The Ninth Month

Yeppe..It is me. I have successfully completed my eight month. Today I am sailing in the ninth month boat. Mama told me that I was in her womb for nine months and four days. What did I do at that time? It should have been boring right?

But now I do a lot of things, here is a snapshot:

–I crawl and reach for objects that are exciting me (Almost everything excites me)
–I play with two toys simultaneously. I like those toys which make odd noise.
–I sit without support and eat food with my own tiny hand. I eat pieces of carrots and baked potato.
–I blabber mmama..dada…and grab their attention.
–I easily recognize my Mom, my Dad and my Granny.
–I don’t jump to strangers.
–I also understand the word NO. It is used when my Mom is angry with me.

Today being the beginning of ninth month let me describe about my Papa. I love my Papa. Papa is big and strong. He points towards his eyes, ears, mouth, hairs, and nose to demonstrate and teach me about the parts of a body. Every morning he holds me in his hand and I climb on his chest. He teaches me ABCD from a short picture book. I cannot sleep at night, if I don’t see my papa in the evening. He consoles me when I cry, he gives me bath when I feel hot, he plays with me whenever I want, he applies powder on me after I take bath, he rocks me when I am in the cradle, he kisses me when he is back from office. Just to summarize…He loves me very very much and I love to be with my papa. (Provided I am not hungry)

I am feeling sleepy now. Time to say a short bye.

Transition Period

So as the contract ends…thus my first granny goes to her place. Now it is my Father’s Mom’s responsibility to take care of me.

The outcome of this transition is unimaginable. But I am facing it bravely.

The day my Grandma number 2 arrived I cried looking at her. I was all attached to my first grandma. But did I ever know that she will leave me and go far away? No I didn’t. But she did exactly the same. When I was little bit comfortable with Grandma 2, she left me with her. Now I miss my first Granny.

Another outcome of the transition is the language they talk. They talk different languages. My Mom says Grandma number 1 talks Tamil, which is what my Mom talks, while Grandma number 2 talks Marathi and that is what my Father talks. Listening to what both of them say does make a difference to me. Now I don’t understand what to do. I find it very difficult to understand Grandma number 2.

What are this Tamil and Marathi? And why it is causing so much confusion to me? Can anyone help me? Do all the kids have the same problem?

I cannot communicate to my Granny 2 and let her know that I am feeling sleepy. The other day I felt so sleepy and was signaling her. My symptoms for sleep are —to squeeze my eyes, to yawn more than three times, and at last to utter the word “Inga”. Granny 2 did not understand what “Inga” meant. I felt so sad and irritated. I didn’t know what to do. I pulled her hair and bet her on her face and cheeks. I was very violent and naughty. I was trying to jump from her hands. She was not able to figure out what was going wrong with me. But patiently she sensed I am cranky and wants to sleep. So at last she put me in the cradle, rocked little and I slept.

The moral of story is—lack of proper communication causes grave problems.

My First Girlfriend

I met her for the first time in my house. Her Mom is my Mom’s friend. Her Mom came to see my Mom and thus my girlfriend came to see me. My Mom was saying that she is 40 days old. Athira is her name. She was very fair and has more hair than me. She was in her Mom’s hand. At first I felt like pulling her hair and scratching her face. But I observed and concluded that she looked different from others. She is smaller than me. Oh god, at last I saw someone who is smaller than me. I liked the way she slept. Her eyes were always closed. I went near to her and kissed her in her forehead and then tried to pull her head. She woke up and started crying. Her cry was loud and strong. My Mom stared at me and took me away. So that is the story behind my first girlfriend.

It was time for me to leave from Thiruvanthapuram. The return journey was in flight. Kingfisher Airlines is filled with bright cabin crews. I was attracted by the red color and tried to jump to one of the airhostess, but my Mom scolded me. So sad right? Sad and depressed, I went to sleep. I slept till I reached the destination. I opened my eyes when the flight landed safely.

