I had a taxi booked this morning for 10 a.m but at 10.15 we were still waiting for the taxi. I was getting so annoyed as they never arrive on time. Tyagi was always prompt and although on the odd occasion was late, it was only by 5 or 10 minutes maximum. Finally got the taxi at 10.25 and headed straight to Thomas Cook as I needed to change some Rupees into Riyals or Pounds.
There was no point in taking the double pushchair out of the taxi to go into Thomas Cook as the driver parked close by but also there was no way I could have got the pushchair over the rough terrain and up the HUGE curb that there was. So, I put Dylan on his reigns. It's the first time I have used them in such a long time and he didn't like being restrained. But, it was too dangerous where we were – even the short walk to Thomas Cook from the car, there was traffic in all directions and it was really busy as next to Thomas Cook are all the different banks – ICICI, HDFC, RBS, India Bank etc. Anyway, you should have seen the looks I was getting for having DJ on his reigns! They were looking at me with disgust as if I'd put a dog collar on my child or something!
Thomas Cook was a disaster! The guy behind the counter wanted my Residence Permit, my passport, my visa, my air ticket and my bank card! I told him that I was changing cash and I didn't have any of those things – except my passport with me. He wouldn't accept that and basically said 'tough!' So, we left there and I tried to explain to the driver to take me to another money exchange but I could not make him understand what I wanted. In the end I gave up and asked him to take me to City Centre Mall. He dropped us off and I told him I would be a couple of hours as everything takes so much longer here anyway, and shopping with two little ones by myself is very hard!
We had a wander around a few of the shops and in particular, Lifestyle. While we were in there, a blonde lady came up to me and said 'hi'. We got chatting and her name is Sam and she's only been in Gurgaon for 10 days. Her and her family have just moved here from Canada and so she hasn't met anyone or been to the Gurgaon Connection stuff yet. I told her that I could give her lots of help – contact numbers, events etc. We exchanged numbers and I said I would call her later to arrnage for her to come over with her little girl. She seemed really lovely and I was happy to help her in the same way Alex helped me when I first got here. It's so difficult trying to get established, find things and especially meet people. Knowing where to go for things is the hardest thing.
Anyway, Sam seemed grateful to have someone who could help her. It is so funny because just before I met her, I had told Dylan what a good boy he had been and I would buy him some new cars (the little matchbox ones), so while I was talking to Sam, Dylan was looking at all the cars on the shelf. I was holding Abi on my hip because she was so tired but was having one of her funny moments where she wouldn't feed in public. Anyway, after I finished talking to Sam, I turned round and couldn't believe my eyes … Dylan had FILLED the pushchair (Abigail's seat was laid down as I had previously been trying to get her to sleep). It was absolutely jam packed full of every pack of cars off the shelf – the shelf was now empty! There must have been at least 70 packs of toy cars in my pushchair. Even funnier ... there was a woman who worked in the shop, who was standing a few feet away and just giving me the strangest look ever! I had to explain to DJ that I would buy him cars but not all of those … he could choose one pack! He seemed really disappointed when I started putting the cars back on the shelf lol
We left Lifestyle, having bought nappies and a pack of new cars and I managed to expalin to the driver that I wanted to go to another money exchange place. He finally understood me and took me to another company. They were happy to exchange money but had to order it in. They told me it would be ready at 6 p.m or I could pick it up the next day after 11. I told them I would be back on Friday as there was no way I was going to get in rush hour traffic – it would take forever!
We left the exchange place and came home. Before even going into our building DJ asked if he could go on the slide. Abi had fallen asleep and stayed asleep when I put her in the pushchair and it wasn't too hot outside so I thought, why not? So, off we went to the park … again. Third time in two days – not bad! While we were in the park, I had a really nice surprise – my friend, Pam from Chennai phoned. It was so lovely to talk to her and catch up and such a nice surprise! It really made my day :)
Raj Kumar arrived early today – at 2 which I was surprised about but it was fine. Abi went for her usual afternoon nap at 3 and Raj Kumar was able to help out with DJ while I took Abigail to sleep. When she woke up I took both children down to the shop and then on the way back to the park for just 10 minutes. While we were in the shop, I bought DJ a treat – a small can of Fanta. When he came and asked me to open it, I asked him 'What's the magic word?' and he looked at me as if to say 'I don't know!' I told him it was 'Please'. And now, every time he wants something he looks at me and says 'What's the magic word? Please!' … it makes me laugh every time.
While we were in the taxi earlier, I almost forgot to mention – Abi reached another new milestone! She clapped for the first time!! She spent the whole taxi journey figuring it out and practising – it was so cute!! Anyway, she's now got it down to a T – whatever does that expression mean?! My mum used to say it a lot but I actually don't know what it means – anyone know?!
When we got back from the park, the children played in DJ's bedroom and I sorted through all his clothes. He had quite a few things that he has grown out of, so I tidied all his drawers out and then we made dinner and I put the children to bed.
Friday 24th September
This morning I had a taxi booked for 10.30. Surprise, surprise – he was late!! We left home at about 10 to 11 and went to the money exchange via the bank. I picked up my money and we headed home.
Sam was supposed to come over this afternoon but she called to cancel because she was having a lot of problems with things that were supposed to be done this morning such as having air conditioners installed, having her gas connection, having deliveries of stuff etc etc. She told me that people kept turning up late for delivering and fitting stuff and then not actually doing what they were supposed to do so just leaving their tools and telling her they would come back! I felt so bad for her as I remember the first time we went to India we had the same problem. Everything just takes so long to get done here and as Sam was saying to me, when you get told someone is coming at 10 a.m you expect them at 10 – not at 4 p.m! Anyway, I was disappointed that she didn't come over, but I completely understand.
Penri worked from home today which was nice. The children and I didn't actually go out this afternoon. In fact, DJ was so tired by 3 p.m that he went for a nap! I wouldn't normally let him sleep in the day but he was just so tired that he couldn't stay awake! It did mean that at bedtime, he didn't sleep. He finally went to sleep at 10.30!
I don't know where this week has gone – it seems to have flown by and the weekend is here already. I'm looking forward to Ambience Mall tomorrow and I know Dylan is too. He keeps asking to go to the 'big shops' and on the 'yellow car'. I really think it's the highlight of his week. It also helps that Pen is there too because DJ gets to spend time with him.
That's about it from me today. Will write more after the weekend. :)
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Saturday, September 25, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Wednesday 22nd September
It's been a quiet day today again. Decided not to go out of the compound as I knew I needed to go out tomorrow so I thought we could have one more day at home. I always worry when we don't get out for a few days at a time as it is a lot for Dylan and Abigail to be home all the time, especially DJ because he just loves going out. We spent a lot of time in the play room today and being at home these last few days has really helped Abigail. She now pulls herself up onto her knees. She tries to get up onto her feet but she's not quite mastered that yet. The fact that she is now wanting to get up and try to stand up is really good though.
I took the children to the park today. Dylan had a great time on the swing and see-saw. There were a few older children there on the climbing frame/slide set so DJ didn't go on it very much. When we left to come home, he was happy to walk towards our building but as soon as we reached it, he was asking to go on the slide again. When I told him no, he went crazy and started shouting at me saying 'No Mummy! No home!' I had to push Abi's pushchair with one hand whilst carrying Dylan under my other arm. It was really difficult.
Penri phoned me in the afternoon and I asked if I wanted to help him out with a bit of audio typing. I love audio typing – as long as the recording the clear so I said yes, no problem. When he sent the video over though, it was really difficult because not only was the recording not a fantastic quality, but the whole 40 minute lecture was about haemoglobin so I'd never heard most of the words in it! Pen had 12 videos to do and needed a quick turnaround so I got my sister on board to. She is even faster and better at audio typing than me, but she too found it to be a difficult task. Mel finished one video that evening, I finished two thirds of mine (and then Mel finished the last bit) and Pen finished a third of his. There was no way we could turn them around in the time span needed so Pen had to get some freelancers to do the rest. It meant though, that I was up until a stupid time in the morning – I think it was about 3 o'clock and Pen was up the whole night working. Mel didn't sleep either (as she continued mine after I had gone to bed). I was so tired the next morning, I could hardly lift my head off the pillow!
