Anvesha meets Santa Claus !!

You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why:
Santa Claus is coming to town!!

The holiday season abounds with traditions and photos with the big fat guy in red is right at the top of that merry list. We used to have Christmas parties in school where one of the teachers was dressed up as Santa and used to distribute gifts to all the children. I had always been very thrilled every year to get gifts from Santa Claus.

Santa photos are a tradition for many families, but they can be so pricey, I am glad we found a free photo with Santa spot at Gillman Village closeby. There is nothing worse than battling the mall crowds and then having to wait in line for two hours with a screaming toddler. I am glad we didn't have to go through all that.

Anvesha had her first formal pictures taken with Santa Claus and I had no idea how she would react to seeing Santa. I didn’t know if she’d be giddy and giggly or if she’d be one of those kids who is terrified of Santa and screams the entire time she’s on his lap. Judging from the pics, I’d say she was pretty chilled out on meeting Santa.

I’m happy I have a photo like the one above to frame and save as a treasured keepsake… I am also thrilled to have photos like the ones that follow....

Here are few pics in which Santa is guessing Anvesha's age ;)

 Are you 4 years old?

Are you 3 years old?

 Are you 2 years old?

This was a fun Saturday morning and Anvesha was all smiles after meeting Santa Claus and she was even more thrilled to get a candy from him. Santa is certainly a celebrity for kids and we love him too !!

Ho Ho Ho...... Merry Christmas !!!!

Sneak peak into Anvesha's room

I resumed my corporate life at Amazon after long gap of 5 years and it has been very time consuming and hectic at the same time. Although I try to be regular in my posts, there is only so much time in the day and sometimes things have to take a back seat. Unfortunately, it has been my blog.

We moved into our new house earlier this year and absolutely love the area and the neighborhood. New house also means a lot of opportunities to be creative with the interiors. Anvesha had been co sleeping with us and it was time to move her into her own room. I was happy to spend some time on creative matters, like setting up Anvesha's room. So, onto my post....

We selected the loft area to be Anvesha's room, it is adjoining our room  and has an open feel to it. Originally, when we moved to the house, this area just had her toys and was a play area rather than her room. Although I haven't done anything fancy, I wanted the room to look as colorful as possible, as opposed to just sticking to a single color theme- although the bed sheet and the quilt is still pink :), but other than that there are bins of assorted colors arranged in line opposite her mattress. We did not buy her a bed on purpose because this girl rotates 360 degrees while sleeping and there is a high possibility she might just trip over her bed :) There are bed rails available, but we still thought having just a twin mattress would have a warm and welcoming effect to it. There are body pillows arranged on the three sides, just to give a cozy look.

I love the three flower lamps on the wall that we picked up from Ikea. These lamps were originally put in Anvesha's room next to her crib, where she never slept :) I was planning to put up a giant wall sticker opposite this wall, but haven't decided on which one, maybe a rainbow- I am yet to find the best one.

Every time I go take pictures, I miss out on the best lighting- I am not a great photographer, so it takes time for me to select the ones I think are even close to being good enough to post. 

Anyways, this was a sneak peak into Anvesha's room. Nothing great, but just wanted to share this here, since this is her blog.

Anvesha learns to dance

It seems like just yesterday when Anvesha took her first steps. She, like most of us enjoys music and loves dancing. Off late I have seen her copy few dance steps whenever a song comes on television.So we thought it might be great idea to get her enrolled in formal dance classes. Whether it's ballet or jazz, dance classes for little girls are a perfect opportunity to build their motor skills.I also feel that if you know dance, and with that I mean formal dance, it gives you a wide opportunity to oversome your inhibitions and eventually turn into a social butterfly :)

Anvesha has a lot of energy and in addition to bursting her moves at home in spontaneous bursts of toddler dancing, she is now ready for fairly complex choreography. After doing some survey on which is the best dance school for little ones, we went for a trial class at Gotta Dance, just as to see how she enjoys this 30 minute class. She is almost 3 and can thrive in small classes in which the teachers are the only grown-ups in the room. Many dance studios, including Gotta Dance  allow you to watch your pint-size performer through a waiting-room window. The benefit of these “separation classes” is that children get the chance to learn more independently.

