Anirud arrived in this world on a warm wednesday evening in April 2005. Since then, he has been our world. This blog would attempt to capture the footsteps he takes.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Performance
'Appa, how was my performance?' asked my boy beaming with pride. He was all smiles when he came down from the stage, after the nativity play was over. It was nice to see him on stage. As soon as he entered the stage, he scanned the audience looking for us. However, after spotting us recording the event, he went about his job and remained cool. In short, to answer his question - it was GREAT. :)
Anirud played the role of an 'inn keeper', wearing the Arabian costume. Being a play enacted by 3 to 5 year olds, it was nice, funny and enjoyable. No one had any dialogues to speak and the kids did exceedingly well. Can't imagine the hard work put in by the school staff in getting the brats do what they were supposed to do. Being seated at the end, flash lights of our camera were not good enough to picture him properly resulting in the horrible picture as above. But I have a feeling that the video has come out well.
After the play, Anirud did talk to all the teachers individually presenting a small gift and biding them good bye.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Conversation
Anirud: Where does Srilankan airlines fly to?
Me: To Srilanka from many places
A: Has Srilanka got an airport?
Me: Yes, they have one at Colombo.
A: Did they built it only now? Or is it there for a long time?
Me: It is very much around for a long time.
A: Then why did Anjaneyar fly to Srilanka. He could have gone by flight, no?
Me: To Srilanka from many places
A: Has Srilanka got an airport?
Me: Yes, they have one at Colombo.
A: Did they built it only now? Or is it there for a long time?
Me: It is very much around for a long time.
A: Then why did Anjaneyar fly to Srilanka. He could have gone by flight, no?
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Getting to know about his day
There was a time when it was very difficult to get any information from Anirud about what happened at school or if he had any fruit or whatever. It is not that we want to probe every minute of what he does, but were generally curious to know what he has been up to. Also, if ever he is upset over something, it will be easy to deal with if we get to have the background story.
Takin
g cue from a TV programme, every day when we sat down for lunch we used to say what we have been doing since morning. That seemed to work like a charm as he started showing interest in bragging what he did, by including every bit of detail he could remember.
Takin
g cue from a TV programme, every day when we sat down for lunch we used to say what we have been doing since morning. That seemed to work like a charm as he started showing interest in bragging what he did, by including every bit of detail he could remember.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Quotes
இந்த ஊர் சர்ச்-ல பிரிட்டிஷ் உம்மாச்சி தான் இருப்பாரு. ஆனா, நம்ம வீட்லயும், கோவில்-லயும் இந்தியன் உம்மாச்சி எல்லாம் இருப்பாரு.
(Only British God live in the churches of this country (UK). But you can find Indian gods in our home and temples).
Never knew that Gods have nationality. ;-)
(Only British God live in the churches of this country (UK). But you can find Indian gods in our home and temples).
Never knew that Gods have nationality. ;-)
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Nativity Play
Anirud's school is planning for a nativity play on the last day of the term (11th December) and this brat is playing the role of an 'inn keeper'. For the last few days, he has been narrating us about bits of the play and the roles played by his peers. I am looking forward to next Friday as I missed the one last year. 11th December will be Anirud's last day at this wonderful school, as he will be moving to a primary school from the next term onwards.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Riddle Time
These days, Anirud is in a the mood to set riddles.
"Can you guess who it is appa? His name starts with A and ends with 'rrrrrrrr'. He will have a gadhai (mace) in his hand and he is a ummaachi (God). Who is that?".
When we say a wrong answer, his joy doubles and he screams out 'No pa.. that is Anjaneyaaar'. There are more such stuff in his kitty and it is real fun indeed.
"Can you guess who it is appa? His name starts with A and ends with 'rrrrrrrr'. He will have a gadhai (mace) in his hand and he is a ummaachi (God). Who is that?".
When we say a wrong answer, his joy doubles and he screams out 'No pa.. that is Anjaneyaaar'. There are more such stuff in his kitty and it is real fun indeed.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Anirud on stage
Every year, we used to celebrate Diwali with a group of 100 other people in the form of a day long event. There will be opportunities to exhibit one's talent and this year, Anirud for the first time got up on stage and 'performed' in front of a sizeable crowd. His performance was nothing but telling couple of Tamil rhymes. The best part of that is his voice was clear, crisp and at the right volume. He had no hesitation while saying those rhymes and for the first performance, we think it came out really well.
