Nishita's World

Wonderful day in my life! - I got promoted to sister :)

2011-12-25T10:59:00.000+05:30

My parents had been telling me from past few months that there is going to be an addition to our family. I knew that a small baby is going to arrive soon. I was often asked the typical question, do you want brother or sister and I rarely gave any answer to that :)

Around two weeks after my third birthday, one morning Daddy gave me the surprising news - Mummy is in hospital and your brother has arrived!! The date was Nov 14, 2011.

The happiness and excitement on my face cannot be described in words. I took no time to brush teeth, have milk and take bath (all the activities I generally hated) and I was all ready to meet my brother for the first time. On my way to hospital, I was announcing to everyone again and again, I am going to see thammudu (brother).

I could not see Mom immediately as she was in ICU but saw the little wonder! And I was already possesive. For a while I was not allowing anyone to touch him. I made regular visits to hospital until they got discharged. At home, showering hugs and kisses on my brother was my favourite play now. I am proud to become an elder sister. I already got the feeling that I am no longer a kid :)

Lot of research went in choosing my brother's name. I have also suggested few names that I knew (of course names of my friends). My little brother was named Shreyas in a small ceremony.

I turned 3 !

2011-10-30T22:50:00.006+05:30

After an eventful 3rd year, it was time to bid it farewell and welcome the 4th year. So it was celebration time - a Birthday party!! This time it was great fun, why?? Because I was more interactive in social gatherings, much better than last year.

The day before, I went shopping with Dad for my dress and gifts and accompanied Mom for the invitations to my friends and our neighbourhood. On the day, Dad took me to the Temple in the morning and gifted me a keyboard, alphabet blocks and basket ball set.

My near and dear ones (babai, mamas, aunties, dad) decorated the house beautifully with balloons and colour papers. Prashant Mama got a big yummy blackforest cake for me. In the evening, by 7:30 pm home was abuzz with friends and relatives. I had a great time cutting the cake and receiving everyone's blessings and wishes. I enjoyed with my friends to heart's content.

My Schooling Started !

2011-09-11T22:43:00.000+05:30

I turned 2.5 years and my parents wanted to start my schooling. Though many said 3 years is the right age, both mom and dad thought it was the right time! They started looking for a decent school and took me along wherever they went so that I get a hang of what a school would look like and if I can put any preferences forward. I seemed to like all campuses I visited.

Finally we zeroed-in on a school named Unicent! It is at walkable distance from my home. They have two campuses, one exclusively for pre-primary kids and a bigger one having secondary classes as well. I was put in Nursery class of the smaller campus. The campus was pretty good and at a very peaceful location. Classrooms with very cute furniture, play room, doll room, video room and also a toddler gym.

Though I was happy and willing to go to school, I was keeping shy and not mingling with other kids. But slowly I started improving and my parents got timely feedback from my class teacher - Bindu and Aayammas. Now I do talk about other kids in class. I have started reciting as many as 15-20 rhymes just in a span of 2-3 months. So far Telugu was the only language I could speak. Slowly English is also coming naturally to me. Mom and Dad keep conversing with me in English often to help me more.

I show good interest in coloring activity and Daddy keep encouraging me more by bringing colouring worksheets and sitting beside me for the activity. Apart from this book reading is another hobby I developed and enjoy it a lot.

I am turning out be less shy now and have started making friends in my neighborhood. I am not afraid of interacting with them and get involved in their play some way or the other. Only thing I don’t like is getting up early in the morning and getting ready for school. I give my parents really tough time for this task every morning.

Check out this pic from my first fancy dress competition in school!

My First Hair Cut

2011-07-25T23:41:00.007+05:30

It is a very important custom in my family to perform one's first haircut in front of the village deity. And it is scheduled at a convenient time in the 3rd year of the child. Mine was scheduled in mid-May 2011 during the summer vacation period ensuring maximum participation from everyone in the family.