Anvesha entered the room and was thrilled to meet Miss Alex- her dance teacher and very gracefully followed all the instructions that were being given to her. Sigh !!!! I wish she did that at home too!. Most dance studios tend to have students wear leotards and tights- since this was a trial class we had Anvesha in tights and a top. She was all smiles towards the end of the class and didn't want to come out of the room. We had to drag her home and promised to come back the following week. We confirmed our registration towards the end of the class and bought her a cute leotard and dance shoes.

Here's my ballerina all set for her dance leason...

Happy Children's Day

Dear Aanu,

Almost every day, I marvel on how much bigger you have gotten. Your kid feet are no longer baby feet now. You make me my tea in "your" kitchen. You can spell your name, count till 30, trace letters and color so well. You tell me about your friends at you day care and love to put your dolly to sleep. Three years ago I wouldn't have comprehended these things. I know you are still tiny and still throw tantrums at times- but they are getting much better now that you are soon gonna be 3 year old. I guess the "terrible twos" stage has passed ( hopefully ) and preschool is right around the corner. I am horribly anxious at the thought of it, but plan to be the vision of strength that you need me to be. If I've ever been proud of who I am, it's because of you. I pray that I am the kind of mother that makes you proud too.

This children's day I wish you again with all the love and happiness. I have mixed feelings about going back to work right now as I won't be able to see you for the entire day which I am so used to and I think you are used to it too. But my heart will still be with you when I am at work and will long for the day to end so that I can come home to get your warm hug.... nothing on earth beats that !!!! I assure you, I will make up for the time lost.... I have watched you growing and learning every day. I know every story and remember every wound and I have seen you become the amazing girl you are today. You still look so cute when I give you time outs.

I just want you to tell you that YOU are who YOU are... be proud of that, it's okay to be different, and it's okay to blaze your own trail. Don't let anyone else tell you who you should be- not me, not your friends and NOT the society. In return, I promise to encourage you, be there for you and advocate your passions. I promise to let you be "you".

Just want to let you know that you are one AWESOME baby !!!! Stay blessed and stay happy always. This song is especially for you... Love - Mamma

Diwali Special !!!!

This Diwali was special as it was our first Diwali in our new home. Anvesha is almost 3 now and attaches meaning to things. Halloween was trick and treat for her and Diwali was all about lighting dias, dressing up and playing with crackers.

On the day of Diwali she had a Diwali party at her day care where she wore her traditional clothes ( salwar suit ). Every child was looking different and so cute. The day was full of masti at her day care and she came home with a dia painted by her.

Isn't this so amazing !!!! From the look of it, I really couln't make out that this has been painted by almost a 3 year old !!!! This dia is extra special for me and I have put it in the mandir :) Thank you Anvesha... this is the best diwali gift I have ever got and thanks Kanika for teaching her such an amazing art. I have so many pictures of other kids at her day care but I dare not put them here without their parent's consent.

We decorated the whole house with lots of dias and candles and Anvesha helped me in choosing the dias and setting them too.There were Diwali lights hung at the entrance and the staircase and the mandir too :) I did my best to make the rangoli, but I failed miserably :( But, I made up for that by making yummy jalebis. At night we were at our traditional best and Anvesha changed from salwar suit to lehanga choli :) This girl really loves to dress up !!

We got few sparklers and played around a bit. Thankfully, it wasn't raining and we could go outside and make use of our backyard space. Anvesha loved the phooljhadi and wasn't scared at all. She was just a little irritated because we were being extra cautious so that she doesn't burn herself. After celebrating Diwali at home we went to wish our friends and Anvesha was excited to meet up with Mishi- her friend. It was a short and sweet Diwali for all of us and we did our best to create the Indian ambiance here- not that bad afterall !!!

Here's wishing everyone a very Happy Diwali  and a Prosperous New Year !!!!

Anvesha in Glasses

Anvesha started to have a real communication with us from this summer and that's when she started complaining that her eyes are hurting. She used to get extremely uncomfortable ( and with that I mean really really uncomfortable) with the direct rays of sun hitting her eyes. At first we just thought this may be a passing phase and she must be tired, but when it became consistent, we scheduled an eye exam for her.

