In January this year, Rian started school, I wrote about it here. Rian went from a 1:1 ratio with the nanny to a 1:12 ratio with the teachers at his 2 yr class back then. He goes for 3 hrs, and is back home at lunch time. We had quite a few hiccups initially as Rian "settled in". Top it off with the cold season, and 2 months of continuous cold and runny nose for Rian. To say the least, we were exhausted. Rian was constantly cranky and refused food most days. It was no surprise that his weight remained the same over a period of 9 months.
Then came summer, and my mom came to visit us. She started making good yummy food for Rian, and Rian's interest in food sparked again. Summer school was in session, with fewer kids. Ratio of student to teacher was much better, although we don't know the exact ratio. We went really "easy" on Rian's schedule, and on most days Rian would reach school by 9:15-9:30. Regular drop off was 8:30 to 8:45. Rian used to miss his morning sheet work, and we were all okay with it. He was happier, and having loads of fun at school.
Fall 2011 session of school started on 22 August, and it feels like January all over again, to me. There are many more kids in school now, so the student teacher ratio is not as good as summer school. Rian complains about a Prahlad in his class who troubles him. He misses his room number 14 and his teachers Miss Angela and Miss Mandy. Now he's in room number 15 and he has new teachers. Rian cries for everything at home. His whining is a stall tactic to delay everything, and get more attention from us. A happy baby who used to finish his milk in 5 mins now takes 25 mins. He vehemently resists his night sleep routine, and blows off all his sleep. It takes him longer to fall asleep now, and he's so unhappy when he wakes up - starts with "I don't want to go to school". He takes all excuses to break into a wail. For the past 2 days he insists on Daddy giving him an oil massage when I take him for his bath. We usually give him an oil massage on the weekends, and he enjoys the happy relaxed time.
First activity in school is sheet work - every day. When students are late, they miss sheet work. Earlier in his 2 yr class, and his summer school, teachers would take Rian on the side and make up for missed sheet work during play hours. This was the 1-on-1 help that the school specializes in. But now the Principal Miss Manet told me - if Rian is consistently late, we will not give him 1-on-1 to make up for missed work. I think that is totally fair. This week though, Rian started getting empty sheets home with remarks on them: absent, came in late - please complete at home. Somehow I find this very unsettling. A 3 yr old is expected to finish his missed classwork at home? Really? I always used to think homework and all those boring things start from Kindergarten. Rian has 2 more years to get there!! I was just not mentally prepared to handle homework for my 3 yr old.
I guess the school is trying to send a message - don't make a habit of sending your child late to class every day. Sigh, I guess they are right. This is not day care. This is school - way more serious, and academically geared. This was our choice for little Rian since letters and numbers fascinated him. But the student teacher ratio was not our choice :-( I wish I can find an academically geared school for Rian with a 1:6 ratio - that would be my dream come true. For now, I have to settle with our current school and make peace with myself about our schedule. We are back to early mornings with a manic schedule. Saving grace is my mom is still here and takes care of Rian's breakfast in the mornings, and our lunch/dinners too.
6:30am - wake up, potty, brush, make coffee and milk
7am - wake Rian up, give him his 10 mins to laze, give him milk
7:20am - take Rian for potty, bath, brush
7:35am - Rian wears his clothes with Daddy
7:45am - Rian takes his breakfast with Aaji
8am - lock and load
8:25am - reach school, drop Rian off
After that, I battle a super jam packed I-280 since its pre-9am, carpool hours. A journey of 15 miles that takes me 20 mins post 9:15am takes me 35 mins in crazy traffic now. I guess the silver lining is I'm in my office at 9am.
Now that I got that out of my system, let me get to some "real work".
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Rian drinking dudu, Mumma drinking dudu
Lookie look, Rian drinking dudu, Mumma drinking dudu, together together.
Sob sob, my baby is growing up into a really big boy now.
Pic courtesy Aaji last weekend.
First ever big boy haircut
It's a time of firsts again for Rian. Last night Rian had his first ever big boy haircut in Supercuts. Mumma was super proud as Rian did not cry at all. He sat through his entire haircut, all alone on the chair, without holding my finger. Rian listened to the hair dresser uncle and did not even flinch at the machines. In fact he smiled when the trimmer started and said Mumma, it's like a bee, buzz buzz :-) Rian loved the animal print cover around him, and commented on how the hair is falling down. Mumma of course reminded him about all things falling down due to gavity ;-) Mumma and Rian got their haircut in the same salon at the same time. Super efficient, we were out of the home and back in within 55 minutes!
Rian had his first hair cut in Little Scissors in Fremont when he was 14.5 months old. We've always gone back to Little Scissors as Rian developed a fancy to the little "cars" he got to sit in. This place was more than a 40 mile roundtrip for me, and always had to be scheduled on Saturday mornings, since week day evening travel to Fremont is beyond me, thanks to the traffic. I also tried Snip-It's in Palo Alto once, but as a parent had a horrible experience: more than an hr of wait, bad station for Rian with no TV, and let's not forget: a huge price tag.
