Plantain leaves and Negotiation, the Ira way

 

Bangalore has been seeing a lot of rains and some gloomy weather. Just perfect for Papa to make his famous Chicken Dum Biryani. 

What ensued this Thursday was some good planning and prepping. 

Mamma was in a session and Ira and Papa went to Yeshwantpur to buy plantain leaves. Given the traffic and hassle of parking, Ira was given the responsibility to Buy the plantain or 'yele'. 

Prashant told her to buy 5 leaves and it would be about Rs. 25. Gave her 100 Rs. He also primed her to converse in Kannada with the shop keeper. 

Our girl went and asked him for the yele and the cost of it. He wanted to knownif they are buying just one or a bunch of it. On knowing her requirement, he said Rs.30. She got back to Papa and told him about the ask, then went back and told him, "Ayidu yele, 25Rs". He agreed, she paid, got back the change and happily walked back to the car. 

She came home and told me that she negotiated while shopping today. 

A small experience but an essential one. To understand that it is important to ask and ensure fairness. I do hope she hones this skill going ahead and takes this to different aspects of life. One chapter of being independent, assertive and outspoken. 

And yeah, the dum biryani was yummy. Coal was used to give the smoky authentic flavor. We enjoyed the biryani, while continuing to savor the hillstation weather in Ooru. 

#Ira #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #Parenting #LearningNegotiation #Us #Gratitude #Happiness #ChickenDumBiryani #IraAndPapa 

A Mother's Day letter from A Perfect Mother to her Daughter

                   The cheek to cheek pic <3 

 

Dearest Ira, 

Writing to you after a long time. Someday, I hope you read all these letters and blogs and see how you brightened our lives, every step of the way. We have ofcourse shared the challenges too. You will have memories of some and some would have faded into the convoluted paths of the brain, but then these pieces of writings will remain. 

This Sunday, 8th May 2022 was Mother's Day. I love these innumerable days, the over the top celebrations, the subtle acknowledgements, all of it that we see around us. 

For me, the day was quiet in my head. You made a beautiful card for me, with flowers of my favourite colour and  a pop up inside the card. Then, you and Papa said I should buy you ice cream. We also cooked a meal together. For us, food is and has always been an expression of love. You spent the evening at your Dadu bari, while we went for a play. 

The day with these small moments was remarkable for me. But there was a realisation of many things as the day passed. 

The last one year, there have been moments when I have found parenting hard. 

Moments when you wanted to do something with me, but I was just too tired to be a part of it. 

Moments when you seeked my attention, but I was too preoccupied with everything that was happening in our lives. 

Moments when I raised my voice on you for something so small, only to later realise that I was displacing my anger and it was not fair on you. 

Moments when I felt inadequate and felt may be am not doing enough for you. 

Being your Mamma is one of the best things that ever happened to me, but being The Perfect Mamma is hard, because in our heads, we create an image that is almost impossible to match. 

So, this year, I did things that will help me be The Perfect Mamma for you. And to be that, I had to put myself first. 

I acknowledged that there are moments when am tired and it is ok to not be able to do anything with you. Like I told you, "Mamma is tired. Can we do something else? "

Moments when I realised that I wasn't listening and then asked you again what you were saying, accepting that I was distracted. I know you felt bad but then the moment was such. 

I have been more emotional and more angry in these last two years than I have ever been and it was unfair to lose my cool on you. A little voice raised and you would be in tears and it broke my heart. I felt guilty for days. I now make the effort to not do this. Am not there yet, but am trying. 

I love our moments together. Reading, visiting family and friends, doing art and crafts together, your school works and those nature walks. However, there were times when I felt it wasn't enough. So, I had to take  a step back and think. Thankfully, your Papa balances the pragmatic side of parenting. 

In these two years, I realised how easy it is to succumb to what we think is expected of mammas. To put ourselves after our children. I learnt that only if I put myself first, can I be the perfect mamma for you. 

So, to my mental and physical health, to saying no, to finding peace in not being perfect. 

I love you and will always be there for you. But to be there for you, I have to be there for myself. And that will be The Perfect Mamma for you. 

So, Happy Mother's Day to me. 

Love you always, 

Your Mamma

#Ira #Iraisms #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #Love #Happiness #Gratitude #HappyMothersDay #Parenting #Us #BeingAMother #Pramadhs 

Papa's Birthday, Secret Mission and Mango Juice, the Ira way

Ira: Happy birthday Papa

Mamma: Happy birthday Sweetie

Papa: Thanks Girls

When regular conversations make it to the birthday card that also references your age, because Ira loves birthdays and the corresponding numbers :) 

Papa celebrated his birthday recently. We did a pre-birthday dinner, with some friends, where Ira cut the cake on behalf of Papa. It also marked Ira completing this year at school. 