I didn't send her to her day care that day as the eye exam would take and hour or so. I was getting her mentally prepared that the doctor would check her eyes and she should tell the doctor that her eyes 'hurt'. We waited in the lobby of the clinic and Anvesha was fascinated with the huge aquarium and was really excited seeing the colorful fishes inside. As the nurse called out her name, I held Anvesha's hand and we walked into the exam room thinking it would be just another eye exam and at most she would be given over the counter eye drops. Towards the end of the eye check up, the doctor told me that she might need glasses!!!!! At first I didn't quite believe my ears and asked again and the doctor said that she has astigmatism because of which  she has a distorted vision. It's a very common thing and I have it too, but for kids her age its way too early. Somewhere deep in my heart I felt guilty of not scheduling her exam early :( Unable to digest this, I scheduled another eye exam with some other doctor just as to get a second opinion, but it was the same thing again...... the doctor said that until age 5 her vision is still developing and it might get better with time if she wears the constantly.

I guess more than Anvesha I have to get used to seeing her in glasses. I just can't imagine her in glasses... those adorable eyes behind glasses :((( Most vision problems don't show up until later in life and I got my glasses during my early teens too, but I was nervous about how she will welcome this new addition on her face. But to my surprise, she adapted pretty well.... maybe because she sees me in my glasses and perhaps loved the idea of seeing things much clearer.  Its important to keep an upbeat attitude about spectacles... and she will too !!!! We constantly keep telling her that her glasses are so pretty and ahe looks amazing in them.

Choosing the right glasses:  Selecting the right glasses is very important considering how active toddlers are and I was amazed with the wide range of toddler glasses. I wasn't in my best frame of mind while looking at the toddler glasses as this was something I would never have wanted for Anvesha. After series of trials we selected one with a rectangular plastic frame and elastic straps so that they are easier to stay on her small face. The guy also pointed out that she would need to be  Hercules to break them... lol !!!!

Getting the spectacles on does require creative parenting. The key is to be persistent and patient. I don't want to pressurize her into wearing her glasses for the simple reason that I don't want her to develop an aversion towards them. I simply tell her that her eyes may hurt if she opens her glasses and she puts them back after some time.

It's been a month now and we are slowly getting used to seeing her in glasses. She has two pairs now- one purple and one pink!!! I am pretty sure we will land up having more matching with her dresses.

Here's presenting Anvesha with the latest addition on her face......

Trick or Treat !!!

"Knock knock trick or treat who are you??

Iam a little fairy-  Tinker Bell fairy"!!

This has been a song on Anvesha's mind ever since we got her the Halloween dress. Last tim we dressed her up as a watermelon while she was still 9 months old and did not know what was going on around her. Last year she missed Halloween as we were in India. So this year I gave her two options to choose from, she could either be a lady bug or Tinker Bell and she chose to be a Tinker Bell. I guess this may be because Tinker Bell was the first character she was exposed to when she was one year old and she would love to flip through the pages of her book and got very excited on seeing Tinker Bell :) 

So here's presenting to you, our Tinker Bell ...

Trick or treating has been a popular tradition in US on Halloween. Rain or shine, there are plenty of safe trick or treating events that go on... and costumed kiddos along with their cavity conscious parents come to have fun. On an average Americans spend around $2 billion on candies just on Halloween. Phew!!! my molars are hurting just looking at the numbers !!! As much as I try to keep Anvesha away from candies, she makes up for that on Halloween.... lol !!!! But this post is not about effects of candies on children, I'd rather save that for another time, Its about Anvesha's Halloween fun !!

We started the celebrations a day prior to Halloween where she was supposed to come dressed up in her costume to her day care and later that day I took her to Sammamish City Hall which was especially great for younger kids. There were spiders, ghosts, pumpkins, skeletons, a lot of goodies and ofcourse candies !!! Later we went to Microsoft Commons. The place was flooded with kids in costumes.... from princesses to fairies, bugs to animals, witches to ghosts and superheroes, you could see kids all dressed up with their costumes.

Anvesha was more than thrilled to collect candies in her basket which was getting heavier and was jumping with joy as we allowed her to eat the candies. It's Halloween and she can have her share of fun too !!! Next day, which is the day of Halloween, we went to Redmond Town Center where many merchants participated in the trick or treat event. There few other friends who accompanied us as well and we had a ball of a time.

