Aarush Gondalia - First Ray of Sun!

Welcome snow!!!!

2010-12-22T19:27:00.000-08:00

We got our first snow of the season. And it was great. Last winter, I was in India. I saw goats, elephants, dogs, and cows on the street in Ahmedabad, but no snow.

I threw some snow at dad and it hit the camera. I was very happy, dad wasn't.

There is something about snow that makes you take your clothes off and jump. Well, dad didn't let me take my clothes off, but he allowed me to take the gloves off and jump.

Happy times, right???

Mom's like a hibernating animal in North Pole. She comes out of our home in winter only to take my picture or video. By the way, you don't see many people out there, because it was 7:00 am, and I guess adults sleep way past it. My parents don't need alarm clock, they've got me!!

My 3rd Birthday

2010-12-12T05:55:00.000-08:00

So, I'm back after a long time. You didn't think I retired, did you?

Anyway, this is the video of my 3rd b'day which we celebrated in our club house.

I had a train painted on my cheek, but I was disappointed to learn later on that it was only temporary.

The guest of honor was Elmo and we really had a great time.

Dad was glad that nobody got hurt during the party and Mom was glad that everybody had a good time even without alcohol. I was glad that they remembered my b'day and did something about it.

Mom and Dad's Ahmedabad

2010-03-13T21:21:00.000-08:00

This is the historic wall (at least for our family) of The Gujarat University, where dad proposed mom,

and she said yes (obviously).

Very intelligent judgment from both of them, I must admit.

The Gujarat University, which is the parent university of my parents' colleges, L. D. College of Engineering and L. D. College of Arts. This university produces nothing but the geniuses. Believe me.
Dad's Chemical Engineering Department. I didn't see either chemical or engineering there, but then again, it was Sunday.

The "C" block of L. D. hostel where Nandlalkaka had a room. Dad says that he has very fond memories of C block, but he won't say what are they.

This might become my favorite place on the planet. The Parimal Garden, where mom and dad used to meet. Dad claims that they met there because it's a very romantic place, but my guess is that they met there because he didn't have any money to take mom to restaurant or movies. By the way, you do have to admit that it's a very happy place. Just look at me.

I found the bench where mom and dad used to sit. Dad said that it was one of the most comfortable benches in the world. I guess when you're in love, a stone bench may seem like a leather sofa.
No, we were not looking at a pretty girl,

We were looking at a squirrel.

Mom hasn't stopped smiling since dad proposed her. I guess, contrary to popular belief, it doesn't take a lot to make a girl happy.

After all said and done, Parimal Garden is an excellent place to plan your life. Just look at the above pictures.

Happy 2nd Birthday to Me

2010-03-13T14:35:00.000-08:00

I celebrated my 2nd birthday in India and more people came to the event than to my parents' wedding (don't ask me, it's a long story).

The decoration for the party was ready before I was,

What's a guy's (or a boy's) b'day without a car-shaped cake?....

I went to Nandini's b'day from Boston to New Jersey. She came to my b'day party from USA to India!

Dadaji and Baa couldn't hide their joy.....

And mom, well, mom is mom,

Did you know that you can get lots of gifts on your b'day if you invite other people? I didn't since on my 1st b'day party, the only person invited was Cookie and she doesn't even do her own shopping, forget about a gift for me.

We had lots of guests on my b'day. Manjufoi, Parva, Bindiyafoi, Shardafoi, Vinifua, Mir, Nukunjfua,
Payalmasi,
Vaasubhai, Saumyabhai and Leenakaki,

Pareenbhai and Divyamasi,

Chunnubhai (nobody knows his real name)

Bhallakaka and Golu,

Kamlafoi and Rutafoi,

Kaushikkaka, who is an awesome motorcycle rider and took me out for many rides,

Vikaskaka, Amifoi, Krunalkaka and lots and lots of food.

All in all, this was the the most exciting b'day party I've ever been too!

My Trip To India

2010-03-13T14:04:00.001-08:00

I'm back! You see, I went to India (or "Ineeia", as I call it) for the first time. By judging how many people came to receive us (Mom, Swetadidi and me, but mostly me), it seems that I have more family members than the entire population of Boston. I have Dadaji and Baa, and I seem to have lots of mama. Here I am taking my first steps on to the Ahmedabad soil and you can see dadaji and baa and Ushaba and Niru dadaji.

Mota mama a.ka. Piyush Mama, the head of the household for my mosaal, who is very gentle in spite of a prominent moustache,

and lots of other family members. Nisarg, in the stroller, became my best friend, and not just because he is the only one in my age group.

We are flying from Mumbai to Ahmedabad accompanied by Jitumama. You're going to see a lot more of him.

Nandini's 2nd B'day Party!!!!

2009-09-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

We went to New Jersey to attend Nandini’s 2^nd B’day party. That was my first b’day party (other than my own, of course). This was also the first occasion when I was invited and my parents tagged along.

What is better than one sister? Two sisters!!!!!!!!! “The Smiley” was the theme of the party, which was Khyati Didi’s idea.

The adults are toasting the occasion, which was fine since all the beverages were non-alcoholic (yes, I know the difference).

This was really a special party. In this picture, you see everybody present at the party, and all the guests received personal attention from everybody else. Definitely less crowded than Hampton Beach.

This is the cake Khyati Didi made. It tasted as good as it looked. When I have my b’day party in future, she’s the first one I’m inviting.

This is how girls eat cake…..

This is how boys do it……

Mom and dad with Nandini. Life is all about creating memories, isn’t it?

We all remember times like this, right????

My first trip to a beach!!!

2009-08-28T08:31:00.001-07:00

We went to the Hampton Beach in New Hampshire and it was my first trip to a beach. We had so much fun that I assure you that it won’t be the last one either. I fell asleep in the car and was still asleep when we got to the beach. I finally woke up on the beach, in a blistering sun and in middle of about two thousand people!