Now I am back home, safe and secure. All ready to play with my father.

Soon I will narrate my Transition Period experience.

Travels

Do you think I am talking about Michael Crichton’s Novel—Travels? Absolutely not, My Mom would talk about it because I have seen her reading that book and thus I have heard her version of the book. But now I am talking about my Thiruvanthapuram travel experiences.

Today I met my Big Father and Big Mother. Big Mother is the term that I use for my Mom’s elder sister. And Big Father is my Big Mommy’s hubby. The best thing about my Big Mother is her hair. The soft luxurious hair lures me. I feel like pulling it and eating it. I pulled and pulled and tried to eat but couldn’t do it.

One of my traits is, not to jump into the hands of male communities apart from my father. Infact I am always associated with my Mom and my Grandma who are different from my Papa. But when I saw my Big Father, I jumped with joy. He is tall and handsome. He took me in his arms. The best advantage of being in his hand— I could tear the dangling calendar sheet (Was that the motive behind going to my Big Father? Maybe yes, maybe no.)

Then I met my Uncle. He was eager to see me. I couldn’t recognize him. Oh god, why did you give me short memory? When I was two months old, my uncle used to give me bath and I used to cry. That time I hated taking bath. Now my perception has changed.

My aunty is plum and beautiful with long hair. But her hair is oily unlike my Big Mom’s. My two cousins—Ashwathy and Sharavan were my time pass. They entertained me. Sharavan gave all his toys to me and pleased me. I was so pleased and I kissed him. Ashwathy sang a song for me.

My time to travel guys. . . I boarded the Auto. Auto is a black color three wheel object. My mother said it is a vehicle and is a mode of transportation. But what is a vehicle? So many things to understand in this world. Anyway I feel it is not as good as my Papa’s car. We visited my Uncle’s place. I met my girl friend for the second time. You would be wondering who my girl friend is? It is a surprise. Soon I will let you know. But let me tell her name. Her name is Athira. . .

I returned back home in Bus. We ran behind the bus and somehow got into it. My Mom runs quickly. Bus is bigger than Auto. It is also called a vehicle. But this is different from Auto and Car!!!!!!

There were so many people in the bus. Bus travel was very exciting. I was jumping with joy as soon as I entered the bus. My mom warned me to behave properly.

Tomorrow I will be back with my nuances of my flight travel.

My Train Travel

I boarded the train. I was seeing the train for the first time. It was looking different from my house.

Slowly the train moved. It was dark all around and I felt sleepy. In midst of my sleep I got scared by another train but my Mom and my Grandma consoled me.

The next day when I woke up, I felt different. The train was moving and I could see green color everywhere outside the train. My mother told me that those are Coconut Trees. Then I saw a big water body. It was called a River. I saw a Boat in the river. I saw lots and lots of Crows. The Crow is black in color and I like the way it flies… Crow is a bird. My Mom told me that.

Then it was time for my bath, but my Mom said she cannot give me bath in train. I felt sad, but what to do? I think it was because of the scarcity of water while traveling in the train.

At last after a long journey we reached our destination. The place is called Thiruvananthapuram. My Grandfather was waiting in the Railway Station. At first I couldn’t recognize him. I just cried when he took me in his arms.

After reaching home my Mom gave me bath. I felt so much relieved after the bath.

My Grand Father’s head resembled my play football. He absolutely had no hair and thus I couldn’t pull his hair. I played with his head as I play with football. I held his head in my tiny legs and he enjoyed it.

So that is all about my train travel, tomorrow I will narrate my experience in Bus and Auto. Sooner or later I will introduce my first Girl friend.

Beginning of the eighth month

I am in the eighth month of my life journey. Now I understand the world around me. I know my Mom’s face, her voice, her nose, her eyes, her hands, her dress and of course her friend—Heather Smith

The other day every one in my house was busy. My Mom was busy cleaning the house, my Dad was busy going out to buy something and my Grandma was busy with cooking. No one had time to cuddle with me and play with me. Usually I shout when I am not the centre of attraction. This time for a change I kept mum. I just wanted to know what was happening.

