will be difference of opinions, there will be distance that will separate you, you all will change over time, have different dreams and different desires. You will grow into individuals with opinions, with world views, you will love and you will aspire.

Sometimes you will get hurt and you will know which friend to turn to, sometimes you will just want to share a laugh,  talk about your broken heart, share the excited news of your achievements- big and small.

But, always remember that these friendships are precious and life is beautiful because of them.

Most of the things that matter in life are intangible and so are friendships! Each time you read the books you got as gifts and your eyes light up at the messages written, it makes our heart skip a beat. For the ones with no messages, Mamma has written who they are from. Because in those pages are the precious memories of this holiday, sealed forever.

For the year to come, may we discover another holiday, your way. And may you discover the beauty that friendships bring.

Love you to the stars and moon and back,
Mamma

#Ira #Iraisms #TalesAtFour #IraAtFour #Happiness #Friendship #Life

A child and more on Children's Day and everyday

She is someday a child, someday only a baby, someday a little human being, someday a little girl, someday a big girl!

She moulds herself and her desire to be any of the above depending on the situation, what is it she is talking about and what is it she is deciding about.

She is only a baby when she wants Mamma to feed her and a big girl when she wants to play Papa's free fire game on the tab! She is a little girl who loves her movie and her tub of caramel popcorn.

She is a child who knows how to make each day her own. She has taught us to find the child in us and the last four odd years we have found ourselves reaching out to childhood memories to tell her stories at dinner time, bed time and just about any time of the day!

Childhood is precious and we are living every moment of it, redefined through Ira and her Iraisms.

Today, Papa and Ira went for a movie while Mamma is travelling on work. Mamma was super happy and has to admit, missed being there with these two Rockstars bigtime!

#Ira #Iraisms #ChildrensDay #TalesAtFour #IraAtFour #WhenMammaTravelsPapaHoldsFort #LittleHumanBeings

Little Things That Make Ira Happy

Our evening here- The tale of a crown, boiled corn and timtimati lights on her cycle! #LittleThingsThatMakeIraHappy #Ira #Iraisms #TalesAtFour #IraAtFour

Ira and her 'Hair-art' Guy

            Making Memories of random moments

We all have memories of our hair cuts as kids. For years, I would go with Baba to the barber and get a boy cut. One summer when at Kolkata, my jethu took my cousin brother, sister and me and we all got a 'baati cut' (round hair cut like a bowl on top of head). As I progressed to middle school, my first visit was to a parlour in Rajajinagar called Mamatha. Baba took me there, sat outside while I got my first parlor haircut experience :)

With Ira, initially Papa cut her hair at home. Then we decided to take her to a parlor/ unisex salon. We tried quite a few. It was last year that Prashant in his quest for a salon that would do magic to his beard, post immense research chanced upon this salon in a quaint road at Ganganagar.

Called NashJack, the founder is Naresh. Papa has been bringing Ira here. He is fabulous with his art and keeps her engaged through constant conversation. He also does some fancy hair tattoos! Ira loves them and we love them on her :) It is funky and arty! From two arrows to lines to lightning, these add to her super-hero moments.

                      Selfie time with Mamma

Today was mamma's turn to bring her for the haircut as Papa is at work and the appointment was taken a few days back. We did some monkeying around and clicked some selfies while Nash set her on her special chair. Ira is in her element and Nash is her 'hair-art' guy. He also taught her 'bro' and so the conversation goes, "how do you like this bro?".

                      With the 'Hair-art' Guy- Nash

Ira post today's session gave a nod of approval and kept looking at herself in the mirror. The happiness was evident in that smile and twinkling eyes.

Ira has a mind of her own and her 'hair-art' guy gets that little mind and it's thoughts.

#Ira #Iraisms #TalesAtFour #IraAtFour #HairArt #Happiness #NashJack

Some experiences nudge us to happiness and this was mine

Sometimes, life throws opportunities at you that you must grab without a second thought. This is exactly what I did in June when the course coordinator for MA Public Policy, MCC called me and asked if I would be able to take the Behavioral Science Course for the MAPP second year students.