But, you see, I adjusted immediately when Swetadidi took me in the water. Frankly speaking, an ocean is not that different from my bathtub, only slightly bigger and a bit salty.

I did not know there was so much sand and water on our planet. It was awesome! I made things out of sand and then demolished them and then made them again and …well, you know the cycle. Also, I had a tattoo on my right bicep and I was the only toddler on the beach with a tattoo!

What would a child do without his cart? I collected sand, water, rocks, shells, seaweeds and all sorts of useful things in this cart. I used it so much that dad had to spend an entire hour to clean it once we got home.

This was inevitable. These are my footprints in the sand. Seeing how much mom was excited when this picture was taken, I’m sure she had this planned even before I was born!

I saw kites in the sky which was very exciting. Dad said something about Uttarayan, but I didn’t quite understand. He says a lot of things that I don’t understand.

Okay, so far you didn’t see Swetadidi because she was taking our pictures and she is a bit camera shy. But, she was with us all the time and had just as much fun, if not more. If it weren’t for a sunset (which means everybody has to vacate the beach), I don’t think she’d have ever left.

Can you say we had an excellent time at the beach?

Chuck E. Cheese

2009-08-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

We went to Chuck E. Cheese last weekend. Kind of like kids' Las Vegas, where kids can do anything. What happens in Chuck E. Cheese, stays in Chuck E. Cheese.

I'm so big and independent now that I can go on the slide all by myself, without hurting me or anybody else. Mom is still scared. Mothers, right?

But I inspired mom too, to do something daring.

I believe phone is the best invention ever (Dad says that my opinion will change once I grow up). I can call dad at work, although I don't always end up dialing dad's number. Here, I'm trying to call 'Honey' (It's amazing how many times you can get out of trouble just by calling your mom 'Honey'), who I realized was filming this video. Sadly, I don't have any other numbers to call. Well, not just yet.

I look bored in the following video, because I couldn't find the steering wheel. How do you drive this thing? Surely, my fellow passengers were cute, but I don't trust a ride if I don't know where I'm going.

This is what I'm talking about. Using the steering wheel, I control the speed and direction. Also, I'm riding with the owner of the restaurant, Mr. Chuck E. Cheese. We are just chilling, like couple of friends. Calling your mom 'Honey' is optional.

I had the whole pony ride to myself. Swetadidi gets so much exercise just running after me that she doesn't need any other type of exercise.

Since Swetadidi helped me with the pony ride, I decided to help her with the game. She lost.

But, she came first in the biking race, even without my help. Can you believe that?

All good things come to end, but we always remember the happy times, right? By the way, ever since Swetadidi has come, I seem to have lots of pictures with mom and dad.

Happy Rakshabandhan!

2009-08-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

For the first time since my parents came to USA, we had a sister with us on Rakshabandhan. Swetadidi put a tilak on my forehead with Kanku (which I thought was a ketchup).....

Then the rakhi which had a banana on it, so I wanted to eat it.....

Everybody happy all around...

By the way, I wasn't told this, but you have to give money to sister for tying the rakhi

Welcome Swetadidi!!

2009-08-07T18:52:00.000-07:00

Swetadidi (mom's niece) came to stay with us from all the way on the other side of the planet. When we went to receive her, mom was very emotional, I was just curious...

After avcouple of minutes, mom was happy, I was still curious...

On the first Saturday, we went for blueberry picking...

The summer is going pretty well, and it's so easy to like Swetadidi....

Strawberry Picking - Jun-2009!!

2009-07-03T12:25:00.001-07:00

We went strawberry picking and it was fun all the way. Right from the walk to the fields...

You can eat all you want while you pick them.

Mom loves the sky in the background and this photo makes me look so big....

Our container looks quite full.

I spotted a birdie in the sky...

My favorite ride - dad's shoulder.

And an ice-cream to boost up the energy.

Dad and I are looking in the same direction. Must be a pretty girl.

With Nandini

2009-07-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

My friend Nandini from New Jersey came to visit us and her parents, Nareshkaka and Avanikaki also came with her.

Here, we're in the swimming pool. This is my first time and the way I was having fun, I'm pretty sure that it won't be the last time either. In the beginning, I was a little scared, but I figured that if a two-year old girl, i.e. Nandini, can do this, why can't I? You can also see Fiza with her dad, Nadeem uncle, and in the background, Swathi auntie.

Here, Nandini is playing with Cookie. She loves dogs. I told Nareshkaka that he should get one for her. Near the end of the video, Nandini demonstrates how girls hug a dog.....

....and here's how guys hug a dog. Dancing is optional, although we did do lots of it too.

Who says you need to practice for years to learn music? Look how beautiful we're playing without any practice at all!!

We both are taking turns to walk Cookie. We both have different styles and even Cookie knows it. Nandini likes to take a stroll and I like to run.

Gardening!

2009-05-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

This year, Mom and I are in-charge of our garden. We even wear matching clothes and sandals, which was by design and not an accident. I am screaming because I am happy, although I scream louder when I am not, ask my mom.

Welcome home, Dad!

2009-05-25T18:25:00.001-07:00

This is how Cookie and I welcome dad when he gets home from work, by jumping up and down on his chest and stomach. We believe it relaxes him after hard day's work.

Ready to move!

2009-05-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

My imaginery watch tells me that it's time to move....

And I'm on my way.....

Welcome to summer!!

2009-05-25T17:38:00.000-07:00

Finally, Cookie and I can play outside. Summer is here (or at least the summer weather is here) and we're outside. I can run now and since I run, I fall down more often, but I clean my hands after getting up, like Amitabh in 70s after beating bad guys. Also, you can know that my mom took this video from the shaky camera and a shot of flowers for no reason, like European movies.