Then suddenly I heard the horn of the car and my Mom went outside, as if she was just waiting to hear this horn. She went out and came inside the house with Heather Smith.

Heather Smith? Who is this? I was wondering. Well, she is my Moms colleague. She came all the way from her place just to see me. She was so different from my Mom in looks but I could feel the warmth and love in her face. She was as sweet as my Mom. She has a son of my age. Probably not of my age, I am bigger than Miles (That is what Heather calls her son) by one month and six days. She took me in her arms. She played with me for sometime.

So now, I also recognize my Moms friend—Heather Smith.

In other words a seven month old baby understands and recognizes the faces of their dear ones. Heather Smith is no longer a stranger to me as she resembles my Mom is her action.

Apple and Amma

A for “Apple”. When I heard the word Apple I felt very funny or rather I couldn’t stop my laughter. I squealed with delight, jumped with excitement, shouted with joy. I laughed and laughed until my stomach pained.

My Father said, my Mom said, my Grandma said, “Apple Apple Apple”. They just wanted hear my rolling laughter and see my giggling face. I enjoyed every instances of the word—Apple, being pronounced.

Now when my Mom calls from office, she asks my granny, “How are you and how is baby apple?” Is he crying? Anyway Apple and Amma are good friends. So he will not cry.”

Note: My granny’s name is Amma. That is what my Mom calls her.

Thus evolves a new name—Apple, and a new pair—Apple and Amma. I heard my father saying that this pair is like Munna Bai and Circuit. Who are they? God knows.

Any way, the great Aryan is also known as Apple now.

Teeth—that is what this alien is called

One of my best time pass is to bite and lick every toy that see around. I like to bite my Orange birdie, Blue pillow, Yellow rattle . .It is a unending list.

“Recently Aryan has started to bite everything and anything. He even bit his great toe, can you believe it?”. With a strange look on her face, my Mom was saying these words to my granny.

“What is new in it? Now that he has grown old, may be he is having teething problem”, my granny replied.

With great enthusiasm both of them rushed towards me and opened my mouth.

“Yes, see this”, My mom shouted.

A tiny white tooth was budding from the gums of my lower jaw.

So this is called teeth….now I came to know.
But no one knew how much I am irritated by this white foreign body in my mouth. The problems I face due the so called teeth are:

• Extreme irritation in my mouth cavity
• Increase in body temperature-Am I feeling warm?
• I am not able to drink my Mom’s milk. She scolds me says that I am doing “Natak”.
• Sleepless night and restlessness.
• I am not active—That is what my Mom says, but I am active and my mind is always scanning the information around.
• Few feelings that I don’t know how to explain.

Is this upcoming structure worth all the pain? A point to pause and ponder. . .

Eating and Meeting Milestone, a Vicious Circle!!!

Scenario: Holding the squirming Aryan, in his moms lap and trying to push an unfamiliar substance in his unreceptive mouth.
Short term outcome: Aryan cries and eats, but he is healthy.
Long term outcome: A perfect script for disaster, as Aryan would never learn to swallow or eat something of his own.

I am Aryan, a budding individualist, who is six months old. Don’t you think I should sit without support now and start eating semi solid food myself? Yes, even I think I should. Let me see how I can accomplish this task.

When it comes to sitting, I love it. The fun part is I can see things clearly when I sit. (Of course I sit with support). My mom has promised me that she would stop feeding me on her lap the day I sit without support. So now I am waiting for that auspicious day. In fact, I am meeting my milestones, even though a little late. My processor is little slow. . . . It happens. All babies are not alike.

So, till I sit without support, I should enjoy this commercial iron fortified baby food, lying in my moms lap.