These are the two rhymes he said on stage starting with a 'Vanakkam'. :)
சின்ன சின்ன மோட்டார்
சிங்கார மோட்டார்
நாலு சக்கர மோட்டார்
நான் ஏறும் மோட்டார்
'பாம் பாம்' மோட்டார்
பாய்ந்து செல்லும் மோட்டார்
--
ஆனை ஆனை அழகர் ஆனை
அழகரும் சொக்கரும் ஏறும் ஆனை
கட்டுக் கரும்பை முறிக்கும் ஆனை
காவேரி நீரை கலக்கும் ஆனை
எட்டித் தேங்காய் பறிக்கும் ஆனை
குட்டி யானைக்கு கொம்பு முளைச்சுதாம்
பட்டணமெல்லாம் பறந்தோடி போச்சாம்.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Speaking in Tamil
Considering the fact that Anirud has been living in UK since he was 5 month old, his conversations in Tamil are reasonably fine - until now. We are not sure how his language will shape up when he goes full time schooling. However, the way he pronounces some of the words are real funny.
Naana (நானா?) - Naava (நாவா?)
Ammavoda (அம்மாவோட) - Ammanoda (அம்மானோட)
This basically comes up from 'unnoda', 'ennoda' (உன்னோட, என்னோட) kind of words. He simply started applying the last bit to 'appa', 'amma' etc. ;-))
Naana (நானா?) - Naava (நாவா?)
Ammavoda (அம்மாவோட) - Ammanoda (அம்மானோட)
This basically comes up from 'unnoda', 'ennoda' (உன்னோட, என்னோட) kind of words. He simply started applying the last bit to 'appa', 'amma' etc. ;-))
Friday, October 02, 2009
Point and Shoot :)
Perhaps, Anirud will not like to view this as a key milestone in his life. But, in my opinion it is. The biggest development of our recent Indian trip is that he learnt to pee from standing position. ;-))
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
India Trip
After a gap of two years, we made a three week trip to India in August-September.
Anirud's excitement and questioning began right from the moment we stepped out of home. As always, he took intrest in everything - right from the trolley to passports to the signboards to the logos of various airliners. Inside the flight, as he had an exclusive remote to fiddle with he was very happy switching channels and watching the flight path. Seems that he had attentively listened to every announcement made by the crew, as he was saying days later - 'Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to Mumbai'.
At Mumbai, while we were travelling between the terminals, the driver of the bus we were travelling honked. This brat, who had never listened to a horn for that long expressed surprise by asking us if that was indeed the sound of a horn. We expected him to ask that question everytime he heard one, but thankfully he learnt what it is and we were spared.
As we had a wedding and an engagement in the family during this trip, for the first time Anirud met quite a few people and that too all at once. He was very much at ease with many of them although quite expectedly, all through the three week period, his two grandpas were his best mates. Both of them literally danced to his tunes. For the first time, Anirud even stayed in our absence with his maternal grandparents for a few days.
But for the fever he suffered with for couple of days, it was a good trip for everyone. Anirud enjoyed every day of his stay in India and to some extent was able to understand that UK and India are two different countries, far apart and with different ways of life.
Anirud's excitement and questioning began right from the moment we stepped out of home. As always, he took intrest in everything - right from the trolley to passports to the signboards to the logos of various airliners. Inside the flight, as he had an exclusive remote to fiddle with he was very happy switching channels and watching the flight path. Seems that he had attentively listened to every announcement made by the crew, as he was saying days later - 'Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to Mumbai'.
At Mumbai, while we were travelling between the terminals, the driver of the bus we were travelling honked. This brat, who had never listened to a horn for that long expressed surprise by asking us if that was indeed the sound of a horn. We expected him to ask that question everytime he heard one, but thankfully he learnt what it is and we were spared.
As we had a wedding and an engagement in the family during this trip, for the first time Anirud met quite a few people and that too all at once. He was very much at ease with many of them although quite expectedly, all through the three week period, his two grandpas were his best mates. Both of them literally danced to his tunes. For the first time, Anirud even stayed in our absence with his maternal grandparents for a few days.