Here are the pics...

Just when you though the Halloween fun was over, we had kids from the community dropping by at our house for trick or treat and later at dusk we took Anvesha too for a quick round across the community. She most certainly enjoyed the whole 2 days and didn't want to take off her Tinker Bell dress.... she absolutely loved it and we enjoyed with her as well !!!

Happy Happy Halloween........!!!!

Falling in love with Fall :)

Summer days may be well behind us but that does not mean it's time to pack in the outdoor activities just yet. Crisp fall days are here and they are perfect to throw in a hoodie or a sweater and embark on some family fun. During fall the world becomes a natural playground. There are leaves for jumping in, apples & pumpkins for picking and hay bales for climbing. All the leaves are changing colors from green to yellow, orange, red and brown. Trees that were wrapped in a green blanket of leaves are slowly shedding all their leaves. The streets are full of yellow and red leaves and we wake up everyday to a foggy fall morning.

                                                                       

                         

We enjoy fall as much as we enjoyed summers. Last week we even planted bulbs for spring. We cuddle up under a big cozy blanket to read books :) We go on a nature walk to get to know the fall foliage a little better. Anvesha enjoys leaf jumping, where she jumps into a huge pile of freshly raked leaves. She picks a handful of leaves and throws them in the air.  Rainy days are back again, but this does not stop us from going out. As kids we never bypassed those rainy day puddles without jumping on them and Anvesha does the same thing !!! Kids can derive so much pleasure in these little things. Simple pleasures of life that come for free :) I am just fortunate to be with Anvesha in these growing years of her life and witness her smiles first hand.

         

Anvesha has been doing a lot of fall craft activities like learning about the anatomy of a pumpkin, doing painting with a pumpkin and lerning about the life cycle of a pumpkin. I guess the month of October is dedicated to pumpkins !!!!! Wow.... pumpkins must be feeling on top of the world these days ;)

Fall also means Halloween !!! We are looking forward to it as we will be going out to say "Hi" to our neighbors for the " trick or treat" and there will be a post from my side dedicated especially for Halloween.

Till then wishing everyone a very Happy Fall !!!!!

Pumpkin Fun !!!!

Its pumpkin time...... all the grocery stores are loaded with pumpkins in every shape and size and innumerable varieties. Its something about these orange fruits ( yes.... pumpkin is a fruit !!!! ) that is so attractive to kids as well as adults. Pumpkin picking has been a cherry autumn tradition in US for years and we've become quite taken with this idea too :) Last year we went to Remlinger farm for pumpkin patch and this year it was Serres Farm which is very close to our place. We wanted to keep the tradition of pumpkin patch going especially since Anvesha loved it so much. This year went there twice !!! It was so much fun not just for the kids, but also for us. Many families flock to the pumpkin fields strewn with these orange beauties in order to pick up their prized Halloween decoration.

 

Pumpkin picking is especially popular among children..... and a great way of getting them outdoors in October. Anvesha and her friends were running around the fields inhaling the fresh air and examining each pumpkin closely.






And then there were other activities such as duck race using an old fashioned water pump. Everyone got to keep their ducks at the end of the race.

Corn maze was the crowd's favorite and we had so much fun finding our way out from the maze. There were skeletons put to guide us through.

Another major hit was the animal train. We loved it too :) I sat with Anvesha on the train... lol and we loved it !!!!

It was a fun filled Sunday afternoon. The kids were tired at the end of  it and Anvesha crashed to bed on getting home. Now isn't that a big indication on how much she enjoyed her day with her friends ??? After all the fun we had, now comes the exasperating task of carving out the pumpkins for trick or treaters.... but thats all in the spirit of Halloween and the end results are worth it !!!!

Pretend Play

Where can you find a doctor, a chef, a princess, a superman happily working side by side? In a dramatic play area of some school..... and at our home :) Anvesha loves to pretend play, she is a doctor one day, a chef another day, a superman at night and a Mommy to her toys as well :) In the midst of creating a tea party, clomping around in grown up shoes or twirling around with friends in a fairy tale land, she is learning to imagine, coordinate and think flexibly. Experts also say that pretend play is very important in a child's development and it provides so much more than just humor for grown ups. She usually mimics what she hears at home or day care... the other day she took her shopping cart, wore my purse and waved bye bye to me saying... "Bye bye Mamma.... I am going shopping!!!!" I was stunned by her words and gave laugh in my hearts of hearts.