The same location, but different day and time. I can identify Kaa ('car' for you), smell a flower (although not very stylishly like Dilipkumar in Mughal-E-Azam) and can wiggle out of mom's hands in less than 5 seconds. And all this while moving at a very fast speed. No wonder mom is back to her college weight.

Oh, fond memories!!!!

2009-05-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

This is the collection of my pictures, my fond memories! I always keep myself busy with one or the other thing and that you can see here. I love to do chores around the house, help mom & dad, spend some time with Cookie and while doing all these, I love my pictures taken!

Daily routine.

2009-04-25T16:37:00.000-07:00

Here's an example of how you can make the most of the situation. When I take a bath, I expect to be entertained and Mom complies. I have been provided with toys and three different types of tumblers in addition to the bubbles. Although Dad doesn't do all that. He's just soap and water type of guy. When he gives me bath, by the time I realize that I'm getting a bath, I'm already done and wrapped in towel. It's almost as if it didn't happen. Mom on the other end can make a two-hour movie out of the same incident.

I brush my teeth myself, thank you very much. I have modeled my technique after my Mom's where you keep your tooth-brush steady and move your mouth around it. It's quite invigorating and a good exercise for my neck too.

Music Together

2009-04-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

My favorite part of my Music Together class. Free-hand instruments playing and my preferable one is drum. Not only you don't have to think at all (it's kind of a guy thing), it makes an awesome sound too. Playing with me are my friend Connor and his mom Tracy.

One with Dad.....

And I discovered one more use of the drum-stick......

Snow, vacuum, pospicle and dog-ride.

2009-03-22T18:18:00.000-07:00

This has got to be the highlight of my winter-09. My parents took Cookie and me out in the snow while it was snowing and as you can see, we loved it! None of us wanted to come back in the house. We both tasted the snow and played in it. We didn't make the traditional snow man, because dad said that there wasn't enough snow, but I think he was just being lazy. I found out later that our trip was a birthday gift to Cookie and I just happened to be there. I enjoyed it just the same.

Dad missed the vacuum this week, so I'm doing it. What I don't understand is when did all the women got together and decided that vacuum (along with trash disposal) was men's (if not husbands, then sons) job? I don't mind it, but do I still have to do it if I'm not in the mood?

Aah!!!!!!!!!! Popsicle. If you haven't been taking regular baths, this is the surest way to get one. My parents let Cookie and me have our fun with this popsicle, but they also had a condition that we both would get a bath right after. That's all fine and well, but how come I don't get a popsicle everyday even though I do get a bath everyday?

Usually kids get a horse to ride, however, I wanted a dog with ears like Cookie and got it. After few minor (at least I think they were minor, my parents don't) accidents, I've finally figured out how to ride it. Use both the hands to ride and the rule is that if you need both the hands to do something, your brain should be involved too. Matching T-shirt is optional.

Cookie and Dancing

2009-03-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

This was our trip to an indoor playground. Because of the cold, we seem to be visiting lots of indoor arenas. This was a small stage created for the future Ricky Martins and Britney Spears. I kept getting looks from the tall guy since I was dancing so well. Also, I don't see what's wrong with taking a drink that was just sitting on the table, but my dad said, no. He's kind of paranoid, you see!

This is my first lesson with money. My dad tried to educate me about money using the cash register and a fake burger. He doesn't give me the real money since the day I tore up $1 bill. I was concerned the way I fell off the chair at the end, but my dad told me that drunk people fall off the chairs in the bars all the time. Now, I'm just wondering, how does he know that?

Back to home and my beloved Cookie. My dad gave me a dog biscuit to give it to Cookie. But frankly speaking, my dear, after tasting that peanut-butter biscuit, I wanted to eat it myself. It tasted so good!! If you haven't had a peanut-butter flavored dog biscuit, you've missed one of the finer things in life. Highly recommended!!!

My activities !!

2009-02-25T16:51:00.000-08:00

This carrier is given to me by Naresh uncle and Avani auntie. You're supposed to fill it with the stuff and drag it, but frankly speaking, I like my idea better i.e. my dad dragging it with me in it.

Here, I'm preparing for the Wimbledon-2030. As you can see, I can already swing the racket overhead, which is already better than my mom. My dad has given me total freedom for my career choice. He says that I can be anything as long as it's Pro-tennis player. It's really nice to have so many choices in life.

This is a lesson for all the parents around the world. You can buy all the toys for your child, but if he wants, he'll keep himself entertained with a cloth and a cheap sticking ball.

As you can tell from the length of this video that my mom took it. I should send this video to "America's got talent" TV show. I'm singing, screaming, identifying human anatomy (although not correctly, if you believe my mom), and just doing everything opposite of what my mom is asking me to do. I've discovered that saying "no" to everything is not only fun, but it also establishes your authority.

My indoor outing!!!

2009-02-09T19:38:00.000-08:00

Since it's very cold in Boston and single digit Fahrenheit (that'll be -12 deg C if you're on the eastern part of the globe) temperature is not good for my delicate skin, my parents opted for an indoor play session for me, to a place called "Imagine That" in the next town, Lawrence, MA. Actually, it was all my mom's idea and my dad was just a designated driver, so I'll start with few of my pictures with her.

Put a toddler on a slide and he's all smiles. Gotta love the rush while coming down, but.....

this one is even better. By the way, not only this is the most colorful sweater she has, but also she is back to her pre-Aarush weight. If she keeps running after me the way she is doing now, it won't be long before she'll be back to her pre-Samir weight, and.....

did you notice how she had managed to make even her reading glasses look stylish in this pic? Who says that smart women don't follow fashion?

And now with dad... As you guessed it, first picture is in the car. I don't know what's with the guys and the cars, but I do like them a lot.

Even though this is a ceramic elephant, my dad has promised me a real elephant ride when we go to India. Apparently, you can rent an elephant just like you can rent a car here. However, I bet it would take an awfully long time to get to office.

