Thanksgiving in Brooklyn

Sorry it took a while to write Rohin. For some reason, I skipped a blog entry for you. Let's make it up then! Lots and lots of things to talk about. First I have to tell you that you like to say this. When I ask you for example how many vitamins you might want -- you would say "a lot and a lot". Your o's still sound very british, which is really cute.

So let's start with Thanksgiving. We went up to New York with Mommy, daddy, Aeowyn, Talin and you all traveled up in our car on a 4 hour trip to a three story Brownstone townhouse in Brooklyn were we stayed with Maria Auntie and Chris Uncle and their children (Ava and Layla). We stayed in the basement, where you slept in a crib next to mommy and daddy and the boys in another room next door. You loved playing in the house and were all over the place. You and Talin loved the upstairs playroom with all of the toys and occupied yourselves exploring the house. You were particularly fond of playing in the outdoor trampoline and would jump out there for the longest time. We visited the Brooklyn Children's museum one day -- where you loved making pretend pizzas and the Afria room. We also went to the macy's day parade -- where you loved watching the floats. You were on daddy's shoulders and Talin was on mommy's and Aeowyn was on Savitha's shoulders. At the parade, you pointed up to this tall building to daddy and said "look -- it's a princess" - of the woman in a robe watching the parade from her hotel room. We also went to Harmony park, which we later found out was the same playground that Knuffle Bunny frequents... On Thanksgiving night, we went over to Lulu Auntie's house -- where you and Talin and Aeowyn were angels. You played music and played monster so nicely together. We had a wonderful dinner together with our family and friends (about 30 in total). We then packed up and came home that Sat. We had perfect weather -- it's been almost 70 here recently.

When we got home, this past Sunday, we decorated for Christmas and are gearing up for Santa's visit. You are a HUGE fan of the electric train. You and Talin (and Aeowyn to some extent) take turns driving the train. You and Talin also were a big help in decorating and really helped put everything out this year.

Personality wise Rohin -- you're such a sweet little boy. You're very thoughtful and caring and wise beyond your years. Recently, when daddy wanted to put you to sleep (but you wanted mommy to) - you said - "Daddy, I love you but I want mommy to put me to bed". Or another recently was when we were riding in the car and when the navigation voice interrupts the DVD --you always tell daddy! You're also very inquisitive Rohin and love to ask questions and want explanations about things. This is a great quality in life that will serve you well. You sense of exploration and your wisdom are true gifts Rohin!

School wise, it was a tough couple weeks. You missed almost a week recently when the hand, foot, and mouth disease wiped through our family. Then the holidays. So you haven't exactly been begging to go to school but continue to do really well. You apparently play with Maggie and Lilly quite a bit and love to play outside. Your teachers compliment you on how great you're doing. You know all of your ABCs now, can count almost to 20 and are getting the hang of your numbers., You are now showing a lot more interest in reading and writing. You said today that you wanted help to write a note to Savitha auntie. You also can recognize letters pretty well know -- particularly - R, O, and T. You also love books and have a great attention span when read to. We even made it through the Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

Otherwise, you do eat well. You love your green veggies and fruits but still not a huge meat eater (chicken is your favorite). You do love your cereal and pancakes as well and milk is your favorite beverage. You love to play outside in the yard with Talin and cook up all kinds of games. You tend to be the mastermind of many of them and enlist Talin's support. You love to drive around with Talin the little gator.

We're very excited to be spending another Christmas together Rohin! You're getting big so fast --it's scary. We're very fortunate to have such a wonderful son in you. Happy Thanksgiving and we'll write back at Xmas time.

Earthquake & Floods End the Summer

Well Rohin -- it was quite a busy summmer with a big bang at the end -- we had a 5.8 earthquake today August 23, 2011! It was really unbelievable to see the building shake. Everyone was safe though. But it's amazing that we have had two earthquakes in little over a year!

About two weeks later, in early September, we had so much rain that the roads around our house were flooded out. We had about 7 to 8 inches or rain in a single day, which flooded our creek across our back yard and along the side and front. Our mailbox was even under water. Mommy and daddy couldn't make it home that night and had to spend the night at a hotel and came home the next morning. You, Talin and Aeowyn stayed with Giovanna. Rohin -- you were very curious about this and asked often about what happened with the flood and how the police officers wouldn't let us come home :).

In other news Rohinder, you're growing up to be such an awesome little man. Mommy and daddy are so proud of you. You just finished up school for the summer and have really adapted well to your new school. The teacher always talks about how helpful, kind and smart you are. You and Talin are in school together and love to play with each other. One new game we've all been playing recently is the three little pigs. Mommy or daddy chase you and Talin around and say little pig little pig let me in -- and you say "not by the hair of my chinny chin chin"... It's great fun! You guys love to play monster now too where daddy or mommy chase you all around the house. You also still love to play outside and to help drive the lawnmower and love to drive your little gator.

