Ramblings 2012!

As we bid adieu to 2012, I've been thinking about the year gone by.

Anika is 2 yrs old now and has just started speaking, and it is such a delight to hear her say new words each day. I'm amazed at her assertion of independence, she just would like to do every little thing on her own.. and keeps referring to herself as baby :) So the moment we try and do something for her, she'll say "baby baby" which means that she would like to do it herself. It's really cute but exasperating at times too! I most commonly hear terrible 2's and independent 3's.. but with Anika we feel we've actually experienced terrible 1's and have now started to see the independent 2's!!From 12 to about 18 months, Anika used to be stubborn as hell, and would throw a huge tantrum for everything! I think she calmed down a bit when she started communicating a lil better.. I can't just wait to have proper conversations with her :) 

We had a very wet summer this year, albeit we did really enjoy taking Anika out on a number of day trips. The zoo, animal farm, fruit n vegetable farm, indoor play areas, the beach et al. She had her first holiday in Dorset and also had her first trip to London! Her aaji, ammamma & thathaiah also got to spend so much time with her this year, as they stayed with us for a couple of months. And it definitely gave Tushar and me a few much needed breaks when we went out for movies or the theater. We caught up with 2 musicals this year - the dance ballet & the phantom of the opera - spectacular shows!

21/12 was lovely. We had so much fun going to Santa's grotto at BT tower. The views of London from the top of the tower were stunning! 

The day was eventful in other ways as well I thought, mostly in our heads. I can't deny that for a day I actually thought it'd be best if the world really did end in it's entirety. And why not? Having heard of the brutal killings of school children in the US, the gang rape of a young woman in Delhi, poverty and misery across the world, and genreal brutality and atrocities.. What a pathetic race we've become! If the world did end, there is probably a glimmer of hope that life is reborn in a very different form, much more sensible and sensitive than the current human race! Well, these morbid thoughts thankfully didn't last long, when I did regain some hope and pity for the current world!

I also went back to work earlier this year. And Anika started nursery in April. It was a struggle for the initial 2 months but must say she is happily settled there now. At times I worry though because she picks up infections so easily, but I suppose that's a part of her growing up, and developing a stronger immune system. Managing work & home gets a bit stressful at times, and sometimes have thought of quitting. But I do love working, love the independence and intellectual stimulation it offers me. So am definitely going to continue as of now.. 

Anika's birthday was so lovely this year. We decided not to throw a party because she can get really upset around people at times. So we thought it'd be best if we simply gave her all our undivided attention and do all the things that she really loves. So what better way than to see Peppa pig's treasure hunt live in a London theater. And then a peppa pig cake and loads of peppa pig presents! Our lovely bebu is already 2 yrs old! God bless!!

And last but not the least.. the arrival of little baby Vedant. Anika is a proud big sister. And can't believe my lil sister is now a mum to a beautiful 5 month old boy! Muahh..

Wishing you all a very happy 2013!

Best wishes..

Sirisha