3 Days Post Family

To the right: Amiya taking a breather shortly after everyone left Tuesday morning. She was both sad and exhausted and not even playing with all the lip gloss in the world could maintain her attention. She needed a rest and (I guess) the bathroom rug in front of Daddy's mirror is as good a place as any.

Amiya was thrilled to find that Auntie Melody had left behind a box of popsicles for her. To be specific, they are mung bean ice cream pops - an Asian treat. Mommy loves 'em because there is absolutely no temptation factor here - so they can be in the freezer all the time. And Amiya loves 'em because bean ice cream isn't all that bizarre to a two-year old's imagination *and* she can use her teeth to shape them into Christmas trees.

And finally, it's an awful lot of work taking care of Rena, Mommy and Daddy all day long. You can see Dr. Gupta taking a break here - long enough to watch a bit of her new Princess video, but not long enough to take her steffecope out of her ears.

Christmas by Amiya

Christmas was great. I got to spend lots of time with my Uncle Andy, Uncle Mikey, Auntie Melody and my Grampa and Gramma. Mommy and Daddy pretty much took care of the grown-up stuff like food and drinks and I took care of making sure nobody ever had a moment's peace or got bored. My Uncle
Andy and my Grampa came down on Thursday and that was great - I had a whole day of Uncle Andy all to myself. He's in a grown-up body, but I've got my doubts about him - he's really too much fun to be a grown-up. He played horse with me all the time and he even let me wear his baseball hat. He was also pretty good at cuddling - especially when it was a 'cary part in a movie. Uncle Andy was never too busy to pay lots of attention to me and I had a great time with him! The only thing I didn't like was that Uncle Andy wouldn't let me sleep with him. I don't understand this. Something about all my wiggling and giggling! I thought that's what I'm supposed to do!

The next day Uncle Mikey, Auntie Melody and Grandma came to our house. They got to our house really late so I didn't get to play with them a lot. But the next day was really great. We all went to see some manatees and then we went to the beach. I saw lots of birds and even some raccoons. Auntie Melody played with me on the playground - I really love her. Grandma also brought me lots of my favorite cheese and you know I ate way too much of that. That night was Christmas Eve and I have no idea what that means except that I got to open all my presents from Mommy and Daddy, my Grampa and Gramma, my Aunt and Uncles and my family in Rochester. I don't know about you, but I think the whole idea is pretty cool. I got lots of cool presents - a princess movie, a cash register, a fishing rod set, some musical instruments and a doctor set. I like all of my presents, but I like the fishing rod and the doctor set the best. Everyone I know is very healthy because I have given out lots and lots of shots since I opened it up. I also give a kiss after every shot to save my band-aids. Grandma sewed matching pajamas for everybody - check out the plaid!

(Please note that I tried to tell Mommy and Daddy that two different plaids don't really go todeller, but they wouldn't hear it.)

On Christmas Day we woke up and I checked to make sure Santa ate his cookies. He left me some great presents - a soccer ball, Cinderella and a game with some ladders and slides. I don't understand the real rules, so I make them up as we go. Then we all went to Busch Gardens and you know that that means I had to go see Dumphrey the Dragon. We started our day at Busch Gardens with an insanely long train ride, but it was ok because I got to give lots and lots of cuddles to Uncle Andy and Grampa. I also stole lots of Uncle Andy's popcorn, but don't tell my Mommy because I'm not supposed to eat that yet! We saw great big animals and a Christmas musical and then I got to ride on some motorcycles and a train. Finally we went to see Dumphrey and I made sure everyone knew the rules - no going up on the stage before the show. When it was time to dance I was doing my best. I can't really get my feet going at the same time as my hands but I sure do try! I got to go up on stage and dance with Dumphrey again - can you even believe it? I love Dumphrey so much and I gave him a very big hug when the show was over. After this it was time to go home and I was really tired. It's hard to keep so many grown-ups together but I did my best.

The next day was a quiet day around the house. I had to keep doing check-ups to make sure everyone was healthy enough to travel. After many more shots, I could tell that they were. All day long everybody kept telling me that they had to leave and that just made me sad. I love them all too much and I made sure I told them that every time I remembered.

On Tuesday morning I woke up and I knew it was not going to be my favorite day. The first thing I said to Mommy was that I didn't want to say goodbye to anybody. It was really hard, but I know I'll see them again soon. I just love them too much.

Slippery Slope

We've started down the slippery slope of really unhealthy breakfasts around here. For a long time, Amiya's choice was toast, a waffle with jam, oatmeal or a healthy cereal (read grown-up sort - brown, not sugary, etc.). On the rare ocassion she gets chocolate milk it's not even Quik but Ovaltine or soymilk. For the most part it still is relatively healthy but we do throw in a Daddy/Daughter Donut Day a few Saturdays a month and an occasional McDonald's if that's where her pals will be. But not this week. Bad Mommy.

Mommy made a cake for Amiya's little holiday party yesterday and it seemed that Cookie Crisp cereal would make the perfect little accents. And it did - it was super cute (I'm just a bit immodest here). But after using approximately 20 of the cereal cookies, we were left with the remaining 876 to go. Amiya is in heaven! Every day that she's had them I've made it very, very clear that we are not going to buy this type of cereal ever, ever again. She looks at me as if she's already working up a devious plan to divert my attention to the mishmash of Malt O'Meal bags while she grabs all the boxes of Cookie Crisp that she can.

In what is perhaps a more worrisome development, we've been much more tantrum free lately except these past two days when Amiya had this cereal for breakfast and a large tantrum ensued shortly before lunch. Enormous sugar high and then deep crash? I don't know but I'll let you know tomorrow when Cookie Crisp will be out at the curb and she'll be back to her healthier options.

