3 Years Old

Our BIG BOY is now 3 YEARS OLD! Born 10-26-05 at 12:38AM ~ 9lbs, 1oz, 21 3/4 inches long!

Likes: Books, Trucks, Helping, Veggies, Gymnastics, Cooking, "Decorating", Singing, Painting/Drawing, School with his friends, puzzles, animals, sounding out words and identifying letters, organizing, counting, discovered M & M's, puppets, loves to tell stories, Mexican & Indian Food (top faves), dancin' with Mom and Baby Arun, loves to see himself in photos and on film, doing things for himself (dressing, putting shoes on and off, etc.)...

Current Favorite Book: "The Little Old Lady Who Wasn't Afriad of Anything!"

Current Favorite Movie: We let him watch his first movie ever with us; Nemo. He's not a movie type as he hasn't been reared that way- he prefers books...and that is how we prefer it too! :)

Current Favorite Toy: Firetruck & building materials

Something that you wouldn't know about Nishad: He does our flower arrangements, and can break-dance!

Languages: Hindi, English & Spanish from School

Favorite Color: Yellow

Favorite Veggie: Matters!

Favorite People at school: Adam (he is 5 and one of Nishad's best buds), Thomas, Brenda & Mary Beth

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NISHAD ISAIAH! WE LOVE YOU!

BOO BASH

Off to our favorite Minnesota place to hang out- the city of Saint Paul for another awesome event...BOO BASH! The weather was just perfect! We took a break for lunch at Bonfire. Such good stuff. Arun would 'only' eat off his very own plate. What a loot Nishad had! Unlike here, where all the trees are pretty bare, Saint Paul still has a lot of color. I'm already looking forward to the next Saint Paul event - they know how to throw a festival with families in mind!

Shop Around

Krista and I decided to load up the kids and head to Maple Grove. Ashish suprised Nishad by picking him up at pre-school today and then taking him out to lunch. Boy, I could only imagine the look on his face! He always runs and jumps up to give me a hug when I pick him up from school...he's just so happy about school and sharing all he's doing! I bet he let out a little giggle of joy when he saw his Daddy. Since I didn't have to pick up Nishad today, Arun and I were out for the first time hangin' out. We had a lot of fun with Lucas and Krista. Sipping on coffee, shopping...sharing bagels...Fun! While in Baby Gap, Lucas decided to charm the sales ladies. Arun had fun by Lucas handing over hangers to him.

PARTY ANIMALS!

For Nishad's 3rd birthday and Arun's 1st birthday we had booked a private party with a host/zoo expert at Como Zoo in Saint Paul. It was so nice to have an educational segment with live animals and games lead by Anna. We frequent Como and it's events, so we thought this was also a good way to show our support. Anna not only presented the animals and games to lead, but Como also took care of catering in advance. It was great to show up and see everything decorated and in place. Nishad had such a look of "wow" on his face. Arun was happy doing laps around the room- "The Duck Room." We truly feel blessed to have those special friends that we do that were able to venture out to Saint Paul to celebrate our boys special day with us. It was so cute to see the kids investigate each animal Anna presented. Andrea made her way from the front to the back of where the animals were being presented as soon as the coolers appeared! haha! :) I don't blame her! Behind her as we chatted, I kept hearing "THUMP! THUMP!"

After the party, we had company at the ZOO BOO as the Clausen's hung out with us! We had a ball trick-or-treating at the zoo and seeing all the people dressed in costumes. Despite what the weather man said, it was the PERFECT day! It actually started to get too warm at ZOO BOO... As you can imagine, there were a ton of people that decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather.

We returned home super late- and without times for nap, you can imagine how worn out we were! All worth it though!

Commissioner Kumar

Bring on the Pumpkin Patch! This is the 3rd year I've helped coordinate and volunteered to run the pumpkin patch as a commissioner- as the Parks & Rec commission sponsors it.

Another COLD event! I went as Red Riding Hood and Nishad wore his "Pumpkin Man" costume as Auntie Kelly just sent him a book that has a pumpkin man in it- and he LOVES it!