But for the fever he suffered with for couple of days, it was a good trip for everyone. Anirud enjoyed every day of his stay in India and to some extent was able to understand that UK and India are two different countries, far apart and with different ways of life.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Thousands and Thousands
Few months ago, 'two' was the default quantity for Anirud when it came to 'time'. It was always '2 minutes' for everything. He will need '2 more minutes' for getting up from bed, will get ready in 2 minutes and what not. He would even 'become hungry in 2 minutes' (innum 2 minutes-la enakku pasikkum). Not sure when, but two minutes is now gone for good. Instead, it is 'thousands and thousands' now. While 'two minutes' stood for 'few minutes' (konja neram), 'thousands and thousands' stand for 'lot of time' (romba neram). These days, he goes on like 'I want to play for 1000s and 1000s of minutes' ('Naan innum thousands and thousands of minutes velayaadanum'), 'It will take 1000s and 1000s of minutes to go to India' etc.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Richard Branson
After months of Obama-mania, Richard Branson is Anirud's hero of the moment. It all started when I was reading the said man's book with his photo on the cover. Anirud pointed to Branson's photo and queried who he is and what he does. From that point onwards, when ever he saw the Virgin logo, he recalled Richard Branson. To his joy, he could spot the logo literally at hundreds of locations. On the other day, he saw a Virgin train speeding by and Anirud got excited and said that Branson and his friends were travelling in that one. When he spotted the Virgin Atlantic lounge at the airport, he started calling Heathrow as 'Richard Branson Airport'. Best part was when he declared one day: 'When I become a big boy, I will grow beard like Richard Branson'. :)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Ice Age & 3-D Glasses
To kill time during the holidays, Anirud was taken to watch 'Ice Age -3' movie at a cinema (theatre). As it was a 3-D movie, he was given a pair of spectacles, which was much larger than his face. Funniest bit is when he brought that specs home and used that when he was watching other movies on the telly.
Friday, August 07, 2009
London Bridge is falling down
London Bridge is falling down,
Falling down, falling down,
London Bridge is falling down,
My fair lady.
This popular nursery rhyme is one of Anirud's favourite since he was two. When he grew up, he started questioning us about the bridge falling down and we tried to explain him about the Tower Bridge and the way it works. However much we explain, he still had his own doubts and it was then we decided to take him along to the bridge so that he can see it for himself. The bridge opens and closes only at a certain time and we had to run from the train station to make it just on time. Now Anirud is aware of what it means by falling down and he is seen explaining that with his hands to those who care to listen.
Falling down, falling down,
London Bridge is falling down,
My fair lady.
This popular nursery rhyme is one of Anirud's favourite since he was two. When he grew up, he started questioning us about the bridge falling down and we tried to explain him about the Tower Bridge and the way it works. However much we explain, he still had his own doubts and it was then we decided to take him along to the bridge so that he can see it for himself. The bridge opens and closes only at a certain time and we had to run from the train station to make it just on time. Now Anirud is aware of what it means by falling down and he is seen explaining that with his hands to those who care to listen.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Transport Museum
Visited the Transport Museum at London, which I would rate as a hidden gem. At ten pounds, the ticket price is quite steep but for those interested in history and transport, there are quite a lot of things to see and know. The top 2 floors were a little boring for Anirud as we spent quite a bit of time reading through the descriptions. But, when it came to trains and buses and trams, it was all his. Anirud had a field day running on all the buses, sitting on the driver's seat and what not.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Summer Holidays
Summer holidays have already begun. The school term ended with a farewell to the kids who will be moving to the primary school. Anirud has one more term at this school and so is the case with two of his closest friends. On the last day of the term, they also bid farewell to one of the teachers who is leaving the school and Anirud promptly asked me to be photographed along with her. The school is reopening after sixty days and as if that is not enough, he will be missing the first week of the next term because of our holiday plans. It is quite a challenging task to keep him occupied all through the summer, although the last few weeks of our holidays will be spent in India attendig a wedding.
Talking about wedding, it is the first wedding that Anirud will be attending. Thanks to the Tamil movies we see at home, he has got an idea that wedding involves lots of flowers and shiny new clothes. But, I am sure he has no clue about the scale of the event back home. It is going to be an exciting time for him and we are gearing ourselves for the questions he is gonna throw at us.
