The big 3 "M"

Few days back, actually months back, my sister in law( devrani) asked me a question: Bhabhi how have your Life changed after marriage & after baby?  Since I was making my baby eat something and change clothes for evening park time... I casually replied her just to get away from the question... That I will reply little later... But Real me knew, I was avoiding, avoiding a real big question. 

Isn't this life, or isn't this life I wanted. 

The 3M's are Maternity, Marriage & Me.

Life comes with pros & cons, ups & down and definitely with lots of surprises. 

Marriage is one thing that we choose taking luck aside with us. These days the style of marriage has changed, but few things remain unchanged. How well educated or on a high post or just a well mannered lady one may be but few things are expected, just like few things are expected from son-in- law.i Adjustment is the key word. You wish you travel 'x' place, While he want to travel 'y' place.... Either of you compromise and end up enjoying vacation. Avoiding situation always bring more problems and Respect to indifferences is most beautiful secret of Life.

While I write this, my baby sleeps near my and I yawn & wants to sleep too....since I have to wake up early & get baby ready for school & pack his lunch too... Thinking a while ago I was talking to a friend about never growing up( if you read, you will realise i wrote about u), about the carefree life we have lived once but back to reality, back to Life... 

On weekend my baby said he wanted to have Noodles, while I was craving for some Mexican but... But... Yes my eyes felt proud and my lips where smiling when I saw him juggling & playing with noodles before eating them. 

And I proudly says I enjoy the little things I do....these things make me feel complete. When tucked in between little arms, It's the pure joy of life.

So this is Life... Make it beautiful!

Dear Sister-in-law 

Hope you have got the correct answer to the question u have asked...( thank you for suggesting Post Title).

Watermelon ice-lollies

Finally, summers are here and so are the juicy fruits.

Admit it when you read the word ice-lollies, you were instantly transported back to school, feeling nostalgic.....same here.! I remember, my mom made Rasna(instant drink mix) in all colors & weekend was the time when we had all colored & shaped ice-lollies with cousins. That was one great time...aah!

The history is repeating. But, now the Rasna will be replaced with fresh fruits & the cousins counting may go down by few numbers... yet the power of ice-lollies will stay in its place. ;)

My baby forced me to try this for him. While coming back from playschool everyday, he started demanding for ice-cream.... day or two is fine...but everyday... no MOM will allow.. so HOW can I.?

Now let me stop all the talking & share the quick recipe which won't take even 5 minutes..

Ingredients :-

Watermelon- roughly chopped(i even used the white part)

1/2 lemon juice or as per your taste

Rock/Black salt -2 pinch

Mint leaves- 10 leaves roughly torn out with hands

Chat Masala- optional

Method :-

Blend watermelon to juice. Sieve it twice.

Add rock salt, lemon juice & mint leaves

{*Just drink your watermelon lemonade :) }

Put in any container of your choice(i am using tupperware which has cover).

If you are using anything without cover, cover it with cling film or aluminium foil, put the stick in after its little set, so it can hold.

And let it set for few hours before you become a kid with your kiddo ;)

Just for more taste sprinkle little chat masala over it..

I have already checked my freezer several times in an hour...Impatient me! ;)

Till next time...
Hv fn..Tk cr :)

Hold-in-my-arms!

I realized that my son is growing up...he is no more tiny-winy infant who can be curdled in your arms. He is growing up. I remember when he was tiny, I used sling to carry him, then stroller, he like a obedient infant would enjoy all the pleasures of going everywhere. He did sleep when we went for lunch or shopping, and when he woke i used to make him eat, once he was done... he enjoyed looking at everything with interest.
I always thought he's so well-behaved, good baby types who would enjoy life & when he would grow up in toddler i would have fun with him for the outings.

Ah! this is very far from the truth. Today taking my almost 25 month old toddler out of the house is a big task. He decides what he want to wear(that means half the wardrobe coming out). He don't want to wear diaper..(it takes atleast 2-3 rounds of the house to make him wear it). So, you know it's kinda shouting, pulling, pushing, yelling, running, grabbing, jumping... involved. I really get exhausted before i go out...though after all this i gather some energy from the positive side of my life and step out.
- He gets down own his own... jumping on every single step, sometimes even taking two steps together. Yes, I am scared!
-When we go to fancy restaurant, we feel guilty of going there... eyes hovering upon us because we are not that parents who enjoy their meal leaving baby to nanny(i respect everyone. everyone have their views.). He screams, he bangs table, he wants all the cutlery in reach with him, he ask for extra straw, we completes our meal where the floor & table also eat. So, we make it quickly n take exit soon(saying sorry for the mess & tipping a good amount)
-Half shopping time goes waste on his tantrums only. His little fingers will hold each dress for mommy ...n if this is not much he wants to go to the trial room too!
-Doesn't he feel cold, hundred times a day have to make him wear socks...so you imagine the situation with gloves n cap.