It was a big event for all of us! Lots of shopping for everyone and of course specially for me! And the same cermony is combined with ear-peIrcing if it's a girl child. So I got beautiful set of gold earrings gifted by my maternal grandparents (Ammamma and thathagaru). The preparation started almost 10 days before the actual date when my Nannama (paternal grandmother) and babai went to our village to foresee all arrangements.

Myself along with my Mom/Dad and Aunt (Purna akka) went around 3 days in advance. My dad became very busy thereafter as he had to look after arrangements and most importantly visit the relatives in the village and its neighbourhood for inviting personally for the event. Finally the day came, and all our relatives started coming in.

Rajasekhar uncle, Sandhya Aunty and Aryan also came down to our village for the occasion. The first important custom was interesting. I was to be weighed in a large weighing balance against equal weight of jaggery. And that jaggery is offered as the Prasadam to the god and distributed to everyone. Next we started to the temple to complete the formalities. At the venue, Praveen mama commenced the task of cutting my hair which was completed by the Barber. After the hair was offered to the deity, I was given a Holy bath and made to wear a beautiful white gown. I was psychologically prepared for this event and trust me I didn't cry at all throughout the event.

Next morning the ear-piercing took place. I cried very little and everyone was surprised!. I enjoyed the rest of the vacation with a "Taklu" look and flaunting my new earrings!

By this time my school admission was already done. I was very much excited to go to school, which was starting in June 2011. Watch out for the next post!

My Second Birthday

2011-07-25T23:39:00.030+05:30

Now I was aware what a Birthday is. It meant lots of things to me - New dress,blowing candles, cutting cake, birthday song and lots of balloons!! So I was all excited. I helped mom, dad & aunt with blowing balloons and decoration since morning. I was repeatedly asking for the cake, candles and knife.

My second birthday was celebrated at home with close relatives and friends. In the evening ammamma, thatagaru, uncles, aunties, other small kids started coming.

I was excited till that time but after looking at the number of people I slowly became nervous and was glued to my mom & dad.
I cut the cake with the help of mom & dad. Later all of us had cake and snacks followed by photo session.

While me, Rudransh & Aryan were involved in playing with toys, others were enjoying watching our play.

Overall it was a wonderful day. Thanks to all for making this day memorable.

My First Beach Experience

2011-03-27T23:21:00.014+05:30

On the occasion of Sivaram uncle's marriage we had been to Ongole. We were six: me, my parents, Rajasekhar uncle, Sandhya aunty and Aryan. We had attended his marriage and by evenining we were back to the hotel in Ongole. The next morning we started to Kothapatnam beach which was roughly 20kms from Ongole.

This was my first visit to a beach. At the first site I got confused and stared at water for a long time. My mind was full of questions: What is this? So much of water spread all around? From where the water has come? I was a bit scared and tightly held my mom and dad. My facial expressions were reflecting my feelings.

The beach was clean with brown coloured sand. There were couple of families having fun with water. We kept our belongings aside and got ready to get into the water. We all started walking towards the water. Initially I was hesitant to get into the water but after sometime I got down and started walking. The tides were touching our feet and slowly I started getting excited. While me and mom were having fun with water, sandhya aunty and Aryan were also having similar experiece.

My dad and Rajasekhar uncle were busy with camera. After clicking few snaps they also joined us and we all enjoyed together. We spent about 2 hours in beach. I liked the place so much that I was reluctant to leave the place. Dad forcefully took me out and we returned back to hotel. Here is a video showing how I enjoyed :)

Apart from beach, I had another first experience: Watched movie in a threatre. On the way back to hotel, we decided to go for a movie. We had lunch and watched matinee show of "Maryada Ramanna". Me and Aryan fell asleep even before we reached theatre. Everyone expected that Aryan might not let us watch movie. To everyone's surprise, Aryan stayed calm throughout the movie and I started crying when the first song started and crowd started making lot of noice. Somehow dad managed first half with the help of Gems. By intermission all the Gems packets were completed and I couldn't stay in the hall. In later half of the movie I stayed out and mom and dad accompanied me in shifts.