Having taught this at IISc in 2015, I was ready to embark on another semester of teaching BS. However, the entire orientation and focus of the course was different from what I had taught earlier. I had earlier taught Management and design students and the concepts were primarily focusing on psychology and management. This time, there was a lot of focus on economic concepts and for me, this was a whole new learning. Prior to each session, I would sit for hours reading papers, books and prepping for the session. And was absolutely thrilled with myself for creating unconventional question paper for them, with some abstract elements. For the uninitiated, academia is so much of hard work and I have immense respect for all my friends who are full time academicians; and for my teachers.

The class composition was what made teaching this course one of my best experiences ever. The students were intelligent, dynamic young women who knew what they were striving for and also why they were pursuing this course .They were from diverse backgrounds of English literature, Journalism, Psychology, Microbiology, Engineering, Public Policy (I hope I haven't missed any!). Each of them brought with them their share of unique experiences and working at the grassroots with different organizations for their internship.

Our classes were filled with experiential anecdotes, some that made us thoughtful and some laugh so hard, that our cheeks would hurt.

I absolutely enjoyed this 'teaching stint' and they will always be a special bunch of girls for me. Today, I not only took my final class with them, but I also invigilated a Psychology Practical exam that brought back tons of memories.

Some experiences nudge us to happiness and this was mine! Wishing the girls best for all their endeavors.

#Happiness #LoveTeaching #BehavioralScience #MyAlmaMater #ExistentialExperiences

Everyday is Ira's day! Every conversation, the Ira way

We all own a part of everyday that we live. Being parents to Ira, we realise this in many small ways every day.
There has been a tremendous increase in her imaginative play and it transcends home boundaries. We have her imaginary friends going shopping with us, going to park, restaurants everything.
Her world through her eyes seems so vibrant and we are often breathless catching up with her speed of thought and action. We ofcourse also have those moments when she is sitting with her mug of milk and day dreaming and smiling! This July, she turned 50 (months). We commemorated the moment with some books, weekend of play dates and her favorite food!
In a few weeks, she completes half a year of Mont 3. Does time fly or what?
A few things she says these days that we want to remember forever.

This is serious conversation. Don't laugh (When she is convincing us about something).

Mamma, will you relax please ( When I keep asking her to wind up her activities).

Papa, I am exhausted(When he asks her to skate or bike).

Woody told me to do this. I didn't do it (anything naughty she does, Woody or buzz light year are her partner's in crime)

Yes, I remember, in my brain (whenever we ask is she remembers something)

Bad word! ( a live censor at home, even guests are careful)

This is delicious (current description for her meals. We have moved on from yummy to delicious)

I have to keep it below my pillow. I will dream about them (keeps a book EVERY single day below the pillow, prophesying they will come in her dreams)

Say ok! (Like some solemn promise she asks for to an agreement we make)

A recent conversation when we were playing downstairs. "I will give you this flower. You have to run 10 times around me" ...well, I did run 10 times around her and was the proud recipient of that yellow flower and that sunshine smile.

Like I said, Everyday is Ira's Day!

Btw World! yesterday was Daughter's Day :)

Ira's mamma participated in a walkathon to raise awareness about abuse and support girls who are victims of abuse (deserves an individual post).

#Ira #Iraisms #TalesAtFour #IraAtFour #Parenting #Conversations #DaughtersDay

Chipku Movement, the Ira way

She is my mamma, I love my mamma. She is mine.

I was inundated with hugs and kisses when I came home from Chennai last night. Our little girl has been missing me as I have been travelling almost every week last few weeks.

She launched her 'chipku movement' last night and it is ongoing! She almost clung onto me when I dropped her to school and I had to tell her that I will be picking her up today. A part of me almost, just almost walked the guilt road.