After Abi had her little nap and Dylan had eaten some lunch, we walked down to the shop. The weather has cooled down a lot and it's so much more pleasant now. After the shop, DJ asked me very politely if we could go to the park. How could I refuse?! So, I took them to the park again. Afterwards, we came home, changed and went over to Isaac's house. By the time we got there it was already 6 o'clock so we stayed for about 40 minutes and then headed home and I got the kids ready for bed.
I took the children to the park today. Dylan had a great time on the swing and see-saw. There were a few older children there on the climbing frame/slide set so DJ didn't go on it very much. When we left to come home, he was happy to walk towards our building but as soon as we reached it, he was asking to go on the slide again. When I told him no, he went crazy and started shouting at me saying 'No Mummy! No home!' I had to push Abi's pushchair with one hand whilst carrying Dylan under my other arm. It was really difficult.
Penri phoned me in the afternoon and I asked if I wanted to help him out with a bit of audio typing. I love audio typing – as long as the recording the clear so I said yes, no problem. When he sent the video over though, it was really difficult because not only was the recording not a fantastic quality, but the whole 40 minute lecture was about haemoglobin so I'd never heard most of the words in it! Pen had 12 videos to do and needed a quick turnaround so I got my sister on board to. She is even faster and better at audio typing than me, but she too found it to be a difficult task. Mel finished one video that evening, I finished two thirds of mine (and then Mel finished the last bit) and Pen finished a third of his. There was no way we could turn them around in the time span needed so Pen had to get some freelancers to do the rest. It meant though, that I was up until a stupid time in the morning – I think it was about 3 o'clock and Pen was up the whole night working. Mel didn't sleep either (as she continued mine after I had gone to bed). I was so tired the next morning, I could hardly lift my head off the pillow!
After Abi had her little nap and Dylan had eaten some lunch, we walked down to the shop. The weather has cooled down a lot and it's so much more pleasant now. After the shop, DJ asked me very politely if we could go to the park. How could I refuse?! So, I took them to the park again. Afterwards, we came home, changed and went over to Isaac's house. By the time we got there it was already 6 o'clock so we stayed for about 40 minutes and then headed home and I got the kids ready for bed.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st September
After a pretty good night, both kids slept in until 9 a.m! It was so lovely to have a lie in!
We had nothing planned today so we just relaxed around the house and I did all the housework. Raj Kumar had called to say he wouldn't be coming today as his wife had gone into hospital to have an operation and she hadn't been discharged. So, I ended up doing all the work around the house today. There seemed to be more because it was just after the weekend so it had piled up a bit; but regardless of that – there always seems to be so much to do! Anyway, apart from doing the housework, which I did while Abigail was having a late morning nap, all we did was sit in the play room playing which was nice and chilled.
Isn't it funny how we tell our kids things to make them consider the consequences of their actions? It normally works with Dylan – for example, I will say to him - “Tidy up all your cars or else mummy will put them in the bin!” and he will tidy them up. But today, it backfired on me. Dylan came to me in the kitchen with a car in one hand and four tyres in the other hand. One of his friends has taught him how to bite all the tyres of his toy cars and it drives me crazy!!! I have told him off again and again for doing it. Anyway, he brought me this car – which is one of his new ones and I turned to him and said “Oh no DJ, mummy told you not to bite the wheels off. It's broken now!” DJ replied “Mummy, fix it!” I told him I couldn't and that it was broken and I'd have to throw it away. I was hoping for a reaction that would stop him biting the tyres off. I'd only just emptied the bin and put a new bag in so I lifted the lid and threw the car in. I put the tyres on the kitchen sink but dropped one by accident. Dylan bent down, picked it up and put it in the bin!! Hmmm … so that didn't work out as planned. I then had to wait till he left the room before retrieving the car and fixing the tyres back on. I later sneaked it back into his box of cars.
Tuesday 21st September
Today we had another day at home. I decided as we weren't going out anywhere and we'd had two days at home now, I would do something really fun with the kids. Well, more with DJ but Abi could participate too. I set up a plastic cloth on the floor and got the paints out. Dylan had so much fun!! Abi was desperate to get in there and make a mess, but I kept her away. As you can see from the pictures below – Dylan loved painting himself as well as the paper. I managed to get a really nice picture of both their feet and hands. It was not easy … I got the paint on Abi's foot and before I could put it on the paper, she had grabbed her foot with her left hand so I was trying to hold her right foot, left hand and get some wet wipes before she got paint everywhere! :) After that, once I had done her foot and hand, I put her in the baby activity gym. I felt kind of bad for her watching on as Dylan painted but it was just too difficult with both of them.
After painting Abi went for a nap and DJ watched some television before we made lunch. Pen went into work later on this afternoon so he came and spent a bit of time with the kids in the playroom which was nice.
At 4.30, we left home and went over to Isaac's house. We stayed for about an hour and Divya made the boys dinner but Dylan didn't really touch his so when we got home at 5.30 I gave Dylan something else to eat. He is funny about food sometimes! After dinner, we played and then I got the kids ready for bed. 7.30 and Abigail was asleep but DJ didn't get to sleep until about 10 p.m! He was in bed for all that time but he just didn't sleep! I kept going in to check on him and he was laid there wide awake! Strange! Anyway, he finally went off to sleep and by the time Pen got home at about 11 p.m I was also asleep.
We had nothing planned today so we just relaxed around the house and I did all the housework. Raj Kumar had called to say he wouldn't be coming today as his wife had gone into hospital to have an operation and she hadn't been discharged. So, I ended up doing all the work around the house today. There seemed to be more because it was just after the weekend so it had piled up a bit; but regardless of that – there always seems to be so much to do! Anyway, apart from doing the housework, which I did while Abigail was having a late morning nap, all we did was sit in the play room playing which was nice and chilled.
Isn't it funny how we tell our kids things to make them consider the consequences of their actions? It normally works with Dylan – for example, I will say to him - “Tidy up all your cars or else mummy will put them in the bin!” and he will tidy them up. But today, it backfired on me. Dylan came to me in the kitchen with a car in one hand and four tyres in the other hand. One of his friends has taught him how to bite all the tyres of his toy cars and it drives me crazy!!! I have told him off again and again for doing it. Anyway, he brought me this car – which is one of his new ones and I turned to him and said “Oh no DJ, mummy told you not to bite the wheels off. It's broken now!” DJ replied “Mummy, fix it!” I told him I couldn't and that it was broken and I'd have to throw it away. I was hoping for a reaction that would stop him biting the tyres off. I'd only just emptied the bin and put a new bag in so I lifted the lid and threw the car in. I put the tyres on the kitchen sink but dropped one by accident. Dylan bent down, picked it up and put it in the bin!! Hmmm … so that didn't work out as planned. I then had to wait till he left the room before retrieving the car and fixing the tyres back on. I later sneaked it back into his box of cars.
Tuesday 21st September
Today we had another day at home. I decided as we weren't going out anywhere and we'd had two days at home now, I would do something really fun with the kids. Well, more with DJ but Abi could participate too. I set up a plastic cloth on the floor and got the paints out. Dylan had so much fun!! Abi was desperate to get in there and make a mess, but I kept her away. As you can see from the pictures below – Dylan loved painting himself as well as the paper. I managed to get a really nice picture of both their feet and hands. It was not easy … I got the paint on Abi's foot and before I could put it on the paper, she had grabbed her foot with her left hand so I was trying to hold her right foot, left hand and get some wet wipes before she got paint everywhere! :) After that, once I had done her foot and hand, I put her in the baby activity gym. I felt kind of bad for her watching on as Dylan painted but it was just too difficult with both of them.