Walky-Talky Nishita - First Quarter of My Second Year

2010-10-04T21:01:00.018+05:30

Well, blame it on my lazy parents for updating this blog after a long break. But it’s not their fault completely. Mom says I became so much more cute and playful that they would rather spend time indulging in some serious playtime with me:) And this was because of my newly found independence that came when I started taking steps on my own.

I was walking well by 14th month, after which there was no stopping. I was constantly on the move and all my family would wonder - aren't her legs tired?? Will she ever sit?? I would need no cuddling, no pampering, no hugs/kisses. A directionless walking was all that I loved doing. And the walking would turn into running if it was grass or sand under my feet . Look at me in action at Mom/Dad's office party.

Besides walking, there was something else developing fast - speech. I had started uttering single meaningful words. Daddy was excited as this Daddy was the first name/reference I was using the most. 'Mummy' came bit late, but Mom's wait was finally over. Akka (for aunt), nanamma (paternal grandmom), babai (uncle), ammamma (maternal grandmom), thatha (grandfather)...I was able to utter all of these!!

And many more..Paai (for milk), appy (apple), bag, dai (dog), lala (water), aafish (office), kaai (any fruit/veggi piece), babbaa (any nut), ayipoyindi (finised), paata (song), jiaa (I need to pass;) )..the list is just growing!!

My First Year Sweet Memories

2010-09-05T12:39:00.004+05:30

This video is the recap of my first year sweet memories :)

Watch it with head phones ON.

My First Birthday!!

2010-02-05T22:44:00.024+05:30

Time flies just so fast! My Mom couldn't believe she is mother of a girl who is already turning one:) The journey so far was so interesting, full of fun and learning. The first year of a person is definitely special and the first birthday calls for celebration! My parents decided to throw a party for the occasion.

The preparation for the event started about three weeks ahead of the Birthday. Finalizing the guest list was the first step.Then a weekend Mom, Dad & Babai went shopping for my special birthday dress and a gift. The venue was club house of our apartment and we decided to decorate it ourselves. Things started moving fast in the last week. The caterer got finalized. Mom/Dad composed a sweet invitaion card and sent across to all friends and acquaintances. One day ahead all the required decoration items were bought.

The day finally came. We visited a nearby temple in the morning after which I became busy playing with my new scooter:) (my birthday gift, of course). My babai(s)(paternal uncles), mamas,pinni and all of us gathered at the club house for the decoration. It was a big task and I was actively participating in it - bursting the balloons that were getting inflated:)

Post afternoon nap, Mom gave me a warm bath and aunts did my make-up :) Guests started coming in slowly and I cut the cake at around 8pm. I thoughrouly enjoyed the cake-cutting as I was surrounded by lots of kids singing the birthday song.

While the party continued, I was already tired and hungry. Mom fed me my dinner. I struggled a bit but finally slept and had a sound sleep for the rest of the night!!

It was a lovely evening that my parents will cherish forever! Watch me enjoying in the park :)

My first stage performance!! - My 11th month

2009-10-26T23:13:00.027+05:30

This month was eventful as we had three birthdays in the family - my dad's and both my aunts'.I got to taste different flavors of the cake and I loved it!

Look at how my dancing evolved over the month :)

Also I love gardening because I can make a lot of mess!

Our apartment's association organized several events in celebration of their first anniversary. One of the events was kids' fancy dress competition and every one instantly decided to give my name for it!

Few days ahead of the event, Mom and Dad went for shopping and bought a Krishna suit for me. The evening finally came and as soon as I woke up from my nap, I was given my regular evening bath and in no time the Little Krishna was ready.

My grandfather and aunt (pinni) also came to see my participation. I was initially totally upset as I did not seem to have enough of sleep. Mom put me on the stage for a trial run and my drowsiness immediately vanished. I was so excited as it looked like a big play area for me. I started crawling in all directions.

And I did the same for my actual performance too. No crying at all, crawling with a broad smile from one end of the stage to the other. I was absolutely reluctant to leave the stage and when daddy forcefully pulled me out so that other participants can come in I became totally upset :(. Yes, I was the youngest performer!!!

