SAHM

I'm in constant amazement at our children, yet I'm not one to constantly praise with "Good Job!" or "YAY!" I would rather ask questions to them about what they do, which usually leads to highly level thinking questions by them. For instance, on a drawing Nishad would make, instead of "What a beautiful picture!" I say something like, "I like the colors you picked. Why did you choose those?" Therefore, I'm not placing value on something that my child just does for the love of it and sheer enjoyment of doing so. You reach a point in life when you realize, you are working for YOU and no one else. If you can't motivate yourself, no one else will. I know adults that struggle with this concept. It's my hope for my children to figure that out early on with my guidance.

Do I think they are gifted? Yes. However, I think every child is gifted. It's just up to us adults to figure out what those gifts are. Do I think Nishad and Tiger are beyond their peers on various levels? Absolutely. I think the majority of children that are not out-sourced for care are. This stems from being a stay-at-home Mom and working with them from the time they were infants. You are your child's first teacher. I'm so proud that my eldest never learned his colors or words from a DVD or PBS- he learned them from me. I was never so concerned about mastering a repetitive or mundane task like, spelling their name as my eye was always on the bigger, much broader picture. I'm also pretty proud that my children are not "commercial cows." Meaning that they have no idea who "characters" are like Superheros, etc. Most of that stuff is so violent, and being that it's on TV it's not a tangible experience... And we wonder why we have such a desensitized generation? Which, as a stay at home mom, I have more control on what my boys eyes do take in and see.

I am also not one to gage my child's development with outdated milestone charts either as if I were to refer to those, I'd be filling out MENSA applications. People forget that those milestone charts for development, height, and weight were done more than 30 years ago. Things have changed a bit. As though should...each generation is smarter than the previous.Being involved early on, setting up our household that includes them in ever room and by promoting early independence by making things available for them have allowed them to thrive. Yes, it is work. A lot of it.

Staying at home was also a sacrifice, not only on my "career" but our combined income. It truly is a luxury to be at home these days and I'm fully aware of how blessed we are to live on one income. However, people have forgotten that being a parent means sacrificing. That's right...putting someone elses needs, like your child, before your own. I do have dear friends that are not stay at home Mom's, that went to work. Do I love them any less? Of course not. Do I not adore their children? Don't be silly. I believe, with my heart, that we as parents only do the best we know how or we attempt to do what we think is best for our family.I can tell you that there is never a dull moment in our household- always an eventful day - and I am more busy now than I ever was working full-time, plus school, plus volunteering...all together. My days start early, and last into the wee-hours of the night. It's then that I think, "How can I fit exercising into my day?" and "Perhaps I can read that article now?"

About a year and a half ago, I opened up my own photography and design business. It's a business that only grows at a rate in which my children allow it to. It has been great to have something that is "mine." I also feel blessed with a gift to capture children~ minus the cheesy factor. Maybe it's my theatre, dance and education background...or a God given instinct combined with experience of knowing just when to "snap" that precious shot.

I feel like we as a family have finally reached a point that I can venture out into these other passions. As both my children are now enrolled in a 3 hour, M-F Montessori School, I have a little time to breathe daily. At least to pause for that cup of coffee and collect my thoughts before I run to pick them up. :)

For those Stay at Home Mom's that think, "Oh my goodness, this will never end" and find yourselves getting lost in the never ending piles of laundry, endless dinners to be prepared and cleaning...I am here to tell you, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Children grow fast, so fast that you'll be missing that special time at home as they begin their journey from under your wing. They will always be YOUR baby, just not A baby.

As I stand before a pathway of many differing paths that have led me to this single point of time and place in my life, it is my hope that you too see the plan so carefully laid out for you. For now, know that you are doing the most important "job" in the world. One which many admit they can't do, or choose not to do... Being a full time Mother to your children is not for the weak at heart. :) Whether you continue to stay at home when your children return to school, or rejoin the work force, remember you already have an edge on your resume that no one can top.

Apples of My Eye

Though I've only technically gone apple picking since moving to Minnesota, I can tell you that I look forward to this annual Autumn tradition and simply can't imagine an Autumn without it! There is something wonderful about eating an apple the way it was intended to be enjoyed: spots and all, minus the wax, juicy, crisp goodness. This was Tiger's first year picking his own apples. While Nishad's philosophy is all about getting to work and filling the bags, Tiger differs. Tiger is more of a...well, pick-a-little, sample even a-little-more! Apple Jack's in Delano, Minnesota never disappoints. This is our 2nd year visiting...who knows, we may even attempt raspberry picking next year. Prior to Apple Jack's, we visited a few places in Buffalo. We came home and made a pie crust from scratch and baked an apple pie- of, course! Nishad peeled all the apples and rolled out the dough...my little chef. Tiger happily sampled more apples. Thank you, Minnesota Apple Orchards!

No trip is complete without a ride on the cow train.

Big Boy Date Night

In celebration of the beginning of the school year, my friend J and I treated our boys to a little Mommy - Big Boy - Date Night! Planned months ahead of time, we swung by and picked up the two J's and headed off to one of our favorite places to eat dinner: French Meadows in Minneapolis. Delicious and oh so kid friendly! After dinner, we booked to the theatre to see, "Bert and Ernie Say Goodnight" at the Minneapolis Children's Theatre. Loaded with tap dancing sheep, Z's that need to be caught, songs and visuals to make anyone feel like a kid at heart...very cute and very exciting to be in the front row catching all the action just feet away.

