A step ahead

Last evening, mom and dad were telling me about what Joel had done for the day. He tried to communicate about a certain thing to Abu and Ibba nanna. But both weren't able to follow his words or pronounciations. So Joel did the next best thing. He took Abu by his hand and told him he wanted a bed sheet from the room.

Since this was towards evening time and the place was dark, he asked Abu to switch on the light. Now that visibility's clear, our little man walks to the bed, goes near his pillow and pulls out his play things from under his pillow. He'd kept them there before he had gone for his afternoon nap.

Way to go Joel. Love the way you are learning to reason out and guide us to understand you.

Here is something more to remember.

Joel has learnt to climb the small table in the living room which is placed near the switches. He uses the table to switch off the fan and lights every evening. Today he's discovered that he can climb chairs too.

With this new found freedom in movement, he now tries to see what's on top of the table, fridge, in cupboards and all those places that he couldn't see or reach earlier.

Time to start the hide and seek games with him :)

The Cartoon Addict

Each morning Joel wishes to have the TV switched on first thing. Getting him to say his prayers is a game of distraction and cajoling. Being politely firm doesn't work with the little guy.

He's put on a little weight and looks a little chubby. I'm just waiting for him to try out the new outfits that Aunt Merlyn bought for him. Hopefully in Bangalore this weekend, I'll get that wish coming true.

It's the word that Joel now uses especially if I've to take him to toilet for emptying his water tank. The little fella pissed in shorts last evening and was mighty pleased about it.

Mom and I were worried last evening that he hadn't emptied his food tank for 2 days. So both of us tried our best to make him sit on his potty. He refused to the extent that he had to resort to screaming a NO.

Dad came home after this incident. When we voiced our concerns, he told us Joel had done his job in the morning. And forgot to tell us before leaving.

Poor Joel. I hope he doesn't have to handle 2 ladies like his mom and grandmom ever again. :)

Jeju Paav

Jeju paav (Be at my side Jesus)
Sambhal Jeju (Take care of me Jesus)
Thank You Jeju
Love You Jeju
Good morning/night Jeju (depending on the time)

Joel hadn't slept yesterday afternoon. So after an evening out with his grandmom and me shopping for apparels fit to be worn for wedding receptions, I thought the little guy would crash out soon. No such luck.

I went to bed earlier than him. Was drifting slowly into snooze land and Abu placed him on the bed next to me. Now as our night ritual involves him resting his head on my arm and saying his prayers, he thought I'd be awake and we would go through the same.

He called out 'Inna Inaaa'. No response from me.

'Hathar taathi katthan' (translated - I'll sleep on your arm). Still no response from me.

'Jeju paav katthan'. No need for a translation here. But it definitely got a response from me. A wide smile which he couldn't see and a whole bunch of kisses. Never knew he was fond of his bed time ritual.

Boggu Man

Joel is getting attached to me more than mom and dad. Visits to Udupi make him cling to me more often now than earlier.

He doesn't like going close to Acha after Acha had his operation. And telling him to ask Kala or Amrith for little things like a glass of water or give a plate are replied with 'Ina yaaaa' or 'Ina zaaaai' with Joel tugging at my clothes.

He's getting glued to the TV. Something I'm not too happy about since too much TV made me a lazy girl.

We're going to Bangalore by September end and I'm worried about how he's going to adjust to the weather, climate and water there.

Monthi Fest

Happy Feast - 2 days late :D

I'm logging in just to type in my version of the 'fest' at Urwa.

Joel went to church for all the novena days with mom. The first 2 days like last year were a bit new for Joel. This time round though he got the hang of strewing floors only when the hymn was sung. The moment he heard it he had his hands ready on the flowers. Trying to make him wait was like putting a rein on his natural enthusiasm. So let him do as he pleases.

On the feast day I'd gone for the 6 am mass. Choir consisted of the 'mirniam' only. So I was pretty wide awake :)

Took Joel for the next mass. Cloudy skies kept folks guessing whether it would pour heavily or would the sun break through.

It poured alright. All the time it took for the procession (which had started from Kampa ward) to reach from the Church Hall to the main entrance. Children were quickly formed into 2 lines once more this year. Thankfully, no blocked entrance view and no bright sunshine to heat up the place. So with the brass band's accompaniment, the hymn was sung and children having a fun time throwing the flowers on each others heads. Saw a lot of petals on one little girl's head.
Once that was over, the skies opened again and down came the rain. Took Joel back home and brought him again to church towards mass ending time.

He was thrilled to walk back to the 2-wheeler with his 'kobu' in hand. He walked all the way from the padri's residence to the entrance of the church. Reluctantly gave the sugarcane to mom so that he could sit comfortably.

On the whole, no traditions or traditional veggie meal for Joel and me. We were at Udupi having dal, lady fingers and rice. A nice change. :)

The Naughty Imp

Joel's been giving Maxi Nanna and Ibba Nanna a pretty good workout of late.

• He's spread all the Maggie cubes and Hardees coasters on the floor trying to imitate Rob of M.A.D.
• He's learnt to pick up the phone and answer calls.
• He's passed just one phone call to mom. All of Tethu's calls that day were never passed on. (Tethu called me to ask if anyone was at home, which got me worrying about what was happening at home while I was away at work)
• He's learnt to switch on the TV - no remotes, thank you.
• He's learnt to disconnect the telephone line.
• Everytime he sees my cellphone lying around, he picks it up and gives it to me. No one else dare to touch it.
• The remote should stay in the hands of Abu when the TV is on.

Gone are the days when I used to make him chant words in Konkani (the vegetable list) or the good nights to everyone starting from his dearest Abu to Popeye and Mr. Bean.

Of late, he has to rest his head on my my arm during the nights. I once heard him chanting 'shaluk'. I couldn't figure out for nuts if he missed Shah Rukh Khan or just found the guy's name easy on the tongue.

It's a time I look forward to every evening, when my mom tells me what he's been upto. Most probably, next month it's time for play school, Joel.