Jumpin' Rope

Someone on Clifford must have been jumping rope recently because it is all the rage at our house today. I'm not silly enough as a Mommy to give the child free rein with rope & hard handles, so she steals my tape measure to try and do her thing. It doesn't work. On so many levels. Amiya thinks that jumping rope is really all about standing on the rope and jumping up and down. For that, a measuring tape is fantastic because it's so thin and flat that it doesn't hurt her little tootsies. Check out her super girl smile here - she thinks she's got it down! And don't be too envious of her stylin' PJs. They are hand-me-downs from a cousin of mine and about as worn as worn can be. But, there is nothing so cuddly for a two-year-old as going to bed with Elmo and Zoe on your tummy and your bottom! If we tell her to go get her PJs we're pretty sure that these are what we'll see 9 times outta 10!

Letter from Santa

Christmas 2005

My dear Amiya Clare,

I'm so proud of you this year. You are almost three years old and you have learned so much. Think of all the new words and meanings that you now know and you will learn many, many more this next year. This year your learned to use the bathroom and now you can wear "Princess Underwear" instead of baby diapers.

Soon a new baby will come to live with you and I know that you will be a loving and kind big sister. Your Daddy and Mommy love you so much and they always will. They'll love the new baby too and each of you will be precious and special to them.

You have made progress this year with temper tantrums. My elves tell me that you are trying very hard to not cry and have tantrums. It's OK to cry when you are sad but not if you are mad or you can't have your way. Then you need to tell Daddy or Mommy how you feel without screaming or crying. You just keep trying hard. You're doing great!

The elves told me that you are a very good sharing friend and that you play nicely with other children. They also told me that you listen to your parents and put your toys away when you are finished playing with them.

Let me see... what else did they say? Oh, yes, they know that you are worried that I'll forget your house because there isn't a fireplace. Ho, ho, ho, don't you worry about that my dear. Santa has magic. I won't forget to bring presents to you. Will you leave a cookie and some milk out for me? The reindeer love baby carrots, too.

See you soon.
Love,
Santa Claus

Weekend Discoveries

This weekend was full of new discoveries for one little miss. The first was Mommy's all-time holiday favorite - cheap white chocolate covered pretzels. (I say cheap because I'm not sure the stuff to make almond bark is even considered white chocolate, but it's not important. It's too good to worry about.) Amiya helped me make white chocolate pretzels, dark chocolate pretzels with peppermint and turtle pretzels. She was dying to eat one and couldn't believe that Mommy was being so heinous as to not allow it until after dinner. When she finally got her little paws on a pretzel (smart girl chose Mommy's favorite), she discovered that she didn't like it all that much. Much like one eats corn on the cob, she nibbled all the coating off and left a pretzel stick.

The second big discovery of the weekend was 'stashos. That's pistachios for those of you who took Spanish and not toddler in high school. Amiya is a nut lover - she'll eat any and every nut that comes her way. Pistachios were one of the few holdouts, mainly because we rarely have them in the house. But one taste and the chick is hooked! Not only must she have 'stashos, but she must also shell them herself. This means Mommy and Daddy have to sift through the bigger bowl of nuts to find those that toddler thumbs are going to be able to break open and get at the meat of the matter. Heaven forbid she gets one of those that is just barely open. You can see her shelling station here - a bowl, a glass of water and her bench. She won't sit when she's shelling, it's serious work. The lower picture of Amiya in the green sweater is her begging for just one more 'stasho. I gave her just one more and she quickly changed her demand to, "I meant two, Mommy." Little twerp.

And finally, in what is perhaps my favorite weekend discovery - Amiya has forged a friendship with our vacuum. Daddy was vacuuming this morning (what a husband! what a husband!) and Amiya was freaked out - perhaps a sign that we don't vacuum enough.
I assured her that the vacuum only nibbles on the toes of girls who do not have nail polish on and she quickly determined that she did, in fact, have nail polish on so all was well with the world. Somehow, from there, she decided that the vacuum needed a friend. Not only did she take it drinks of (thankfully) pretend water, but she pulled out her Sesame Street dominoes and played a game of checkers with her new friend. How she knew this was the vacuum's favorite past-time or even what checkers are is beyond us.

Do you see the resemblance?

We think that Amiya might actually have been the inspiration for Dory of Finding Nemo fame. Nevermind that we sat with her in the theater when she was all of three months old and the folks who made the movie probably had thought about Dory long before Amiya was even a twinkle in her Daddy's eye. Witness the following exchange at dinner tonight:

Amiya: Why do Kate's Mommy and Daddy not love her anymore?

Mommy: What Amiya?

Amiya: Why do Kate's Mommy and Daddy not love her anymore?

Mommy: Kate who, sweetie?

Amiya: Kate, Mommy.

(Daddy twirls his spaghetti hoping to remain out of this bewildering conversation.)

Mommy frantically searches brain for any Kate we might know. Comes up with Baby Katie and Kate, Arthur's little sister, from the TV show Arthur. Baby Katie is well-loved and Kate rarely has more than an extra role in the show, so they can't be the Kate in question.

Amiya: Kate, Mommy!

Mommy (by some stroke of luck): Oh, Kate from the book with the new baby brother?

Amiya: Yes Mommy, Kate! (Said with as much duh!!! as a two-year old can muster.)

Mommy: Kate's parents love Kate and her baby brother, Amiya. They love both of them because Kate is such a sweet daughter.

Amiya: They love boff of them?

Mommy: Yes, Sweetie. Kate's Mommy and Daddy love both of them, just like Daddy and I will love you and your little brother or sister.

Amiya: You will?

Mommy: Yes honey. Don't worry, Kate's parents love her very much.

Amiya: Who's Kate?

See what I mean? This happens with startling regularity around here - this girl starts a conversation with 14 questions and then when we've finally gotten somewhere conveniently forgets she was ever involved.

Rudolph the 'cary Reindeer

You must think that we subject Amiya to random viewings of Die Hard or Platoon. The truth is that she's never seen anything more action-packed than Chicken Little and that was the glaring exception to our movie "policy." If it couldn't play on PBS, this little one doesn't see it.

We've tried a few others, but they just don't seem to fly. Nemo is passable, but we have to sit with her. Chicken Little didn't work at all (happily, she was free!). And you can see, Rudolph is way too 'cary for her (and she deems to 'cary for Daddy as well). It's about as much fun to watch her watch the movie as it is to see the movie itself.