I had an extra pumpkinteer helper with me to set-up early...Nishad. However, he left just as soon as Daddy arrived as he was cold. He and Arun did get to pick out a pumpkin though. Nishad loves to come and help me set-up for city events. About a year ago, whenever I took him to city hall to pick up my mail or drop something off, he though we were going to decorate! :) There is another commissioners son, John, who Nishad really likes. John is such a kind kid. I had fun running the tic-tac-toe game and minding the patch for awhile. It's great to see all the kids dressed up and see new faces and converse with those that return and attend all three free events.

I was really tired after the event and hoped that I (or Nishad) didn't catch a cold. All in all, it's great to be able to do this.

Signs of Autumn

Today the boys and I decorated our house for the season! Everything looks so beautiful and full of color. We really love our yard with all the trees. It will be so different in the Winter as the leaves really create a screen. It's hard to believe that my crimson climber is still blooming. I love our fire pit area. Auntie Kelly called it very Zen. I'm pretty proud that I designed and created the entire front and backyard of our house. When we moved in, there wasn't anything- only dirt.

NO SCHOOL

NO School for Nishad due to MEA! What's a Mommy to do and the boys to do?!

HAVE F-U-N!

Thursday we headed out, went for lunch to Nishad's favorite place (Indian is a close second!)- Chipotle. After we went to the Elm Creek Nature center. The boys really enjoyed playing in the leaves! We "hunted" for colors...listened for sounds of Autumn...and even saw some toads, turtles and a snake. We played with the puzzles and read about the life cycle of a frog (two more favorite things!).

I really enjoyed our time together. Since Nishad is in school, we don't get to get out like this in the mornings anymore.

end of the growing season

The last of the garden! We went out today and picked the last fruit for the year. I already have plans for next year! I can't wait!

Start of the Cake Parade!

We celebrated with the Bean's for Vada's 1st birthday party. It doesn't seem that long ago that Jaxson was coming over here for Nishad's 1st birthday. Amazing how fast time flies! The Mexican food theme was so tasty! Vada was adorable~ as always! We've come to really look forward to seeing the Bean's extended family (parents/relatives) as well. They are all great.

Absorbent Mind

Last week we had our first parent conference with Nishad's teacher. Nishad has been doing great since the start. :) Right now he's working with the Red Rods. He's also quite the eater! His teacher commented on how wonderful it is to see him enjoy tomatoes and hummus (things other kids won't eat and even refresh to try). I feel so secure with letting him eat snack at school as I know they are not exposed processed or sugary foods. She also said that sometimes he is an observer- he likes to watch the older kids (his classroom, like any holistic Montessori School consists of 3-6 year olds) at work.

He's made quite the bond with his two teachers, Brenda and Mary Beth. Though there are 11 children total in his class, he speaks mostly about his friend Thomas and Adam (who noticed his new haircut and liked it!). There are no tears anymore- they only lasted briefly in the beginning of the school year. The director of the school describes Nishad as a very sweet, gentle and compassionate boy.

We are thrilled about our decision to enroll him in the 3 year program. I always tried to maintain a Montessori home for Nishad (and Arun), but having him in the environment that he is in, REALLY impacts him. He was my helper before, but now he is my full out assistant, if not supervisor! They have a Spanish specialist as well as an art specialist. I'll never forget a parent telling me in another Montessori school, "My child knew where Asia was on a map before she even knew her A,B,C's." Some parents get it- and some don't. I wish everyone could have an authentic Montessori experience...even adults! :)

This past week Ashish also went to Parent Education Night at Nishad's school. He made me so good. He left there and called me and said, "Now I know why you are so passionate about Montessori." Of course, he was on board with the decision of a Montessori Education, however, he hasn't had that much time to experience it first hand, or rather hands on. Sure, he's done the tours, observations and of course, researched and educated himself too...but it is very different when you are one with the environment.

This past week I also took part in a "Coffee with..." the director of the school. What an enlightening conversation and spirit of community. It's nice to be able to share with other parents and form a common bond based off of prioritizing your child's needs- Montessori, of course, paving the way for their future. One Mom shared with us how her friends and neighbors can't believe her 3 year old is in a 3 hour, 5 day a week program. She said how some perceive her as snobby as her daughter is in a Montessori School. How they question her again and again about what Montessori is, doubting her answers. I smiled and said, "Just tell them it's a cult." ..haha...