After painting Abi went for a nap and DJ watched some television before we made lunch. Pen went into work later on this afternoon so he came and spent a bit of time with the kids in the playroom which was nice.
At 4.30, we left home and went over to Isaac's house. We stayed for about an hour and Divya made the boys dinner but Dylan didn't really touch his so when we got home at 5.30 I gave Dylan something else to eat. He is funny about food sometimes! After dinner, we played and then I got the kids ready for bed. 7.30 and Abigail was asleep but DJ didn't get to sleep until about 10 p.m! He was in bed for all that time but he just didn't sleep! I kept going in to check on him and he was laid there wide awake! Strange! Anyway, he finally went off to sleep and by the time Pen got home at about 11 p.m I was also asleep.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friday 17th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th September 2010
Friday 17th
It's Friday again!! Where does the week go?! I just can't believe how fast the time goes by. Sometimes I wonder how I fill my days especially when we have a day like today where we haven't actually gone out or done anything in particular, but managed to fill the day anyway.
As I mentioned above, we didn't go out today but stayed home and I played in the play room with the kids. I took a few photos of them and then a couple of videos too. Penri always says that I spend too much time living through my camera but I'm not – not only am I making memories for the kids when they are older (as they won't remember these early days), I am also sharing the children growing up with our friends and family via my blog and Facebook. I love looking at other people's photos and videos so I hope people feel the same about mine.
We got Tata Sky installed today so now have television in the living room! Up until now, the living room has been rarely used because there is no point sitting in there when there is nothing to do in there. It's quite cool; it means we have films, entertainment channels, kids tv and sports for Penri. Pen decided he was going to work from home today but then at 4 o'clock he said he had to go into the office as there was a problem.
The afternoon passed really quickly after that and before I knew it, I was putting the kids to bed and thinking about dinner for Pen and I.
Saturday 18th
I was up really early this morning. Both children were awake by 7 so I had to get up to sort them both out with breakfast, showers, getting dressed etc. Dylan is at the stage now where I need to convince him to get dressed. He just loves running around naked! Since we started potty training I have been letting him run around in just his pants (as it makes it so much easier to get to the potty quickly!) but now he is so good at going on the potty that even if he is wearing shorts, he can still get there in time. Anyway, in order to get him dressed I have to really emphasize how cool his clothes are so this morning, for example, I said to him 'WOW! Look DJ, Daddy's little monster on the t-shirt' and he looked at me for a second before getting into it too. He said 'WOW, monster' and allowed me to put the t-shirt on him. The shorts were a bit harder to persuade him with, but in the end we managed it. Got some cute pictures of him and Abi today in the playroom:
As we were up so early I managed to get a lot done before 9 a.m! I sorted out the rubbish and put it outside the front door as our rubbish gets collected every morning at 9 and if it's not outside, they ring the doorbell so I prefer to just have it there ready. I made brownies, I did two lots of clothes washing, washed the dishes, tidied up, replied to my e-mails and between all this managed to get the children washed, dressed and fed and into the playroom. Busy morning though! By 10 a.m when Abi went for a nap I was exhausted!
Alex phoned at about 10.30 and asked if she could pop over to pick up the suitcases I said she could borrow, which was fine as both Abi and Pen were sleeping and DJ was playing cars in his room. Alex arrived and had a cup of tea and a brownie and then about 10 minutes later Divya arrived with Isaac. The boys played for about 15 minutes before they left. They were going shopping and I had to get ready to go shopping too.
I got the pushchair and nappy bag etc ready by the front door then I got myself ready, then DJ and then when Abi woke up, I woke Pen up too. Off we went.
We went to the bank first as Pen was getting some money out for me to exchange into Riyals and because it was a Saturday morning, and we knew it would be busy, I waited with the children in the car. While we were sitting there, this man walked right up to Penri's car window and started really staring at the children. Then he got his mobile out and pretended to be looking at the motorbike that was parked next to our car. He was walking around and around it and kept glancing at the car. I knew what he was doing – he wanted to take a photo of the children on his phone. As I have mentioned in a previous post – I really don't mind people taking pictures of the children – if they ask, I always say yes. But, it really gets my goat when people try and take pictures slyly. It drives me crazy! So, this guy was still hanging around holding his phone and glancing at the car; I picked up the large sun screen visor thing we have and put it across the car windows so he couldn't see us any more. He walked away after that. Creepy!
Pen came back and we went to Ambience Mall … our weekly Saturday ritual. Food shopping first in Big Bazaar. We didn't actually need too much this week so Pen went to get his hair cut and took the pushchair (and Abi) with him and I took DJ with the trolley and whizzed around the shop. When Pen came to find me, he was pushing the pushchair with one hand and carrying an extremely red faced, snotty little Abi. She had been really crying bless her! As soon as she saw me, she was fine again. I think it's probably because one of the ladies in the hairdressers picked her up to hold her and she got a bit freaked out.
We finished the food shop and Pen took the stuff down to the car, while I took the children upstairs to the Food Court. Pen joined us and we had some lunch and then took DJ to the play area. Pen went off to shop and I went to sit opposite the play area to feed Abi (as she wanted to sleep). After about 10 minutes of sitting there, the man from the play area phoned me and said I needed to come. My first thought was DJ had run to the Early Learning Centre again, but I looked over (as I could see the play area from where I was sat) and I could see DJ playing quite happily. I phoned the man back and asked what the problem was as Dylan wasn't upset. The man said 'Toilet! Toilet!' Thinking that Dylan had a dirty nappy, I put Abi in the pushchair and walked over to the play area. When I got there, I saw what the problem was. His nappy wasn't dirty – it was wet – so he decided to take his shorts and nappy off and was running around the play area in only his t-shirt!!! I quickly grabbed a clean nappy and picked up his shorts and left a screaming Abi in the pushchair so I could go and dress Dylan.
I left again and went to sit and finish feeding Abi. She didn't go to sleep so when Pen came back, we all went to Reliance shop (including DJ who had had enough of the play area). We picked up a few bits in Reliance and then DJ was asking to go on the yellow car. We decided to let him go on the car and then we would head home. He had a quick ride on the motorised car and then we went for a quick drink in one of the big restaurants upstairs. They have lots of animals in there that move and make sounds. DJ has never seen them move before. He loves going to just look at the animals but we thought we would go and see if we could get them to switch the animals on.
DJ loved it – there was an elephant, giraffe, snake and monkey that all moved. There were other animals too which he loved going around and looking at. I wish I'd had my camera with me as Dylan's face was a picture. He was absolutely fascinated!!
We left the mall at about 4 and headed home. Abigail fell asleep in the car and for the first time in a long time I was able to bring her upstairs and keep her asleep whilst laying her in her cot. She was really tired!!
DJ and I played while Pen did some work and then Laura phoned and we all had a nice chat with her. The evening went pretty fast after that – before I knew it, I was making dinner and getting the children ready for bed. I was so tired that I thought I would get into bed and watch a film. I started watching the last Harry Potter film, which I have watched before but I ended up going into labour about half way through so I don't really remember it lol. I only managed about 10 minutes of the film before falling asleep!! I will watch it at some point :)
Sunday 19th September
It was raining really heavily this morning. We had decided to go out today as we wanted to go and buy a foot spa. We also wanted to go and check out this place in one of the shopping malls where you can put your feet in a fish tank and these little fish suck off all the dead skin. It sounds gross, I know!
Abi ended up having a really long nap this morning so DJ played in his room and I pottered around the house a bit. I spoke to Efi on Skype but unfortunately couldn't get my camera to work. It was really annoying as her little boy wanted to see and talk to DJ, but it didn't work. I tried to fix the webcam and couldn't so told her I would ring later.