In October I am going to turn one...hurray!!

Little gestures - My 10th month

2009-10-02T20:11:00.010+05:30

I was now expressing little bit using sign-language. I had learnt waving bye and would love to do it all the time. Till now I would express sadness when mom/dad left for office, but with this new found art, I started waving them goodbye!! But yes, this expression was exclusively for my family only. I was not yet waving to strangers or less kown people.

And I started clapping too! Some catchy music (ads or songs) in TV would immediately draw my attention and I would start clapping excitingly. Few days down the line, I also started moving my hands and body in response to peppy songs - something which my family interpreted as dancing!

I was recognising names of familiar objects and my family members. I was able to point every one by looking at them - mummy, daddy, nannamma, atta/akka, pinni, babai, thathagaru, ammamma and also fan, paapa(a baby's poster) and TV. Towards the end I also started pointing by putting my hand out.

There is lot more to learn in coming months!!

Delhi 6

2009-09-06T23:02:00.020+05:30

The occassion was - engagement of my lovable pinni! We were a group of seven- thathagaru, ammamma, Ravi maama, pinni, mom, dad and me.

The onward journey was in a train and I won't say I had a great time. It was a long journey and I had too little space for playing. I couldn't crawl and move around freely, was always held by someone - something which I did not like much.

But still, like a good litle girl, I kept on playing, engaging everyone around and suddenly learnt something new - clapping. Yess!! I had finally started clapping.

We had put up in JNU's hostel. The campus was pretty good and the rooms were spacious. After the train journey when we reached our rooms, I finally got my freedom back. The moment Daddy placed me on the bed, my facial expressions immediately changed. I was so happy, like a free bird, smiling and laughing. I could just move as much as I wanted.

That day was well spent with mom-dad's PUCSD (Pune University Computer Science Dept) friends.

The next day was the ceremony. I had a good sleep for sometime which helped me resfresh myself to enjoy the rest of the eventful day.

Then came a looong day! We set out for a Vrindavan-Mathura-Agra trip that spanned from 5am in the morning till 10pm at night. It was tiring for everyone, I was just a little baby!! But I fared really well and my grandfather couldn't help praising the patience I kept through the entire journey. I enjoyed Mathura's Krishna Janmasthan the most, again for the same reasons - it had a vast open area (kind of a terrace)
very airy, and I could crawl to my heart's content.

We stayed (Mom, Dad and me) one day extra and visited the really beautiful Akshara Dham temple. Following morning was our return flight, and I enjoyed the return journey.

I hope to return to this part of India when I grow up enough to understand things!

I am teething! - My Ninth month

2009-08-13T21:50:00.018+05:30

My first pair of lower central incisors had started emerging out! It gave me an advanced ability of chewing food in a better way. And with this I started preferring foods that I can just put in my mouth and keep on chewing for a long time. I tried everthing including pakoda, papad, murukku, roti and puri. Good thing was I would not attempt to swallow food but just keep it inside my mouth and work on softening it.

Many additional sounds got added to my babbling - mama, babbaa, papaa, thathaa, aaaayy, aaabbba. And some new expressions in my face - like wrinkling my nose to either show excitement or displeasure and smiling with a stylish eye-blink.

I could climb stairs pretty fast and guess what?? I could also climb the slide in our park. While the rest of the world did the usual thing of sliding down, I, with the most enthusiastic expression and a naughty smile on my face, would start doing just the reverse!

I was able to stand holding onto a wall and walk pushing the traditional style walker. Watch it!

Towards the end of this month I went to Delhi on the ocassion of my pinni's engagement. Read on the next post for the details.

A naughtier Nishita - My Eighth Month

2009-07-12T15:36:00.009+05:30

As my playtime and love for playing kept on growing, one thing was getting adversely affected - My naptime! I was hardly taking 3-4 naps during the day and the duration of them was very unpredictable...sometimes 15 mins and very few times extending to an hour - meaning I had a good sleep!

