Blowing Raspberries: Marvellous May 2014

Dearest li'l Ceyone,

May was a special month for all of us as my birthday and Mother's Day both fell in May.

We had several rainy days in May and it meant great outdoor time in the balcony for you to beat the heat naturally. You loved running pillar to post in the whole house and at times didn't know how to use brakes :) Your vocabulary was becoming very strong. Complex words came into play - andando (old macdonald), yankanda (yankee doodle) and you could take the names of all the people whom we met including those of your baby friends and their moms.

Some nice cozy sleepy moments and our night time fun before bed. While you rolled on the bed and laughed and giggled, I recalled the fun times that Royal Mamu, Nani and I had when we were young in our room in Bhopal. It was quite similar. Nani told us stories, several of them and we lied down quietly to listen or some days jumped around in the bed. I started doing stories without book at night time with you and listened to me with utmost concentration and smiled on your favourite pieces. I took the tip from Rachna mausi that she followed with Riyansh and started narrating your activities of the day to you and you liked it a lot.

After a good nights sleep there were happy mornings. You had fallen in deepest love with Ben (your soft toy doggie) and always slept with him or held him. I bought a few 7-8 years old boy t-shirts for your pajamas as it was super comfortable to wear at night and easy on diaper changes. They looked like night gowns on you.

One of the weekends we went for BBQ party at Papa's friend Prem uncle's house. You liked the slides and the swimming pool area. We left a bit early as it was quite hot and we wanted to reach home in time for your sleep routine.

We made some amazing new friends Aunty Jeyasree and Aditya. You loved Aditya and often called him Aditya bhaiya. You appeared quite intrigued when Aditya was around and spoke to you. You seemed to secretly adore him and wanted to follow him.

Our Wednesday play dates were fun as usual. At times both Tiya chan and Keita chan joined us with their moms.

The most amazing part of that month was my birthday and the opportunities for you to blow candles and sing 'habada...' I was trying my hands at baking and baked cakes every Tuesday. We started off by cutting my home made cake. In the evening we went for dinner at our favourite restaurant Punjab Grill. It was our favourite coz you liked the paneer and aloo kulcha there :) It was a memorable 32nd birthday for me with you around as my best present (and the flowers that Papa brought!).

You loved bath times as long as I didn't attempt to shampoo your hair. You eagerly awaited bath times and sometimes couldn't wait to undress.

We went to Uncle Partha and Aunty Shruti's place for Mothers' Day and celebrating their little daughter's sixth month birthday. Their place was next to Bedok reservoir and we went strolling to the lovely park and the new play ground. You had your first experience with the swing and white sand. After a bit of hesitation, you didn't want to return.

My sweetest Mother's Day present. Can't believe I actually became a mother :)

You were quite quick in achieving your developmental milestones and also liking the girls. You like Makayla from Mucky Pups classes and I invited her home to play with you. I was surprised to see you run back and forth and give all your books to Makayla at just 17 months! Love you my little early starter!

Some typical afternoons in our bedroom window watching cars and rubbish trucks (your favourite) pass by.

I often read about Annabel Karmel's recipe book for babies but couldn't lay my hands on it. So I decided to do it on my own. Papa and I believed that nutrition played a major role in your healthy development and wanted to stay at the top of it. These are some of the breakfast purees that we prepared for you every morning.

Harman was another of your favourite friends even though he was 5 years older than you. You seemed to enjoy his company.

Royal Mamu's Visit

Another good thing about May 2014 was Royal Mamu's visit to Singapore. You had met him once before and took no time in gelling along with him. You both had lots of similar interests. Papa and I felt that you resembled Royal Mamu in your looks.

Mamu was on a super quick trip and had limited time. We managed to cover Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Flyer and some happy family moments with him before he stepped out to attend the gaming conference with Papa. He brought a bag full of toys and books for you and you were excited. He also went with you to pet Romeo the tom cat.

I joined our family whatts app group in May and got access to your second (or third) cousin Jaithan's videos who lived in the US. You spent your mealtimes watching his videos and they became your favourite.

Mucky Pups class with Papa

That week Papa came to attend the Mucky Pups class with you. We clicked lots of pictures and you got some special attention from teacher Rachel (pic below with Papa).

Another Mucky Pups class.

Tiya's Birthday Party

Tiya was your special friend as you learned to give flying kisses from her. Tiya came with her mom Mayuko san to invite us to her 2nd birthday party and we were happy to attend.

Some other happenings of the month

With your favourite uncle who owned Lamb Cupcakery and often offered you a free cupcake without the frosting.

At Raffles Hospital waiting room for your MMRV booster vaccination.

At Great World City Mall to buy a birthday present for Tiya from Early Learning Center. We bought a juicer mixer for her and eggs and a froggie mirror for you. You enjoyed playing at the toy kitchen while I shopped.