This is a little pirate ship. Okay, its not a pirate ship, but just a regular ship. However, calling it a pirate ship makes me feel important. I have figured out how to work the steering wheel, but...

I'm having a difficult time finding the indicator, like the one my dad has on his car's steering wheel. I know it's somewhere here....

Aaaahhhhhh!!! All good things come to end. Time to say goodbye....

Until we meet again,
Adios.......

Happy New Year!!!!

2009-01-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to you and I'm back. Here, I'm playing with Nandini, daughter of Naresh Uncle and Avani auntie. Even though we had about 50 toys, on this particular afternoon, we found the plastic containers much more interesting. And like all the self-respecting kids, we both wanted to play with the same ones. By the way, Nandini actually reads the books, rather than tearing them up, like I do and she doesn't throw food. Can you believe that?

Birthday cakes keep coming for me. Here we're belated celebrating my birthday with my parents' freinds. As you can tell, Hemal uncle took the video as you keep seeing Aida auntie (his wife) in the video again and again. Not that I'm complaining.

Yep, the winter is finally here in Boston and what a style to make an entry!! We had about 2 feet of snow and let me tell you, it was wonderful!!!! Its even better from the confinement and comfort of the home, I can't say the same for my dad who has to take Cookie out for walks 3 times a day. As you can see, Cookie likes to sleep on something soft, like our sofa or my dad and when she is relaxed, as she is here, she enters a Zen-like state of a meditating monk. I wish I could be as relaxed as her. As for me, I'd like to drive that monster snow-plower. Its already on my things-to-do list.

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-29T18:59:00.000-08:00

I turned one yesterday!!!!!! It was such a lovely day. And we had such a great party. Mom, dad, Cookie and me and look at the size of the cake my parents ordered for just the four of us. They must be really hungry when they were ordering the cake. Cookie and I were only interested in the cake. My parents asked me not to eat too much cake, but I've learned from my experience that advice from your parents is like Shakespeare. It sounds good, but doesn't really mean anything.

This dancing may be the result of too much cake. Although, as you can see, I'm already a better dancer than my dad. Cookie is still learning. My mom, on the other hand, is an excellent dancer. Oh, and I wasn't really crying. I don't know how it got there.

Cookie is having her piece of cake. She's had an ice-cream, but never a cake before, so like a meditating monk, she is totally focused on the cake and of course, I wanted my share. But, my dad thought that I had already had enough. May be he was right, did you see me dancing in the above video?

Here're some of the pictures of my first birthday. It was a Winnie the Pooh cake which is keeping up with my dinner plate theme and since my mom is interested in interior designing, she cares a lot about things like "harmony" and "synergy" and so on and so forth. My dad doesn't. He just cares for the cake. I wanted to try the swing on the cake, but it was a little too small.

Mom, the cake and a dog. The three most important ingredients for any great party.

These are just the after effects of a party.

Okay, I know what my dad is wearing is not very fashionable, but neither is my dad. The thing is that he was wearing this blue apron at the hospital when I was born and he decided to wear it on my 1st b'day. He says that he permanently "borrowed" it from the hospital. We're kind of sentimental people.

Our next door neighbors Kalyan Uncle and Swathi Auntie had thrown a party for their friends and during the party, they surprised us with a b'day cake for me. And I gladly obliged by cutting it. See, I got to cut two b'day cakes within couple of hours. I'm so lucky, right! Not only was I the youngest at the party, but also the only sober person at the end of the party (I was allowed only couple of sips of soft drink). It was that great a party.

Here we have Swathi auntie and my mom is holding Fiza. You can't see Kalyan uncle because he took this picture.

Pallavi auntie is helping Swathi auntie. Did you see the size of the match box? It was almost as big as me. Also, notice the matching patterns in the sweaters my dad and I are wearing. It wasn't a coincidence.

Like uncle, like nephew!

2008-11-11T20:14:00.000-08:00

We Gondalias have always been nature lovers. What my Harsh uncle had done 32 years ago, I did it couple of weeks ago. Who doesn't like grass, huh?

Baby's Day Out - with Mom!

2008-11-07T19:01:00.001-08:00

The day has started - all sunny and everybody smiling.

Here's the visual tutorial on how to kiss your mom in two easy steps.

One color (red) of New England fall.

Meeting with the tree for the first time.

My own amusement ride!

What's better than to learn to walk from the pros? Don't ask me what Cookie was doing 'cause I had my own problems to focus on.

Having fun with my parents and friends.

2008-11-07T18:09:00.000-08:00

My mother's feeble attempt to make me wear shoes. Obviously, she hasn't had much practice doing that. And I'm fast and slippery. I can tell you right now that she is going to have a lot of troubles when I'm 15.

Here's the answer to an age old question. What do guys do on saturday morning? The answer is, watch cartoons, which is what my dad and I are doing - watching Donald Duck cartoons. If you notice, I've also learned to say bye-bye, although not too many people come to our place, so I don't get to practice much. I can clap, too. I've also learned to say no-no, which should be a big help soon when my mom will try to feed me broccoli.

I'm getting a massage from my dad, which always makes me smile. Tinkori makes me smile, too as long as I don't hit it on my head. Also, my dad kept trying to keep me from going to the balcony. What's the point of having a balcony if you're not going to let your only son go there? In addition, I've figured out how remote control works, although in this case I was using the wrong remote for the TV we have in the living room. And when that didn't work, I tried the American way, which is if something doesn't work, bang on it.

Here's my latest friend. Her name is Theresa and she is our upstairs neighbour. She gives me cookies every time we go to her place, but I don't see them once we come to our home. I wonder who eats all those cookies. She is 82 years old and I'll be 1 this month. But, what's 81 years of age difference between friends, right?