I was extremely alert for two particular sounds - a phone ring (is it mumma calling!!!) and a car's reverse gear horn (is daddy home???). I would anxiously look here and there to locate the origin of these sounds.

Crawling was in full swing. I would hold onto anything I get (a piece of furniture, a cupboard handle) and stand up and sit down, again up and again down - repeating this on and on. But peek-a-boo with curtains was my all-time favourite!

My grandmom would take me to the park every evening and I loved it so much that if I saw her going towards the main door with her spectacles put on, I would start crying to take me along with her. And I enjoyed all the rides in the park, the swing, simple merry-go-round and my favourite - the seesaw.

Mom took me to my maternal grandmom's place on the ocassion of my pinni's birthday. I was anxious for half of the day, not ready to leave my Mom. But gradually I overcame the anxiety and became playful with ammamma, thathagaru and pinni.

More milestones... My Seventh Month

2009-06-17T22:49:00.016+05:30

I was growing more and more active and in my seventh month I was mastering the skills I newly learnt in my 6th month.

I could now sit on my own from tummy position effortlessly.I was creeping very fast. And I also started crawling!!

I could pull myself to a standing position by holding something for support. And I loved it so much that it consitituted most of my play this month.

Apart from my family, I had started recognizing another person. Anjana - One and a half year old little girl who is my neighbour. I would instantly display excitement at the sight of her and would want to creep and reach onto her as fast as I can.

I had started babbling...not real words but various kinds of sounds like aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...

Around the end of this month, we visited our native place once again and I had a great time as there were many kids of various ages excited to play with me:)

Watch me babble in excitement in this small video:

Multiple milestones accomplished!!- My 6th month

2009-05-16T15:45:00.016+05:30

Mom joined office at the start of my 6th month. She would miss me a lot, but I didn't appear to. I was still more engrossed in my own world. But things definitely changed by the end of this month!

I had started reaching out to objects with a sweeping motion. I was uttering ammma, ammey, mumma, booo - only while crying. Ofcourse I did not equate these words with anybody but was enough for mom to get flattered :)

"Stranger anxiety" was creeping in slowly. I was clearly displaying discomfort in the arms of a stranger. I would either become too serious or would start crying.

I was recognizing my name very clearly. Though I seemed to be knowing it from past 2-3 months, I was now responding actively by immediately turning my head to whoever was calling me "Nishu".

By the end of the 6th month, I could sit up properly without any support. And I had become more expressive when mom and dad returned from office - My reaction generally would be a laugh mixed with a cry!!

I started on solids!! - My Fifth month

2009-04-10T15:21:00.014+05:30

My fifth month started with my parents' anniversary celebration. Mom had few more weeks to go before joining office. Major concern now was what would I eat while she is away?? Doc suggested various options and thus I was introduced to solids and several new tastes in little quantities one by one -Formula milk with ParleG biscuit, Cerelac (rice), Mashed banana, Orange juice, Mosambi juice etc. While I was very fussy to any new food in the beginning, by the end of fifth month I started accepting them. I rejected bottle-feeding outright though. And guess what I loved the most - water!!

And what were the new things I was doing?? I started feeling the ticklings during massages and they would make me laugh :) I had started screaming loudly - "aaaaaaaa" - signalling that I am not happy and am going to cry in sometime. I could now turn over both sides, from my back to tummy and vice versa. This was my favourite play now, I would start at one end of the bed and reach the other end in no time. If anyone in my family put forward their hands towards me I would try to rise-up (in a situp fashion)...may be telling them that I want to be cuddled.

Parameshwar babai got 10 days holdiays and we went to Nalgonda(a district nearby to hyderabad) to vist my chinna nanamma (grandmom's sister). I thoroughly enjoyed my second road trip and our weekend stay there.

Then came the Ugadi festival (my first Telugu New Year). I wore a new dress and a dry fruits maala on top of it. Dad made me taste Ugadi Pacchadi and I seemed to have liked it. It was a fun-filled and exciting day!!