Big Sister Material

Today has been a day of craziness at our house. We had a little visitor, Tyler, from 9-12 and another little visitor, Carter, from 11:30 - 2:50. Tyler is just a month younger than Amiya and Carter is just two months short of being one. Both of their Mommies needed to take care of some stuff, so we spent the day playing with them. Tyler was a cherub, an absolute cherub. We made cookies, we played at the playground, we colored snowmen. Carter was a cherub, too, but in the way of ten-month olds it was a lot of chasing and building block towers to be knocked down.
A good time was had by all and now good naps are needed.

See Amiya:

This actually is Amiya - you can see a bit of her hair in the upper left section of the striped blanket. She finally fell asleep just a few moments ago and apparently she did so in the midst of playing yet another round of Baby Bird.

Anyway, the point of today's blog is that she is as ready as she is going to get for her debut as a big sister. She was fantastic today with Carter. She shared when she didn't want to share. She was gentle. She was concerned. She let Carter play with the same block forever (or at least forever in toddler time) even though she really wanted it. She understood when Mommy couldn't play the o-rolling game with her. She really was just fantastic!

About the stockings....

Why did I ask you might wonder.

Vinay and I attended a holiday party this past week (mentioned below) and we were told to bring a funny or whacky (read naughty) gift for a gift exchange - sort of a white elephant thing. I'm feeling creatively-impaired lately and left our gift until the last minute. And so, to Target I went.

Four million people in Super Target does nothing for the imagination.

That might be stating the obvious, but I wanted in and out of there not thirty seconds after I entered. So, the whackiest thing I could come up with was a stocking filled with coal with a tag that said "For someone very, very naughty." Someone (ahem) didn't think it was funny and didn't think anyone else would think it was either. I wasn't expecting people to clutch their sides from cramps, but I didn't think it was a complete waste. Anyway, I'm glad to know a few people get that a stocking full of coal is culturally relevant.

And just to clarify - there was also a pretty cool CD in the stocking, so it wasn't a total waste of a gift!

The Parents

Someone keeps asking us why we never post our pictures. Mainly because this blog is about Amiya and Ob. But also because we're usually chasing after Amiya and rarely take a moment to be together, much less on that side of the camera. This is a self-portrait, so you'll excuse the fact that it is not photographic magic.

Nonetheless, here we are. We've turned a corner in our lives - Mommy and Daddy are trying to go out more without our out-of-utero child. Saturday night saw us on our way to a holiday party at a friend's house. Amiya did not understand why she couldn't come to the party much less why someone would even have a party that is not for children. She didn't understand why Mommy went to an "only Mommies" party tonight and she'll surely be baffled again this Saturday when we go out yet again.

You can say it because I know you're thinking it: "Live it up, Guptas. The end of all this frivolity is just 12 weeks away. Then you'll be stuck at home, not sleeping nights and smelling of baby burps." And so we are, in our simple Gupta way.

My Darling Daughter

Dear Amiya,

Someday, when you read this, I know you'll be old enough to understand. It may be that you are a seven year old big sister who wants your four-year old little bro or sis to clam up for four minutes so you can read the Goosebumps novel you're engrossed in. Or maybe you're a fourteen year-old who is babysitting the neighbor's toddler and you'd like to get a word in edgewise about changing her diaper. Or maybe you are a new Mommy (better not be before you are 25 and in a long-term relationship, young lady!) who only wants a moment of quiet to try and clear the fog from her brain. It doesn't matter, really, it only matters that you know that I'm writing this to you in love.

WON'T YOU EVER STOP TALKING?

I know, I know, you look at these cherubic photos and you can't imagine why I might be exasperated. But I am, sweet little child of mine. I am. We went to get these photos taken the other day - a twenty minute drive both ways, plus an extra long wait at the picture store. You did not stop talking even long enough to take a breath. Truly. The happy news is that you are starting to entertain yourself more, especially when you're in your car seat. You sing beautiful songs about your imaginary daughter, Rena. If you only love any children in your future as much as you love Rena they will be lucky ones indeed.

You also spend a fair amount of time singing to the baby in my "you-ta-rus." You sing about how much you love babies, how much you love this baby and you throw in, for good measure and clarification, that you love Rena, too. Daddy and I are confident that you're going to be a good big "sisser," although we're a little concerned about you forcing your little brother to play Cinderella and the like. That's all fine and good, as long as you play trucks with him, too. But maybe it's a little sister and all our worries are for naught.

Finally, my little girl, you've gotten into the swing of the holidays. You're planning on which cookies to leave out for Santa and you've started to worry how he'll get into our chimney-less home. We read The Night Before Christmas daily, as well as Elmo's version and a few other holiday books. You've already spilled the beans on what Daddy bought Mommy and what Mommy bought Daddy. And, it hasn't occurred to you to open up all those packages under the Christmas tree. You know that they're presents but you haven't gotten into them. Uncle Andy would be disappointed, but Mommy and Daddy are proud of you and we're hoping you won't start peeking until at least next Christmas! Maybe the cutest thing about you this Christmas is your insistence that we go to the store and buy some "'now." You tell me over and over that we really have to buy some and you don't believe me when I tell you that it can't be bought. It's cute and you're cute, Peanut.

Love you,
Mommy

Mulch Soup

After a quick stop at the park today, Amiya discovered bits of mulch clinging to her socks as we drove to the grocery store. Taking after the frugal nature of her Mommy (ha ha ha ha ha), Amiya decided that "waste not want not" was the adage of the day and announced that she was going to make mulch soup for Daddy's dinner.

"Oh, the joy" thought Vinay upon hearing the news.

"Oooooh, the fiber!" exclaimed his colon at the exact same moment.

I felt a moral obligation to tell Vinay that this would be awaiting him upon his return from work. Shortly after announcing tonight's menu, Amiya said (and this is a quote), "It's a surprise soup! He'll never know it's mulch!" Um, do you think she's maybe heard me saying that when I sneak tomatoes or eggs into a dish?