I also had a park and rec meeting and another photography order to work on! Busy week! This combined with commuting 5 days a week to pick up Nishad. My friend and I did get our walk in this week (albeit, wasn't in the morning as usual)- we're on a roll! All the boys sure did enjoy the cows. She made a comment about getting heaters installed on our strollers. I'm up for that!

Sentimental

With Nishad going off to pre-school in the mornings, I can only reflect upon how fast time has gone by. I am feeling a little sentimental these days. While cleaning out my e-mail, I came across this e-mail I wrote while I was pregnant with Nishad. I hope you enjoy the trip down memory lane- the words of an expectant Mommy that are lined with hope, joy, excitement and love.

With this being Breast Cancer Awareness month- I find it appropriate as well. It's good to remember...It keeps my Mother's spirit alive.

Happy Day after Mothers Day!

For those of you that are Mother's I hope you all enjoyed your Mother's Day. For those that are not, I hope you enjoyed simply spending time with your Mother's, or remembering them. This Mother's Day was my first "Mommy-to-be" status Mother's Day, as I am carrying a beautiful gift inside of me. There is something so precious about carrying the baby of the man you love inside of you, and knowing that it's because of this baby, you have an added title...one I feel is the most important one could ever hold; Mother.

In a card I received from Ashish it read, "God created Mother's because he could not be everywhere." I think that's true, in the same sense that he creates teachers. Teacher's, like Mother's, watch over, protect, educate, guide, care, are advocates for children and scaffold children from one milestone to another. I've also encountered mother's like my friend Jessica's Mom, Pat, Kelly's Mom, Dee and John Krecek's Mom, Sandy that don't only look out for the benefit for their child, but have opened up their hearts, and loved other peoples children unconditionally. Not that they ever took my Mother's place, nor did they ever want that position in my heart, but they certainly took off where my mother left off. Though my Mother is wittiness to everything that occurs in my life, and is with me (as I can feel her presence in all that is beauty and love which surrounds me), I sure am blessed to have these inspirational mother's in my life.

I also have found a few friends, that God has chosen for me, that are mother's of some beautiful children; As my mother would say, "A reflection of ones parenting." Christine, Francesca and Odel have always been a constant steady presence in my life that have always offered what I call unconditional motherly advice, support, and praise.

So many of you are inner-woven into the fabrics of my ideas of what parenting, and being a Mother is all about. I thank you for your continuing example. Your life stories are the stories that lay the foundation for learning and sharing of life. I'm not only glad that I will be a Mother, I'm glad I know so many wonderful Mother's.

This Mother's Day was also about healing. It was the first Mother's Day that I didn't try to "avoid." It was the first Mother's Day that I actually looked at the cards in the store without crying or feeling a loss. In fact, this Mother's Day, I was able to purchase a few Mother's Day cards and feel good about doing so. I don't know why I am suddenly healing, and feeling as though my mother's presence is stronger than ever in my life after 13 years, but I do feel this. I feel as though she is beaming with pride and joy, as "her baby" prepares to give birth to her own baby. Thirteen years, and yet I can still hear her laugh and smile that lit up a room as if it were yesterday. I thank God that my Mother and I had the strong relationship that we did, as though she and I only had one another for 17 years, some people have their Mother's around for their entire life time and never come anywhere close to the relationship my Mother and I had. She was at every event I had, we always had a house full of my friends as she loved having them over, she supported not just me, but everyone in plays and at dance, she was my biggest fan and called me she and my father's love child, because "they were so in love when they had me."

I know how they must have felt, because that is how I feel with Ashish. I knew that Ashish was going to be the man I married, because he looked at me the same way that my father use to look at my mother. Just enamored, and full of love. For short while, especially those few last months living in Berwyn, I forgot what was important. Ashish was my rock. He reminded me what was important. It's not the drama, the gossip, or even the daily affairs. It's the over all scheme of things. Being a good person, having good intentions, and loving so much that your heart overflows with care for all. I hope I can pass these things on to my Baby.