We decided because it was already 12 p.m to have lunch at home before going out so I made food for Dylan, P and myself and dished Abi up a tiny bit of baked beans. She is still being fairly difficult with the food so I thought it may encourage her if she ate the same time as us and also had what we were having. It worked a treat! She loved the baked beans and ate them without me even mashing them up. After eating we set off down to the car. DJ was so excited to go out! He absolutely LOVES going anywhere – it doesn't matter where – he just likes to get in the car and go somewhere.
We went to City Centre mall and Penri had the foot thing done in the fish tank. It was the weirdest thing to see. As soon as he put his feet in, all these little fish swam to his feet really quickly and attached themselves to him. While Pen was getting his feet done, I took the children upstairs to the toy shop and then we went into a gift shop called Archie's. I ended up buying myself a new watch, which is something I've been wanting to buy for a while. Afterwards we went back to see Pen, who was nearly finished. He said it felt amazing afterwards and persuaded me to do it as well. He told me if I didn't try it, I would regret it, so I did. It is the weirdest feeling … you can't describe it. It doesn't hurt – it just really tickles and it's a really odd sensation. Lots of people stopped and asked me if it hurt and what it felt like. I must admit, it looks worse than it is. After about 10 minutes, your feet kind of go numb anyway. I managed to find a picture on the internet to explain better what it looks like:
We left the mall as I had to feed Abigail and there was nowhere really suitable. I fed her in the car while we were in the car park. As it turned out, it took us about 20 minutes to get out of the car park as a car had blocked us in. We were totally stuck in this space with no way of getting out. There was a man with the car that had blocked us in but he said he couldn't move it. After about 10 minutes – and Penri getting more and more angry, the man next to us went to phone the driver of the car that was blocking us. He came and moved his car – no apology or anything! Penri just lent out of the window and said 'nice parking, idiot!'
We went to Spencers shop where we bought a foot spa and a few little grocery bits. We finally got home at 6. The children were relieved to get back in that, as soon as I put them in the playroom, they both happily started playing. I changed nappies and got them ready for bed and then let them play until it was time to go to sleep. They both went to sleep early, with no problems! DJ slept right through until 6 a.m! Abi woke up a fair few times in the night, but it wasn't too bad as I myself had gone to sleep at 8 as soon as they were in bed :)
It's Friday again!! Where does the week go?! I just can't believe how fast the time goes by. Sometimes I wonder how I fill my days especially when we have a day like today where we haven't actually gone out or done anything in particular, but managed to fill the day anyway.
As I mentioned above, we didn't go out today but stayed home and I played in the play room with the kids. I took a few photos of them and then a couple of videos too. Penri always says that I spend too much time living through my camera but I'm not – not only am I making memories for the kids when they are older (as they won't remember these early days), I am also sharing the children growing up with our friends and family via my blog and Facebook. I love looking at other people's photos and videos so I hope people feel the same about mine.
We got Tata Sky installed today so now have television in the living room! Up until now, the living room has been rarely used because there is no point sitting in there when there is nothing to do in there. It's quite cool; it means we have films, entertainment channels, kids tv and sports for Penri. Pen decided he was going to work from home today but then at 4 o'clock he said he had to go into the office as there was a problem.
The afternoon passed really quickly after that and before I knew it, I was putting the kids to bed and thinking about dinner for Pen and I.
Saturday 18th
I was up really early this morning. Both children were awake by 7 so I had to get up to sort them both out with breakfast, showers, getting dressed etc. Dylan is at the stage now where I need to convince him to get dressed. He just loves running around naked! Since we started potty training I have been letting him run around in just his pants (as it makes it so much easier to get to the potty quickly!) but now he is so good at going on the potty that even if he is wearing shorts, he can still get there in time. Anyway, in order to get him dressed I have to really emphasize how cool his clothes are so this morning, for example, I said to him 'WOW! Look DJ, Daddy's little monster on the t-shirt' and he looked at me for a second before getting into it too. He said 'WOW, monster' and allowed me to put the t-shirt on him. The shorts were a bit harder to persuade him with, but in the end we managed it. Got some cute pictures of him and Abi today in the playroom:
As we were up so early I managed to get a lot done before 9 a.m! I sorted out the rubbish and put it outside the front door as our rubbish gets collected every morning at 9 and if it's not outside, they ring the doorbell so I prefer to just have it there ready. I made brownies, I did two lots of clothes washing, washed the dishes, tidied up, replied to my e-mails and between all this managed to get the children washed, dressed and fed and into the playroom. Busy morning though! By 10 a.m when Abi went for a nap I was exhausted!
Alex phoned at about 10.30 and asked if she could pop over to pick up the suitcases I said she could borrow, which was fine as both Abi and Pen were sleeping and DJ was playing cars in his room. Alex arrived and had a cup of tea and a brownie and then about 10 minutes later Divya arrived with Isaac. The boys played for about 15 minutes before they left. They were going shopping and I had to get ready to go shopping too.
I got the pushchair and nappy bag etc ready by the front door then I got myself ready, then DJ and then when Abi woke up, I woke Pen up too. Off we went.
We went to the bank first as Pen was getting some money out for me to exchange into Riyals and because it was a Saturday morning, and we knew it would be busy, I waited with the children in the car. While we were sitting there, this man walked right up to Penri's car window and started really staring at the children. Then he got his mobile out and pretended to be looking at the motorbike that was parked next to our car. He was walking around and around it and kept glancing at the car. I knew what he was doing – he wanted to take a photo of the children on his phone. As I have mentioned in a previous post – I really don't mind people taking pictures of the children – if they ask, I always say yes. But, it really gets my goat when people try and take pictures slyly. It drives me crazy! So, this guy was still hanging around holding his phone and glancing at the car; I picked up the large sun screen visor thing we have and put it across the car windows so he couldn't see us any more. He walked away after that. Creepy!
Pen came back and we went to Ambience Mall … our weekly Saturday ritual. Food shopping first in Big Bazaar. We didn't actually need too much this week so Pen went to get his hair cut and took the pushchair (and Abi) with him and I took DJ with the trolley and whizzed around the shop. When Pen came to find me, he was pushing the pushchair with one hand and carrying an extremely red faced, snotty little Abi. She had been really crying bless her! As soon as she saw me, she was fine again. I think it's probably because one of the ladies in the hairdressers picked her up to hold her and she got a bit freaked out.
We finished the food shop and Pen took the stuff down to the car, while I took the children upstairs to the Food Court. Pen joined us and we had some lunch and then took DJ to the play area. Pen went off to shop and I went to sit opposite the play area to feed Abi (as she wanted to sleep). After about 10 minutes of sitting there, the man from the play area phoned me and said I needed to come. My first thought was DJ had run to the Early Learning Centre again, but I looked over (as I could see the play area from where I was sat) and I could see DJ playing quite happily. I phoned the man back and asked what the problem was as Dylan wasn't upset. The man said 'Toilet! Toilet!' Thinking that Dylan had a dirty nappy, I put Abi in the pushchair and walked over to the play area. When I got there, I saw what the problem was. His nappy wasn't dirty – it was wet – so he decided to take his shorts and nappy off and was running around the play area in only his t-shirt!!! I quickly grabbed a clean nappy and picked up his shorts and left a screaming Abi in the pushchair so I could go and dress Dylan.
I left again and went to sit and finish feeding Abi. She didn't go to sleep so when Pen came back, we all went to Reliance shop (including DJ who had had enough of the play area). We picked up a few bits in Reliance and then DJ was asking to go on the yellow car. We decided to let him go on the car and then we would head home. He had a quick ride on the motorised car and then we went for a quick drink in one of the big restaurants upstairs. They have lots of animals in there that move and make sounds. DJ has never seen them move before. He loves going to just look at the animals but we thought we would go and see if we could get them to switch the animals on.