She told Papa he is her friend only next week when I travel again. For now, it is all mamma. I was asked to make her favorite 'alu bhatebhaat' for breakfast today. That is mashed potato rice! However, during the course of breakfast today, she tells me, "Tie my jhuttu like Papa" and she actually made me redo it as what I tied was at an angle and her Papa ties it straight. Little human beings do have a mind of their own.

For now, am thoroughly enjoying the 'chipku movement'!

Till I travel again and have more tales to write.

#Ira #Iraisms #TalesAtFour #WhenMammaTravels #IraAtFour #Parenting #ChipkuMovement 

My two Heroes, my two Rockstars!

Last week when I travelled to Surat, before I left, Ira told me, "Mamma, am going to miss you!".

I began travelling on work when Ira was a little over 18 months. The first time was hard, harder for me than her. The significant other who has always epitomised the concept of shared parenting is a true rockstar. So, is my little girl.

Over the years, the two of them have made me believe that I can travel with no worries. I don't have to think of what they will eat ( P is a fabulous cook) as Papa always makes interesting food for even her lunch box on school days. I don't have to think if she has been given the meds when she is unwell and I have to travel. I don't have to worry if they can manage. They work like clockwork and even have their entertainment planned. Currently they are watching the superhero movies, one superhero at a time, each time I travel.

I come back home to a myriad of conversations that have transpired, to being told what new the superheroes are doing, how Ira and Papa went for a work meeting and how Papa made the yummiest cheese burger for her.

I love my work as a freelance consultant and am able to give it my best because I have two Rockstars who are my world.

This Sunday post is to them, my two heroes, my two Rockstars! And ofcourse, I miss them too when I travel.

#Ira #Iraisms #Rockstars #Heroes #TalesAtFour #IraAtFour #SharedParenting #Sneher #Gratitude #Happiness

This is what parenting looks like

                                                         The Picture Perfect Moments

Parenting is picture perfect in moments- perfect smiles, adventurous plays, happy meal times, exciting story sessions!

And then parenting is hard in these times. Hard when your little one falls and gets that bruise that really hurts, cuts that bleed. Hard when your little ones eyes swell up with tears because another kid told them they will not play with them. Hard when your little one is unable to articulate why they are upset and they have their melt downs. But parenting is hardest when your little one is ill.

                                        Wearing the super hero mask and constantly chattering away

For the uninitiated, for the initiated and for the seasoned parents...this is what parenting actually looks like. Consecutive sleepless nights, your resilient little human being having that nasty bout of cough, recurring fever, needing that superhero mask which promises her strength and yet fails to deliver. When she during the course of nebulization tells you that the  heartbeat monitor is her wand and swishes her index finger to let the magic happen. When she wakes up coughing tells you her chest hurts, when she is sleeping on your chest most of the night and you can hear that little heart beating rapidly, when she tells Dida that she wants only 'garram pani'. When she is sitting and wanting to sleep the next moment because she is so exhausted of all the coughing. And yet amidst that moment, sitting in the hospital lobby, she tells Papa she is 'Strong Ira'. This is the moment when Papa and Mamma wish they are as strong as Ira.

                                                   Strong Ira, Precious moments


 This is what parenting looks like - vulnerable, lost, painful, desperate...hopeful. As we get her to wear her superhero mask again, I write this. I write to also share a hard moment- when I have dropped the medicine, poked myself with a syringe and have had hands shaking trying to get the medicine in place for nebulization. Can't help but feel like a loser. I know I should cut myself some slack but for that moment, this is exactly how I felt. Yes, parenting is hard and we parents are also hard on ourselves. Ira after few days of fighting the bug is now on antibiotics and on the mend slowly.I write this hoping our little human being regains her strength and has her superhero moments soon.

                                                   Homebound and keeping Self- busy!


#Parenting #Ira #Iraisms #TalesAtFour #Gratitude #Hope #IraIsOurSuperhero #IraAtFour #SuperheroMask