Hope for 2021

Manya: Mom, once all this COVID is behind us, my arms are going to be so tired and sore.

Me: Arms? Why?

Manya: Because I will be hugging everyone!

Here's hoping for a year with more hugs and less bugs. Happy New Year! 

The big move!

So we left Portland for Seattle end of last month. While we are still in transition, I have to note how cooperative Manya has been. With a bout of pneumonia just a day before the move, I had expected her to be less welcoming to all the changes and the frenzy - but not my sweet charming child (when she chooses to be one). No complaints - absolutely patient - and in fact looking forward to all the big new stuff that's going to happen - house hunting. new school. new neighborhood! I hope her spirits remain high! A challenging but a great start to the year!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas was indeed very merry - A daddy with minimal work load at office and an overenthusiastic mommy made sure the year ended with a lot of fun.

The house was lit up, the Christmas tree was set in the living space for the first time ever, a mail was posted to Santa with a tiny wishlist, mommy soaked fruits and nuts in rum and wine for the cake, we even took a train ride to visit Santa, we woke up on the d day to wrapped presents and stuffed stockings, more festivities awaited at the party hosted by friends. All in all, one of the most joyous year ends and beginnings ever!

Happy New Year, Love

Dearest Manya,

2012 has been THE life changing year for daddy and mommy. We have gone through ups and downs all through our lives and had many a proverbial new chapters, but with you coming into our world, it's a whole new epic!

At a single glance, the world doesn't seem to be doing very well - economic crises across the globe, shootings, unrest, and I don't even want to talk about the state of affairs in India. But, one look at you and we are filled with hope - hope for a better tomorrow for you to live in. We want you to grow up to be happy that we chose to bring you in this world. And I am not sure that we are doing enough.

However, what is living without hope and love, and so we shall celebrate each new day as it comes!

2013 will be a year of a trillion firsts for you. I can't tell you how excited mommy and daddy are for your first tooth, your first food, your first word and your first step. You are growing up fast. As I write this, you are already 8 weeks old - now that's a big girl compared to the tiny baby we got from the hospital :).

Last year, around this time, mommy and daddy were sipping wine, and feasting on rum cakes. We were out for dinner and went hiking on the first day of 2012. Those were happy times.

This year, we are surrounded by your dirty diapers, stinky burp cloths, messy bath routines, and sleepless night outs! But guess what, these are happier times because we have you and you occupy all our attention and thought, leaving no space for nostalgia of the calmer (:D) times we have left behind. So, here's wishing you a very very happy 2013. 

Lots of love n hugs n kisses!