You are really also doing so great in school -- you're so focused. The other day you were playing with mommy upstairs and building mult-level bridges! You also still love to read books. TV wise, your favorite show is Fireman Sam -- you and Talin play together outside riding around in the mini gator and pretending to rescue people.

Rohin -- you're such a loving little boy. You love to hug on Talin and Aeowyn and always

You're a great reader Rohin and love to read books with mommy and daddy. You sometimes even take books to bed with you at night. You really liked these books called Knuffle Bunny and also have really gotten into doctor seuss books -- like Wocket in my Pocket. You know almost every word by heart.

You are really also doing so great in school -- you're so focused. The other day you were playing with mommy upstairs and building mult-level bridges! TV wise, your favorite show is Fireman Sam -- you and Talin play together outside riding around in the mini gator and pretending to rescue people.

Eating wise - you're a great eater and love pasta, chicken, peas, string beans, broccoli, and salmon.

We had such a wonderful summer, we're sorry to see it end already. recently, we visited grandma and grandpa at the farm one weekend. We had a great time visiting with them and rode the Gator and visited a really quaint town called Chestertown, where we walked through the farmer's market and had lunch together. You and Talin were memerized by a man playing a banjo, harmonica and another man that was playing bass. On another weekend, we had a very special Indian holiday that we celebrated over at Ammuma and Thatha's house. All of our friends were there -- and you and Talin played all over the house, playing "monster" and jumping off the bed.

Well, off we go into the Fall of 2011 Rohin. We love you so much!

Summertime

Rohin, we’re so sorry that we haven’t updated your blog for a while. It’s been a pretty busy spring. SO let’s see – since May – we had Talin’s birthday, we went to Charleston, South Carolina, and we had Aeowyn’s birthday party.

Let’s start with you for a moment. As we look at your first school picture, all we can say is what an incredible little man you are becoming. It’s seems like yesterday that you fit practically in the palms of our hands. You’re now 3 years old and so wise beyond your years. Every morning now, you get out of bed, rip off your diaper, clean yourself up and put your clothes on (though in fairness, you do put your underwear on backwards but tell me it’s ok). You brush you own teeth at night, you’re always willing to help mommy and daddy and are really a wonderful big brother to your brother and sister. You and Talin play and play together.

You love to read books and know almost the end of every sentence in “There’s a Wocket in my Pocket” and always enjoy reading the words Constantinople and Timbuktu in the book Hop on Pop. You love to play outside and enjoy riding on your car. We recently had wild raspberries grow in the back yard and you love to pick them with Talin and Aeowyn.

You’re a good eater and like chicken and vegetables – still not a big spicy food fan (but we’re working on that). You say the cutest things one time – like one time when you’re kundi hurt, -- you said – daddy I need a bandaid for my kundi. You love to cuddle and ask why ALL the time – which is awesome. That will serve you well in life later on son. I hope you, Talin and Aeowyn always have a sense of wonderment about this world.

The trip to Charleston was really incredible. We rented a house on the beach in Charleston when we went to Chet uncle’s house. You guys loved playing on the beach. You also were in Chet’s wedding as the ring bearer and did a GREAT job. You walked down the aisle, gave daddy the ring, and then sat down and ran back over and gave me the pillow (I think you thought you forgot J). You ran around the hall that night and were just so delightful – mommy, daddy and you had a great wedding night. The rest of the time, we spent on the beach!

When we came back, we were in birthday season and celebrated at JW Tumbles for Talin’s birthday – where you had a great time (more details in Talin’s blog) and then for Aeowyn’s – we had another big 1^st birthday party – where you were very excited about the three inflatables that we had (more on Aeowyn’s blog).

July is coming up Rohin and you will be starting a new school. You are growing up so so fast – it’s actually scarey. You’re a wonderful little boy and mommy and daddy are so excited to share the year ahead and watching you grow into an equally incredible little boy. We love you Rohin.

Cherry Festival

Everday with you Rohin brings something new now. You are quite the little man at this point. Your vocabulary and ability to grasp things is amazing. Recently, there was something very touching that you said. One day you and Talin were playing and daddy said to you both that even if daddy or mommy aren't there you should always watch out for each other. You stopped, turned to me (while we were in your bedroom) and said -- if mommy and daddy and Giovanna (our nanny) aren't here -- Rohin, Talin and Aeowyn will talk about our day to each other. This was in reference to how at night time you love to talk to mommy and daddy about your day. It really was a profound moment for daddy who was there at that moment.

You definitely are also a master negotiator at this point and love to negotiate on everything -- from what it will take to eat your dinner, to how long to stay outside and play.