DJ loved it – there was an elephant, giraffe, snake and monkey that all moved. There were other animals too which he loved going around and looking at. I wish I'd had my camera with me as Dylan's face was a picture. He was absolutely fascinated!!
We left the mall at about 4 and headed home. Abigail fell asleep in the car and for the first time in a long time I was able to bring her upstairs and keep her asleep whilst laying her in her cot. She was really tired!!
DJ and I played while Pen did some work and then Laura phoned and we all had a nice chat with her. The evening went pretty fast after that – before I knew it, I was making dinner and getting the children ready for bed. I was so tired that I thought I would get into bed and watch a film. I started watching the last Harry Potter film, which I have watched before but I ended up going into labour about half way through so I don't really remember it lol. I only managed about 10 minutes of the film before falling asleep!! I will watch it at some point :)
Sunday 19th September
It was raining really heavily this morning. We had decided to go out today as we wanted to go and buy a foot spa. We also wanted to go and check out this place in one of the shopping malls where you can put your feet in a fish tank and these little fish suck off all the dead skin. It sounds gross, I know!
Abi ended up having a really long nap this morning so DJ played in his room and I pottered around the house a bit. I spoke to Efi on Skype but unfortunately couldn't get my camera to work. It was really annoying as her little boy wanted to see and talk to DJ, but it didn't work. I tried to fix the webcam and couldn't so told her I would ring later.
We decided because it was already 12 p.m to have lunch at home before going out so I made food for Dylan, P and myself and dished Abi up a tiny bit of baked beans. She is still being fairly difficult with the food so I thought it may encourage her if she ate the same time as us and also had what we were having. It worked a treat! She loved the baked beans and ate them without me even mashing them up. After eating we set off down to the car. DJ was so excited to go out! He absolutely LOVES going anywhere – it doesn't matter where – he just likes to get in the car and go somewhere.
We went to City Centre mall and Penri had the foot thing done in the fish tank. It was the weirdest thing to see. As soon as he put his feet in, all these little fish swam to his feet really quickly and attached themselves to him. While Pen was getting his feet done, I took the children upstairs to the toy shop and then we went into a gift shop called Archie's. I ended up buying myself a new watch, which is something I've been wanting to buy for a while. Afterwards we went back to see Pen, who was nearly finished. He said it felt amazing afterwards and persuaded me to do it as well. He told me if I didn't try it, I would regret it, so I did. It is the weirdest feeling … you can't describe it. It doesn't hurt – it just really tickles and it's a really odd sensation. Lots of people stopped and asked me if it hurt and what it felt like. I must admit, it looks worse than it is. After about 10 minutes, your feet kind of go numb anyway. I managed to find a picture on the internet to explain better what it looks like:
We left the mall as I had to feed Abigail and there was nowhere really suitable. I fed her in the car while we were in the car park. As it turned out, it took us about 20 minutes to get out of the car park as a car had blocked us in. We were totally stuck in this space with no way of getting out. There was a man with the car that had blocked us in but he said he couldn't move it. After about 10 minutes – and Penri getting more and more angry, the man next to us went to phone the driver of the car that was blocking us. He came and moved his car – no apology or anything! Penri just lent out of the window and said 'nice parking, idiot!'
We went to Spencers shop where we bought a foot spa and a few little grocery bits. We finally got home at 6. The children were relieved to get back in that, as soon as I put them in the playroom, they both happily started playing. I changed nappies and got them ready for bed and then let them play until it was time to go to sleep. They both went to sleep early, with no problems! DJ slept right through until 6 a.m! Abi woke up a fair few times in the night, but it wasn't too bad as I myself had gone to sleep at 8 as soon as they were in bed :)
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thursday 16th September
It's been a busy day today again. I'm just trying to get stuff sorted before going to Doha so I know I can leave without having to worry about things. I cleaned out the maid's/storage room this morning and mopped the floors then I moved all the cases and boxes back in – now all sorted out though. DJ was so cute! He kept trying to help me and saying 'DJ suippase' (cause he can't say suitcase). He was pushing all the empty cases down the corridor. I was really lucky as Abigail had a nice long nap for about an hour and a half, which gave me enough time to move all the boxes and cases. Now the room looks like this:
It's so much better than before and I know now exactly what is in there and where everything is. I also know now exactly what is missing from our cargo. It seems ridiculous but I keep noticing things that haven't arrived, but they are really silly things like Abigail's jungle play mat (which I have all the toys from but the mat is missing) and a deep pan baking tray and a little box that had stuffing and pancake mix in. As I said, just silly things but things that I am slowly noticing aren't there.
When I finished moving all the cases, I went and had a shower and while I was in the bathroom Abi woke up. Perfect timing! I'm so happy I got the maid's room/storage room done as it is one more thing off my list!
With Abi awake now, I was able to tidy up the play room. I had previously moved one of the children's toy storage units into DJ's room as I was fed up of picking up toys from all over his bedroom and having nowhere to put them, but as it turned out – moving storage into his room just made it worse. It gave him the impression that he could bring even more toys into his bedroom and it was just getting chaotic! So, I moved it back into Abi's room and tidied up all the toys. Then we chose a select few to move into DJ's room in a large bucket, which is how he used to have a selection of toys. It's handy to keep tidy and easy to swap them over and get different toys. The playroom looked brilliant … for about 10 minutes lol. It just never stays tidy!
When Raj Kumar left at 5, we went downstairs too. We walked to the veg stall to get some things for dinner. After getting what I wanted, I said to DJ 'come on let's go home' to which he replied 'no home!' He wanted to go to the main shop or the park – or anywhere I think other than home! We had to come home though because of the time … as soon as I told him he could wash all the veg, he was happy to come home :)
When we got back, Abi wanted to sleep so I asked DJ to watch Dora for 10 minutes while I took Abigail to put her to bed. He sat watching Dora and eating peas out of the pod! Abi fell asleep relatively quickly and then I went to see DJ. He wanted to jump on the trampoline so we went into his bedroom and played for a little while. Abi didn't sleep long and then she came and played in DJ's room too. The doorbell rang at 6.30 and it was Isaac with Divya. The boys played for about 10 minutes and then they left.
I hadn't realised the time – I was so late making dinner so I got to work quickly and made Dylan something to eat. I then took Abi for a quick bath and got her dressed for bed, then it was Dylan's turn. Into pyjamas and ready for bed. It took quite a while to get them both to sleep. Abigail finally fell asleep just after 8, but DJ was up until about 10 p.m when I laid down next to him with all the lights off and then he went to sleep.
So, the potty training is going amazingly well. In fact, it's fair to say that at home Dylan is completely potty trained! He even gets out of bed to use the potty! He wears pull up nappies now, which he can take off but can't put back on so I keep going into his bedroom to find him with no trousers or nappy on. At least he is using the potty though! I cannot believe it only took 5 days to potty train him – he's brilliant!!! I'm still not sure how to go about the next step of taking him out in pants instead of nappies, but we will get there. I'm not in any rush – he is happy using the potty whenever he can and I am happy that he is really comfortable with it.
Weaning, I'm sorry to say, is not going at all according to plan! Abigail is just not interested in being weaned. The last three times I have tried to give her food, she has tightened her mouth completely shut, she shakes her head from side to side really fast so it's impossible to get any food in her mouth and she bats the spoon away with her hands!! I just don't know what to do. I don't want to force the issue because I want her to enjoy food but she just doesn't want it! She will happily eat something that she can hold in her hand such as bread or biscuit or cereal but she just won't eat anything off the spoon! HELP! Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Well, that's about it from me today. I'm exhausted and hoping for a good night. Will write more tomorrow x
It's so much better than before and I know now exactly what is in there and where everything is. I also know now exactly what is missing from our cargo. It seems ridiculous but I keep noticing things that haven't arrived, but they are really silly things like Abigail's jungle play mat (which I have all the toys from but the mat is missing) and a deep pan baking tray and a little box that had stuffing and pancake mix in. As I said, just silly things but things that I am slowly noticing aren't there.