Talking about wedding, it is the first wedding that Anirud will be attending. Thanks to the Tamil movies we see at home, he has got an idea that wedding involves lots of flowers and shiny new clothes. But, I am sure he has no clue about the scale of the event back home. It is going to be an exciting time for him and we are gearing ourselves for the questions he is gonna throw at us.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Safari Fancy Dress Party
As the end of term approached, Anirud's school had Safari Fancy Dress party, for which he dressed up as a camel, although he looked anything but. What counted is that he was more than happy wearing that dress that he didn't want to remove it for a very long time even after the party got over. It was funny to see the kids dressed up like various animals
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Quote
St Michaels church ku ponen.
(I went to the St Michael's Church)
Anga, oru man ipdi hand-a vechindu (hands stretched) kann ellam moodindu ninnundu irundaaru.
(A man was standing there like this (hands stretched) and with his eyes closed)
Andha man-oda name daan God.
(That man's name is God)
(I went to the St Michael's Church)
Anga, oru man ipdi hand-a vechindu (hands stretched) kann ellam moodindu ninnundu irundaaru.
(A man was standing there like this (hands stretched) and with his eyes closed)
Andha man-oda name daan God.
(That man's name is God)
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Scooter
After his cycle, scooter is Anirud's latest toy. We bought him one last year, but that was not so kids-friendly. So, we went in for a new scooter and already Anirud has extracted every penny's worth of that. Best thing about this one is, he could use it indoors and literally everywhere. On the other day, we went shopping at IKEA and this fella was circling the aisles non-stop for several hours on his scooter. More than anything else, it allowed us to shop peacefully without him getting bored.
It is very weird that what we call scooter in UK is not the scooter that we know in India. Same goes with bike as well. When we go to India next month for holidays, we will have to do lot of explaining when Anirud is gonna trumpet his exploits with the scooter.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Legoland
Took Anirud to Legoland, a visit that was long overdue and something that kept getting pushed back due to bad weather, work load and what not.
He had fun every bit of the day and went on as many as fifteen rides. The fact that we chose to go on a week day meant that the queues were much shorter. Anirud spotted a 'Driving School' in the map and wanted to go there. His face was glowing when we approached the place and saw the 'L' sign. However, that attraction was meant to be for 6-13 year olds and Anirud was mighty pissed off - to say the least. They did have another one for 3-5 year olds, but it perhaps appeared as a very poor substitute. Walking all day long in the hot weather and hunger made him throw tantrum at that stage and he just wanted to get out of the park. He relented only when the queue for the Little Kid's Driving School shortened further. He had his fun there and with photographs taken and a 'licence' issued, the brat returned to his normal self. Check the picture for the licence he was seen sporting around.
We came back with quite a couple of souvenirs and it was indeed a great day.
He had fun every bit of the day and went on as many as fifteen rides. The fact that we chose to go on a week day meant that the queues were much shorter. Anirud spotted a 'Driving School' in the map and wanted to go there. His face was glowing when we approached the place and saw the 'L' sign. However, that attraction was meant to be for 6-13 year olds and Anirud was mighty pissed off - to say the least. They did have another one for 3-5 year olds, but it perhaps appeared as a very poor substitute. Walking all day long in the hot weather and hunger made him throw tantrum at that stage and he just wanted to get out of the park. He relented only when the queue for the Little Kid's Driving School shortened further. He had his fun there and with photographs taken and a 'licence' issued, the brat returned to his normal self. Check the picture for the licence he was seen sporting around.
We came back with quite a couple of souvenirs and it was indeed a great day.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Cycling
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Question Time
'Appa, Gordon Brown BJP-aa?'
(Does Gordon Brown belong to BJP?)
Why do we have nails? It has no use. We just cut them out anyway.
Will Manmohan 'Sing'h be singing all the time?
(Does Gordon Brown belong to BJP?)
Why do we have nails? It has no use. We just cut them out anyway.
Will Manmohan 'Sing'h be singing all the time?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Birthday Present for Daddy
Sometime during last winter, Anirud realised that I haven't got a woolly hat to cover my head. Since then, he was telling that he will be getting a woolly hat for my birthday. We are not sure when he dropped that from his agenda, but very often he will claim that he will get something or other as a 'present'. Few weeks back, after returning from school one day he asked me to close my eyes saying that he will be giving a present. With all my innocence, I closed my eyes and stretched out my hand thinking that he will be handing in a drawing or artwork that he did at school. But this dirty brat, picked his nose and placed it on my palm. What a good display of picking up tricks at school.