Ah! too much..isn't it? I know its a period which will over soon. He will start with his playschool soon...& i will be getting some time for myself... It's just a phase.! Everyday he says new words, he makes us laugh by making faces...(yes his already a expert in this).. We run ...we chase each other.. I know time will be flying soon.... so soon, so till that time ..storing up all the lovely memories to talk when we go back to fancy restaurant like a civilized person..he will shop more sensible....and then we can talk about the toddler time..the fun.. the craziness & the time when i could hold him in my arms.

Flying with your kid is NO Rocket Science!

I always thought how will i travel with a kid... I mean there were always few infant/toddlers whenever i flew. I love kids, yes, now more than ever.. But, then the least 2 hours would become like lifetime.

So, when Baby V's time came to flew with me which was first when he was 4 months old.. i took a day flight..asked the air hostess to adjust me in the first row(little more of leg space) n help me with the bassinet. Ahh.. all was fine.While returning back i took a late night flight...so that we can both(atleast he) enjoy our little naps.

All was fine..till we decided to go on a holiday little far.. 5 hours journey..that too sitting in a one place... that too for an infant who is 9 month old who want to reach for everything, who wants everything in is mouth.....we dreaded..Baby V is not a cranky kid but he's moody,he can snap if things don't go his way(no paternity test required here). Would we be the helpless parents trying to pacify our child or would we be the savvy, self assured, comfortable parents who know what to do? But we did, n we survived(from the big rolling eyes).


Here's few things to keep in mind-
1- Priority- Take fights which suits your baby, because you don't want a cranky/shouting/irritating baby next to you... do you?
2- Always carry your baby stroller.....your baby may refuse to sit in that but you can keep your hands free ;)
3- Use the baby queue/line when you are travelling international.. they work more quickly.
4- Try to give important meal before the flight time.. that way you can entertain with small meals or snacks in between.
5- Most parents fear this. And rightly so, as the change in cabin pressure can cause earache which can be pretty annoying and scary for the little one. The best way to avoid it is to ensure that the baby is feeding during these two events. If your baby is breast-fed, hold out feeding him while the plane is taxiing because he may finish just before take off and defeats the purpose. In this case.. rub ears.
6- Pack some favourite toy/books.... this works best. Also, pack some new toy to surprise and distract the bored baby.
7- Update your phone/ipad with new game or videos. It's a life saver.

I am NO expert but this my personal view/experience. I am sure you would have plenty more to add to it, may be even i will have some more suggestion in future. I will be more than happy to receive suggestions in the comment box below.
Yes, the important part is having fun... if they are having fun why should we stop our self.!
Do you travel with your kids a lot? How do you manage them.. ?
Till next time ...
Hv fn Tk cr :)

D-I-Y Alphabet Banner !

This is one of the easiest n beautiful D-I-Y i have done in these days.
1- Educational purpose for my 22+ month old toddler
2- Little decoration for his toy room
3- This can be altered in many ways- a- u can make 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' banner
                                                         b- u can add 'PHOTOGRAPHS', instead of alphabets
                                                         c- u can gift it to a toddler.
                                                       
 Things required- A black chart paper(good quality)
                           2 chart papers in different shades(i used neon)
                           zigzag sciccors
                           ribbon
                           glue
                           punching machine
                           4 small pins
 1- Cut the required size with zigzag scissors
 2- Punch them
 3- Insert the ribbon(u can decide how much gap u want)
 4- Write alphabets neatly.& according the size of black chart paper
 5- Cut them
 6- Paste them with glue
 (U can draw little smileys or cute little drawings if u wish )
 7-Now arrange neatly and pin it on the sides of wall.
Check the pictures out :-

I know this is very simple D-I-Y , but still thought to share... any ideas regarding this paper banners are welcome...would love to read..
Till next time
Hv fn.. Tk cr :)
                            

Time is Running!

