My Uncle

This past Friday, we learned some very sad news that my Uncle Ramesh, passed away. He was my mom's oldest brother and very near and dear to all of us. I have memories of him visiting when Nisha and I were young and he would always remember to bring us a special toy or outfit. Even during our most recent trip to India in January, he would go out and bring treats for Jaidan. Rameshmama was a kind, considerate, funny and deeply caring person who would do anything for his family. We never know what God's plans are, and again, I am grateful that we all saw both him and Maa recently in India. We will miss him very much.

The most recent family photo taken in January, 2010. Rameshmama is 4th from the left.

State Fair!

We made it out to the fair on Wednesday! And what a beautiful evening it was. I am glad we went on a weekday because the crowds were manageable and the lines weren't long. We forgot our camera - UGH - I need to start keeping it in my bag at all times! But we got one nice picture on Manish's cell phone from the carousel. Jaidan loved feeding the animals at the petting zoo. And mind you, this wasn't your ordinary petting zoo - we're talking zebras, giraffes and KANGAROOS! If only I had my camera... Oh well, there is always next year!

Just breathe...

I have learned some very important parenting lessons these past couple of days. I came back from a glorious "mommy's getaway" trip to San Francisco only to find that little Jaidan had an ear infection and was sick all weekend. Not to mention that he incessantly cried "mama" to all of his exhausted caretakers (Manish and my parents.) Let's just say that everyone was glad I was back home!

Shortly after his checkup confirming his ear infection, Jaidan was lying on our bed and rolled off, hit the nightstand, and ended up with an ugly cut on his forehead. We rushed first to the pediatrician's office to see if he needed stitches - sure enough he did. So we headed straight to the emergency room at the local hospital where Jaidan was swaddled on the stretcher (he hated that) while the doctor "glued" him up. He was a champ and is recovering nicely. Manish was especially proud of how his little boy handled his first trip to the ER and even took a few pictures of him. I was just distraught on how I could let this happen. But I am trying not to be so hard on myself (Parenting lesson #1.)

Speaking of lessons, which is what inspired me when writing this post.. We all can get impatient with the fussing, the crying sick baby, the demanding screams from the back seat of the car to play one song over and over again - and the absolute lack of time and personal space. But I know there will be days in the future where the house will be quiet and the kid(s) are off to college and we will long for these messy, stressful, crazy but happy days together.

My goal for this year - lifetime - is to not get my knickers in a twist over the day to day challenges, but to embrace these exciting times because it will all go by way. too. fast.

Sunday at the Zoo!

Lions, tigers and monkeys - oh my! We had a grrrr-eat day at the Fort Worth Zoo. What a gorgeous morning - sunny and low seventies...

"Sure those monkeys can't grab me, Daddy?"

These flamingos are the coolest!

Jaidan and his little buddy Spencer enjoy the train ride around the zoo

Mommy and Jaidan horsing around!

Fascinated in the aquarium

The day isn't complete without a ride on the carousel!

I dug up this old picture of me taken thirty years ago, at the Fort Worth Zoo, when I was almost exactly Jaidan's age!

Ahh-boretum

A gorgeous day, blue skies, sunny, 70 degrees - a perfect combination for a day at the Dallas Arboretum with friends! I am so excited to finally be able to enjoy cooler temperatures. Growing up, I used to love the summers and get bummed when the weather would change. I think that was just because Fall meant school was starting. Now I am thrilled with the new season because it means Halloween is around the corner, the State Fair, Diwali, Thanksgiving, Jaidan's birthday and before you know it - the Christmas season begins! Yay!

Jaidan and Isaiah petting the goats at the petting zoo

"Okay Mom, how long do you want me to stand next to this goat?"

Log rolls down the hill

Yay for Fall!