A short camping trip in a valley amidst the hills where we basked in the heat, lost ourselves in nature, ate food made from locally sourced vegetables and camped below the stars. Prashant loves the mountains and slowly, we are also falling in love with them. 

This year on his birthday, We veered a little away from our regular tradition of going to Blossoms as both Papa and Mamma were working. Ira accompanied Papa to  a work meeting and then we did a yele oota lunch at one of our favourite places in Ooru. 

The day began with Ira and Mamma surprising Papa with a well planned breakfast, a birthday card, a menu card and some gifts. Ira and Mamma went on a secret mission the previous day and somehow Ira let it slip that they had gone out :) As always, Papa gifted us too on his birthday. Books for me and a dress for Ira with reversible sequens (she loves them since she was little)! 

Closed the evening with a lovely dinner and memories to count. Guess who was happiest? Our little human being who relished both the pork belly starter and her mango juice with equal gusto <3 

#Pramadhs #Us #Love #HappyBirthdayPapa #Treking #LoveMountains #TravelTrails #Ira #Iraisms #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #LoveFood #Happiness #Gratitude #SecretMission #MangoJuice 

“T for Tuberculosis”- word building and life-defining, the Pramadh way

 

                             17th March 2022, The evening we will always remember and be grateful for

“T for Tuberculosis”, said Ira thrilled that she could remember the word she had learnt from Papa.

This blog piece has been a difficult one to start writing. Difficult because too many thoughts, the dilemma of how much to share and how to share. Also, is there a need to share so much personal information? But then, I decided to write this in the hope that this will help someone be cautious, be aware and understand, because there may be others like us. Can a mere 1500 words sum up what we went through, the fears, the pain and the moments when we told ourselves, “One day at a time”. We are immensely grateful that we lucked out at going to the doctor at the right time. We are immensely grateful for the doctors who were with us the last year, grateful for family and friends who were there to joke and laugh with, wonder and share, be that immense silent support on tough days and help us find semblances of normalcy on days which seemed uncertain. The storm has passed, some unruly waves remain and we are tiding through them, one day at a time. This blog is my account, what I felt as a partner, what I saw him go through and how we dealt with it. Prashant is a man of few words, but silences speak too.

It is a year since Prashant and I got our first bout of Covid and isolated at home, while Ira stayed with my Mashi-Mesho and my Parents for 17 days. We had not imagined that the roller coaster ride had just begun. Ira got covid In April and recovered at home, with adequate rest, a summer camp to keep her occupied and distanced games.

Beginning of May, Prashant felt some pain, a slight discomfort in swallowing and a bit of a sore throat. A person who never does OTC meds, he met our ENT doctor. An ultra sound later, they discovered that he had inflammation of the thyroid and some nodes in the thyroid and a prominent one in the neck. Doctor said that they are seeing this in post covid recovered patients and gave him medication for the pain; and was advised a follow up scan in 4 weeks. I am deliberately not going to write the medical terminologies that were shared with regard to the diagnosis because every case differs and I know we all love google.

Four weeks later, he had to undergo an Ultrasound of the neck, followed by a CT scan of the Neck, Chest and Pelvic region, along with a range of blood tests. The CT scan showed nodes in thyroid, neck and lungs. He underwent a biopsy to confirm certain possible diagnoses. When we sat at the hospital looking at that CT report, Prashant began counting the nodes and after a number said, I think I should stop and walked into the biopsy room. I was with him at the hospital and I remember carrying Jahnavi Barua’s Rebirth to read. I must have read about a page or 2 while he was undergoing the procedure. Post the procedure, he told me how they took about 12 samples, how he was aware of what was happening, how he felt a bit woozy at that point due to the anaesthesia and then drank Appy that the hospital gave him. My throat was parched and I sat listening to this man, bewildered at his strength and worrying I may begin to bawl at any moment. However, let me take this moment to tell you an inside information. I am an experienced care giver and can manage hospital formalities like a pro, including negotiating with nurses and asking probing questions to concerned doctors. My Baba’s surgery and Prashant’s three knee surgeries are witness to that. Post the biopsy, Prashant came home with bandage patches on the neck and spoke to Ira about what the doctors did. She knew that they had found some nodes in his neck. What followed was 5 days of excruciating waiting period for the reports.