These are our next door neighbours, Kalyan uncle and Swathi auntie. Besides my parents, I spend the most time with Swathi auntie. I see her almost everyday and on the days, I don't see her, I miss her. They also have a beautiful fish tank, although I can't reach it yet. They are from Andhra Pradesh and you should see my parents' faces when Swathi auntie and I talk in Telugu.

Walking, lollipop, and community.

2008-10-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

I can walk now!!!!! Okay, I have been walking for a while now but my parents were too lazy to tape it (but, they'll tell you that I wasn't co-operative when they tried to tape it). Although, Cookie wasn't impressed. She didn't see what the big deal was. She just wanted a piece of the pear I was eating. Cookie and I always want what the other one is eating. Some things do not and should not change.

My first lollipop!!! Sugar is so sweet. Now, I know why my parents never gave me chocolate, ice-cream or other sweets. This is my room and they are using it as a store-room, but then again, I have been using living room, dining room, kitchen, their bedroom, balcony and two bathrooms as my play-rooms. I think we are even. Again, I wanted Cookie's toy and she wanted my lollipop. What did I tell you earlier?

As I said earlier, kitchen is also my play-room. And this is one of my favorite cabinet, with disposable stuff. Although, after watching this video, I don't think our guests will want to eat in disposable dishes at our place. My mom told me that I need a glass underneath a straw and I'm supposed to eat the food in the plate, not the plate itself. How am I supposed to know?

This is the playground and tennis court in our community. I have a feeling that I'll be spending lot of time on tennis courts in upcoming years. This is our routine these days. I take my parents and Cookie for a walk after my dad comes home from his job. Cookie and I do our daily exercises, some walk, few slides, running around in the tennis court, be nice and polite to people we meet, so on and so forth. My mom said that I looked like Govinda in yellow T-shirt and red sun-glasses. I think, he is a scientist. Or am I confusing him with Einstein?

This is the front part of our community. Its pretty quiet community. I think the loudest person in our community is me. Cookie is playing and I'm not, because I was tired. I just wanted to relax and have a glass of something chilled. You can also see the balcony of our apartment, the zoomed in one with vegetable garden and trash can. I'm still waiting for my chilled drink.

I'll keep you posted of any new things. You're going to like my Halloween costume.
Till then,
Ciao!!!!

My first visit to a zoo!!!

2008-09-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

My first trip to a zoo. Its a Stoneham zoo in Boston area.

I like bears, especially the ones in the book I have, "Brown bear, brown bear, What do you see?". Although, the ones we saw in the zoo (in the video below) look more like our downstairs neighbors, except they are better groomed than our downstairs neighbors.

You can see that it was a hot and sunny day. I like to just walk around, enjoy my glasses and a nice day and my mom wanted me to see all the animals and "learn" as if I don't do that at home already.

My dad says that we (humans) came here from a single-celled amoeba via being a monkey and if that monkey was anything like the one in the video, boy, we are in trouble. He was the least active monkey of all the monkeys that I ever saw (on TV and movies). I don't know why my dad sometimes calls me a monkey even though I'm always active.

Who knew that one day I'll see real goats and sheeps? It seems that the goat in the video and I like the same thing i.e. to sit in a tub of water. Now, is that true that in India, you can see goats and sheeps from your balcony at any time of the day?

We also saw jaguar, yaks, wolves, fox, and many more birds and animals.

Picking vegetables!!!

2008-09-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

This is the our father-son summer project. Our vegetable garden has vegetables now. My dad is trying to teach me how to pick them - raddish, tomato, pepper, capsicum and cucumber, but he wouldn't let me eat them. Now, you're supposed to eat vegetables, right? Even I know that. But my parents are so habitual to tell me "no" every time I put something in my mouth (in their defense, mostly off the floor), that they are telling me not to put tomato and cucumber in my mouth. Parents, right?

I can stand!

2008-09-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

If you've missed my progress lately, here's the scoop. I can stand now without touching, holding or breaking anything. I finally realized what it means to be "standing on your own feet" (however, my dad says that the phrase has something to do with earning money, can you believe it?). My mom is waiting for the next big step, which is walking so that she won't have to carry me anymore. With one banana for breakfast (that's right, 4 days a row now), yogurt, rotli, dal, rice, khichadi, milk and all the solid stuff for lunch and dinner, I'm getting pretty heavy. And I've got two teeth in the balcony (its an Indian phrase relating theatres - balcony is upper floor and upper stall is actually lower floor. Can you believe that? and they say what I talk is gibberish). Also, since the summer ended and its getting cold in Boston, my mom has been dressing me up in full and warm clothes. I lost my privilege to run around the house in just diapers. All good things come to end!

Publish Post

With Nandini!

2008-09-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm catching up here. This picture is few months old as you can see from the date-stamp on it. This was when I made my first long distance trip to New Jersey and visited Nandini (whose parents happen to be friends of my parents). Since my dad and Naresh uncle were roommates for over two years (when they were young, naive and good-looking - well, more good-looking than they are in this picture, they each have got a kid since then), they know a lot about each other, so they have to be all smiling and not to upset the other when together and that's why they seem to be so happy in this picture. As for me and Nandini, we were forced into the picture as I was tired from my long journey earlier and Nandini wasn't happy since all of a sudden, she wasn't the youngest one in the room. But, soon we both got over it and had a great time. I've asked my mom to invite Naresh uncle, Avani auntie and Nandini (actually, Nandini, Avani auntie and Naresh uncle, in that order) to Boston. My mom asked my dad and well, you know my dad. If you go by his past record, he'll call them around my 4th birthday.

With Ahmad and Abia!