We're so happy now, the whole family can go have haircuts at Supercuts any time!
Rian had his first hair cut in Little Scissors in Fremont when he was 14.5 months old. We've always gone back to Little Scissors as Rian developed a fancy to the little "cars" he got to sit in. This place was more than a 40 mile roundtrip for me, and always had to be scheduled on Saturday mornings, since week day evening travel to Fremont is beyond me, thanks to the traffic. I also tried Snip-It's in Palo Alto once, but as a parent had a horrible experience: more than an hr of wait, bad station for Rian with no TV, and let's not forget: a huge price tag.
We're so happy now, the whole family can go have haircuts at Supercuts any time!
Monday, August 22, 2011
First ever big boy hike
On Sunday Rian walked his first ever big boy hike. Mommy and Daddy are super proud of him. Last year Mommy and Daddy did 5-6 hikes ranging from 3 to 6 miles, with Rian on our back in the Deuter II carrier, and one with the Ergo too. Rian loved almost all of them, and the "mountain" had become a positive memory for him. He loved drinking from our hydration packs. As he's growing up, he had already started insisting on walking. So we asked him if he will walk on the mountain and he agreed!
We started our hike post lunch, and Rian was a happy camper for a while. I think his lunch was not "enough" and he was hungry in a bit. A "stick" kept him happy all along, and all those spiderwebs. We walked very slowly, and let him be "number one" all the time. He was happy being Daddy's model. We walked for almost 2 hrs, with one big 10 min break, and a few small breaks. At one point, Rian said: I'm so tired, I need to stop now for a little bit. Mommy and Daddy were staring at each other, dumbfounded by the words we heard :-)
Aaji found some "phoo flowers" and Rian had a blast with them. Daddy had fun capturing the perfect moments with his shiny new 70-200 IS lens, his first L glass. You go Daddy!
Rian is a fan of Larabar (cashew cookie), and Mumma thinks they are the best because they only have natural ingredients. Larabar gave Rian the energy for the last 20 mins!
We started our hike post lunch, and Rian was a happy camper for a while. I think his lunch was not "enough" and he was hungry in a bit. A "stick" kept him happy all along, and all those spiderwebs. We walked very slowly, and let him be "number one" all the time. He was happy being Daddy's model. We walked for almost 2 hrs, with one big 10 min break, and a few small breaks. At one point, Rian said: I'm so tired, I need to stop now for a little bit. Mommy and Daddy were staring at each other, dumbfounded by the words we heard :-)
Aaji found some "phoo flowers" and Rian had a blast with them. Daddy had fun capturing the perfect moments with his shiny new 70-200 IS lens, his first L glass. You go Daddy!
Rian is a fan of Larabar (cashew cookie), and Mumma thinks they are the best because they only have natural ingredients. Larabar gave Rian the energy for the last 20 mins!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Camping fun
Since 2004, we've gone "car camping" every year. Rian was a July 2008 baby, so when he was 9 months old, we went camping for the first time. He loved being out in the open, under the trees. When Rian was ~2 years old, he loved running around, no boundaries of the house for his play. We had a large group of friends and kids last year, and Rian enjoyed getting dirty and wading in the water the next day.
3.5 weeks back we went "car camping", like we do every year. We had a cancellation of plans this year, and this was the second camping attempt in our group. As the number of kids in our group increases, the likelihood of one of them being sick increases too :-) and that was the reason for first cancellation. On the week of camping, Rian caught a cold, and we really had him excited about camping. Plus since he's 3 already, we're a bit more easy going with him now, even when he's sick. So we decided to go camping.
We had a relaxed morning at home, went for Rian's gym class and Rian played at home after that while I packed. Amit worked for a few hours as usual since it was Saturday. Amit was very concerned how I was doing with the packing, and he came home a bit earlier than expected - thanks sweetie for that gesture. We were right on time, had lunch at home and left at 2:05pm. Our ETD was 2pm. It helped that mom was around to play with Rian while Amit and me just did the packing and loaded the car.
Rian was very excited about camping, but was also very sleepy. We explained to him that if he takes a nap in the car, by the time we reach the campground, he will be fresh and energetic to play with his friends. Surprisingly he took the advice well, and was asleep in 20 mins! The rest of the drive went by smoothly. Amit and I got a rare chance to catch up on so many things we needed to discuss, and of course our top discussion was "our kiddo is so swweeeeet" :-) We are crazy parents!