That naughtiness apart, when he was told by his mom that my birthday is approaching, he started pestering her to get me some presents. Upon being questioned about what to buy, it was so sweet of him to have dished out various suggestions including 'how about a toy mummy?' Finally, he (well, its my other half) selected a nice looking pair of cufflinks with the letters 'Dad' embossed on it. One should see the glow on his face when I wore it on the other day. He was beaming with pride saying 'appa, naanum mummy-um idhai vaanginom pa' (Mummy and I bought it for you, Daddy). Oh, that was so sweet of you dear.
There was a bit of fun on that as well. My wife added a tie clip to the box and it seems that Anirud didn't realise that. He was like 'Mummy, why have you put a nail cutter in this box'. :)
That naughtiness apart, when he was told by his mom that my birthday is approaching, he started pestering her to get me some presents. Upon being questioned about what to buy, it was so sweet of him to have dished out various suggestions including 'how about a toy mummy?' Finally, he (well, its my other half) selected a nice looking pair of cufflinks with the letters 'Dad' embossed on it. One should see the glow on his face when I wore it on the other day. He was beaming with pride saying 'appa, naanum mummy-um idhai vaanginom pa' (Mummy and I bought it for you, Daddy). Oh, that was so sweet of you dear.
There was a bit of fun on that as well. My wife added a tie clip to the box and it seems that Anirud didn't realise that. He was like 'Mummy, why have you put a nail cutter in this box'. :)
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Brand Consciousness
It is the same - A for Apple, B for Boy stuff. But this bugger has been consistently and consciously replacing the standard examples with the brands that he is aware of.
A for Asda
D for DHL
R for Royal Mail
S for Sainsbury's
T for Tesco
A for Asda
D for DHL
R for Royal Mail
S for Sainsbury's
T for Tesco
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Periyappa
Living far away from our home country, we seldom have any visitors at home in the form of relatives. We can easily count with one hand the number of relatives who have visited us so far. When I told Anirud that his 'periappa' (paternal uncle - elder) will be visiting us and that we will be driving to a nearby town to collect him from the hotel, he didn't show any interest. However, once 'Balaji Periyappa' came in and settled down, he stuck to him like a glue never refusing to leave him even for a moment. It was periyappa all day long for few days. When periyappa bid adieu, Anirud started crying and he didn't want to leave. Weeks later, he is still under the assumption that his periyappa will be returning back after a short stint in India.
After this episode, I strongly feel that this is something that Anirud will miss very badly, as a result of growing up in a foreign land. If we were in India, however busy we were, there will be some opportunity in the form of a wedding or numerous domestic occasions to meet the near and dear. Here in UK, despite our best efforts, he may not even hear about various cousins, let alone meet, hug and play with them. Telephone calls will never quite replace the personal touch and warmth, that the extended family could bring. This, probably might lead to some soul searching.
After this episode, I strongly feel that this is something that Anirud will miss very badly, as a result of growing up in a foreign land. If we were in India, however busy we were, there will be some opportunity in the form of a wedding or numerous domestic occasions to meet the near and dear. Here in UK, despite our best efforts, he may not even hear about various cousins, let alone meet, hug and play with them. Telephone calls will never quite replace the personal touch and warmth, that the extended family could bring. This, probably might lead to some soul searching.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Fourth Birthday
Anirud's fourth birthday was a semi-low key affair. :) We had two of our closest friends at our place for dinner. A week before, when 'Shanya' (Saranya) aunty offered to prepare a birthday cake for him, Anirud promptly asked for a green one as that is his favourite colour (He has been telling us that he will be changing his favourite colour soon). Apart from the football cake that every one liked, he got some enviable gifts as well. As his school reopened after Easter break, a day after Anirud's birthday - he had another round of celebrations by cutting a 'Thomas - The Tank Engine' cake and sharing it with his peers.
Monday, April 20, 2009
4 Years!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Easter Bonnet
We were not aware of Easter Bonnet until we were asked by Anirud's school to get one ready for today. Today is the last day of the term, before the school breaks for Easter and they wanted every kid to be with a bonnet today. As it is, Easter Bonnet is nothing but a decorated hat, traditionally worn by women during Easter time.
