Happy 4th Month Birthday Squiggles

Hey you... Happy Birthday. Here's a quick look at what you've been busy with. You were super cranky today so this is going to be a post in photos.

One good thing about Squiggles is that she isn't fussy about food. She can eat anything.

She's thoughtful this one. Each momentous crying session is preceded by some serious thinking.

She has started displaying her creativity. In the absence of an actual phone she still manages somehow.

Peek-a-boo takes on a new meaning in her world. The only problem is she can't get rid of the book now :).


She does have a keen sense of fashion though. Check her out in her latest frock.

And another one!

Oh look the legs are defying gravity!

That's all for now. A more detailed update later on :).

How the Mighty Have Fallen

Those were the days when she played a sophisticated Yamaha piano.......

.......... and now it's just a khatara plastic one!

Which is being licked to her heart's desire......

.....and being stomped upon as well!

PS: That's her 4th month birthday gift from DD. I think we should buy Fisher Price stock, their shares are about to shoot through the roof after a terrific sales performance in the 3rd quarter!

Me??

Swati tagged me and then Mnamma tagged me as well. So, before anyone else tags me on the same tag I better do it and quick. While Swati wants me to list one characteristic for each letter of my middle name, Mnamma wants me to list a fact related to my life for every letter of my middle name. So I'm going to do a mish mash instead.

First of all the rules of the game.

Rule 1. The rules must be mentioned in the beginning of the tag.


Rule 2 You must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.


Rule 3. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.



The most difficult bit is choosing the name. I don't have a middle name and I sure as hell am not going to attempt my blog name because I don't have one (Squiggles Mom isn't a name really, it's way too long and what the hell I am going to say for 'Q')? Does that mean I get out of doing the tag? Naaaahhh.

The name I choose is ADITI. This was one of the names we were considering for Squiggles but then decided on something else. Hence, it's very dear to me.

A for Ahmedabad - The first place I tasted true independence. Until then I'd always lived at home. This was my first stay away from home. The jail like rooms, terrible mess food, rigorous academics, crazy ramp parties, midnight ice cream treats at Dairy Den, yummy food all over the city and above all beautiful relationships. This where I met DD and made loads of wonderful friends. Two unique years of my life.

D for Decisive - I've always known what I've wanted and set milestones for myself early on which I've met. I decided that I wasn't going to study Science despite a lot of pressure to do so. I completed B.Com (H). As planned I followed it up with my MBA. Marriage was planned for 24 and I got married 6 weeks before my 24th birthday. I wanted 3 years of enjoying myself as a couple. Squiggles was conceived in our 4th year of marriage. Child at 28. Tick. I've just realised that I need to set new milestones for myself. I've been so busy that I hadn't realised that I've run out!

I for Impatient - Or rather I was till I became a Mom. Patience is a completely new concept to me. I am amazed by how much I have changed. The girl who would stamp her feet, grind her teeth and wail "I'm getting bored" can now spend endless hours dealing with a cranky infant. Wow.

T for Trustworthy - You can trust me with anything. I have never betrayed a trust and it's very sacred to me. Of course it does help that I have such poor memory that I forget what you've entrusted me with! Well, sometimes :).



I for Initiative - I'm happy to volunteer to do stuff as long as it doesn't place me in the limelight. I'm happy to take the first step with friends as well since someone has to. I've always felt that if we waited for someone else to start, we'd all still be waiting at the starting line :).

And that's me done!



I should be tagging more people but I'm not sure anyone is left to be tagged :). So, if you haven't been tagged and you're reading this then you're tagged! And no, just because I won't know that you're reading this is no excuse because YOU will know that YOU are tagged.

Psst... I've just realised that this post doesn't meet any of the rules completely :).

Breaking News

Close sources have confirmed that Ms. Squiggles from Singapore has been conferred an honorary doctorate in Human Psychology by the University of Infants Rule the World. Our correspondent in Singapore brings you an exclusive interview with the elusive Ms. oops Dr. Squiggles.

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As I enter the room she lies on her tummy, head raised high with bright inquisitive eyes taking in her surroundings. She's dressed in a cute little orange onesie. Her eyes swivel towards me, absorbing everything in a long unflinching glance. I can see the intelligence in those eyes and am no longer wondering how someone so young could achieve so much so soon. My curiosity aroused, we begin.

First of all Congratulations Dr. Squiggles! How does it feel to receive such an honour at the tender age of 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days?

Dr. Squiggles *gushingly, hands over face*: Oh thank you! It feels wonderful. It was totally unexpected you see. I'm really happy that my efforts are being recognised.