2008-09-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

My parents' friends, Aftab uncle and Arshi auntie visited us. They have been friends ever since Ahmadbhai was of my age (for the record, he is 5' tall now or may be more, he looked very very tall from where I was looking). From now on, they are parents of my friends, Ahmadbhai and Abiadidi. You can see us in our best of the moods. Ahmadbhai wants to be an actor, as you can see from his facial expression and no-nonsense black t-shirt. Nobody knows what Abiadidi wants to be, but her parents are hoping that she'll do something that will make her very tired. If you think that I have lots of energy, you should see her in action. You'll need a nap after playing with her for 15 minutes. Until I attended her birthday party in June this year, I didn't realize just how many kids were in this world. And yes, the birthday cake was delicious.

My family came to visit me!!!!!

2008-09-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

I'm back. You can't blame me for missing in action. My parents claim that they were busy because of me being so active and whatnot. Lately, I've noticed that they blame me a lot for lot of things, but I'm too young to protest now.

Anyway, we had our family visit us for the first time! Here, I'm being entertained by all the important members of the family (the ladies). Navinakaki is playing peek-a-boo with me, Bhanufoiba is clapping, Tinufoiba is offering me cheerios and Krishnadidi is just different for a girl, who likes to take pictures rather than have her pictures taken. Krishnadidi is so much active and eats so little that within few months, we'll be just about the same weight.

Now, you'll understand why Cookie and I miss them so much. Krishnadidi and Hemalbhai gave Cookie so much attention and love that she was very quiet and sad for the following few days. They fed her, patted her a lot and in general, pampered her. Three days just flew by. I did not have to spend a single lonely moment. Come back soon, Krishnadidi and Hemalbhai (since none of you have your driving license, bring everybody else as well).

Me & My Dad!

2008-08-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

This picture album is specially for my dad. The song in the background, "tu is tarah se..." is kind of our family song now! My dad has been singing this song to me from the day I came home from the hospital. I don't know how to express my love for my dad, so I thought to make a photo album with our pictures together and dad's favorite song in the background. I've been learning so many new things from my dad and he is going to be my idol. He is the one who makes me smile, gives me comfort if I'm crying or not feeling well. I love to be around him (I wish he could be "stay home dad"!) and can't wait to grow up and play tennis with him! ( That's what he is waiting for!) Here's to us, dad!

First self-eating meal and some fun activities!

2008-08-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

This is my first self-eating meal - Cheerios cereal. As you can see, from the beginning to the end of the video, I learned how to eat by myself, in about 5 minutes. Not that it was going to be a problem, since I had been eating (or trying to eat) lints, paper, and anything else I can find on the floor. But, this is different, since my parents also wanted me to eat this, as opposed to, say paper. Although, I must tell you that these Cheerios are not very filling. You have to eat a lot of them to get full. The way I've been learning new things, my dad thinks that I'll be ready to have a job in couple of months. We'll see.

My parents bought few delicate things and they came in paper wrappings which they had to get rid off. Cookie and I offered to help as demonstrated in the following video. Our strategy was to shred the paper into small pieces and then, eat it. My parents didn't mind the shredding part but they didn't approve of the eating part (as can be seen in the video by their constant interference) and since Cookie and I are too small to protest, we had to be contended with shredding and tearing, which in all honesty was still a lot of fun. I'm hoping that they'll have something noisy to get rid off (like crockery or glass items), because that'd be so cool.

Cookie was just given a bath and as you can see, guys (or at least my dad) don't dry the dogs that well. Hence all the rubbing on the sofa by Cookie, which is fine by me since it's so entertaining and I get to see it only once a week. My dad is waiting for me to grow up a little bit so that I can give Cookie her bath and take her for a walk and feed her and play with her. In short, he wants to dump everything on me as soon as I'm ready. Not that I'm complaining.

My first outdoor recreational trip!

2008-08-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

This is my first recreational outdoor trip. I've been to doctor's office and my parents' friends, but what's in it for me, right? So, my parents took me to Spy Pond in Arlington, near our old apartment. They used to go there for walks last summer. People were having a good time there, including dogs and ducks. But, it was little too sunny for me. Thats it, I'm never going out again without my cap and glasses. Also, this was just before my nap-time, so that didn't help much either. I was dying to go in the water, but I saw other people there who just sat there in their chairs reading books (you can see them in the background). What's the point???? Why couldn't they have done the same at their home? Even the dogs seemed to have more fun than some of the adults. I stand by what I had said earlier - I don't understand adults.

I think this is what it means when my dad sings to me that song "Tu is tarah se". You know, "Yeh aasman, yeh baadal, yeh raaste, yeh hawa". It was perfect weather. You couldn't get a better weather even if you paid for it. Lovely wind, blue sky, white clouds, water, ducks, boats etc. etc. My mom's secret hobby is photography, as she took more of the nature than me in this video. But, who am I to complain? I get enough of attention as it is. Also, you can see Cookie on my dad's t-shirt. We couldn't take her as we had to make couple of other places, but she was with us in spirit, on the t-shirt. One of these days, he is going to put me on his t-shirt.

This is the last segment of the trip. My mom wanted me to have a pony-ride, but as there were no ponies in the park that day, I settled for my dad's shoulders and I must tell you, it was better than I had expected. Who wants to ride a pony when you can ride on your dad's shoulders? I had a good grip too as he is due for a haircut. And if you think that camera is shaking a bit too much, that is because my mom saw couple of European movies lately and in Europe, a shaking camera shot is considered "artistic". Can you believe that?

In the crib!

2008-08-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

Here, I'm in my crib. My mom says that its good and safe for me, but she also says the same about spinach and broccoli, so.... Like all new things, I was excited about the crib for few minutes (as can be seen in the video), but I didn't like it much. My parents tried to slip me in the crib when I was asleep, but I'm too smart for that. I immediately woke up and refused to go back into the crib, even though they promised me chocolate. Besides, I know other ways to get chocolate.

Here, I'm playing with my best friend, Cookie. You see, its a battle of wits. I want to grab her and chew on her ear and she wants to lick my face since I always have some interesting food on my face. When she can't lick my face (I can be very fast when I want to), she starts playing with one of my toys and I start chasing her, as she is doing in this video. Its a win-win situation since everybody is happy, including my parents since they don't have to worry about either one of us for few minutes.