Honestly, if you would have asked me how fast time goes, when baby V was born, i would have said nothing, i rolled my eyes n stare up at u..n give u a blank look...being sleep deprived and an exhausted mummy...time was standing at it's pace. I tried to find time for myself..but i didn't get any..
Baby V is already 22 months old... 2 more months & we will be celebrating his 2nd birthday.... n definitely not a newborn baby now..Well he's still a baby..but not my super tiny newborn...no more tiny-winy clothes...no more rattles... (I m little emotional now)...My baby is growing up.... Can i Ask time to slow down???
Don't get me wrong... But still i would like to cuddle him in my arms...talk to him for hours(definitely without getting disturbed from him)...but now he runs here n there....make faces(u know they can't sit still)...
I like how he views the world n react to it..I love seeing everyday how he learns something new... New words, new things, he imitates us..in every possible way...The look on his face when he tries new food... he's already started making his choices...for toys-food-clothes n of course for people too...he's even started to pull out his own clothes.....How he gets excited when his daddy comes home from work... i love to see his dimples when he giggles..those puzzle look he gives at new toy... I mean I can't STOP here... The smile he gives when he sees me every morning after waking up...those-are-the-best !
Though i don't want him to grow up so quickly..... Still, I'm loving every moment !

Baby V if you will ever read this in future....i want to tell u one thing....... I LOVE YOU BABY! 

Back to School !

Those who raised their eyebrows while reading the head post... let me clear i m not joining/going to school..This post is all about the parent's confusion(or may b i am clearing my doubts) about sending their toddler to school(and yes a little surprise ootd for u all at last ;) )

What's the right age?-In my opinion, 2 to 2.5 years is the ideal age for kids to go to playschool. They learn to be more social, they would start talking atleast a little bit(n back home they can tell us what happened) and they can sit for sometime listening or playing with other kids of their age.
Of course, if parents are working and is taken care by non family members, I dont think they will enjoy staying at home nor will they develop socially or intellectually with a maid. In such a case even 18 months or 2 years is a good time for playschool. 
Many parents make the mistake of pushing their children to a playschool early and this something that should be avoided at all costs. Since playschool follow a system of routine, children might find it difficult to engage in the same things every day.
All rest depend upon the individual child n definitely parents know BEST about their kid .. :)

The school girl look ;)

In love with skirt

D-I-Y collar chain

 Top- zovi.com already seen here
 Skirt- Globus
 Loafers- Metro(In love with them)...u can see them here &here

By the way...what do you think is the right age for playschool...
Till next time...
Hv fn.. tk cr :)

Please Don't-call-me Supermom !!!

I am a (mostly) hustling, STAY-AT-HOME, prepare breakfast..give baby bath..send hubby to office..do the household chore.. make lunch..do laundry..go for grocery shopping..take baby to park..make dinner..Confused?? Are we just stay-at-home moms?? Aren't we career oriented?? But what.. a baby there n your life changes..we want to take that extra care n leave our career behind(esp nuclear family... those who stay with there in-laws still have option to leave behind there kid n go for work or do there job).. And those who do the both aren't supermoms....No one is..

I sometimes wake up early to do the household chore..but more often who cares about the home...wake-hubby-up-for-that-extra-personal-time-till-the-baby-is-asleep...I am not meal planning, i want to go out on date (of,course with my hubby).

I ran for 6 rounds in the park...four months ago(just for five days)... I never did a juice fast..but i want to do one..I eat chocolates n french fries without cribbing for fats.

I am sensory-toy-making, laptop babysitting(getting all ideas from internet), juice making, french fries/chocolate in the car so he will stop screaming ..n let me drive & do what i got to do.

But I'm not supermom, because that woman doesn't exist..atleast not all the time...even i want some peace in my ears..want to spend some time alone doing nothing at all..

Whether we DIY-ed a sensory toy for our kid or got him a new one from market..it's a same thing..till they sit n play n let us do our work..All babies are alive and well entertained...n they grow up..Every individual house is taken care properly..nobody can stay in a messy home.. So instead of expecting each other to be individual supermoms why don't we just band together...and help each other instead of judging...That would be SUPER

Camera friendly ;) !!