The reports confirmed that Prashant had Tuberculosis. A close friend said that this was a good thing, given the other possibilities. Guess we all try to find that silver lining in the cloud. His ENT did say that we had to continue to closely monitor the thyroid nodes over the next few months and referred us to an infectious diseases specialist. We thought ok, let us meet the doctor start medicines and that’s it. Little did we know that these medicines were for minimum 9 months, we had to test if the TB was resistant type because then the course of treatment would differ; there were expected side effects, he had to undergo multiple tests every few days, some vital functions had to be closely monitored. Ira and I also had to get a Chest Xray done and an important blood test for Ira immediately. Thankfully, our tests were clear. Prashant underwent some more tests and then his medications began. He had to immediately isolate for the next 4 weeks. This was really tough. We had just come out of two isolations but nothing prepares you for moments like this. It was when Ira also began her school, an alternative learning community that we found. Her initial days and she would be excited to share it all with Papa. The long distance conversations and games with N95 masks began. Prashant had some side-effects with the medicines. However, we have a brilliant doctor who had prepared us well. The round of regular tests and appointments began. The initial few weeks it was stressful when the results had to come. We tell ourselves it will be okay, but then we fear to feel too hopeful also. We celebrated Father’s day while Prashant was in isolation. It was during the course of this time that one day while playing word building, Ira said, “T for Tuberculosis”. Post the reports, Prashant had a conversation with Ira and prepared her for the months ahead.

10 months down the line, Prashant’s tests and scans are clear and the TB is cured. There are smaller follow ups on some vital aspects to be done, but like I said, one day at a time. All these months, he consulted the doctor online. This time we finally met her in person. She helped us understand how this may have been triggered with the immunity going low post covid. She also was cautious as we got the second bout of Covid this January. She has asked us to be wary and observant for the next two years as that is the remission period for TB. So, crossing all fingers and toes. The evening we got to know this, we went out for dinner to celebrate this moment of relief, hope and happiness over some Italian food and desserts.

The course of these ten months have been emotionally exhausting for us in different ways. We were shocked to see that there was so much going on inside, while he had no visible TB symptoms. But we will always be glad about how aware he is of his body and that he went to the doctor that morning. For someone like him, who is very rational, pragmatic, follows instructions; and believes and chooses to only share very few things; he even went for all the intermediate scans and doctor appointments alone. For someone like me, who every moment was on high alert, wanting to know if he is feeling ok. A little sneeze, cough or clearing of throat, a bit of tiredness and I would keep asking if he was ok. I may have even become like a helicopter spouse. There were nights when I woke up to just hear him breathe, and if someone snoring gives you immense happiness, I was there because I felt he was soundly sleeping. I had many quiet days and what kept me sane was work. Will always be glad for friends and colleagues at work- both my training space and college. Not many knew what we were going through and we hold on to the ones who did and stood by like the strongest pillars of support possible.

Prashant has a huge pain tolerance and I know this was hard for him. The number of medicines that he had to take, the effects they had. But he never cribbed, not once. He (I guess) found solace in his work, the carefully planned holidays we did, in the books he read and all the netflixing. We all have our ways to fight our battles and He did it his way. One of his friend said that why were things happening to him one after the other and all we could do was wonder. Prashant had no co-morbidities or health issues prior to the covid bout which was quite bad for him. But post-mortems in moments like this don’t help, it is important to look ahead and deal with it. Having said that, I did all the post mortems in the head and out loud too. Didn’t I say, we all have our ways to deal with things. Ira was concerned for him and she knew somedays he was in discomfort. But after a point, she almost forgot that he had TB till we did the final set of tests and he told her he is cured.

So, next time we play word building and she says, T for TB. We will only be glad that it doesn’t define our present but is a time in the past.

#Pramadhs #Us # Love #Gratitude #Ira #Iraisms #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #Conversations #Covid19 #TB #Reflections #ExistentialThoughts #PragmaticHim #PostCovid

Art and Story on World Wildlife Day, the Ira way

 

Today is World Wildlife Day. Papa asked Ira if she would like to make a drawing on wildlife and she decided to draw her favourite animal and write a poem. 

Later in the day, she read the following article on Mongabay India- https://india.mongabay.com/2022/03/fantastic-beasts-and-why-plastic-is-bad-for-them/

Post that, she did another drawing and this time there were dialogues, just like she has seen in comic books. 

Discussions on every day things and what is happening in the world when seen through the eyes of an almost 8 year old can seem very fascinating. Sometimes the strongest messages come out through the simplest words. 

#Ira #Iraisms #WorldWildlifeDay #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #Parenting #Pramadhs #Learnings #EverydayConversations #Reading #ArtByIra #PoetryByIra #StoryByIra 

Love Speaks, the Pramadh Way

                              Love speaks

Love is in the little notes tucked away in books, 

Love is in those small gestures, in minute moments

Love is in that mug of hot coffee, perfectly brewed

Love is in sharing a gooey chocolate cookie 

Love is in that plate of biryani, with the desired alu

Love is in that silent nudge, to be a better you

Love is in sharing that podcast, telling a story you may like

Love is in that new book, wrapped in nothing, bought specially for you

Love is in that quiet moment, absorbing your tears and fears, unequivocally

Love is in the stated belief, 'you yourself are the wind beneath your wings'

Love is in knowing without even speaking

Love is in that smile, all because it is you! 