In any case, hurry home, Daddy! A thick bowl of mulch soup is waiting for you!

The Polar Express

Witness the trauma we put our daughter through last night. You'd think we played The Godfather or a Stephen King movie for her. But no, it was The Polar Express. That's right. A charming, computer-animated, G rated movie. There was finger-gnawing, mouth-covering, pleas for explanations and even nose-picking. And this was all within the first ten minutes of the movie because that's all she let us watch before it got to be "too 'cary!!!"

And so, if you all could take up a collection and send us money for more of the Disney Princess videos, we'd be much obliged. We have to fast forward through about half of those as they can be "too 'cary," too, but at least there's no nose-picking or finger-gnawing when Cinderella graces the screen.

Quick Pics

Just two quick pics for you to see the new things in our life. The first picture is not just a towel and a pair of jeans on our hastily-made bed. It's actually Amiya, a towel and a pair of jeans. This is the new game. She covers herself up with a towel or a blanket and pretends to be a baby bird who has to hatch out of her shell. Once she pops out she says, "Good mornin' Mama bird!" and then goes back into her shell to break her way out again.

This morning we were treated to a happy Amiya during our morning meal. She not only compromised and had waffles instead of the promised pancakes (how could Mommy not have buttermilk in the house???), she also tore "coupons" for the Katrina families and then turned said "coupons" into a moustache and a wristwatch so she could be just like Daddy.

Turkey Day

Thursday was a great day in the Gupta home. It was the first Thanksgiving I've ever spent without extra people around - either in Green Bay, France (just once) or Urbana (just once). I was feeling a little trepidation going in - who wants to cook a turkey and all the fixings for three, no, 2.5 people? I wasn't so sure about it - but I did and it was delicious. It wasn't a whole turkey, but the breast and it was mighty fine. The mashed potatoes were good (who needs turkey when there are potatoes with butter and milk?) and the stuffing stole the show (for me at least). Vinay liked the rolls the best and Amiya was gaga for the canned cranberry sauce. I know, you'd think with my cranberry fetish it would have been homemade, but my hubby is a stickler for canned cranberry sauce.

The morning was spent with Mommy in the kitchen and Daddy and Amiya tooling around in and out of the house. Then a lovely, late lunch was shared and all three curled up in one big bed for a family nap. Nothing like a tummy full of turkey and a toddler's knees in your back to lull you into a deep sleep and jolt you awake with alarming regularity. After nap Amiya bolted out of the bed to begin decorating the tree. Mommy and Daddy had set it up the night before and Daddy did a masterful job with the lights and the ribbon. Amiya was enthralled from the very moment she woke Thanksgiving morning. She wanted to do it "now." We used this to our advantage and told her repeatedly that she needed to be a good listener if she wanted to decorate the tree. As you can see, she did a fine job. Daddy helped hold her to get the high branches and Amiya took care of the lower ones all by herself. The evening ended with a quiet walk around the neighborhood and yet another viewing of The Disney Princesses Holiday video. Who would have thought that the daughter of Christy would be into the Princesses? Ah well, what can be done?

And the best part of the day for me? I finally got my feather on Amiya's Thanksgiving Turkey. It took a little prompting on Daddy's part, but Amiya came through in the clutch. (See the naked turkey way up top all the way to the final turkey on Thanksgiving Day.)

It's been so long....

since an update. I know and I'd like to promise it won't happen again but that's not something I can stand behind, so I won't do any such thing. Suffice it to say that we've been busy, busy, busy and this gets pushed to the end of the list.

Amiya and Daddy headed to Busch Gardens on Saturday to give Mommy some much needed time at home without a 3' tall shadow. They looked at animals, took a ride on the sky cable and Amiya even got up on stage and danced with Dumphrey the Dragon. I'm still in a bit of shock about it - she's always been intrigued but frightened by this feathery beast. Not so on Saturday, apparently. Having Daddy nearby bolstered her confidence and she talked with Dumphrey and even blew bubbles for him.

The rest of the weekend was pretty standard with Amiya somewhere between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. When in a Dr. Jekyll mood, she either wanted to play Princess or a new "vawiation" of the o-rolling game. When it's time to be Cinderella, Amiya wraps herself in her blanket and sings and dances. Mommy is always the Wicked Stepmother (again, trying not to take it personally) and Daddy is assigned the role of the Fairy Godmother complete with blanket dress and measuring cup wand. I'd post a picture of Vinay in his get-up, but I like my marriage so you'll just have to use your imagination. He's got the bibbidi-bobbidi-boo down pat. The part of Cinderella is played so authentically by Amiya that we weren't quite sure what was happening when she wrapped herself up once, ran for the bedroom and started to cry. All at once we understood that we were in the pivotal scene where the stepsisters have torn her dress and Cinderella dashes off to the garden for a good cry.

I'd also like to report that Amiya is trying to turn Mommy's hair gray at the playground. We were, for a few months, content to play on the slides, the swings, the rope bridge. Now we must climb on all the things made for kids with longer legs and better coordination. It's hard to stand by and watch. In some cases, it might even be considered neglect - one climbing apparatus is wound like a tight spring and when she's at the top and lets go her chin goes thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk as it hits all 84 coils on the way down. So, a happy medium is what we're looking for. She needs the autonomy to try new things and see what she can challenge herself to do. I'd like her to come home with no more scars or bruises than when we arrived.

And what's Mommy been up to? Well, the last cake for our cake class. It was supposed to be a wedding cake of sorts with cascading flowers and pillars. That's so not Christy. I opted instead for a combination & variation of a tiled cake I had seen in the Wilton Yearbook and a fondant formed turkey as the topper that I had seen at www.cakecentral.com . I'm pleased with the results and equally happy that the class is over. This is stressful stuff and while I originally thought I might like to do big cakes, drop cookies might be more my style! This has just been too many cakes in a row, too many vats of Crisco and a whole lot of stained fingernails. That being said, I'd love to do cakes for people
who want them and I am looking forward to Amiya's birthday cake. I feel like I've got the confidence and the skills to do it now.