Whether playing with a real friend or a made up friend.... which in Anvesha's case is "Babloo".... yeah !!!! thats what she has named her teddy, kids learn social skills as well. She loves to cook meals for Babloo and makes a mess in my kitchen taking out all the utensils. She loves to put clips on her doll's hair, cook daal rice, oats, potato for Babloo and also comb the hair of her bath toys !!!!.This is the time she is in total control over this pretend play game :) Here's a pic of Anvesha with her best friend, Babloo

There are innumerable pretend play toys and games in the market and obscure house hold items can also be converted into pretend play games. Toys come into life through pretend play. There are doll houses, kitchens, playhouses, dump trucks, puppets, railroads, shopping carts, doctor sets... you name it and the market is full of toys for kids every age and also ones that are gender specific :)

We got Anvesha a kitchen set and she absolutely lovvvveeees it !!!!






She spends hours playing with it and makes meals for me. This morning she got muffins for me fresh from her oven :) Who wold want to count the calories when your daughter so lovingly gets muffins for you in the plate!!!!

I love the way Anvesha is growing up to be... she is a girly girl and I absolutely love that in her. Stay the same Aanu.... I would love to be a part of your pretend play games :) Love you heaps !!!!!

Creatively Yours- Anvesha

Art and crafts have been around since the beginning of time, but as a learning activity, these are a great past time and educational tool for kids. Not only can it keep the kids entertained on a rainy day, but also extend a child's motor skills, develop concepts like color or numbers, learn scientific processes like gluing and paint drying in action.

I have always encouraged Anvesha when doing craft work and over the time she has developed a keen interest in coloring, making crafts and enjoys making different things with the play dough. It has allowed her to use her imagination and make something to entertain us or simply for visual pleasure. I have heard that girls have a knack of crafts and coloring and I can actually see it when I look at Anvesha's craft work. Over the months her motor skills are becoming better and her crafts work becoming more neat. Every day she brings home a new creation and with great pride says, "Mamma, look at that !!"

At this age craft is more about passing time when it becomes too rainy to go out and play in the park, but its a great way to engage her in ideas that may provide a foundation for future learning. She enjoys coloring with her crayons, painting, writing with the chalk, making animal cut outs with the play dough, stamping with colors, using glue to create something new and many more activities.  Here's a pic of the Donald Duck sketch that Anvesha colored the other day. I was so impressed with the neatness... way to go Aanu !!!!

Ways to inspire creativity in a toddler:

1. Avoid giving direction

2. Prepare for a mess
3. Don't suggest changes
4. Be interested in the art work

Anvesha as Radha Rani

Every year on Janamashtmi I dress up Anvesha as Radha Rani. I must say, this girl loves to dress up and gets so excited on wearing pretty dresses... this is something she has got from me :) She is a girly girl although Prateek hates it as he wants her to be a tom boy ;) Love the way she poses in front of the camera.
Here's a glimpse of Anvesha in all these years dressed up as Radha Raani.

Love the way how she has evolved in these years. I hope to keep the tradition of dressing her up as Radha every Janamashtmi.

But, Janamashtmi is not just about dressing up as Kanha or Radha raani, its also about narrating Krishna birth stories to your kids so that they learn about our culture, which by the way is very important for kids living in the United States. My last post was about birthday parties and this is how I explained the birth of Krishna to her. She was excited to pull the jhoola of our Krishna Kanhaiyya and kept on saying "happy birthday Kanhaji".  Risht now festivals for her mean more of dressing up, having good food and going to the temple.

       

                     

               Some more pics.....