Love is in your little human, finding love in a fallen leaf

Love is the romantic me, the pragmatic you and our magical little girl. 

Love is the way we see the world, in love ❤

Happy Valentine's Day! 

#Love #Us #Pramadhs #HappyValentinesDay #Happiness #Ira #Iraisms #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #Gratitude #Poetry 

Let the love and gratitude, go 'viral', multifold. #CovidSeasonTwoAtPramadhs

 

 Sunshine, smiles and Us on a Sunday Morning

"Mamma... 3 years of this now. We should just get used to it and deal with it😊"

- Ira Pramadh, 2nd February 2022

March 2021 and April 2021 was our first tryst with covid. Prashant and I caught it in March and Ira in April. Covid has impacted our lives in many ways and there are things that we are still dealing with one day at a time. Someday, that may also make it to a blog of mine. 

For now, let me jump 9 months ahead and talk about catching covid again in the 3rd wave. 

We have been super cautious about meeting people, going out. We have not attended any gathering barring one that Ira and Prashant attended when there was calm before the 3rd wave storm hit. I cannot even remember the number of meetups I have said no to. Like I have mentioned earlier, friends have been very kind and understanding. The rest of the world can wait :) We did a few holidays in the jungles and places with very little human contact. 

This time the scenario: we both are double vaccinated and we both continue to double mask when we go out. I even wasn't sure about going to college to sign my attendance. I was just so scared. Yeah, am working on that fear, still and slowly. 

Ma, Baba and Joy were covid positive around the 11th of Jan. Ma began showing symptoms first with just a headache, then in 2 days Joy had  a cough and Baba had itchy throat. They slowly got other symptoms. Thankfully, they tested immediately and began medication. It was a rough ride for them. One of Baba's blood markers were high and we had to go to the hospital for a chest scan. While he went in the covid ambulance, I took a cab and went to do the paper work. I was double masked, maintained 10 to 12 feet distance from Baba at all times. Yes, I was in a hospital environment and there was only so much I could control. 

On 17th evening, I had an itchy throat and woke up on the 18th with terrible throat ache and a no voice situation. Cancelled my classes and immediately met an ENT on video consult. He gave me some meds, asked me to watch out for symptoms and test. That morning I did the RAT at home and it was negative. The doctor said that sometimes if we test too early and the viral load is low, test comes negative. So, isolate, mask and monitor. The next 24 hours, I felt like I was hit by a truck. Had severe body ache and headache too, no fever and mild cough. I was already isolated in a room, monitoring temperature and SPO2. Ira suddenly developed fever and it went up to 101.7. Prashant isolated her in another room and monitored her vitals. 

From sending food to my parents who were still recovering, here we were suddenly battling with what seemed like covid and no, it is not like 'just the flu'. We all got tested(RTPCR) on 19th and were positive. Prashant developed a mild sore throat and was feverish. We consulted the doctor in the same hospital where we had shown the previous year and also consulted Ira's paediatrician. Her fever abated in about 36 hours. She did mention about her throat and head hurting. So, the gargling and steaming began too. We isolated for about 7 to 9 days. We recovered without any further adventures, thankfully. The exhaustion is there at times, but from past experience, we know it takes time. We are seasoned covid-ians ( can I coin that term?)

What kept us sane and helped us through this phase:

1. We knew from the last time what we had to do. So, the mental preparation was better and swift. 

2. Isolating as  a family is actually easier than just one member isolating. Seems like a silver lining perception but honestly, we can cook together, manage home chores and entertain each other. 

3. Friends sent us care packages that included food, books and some gifts too :) 

4. Ira learnt another aspect of being independent. Prashant taught her to take and monitor her own temperature and keep  note of it. She also continued with her classes. 

5. Prashant and Ira began working on a project to build a truck from little lego pieces. And finished it in about 10 days! 

6. We also did some knitting with yarn, some craft, made a necklace with wool for a pretty pendant, lots of reading and some family movie time too. 

                    Care comes in all forms

Some lessons learnt and some controversial thoughts:

1. The variant is very contagious. You may double mask, take all precautions and still catch it. 

But still continue to follow all covid norms and mask post that. This also doesn't mean you have immunity and may not catch it again. 

2. The rapid test may not depict accurate results if you test too early or when the viral load is low. Best to follow up with RTPCR. Thankfully, in Bangalore there are many labs where they have home test services. Eternally grateful for many such facilities. 