Anirud's mom put up lot of effort in getting the hat decorated, while I contributed to the activity by supervising her. The result of 40 minute work was a nicely decorated, but girlish looking bonnet. As we were quite new to this concept and also since Google Images returned few pictures of boys wearing such bonnets, we excused ourselves for the girlishness bit. What mattered in the end is, Anirud liked it every bit and much to our relief, we saw few other boys at school having such bonnets.
Anirud's mom put up lot of effort in getting the hat decorated, while I contributed to the activity by supervising her. The result of 40 minute work was a nicely decorated, but girlish looking bonnet. As we were quite new to this concept and also since Google Images returned few pictures of boys wearing such bonnets, we excused ourselves for the girlishness bit. What mattered in the end is, Anirud liked it every bit and much to our relief, we saw few other boys at school having such bonnets.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Tennis
We enrolled Anirud for Tennis lessons at a local club. The lessons will be with a group of children of his age and that will be for about 30 minutes every week. It is not our intention to make him a Federer or Nadal (we certainly don't mind if he becomes one eventually ;-)), but our idea is to pull him out of the couch and make him get some exercise. One of the first lessons for this couch potato is to place the ball on the racquet and walk a certain distance balancing the racquet. He did pretty well on that, much to our surprise and that of the coach. So far, he has been there for 2 weeks and he seems to like it. If he continues to like it, we might think about increasing the frequency of lessons and see how he does.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Statue of Liberty
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Parents Day @ School
Every school term, Anirud's school organises a day where the parents can go in and have a look at what their wards are up to. As it is a school based on montessori way of teaching, on a typical day children are mostly on their own exploring with various stuff in the school (there are loads of things for them to look/feel and learn) while the teachers (directress, as they are called) gently guide them appropriately.
On the day when parents where invited, children were asked to show their parents what they normally do. Although his initial reaction to my presence inside the school was like 'what the heck are you doing at my place', he got over it and took me around to various tables and started to explain things with lot of pride. He struggled hard when trying to get the torch bulb glow by connecting the wires to the battery and eventually succeeded. As he normally likes any role play, he was more than happy to be a vet in the Vet's corner. He was very excited to show me so many things around that the way he moved around the place had an air of 'this is my place and I know what I am doing' kind of attitude.
I also got a chance to have a detailed chat with his key worker away from his earshot and was pleased to hear that he was doing well. She reported that everything is fine with him and also that he is good in 'trying' out things, rather than sit laid back. He seems to come out as a bright kid in generaland it was an interesting observation that he likes activities where he gets to use his hands a lot more (example - playing with a play dough etc). She did mention about the way he adores two other teachers - Miss Fiona and Miss Lucy, whose names we hear a lot when Anirud talks.
One little concern that came out was the way in which Anirud approaches other children. More often than not, when he wants to join other children in some activity, it seems that he just barges in taking them for granted. The other children, who are also 3 or 4 year olds doesn't seem to like that. All he needs to do is to learn the art of 'asking', which I am sure he will pick up gradually.
In all, the visit to the school gave us a feel good factor about what and how Anirud is doing away from home and we also had few action items on us as well.
On the day when parents where invited, children were asked to show their parents what they normally do. Although his initial reaction to my presence inside the school was like 'what the heck are you doing at my place', he got over it and took me around to various tables and started to explain things with lot of pride. He struggled hard when trying to get the torch bulb glow by connecting the wires to the battery and eventually succeeded. As he normally likes any role play, he was more than happy to be a vet in the Vet's corner. He was very excited to show me so many things around that the way he moved around the place had an air of 'this is my place and I know what I am doing' kind of attitude.
I also got a chance to have a detailed chat with his key worker away from his earshot and was pleased to hear that he was doing well. She reported that everything is fine with him and also that he is good in 'trying' out things, rather than sit laid back. He seems to come out as a bright kid in generaland it was an interesting observation that he likes activities where he gets to use his hands a lot more (example - playing with a play dough etc). She did mention about the way he adores two other teachers - Miss Fiona and Miss Lucy, whose names we hear a lot when Anirud talks.
One little concern that came out was the way in which Anirud approaches other children. More often than not, when he wants to join other children in some activity, it seems that he just barges in taking them for granted. The other children, who are also 3 or 4 year olds doesn't seem to like that. All he needs to do is to learn the art of 'asking', which I am sure he will pick up gradually.
