Gowri turns "1"

Is it realy happening? My little Gowi already one?

Gowri on her first birthday party

I can't believe it. It has been an eventful year and a very quick one. Gowri is a big baby. Yes, I don't think I can ever call her a kid, she will always be a baby. It's not because she is my second born, but it's just something about her. She still has baby characteristics like she wants milk and only milk when she is hungry, she just wants to be held and cuddled like a 3 month old and biggest thing is when she wakes up in the middle of sleep, she just does not wait even for a minute for her milk. All these really remind me of a baby. But I don't really remember her baby days at all. I wish I remembered more than pictures.

She is the happiest person in the house and she is so happy to see me when I go home from work. She talks a lot, not that much is comprehensible, but she talks with her tone modulatiions. That is hilarious.

Well, happy birthday chittu!!!

Here's one to you!!!

The "Nanny" experience

When amma & nani (my parents) could not come in as planned, we were lost, not knowing what we would do with the kids with me starting work in 2 weeks. I was very particular that I did not want to send Gowri to day care. I could not go through the everyday turmoil that I went through with Amuktha. I would feel terrible for half an hour after I dropped her. Also, we were not prepared to send Amuktha to a full-day school. She is way too young for that isn't she? I know there are other kids who do that but not mine.

Then, there was only one alternative - Nanny - we placed an ad in one of the websites and were overwhelmed with the responses. We set up interviews and started meeting with prospective nanny's, calling their former employees for feedback. I did not like anyone and the D day to leave kids was getting closer. During my visit to the pediatrician's office - she is a great doc, by the way- she told me I would have a gut feeling. I never had it with any one. There was this one lady , Blossom, whom we really liked  but she did not confirm for a while and so we settled in for Jamie.

Jamie, came in for a couple of days and it was not a smooth experience, Gowri would not go to her quickly and would start crying as soon as she saw her in the morning. I almost thought I should put her in a day care as this was not working out. Then Jamie fell sick. I had to find a substitute, 3 days into the whole thing. I knew this was not going to work out with her but I had to find another one soon. I gave it a shot and called Blossom - whom both Pawan and I really liked-and lo and behold she was available. Not only was she available, she would work for a pay that was comfortable for us. I thanked the stars and Blossom started.
Gowri was reluctant initially but then she gradually liked her and Amuktha had a lot of fun with her.



Amu & Gowri with Blossom



Life was smooth for 3 weeks and then, Blossom gave us a 2 week notice. She found a permanent position and I could say nothing to it. I was angry and frustated. I had to start the whole process again and the kids, they had to get used to a whole new nanny again, was it worth putting them through this? This time I was very selective and we found Andrea. She was an amazing nanny and a very good influence on the children. I think my kids got lucky to have had such good care.



Now, amma and nani are here and the kids are having fun. I'm glad we had such wonderful people taking care of the children. Thank you Blossom & Andrea!!!!!