3. Many people said this is just like the flu. But what we often forget is that with this virus, no two bodies react the same. So, best to get tested, consult a doctor and do what they suggest. We have not earned that medical degree. 

Joy had to manage everything with regard to their medical care and it was the promptness that helped us get Baba on a specific medication to help the blood markers come in range. Ma also has been dealing with some post covid effect and we are monitoring as per the doctors suggestions. 

4. It has been annoying to see people with symptoms not test, not isolate, self medicate and put other people at risk. Everyone am sure had their reasons but a part of me couldn't help feeling even angry at such times. I am sure I also sound very judgemental, but basic sense is not that common! (I contemplated if I should write this, but if I didn't, it would be dishonest of me). 

5. The medical fraternity has had it extremely tough last few years. Nothing we do can express our gratitude enough. So, we need to trust our doctors, reach out to them and follow what they say. 

6. I am back in my cocoon. I went to college for  a couple of hours to sign. I did step out with P and Ira for breakfast and we went to a place that would not be crowded, roof top and all that jazz. But yeah, am going to continue to decline invitations for a while. 

One of those evenings, when we decided to step out all masked to buy a few things, Ira gave her little gyaan just the way a little human being can. 

"Mamma... 3 years of this now. We should just get used to it and deal with it😊". She is waiting to get back to offline school soon. 

Guess, like Ira says, we need to get used to it and am sure we slowly are. But till then, continue to care and also reach out. The moment we finished our isolation, we began sending care packages to friends who were unwell and also to friends to share our love and gratitude. 

Covid is a harsh reminder of how helpless it makes you feel when you can't be with someone to help them. So, pay forward the kindness that you receive. Let the love and gratitude, go 'viral', multifold. 

       Life skills, Craft and some entertainment

#CovidSeasonTwoAtPramadhs #Pramadhs #Ira #Iraisms #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #LittleHumanBeings #Us #Pramadhs #Gratitude #Love #Kindness #ReachOut 

The Realm of the 4Rs, the Ira way

  Busy weekdays- reading time as we eat lunch

A Conversation at the Pramadhs this morning, while we chatted about Republic Day. 

Ira: "Mamma, when you are talking of young Ambedkar, say Ambadvekar. When you are talking of old Ambedkar, say Ambedkar. Because his surname changed! "

How does our little girl know this? 

Well, we introduced her to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar almost 2 years ago when Prashant began speaking about the Preamble of the Constitution. The discussion was about understanding equality and freedom of speech. 

Much to our delight, her school introduced Humanities to them few months back. And they began the discussion by talking about the preamble of the Constitution and the three Rs- Roles, Rights and Responsibilities. They also drafted the 3Rs for their school  under different categories- Transport and Kitchen for eg. They are understanding discrimination, untouchability, along with the pivotal role of Ambedkar in drafting the Constitution. 

While she continues to understand about the life and works through these Humanities session, at home she is reading the ACK on Babasaheb Ambedkar and Prashant and I keep getting quizzed on his life. Waiting for the day when our little girl will also read, The Annihilation of Caste. 

Today, as we celebrate Republic Day, Ira read the article in the paper that spoke about his contribution and also cut it out to show it to her friends in the next Humanities class. 

We also got a beautiful painting of Babasaheb done by an amazing artist, Priyanka Rohan who specialises in his portraits and also creates thematic magic on canvas. Do checkout Rainbow Creations on Facebook. 

So, to hope, to understanding the crux of the Constitution and to upholding those values. 

Happy Republic Day! 

#Ira #StoriesAtSeven #IraAtSeven #Iraisms #Pramadhs #Parenting #Constitution #Preamble #RepublicDay #Roles #Rights #Responsibilities #IraReads 

Being Penpals, the Ira way

"I pick up my pencil 

and with all my might, 

I begin to write."

                    Ira posting a letter to her Penpal

Life has myriad ways of teaching us many things. 

A dear friend of ours began writing to Ira about 2 years back. She would send interesting post cards, envelopes with stamps that have historical significance and letters talking about what she did, what she read and asking Ira about her. One of the recent letters was  a copy of a piece she wrote many years back. Little memories from journals to share as learnings to her penpal, a little human being. 

            Letters, Postcards and more Letters

Initially, Ira just found it exciting that someone was actually sending her a letter or  a post card. Encouraged by Papa, over time, Ira began writing little letters in response. She shared what she read, what she did and what she thought. 

Her latest one is a poem that she wrote impromptu. On one side, is the poem and on the other side, a little art by Papa. We are yet to post the letter though. 

                Poem by Ira and Art by Papa

Ira has interestingly never met 'Sonali', her penpal but they have embarked on a beautiful journey together. 