In all, the visit to the school gave us a feel good factor about what and how Anirud is doing away from home and we also had few action items on us as well.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Theory
Q: Anjaneyar with his tail on fire jumps in to the flowing river. What will happen now?
A: The river will have hot water.
A: The river will have hot water.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Take a Guess
Before reading any further, take a look at this picture and try to guess what it is.
Anirud 'drew/painted' this and claims this blue-green mess to be an ambulance. Irrespective of whenever or however you ask him, his answer has been consistent. Also, he went over board by proudly displaying his work of art and asking his mom to point at the doors of the ambulance. Unable to bear that annoyance, she put her hand somewhere on the picture and said that this is where the door is. We are not sure if Anirud considers himself as an expert of art or an expert in ambulances, but it was certain that he didn't think of us as any of the above. Pointing at various parts of the supposed picture, he started explaining like 'This is door mummy. See, this is a wheel. This is the siren.....'. Ugh! We gave up. :)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
School
Our county council has decided on the school that Anirud will be attending from next year. In UK, unless you opt for private education, it is the local body that decides which school the child will be attending. Although a kid's future depends on his own destiny and the the circumstances, we want to provide a good head start to Anirud for his education. We do wanted to walk that extra mile if that would make a difference in his life. More than a year before we were about to apply for a place for admission, his mom started the ground work. She spent hours poring over Ofsted Inspection reports of various schools in the locality, went through Primary School League tables for the last few years and even checked up schools in the nearby towns to see if it would make sense for us to relocate to that place. Our address falls within the catchment area of a school (A), which is not so good. We didn't want him there at all. It was not even our last choice. After lots of consideration, we shortlisted two schools (B and C)- which were a mile away from our home.
In terms of rankings and performance, both were very good and it was a difficult choice to make. As we have to list three preferences in the application form, we listed School B as our first choice, School C as our second and chose one another school (D) as our third option. When the letter came in, we were praying that it should not be school D or worse, it should not be A (even though that is not our choice). Thankfully, it was school B. We are so glad that he is going there. We can still appeal to the authorities to allot him School B, but there is very little chance of him getting there and we don't have any regrets with the current choice.
This school is set in a very nice environment, surrounded by beautiful countryside and our brat would be walking into the school as a student from Jan 2010 onwards.
Anirud's school on a snowy day in Feb 2009
School Field
Woodland area within the school
Another view of the woodland area within the school
In terms of rankings and performance, both were very good and it was a difficult choice to make. As we have to list three preferences in the application form, we listed School B as our first choice, School C as our second and chose one another school (D) as our third option. When the letter came in, we were praying that it should not be school D or worse, it should not be A (even though that is not our choice). Thankfully, it was school B. We are so glad that he is going there. We can still appeal to the authorities to allot him School B, but there is very little chance of him getting there and we don't have any regrets with the current choice.
This school is set in a very nice environment, surrounded by beautiful countryside and our brat would be walking into the school as a student from Jan 2010 onwards.
Anirud's school on a snowy day in Feb 2009
School Field
Woodland area within the school
Another view of the woodland area within the school
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Birthday Bash
We attended a birthday bash recently where Anirud got to meet quite a few children of his age. Parents of the birthday boy had organised few games (as in photo) as well and it was really funny - especially to those adults who were watching, with every child going their own way. As we had to travel more than 120 miles, Anirud was woken up well before his normal time and as a result, he was very moody at the beginning. At some point during the party, he came to life and actively participated in 'kuthaattam', which has become a tradition in the Indian parties that we attend in this part of the world.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Last evening, we were just talking about the social networking website 'Facebook' and how addicted people are to it. We did notice Anirud frantically searching the book shelf for something. Couple of minutes later even as we were continuing to discuss about Facebook, Anirud with the below book in his hand declared - 'enakku facebook theriyum. namma adhai vechirukome, paaru' (I know what Facebook is. We have got one, see). Apparently, Facebook for Anirud is a book that has got a picture of someone's face. :)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Idea!
Anirud doesn't like the process of applying hair oil on his head. However softly we do that, he will always ask us to handle it a bit more slowly. Today morning, he caught upon an idea - dip the plastic comb in the hair oil and comb the hair. How does that sound?
