Life Goes On

It has taken me a long time to get back to the blog after posting Biji's blog.  Life has a way of forcing you to get back into the buisiness of living.  It is like a moving sidewalk; without taking an active step you are on the road.  That is exactly what happened with me. I came back to a row of winter birthdays and end of the year holiday celebrations.  Before I knew it my days were full of family and happiness.  We placed a pretty picture of Biji in our place of worship, right next to Kuku's and all other members we have lost; fortunately most to old age after long satisfying lives.  Biji lives there now and we can visit her any time.  Surina loves to go there and kiss Biji's picture.

Surina was like a gentle salve in the early days, and I was so glad for her in my life.

We celebrated Sachi's birthday ( Oct. 19 ) with a family dinner and home made chocolate cake.

Surina helped Aja blow out the candles,

And then stole the show from him.

She is growing up so fast we can hardly believe it.

She loves being tickled and entices us to play this game with her again and again, inviting us with mischevious smiles.

She specially leads the two mamus on tight leash and they are happy, willing slaves to her.

Next was Suraj's Birthday (Nov. 1) and Surina gave repeat performance.  Due to schedule conflict, (Jyoti's night calls, Suraj and Ravi's mid-semester exams.) this birthday was celebrated in three small installments over a month's time.  Jyoti's birthday (Dec. 21) and Jeff's birthday (Jan 14) fared no better.  I guess we are a busy family. 

Surinas birthday was ofcourse too special to let it slip by.  She turned two on Nov. 17.

We took her shopping that day and she was a pleasure to watch.  Her twinkling eyes did not miss a single shiny trinket.  She wanted them all.

"Can I ! Can I !! Please mom.  Biji.  Anybody....!"

As you may have guessed we bought plenty.

In the end it was this multicolored, peace Birthday Teddy Bear that stole her heart.  She found matching shoes for it and walked around the mall holding it next to her heart. 

That weekend the two families (maternal and paternal) got together and had a great birthday celebration.

Godfather Vivek showed up all the way from Chicago and livened up the party.

Father and daughter spent next morning going over the gifts.  What fun.

We had another session with gifts when she came to our home next.  She bossed over us and supervised the whole activity.

The mamus put together a car ramp for her.  She loves varr...ooming cars and trucks down the ramp with sound effects.

"What cars?"

"Ok....Ok...Lets make up"

"Ssu..aj Mamu, lets play this game!"

She can go from looking totally Indian

to totally American in the space of one bindi.

We call her 'Bahuroopia' (multifaceted).  She is the answer to the call for world peace.

This is Halloween.  The kids came over for candy treats and instead of handing them their treats she joined them and wanted some for herself.  Everyone had a pumpkin basket or a witch's cauldron (usual halloween items) Surina had her favorite Elmo basket. 

She was a cute owl this time.  Her Mom is very creative with holidays.

Papa Ji and Bablee seemed to be trying hard to carry on after Biji, but were less successful.  When Sachi planned his winter trip to India, I decided to go along and cheer the two of them.  I also wanted to go to Bhubaneswar and see Bou;  I had not been able to go see her in September.  This trip was very nice and it was wonderful to be with family.  We have many pictures to share with all of you.  I came back to USA last week but Sachi is still there.  I will wait till he comes back, on Feb. 18, with his camera to post all the pictures together.  I will miss him on Valentine's day very much.

A very Happy Valentine's Day to you Baba.  It will not be the same without you (nothing is). But we will make it up when you come back home. Love you very much......Ambi.