Sonali is a writer, a teacher and a Potter-head, along with being a voracious reader. Her enthusiasm and laughter light up the space she is in. Prashant and I have known her for over  a decade now and we cannot thank Sonali enough for giving our little girl this experience and sharing her beautiful writings. 

Ira and her penpal, 

One 7, another in her 50s

Both love reading

Both are Potter-heads

Both are writers

Both are artists

Both are friends! 

#Ira #Iraisms #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #Penpals #WritingLetters #BeingFriends #LittleHumanBeings #LoveReading #LoveWriting #IraWritesMammaBlogs#ArtByIra #PoetryByIra #IraWritesPoetry#Happiness #Love #Gratitude #ArtByPapa

Let the imagination run tornado, the Ira way

Ira like all children was looking forward to get back to school after her vacation. And then, with rising cases, school moved online again. 

Yesterday I gave her  a little square piece of thick paper and asked her to draw what she wants. 

She drew a flowering plant in the ocean, the sun and  a tornado. She described the flower and its characteristics and also how it was losing its colour due to the tornado. Her imagination blew me away and I just smiled. She excitedly shared this with Dadu, Joy and Papa. 

Here is also the audio she recorded to describe her art. 

The story of the art

To letting imaginations run tornado, to telling stories and making memories. 

#Ira #Iraisms #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #ExperientialLearning #Observation #ArtByIra #StoriesByIra #Parenting #LittleHumanBeings #Memories 

Poke that Puri, the Pramadh way

                      Looking up to the sky

There is a lot that the last two years have taught all of us. For the ones who parent little children , it was about embracing the chaos and changes that were beyond our control. 

We at home realised even more through all this, the importance of giving our child experiences to remember, doing things together as a family. The key was appreciating what we have, anticipating a new experience, savoring it together as a family and making random, little memories that you will someday remember and it will bring a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your lips. Just like one fine morning while driving to school pick up spot, Papa talking about potholed roads and teaching Ira the concept of the path of least resistance! Each time we drive through that road in question, this conversation will be etched in our memories. 

Have actually listed some of the randomest and not so random things we did. Random because many a times these were unplanned, some of course planned keeping covid and safety precautions in mind. 

1. Cooking together- Get Ira to help with sorting greens, sauteing onions, cracking and beating eggs. We also progressed to having Ira make one Sunday breakfast a month. Simple sandwiches to pancakes from ready mixes. The idea was to enjoy the process. Being  a foodie, she did like it but was exhausted cooking for 3 people! 

2. Game evenings- Uno Flip, Ludo, Scrabble, Taboo, Pictionary Online topped some of the games we played at home this year. Most Mondays of the year were no screen days and we ensured we played a game together. But again, that was not the only day we played games. 

3. Drawing, colouring and some craft too- we drew, coloured and made things together. Independence Day evening we did a picture with our hand prints. Prompted by a family activity from school, we also did a dot art. We learnt some origami finger puppets and even butterfly bookmarks. We spent an evening this week colouring cupcakes and just imagining the different possibility was so much fun! 

       

4. Treks, parks and more- The last two years when covid was in control, we also managed some early morning treks. Read- waking up at 4am and leaving home by 5am. Ira loved being the trail leader and would pack her trek bag with all essentials, including first aid kit and her whistle. How do we manage such early mornings? We are all early risers and some time in nature is motivation enough. We also managed to visit cubbon park a few times. Walk in the park with friends and fur friends just made our day. 

5. Reading together- While our mornings begin with coffee and books, some recent happenings meant we changed our coffee time. But the reading habit continues and now is punctuated across the day. Ira got introduced to Harry Potter books this year and what a ride it has been. She is on the 5th book now, as I write this blog. And has also begun reading a book titled, The Vedas and Upanishads for Children by Roopa Pai, gifted by Mr. Chatterjee, who she recently met. 

6. Cycling with Papa- Ira also transitioned from a balance bike to a normal bike recently and Papa taught her some bit of road cycling. Wearing her helmet and mask and following directions, navigating traffic with Papa right behind her, she did rides upto 2.5 kms distance. 

7. Adventure, Climbing and Skateboarding- Ira had begun climbing classes but they were disrupted due to the second wave. Those 2 days in the week made her super happy. She has a fabulous coach and we hope to resume that soon. She of course continues her Karate classes. Ira has also begun learning skateboarding by herself and recently, we took her to a skateboarding workshop where she was coached. She now wants to join classes and we are figuring that out. Post that session she said she was hapiest to be out of home and do all this kind of stuff. And yeah, she skateboarded and enjoyed bum-boarding too :) 

     Fun bum-skateboarding

8. Travel- We managed to do some holidays within the state and all of them were in the Western Ghats. Perfect place to relax, do nothing and just be. Some of these places we managed long walks, short treks, a trail walk through paddy fields where we fell and feet got stuck in deep mud too. We also played in a creek and looked up at the open sky and counted the clouds in the mornings and stars at night. 