By 3:30 we both needed our java break, and luckily found a Starbucks around. Amit parked the car but kept the engine running, it was 100+F. I quietly stepped out and kept the door a bit ajar. In and out in 5 mins, Rian was still asleep :-) We had a "woohoo" moment as we realized it was a 10 min stop, with Rian remaining asleep, and we getting our Starbucks fix!! Three cheers to that.
Two out of three couples had showed up, and 2 tents were already up when we went there. We started with milk for the kids, beer for the adults, Swati made chai, and then Meher started with grilling. Amit meanwhile setup our tent. Rian was being a darling, very curious about everything and what everyone was doing. He was very safe, and loved observing. I was worried he would overheat - he was red in the face. Daddy came to rescue and made sure Rian downed a cold juice. We found Rian peeking into the tents, asking to "help" all the uncles and aunties. Amit has taught me one thing - keeping Rian busy is easy, give him a "task". I think I work that way too :-)
BBQ'ed veggies tasted awesome, I was craving them for a while. Amit was mediator between the "elder" kids: Parv, Achal, and Rian. Kids took turns in riding 2 scooters and one cycle. Meanwhile I became food mom and fed these 3 kids bbq veggies. Corn was next on the menu, followed by some kaju katri and Oreo cookies. Kids were so dirty after that, cleanup session ensued, and milk after that.
Rian was very tired after that, given his cough/cold and in his "overexcited" state. Amit wanted to take him back to the campfire for chit chat session. It was 10pm. I was very concerned that Rian had already yawned many times, scratched his ears and squinted his eyes. I didn't want him to go into the "super cranky" zone, so I decided to get into the tent and sleep with him. Rian and I missed out on smores and some chit chat with friends.
In hindsight it was good that we went to bed at 10pm. We actually slept only ~10:30-11 as Rian kept moving around. The air bed was not very stable. Our neighbors came in at 1:30 to found their air bed out of air, and then ensued some loud noises of the air pump. At 5:15am, Rian's eyes opened and he saw daylight! That was the end of his sleep. Amit gave him the iPhone in the hopes of catching a little more shut eye. By 5:45 I could no longer sleep with Rian fidgeting with the iPhone, so Rian and I decided to step out.
We took a long walk with his favorite Razor scooter of Achal dada. Since we could not locate the milk vessel, Rian and I remained super hungry. Both of us are used to our milk/coffee first thing in the morning, within 15 mins of waking up. I was surprised to see Rian engaged in the surroundings, and not one crib about milk. He even went with me and we brushed together! He was curious about everything and everyone, and kept asking all the strangers around us many many questions :-) Finally people started waking up, and we got into milk, tea, breakfast mode.
The other 3 families were heading out to water. Since Rian already had a cough/cold, we decided to skip, and drove to Sacramento to visit the train museum. Amit and me were hoping Rian will catch an early nap, but no luck. He was super excited about the museum, and did not sleep a wink in the car. Our timing was good, and we landed in Sacramento right at Rian's lunch time. We spent ~2 hrs in the museum, and Rian was going crazy at every display. Loved watching him and the experience was blissful.
Being up since 5am, Rian got very wound up and cranky. Thankfully we finished his milk on time, and as soon as we drove off, he was asleep in 5 mins. The return again was a peaceful drive, well timed. We reached home just in time for dinner.
3.5 weeks back we went "car camping", like we do every year. We had a cancellation of plans this year, and this was the second camping attempt in our group. As the number of kids in our group increases, the likelihood of one of them being sick increases too :-) and that was the reason for first cancellation. On the week of camping, Rian caught a cold, and we really had him excited about camping. Plus since he's 3 already, we're a bit more easy going with him now, even when he's sick. So we decided to go camping.
We had a relaxed morning at home, went for Rian's gym class and Rian played at home after that while I packed. Amit worked for a few hours as usual since it was Saturday. Amit was very concerned how I was doing with the packing, and he came home a bit earlier than expected - thanks sweetie for that gesture. We were right on time, had lunch at home and left at 2:05pm. Our ETD was 2pm. It helped that mom was around to play with Rian while Amit and me just did the packing and loaded the car.
Rian was very excited about camping, but was also very sleepy. We explained to him that if he takes a nap in the car, by the time we reach the campground, he will be fresh and energetic to play with his friends. Surprisingly he took the advice well, and was asleep in 20 mins! The rest of the drive went by smoothly. Amit and I got a rare chance to catch up on so many things we needed to discuss, and of course our top discussion was "our kiddo is so swweeeeet" :-) We are crazy parents!
By 3:30 we both needed our java break, and luckily found a Starbucks around. Amit parked the car but kept the engine running, it was 100+F. I quietly stepped out and kept the door a bit ajar. In and out in 5 mins, Rian was still asleep :-) We had a "woohoo" moment as we realized it was a 10 min stop, with Rian remaining asleep, and we getting our Starbucks fix!! Three cheers to that.