This Mother's Day I received a dozen (multi-colored) roses from "Baby" and a cared that read that he or she promises to wish me a Happy Mother's Day in person next year. Yes, you guessed it, Daddy played a part in helping Baby get Mommy the flowers!

Next year, when Baby is here, I'm going to start gardening again (Something, like cooking, I picked up from my Mom!). I use to take care of "her garden" back in Berwyn in honor of her. After some time, I started planting perennials for some people as my Mom did for my brother and I. (A purple climber for me and a bleeding heart for him!) In that garden, to name a few, I planted tiger Lillie's for Audrey, funky purple spiral butterfly flowers (never knew the name- just knew they were funky-cool!) for Kelly, Tulips for my niece Jessyca (I always remember hiding Easter eggs in the yard for her and stuffing her basket with stuff until it was over-flowing!), purple corn flowers for Ian, gladiolas for John K. and Daisy's for Jessica. Next year, I will be starting my own garden with Baby. I already know, you will all be included in this one!

Ashish and I have decided to post-pone our house warming until next year, so maybe you will see the garden first hand! Hopefully, I will see you all before at the baby shower that "Auntie Jessica" is hosting! She and I have been collaborating with ideas, and oh, boy (or girl!!), you just wait! haha! I'm so excited!

Ok, my friends! Love to you all. Have a great day.
Beverlee

Monday Already?

It's Monday already? This weekend I ventured out into my garden again. I've gotten so busy with photography/design projects that I have had to neglect my garden a bit. Thank goodness for the rain! I love my veggie garden, though I'm still not quite sure I understand it. In time... I went out and passed off some herbs to a friend and tomatoes to my neighbor. With the night temperatures dipping so low, it won't be long before it's all gone.

Despite being sick this weekend, I was also able to plant 9 new shrubs in the front of our house. If you're keeping tabs, that completes phase two of the front of the house. Next Autumn (2009) we'll add one more tree, and then we are done, done, done. It will be nice to sit back and watch it all grow- as we've finally been able to do with our backyard. I am so excited about the burning bush shrubs- they look fantastic! I'm glad I put them around the fire pit. Believe it or not, my climber (crimson) is still in bloom! It bloomed all Spring, Summer...and it's still holding on. All of our trees in back gained a lot of height this season. They are starting to look amazing as the foliage peaks. I love standing on our deck and looking in both directions to see the reflection of the trees in the two ponds. Just beautiful.

Tomorrow Nishad is going to bring some veggies to school from our garden, including a mini-watermelon and melon. His classmates and teacher just love our home grown stuff. We're happy to share.

We have a busy week. After work tomorrow, Ashish is heading over directly to Nishad's school as there is a parent function in the evening that begins at 6:30PM. Wednesday, after I pick up Nishad from school, we have an eye doctor appointment. That evening, I have a park and recreational meeting. Thursday morning, I have a 'Parent Coffee with the Director' at 8AM at Nishad's school. Ashish will bring Nishad and Arun when it's time to drop Nishad off. Baby Arun can stay with me the remainder of the time. Thursday night I was invited to a party, but I had a previous commitment, so I'll see if I can juggle both.

HEROES is on tonight! I can't wait until tomorrow when Ashish comes home! We watch in on Netflix- no commercials that way and the kids are subjected to any tv. Yeah, leave that mindless stuff to the adults, thank you! Ashish is so cool. I love the way he can fix and maneuver things. He hooked up one of our lap tops to the big tv in the living room- it's great to be able to watch things in the comfort of our home, on our time schedule.

We finally decided what we are doing for the boys birthdays- besides going to the best celebration on earth...DinseyWorld! :) I am really looking forward to some R & R after in Cocoa Beach...some good, quality, family time! In a little over 2-weeks...but who's counting? :)

On a side note, I heard from a good friend of mine today, Vicki! She and I lost connection for a while....we'll touch base in the morning and catch-up. I can't wait to for her to fill in the gaps for me!

2nd Debate tomorrow night!