And finally, what you've all been waiting for -
recent turkey feathers go to:
Uncle Jon
Uncle Andy
Uncle Mikey
Coucou
and Grand-mère

That's right, still no Mommy. But, if I've been awarded the role of the Wicked Stepmother it's pretty much the same thing, right?

Turkey Update

Just in case you were wondering who the turkey feathers have gone to lately:

Ravi bhayia
Ms. Lauren
Ms. Dana
Ms. Kim
Tyler
Baby Katie
and
Mr. Matt

Go back and read through all the feathers - notice anyone missing?

I'm trying not to take it personally! ;-)

The Morning After

We returned from Rochester late (late!) Monday night after
a hard day of traveling. Had it been just me or just Vinay,
things would have been easier. But add a toddler to any situation involving small spaces and quiet voices and tension runs high. So, it was a hard day of traveling.

Amiya finally went to bed about midnight Monday night - four hours later than her normal bedtime. (Are you wincing along with me?) She woke up about 8:15 when her little friend Aubrey dropped in while her Mommy went to the doctor. That's a pretty normal wake-up time for Amiya. (Still wincing? I am and it's Wednesday night now.) All was well, fantastic really, until Aubrey's Mommy picked her up. And then, well, there just aren't words, Friends.

Bucked it up, I did, and headed out to the fire station for our Moms Club tour. I knew I didn't stand a chance of fending off the ferocious tantrum monster but I knew that a combination of her other 3' friends and getting to sit in a real fire truck might just do the trick. And it did. It was even a bit surreal. When has this child ever, ever stuck to me like glue since she's been mobile? When has she ever, ever put her head on my shoulder for more than two minutes if it wasn't a stalling tactic to prolong
cuddling and avoid bedtime? And yet, she did. She only let go of me long enough to take a seat in the fire truck. I'm not sure that she really enjoyed it, but she did it. Both pictures are of her in the truck - if you look closely at the second, you'll see eyebrows, forehead and bangs. Maybe next year she'll be tall enough to see out of the truck. I had hoped for a pic of her with the firefighter, but it was not to be. She must be missing that gene that propels all straight women towards men in uniform because she wanted nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with the hottie* in all the gear.
Ah well, there is always next time.

I think it's important to note that she had regained her form properly by the time we went to lunch with her 3' friends. I think our little circle is about to be banned from Moe's restaurant, but until the make it official, bring on the toddlers!

*Please know that I used the word "hottie" only because it's still in the mid-80s with a lot of humidity. I felt for the man. Poor guy. Really. What were you thinking, anyway?

A Weekend in Rogers

We were in Rochester, New York for the weekend to see Vinay's brother, sis-in-law, niece and nephew. Amiya had been in a state of constant agitation prior to our trip - any talk at all was of going to Rogers. Rochester is a mouthful when you're two, so Rogers it was until she heard the pilot say it as we touched down. Magically it turned to Rochester.

Imagine, if you will, the joy of seeing your cousins who you haven't seen in almost a year. Imagine the happiness of a two-year old with two doting teenagers. Imagine a constant grin on the face of our little angel (that's complete sarcasm on my part). It was a great weekend - nice enough weather in Rochester that we were able to be outside and lots of time to visit with family. Amiya loved playing with Nisha didi and Ravi bhayia (her cousins). She spent time at the park, on the swings, on Ravi's skateboard, making Nisha climb stairs and freaking out during the movie Chicken Little. She also spent an evening in the company of many pre-teen girls dressed in beautiful Indian clothing and showing Mom and Dad the hand anytime we ventured to see what they were up to. It's never been more clear that Mom and Dad are just accessories to this glam girl's life. Nisha didi, Ravi bhayia and her aunt and uncle are far more interesting than we. I'm not sure if they were prepared for the level of energy which is Amiya, but they handled it admirably. The only time Mommy got any cuddles was at night when Amiya insisted on being my second layer of blankets. And Daddy, well, poor guy. He got nothing. Nothing at all. It got to such a level of cousin-neediness that when Nisha left for soccer practice Amiya was a mess of tears and quivery lips. When we tempted her with chicken nuggets from Wendy's, she absolutely wouldn't go without Ravi. And upon waking Monday morning to find absolutely no one in the house but boring Mommy - you can imagine the chagrin.

And an unrelated side note:
check out the mustache. Amiya discovered
cream cheese while in Rogers and is in loooove! It's not really that much of a stretch given her love for cheesecake, but she'd never encountered cheesecake's simpler, savory cousin. Now that she has, there's no going back.

Wedneday, November 9, 2005 Waveland, MS

Today Christine finished sewing curtains with fabric we had. Tom hung the rods and they are up. We'll finish the rest at home and ship them down.

The deadline is passed for blue roof tarps and clean up sign up. If you haven't asked for help by now you are on your own. Those people who have not yet come back are SOL. Many people 10 weeks after Katrina are still living in tents waiting for Katrina trailers. We worked at POD today giving out supplies. People come up and beg for blankets and pillows. Towels are a very hot commodity, as are wash clothes. Same for dish towels, pot holders and all the other things we take for granted. It is so sad! We feel like we have done so much and yet we hardly see a dent in what needs to be done.

The men cut 15 big boards up into little boards and turned them into window sills in Hope Haven windows. They are looking so good. Friday the Social Services people will not be here so we are going to hit it hard and then head out on Sat early. We have 1300 miles to home and hope to get in late Sunday night.

Tom got a jolt (mild) from some electric lines that were lying near the shed he and Dennis jacked up and moved back onto it's foundation. Terri and I had both handled those lines last week when we cleaned out that shed and children had been playing out in the yard several times this week. The director called the electrician and he came and checked it. Two 110 volt live lines were laying there. We could have been fried! Most of the people living here are dealing with the same thing.

Today a truck pulled up and dropped off dozens of brand new blankets for people who come into Hope Haven. Instead of handing them out to those that need them the Social Services people were grabbing them left and right. We think it should be about need not greed. Some of them needed them, some did not.