Two out of three couples had showed up, and 2 tents were already up when we went there. We started with milk for the kids, beer for the adults, Swati made chai, and then Meher started with grilling. Amit meanwhile setup our tent. Rian was being a darling, very curious about everything and what everyone was doing. He was very safe, and loved observing. I was worried he would overheat - he was red in the face. Daddy came to rescue and made sure Rian downed a cold juice. We found Rian peeking into the tents, asking to "help" all the uncles and aunties. Amit has taught me one thing - keeping Rian busy is easy, give him a "task". I think I work that way too :-)
BBQ'ed veggies tasted awesome, I was craving them for a while. Amit was mediator between the "elder" kids: Parv, Achal, and Rian. Kids took turns in riding 2 scooters and one cycle. Meanwhile I became food mom and fed these 3 kids bbq veggies. Corn was next on the menu, followed by some kaju katri and Oreo cookies. Kids were so dirty after that, cleanup session ensued, and milk after that.
Rian was very tired after that, given his cough/cold and in his "overexcited" state. Amit wanted to take him back to the campfire for chit chat session. It was 10pm. I was very concerned that Rian had already yawned many times, scratched his ears and squinted his eyes. I didn't want him to go into the "super cranky" zone, so I decided to get into the tent and sleep with him. Rian and I missed out on smores and some chit chat with friends.
In hindsight it was good that we went to bed at 10pm. We actually slept only ~10:30-11 as Rian kept moving around. The air bed was not very stable. Our neighbors came in at 1:30 to found their air bed out of air, and then ensued some loud noises of the air pump. At 5:15am, Rian's eyes opened and he saw daylight! That was the end of his sleep. Amit gave him the iPhone in the hopes of catching a little more shut eye. By 5:45 I could no longer sleep with Rian fidgeting with the iPhone, so Rian and I decided to step out.
We took a long walk with his favorite Razor scooter of Achal dada. Since we could not locate the milk vessel, Rian and I remained super hungry. Both of us are used to our milk/coffee first thing in the morning, within 15 mins of waking up. I was surprised to see Rian engaged in the surroundings, and not one crib about milk. He even went with me and we brushed together! He was curious about everything and everyone, and kept asking all the strangers around us many many questions :-) Finally people started waking up, and we got into milk, tea, breakfast mode.
The other 3 families were heading out to water. Since Rian already had a cough/cold, we decided to skip, and drove to Sacramento to visit the train museum. Amit and me were hoping Rian will catch an early nap, but no luck. He was super excited about the museum, and did not sleep a wink in the car. Our timing was good, and we landed in Sacramento right at Rian's lunch time. We spent ~2 hrs in the museum, and Rian was going crazy at every display. Loved watching him and the experience was blissful.
Being up since 5am, Rian got very wound up and cranky. Thankfully we finished his milk on time, and as soon as we drove off, he was asleep in 5 mins. The return again was a peaceful drive, well timed. We reached home just in time for dinner.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Ready for a second one?
Taking a cue from a friend's blog post, and exploring a "keeda" in my brain, I decided to see Rian's readiness for a sibling. Don't ask me why, just listen to this story as it happened 2 nights back. As I thought about it today, little tears swelled up just thinking about the emotional maturity that a 3 year old boy can have. Love you sweetheart, may you always be so welcoming of change, and family.
Me: Rian, do you remember how Parv dada has a little sister, Kriti baby?
Rian: Hmm
Me: Would you like to have a baby sister? We can go to a store where they give out little babies, and we can pick a baby boy or a baby girl for you to play with.
Rian: Mumma I want a little sister.
Me: Rian, are you sure you want a little sister? Or would you prefer a baby boy brother?
Rian: A little sister.
Me: You'll have to take care of your little sister, and you'll also have to change her diaper. Will you help Mumma with all this?
Rian: Mumma, I will change the diaper. Mumma, I will share all my toys with her.
Me: That is so nice Rian, I'm proud of you!
Rian: Mumma, I want to go to Kayaan baby's house. I want to play with him, and I want to change his diaper.
Me: (melted in a pool of love right there!)
Me: Rian, do you remember how Parv dada has a little sister, Kriti baby?
Rian: Hmm
Me: Would you like to have a baby sister? We can go to a store where they give out little babies, and we can pick a baby boy or a baby girl for you to play with.
Rian: Mumma I want a little sister.
Me: Rian, are you sure you want a little sister? Or would you prefer a baby boy brother?
Rian: A little sister.
Me: You'll have to take care of your little sister, and you'll also have to change her diaper. Will you help Mumma with all this?
Rian: Mumma, I will change the diaper. Mumma, I will share all my toys with her.
Me: That is so nice Rian, I'm proud of you!
Rian: Mumma, I want to go to Kayaan baby's house. I want to play with him, and I want to change his diaper.
Me: (melted in a pool of love right there!)
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