Love you my Radha Rani !!!! Stay blessed always :)

Birthday Parties

Who doesn't love birthday parties? They are all about fun, games, good food, gifts and of course.... the cake :) Kid's birthday parties used to mean cake from the local super market, handful of balloons and streamers. Not anymore !! From extravagant theme parties, to character appearances and bouncy houses, today's tot celebrations are over the top. Theme parties are a popular trend these days. While not every party needs to have a theme, but lets accept it.... theme parties leave a lasting impression. Plus, these are also a great way of having the birthday child feel special. Popular themes include Frozen, Superheroes, Cars, Dr Suess, Disney characters, Thomas & friends... You think about it... and pinterest has some great ideas on how to plan a birthday party. It is also a booming business, whether they are at home or any popular venue. An average parent will spend about 250$ to host their kid's birthday party... a number that brands cannot ignore.

We had a "Hello Kitty" theme for Anvesha's first birthday. I didn't quite do anything special that time since we wanted to keep it short and simple. On her second birthday, I went a little over board in planning a "Rainbow Theme" party for her. On her third birthday, we might plan a character theme party for her since she is at an age where she has few favorite cartoon characters..... but more on that later.

Anvesha eying at the birthday cake !!

Birthday parties are special not just for the birthday child, but also for all the guests. I loved going to birthday parties as a kid and so does Anvesha. Last couple of weeks we have been busy attending birthday parties. I must say Anvesha has a rocking social life!!!!! She loves to sing the "happy birthday" song. The venues were spread out.... from parks to community halls and bouncy houses.

Happy Anvesha after attending a party......

Anvesha looks forward to going to a birthday party, as birthday parties for her entails prizes, games, cake and a whole afternoon of fun. It also gives her a chance to dress in her favorite party clothes and be with her friends. She gets complete freedom from home and at the end... a hamper of goodies :)

Hats off to all the moms for taking extra pain in planning out the perfect birthday party for their kiddos. 

A day on the farm

"Old Mac Donald had a farm, Ei ei o.... And in his farm he had a cow......."

For some of us who dwell in cities or suburbs, life on a farm comes with bucolic images of sunny days, lush fields and happy animals. I have some of the most remarkable memories from my grandparents house who lived in the country side. Interacting with cows and sheep not only taught me to be compassionate, but also respect the farm life. Growing up in the city of course has its own advantages, such as access to an array of shopping, dining, learning how to be street smart or even how to deal with crowds. But farm life is an experience that kids should be exposed to.

I know I am late in posting this update, but wanted to share what we have been doing this summer. Every year we take Anvesha to nearby farms.... our all time favorite being the Remlinger Farms at Carnation which is only 20 min drive from home. It has a small area where kids can enjoy the rides. Anvesha loves the train and the boat ride there. Last year we had gone for berry picking in summers and pumpkin patch in the fall. Anvesha had a great time there.

We went to Remlinger farms again this year and this time was a new experience as Anvesha enjoyed it more and she loved to feed the animals at the farm too :)

So proud of you Anvesha..... your love for animals shows how compassionate you are !!







Berry picking took a back seat this time, but we took Anvesha to Fox Hollow Farm this year. It is a family owned farm in a beautiful, peaceful setting and is open for visitors. They have their open farm days during spring/ summer and fall.

Anvesha loves animals. She was thrilled to see the farm animals at fox hollow and wanted to pat them. She ran after the ducks and the pigs and was overwhelmed seeing the peacock spreading its feathers. It was as though all the characters from her books and tv had come out alive :) 

There are so many pics of Anvesha on the farm, but the one on the left is my personal favorite.

Fox hollow is also a perfect place for planning birthday parties. Children love animals and they would definitely enjoy it there.  Apart from farm animals, there is a bounce house and miniature trucks that kids can ride on.

How much ever I like the place, but we won't be able to host Anvesha's party there since she is a winter baby and the venue is good for only summers.



So for all you summer babies out there.... I highly recommend Fox Hollow farm for your next birthday party.

Anvesha @2.5 years

....... And I am back !!!!! I haven't been blogging for over a month: no excuses whatsoever, sometimes life just gets busier :) Not that I didn't have anything to write, there are many updates, but first things first...... Anvesha is 2.5 year old now !!!! Call it the terrible twos or the terrific twos, she is a hyperactive child ... so much so that it gets difficult to keep up with her energy level. Its a good thing though that she is inquisitive about her surroundings and is a curious soul :)

Just two weeks back two of her second molars erupted and this time they came with a fever. She is slowly gaining height which also means she is looking more thin :( But I have stopped fretting about it for the simple fact that she is a happy child ( touch wood !!) and is pretty active as compared to kids her age.  She loves to pretend play.... which means kissing her doll or teddy, putting them to bed, covering them with blanket and finally good night :) Anvesha started talking a little late, but in just a matter of six months she has learned many many new words and now she actually speaks in sentences :) She is able to understand simple instructions and responds to few questions that we ask. Reading books, rhymes, singing songs, talking often are all great ways to enhance the language skills of a child.