School days

How can it possibly be October...already? In only 24 days Nishad will be 3 years old! In only 28 days Arun will be a 1 year old! Only 6 days after that, and I turn radiant again as it's another older, more experienced and hopefully wiser year for me.

Ashish return home last week from SFO. He brought back the boys the most adorable cable cars. Nishad already 'investigated' it and took part of it apart- my little creative scientist! Arun was happy "Vrrrrrrom Vrooooming" the cable car around the house. My Love brought me back the cutest purses from Chinatown! Of course, the BEST thing Ashish brought back was himself! :)

Saturday I was out the door as I had a booking. We had a low key weekend as I was swamped with orders to complete and Ashish needed some recovery time (I did too for the record~ Still waiting on that! ha,ha.) The boys are just now getting back into the groove of things. Nishad kept asking if Daddy was coming home, or if he went on a plane again to California.

I bow down to single Moms. Yes, I know you have to do, what you have to do. It still doesn't take away the fact that what they do on a daily basis is pretty incredible. For me, this week was really interesting as I choose to stay at home (as a stay-at-home Mom) with my kids, and therefore had no respite -around the clock. Between cooking, cleaning, baths, bedtimes, playing, daily rituals...who has time to think about Mom's needs?

Arun is our little chatter box! He no longer walks- but runs. haha. He's so funny with that big diaper on...running. With the cost of diapers increasing ($46/box yesterday!), we'll be potty training him early- or waiting until his diaper is to his knees. haha.. Just kidding! He can hold his own with his brother now and sure lets Nishad know if he is in disagreement of a decision Nishad has made. I made the mistake of telling Arun something wih Nishad in ear shot a few days ago while changing him. For the next few hours all I heard was, "Arun, you are a poop machine!" Of course, then he would try to validate his comment by saying, "Everyone eats! Everyone poops!" As if to tell Arun, "Hey, Brother...it's all good!"

Nishad, lover of puppets and books has now evolved into quite the creative story teller! He enjoys telling us all stories he creates, and even "reads" to us. The things he says and how he says it so nonchalant really make me appreciate this stage even more so. I picked him up from school a few days ago and he said, "Mama, a fly was in the car!" I rolled down the windows and turned around to look at him and said, "Where is it?" He replied, "It's gone now." I said, "Oh, it flew out?" He replied, "Yes, the fly fluttered away."

At pick-up, his teacher escorted a very happy Nishad to our car. He had a smile filled with pride on his face and a hop and a skip in his step! He was very excited to show me the "work" he brought home. On Monday, he brought home some artwork as well. This is a treat for Dad and I as normally, Montessori students don't bring work to show as it's not about the product, but the process.

Since the beginning of school Nishad has been speaking about "Thomas." Of course, this set off a red flag in my book. I thought, "Wonderful! We take the extra effort that we don't clutter his mind with cartoons/commercialism and he goes to school and learns from his peers about it." So, I asked him a very dumb question on my part. "Nishad, is Thomas a train?" He looked at me as though he was taken aback, "Mama, that is so silly. Thomas is my friend. He is not a choo-choo!" Well, during pick-up, I meet Thomas and his mother. They are indeed- not a family of choo-choo's. However, they are a very nice family.

We have parent education night coming up next week, and coffee with the director of the school next week from 8am-9am. Hopefully, Arun will find the open coffee chat as interesting as I do.

On a side note, Nishad has been all a buzz over decorating for "Pumpkin Day!" He put up all the window clings by himself and found a spot for our other decorations throughout the house. Ashish and I got out the other night and put some lights up outside that Nishad picked out at the store. Purple icicles and an orange spider web.

As for me, I have yet to get out to my garden and wrap things up for the year. I feel a bit cheated as we really had a long winter and a shorter summer this year. Oh well, no control over that. I had Ashish start the lawn mower yesterday so I could finally mow the lawn. He said it needed oil. I tried to start it while he was gone to surprise him that the lawn was already mowed- no such luck. I'm looking forward to the VP debate tonight. After being bombarded by Facebook invites for the last few years (Ashish doens't like those sites), I finally registered. Not too sure how adamant I will be at keeping that up, but it is another way to keep in touch with so many of you scattered about that I love! :)