Now, in this video, you can see my progress. I have started to say "ba ba ba ba" and "pa pa pa pa", which is a big step up from only "da da da da". My mom said that I kept discovering new ways to say dad and papa and she is waiting when I'll say "ma ma ma ma". Also, I'm crying because there is no cushion in my chair since it was in the laundry. When I'm old enough to help my mom with laundry, I won't have to sit without my cushion. My dad says that I can get away with anything with that smile and you know what? I tried it and it works (when I pulled the stroller down and it fell with a bang and I managed to get my parents not angry at me. I smiled instead of crying and my mom thought it was very cute. Mothers, right?)!

This is an extension of the above video. Cookie is doing her thing in the background, which is to get sunbath in the balcony or on the sofa near the window. She is very particular about getting her daily dose of vitamin C or is it vitamin D? The one you get from the sunlight. I can never remember. Also, its quite frustrating when you try to tell something and your parents don't understand it and keep thinking how cute you are. I've promised my parents that once I start talking, I'll never stop. Although, my dad thinks its not supposed to be a good thing and I should reconsider my promise.

For once, my hair were properly combed like a gentleman, my forehead was clear and you can see my whole face. I'm kind of tired and giving all the signals like the sound, rubbing my eyes and ears and all that stuff, but my dad still can't read them and kept filming me. He should take a correspondence course from my mom about how-to-know-when-your-only-son-is-tired. I mean, a guy needs his beauty sleep. And I can walk now by holding on to the sofa. One small step for a baby, one giant leap, also for a baby.......

My parents and me!

2008-07-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

One with my mom!

And one with my dad!

As you can see, my mom is more photogenic, but my dad takes better pictures.

Playing with Cookie!

2008-07-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

When Cookie comes and wants to sleep in my bed, none of my parents tell her anything, but as you can see, when I try to go and sleep in her bed, the only thing they say is no, no, no, no. And I know what that means but I still want to do that. Also, the red balloon I'm holding is the one my dad gave me (actually, to my mom, but I keep it since I like it more) on their wedding anniversary. Also, I can stand up with little bit support. I'm also very proud of the vegetable plants you see in balcony. I have been watering the plants (cucumber, tomato, peppers, radish and rose, to name a few) with my dad everyday since we came to our new home and we've promised my mom that very soon she'll have enough vegetables to make at least a salad. What are sons and husbands for, right?

This is our typical afternoon, me and Cookie playing. She is playing with my shoe and I'm playing with her toy. Frankly, since all of our toys are on the floor together, its difficult to say which one belongs to whom. I thought for a long time that the green moon was mine until my mom made it clear that it belonged to Cookie. Also, its summer in Boston. So, you must not think that I never wear any clothes. It was just very hot that day and AC wasn't enough. This is the continuation of the above video.

Getting a bath and crawling.

2008-07-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

Here, I'm getting a bath in my personnel bathtub while playing with my friends. The blue one is Sharkie, white/yellow is Duckie and the green one is Turtlie (I know its not that easy to pronounce it). I like to have a little privacy while taking a bath as that is the only time when I get some time to myself as during all other times my mom, dad and Cookie want to play with me, but as you can see, my parents don't leave me alone in the shower either. But, I'm too young to protest. Wait till I'm old enough to lock the bathroom door. Then they'll have to be content with videotaping the door.

This is my morning routine. Half the people in the world exercise in the morning and rest of the three-quarters sleep in late in their beds in the morning. What I like to do is take off my clothes and diaper and take a tour of my home to make sure that everything is ok. You can call it my morning jog. As you can see, I also discuss with Cookie about what we're going to do for the rest of the day. Neither she nor I like surprises. That also gives us an opportunity to bid happy goodbye and a nice to day to my dad before he leaves for the office or warehouse or store or wherever he goes for the rest of the day. He explained to me once about his work, but I didn't fully understand it. My mom didn't either.

Having Dinner!

2008-07-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here, you can see my mom feeding me my dinner, rice cereal. So far, she has introduced me to the good things in life - rice cereal, avocado, yogurt, banana, mango and lullaby. My dad, on the other hand, has introduced me to the better things in life - beer, cigar, chocolate, dirty jokes and Mozart. I must say, though, that I don't care much for Mozart, but then again, I'm only 7 months old. My parents are hoping that I'll get tired of beer and cigar soon and as for chocolate, its genetic on my dad's side (just ask my uncles, Uncle Harsh and Uncle Apurva), so you can't really blame me for that. Now for the dirty jokes, I've got few ideas of my own, but its too soon to disclose now. I'd like to hear your ideas first.

As for the monkey in the video, I like it for the multiple reasons. It sings, dances and annoys my mom a lot. I'm already practicing being a teenager (I've heard that the teenagers sing, dance and annoy their parents).

Walking and Burning Few Calories!!!

2008-07-11T16:03:00.000-07:00

You think you had a bad day? Just look at me, for example. Lately, I've been eating bigger meals since I'm getting bigger and bigger everyday. So, my mom walks me everyday to make sure I burn extra calories. Personally, I like my dad's idea better i.e. to jump on his belly. That way we both can burn calories at the same time. I was happy and laughing because I was being videotaped (and not because I was walking, no matter what my mom says) and who doesn't like that?

Now, this one is different. Here, I get to play with my best friend, Cookie and there is nothing else I'd rather do. She not only keeps an eye on me, but also (when my parents are not looking), cleans my face after I had a meal. I think that's more because she likes avocado, rice, yogurt, carrots, mango and banana than any particular love for me. But, I'll take my face being licked by Cookie than not being licked by her any day. It's a win-win situation for everybody (except for my parents, who think I should just wash my face with water. How boring?).