Dr. Squiggles starts pulling her legs up, trying to catch hold of them with her hands. I cough a couple of times to get her attention but a blue frog has caught her fancy and I'm struggling.

Dr. Squiggles! Dr. Squiggles!!!

I'm loud enough to get a cursory glance. Before she looks away I plunge in.

What would you consider are your major achievements?

Where do I start? Hmmm...

1. I'm quite fond of my mom. And I really don't like it when she hands me over to someone else as she does quite often. So I decided to get rid of this nonsense. Now as soon as someone else picks me up I start crying and I don't stop until I'm back in her arms.

2. I have almost got rid of my dad. Everytime he comes near I start wailing. As a result there's little opportunity for my mom to spend time with my dad. The plan to separate them is working really well. In fact the other day I overheard them arguing. Mom thought Dad wasn't making enough of an effort and Dad kept saying that there wasn't much point because I was crying loudly with my eyes shut tight. I do that really well. She was suggesting that maybe Dad should get off his backside and walk around with me. As if that would work *smirk*.

It's the orange monkey now.

Dr. Squiggles!!!

Oh yes, sorry. 3. I get bored quite easily. I think Mom has finally figured out that I need constant attention and entertainment. Sometimes she gets a bit lazy and tries to put me in my crib with the mobile playing. But I've told her in no uncertain terms that is not going to work anymore. Just because I was stupid enough to lie there quietly watching it when I was younger doesn't mean it's going to work now when I'm older.

4. I now communicate with all strangers (everyone except my mom that is) while perched on her shoulder. I coo, gurgle and smile at everyone from a comfortable distance. I don't like to get too close and I think I've got the message across pretty well.

I: How hard has it been for you to reach this stage?

It was surprisingly easy actually. Adults are a piece of cake to manage. I am quite fortunate that I have first time parents. That makes them especially vulnerable (stumbling a little on that long word) to crying infants.

I: What are your key strengths?

Persistence. I can outcry the best of them. My parents have tried all kinds of tactics - ignoring me, trying to distract me with funny noises, joining in and imitating my cry, doing funny little jigs, getting outsiders to help. They're quite creative really. But I have been quite persistent with my wailing. As soon as they cave in, I quieten down.

My second key strength is Innovation. The moment my mom thinks she has figured out a way to distract me I come up with another reason to throw a tantrum. E.g. When I was smaller I hated the car seat and would cry all the time when she put me in it. Now that she's managed to convince me of its merits, I cry everytime the car stops. So, you see innovation is the key.

Dr. Squiggles has just spied her mom and starts whimpering for her attention. I wave a rattle in her face to get her to continue with the interview. I succeed but only for a bit longer.

I: Any special tips for other infants out there?

What I have found works particularly well is to continue to whimper in a complaining manner after the tantrum. This I find serves to remind my mom that I have not forgotten the latest cruelty lest they contemplate putting me down or giving me to someone else to carry. Any further attempts to have their way are promptly discarded.

The other thing that I would like to say to all the other infants is keep them on their toes. Don't ever get into a routine. The uncertainty means that they are constantly wondering what's going to happen next and all plans are at your mercy.

Oh and tears, of course. Nothing like good old tears.

Dr. Squiggles is looking beseechingly at her mom again. I hurry.

I: Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge before we end this interview?

This *holding up the plaque* is for my Mom. It wouldn't have been possible without her. I love you Ma.

Hi Ma

I know you were going through all kinds of funny emotions yesterday - a little dizzy and excited to be going out to a grown up dinner (you're a bit sad you know to get all that kicked about it, but that's me personally), but very worried, guilty, and tense on leaving me behind.

You were looking really pretty ma. It's the first time I've seen you with make up. Are you sure you needed it when you look lovely to me otherwise? I knew it meant a lot to you so I tried to sleep for a couple of hours in the afternoon so you could shop for a dress. I really liked the lovely lime green trousers and the smoky top you got with it and I'm proud you got it at 70% off since you weren't keen on buying something that you wouldn't be able to wear for that long.

You were a little naughty too Ma because you decided to get your hair done while you were out as well and since I didn't know that was the plan I got up and was hungry but you weren't around. I started crying but thankfully you didn't keep me waiting too long. Can we discuss these impetuous things a bit before we act on them, huh? It would make my life much easier. Oh BTW, the hair looked really nice too. You should get it done more often. Ok, forget I said that. I don't want you leaving me again and again just to have your hair done. Once was more than enough, thank you very much.

The amazing child that I am I slept again before you had to leave so you had ample time to get ready. Aren't I really a sweet little child? Please remember this Ma for the next time I'm just a tad little naughty!