Last three days I again visited my maternal grandmom's place and had great time with ammamma, pinni and thathagaru.

Marriage Anniverary

2009-03-20T08:29:00.013+05:30

3rd March 2009 - My mom-dad completed 3 years of marriage! On the occasion all of us went out and visited couple of places. First we visited the famous Birla Temple. It was me who put dakshina in all dakshina petis.

It was hot and sunny outside but I didn't seem to complain. I was enjoying fully!! I got tired and fell asleep after which we set out for a restaurant for lunch. "Angeethi" had a fine ambience and I had lots of space to roll over (in a sofa) and amuse myself playing. Finally we went to Mothercare for some shopping (for me ofcourse :) ) before calling it a day!!

I love rolling over! - My Fourth Month

2009-03-08T10:42:00.029+05:30

My fourth month had a lovely start. It was mommy's birthday but it was me who had cake all over my face!

I had become an expert in rolling over and would hate to sleep on my back.I prefered sleeping on my side. I would trouble everyone as I would turn over on tummy but couldn't do the reverse. And if I rolled over in sleep, it would disturb my sleep and I would start crying loudly. Till 3rd month I was simpler to deal with and could easily be left alone playing for a while, but not anymore.

All my play now was reduced to doing one thing - Grab objects and lick them:) The ceiling fan was gradually becoming an old friend that would interest me only occassionally.

My first summer had began and I did not have to wear my sweaters/caps all the time. Couple of times I was bathed by Uma and Purna aunties and mom too attempted to bath me two or three times!

I went to visit Paramesh babai(uncle) in his Sri Chaitanya residential college. It was a surprise visit for him and he was all excited to see me and all of us at his college. I also visited my maternal home again and my grandmom had invited all her friends to introduce me.

Mommy says that from my fourth month she started feeling that I recognize her. In fact I had slowly started recognizing everyone in my family and guess who made me smile the most?? Dad:) I would smile in different ways to Dad - sometimes excitingly, sometimes blushing and many times with the broadest possible smile keeping the tongue out!

Another art that I had mastered was, if I was given two hands for support, I would hold the fingers tightly and would instantly rise up and come to a sitting position.

And I had also started giggling, have a look!!

My First Trip

2009-02-18T11:36:00.016+05:30

I had my first outdoor trip in my third month. It was also the first long drive in our new car for my family. We were going to our native village Mannegudem. In the morning I was given a warm bath and put to sleep so that everyone could peacefully prepare for the trip :P

I was asleep half the way until we took break at a place for lunch. Daddy stopped the car at a place that had farmlands around. Everyone took out newspapers to set our dining area! I was comfortable and cozy in my Uma aunty's arms. This was the first time I got real exposure to Mother Nature. Mommy had prepared pulihora (tamarind rice) and after lunch there was a big photo session. Everyone would pose with me in their arms!

I smiled a lot in my village by looking at all our relatives. We had to visit a temple and a river for which we drove to a neighbouring village (my paternal grandmother's native place) called Sangem. All three of us had to take bath in the cold water of the river. As the water was very cold my grandmother just applied the holy water to my body with her hands. After bath all of us visited the temple and had prasadam and lunch which was prepated on the site.

We were back from Sangem by noon and later in the evening hosted dinner for all our relatives . I received several gifts that included dresses, gold and silver ornaments. On the way back, we visited all our relatives in Korutla (a town nearby the village). It was a one week trip full of excitement and fun!

A smiling Nishita - My Third month

2009-02-10T09:15:00.018+05:30

My third month is special for various reasons.

It coincided with the begininng of a new year. I welcomed the year 2009 in style. While my usual bedtime used to be 9pm, on 31st Dec 2008, I slept at 1 am!! I exchanged wishes with everyone in my family before retiring to bed.

I finally got introduced to my dearest Ravi mama in Jan 2009. My mom took me to my grandparents' place so that we get to spend some time with him. His favourite hobby now was to take my snaps! He tried hard to capture me with a smile and was successful few times.