Everything here, hand outs, free food, all will be done in two weeks and people will be on their own. Thanksgiving day is "it's over day". If you could see this area you would be appalled. Most of these people don't even have FEMA trailers yet. They are going into the winter living in tents. We are told that it is snowing in Arbor Vitae and we'll think of these people here as we throw another log on the fire.

T, C, D and T

Tuesday, November 8th, Waveland, MS

Hello Everyone,

We are nearing the end of our two weeks here and while we feel very good about what we have accomplished we are aware of how much more needs to be done. Not just here at Hope Haven but across the gulf states. Katrina cut a swath 10 miles deep by 45 miles long.
We have some interesting observations about the people that live down here, black and white. We have certainly had some of our prejudices (sp?) blown right out of the water. How wrong we are to judge a book by the cover.

Terri worked at the Point of Distribution Center again today with Katie. She feels that there are more volunteers here than there are needy in the food line today. We are sure why. Some charities are folding up and going home and perhaps people are starting to get a grip on the reality of this and of course, so many have left. Dennis, Tom and Jerod drove around and helped people cut up trees. They helped one handicapped lady that was trying to rake up the garbage and litter in her yard so that FEMA would deliver her trailer. Her walker was standing by her side and she could barely work. Her cat which was killed by Katrina was laying in her yard to be buried. We have talked that there is more wood here than all of us on Spruce Road would need in a lifetime for our wood burners and fireplaces. All of the quilts I brought are gone and I had a woman today asking for quilts as they have none and the nights are getting cold here. It broke my heart to tell her that we have no more. I worked on valances again today but didn't quite finish them all. We have a security guard here 24 hours a day because Health and Social Services has food stamps and things here and the building could easily be broken in to. They work 12 hour shifts and we have taken these nice young men under our wing.

Our letter is short today as we are tired. Everyone here is so grateful for the help that you are providing through your donations.

T, D, T and C

Inventory Control

If you have a refrigerator and a freezer (and you most likely do) you may have the same problem that we do: inventory control. Sometimes you might forget that you've purchased something - let's use ground beef for example. It's cheaper to buy it in bulk and repackage it. When I'm feeling thrifty I do this. But then I forget that it's in there and end up with 4,000 1 lb baggies of ground beef. Amazingly, we've never had this problem with ice cream. It's not because Vinay eats it and it's truthfully not because of me. It's our little girl. She told her Daddy up and down and all around that there was ice cream in the freezer. Not the fridge, she clarified, the freezer. Vinay thought it might have been consumed, but Amiya knew better. :-)

And today's turkey (besides Amiya) goes to her best buddy Gabe.

Monday, November 7th, Waveland, MS

Good Morning everyone.

We had another busy day on Monday. Terri and Katie worked at the Point of Distribution center handing out necessary supplies. Hot items are Calamine lotion, bug sprays, cold meds. Terri estimates that about 90% of the blankets, pillows and clothing are used and most are pretty thin and sad looking. Right now there is an overabundance of toothbrushes and toothpaste. Everyone is equal in the line. You may have been well off or poor before but now everyone needs everything. The food tent served a vegetarian stir fry with peanut sauce. We are so amazed at these amazing young people and the quality and amounts of food they produce.

Dennis and Tom cut up trees at two different homes yesterday. They need to cut them up in to logs small enough to be able to muscle them up to the road for pick up. Tom's chainsaw has an 18" blade and he couldn't cut through most of these trees without three cuts. The lumber yard has reopened with basically windows and doors. The men needed seven boards and had twelve to chose from. They replaced a broken window in the house and have started replacing window sills.

Jerod worked at the POD (Point of Distribution) driving the forklift and unloading semi's full of supplies. We are again amazed by our two young fellow campers. They are such hard workers and they are living in a little tent sharing our doorless bathroom and our meals. Their parents can be very proud of them.

I sewed curtain valances yesterday and made a dent. There are about two dozen windows to sew for and I am not quite half way done. I brought fabrics from my home stash and they are working out perfectly. It was like it was meant to be.

We have handed out all of the quilts we brought with us. We will need to do more so for all of my fabric stashing quilt friends please consider doing twin bed size quilts for this center. We need cotton batting and we need them machine quilted as they are washed often and tied quilts will not last. These children come to the center with all kinds of hygiene issues and bed wetting problems and so bedding is washed often. We think that another group is doing a sheet shower for the center. Some of you have asked what you can do. The kitchen here has no pots, pans, baking sheets, utensils, drawer dividers... all of the things that we take for granted.

November 7th, 2005

Today was my birthday. It was a nice, calm day as birthday's go and that's what I like. The part that was just a little bit tougher was that it's my 30th birthday! It's not so much the number, but just a realization that I am getting older. I've been wearing contacts for more than half my life, driving for almost half, voting for more than a decade, etc., etc., etc. So while I'm not freaked about the big 3-0, it's just a little startling to realize that some of the things that for so long were milestones are so long in the past. Here's to the future ones then!

For my birthday I was treated to this and this:


I know the picture would be nicer if the gleaming silver bowl were in the mixer, but I've used it so many times that it's hard to find five minutes when it's clean! Vinay also bought me a dozen beautiful red roses - what a man! Amiya treated me to a dozen red-faced tantrums - what a girl! I'm not sure she gets the concept of "gift" because these didn't bring me much happiness and I'd return them if I could.

My birthday dinner was perfect. I'd had a severe pregnancy headache all afternoon, so I told Vinay that all I wanted was for Amiya to be in bed and us to have a quiet meal without cajoling just one more bite of vegetables out of a toddler. I sent him out for a turkey sub, a bag of Doritos and a root beer. Just what a pregnant lady wants I tell you! I had thought of some delicious Thai food or maybe even my Italian favorite eggplant parmesan, but in this (still, annoyingly) hot Florida weather and with a headache, a sub with a cold, cold root beer is just the thing. And, despite all these cake classes, no cake for me. Amazing what being around the stuff so much does to your desire to have it. I need to take an ice cream class, a tortilla chip class, a pizza class, etc. Every class but a salad class and I'd be set.