It was nice to be at grandma's house last evening since we haven't been there all week. Even though she wasn't there I was looking forward to being under Grandpa's supervision to see how he would cope with me all by himself (ok, he did have 2 maids to help him out). Well, just so you know Aunty Y put me to sleep just as you were leaving and the next thing I know is I'm awake and there you were right before me. Didn't you go out Ma after all because you were there when I went to sleep and you were there when I woke up. I'm sorry Ma.

I love you loads and loads. Please say you're not angry.

Squiggles


Ma's reply

My sweet sweet Angel,

You have no need to apologise sweetheart because you were a perfect angel last night. Daddy and I went out for dinner and returned 4 hours later to find you had slept through it all. Of course I kept calling Grandpa to see how you were doing and couldn't believe it that you were such a thoughtful child to keep sleeping till we had dinner. In fact, I even managed dessert which you know I would have hated to miss. It was a gorgeous creme catalan with walnut ice cream. Now I know I should have more control but I figured I should make hay while the sun shines.

Thank you honey for a stress fee dinner. I had loads of fun. And no, I will remember this forever :) especially when you are naughty!

Quirky is Normal

I really don't know where to start. Since ddmom (rbdans) tagged me a few days ago, I've been racking my brains to list 5 quirks for your amusement. There aren't many that jump to mind. I came up with a couple and then drew a blank. I knew that I was obsessing about it when I dreamt about attempting and miserably failing this tag! That's when I decided that I really had to get it out there in blogoland and soon.

I concluded that the reason I was struggling was that maybe I just had a different perspective. Maybe what I consider normal is not normal. After all normal is something that the majority approve or recognise. Hence, I shall just list my 'normal' traits which will hopefully pass the quirky test and leave it to you to decide whether you want to join the 'Quirky is Normal' bandwagon.

1. I simply love food. This is not your average 'I live for food' sentiment. It is my favourite topic and I can talk about it all day. I love knowing what I'm going to be having for breakfast, lunch or dinner and then I spend the rest of the day in eager anticipation. I have loads of cookbooks which I buy for the pure reading pleasure and mouth watering pictures. I love going to supermarkets and this is where invariably DD and I always have an argument. I love strolling through the aisles, looking at all the different things on the shelves even if I have no intention of buying them. The one thing guaranteed to cast a blight over my day is bad food. It really gets to me. In fact I am so in love with food that one of the conditions that I placed before DD before I agreed to marry him was that he would never TRY to convert me to vegetarianism. He had to accept my non-veg habits like a devotee accepts the existence of God. It was fortunate for him that he agreed otherwise I am not lying when I say that I would not have married him. Honestly I am not exaggerating.

2. I wash my hands a zillion times each day. If I accidentally touch the elastic bands of my knickers, an ant, the floor, the handle of the flush - anything can trigger a hand washing session. I have dettol hand soap in the house even for my maid because above all I want her hands to be clean since she cleans everything in the house. When I look at a tap I wonder about which dirty hands touched it and whether it's actually clean. If I weren't so lazy I would be spraying dettol over all surfaces all the time. If I think my hands are dirty then I will keep thinking about it till I can wash my hands especially when I'm travelling. The first thing I bought for Squiggles's diaper bag was a Dettol hand sanitiser!

3. I have loads of conversations with myself, about everything. E.g. If I'm going to meet someone then I will have 'n' conversations in my head with this person before we meet up, some will extend into scenarios several years into the future. If some stranger annoys me then I will play out endless scenarios in my mind about how I could have tackled it better, what I could have said etc. for several hours afterwards. It could be something as trivial as the fact that their dress was ugly.

4. I can tell if something is missing in the house especially food. This comes from having lived with my grandma who was an expert at catching thieves. So, if DD has had more than his share of biscuits then I know. If something has been moved from it's place I know. You touch anything in my house and I will know. The most important thing here is that I THINK I KNOW, it's not necessarily true that I DO KNOW. So, sometimes DD will be interrogated for an act which he has not done but which I KNOW he has committed. It doesn't help that he laughs when I ask him such silly questions, it only strenghtens my INTUITION!

5. Until recently I could not leave a book unfinished however bad it was. As a result, I have read some really terrible books. This even extended to my text books. While other students would smartly read the important sections, I would always read the entire text book in case I missed out on something important. Even if I was brave and left a chapter, it would constantly haunt me so I would always give in. Even now while I exert enormous self control to stop myself from reading unimportant stuff, I sometimes give in.

Phew... that wasn't too bad, was it?

For her Maasi Poo... some more pics

In her apple green outfit

Looking like a right little qaidi in her prisoner's blue stripey outfit (credit DD)