It's a Party!!!

We were very fortunate to be able to celebrate Ishu's birthday with our friends and family this last weekend.

Not only did we have our usual gang from Dallas, but Ishu also had some Aunts, Uncles and Ba's fly in for the weekend. (More on that next post!)

We had lots of balloons, streamers and posters. Ramila Foi, Mina Foi and Sonu Foi decided to decorate instead of touring downtown during Ishaan's nap, so he could wake up to a birthday bash.

We didn't really have a party theme. But Kartik came up with a great idea to put trucks and cars on Ishu's cake (everyone knows how much he loves trucks!) The only problem was that we only thought of it the morning of. The cake ended up looking more like a scene from Fast and Furious; complete with helicopter and news van. Thanks so much for everyone who helped-- My dad bought the little cars; and Chintan Fua served as head sous chef by making sure that all of the leftover cake filling was properly disposed of.


 

They both had a blast, and I"m so thankful for everyone who came out! It means so much that everyone would take the time to celebrate with us.

 Check out Ishu and Nimesh Mama's moves! This is what get's the ladies!

Everyone had so much fun at the party but afterwords they were all tuckered out. Here is Amaani having a post party snooze.

I Can't Belive It's True...

Our little Ishu's already two!

Ishu's first picture with grandma. He was so tiny!

Ishu's second birthday came and went; and now Kartik and I are parents of a little boy instead of a little baby.

Ishu talks in whole sentences now; picks up songs quickly; scolds Amaani (as well as encourages her). He can have an entire, nearly intelligible conversation on the phone by all himself. He can climb up and down the stairs and take long walks without getting tired.

 

He can help! He helps load the dryer and unload the dishwasher. He can help clear the table and change diapers. He helps entertain Amaani when she's crying, and makes her laugh when she's in a god mood. Just today he was helping my dad butter bread and Kartik's already teaching him to take out the trash.

This is Ishu and I shopping for Kartik's first birthday dinner as a dad. (Cake, pasta and salad, if you are wondering.) Funny story... After this trip, Ishu would not go back into his car seat. I accidentally left the car running to long; and had to ask Kartik to come get me; and explain why I had snuck into walmart instead of going to Ba's like I told him. 

 He sleeps in his own room now; and no longer needs to be rocked. (I never thought that day would come!). He doesn't wake at night for the most part and has totally weaned from both breast and bottle. He now asks for dozens of food by name; and the last time he was in a restaurant he had his own plate. (Tex mex, of course)

When Ishu was small he used to cry at the scent of a stranger! He'd be hysterical from the time that someone walked into our home until you could hear them driving away. Now he can name every member of the family and likes and plays with most of them. (Sorry Nilesh Mama).

 

Best of all has been seeing Ishu become a big brother. He amazes me by how gentle and caring he can be toward his sister. I know for a fact that he could not have learned this much about being a big brother in two short years. I'm convinced these two knew each other from before.

Ishu, I'm so proud of you and love you sooooooo muches with a cherry on top! Happy Birthday!

Long Time, No See...

Eeek! I have to start off with an apology... things have been so crazy as of late that the blog has gone neglected for weeks.

So much to talk about; so little time to blog. This month has been fabulous! Kartik and I have graduated from 2 under 2-dom; (hopefully it sticks!); done some house renovations; hosted some out of towners and had a party. We also made a surprise purchase that will mean great things for the blog (any guesses as to what? See the hint below). Stay tuned in the coming days for September recap posts.

Flashback Friday:New Jersey/New York Trip

I have never posted pictures of our trip to the east coast last summer... becauase I didn't have blog back then. We were so nervous when we went that we tried to plan out every little bit of the trip. We ended up having a blast; and Ishu got to meet relatives that he had never seen before.

It was an exciting trip for all of us! Ishu did really well on the way there and back. He started crawling in earnest while on that trip; and I remember chasing him for the first time while at Dinesh Kaka's house! (Now it's a daily occurance!)

We still talk to everyone and miss them alot; but they don't get a lot of play here on the blog since it's hard for them to take pictures with the kids from so far away.

So many Aunts and Uncles! And Great Aunts and Uncles... I'm not naming names; but you know who you are. These are of my Dads brothers and his kiddos. 

 These darlings are Kartik's cousins kids... so adorable!!! This was Ishu's first experience sharing; and he did well. I was in my second trimester with Amaani; so I was really examining the sibling dynamic at Sheetal's house. Chaotic; but I was reassured that everyone was still alive.

And, of course Sonu Foi, Chintan Fua and Mina Foi (Ba?). Chintan Fua was kind enough to give us a tour of New York City; including all the bridges and the Flat Iron building. (Which; for all us desi girls with wavy hair, looks just like a hair straigtener!) Those top pictures are from the empire state building. Driving around a 10 month old and a tired pregnant lady in the city is no small feat; so please accept a belated thank you!
 

Doesn't he look adorable! That was his first and only tooth when we went on the trip!


The whole area has been having a rough time of it lately-- so if you are out enjoying the 70 degree weather we've been having in Dallas; send some good weather vibes (and anti-earthquake vibes) to our relatives on the east coast. They need it!