Hey all.... 
What do u do..when you are ready n about to go for some shopping.???..n as u step outside it rains heavily.. so whats next..!! You go or u return back.. As i thought of travelling today in metro with baby(its more convenient in metro than in car...esp when i am alone)...i stepped in.. Before changing ourselves...i quickly clicked some photographs.... Its always fun to click..it just change the mood...

So...Ladies n gentlemen.. here presenting my little handsome..with his ootd

Jeans, Shirt- United colours of Benetton

Sunglasses- firstcry.com

Sandals-G.K Market

Belt-Lifestyle

Enjoy the rain....

Till next time..

Hv fn..tk cr :)

Motivation when i feel Low ..!

Hey everyone... going mad these days...handling & entertaining a 20+ month toddler is no child's play......n top of that..what if Mr. Hubby is too busy with his works(leaves early morning n comes late night :( ).. ..uff..and your household help takes leave for someday......what....YES u get irritated..frustrated...n off mood... this is what its happening with me....so..wanted to take that frustration out... but writing all wrong n blah blah stuff fouls me more.... in order i took another turn n wrote out these ways....to move away from frustration n enjoy myself....

Go for a walk. Somehow, getting outside and moving around can totally change my mood and perspective. In evening i walk with my baby....but if that doesn't walk out i take a late night walk when Mr. Hubby comes in....Quite often when I come back  i feel light...i get the solution to my problems.... 

Write it out. Writing about what was on my mind helped get it off my chest. It doesn’t matter if you are a writer or not – just start scribbling whatever races through your mind, it doesn’t have to make sense.Take that dairy or letter pad out.... n scribble it..

Listen to music. Nothing turns my mood around like a little song and dance...when my baby plays his drums or any other musical instrument...instead of stopping him i dance..

Drink some water. Over the last few weeks I’ve been experimenting with drinking water/instant lemonade/iced tea whenever I feel a little down or tired and have seen a huge shift in my energy level. Sometimes we are just dehydrated and our body needs a pick me up....This actually works..

Clean your Wardrobe (or any surface). The act of clearing out make your mind feel at ease. I like to clear off my centre table and then just sit there for a few minutes and take it all in.

Get out of the pyjamas. Dress better, feel better – it’s simple. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your mood is get up, get showered, and dress up for no reason at all. ;)

Make a Good List. If you actually take the time to recognize all the awesome-ness in your life it’s hard to feel down. Count them...whatever little u did for anyone...praise yourself n feel happy..it's really motivating. 

Make somebody Happy. Want to feel better, give a little. Who doesn’t feel better after giving few biscuits to people near Temple.... see them opening the packet n eat them, enjoy the good feeling..

Cry it out. Yes it works...this is not for every time...but once in a while you need to clean your heart by taking it all out... but not for a long time...just a sweet break of 15-20 minutes ;)

Give yourself a treat. This is a total band-aid solution, I’ll go buy myself a latte, or a cupcake....If this doesn't work..i just indulge on some shopping spree....but mind it..not always...  Just a little treat to get me going! 

U tell me what do you do??? How do u manage your foul mood??
Would like to hear from u also...leave ur comments below..
Hope this list works out for u also.  :)

Little Fashionista !

Kid's fashion is growing day by day...Year's back when i was kid...i don't think my or your parents have gone to mall or purchased any high brands clothing...because there was no such concept like that.....nor do there was online shopping... Today, we are so brand conscious for our self that we didn't left any stone untouched for our babies also.. I am quite fascinated by online shopping...although whenever i go mall i definitely pick up something for my baby. :)

Online sites from which i shopped and found it good are :-

http://www.firstcry.com/
http://www.babyoye.com/
http://www.hoopos.com/
http://www.momandmeshop.in/
http://www.hushbabies.com/

The brands which generally i pick because of there super comfortable material and designs are:-

Zara (i generally pick stuff when there's sale....super soft fabric n super styles)
United Colours of Benetton (smart lowers,plus points for winter wear)
Mothercare
Chicco
Mom & Me
Giny N Jony
Lilliput (total value for money in sale)
Panda (I get it from reliance trends)


These are the places from where i generally shop...may even i missed 1-2 store or brand...you tell me from where do u get your kids shopping...would definitely like to know.....share it here..

Hope if u have not tried any of these brand ...do try it..
Till next time
Hv fn...tk cr