And the turkey goes to....

Nisha didi!

I'd make it blink for you if I knew how Nisha, but I don't! Just know that Amiya loves you!

Turkey Feather Update

Just in case you were wondering:

Friday - Super Grandma
Saturday - Super Grandpa
Sunday - Babaji

Waveland, MS Monday, Nov. 5 & 6, 2005

Good Monday morning from Waveland, Mississippi. As we told you earlier this past weekend was our opportunity to complete the painting at Hope Haven Home for Abused Children. www.hopehavenshelter.org The building is temporarily headquarters for Hancock County Social Services because their building was leveled and washed away. The home consists of about 16 rooms. On Saturday we finished priming the walls and yesterday we completed the painting. It was easier because every room is the same color and so we just kept "rolling" along. It was two long hard days of painting and we are glad that part of the job is complete. The four of us along with our young couple were the painters. I brought fabric along and my sewing machine and have started sewing valances for all the windows. Full curtains and drapes are not practical because if a child arrives with head lice all fabric items in the house must be washed. There are so many things that we take for granted. The house uses disposable dishes because of the danger of transmitting some of the diseases the kids come in with. Although we are wondering if an industrial type sanitizer dishwasher would meet the needs here and allow them to use dishes that would make it feel more like a normal home? The stories of abuse that some of these children have endured would tear the heart out of the strongest of you.

Terri and I attended services at the little Baptist church across the street on Sunday morning. The service was held outside in the parking lot and we were warmly welcomed by the congregation of about 100. 90% of their people are gone. We again were impressed by the upbeat, positive attitude we encountered. The choir was lovely and the preaching was moving. We were so glad that we attended.

We also wanted you to know about the role of the Red Cross down here. They have small trucks that drive a set route each day delivering water, juices, snacks and hot meals along the way. We met people from Oklahoma and (Yahoo!) Wisconsin. They drive their route and stop in front of every house where people might be working and toot their horn. Anyone can get a meal from them and it makes it great because you don't need to try to go to the "Rainbow Cafe" for a meal. So many here are gutting out their houses and have nothing to cook with or on. We know the Red Cross is doing many more things here as well so your donations do make a difference.

New Orleans, LA November 4, 2005

Hello Everyone,

It's Friday night and we are just back from New Orleans. It was our relax day today and we used it to do laundry up in Kiln, Mississippi. Only a few washers and dryers working in one of the two Laundromats in Hancock County. We also found the "Broke Spoke" bar but it was closed. We did write our messages to Brett Favre on the wall along with hundreds of others. We also found what is left of his mothers restaurant.

We headed to New Orleans in the afternoon and found that the southbound bridge of I-10 into New Orleans was partially blown away. The north bound bridge is used for both directions. We had cafe au lait and cafe noir at the "Cafe DuMonde". We also had begneits. To die for! Then we met a friend from northern Wisconsin's daughter and passed on four quilts made especially for people she knows who lost everything. This lovely young lady led us to a quiet little street on the edge of the French Quarter where we ate shrimp, red beans and rice, greens and andouille sausages. We strolled down the same street weaving our way through piles of garbage and discarded refrigerators that smelled nasty. Almost everyone in the hurricane zone lost their frig's because the power was gone for weeks and food in them spoiled. We ducked into a "jazz" club and listened to a live group for a bit. Very nice to see that New Orleaners are working to take things back to normal.

On the way back to Waveland we found a Lowes open in Slidell, Louisiana and bought a shower curtain and curtain rods for the Hope Haven House. You do not know how luxurious a shower curtain is until you until you don't have one.

We are already feeling that we just won't have enough time to make a dent and we are thinking ahead to how we could come back down and do more. This situation will not be remedied in a few months. It will be years before the damage is repaired and twenty years before trees look like a normal landscape.

We had our first ignorant comment today in New Orleans. A man called out to us "it's time for all the carpetbaggers to go home" when he saw our plates on the truck. Our thought was "Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought an idiot than to open your mouth and confirm it."

Thanks for all the words of encouragement. Love, T, C, D and T

Waveland, MS Thursday, November 3, 2005

Hello Everyone,

We had another great day yesterday. We've been asked how we found this job. We contacted the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity and did not get replies and in fairness to them they are swamped. I then went on line and got into the state of Mississippi web site. They had a link for Disaster Relief help.

Thursday, the men painted the finish coat on the activity center room walls. Then they repaired a storage shed and made it water tight. Terry and I tackled another shed that was the lawn and tool shed. When we opened the door we nearly flipped. What a mess! Lawn mowers, tools, blowers,dozens of paint cans, oil, boxes of nails and house supplies and all mixed in to a muddled muddy mass. We debated, wait and work up our courage or hit it and get it over with. We hit it and cleaned it out. Most everything gets heaped on piles next to the road and then bull dozers come in periodically and doze and load garbage. The men found a hardware store and bought a few doors that they can install at the house. We had a young couple show up from Washington state with a tent and they will be here for a month or so. The six of us were invited for Spaghetti at the director of the centers house. It was a lovely evening and a nice break for he and his wife as the stress of dealing with day to day challenges here are heavy. The WalMart reopened here in a tent and has only basic groceries. A major step.

We did not take photos but will get many today. I have handed out all but a few baby quilts. I gave the three quilts from Cheri and Barb to three boys, grandsons of Hope Haven house, whose home was totally lost. They were so happy. The Red Wagon group quilts are being delivered Friday as we are headed towards New Orleans and looking for a laundromat. Have called DeeDee's daughter but she has not called back yet. Today is our rest day because we will work All day Sat and Sun in the center. The social services people will be off and we can work uninterrupted. We have a little southern Baptist church across the street that is totally gutted. We can see studs inside and nothing else and they are having service Sunday morning. So we are going. We are told that this is a black church by choice and I asked a little elderly lady at the meal dome if we would be welcome. She assured us we would.