Water Intake - Jan 31st

“Water, water, every where,
Nor any drop to drink.. . . . . . . . . . .
Have you of heard these lines? It is a quote from the poem “The Rime of Ancient Mariner”, by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. That is the condition of Aryan now. We all drink water, but this universal solvent is not advisable to my little son.”

These were the words of my Mom when she was expressing her dismay about not giving me water.

Then she moved hurriedly and dialed my doctor’s number.

“Doctor, can we give water to Aryan?” She asked
“Yes, of course now that he is 5 months old, give him whenever you give semi-solid food.” He replied.

But my mom was curious and knew about how it feels when you don’t drink water. Thus she took a spoon and a bowl filled with sterilized mineral water and came near to me.

I was excited. I wanted to know how it tastes. I see my father drinking bottles and bottles of water every day after dinner and thus I was curious about how it would feel.

I opened my mouth even before she brought the spoon near to my mouth. I was very much excited and pushed her hand and thus I couldn’t drink those precious drops. It slipped away and my dress became wet. Now it was my granny’s turn. She held my hand tenderly and gave me three spoons of water!!!!

But why is water not as sweet as milk? Can you answer me? I am still wondering why my papa drinks it.

Time for Solids- Formula Food is Boring- Jan 27th

Today I am five months old. I think it is time for solids now. I am too much bored of drinking milk.
Calcium is not the only mineral I need!!!! Isn’t? With this motive in heart, I was taken to doctor. He examined me carefully and said I am an amazing kid. I am smart, active, alert, naughty. . . . Forgot it, it is a long list.

My mom and dad were extolling the virtues of me, while I was basking in my grandma’s lap and overhearing their conversation.

The Food Chart prescribed to Aryan (5 months old) - Then he came up with a food chart. Starting with tomato, sweet lime, and orange juice for 15 days, I am supposed to swallow semisolid foods like ragi and rice kichidi with little Nacl (Salt). Slowly he wants me to eat baked potatoes and carrot. By the time I am 8 months old, I can enjoy some biscuits and bakery products followed by egg. By the time I am one year old I should eat whatever my Mom and Dad eats. This is what he lectured.

After listening to this entire list, my mom was very happy. I feel little fear in this happiness. I hope they follow the thumb rule "Watch the Baby - Not the Calendar!" My intestine is tiny and small. I hope they give me small quantity before they make it a habit. Oh god, what all I should bother?

Before leaving from the Doctor’s room I wanted to remind my Mom, to ask the doctor about my water intake. That is the reason I cried before leaving from the Doctor’s room. But the attempt was in vain. As usual they guessed that I am being fussy and tried to console me.

Now my next question is will they ever give me water? Wait and watch for my water intake experience.

I am in Bad mood today- Jan 22nd

Today is Monday. Two days I was with my mom and dad. Today I have decided to trouble my Grandma. I am not going to be a good boy. My grandma is very sweet and patient. Sometimes I feel I am troubling her too much. Any way the trouble that I give her has become a part and parcel of her life.


My first problem is my EAR. It is itching so much and I am not able to scratch it with my tiny hands. My second problem is I am having dry cough and throat pain. I signaled my Mom yesterday itself about my illness, but she did not understand my code language. Yesterday my mother was asking me why I am cranky even though she is at home. But why is she not observing my body language? The bottom rule is being observative and keeping your eyes open. I will not be the same everyday. I am just waiting for my mom to come home. I am not going to talk to her tonight.


With a new ray of hope I emerged into this enchanting world and ended up to know that when you have ear infection and throat infection it pains lot. When no one understands me, pain is more excruciating.

Soon I will let you know what happens to me and my pain. . . . .

The Orange birdie and the Black Mickey

Here, I am back. Today let me narrate an interesting conversation between the Orange Birdie and Black Mickey. They are my toys and mom gives me when I cry.