When I finished moving all the cases, I went and had a shower and while I was in the bathroom Abi woke up. Perfect timing! I'm so happy I got the maid's room/storage room done as it is one more thing off my list!
With Abi awake now, I was able to tidy up the play room. I had previously moved one of the children's toy storage units into DJ's room as I was fed up of picking up toys from all over his bedroom and having nowhere to put them, but as it turned out – moving storage into his room just made it worse. It gave him the impression that he could bring even more toys into his bedroom and it was just getting chaotic! So, I moved it back into Abi's room and tidied up all the toys. Then we chose a select few to move into DJ's room in a large bucket, which is how he used to have a selection of toys. It's handy to keep tidy and easy to swap them over and get different toys. The playroom looked brilliant … for about 10 minutes lol. It just never stays tidy!
When Raj Kumar left at 5, we went downstairs too. We walked to the veg stall to get some things for dinner. After getting what I wanted, I said to DJ 'come on let's go home' to which he replied 'no home!' He wanted to go to the main shop or the park – or anywhere I think other than home! We had to come home though because of the time … as soon as I told him he could wash all the veg, he was happy to come home :)
When we got back, Abi wanted to sleep so I asked DJ to watch Dora for 10 minutes while I took Abigail to put her to bed. He sat watching Dora and eating peas out of the pod! Abi fell asleep relatively quickly and then I went to see DJ. He wanted to jump on the trampoline so we went into his bedroom and played for a little while. Abi didn't sleep long and then she came and played in DJ's room too. The doorbell rang at 6.30 and it was Isaac with Divya. The boys played for about 10 minutes and then they left.
I hadn't realised the time – I was so late making dinner so I got to work quickly and made Dylan something to eat. I then took Abi for a quick bath and got her dressed for bed, then it was Dylan's turn. Into pyjamas and ready for bed. It took quite a while to get them both to sleep. Abigail finally fell asleep just after 8, but DJ was up until about 10 p.m when I laid down next to him with all the lights off and then he went to sleep.
So, the potty training is going amazingly well. In fact, it's fair to say that at home Dylan is completely potty trained! He even gets out of bed to use the potty! He wears pull up nappies now, which he can take off but can't put back on so I keep going into his bedroom to find him with no trousers or nappy on. At least he is using the potty though! I cannot believe it only took 5 days to potty train him – he's brilliant!!! I'm still not sure how to go about the next step of taking him out in pants instead of nappies, but we will get there. I'm not in any rush – he is happy using the potty whenever he can and I am happy that he is really comfortable with it.
Weaning, I'm sorry to say, is not going at all according to plan! Abigail is just not interested in being weaned. The last three times I have tried to give her food, she has tightened her mouth completely shut, she shakes her head from side to side really fast so it's impossible to get any food in her mouth and she bats the spoon away with her hands!! I just don't know what to do. I don't want to force the issue because I want her to enjoy food but she just doesn't want it! She will happily eat something that she can hold in her hand such as bread or biscuit or cereal but she just won't eat anything off the spoon! HELP! Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Well, that's about it from me today. I'm exhausted and hoping for a good night. Will write more tomorrow x
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Wednesday 15th September
It was the weirdest morning today … I woke up at 4.45 to feed Abi and she wouldn't go back to sleep. I finally got her back to sleep at 6 and I went back to bed. Now normally, she would wake up between 7 and 7.30 which is when I usually bring her into our bed but I woke up and heard her talking away to herself in her cot. This was at 8.15!! She was really happy – she was just chatting and gurgling away and I kept thinking to myself, any minute now she is going to start crying, but she didn't! At 8.30, I went in to her room to see her and she just beamed at me! So cute!!
I got her out of bed and before we even got out of her bedroom, DJ was there too! I think he may have been awake for a while and just waiting till he heard us pottering about before coming out of his room. Both of them were so happy and it was really lovely. Not that they are not normally happy – but this morning they seemed super happy!
Anyway, we came through to the kitchen and made breakfast. Abi managed a bit of banana porridge and DJ had banana with toast and a bit of cheese. Then I set about getting our things ready. I had ordered a taxi for 10 a.m and I wanted to be ready to leave as soon as it got here. Abigail went to sleep at 9.20 which is good because it meant she could have half an hour before we left to go shopping.
The taxi was here on time and we went downstairs. Before we hit the mall we had to go to pick up some things I had bought from a lady in Sector 46! I've never been that side of Gurgaon before and it was really strange as it was all unfamiliar and new. The driver found her house really easily and we went in for 10 mintues just to pick up everything. She is leaving Gurgaon so I bought a few new packets of pull up nappies from her, 5 tubs of Sudocrem :) which I was thrilled about as I haven't seen it here and a baby paddling pool. After leaving her house we headed to Ambience Mall. Halfway there and I realised – how stupid! - I had forgotten the pushchair! I couldn't believe it … I had two choices – I could turn and head home to pick it up or I could try and manage.
Just then Penri phoned and told me he would meet me at Ambi which was brilliant! I asked him to bring the double buggy with him, which he said he would. We arrived at Ambience Mall in good time and just as we were walking in, Pen phoned again. He said he wasn't going to meet me after all. So, I walked the length of the mall to Gate number 7 to get a mall pushchair. You can pay a deposit and borrow a single pushchair, which I thought I would absolutely HAVE to do if I was going to get any shopping done. Abigail is getting so heavy now that I just can't carry her for any length of time.
We got to Gate 7 and no pushchairs! They told me to go to Gate 5 so we walked down to the next Gate. They told me I had to go to Customer Care (which is between Gate 7 and Gate 5) so we walked back up again. Poor DJ – his little legs were struggling already and we hadn't even started shopping!! We got to the Customer Care desk and she told me to follow her to Gate 7! Again! So we walked up there and FINALLY got a pushchair. I put Abi in and then gave DJ a piggy back up to the third floor so we could get some lunch. I couldn't believe it was already 10 to 12 and I hadn't started looking around the shops.
As we were sitting eating our food I was looking at Dylan and Abigail and it occurred to me! They were straight out of a Mothercare catalogue. Both of them fully clothed from head to toe in Mothercare clothes. I still can't believe the amazing deals I got when we shopped there on Sunday! :)
After our lunch, I put Dylan in the play area and gave my mobile number (as always) and told them to call if there were any problems. Abi and I went into Mothercare – again – I know i'm a shopaholic! But there were no sale items. I asked one of the members of staff but he said there was just one rail left of sale items. I'm so glad I went there on Sunday!! Anyway, I bought what I went in for which was some plastic bibs for Abigail as the material ones just get really mucky and stained too quickly! I also bought two new PINK bottom sheets for her cot. She has been using Dylan's old ones so she's had cream, brown and blue ones till now. I thought it would be nice to get her some of her own new ones :)
Leaving Mothercare Abigail started screaming because she was really tired! I could hear DJ screaming in the play area but for a completely different reason – he was having a blast and screaming and shouting with joy! :) I sat behind the play area and fed Abi, who fell asleep within 10 minutes then I checked on DJ, who was totally fine and I went into Reliance. I'd only been in there for about 5 or 6 minutes when my mobile rang. It was the play area and they asked me to come back. I left the shop immediately and went back to the play area. When I got there Dylan wasn't there – I asked the staff where he was and they pointed across the walkway to Early Learning Centre. I went into ELC and you won't believe the sight that met my eyes! Dylan was on a pink tricycle carrying a huge blow up dinosaur under his arm and riding around the shop. There were about 5 members of ELC staff watching him and talking to him. Luckily the mall was really quiet today and there weren't actually any other customers in the shop. I apologised again and again to the staff, who told me that he was no problem and if I wanted to go and continue shopping I could leave him with them!!! I laughed and told them thank you, but it was ok, I would take him with me. Dylan was having a ball!!! And having all these people running around after him, he was just giggling and laughing away to himself.