Photo Album

2008-07-02T23:29:00.000-07:00

New apartment videos!!!

2008-06-28T21:03:00.001-07:00

I'm multi-tasking already. Watch me working out and playing our keyboard at the same time. My mom told me that I'm playing the keyboard much better than my dad and obviously, I'm much more health conscious than him. His idea of exercise is to make me jump on his belly (which is fine by me). He claims that he plays tennis but I've never seen him do that, so......!

This was the first day when we moved into our current place. The movers still hadn't brought the furniture, so we had the place to ourselves. My dad was keeping an eye on me and Cookie was keeping an eye on both of us and my mom was videotaping all three of us!

Cookie has tendency to steal my toys and play with them, as if she already doesn't have enough of hers. But, then again, I sometime take her toys and chew on them, much to my mom's annoyance. Here she is playing with my wrist-band (yep, I know what its called). By the way, don't be fooled by her obedience to my mom's command. She only obeys her (or anybody else for that matter) when it suits her.

Dad just returned from the work. Can you believe that he gets to wear shorts and sandals at work? No wonder Wyeth stock is going down! This is pretty much what goes on after he comes from office. Cookie licks his palm and I chew on his fingers. And this is how my dad relaxes and gets his exercise - by making me jump on his belly (but I think I already mentioned it somewhere else).

Its meal time! Usually I like to do more than one thing at a time, but its so difficult on this high chair. I'm eating rice cereal (I think) and listening to the music and trying to dance at the same time. But to my credit, I'm not afraid of any food. So far, I've tried rice cereal, sweet potatoes, peas, banana, yogurt, carrot, oatmeal, peach, pear, avocado, khichadi, shoe, sandal, plastic container, Cookie's hair, Cookie, book, my dad's jeans, phone (both - cell phone and landline one), my mom's hair clip - just to name a few. I've liked few and haven't liked the others, but I'm going to keep trying. If you have any food recommendation for me, let my parents (specifically, my mom) know. And did you notice how carefully my hair are combed on my forehead????

Here I am in my new glasses and cap on a nice summer day. A guy needs to protect his face, hair and eyes, right?

My mom is very adamant that I put at least one of her pictures on this page. I don't mind that since she is my biggest fan. Everything I do amazes her. So, here's my personnel favorite picture of my mom (Of course, I'm in it to0).

Yogurt, Khichdi and Sweet Potatoes.

2008-06-14T19:40:00.001-07:00

You see, food has been very important part of my life these days since I get to try something new every week thanks to my zealous mother. So, here're few snaps on that. The first one with white stuff on my happy face is yogurt (after I had khichdi and avocado and you can't see any traces of them on my face, thank you very much) and if you're still not impressed, its organic! Yep, I'm already into healthy food. Maybe I should move to California already. By the way, if you look closely, you can see two lower teeth.

This one is still yogurt, but the important point here is that this was the first picture taken in our new home and I finally convinced my dad to take his shirt off. Also, my mom took this picture waist-up, so that you can't see the mess on the floor (you see, the picture was taken one day after we moved into this place).

This one is me with sweet potatoes and I'm trying to eat myself. I'm not going to be one of the guys who depend on their parents for everything. I mean, come on, its just sweet potatoes. How much messy can it be? By the way, this was the last picture in our last home.

See you soon. Till then, Ciao!

It's summer time!

2008-06-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

It's summer time in Boston and I'm enjoying every minute of it! My mom tries to dress me up (god knows for whom) in "nice" clothes, but why would you want to dress in summer, right? Here I am totally enjoying summer.

I asked my dad to join the party, but he said that if he did the same, he'd be arrested. I'll never understand the adults!!!!

I can reach my toes now!

2008-05-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

This video is a little bit old, but my mom insists that I put it on. You see, it has been my custom that when my dad comes home from work he has to give me his undivided attention for few minutes even before he takes off his shoes. During one of ours father-son quality time session, I found out that I'm old enough to reach and suck on my toes. It has been so much fun that I've been doing that ever since at every available opportunity. Its quite invigorating, kind of like Yoga (I don't know what that is, but must be good if its half as good as toe sucking) and highly recommended. I intend to do it until I find something more worthwhile, although I can't imagine what. Anyways, enjoy it until the next posting. It may take a while before I get back again since we're moving this Saturday. You know how lax the utility companies are when it comes to transfer to the new address.

Hello Again!

2008-05-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

It's difficult to maintain the blog everyday for a person like me, who's really busy now a days with so many things going around! Let me tell you...I'm teething, have started speaking new word "dada", my mom is experimenting new vegetables on me and last but not the least, we're moving in to a new place so everything is messy around here.

I just had a new tooth sprouted last weekend and ohh...boy...it did hurt! But I know I have to be a strong boy, like my papa, and I'm practicing it from the day I was born. I try not to bother my parents with my personal issues, I do try my best though! They didn't realize that I was teething until my dad felt my tooth. Mom and dad got so excited when they felt my tooth and so was I, at least they know now!

My day starts with a new food in front of me every morning. So far I've tried rice cereal, oatmeal and carrot. I don't show any dislike for the new food. So far it's been a good experience & experiment for my mom! She is in so much hurry to train me for everything that she has been trying to potty train me since last month....give me a break...please!!

But I feel really happy when my mom and dad both are around me. They seem happy and feel lucky when they see my face or talk about me! Well, I try my best to be a good kid and they appreciate it!

Just getting fresh air!

2008-05-10T15:11:00.001-07:00

It was very hot and I was just getting some fresh air! My mom was little nervous about releasing this video on internet, though!

I just entered the cyber space!

2008-05-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

I'm five months old and just entered the cyber space. Well, don't blame me, my dad was little lazy. I asked him to do this long time ago, but he didn't have time. Well, I've heard that before. Now on, I'm taking charge of my life and account and the update will be more frequent, you can bet on that.