I had my first outdoor trip in the second week of this month. The trip was to my native village Mannegudem. This trip deserves a more detailed description and hence a separate post is dedicated for it.

Once back from the village, I again met Ravi mama who gifted me a beautiful pram. Most of my playtime was now spent in my pram. I bid Ravi mama farewell while he went back to Germany.

I could now hold objects with better grip and would try to take them into my mouth. I smiled a lot in the third month by looking into people's faces and things that I found interesting. I would look straight into the camera whenever my snap was taken. I was already following Daddy's footsteps in this regard - giving poses for photographs. I had a grand finale...on the last day (Jan 29) I rolled over completely for the first time!! It was a celebration time and Nannamma and mummy prepared bobbatlu (an andhra sweet dish) on the occassion.

I love playing - My Second Month

2009-02-04T16:00:00.016+05:30

From second month I was actively doing two things: Staring at objects and following them as they move and playing vigourously with my hands and legs! I had made a friend by then - The Ceiling Fan. I loved looking and cooing at it. When the fan was switched on it made me smile and sometimes even laugh:) Once when it stopped I made a crying face and smiled immediately after it was switched on!!! I used to do cycling using my hands and legs with immense speed and energy. And the speed was even more when I used to stare at the Fan.

I got my first vaccination at 6 weeks - DPT, Hepatitis-B and Oral Polio Vaccine. Vaccines caused fever which lasted for 24 hours but I remained dull for two days.I also vomited more during these 2 days.
I came to my home from my maternal grandparents' place in the later half of this month. We are a big family living together, Mom, Dad, Nannamma, babai, Uma aunty and Purna aunty and I was the latest addition:) Everyone would fight to hold me in their arms and try to grab my attention. They would make faces and produce various sounds wanting to make me smile. And if I responded with a broad cute smile it was a rejoicing moment for everyone!!
I had started smiling a little (when awake) occassionally in this month. It gradually increased and by the end of 2nd month I had reached the "social smile" milestone in paediatric terms!

Sleeping beauty - My First Month

2009-01-25T22:53:00.029+05:30

My favourite activity in the first month was sleeping.

During the first 7 days of hospital stay, everyone used to wonder how I am surviving with so little feeding time. But newborns supposedly have buffer bulit up while in mother's womb that can help them survive for the first few days. My first home was my maternal grandparents' place where I spent my first 6 weeks. We were five of us - ammamma (grandmom), thathagaru (grandpa), pinni (aunty) and myself and mummy. My Ravi mama was in Germany at that time. I was the primary source of entertainment in the family. I got full attention even when asleep. Everyone would amusingly watch me smile, laugh and cry in sleep:) Mummy though had sleepless nights for those initial weeks as I would sleep all through the day to become a night owl!

My Daddy, nannamma (paternal grandmom) and Uma and Purna aunties would visit me frequently.

I lost weight in the first week of my birth and regained my birth weight by 3rd week. Thereafter I gradually started to put on.

My naming ceremony happened on the 21st Day. In few more days I had entered my 2nd month!!

My Naming Ceremony

2009-01-25T22:36:00.011+05:30

My naming ceremony happened on 18th Nov 2008(the 21st day after my birth) at my maternal grandparents' place. It was a small ceremony with only close relatives attending. And I was busy with something that I loved to do those days...Sleeping!

Everyone tried hard to wake me up throughout the rituals but I was busy dreaming in my own world. I was dressed up in a lovely white gown tailored by my nanamma (paternal grandmother). I was named Nishita; meaning Alert/Sharp. Let's see if I turn out the same!

My First Day

2009-01-25T22:07:00.014+05:30

I am a scorpio born on 29th Oct 2008 at 8.34pm. My whole family was present at the moment to welcome me into this new world. I was surrounded by grandmother(paternal), babai, uma aunty and purna aunty, grandfather & grandmother(maternal) and pinni. And of course my dearest Mom and Dad. I weighed around 2.7kgs and this is how I looked on the first day.