Recently, we also went out on our very 1st train ride. Mommy, daddy, Talin and Rohin all went out on a train into DC. We went to the Cherry Festival parade and had so much fun. You and Talin sat on mommy and daddy's shoulders and watched a nascar, police motorcyles, marching bands and so much. We had a nice lunch together and then came back on the train. It was a magical day for all. We love you Rohin!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Rohin turned three years old on March 20th! 3 years has flown by. We celebrated by going to the Kennedy center for a puppet show, where Rohin even wore a Tuxedo. He was accompanied by Talin, Aeowyn, Mommy, Daddy, Ammuma, Thatha, Grandma, Poppa, Savitha Chechi, Sadhana chechi, Alka aunty, Viji auntie, Ashok uncle, Annu chechi, Ashwin chettin. After the puppet show we all went over to Old Ebbitt Grill -- where you were such a good little boy. After dinner you blew out all three candles on a train cake -- made by mommy! Happy Birthday Rohin!!!! Love -- mommy and daddy.

Spring is Finally Here!

Well Rohin, this upcoming weekend -- you're going to be 3 years old! Mommy and daddy cannot believe that you're 3! It seems just like yesterday that you were being held in almost one hand. You're such a wonderful little boy Rohin and we love you so much.

In recent news, you had another ear infection but are back to good health again. You really are doing great at school and recently took two field trips to museums. Mommy even chaperoned one trip to the Museum of Natural History. Your class also took a field trip to mommy's dental office -- which you loved!

Recently, we also had a Spring party in the backyard with some of our closest friends. We had a picnic in the backyard with mommy, daddy, Talin, you, Aeowyn as well as Venna auntie and Ahmeet uncle and Nisha and Usha aunties as well as Jovin and Bella. We rode cars around the yard. You love to drive your gator with Talin in the passenger's seat. You really know how to drive perfectly -- turning side to side and even going in reverse.

Recently, daddy has been taking you and Talin down to the river since the weather is better. The other day, you walked down by the river and went into the riverside where there was a little beach. Daddy, Rohin and you threw stones together into the river. Daddy loves taking you boys there and playing with you together.

In other news, you have fell in love with a new movie -- Mary Poppins. You love the movie and watch it for hours on end if mommy and daddy let you. On the food front, you're still a big fan of Italian food and pastas. You also really are into your deserts and love cupcakes and popsicles.

We're so excited to celebrate your 3rd birthday Rohin. Mommy has done a great job of planning your birthday party next weekend! We love you!

2011

Well, January is behind us now and you've grown so much Rohin in such a little bit of time. You're really turning into quite the mature little boy. So far, we only had snow one time this year -- about 8 inches. You actually spent time out with Ammuma in the backyard making your very first snowman with Talin!

First, we have to talk about Santa Clause -- he made a really big impression on you this year! You were amazed at how he could fit down the chimney and asked about this often. You still love to hear daddy read "Twas the night before Chritmas". You also really fell in love with frosty the snow man and asked about him often too. We went to a local convention center that had a Christmas show and asked if Frosty was going to be there. You love to sing the song frosy the snow man as well. Also, you came up with your own version of "Tis the season" -- you sing "tis the season to be sorry". In the same category of funny things you're up to -- one day our nanny wasy leaving and daddy said -- say goodbye. So you said "bye Giovanna -- have fun storming the castle", which is a quote from the movie Princess Bride. Daddy was definitely to blame for that one.

Night times have become a very interesting experinece these days Rohin. We go to bed around 7:30, but it can take up to an extra hour sometimes to get you to sleep now that you're not in your crib. After reading books and saying our prayers, you love to have mommy come and lay in your bed and talk to you about the day. Sometimes, you tell us that you're afraid of the dark -- but daddy tells all of the monsters and creatures to leave your bedroom and they do it because they scared of daddy.

You're such a loving and respectful little boy Talin. You say please and thank you and are so responsible in helping your brother and sister. You and Talin are best friends and play so much together -- everything from chasing each other around, to making hideouts with each other.

Food wise -- you're still a big veggie and fruit fan but recently have gotten into ham as well. Spaghetti is still one of your favorites! We think you're going through a growth spurt recently because you've been eating so much and getting sooo tall. You're actually starting to wear 4T clothing at just less than 3 years old. It's hard to believe that you're turning 3 soon Rohin -- it's just like yesterday that mommy and daddy held you for the first time.

You also still love your school and mommy went with you as a chaperon to a field trip in DC to visit a museum, which you really enjoyed. You love to read books Rohin and love to ask Why now. You love asking Why so much that even Talin likes to ask Why now! Mommy and daddy always try to explain why. The biggest why question recently is why daddy's lawnmower doesn't wory. In other power tool news, you and Talin also got to watch daddy cut down a tree outside of the house with his chainsaw -- which was a fun event!

It's going to be a wonderful Spring ahead and we're so proud to have you as our son Rohin.