I decided to buy him the blow up dinosaur because he loved it so much. He kept hugging it and kissing it and saying 'Ah!' - it's as tall as he is! We left ELC and went back to Reliance where I picked up a few bits. Dylan was SO good bearing in mind he had no pushchair and he had been on the go since 8.30 this morning and walking and playing and burning up lots of energy! After Reliance I said to DJ 'Let's go in the taxi and we'll go home!', his reply was 'No home, DJ yellow car!' - he wanted to go in the motorised car they have near the play area and do you know what? Maybe I spoilt him a bit today, but I thought why not? He had been so good and deserved all the little treats he had today. So, we went back to the play area and he had a ride on the orange car (the yellow one wasn't available).
When he finished, we bought food for Penri and went downstairs to take the pushchair back and to get our taxi. You would think my story of our shopping trip is nearly finished but it's not quite. We got back to 'Customer Care' and Abi was still sleeping and the pushchair was loaded up with bags and nappy bag and handbag etc. I asked the woman if I could take the pushchair down to the main door as I couldn't carry everything and a sleeping baby; and DJ was getting really tired now and struggling to keep up with me walking. She told me that I couldn't take the pushchair and had to manage. I asked her if she would mind walking with me and she told me she wasn't allowed to leave her station. I pointed out to her that when I picked the pushchair up, she walked with me to Gate 7 to go and get it and the station was unmanned, she wasn't too impressed at this. She then turned and started serving someone else. I waited a few minutes and it was obvious she was going to finish serving the other person, so I took Dylan's hand and walked away.
I went into Body Shop which is just next to where the desk is and I bought a couple of bits, I then went back to see her to return the pushchair. I phoned the taxi and asked him to come to Gate 5 instead of the front (as it was much closer to where we were). She then told me off for putting bags on the pushchair handle. She said 'It is only for baby, not for bags'. I looked at her totally shocked and said 'Do you have children?' She replied that no she didn't and she wasn't married. I said to her 'Just you wait and see' and nodded my knowing look at her. I apologise if I offend anyone who doesn't have children but anyone who has been shopping by themselves with a toddler and a baby will know just how hard it is shopping, let alone trying to carry bags and manoeuvre a pushchair whilst keeping hold of the toddler! Anyway, I lifted Abi out of the pushchair, picked up my shopping, got DJ's hand and went outside to Gate 5 to wait for the driver. We were waiting for about 10 minutes and when I phoned him to ask where he was he told me he was waiting at Gate 5, to which I replied that I was standing outside next to Gate 5 and he was not there! Why lie?! 2 or 3 minutes later he turned up.
We went to Penri's office as he needed his credit card (which is why he was going to come to meet me at the mall earlier). We were there for about 15 minutes. At 5 to 3, Pen asked me if the Kumar was coming today! DAMN! Yes in 5 minutes! So, we said goodbye to Pen and piled into the car to head home. I called Raj Kumar to tell him we were on our way. Luckily, it only took about 6 or 7 minutes to get home.
Abi went for a quick nap and DJ and I unpacked the shopping and talked to Nanna and Aunty Vivian on Skype. At 5 p.m when R.K left, we also went downstairs to go to the vegetable stall to buy something to cook for Dylan's dinner. I made Dylan's dinner late tonight – started cooking at about 6 p.m. He had a bit of dinner but then the doorbell rang and it was Isaac so Dylan abandoned his food and went off to play. Abigail refused to have any food tonight. I had made her carrots and cauliflower mashed together but she wouldn't have ANY of it! I didn't force the issue, just left it.
At 10 to 7 both children had a bath, hair wash and got into pyjamas. Dylan asked to watch 'Thomas the Tank Engine' which is really odd because he has never really liked it before now. I mean he loves the idea of Thomas but actually watching it has never appealed to him. I think it is targeted at kids a bit older. Anyway, I put it on for him and tucked him in at about 7.15. Abigail went to sleep at 8.15 and I checked on DJ and he was asleep too. I then came on my computer and typed to Mel on Skype for a bit whilst catching up writing my blog and adding photos and videos on FB. And that has been our hectic, but good day! Now I am going to call it a night! Will write tomorrow x
I got her out of bed and before we even got out of her bedroom, DJ was there too! I think he may have been awake for a while and just waiting till he heard us pottering about before coming out of his room. Both of them were so happy and it was really lovely. Not that they are not normally happy – but this morning they seemed super happy!
Anyway, we came through to the kitchen and made breakfast. Abi managed a bit of banana porridge and DJ had banana with toast and a bit of cheese. Then I set about getting our things ready. I had ordered a taxi for 10 a.m and I wanted to be ready to leave as soon as it got here. Abigail went to sleep at 9.20 which is good because it meant she could have half an hour before we left to go shopping.
The taxi was here on time and we went downstairs. Before we hit the mall we had to go to pick up some things I had bought from a lady in Sector 46! I've never been that side of Gurgaon before and it was really strange as it was all unfamiliar and new. The driver found her house really easily and we went in for 10 mintues just to pick up everything. She is leaving Gurgaon so I bought a few new packets of pull up nappies from her, 5 tubs of Sudocrem :) which I was thrilled about as I haven't seen it here and a baby paddling pool. After leaving her house we headed to Ambience Mall. Halfway there and I realised – how stupid! - I had forgotten the pushchair! I couldn't believe it … I had two choices – I could turn and head home to pick it up or I could try and manage.
Just then Penri phoned and told me he would meet me at Ambi which was brilliant! I asked him to bring the double buggy with him, which he said he would. We arrived at Ambience Mall in good time and just as we were walking in, Pen phoned again. He said he wasn't going to meet me after all. So, I walked the length of the mall to Gate number 7 to get a mall pushchair. You can pay a deposit and borrow a single pushchair, which I thought I would absolutely HAVE to do if I was going to get any shopping done. Abigail is getting so heavy now that I just can't carry her for any length of time.
We got to Gate 7 and no pushchairs! They told me to go to Gate 5 so we walked down to the next Gate. They told me I had to go to Customer Care (which is between Gate 7 and Gate 5) so we walked back up again. Poor DJ – his little legs were struggling already and we hadn't even started shopping!! We got to the Customer Care desk and she told me to follow her to Gate 7! Again! So we walked up there and FINALLY got a pushchair. I put Abi in and then gave DJ a piggy back up to the third floor so we could get some lunch. I couldn't believe it was already 10 to 12 and I hadn't started looking around the shops.
As we were sitting eating our food I was looking at Dylan and Abigail and it occurred to me! They were straight out of a Mothercare catalogue. Both of them fully clothed from head to toe in Mothercare clothes. I still can't believe the amazing deals I got when we shopped there on Sunday! :)
After our lunch, I put Dylan in the play area and gave my mobile number (as always) and told them to call if there were any problems. Abi and I went into Mothercare – again – I know i'm a shopaholic! But there were no sale items. I asked one of the members of staff but he said there was just one rail left of sale items. I'm so glad I went there on Sunday!! Anyway, I bought what I went in for which was some plastic bibs for Abigail as the material ones just get really mucky and stained too quickly! I also bought two new PINK bottom sheets for her cot. She has been using Dylan's old ones so she's had cream, brown and blue ones till now. I thought it would be nice to get her some of her own new ones :)
Leaving Mothercare Abigail started screaming because she was really tired! I could hear DJ screaming in the play area but for a completely different reason – he was having a blast and screaming and shouting with joy! :) I sat behind the play area and fed Abi, who fell asleep within 10 minutes then I checked on DJ, who was totally fine and I went into Reliance. I'd only been in there for about 5 or 6 minutes when my mobile rang. It was the play area and they asked me to come back. I left the shop immediately and went back to the play area. When I got there Dylan wasn't there – I asked the staff where he was and they pointed across the walkway to Early Learning Centre. I went into ELC and you won't believe the sight that met my eyes! Dylan was on a pink tricycle carrying a huge blow up dinosaur under his arm and riding around the shop. There were about 5 members of ELC staff watching him and talking to him. Luckily the mall was really quiet today and there weren't actually any other customers in the shop. I apologised again and again to the staff, who told me that he was no problem and if I wanted to go and continue shopping I could leave him with them!!! I laughed and told them thank you, but it was ok, I would take him with me. Dylan was having a ball!!! And having all these people running around after him, he was just giggling and laughing away to himself.