Anvesha can identify her body parts, count till 20, knows her ABCs, knows the twelve months of the year as well as the days of the week, she can identify basic shapes and colors too ( Proud me !!!). She is beginning to understand the concept of big and small and few other opposites. The other day she pointed at my hands and said, "Mamma's hands are big, Aanu's hands small !!!!" She is able to work with simple puzzles with guidance and enjoys crafts, coloring, drawings, although much of it looks like scribbles right now. I have been collecting all the crafts that she has made, I feel it will make a great keepsake once she grows up :) She loves books and is able to understand what is happening in the pictures and the story books. At this age a child is an active explorer and enjoys learning about new and different things. It is during the first few years that the brain is most flexible and adaptive so it becomes all the more crucial to expose her to all the new experiences.

Anvesha isn't 100 % potty trained, but has shown remarkable progress in the last few months and I am pretty confident we will get there soon. Speaking of toilet training I couldn't resist myself to post this video... like I said earlier, she loves to pretend play and this video will certainly bring a smile to your face when you see it :)

She is a fussy eater, but there are few things she loves to eat, these are fruits ( she is a fruit lover ), potatoes, paneer, cheese, curd and I have to come up with innovative ideas every day to sneak those veggies in her diet. She loves to sing, dance, play with balls and absolutely lovvveees Elmo and Minnie Mouse. This gives me some interesting ideas to plan her next birthday. So will it be Elmo or Minnie Mouse this time?? Hang in there and you will soon find out !!!

I feel she is getting ready for school and we plan on getting her into preschool starting this fall... but more on that later...... This is a wonderful age to be in. All said and done I would call it the TERRIFIC TWOs..... 

Out and About

The best things in life often come free.... like spending time with your kids. You don't need a loan to take them out on fancy vacations, just a visit to the neighborhood park is something they will enjoy and you will create thankful memories of giggles and grins.

By default, I often take Anvesha to the same parks, play areas over and over again. I feel like I am in a rut when it comes to exploring the plethora of play grounds/kids places. With the weather getting nicer, I am ready to explore!!! Summers are especially the time to take advantage of the myriad wonders of nature and other outdoor play spaces.  What better time now to break out of that rut !!!

Sammamish is a great place for kids. When we moved here from Bellevue, I had mixed feelings about how we are going to settle in since I had been in Bellevue for 5 yrs and was quite comfortable with the surroundings. But as they say, no matter how hard we try to resist it, change is always good :) There are infinite parks, trails, lakes and kids' activities that go on all year round here. First things first, I got her enrolled in the music class and she has completed the spring session :)

Outside play time is absolutely essential for a child's development. Firstly, it takes the child away from technology like computers, TV and there are a lot of developmental tasks including exploring. risk taking, developing fine motor skills that a child can achieve while playing outside. Some of my favorite childhood memories are ones from my outdoor activity. Coming home after play with my hands dirty, clothes full of stains almost daily ..... playing cricket, even though we didn't have fancy playgrounds in our neighborhood, making boats out of paper and following it right till the end of the dirty "naali" is something I will remember forever. We used to come home tired and hungry with yummy meals waiting for us :) So when Anvesha comes home with stained clothes, I don't fret since I know she has had a good time outside.

                                              

Some of the places that we have explored apart from the neighborhood playgrounds are Pine Lake Park, East Sammamish Park and of course our backyard with the big pool :) Hot summer days are here to stay and its the best time to inaugurate our brand new inflatable pool. Anvesha can spend hours inside it splashing water all over.




When we are outside she loves to collect leaves, sticks and while running skipping or learning how to pedal her tricycle, she nor only exercises her body, but also her mind. I guess this is why outside playtime is so important.