Birdie- Hi Micky how are you?
Mickey: I am sad as Aryan plays with you more. He doesn’t even take me in his tiny hands.
Birdie: Yes, he loves me more. He likes my blue nose and licks it every time and talks with me.
Mickey: Why don’t you tell Aryan to talk and play with me? Even I am his toy.
Birdie: Ok let us ask him.

With this intention in mind both my toys are waiting for my mom to bring them near to me.

But what can I do? Black Mickey is scary.. I get scared and I am not able to lick its nose.. But I will try to be nice with him also. Here after I will not throw him when my Mom gives him in my hand. Let me be in good books. Aryan is a good boy.

Visyneral drops ..... Ohhhhhh. (18th January 2007)

Visyneral drops-Jan 18th

It is a zinc nutritional supplement which I need to administer everyday. But my question is, when I drink my mom’s milk—the best food, why should I drink such drops?

The smell of it irritates me. It doesn’t have the sweet aroma. It tastes bad and odd. My grandma (My fathers Mom) runs away from me if my dress stinks because of this horrible so called nutritional supplement. Initially the dosage was 6 drops, now I have to drink 0.8 ml. Are you not feeling sympathy towards me?

Infant’s medicines are supposed to be sweet. How I wish I could make Dr. Sachin Suresh swallow the whole 15 ml bottle. Oh god, who will understand my feeling. Everyday my mom religiously gives me. Isn’t cruel? Kudos to those little moms who forgot to give this stinking nutritional supplement to their kids.

NB: Picture of the drops and Aryan’s face when he drinks it. . . . . .will be posted soon.

Another Day ... 17th Jan 2007

Jan-17

Today let me describe myself. I am 62 cm long, weighing 7 kg. I was 50 cm and 3kg when I was born. Did I grow fast…..No no, now that I am 4 and half months old it should be alright.

Born on the auspicious day of ‘Vinakaya Chaturthi’, I am feeling lucky. When I was in my mom’s womb, I used to kick her and made sure to come out on this day because once my father had mentioned that I would be born on August 27th 2006.

I like to watch people around me, especially watch what my father does. TV is boring, as I don’t watch much. But standing and climbing on my grandma’s lap is interesting. My mom plays with me, but on and off she goes to kitchen. That time, she expects me to be alone and watch the big fan above. The vision of fan is not all that interesting when you watch that everyday. Do you feel it amusing?
That is the time I scream. I shout and make so much noise that at last she comes. If my grandma is around, I don’t have to shout much. She will pick me up even before I reach my peak.

Best moments in a day- Is when I get lukewarm water bath at 8:00 clock in the morning. I enjoy it. After that, I get the cream applied and then need to drink Visyneral drops (Vitamin drops).

Oh now it is sleepy time. Wait till tomorrow for more experience

A day in my life... 16-January-2007

The Beginning, January- 16/01/07

As usual I got up with a shriek.
“Aryan don’t shout dear”, my mom said. In fact she says this everyday but she still likes the way I shout, scream, and scratch her face. …and what not?

Oops I forgot to introduce myself. I am Aryan Karmore, just now completed four months in December 27, 2006. I have two employees working under me on contract basics for every six months. One is my Mom’s mother (I am under her safe hands right now) and the second is my father’s mother. They have taken an oath with my parents that they would take care of me with care and love and that is the reason now I am here in this big world!!!

My Mom, she works, she goes to office at 8:30 am and comes back around six in the evening. I am not aware where she works, but everyday when she gives me oil massage in the morning she advises me to be a good boy. Not to play pranks with my grandmother and not to cry till my mom comes.

I am a good boy, who said I am not!!! I just cry for food, for sleep, for wearing dress, for changing nappies, for wearing cap, when I am bored, when I am feeling cold, when I see strangers and when my mom is not around and when I feel like seeing her….and cuddling with her.

So that is it for today, just introduction. Tomorrow I will be back with more stuffs……the time when I play and laugh…