India Trip Highlights

I know this post should have come long back, but I had been busy preparing for Anvesha's birthday bash, fighting jetlag and settling down of course. Its always a delight to meet family after a long time, but this trip was extra special as Anvesha was exposed to so many wonderful things that we as kids were; and with this I mean playing with mud, collecting leaves, taking an oil massage in the sun followed by a sun bath :) not to forget going for regular walk with grandpa and meeting new faces on  the way, a ride on the cycle rickshaw........ the list is endless !!!!!

The first week in India was a bit rough as Anvesha was terribly jetlaged and so were we. Family and friends were thrilled to meet her and the house was decorated with balloons all over. It was a grand welcome indeed :) I have never seen her so happy and social on meeting new people. She just loved to watch the birds and pigeons and to my surprise, she laughed her heart out on seeing the street dogs approaching her.

As a part of Indian tradition a child's head is supposed to be shaved off within an year of birth. The ceremony is referred to as "mundan". Its a big ceremony and father's sister (bua) has a big role to play in it. Though we tried to keep Anvesha distracted, but she cried uncontrollably when her head was being shaved off. Here's her pic before and after the mundan.

We've been celebrating Anvesha's monthly birthdays but her 11th month birthday was different as we had a katha ceremony at home. The next day was followed by Anvesha's grand welcome party where everyone came to meet her. She wore a beautiful blue dress that we got from Delhi after days and days of survey to get the perfect dress for the big day !! We even got her a pair of matching sandals but they looked alien to her and she was so scared to put them on that we dropped the idea of having her wear those cute little sandals.

Winter was at its peak and the mercury level was dropping down. The latter part of the India trip was at Anvesha's naana- naani ( maternal side grandparents ). By that time she had learnt to walk confidently and my job was even tougher as I had to run around to watch her, while she played in the mud and collected leaves that had fallen off from the trees.

I can't help but think that its so so necessary to be amongst people, especially for a kid. They learn so many new things and everyone has their own unique way of handling kids. Anvesha waves goodbye, claps her hands and gives a big "high five". I think it was the best trip to India so far..... wish I could turn back time, but life must go on.........