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Talk Talk
Following are the new set of words / phrases in Anirud's dictionary.
Listen to me
Yes, Please
Don't worry, I can manage
No, Thanks
Stand in the queue please
I am going to sing. Listen now
Don't be silly
Listen to me
Yes, Please
Don't worry, I can manage
No, Thanks
Stand in the queue please
I am going to sing. Listen now
Don't be silly
Friday, January 23, 2009
Favourtie Man
Guess who is Anirud's man of the moment? In his own words, "Obama daan ennoda favourite man" (Obama is my favourite man), whatever that means. :-) The day after Barack Obama's inaugration as President of USA, we were at a shop gazing at dozens of newspapers - all carrying the pictures from the inaugration. Initially, Anirud was excited at being able to identify Obama and later on he became excited as he recognised the event that he watched the previous day. At that very instant, Obama became his 'favourite man'. :)) As Anirud has been chattering non-stop about the world's powerful man for the last couple of days, I asked him what he knew about Obama for which he replied that his favourite man gives speeches and everyone claps. One question that I am unable to answer him was - "Why didn't Obama become the President of UK?".
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Girly Stuff
While picking up Anirud from school, I pointed out to art works that other children had done and asked why he didn't bother to do anything of that sort. His reply was very simple - "Adhellam girls panradhu pa" (Those are girly stuff daddy).
Monday, January 19, 2009
Anirud's Theory on Bones
1. Milk has calcium. If you drink lot of milk, your bones will become strong and won't break. Milk is white in colour. So, bones are also white.
2. If you drink Complan, your bones will turn yellow because Complan (Mango flavour) is yellow in colour.
3. If you drink coffee, bones will be strong because coffee has got milk. (No comments about the colour of the bones, whatsoever)
2. If you drink Complan, your bones will turn yellow because Complan (Mango flavour) is yellow in colour.
3. If you drink coffee, bones will be strong because coffee has got milk. (No comments about the colour of the bones, whatsoever)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Show Off
Today morning, when I dropped Anirud at his school - he had a word with his friend P, then came running back to me and started searching my pockets frantically for something. He located my mobile phone and before I could say a word, ran towards his friend and said 'My dad has a Blackberry'. He turned back to me with a satisfied smile after noticing the jaws of his friend drop. That was clearly a show off. Seems that his friend had boasted about something else his dad had got and this fella wanted to do a 'mine too'. Will be interesting to know how his friend retaliates.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Eating Habits
Due to rounds of cold, cough, flu etc affecting everyone in the family over the last few months, it was easier for us to feed Anirud by ourselves. Clearly, we didn't have any bit of energy with us to beseech him to sit properly and have his food or to stand his occasional tantrums if he is not in a mood to eat.
Now that we have got back to normal, we resolved to make this little brat eat on his own. I should say, that it was a sort of shock when we offered him breakfast and asked him to eat. He flatly refused and the bowl was removed after giving him 20 minutes. He was more than happy to go hungry. It continued the same way for lunch and he was demanding us to feed him ('ootti vidu ma'). Not eating for the whole day might be fashionable, but he couldn't withstand it. As chapathis were being prepared for dinner, we could see him grab that in his plate, run away to his table and within a matter of 90 seconds he finished a chapathi and kept asking for more.
Now that we have got back to normal, we resolved to make this little brat eat on his own. I should say, that it was a sort of shock when we offered him breakfast and asked him to eat. He flatly refused and the bowl was removed after giving him 20 minutes. He was more than happy to go hungry. It continued the same way for lunch and he was demanding us to feed him ('ootti vidu ma'). Not eating for the whole day might be fashionable, but he couldn't withstand it. As chapathis were being prepared for dinner, we could see him grab that in his plate, run away to his table and within a matter of 90 seconds he finished a chapathi and kept asking for more.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Conversation
அப்பா: ஹ்ம்ம்..... என்ன பிள்ளை-டா நீ?
அனிருத்: கருவேப்பில்லை
[Dad: Enna pilla da nee? Anirud: Karuvepilla (curry leaves)]
There is no meaning or anything to what he said. The spontaneity of his reply was very funny.
அனிருத்: கருவேப்பில்லை
[Dad: Enna pilla da nee? Anirud: Karuvepilla (curry leaves)]
There is no meaning or anything to what he said. The spontaneity of his reply was very funny.
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