We are doing this because we can not because we are looking for pats on the back, Nor is it our intention to put weight on those who can not be here. Everyone can help in someway. A local teacher was in yesterday and we helped her chose toys for her class. People here are so angry with our government relief plans but they all say that the people of America have been wonderful. We say a hand painted sign on a pile of rubbish that said "Thank you for helping us" It was directed at the volunteers coming in on this highway. This has made us aware of how much we take for granted. Look for a large report with photos of New Orleans tonight.

D, T, T and C

Turkey and then Turkey

Today Amiya is a genuine toddler turkey. She woke up at 6 AM on the dot, crooning to me through the monitor. "Mommy, I'm ready! Mommy, I'm awake." Mommy wasn't ready or awake and so there Amiya stayed singing to Bear for a good bit of time. The time change is killing Mommy!!!

Today is the day Daddy comes home. Ask me how many times we've talked about this in the 1.5 hours this child has been awake. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled that he's coming home and I'm thrilled that she is so in love with her Daddy. It's just scary that I'm actually trying to initiate conversations about Clifford or Elmo instead of talking about going to the airport yet again!

And finally, today's turkey feather goes to Grandpa! Like Grandma's feather, absolutely no hesitation about who she loves!

Two Waveland, MS Sites

If you're interested in more information on Waveland's recovery efforts, please visit the following sites:

Rising from Ruin

FEMA Forgot Waveland

Waveland, Mississippi, November 3, 2005

Hello Everyone,

The weather here is beautiful today and makes it easier for those who are sleeping in their cars and on cots. Today we found a grocery store about ten miles away that had just reopened and picked up a few things. When we came out we stopped a young couple with four little children to ask if they needed quilts or toys. They said no they needed a place to live.

Tom and Dennis worked at cutting trees and moving wood again during the day. Terri and I went up to a grocery store parking lot where FEMA has a huge dome tent set up to feed people. Right now they are feeding about 300-400 people at each of three meals a day. The people that are working here are primarily what you might classify as hippies, dreadlocks, piercings, tribal clothing and flip flops. All young, in their 20's, and absolutely amazing. There are dishwashing tanks set up, cooking tents, and it looks like no one in charge and yet everything gets done. The philosophy is that you do what ever needs doing. Terri and I are called sister and mama interchangeably by the group. Todays lunch was fried rice with eggs and veggies, teriyaki chicken or hamburgers, green salad, bread, milk or water. After lunch we washed down tables, cleaned up and then cut several bushels of squash into chunks for tonight's dinner. This center also has a food distribution center where people can come and get groceries. We then met the met and worked at the shelter painting until 9. A long day but a good day.

We are learning what things we should be sending out to the relief efforts. Clothing is in abundance. People need everything for their homes, pans, pots, dishes, towels, bedding, dishes, etc. A suggestion for you, package clothing in zip up plastic bags and label them with sizes, etc.
That's all for today.

Waveland, Mississippi - Tuesday, November 1, 2005

This is the house that we are revamping.

It actually doesn't look too bad compared to the photos I have been sending. That's because immediately after the storm a group of Seabees was dropped in here to help this town. All city offices, library, fire, police were totally destroyed and so saving other things of use to the community became a priority and this shelter for abused children moved way up on the list. The Seabees dragged out every piece of mud soaked furniture, appliances and fixtures. The storm had flooded to the roof lines of this house. Three weeks before Katrina they had finished and opened an addition to this house that normally houses about a dozen children at any given time. The Seabees also ripped out all of the tile floors, wiring, plumbing, drywall until the house was a shell. They then rewired, plumbed, drywalled and repaired the exterior. They also cut up and moved all of the large trees that were destroyed and in the yard and hauled away all of the garbage. So then we volunteered to come do whatever they needed help doing and the center was happy to have us. Before we arrived some things changed because the social services department of this county had also been totally demolished. The board of this center decided that SS had the greater need at this time and is allowing them to use the building for the day. So we work in the center after 5 at night and do the painting and trim work. During the day we have been working anywhere they need us. The last two days Terry and I opened and sorted through at least 100 boxes of toys donated. We have been handing out toys and quilts to people and they are so grateful for anything. Thanks to the ladies of Winter, WI for the 63 quilts you sent. Many of the toys came from a drive in the Washington, Missouri area. The ladies from one of the churches sent a case of cookbooks to be sold as a money maker but no one here has money to buy them. Terry and I offered to take them back home and sell them. We'll then send the money to the center.
We are learning that there are better ways to send donations for things like this. We saw a parking lot that had clothing just dumped on the ground and people could dig through it. Yes, it gets dirty and rained on and will probably be bull dozed eventually. Wasted effort and donations.
We are amazed at the upbeat attitude of people. They are discouraged and unhappy about the way insurance companies and the government has responded to this but are so pleased for any help that comes their way. We also hear many stories of people coming in to take advantage of the situation. They say we'll repair your roof for X$ but need 50% cash up front because banks are not open. Then they disappear with the money. Same thing with tree cutting, gutting, and so on. Tomorrow I'll try to get a picture that shows the trailers that are everywhere. We had a lady that has foster children and they are nine total living in a 2 bedroom FEMA trailer. Trust me these FEMA trailers are bare bones basic and have no dishes, pots, pans, sheets, towels, supplies... and of course the people living in them don't have them either. Katrina took it all. The interstate 10 was under several feet of water and you see refrigerators, beds, furniture, clothing all along the sides where they bull dozed it to the side so help could get in. All in all it has been a tiring day but very rewarding. We'll close today with 2 more pictures from this city. The first is a house blown off of its lot and the second is the American Legion. By the way, many homes have their addresses spray painted on the front because they were moved to other lots by the Katrina waves. Please let us know if you do not want these updates. Oh and if any of you want to help, get in your campers or borrow a tent and come on down. There's room for you right next to us on this lot and plenty of ways to make a difference. The area is amazingly safe and we have a county sheriff living in a trailer next door because hazmat teams are now gutting his house. We really need a plumber and an electrician here so if you can please come on down!
Terry, Dennis, Tom and Christine