Our Little Theatre-Goers armed with their play-bills. Of course we "had" to get them and their younger brother's matching t-shirts form the show. They ALL wore them to school the next day. Now that's a picture worth a thousand words!

Something to Smile About

A Day at the Beach? Yes! That's what Nishad said when he was sitting in the chair, dawning glasses they put on him. "Mommy, this is like a day at the beach!" Ha! Only if most adults would share his enthusiasm. I took Nishad to his first dentist appointment and we were both very proud of all the good things that the dentist had to say about his beautiful pearly whites. He commented that his teeth were the best he's seen on a 3 year old (soon to be 4) in quite awhile. He said he can tell he doesn't drink pop and eat a lot of sugar. Nishad was very excited to pick out a toy after (a jump rope) and get a new tooth brush and floss. We'll be back in 6 months! This made me think of how my parents took such nice care of my teeth. I loved going to the dentist- even as an adult. It's only recently that I don't look forward to it as I was so attached to my dentist back in Chicagoland. I saw the same dentist from the time I was 2 1/2 until I was in my mid-20's. I hope Nishad and Tiger for that matter, never have to go through the "aches" of cavities like I did.

GNO

The cutest girls on this side of the river! Ha! :) These are some of my favorite Otsegoians and Superwomen! One of our friends moved to Anoka, so we went to see her new house and headed out for dinner together at a local place. It was great spending time out and taking a break. How nice to be in the company of smart, fun and positive-happy people!

School x2

Both of my babies started school this year! This is Nishad's second year at a private AMI Montessori School, and Tiger's first year attending in the toddler community. How amazing is that?! How blessed we are to be able to have both in such a school of excellence, in which we are surrounded with a tremendous staff and wonderful parents. Tiger will be right across the hallway from his big brother. Staying true to Montessori, they both attend 5 days a week for 3 hours a day.

Tiger had phase-in for a week. Nishad waltzes in like this is his second home. His teacher said he is all smiles and happy. He is a hard worker and loves that his best friend J is with him every day.

Tiger on the other hand, is fine when Daddy drops him off, but not so fine when Mommy has to drop him off. He cries and looks for me. He's also in cotton undies now and has gone on the potty a few times. He wears his cotton undies at school, so we had a bit of an extra incentive to get on the potty-train with him. Tiger has made a special friend already though. A little boy in the class by the name of Hudson. He turned 2 this past April. Nishad told me that he saw Hudson helping Tiger on the playground. Hudson has already made his name into my heart.

The owner of the school asked that I write an artcile to be sent out to all of the parents. I was very excited and honored to do this. The title of my article is called, "15 Schools Later." Which, I think speaks volumes about what the article is about.

Ice Cream Social

Everyone gather around for the ice cream social, back to school party! I had to pass out security cards and name tags this year downstairs at the front door, so the boys were upstairs playing without me. Of course the staff kept an eye on them, and when our friend's the J's came, they watched over them...but they were without Mommy at their side, which was a good experience for Tiger (being that he'll be going to school!). I have to say it felt so good to receive not only compliments on an article I wrote for the school, but I really relished people coming up to me telling me how well behaved my boys are... That was so nice of people to share with me- especially, because I couldn't see everything going on. Back to school already?? Where did the summer go. Since the weather wasn't that great this summer, I hope we have an extended summer via the weather!

Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Swish

No, we are not in Italy this week...


Ashish and I have developed an affection for international wine. However, sometimes you should check what's available in your own back yard, before you venture elsewhere, right?

Well, we did just that! We spent the day in Stillwater where we had a picnic lunch (lovely all organic grocery store right in town) and spent some time wine tasting at the local winery. Tuscany, Napa...it's not. But it was fun...and it was a gorgeous day to be along the banks of the river. We passed our time strolling the siewalk and sharing the enthusiam of two little boys who couldn't get enough of the boats and the lift bridge.

Home improvements can wait for another weekend when it's not so sunny. Living in Minnesota, you have to take what you can get.

Baby K

Awaiting Kalegeta... Some babies are not born under bellies, some are born in our hearts. My dear, sweet friend MB is eagerly anticipating her baby in her arms. Kalegeta was born in Africa this past May, and is this short time, he has already made an imprint among our hearts. I can not wait to hold this baby in my arms...I can only imagine what MB is going through. We had a lovely garden baby-shower for her. I made the diaper cake, invitations and thank you cards...all an honor. I just love MB and can't wait to hang out with her again...soon!

2000 Tickets

While Daddy flew back to India because of his Mom's passing, I treated the boys to Space Aliens'. (By the way, love their tag line- "Fill Your Inner Space.") I had to compose a post about this because there was a couple there that boosted mine, and the boys spirits. I was really missing Ashish and I could sense that the boys were as well. Of course this is something he had to do, and we fully supported him, but none-the-less, it's hard...especially on a 3 year old and a 1 year old. While playing games and waiting for our food, an older couple came up and they were watching Nishad passionately pounce on a "shark" game and laugh with glee when he collected his ONE ticket. haha. They smiled and said, "What are you going to do with all of your tickets?" He just smiled and then they said, "Well here. Our Grandchildren don't live near us and you are such good boys, we want you to have this" and they handed us all their tickets. How sweet was that? The boys now only had their Grandpa's left on this earth, and they too were far away in Chicago and India. We stood at the ticket redeemer feeding tickets in for quite awhile. The boys had about 2000 tickets all together! Nishad beamed as he was able to pick out the tractor/farm set displayed way at the top. Tiger was happy with anything! He's always happy. The couples act of kindness might not have meant a lot to them...but it sure did mean a lot to two very special boys.