   We love travelling and love to pose in style

9. Pretend play and Do nothing days- The year was challenging for the Pramadhs in many ways and we found solace in little pretend plays with Ira. A restaurant scene, solving a mystery or travelling in an imaginary place. Also, do nothing days at home when we do nothing much. Sometimes, cook up a storm of dishes literally because foodies love such days. 

10. Journaling your experiences- writing happy chits to writing her little journal, the thought was to capture what am feeling, how am expressing it and why am feeling that way. This is a wip and our little human being reminds us constantly that there is so much happening in that little mind. 

So, as we brace ourselves for 2022, we look up to the skies and hope that this is a better year for everyone, we have experiences we learnt from, make the most of and cherish, also experiences we create because life is precious. So, next time you eat that fluffy puri, remember to poke the puri to make that little hole and then enjoy the goodness of it all, the Pramadh way! 

             Puri poking is serious business 

#Ira #Iraisms #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #Pramadhs #Happiness #Gratitude #Blessings #Experiences #LoveCooking #LoveTreks #LoveNature #LoveHolidays #LoveTravels #LoveAdventure #LittleHumanBeings #Parenting #Covid19 #Random #Memories 

Healium, a story by Ira

                            Ira with her art

Ira has been learning about plants in her Science class and her teacher encouraged the children to write a story imagining that they are a tree. She gave the little one prompts every week and they had to build on the story. Along with writing this story, there were nature walks, observations and experiential learnings galore. 

This Children’s Day, am sharing Ira’s tree story. 

******** 

I am a Tree

I am a healing tree, I have wide branches and a medium trunk. The colour of my leaves are white. White I feel is the colour of Life. My leaves have and give the healing power. If you are hurt, pluck a leaf and squeeze the water. I live on a short hill, surrounded by grass. I have birds that sit and make their nest. I also have rainbow coloured fruits.

My name is Healium.

My bark is a medium share of brown and it has wavy patterns. It feels hard and nice. Animals, birds and humans eat my fruits. My seeds are heart shaped. They are covered by my fruits, which are floret shaped. They taste sweet. 

I was a heart shaped seed. Someone planted me but I did not see. I was also happy when the birds made my fruits their feast.

Monkeys share my fruits with the whole animal kingdom. 

(Message to Humans) Take care of yourself.

Illustrated by Ira

#Ira #Iraisms #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #ExperientialLearning #ScienceStories #Observation #NatureWalks #ArtByIra #StoriesByIra #Parenting

Discovering Little Readers, the Ira way

 

 Finding her reading nook at our holiday in Balur

We all at home enjoy reading. For me, the reading habit goes back to childhood. Ma would read a lot of Bangla stories to Bhai and me. And I read my first abridged classics, Black Beauty and Great Expectations, when I was about 8 years old. Baba never got me comics saying that reading classics would help me have a better grasp on English. Trips to Sapna Book House, Gangarams and even the booksales at Safina plaza over the years just enriched the habit of reading. While travelling to Kolkata by train, a mandatory visit to the Higginbothams stall at Chennai Railway Station would mean I pick up a Hardy Boys. I still have those at home :) 

When I first met Prashant and we got talking. I realised he reads primarily non-fiction and biographies. While that habit continues, he has over the years also explored the fiction books and I have picked up the habit of reading non-fiction. He is also into audio books, which am yet to explore. Just getting to the kindle was a journey for me. Every year, our reading lists have some common books. 

Now, the question we are often asked is how did we make Ira take to books. What is the parenting hack to creating little readers? 

The honest answer is we hoped that she takes to them and so we began reading to her really really early. Prashant even would read the newspaper editorial page aloud to her. It was all about the sounds to start with. 

                            Our Mornings

Read to the child. Read a bit everyday. 

Read books yourself. 

Have  a family reading time as part of the day. 

Ours is the morning time as we do our coffee and she does her milk. 

Also, read aloud with them once in a while even as they transition to reading on their own. 

We often buy books and keep and just gift her on random days. 

We read on our travels and now, she does too. 

Soon, doing all this, you will discover that they have discovered some favourites. 

Ira loved Dr. Suezz books, we spent days reading How I met My Mother and Guess How much I love you multiple times. We also introduced her to Pratham and Tulika books. 

She then transitioned to Ladybird books, all types of titles. Fairy tales to dragon stories to ones on planets and earth. 

Julia Donaldson and Peppa Pig books also took up space in her reading shelf. 

Along with these, books bought from exhibitions by authors across the world. 

The last 2 years saw her exploring Enid Blytons, Geronimo Stiltons and this year, she took to the Harry Potter Series.  Prashant has also been reading Mahabharata and Ramayana by Arshia Sattar to her and we also discovered Khyrunnisa's books during the pandemic. For now, she is smitten by a book that talks about India's space explorations by Spoorthy Raman. 

Ira even likes reading random pamphlets from stores, diagnostic centres and even salons! 

She at times picks up some of the books we read to her as a toddler and reads them, saying that she feels like reading her baby books. :) 

We are also specialising in Mehendi designs based on book themes. 

                      Potterhead at home

We can only hope that this reading habit stays and grows. For now, we have a reader who finds her favourite nook even on holidays to read! 

So, here to discovering stories, magic and new worlds through books! 

                          Holidaying at Coorg

#Ira #Iraisms #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #ReadingHabit #LoveBooks #LoveReading #DiscoveringBooks #Parenting #Gratitude #Happiness #Pramadhs 

Baba found a new shopping partner

          Lunch at one of our fave places! 

I have always done my shopping with Baba since a child, into my teen years and even now. Every year, pujo shopping together has been a ritual. While last year, we missed this; this year Baba found a new shopping partner. 

All of 7 years old, super excited to try the clothes, overwhelmed with so many choices. Tried the clothes, posed for Dadu, Mamma took pics to share with Dida, all done in style. And end of the shopping expedition, wants to know where we are going for lunch! 

A microblog for posterity. Because it is these moments, these memories that we hold on to. 

Also, something sweet that Ira and Dadu love is what tied together the end of day! 

                     The day in a snippet

#Ira #Iraisms #StoriesAtSeven #IraAtSeven #Happiness #Love #Gratitude #Grandparents #IraAndDadu #IraAndMamma #Shopping 

May the world be yours this day and everyday!

              Chocolate truffle and happiness! 

I bounce to the beat of my own drum

I’m a wow in a world full of ho-hum

I’m a wild young lady

But you know ‘sum?

I’d rather be at home with my own drum

Dearest Ira, 

This song from a movie we saw together recently quite sums up what you are. You have your own way to interpret the world, the conversations and play. 

You converse with adults as equals and know how free speech is a matter of responsibility and identity. You told me the other day that we all have different perspectives and all of them are fine. A simple thought while we were talking about friendships but then so difficult for adults to apply. 

You bring out the child in us and you help us be better parents. You are kind and empathetic, arty and wild, conversationalist and full of expressions. Every stone, twig and random things that you collect have a story of their own.

You want to be an artist, you love nature, food and travel with equal aplomb. You believe magic is cool and imaginations are boundaryless. You are messy, creative and particular about some small details at the same time. 

               Discovering the world with Papa

May you continue to nurture this part of yours, 

Your sense of Independence and autonomy

Your need to express and have your space

Your desire to just be what you want to be. 

Like you said, you want a tee that says, "Be what you want to be, do what you want to do and love who you want to love! "

Smiles, for every moment

May the world be yours this day and everyday! 

Happy Daughter's Day! 

Love, hugs and kisses always, 

Mamma or Mummum, like you sometimes choose to call me <3 

#Ira #Iraims #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #Love #Gratitude #Happiness #DaughtersDay #Parenting #Pramadhs #BeingParents #IraAndMamma #IraAndPapa

A for August & Alu Sandwich, S for September and Sweet Pancakes

Breakfast at Ira's Restaurant, August and September edition. 

                           Love on a plate! 

The idea of beginning this one Sunday a month breakfast by Ira was to make her understand the process of cooking and also let the foodie in her discover all that goes into every little dish we make. And also, we taking a little break from cooking! 

August was Alu Sandwich and September was ready pancakes using The Betty Crocker Pancake mix. 

Alu Sandwich was the more elaborate process with some customizations for Papa and Mamma (Read cheese and no cheese). While we used a ready pancake mix, Papa showed her how to do the flip and everything. After a few initial pancakes, she flipped them with ease while even munching on them. Cooking is serious business and the cook got hungry. 

The alu Sandwich bowl is plated by Mamma and the Pancake plate is plated by Ira. Do not miss the 'I love you!'. Best pancakes ever :) We had to ask her to go easy with the chocolate sauce. And she said, "It is pancakes Mamma, has to be sweet".

Wonder what she is thinking for October? Am curious. Are you? 

#Ira #Iraisms #LoveFood #LoveCooking #IraAtSeven #StoriesAtSeven #LittleHumanBeings #Happiness #Gratitude #Parenting #IrasRestaurant #IraCooks #FoodiePramadhs