I decided to buy him the blow up dinosaur because he loved it so much. He kept hugging it and kissing it and saying 'Ah!' - it's as tall as he is! We left ELC and went back to Reliance where I picked up a few bits. Dylan was SO good bearing in mind he had no pushchair and he had been on the go since 8.30 this morning and walking and playing and burning up lots of energy! After Reliance I said to DJ 'Let's go in the taxi and we'll go home!', his reply was 'No home, DJ yellow car!' - he wanted to go in the motorised car they have near the play area and do you know what? Maybe I spoilt him a bit today, but I thought why not? He had been so good and deserved all the little treats he had today. So, we went back to the play area and he had a ride on the orange car (the yellow one wasn't available).
When he finished, we bought food for Penri and went downstairs to take the pushchair back and to get our taxi. You would think my story of our shopping trip is nearly finished but it's not quite. We got back to 'Customer Care' and Abi was still sleeping and the pushchair was loaded up with bags and nappy bag and handbag etc. I asked the woman if I could take the pushchair down to the main door as I couldn't carry everything and a sleeping baby; and DJ was getting really tired now and struggling to keep up with me walking. She told me that I couldn't take the pushchair and had to manage. I asked her if she would mind walking with me and she told me she wasn't allowed to leave her station. I pointed out to her that when I picked the pushchair up, she walked with me to Gate 7 to go and get it and the station was unmanned, she wasn't too impressed at this. She then turned and started serving someone else. I waited a few minutes and it was obvious she was going to finish serving the other person, so I took Dylan's hand and walked away.
I went into Body Shop which is just next to where the desk is and I bought a couple of bits, I then went back to see her to return the pushchair. I phoned the taxi and asked him to come to Gate 5 instead of the front (as it was much closer to where we were). She then told me off for putting bags on the pushchair handle. She said 'It is only for baby, not for bags'. I looked at her totally shocked and said 'Do you have children?' She replied that no she didn't and she wasn't married. I said to her 'Just you wait and see' and nodded my knowing look at her. I apologise if I offend anyone who doesn't have children but anyone who has been shopping by themselves with a toddler and a baby will know just how hard it is shopping, let alone trying to carry bags and manoeuvre a pushchair whilst keeping hold of the toddler! Anyway, I lifted Abi out of the pushchair, picked up my shopping, got DJ's hand and went outside to Gate 5 to wait for the driver. We were waiting for about 10 minutes and when I phoned him to ask where he was he told me he was waiting at Gate 5, to which I replied that I was standing outside next to Gate 5 and he was not there! Why lie?! 2 or 3 minutes later he turned up.
We went to Penri's office as he needed his credit card (which is why he was going to come to meet me at the mall earlier). We were there for about 15 minutes. At 5 to 3, Pen asked me if the Kumar was coming today! DAMN! Yes in 5 minutes! So, we said goodbye to Pen and piled into the car to head home. I called Raj Kumar to tell him we were on our way. Luckily, it only took about 6 or 7 minutes to get home.
Abi went for a quick nap and DJ and I unpacked the shopping and talked to Nanna and Aunty Vivian on Skype. At 5 p.m when R.K left, we also went downstairs to go to the vegetable stall to buy something to cook for Dylan's dinner. I made Dylan's dinner late tonight – started cooking at about 6 p.m. He had a bit of dinner but then the doorbell rang and it was Isaac so Dylan abandoned his food and went off to play. Abigail refused to have any food tonight. I had made her carrots and cauliflower mashed together but she wouldn't have ANY of it! I didn't force the issue, just left it.
At 10 to 7 both children had a bath, hair wash and got into pyjamas. Dylan asked to watch 'Thomas the Tank Engine' which is really odd because he has never really liked it before now. I mean he loves the idea of Thomas but actually watching it has never appealed to him. I think it is targeted at kids a bit older. Anyway, I put it on for him and tucked him in at about 7.15. Abigail went to sleep at 8.15 and I checked on DJ and he was asleep too. I then came on my computer and typed to Mel on Skype for a bit whilst catching up writing my blog and adding photos and videos on FB. And that has been our hectic, but good day! Now I am going to call it a night! Will write tomorrow x
Tuesday 14th September
Abi was awake fairly early this morning. It just dawned on me how many posts I actually start like that. I brought her into our bed for about an hour but by 7 a.m she had had enough and wanted to get up. So, I got up and brought her through to the dining room. She played in her activity gym while I caught up with writing my blog (from yesterday). DJ woke up at about 8 and then I made them both breakfast. Abi actually managed quite a bit of baby cereal this morning, which I was thrilled about! It's definitely a slow going process but we're getting better. DJ had what he normally has which is toast, apple and cheese. After breakfast we went in the playroom. While the children were playing I sat with them and started sorting out Abigail's dresser. She is growing so quickly that she has already outgrown a lot of her clothes. I put them both in their new outfits from Mothercare. They look so cute. I took a few photos (as you can see, within minutes of having hers on, Abi dribbled down her top lol) :
At about 10.45, Abi went for a nap and DJ and I made popcorn and juice. As I treat I let Dylan have his in his bedroom so he could watch 'Inspector Gadget' – something new he has just started watching! I gave him his popcorn and his juice and told him I was going to the kitchen if he needed me. The next second he came running down the corridor saying 'Mummy, Mummy!' I stopped where I was and turned around and he came running right up to me and said 'Mummy, hug!' and threw himself into my arms. Aren't moments like that just so wonderful?! They make your heart melt!!
After he gave me a hug, he went back to his bedroom to play and I went to the kitchen to put the dishes away as the Kumar didn't come today because we went out in the afternoon. I need to get him a key cut really. Anyway, going into the kitchen, I had one of those horrible 'not liking India' moments because there sitting on the kitchen counter was a cockroach!!!! I haven't seen one for AGES … not since the last time I wrote about it on my blog. He was just sitting there right next to the microwave and I felt all … tingly. I couldn't just leave him because I knew if I did he would disappear and I would know he was somewhere in the kitchen! So, I picked up a magazine, gritted my teeth and … squish!! YUCK, YUCK, YUCK!!!!! I scooped him off the counter and threw him over the balcony! Someone told me (I can't remember who) if you leave a cockroach squished somewhere in your house it lets off a scent which attracts other cockroaches so I got rid of him as quickly as I could. Even as I write this it makes me feel itchy!
Moving on …
My friend Emma sent her driver to pick us all up at 2 p.m and take us to her house. She lives (where most of the other expats live) on the other side of Gurgaon so it normally takes about half an hour to get there depending on traffic! For those of you who have read my previous posts, you will know that on one occasion it took us 3 hours to get home from that side of town! Anyway, we made it there in good time and had a lovely play date with Tia. We're not going to see Emma and Tia again for about a month and a half as they are going to UK and then we are going to Doha. We had a really lovely time! When it was time to leave (or nearing the time we had to leave) I tried to order a taxi from a new company but the first number I tried was a hospital, the second didn't exist and the third went onto a vodaphone answer service! So, no luck! As it turned out, my other friend, Melinda who lives in the same complex had just got home and I had to go and drop something to her anyway, but she said her driver would take me home! Haven't I got nice, kind friends?! So, Melinda's driver brought us back and it took about 45 minutes. We actually got home at about 5 and I could see DJ was really tired. I thought if we stay in the house, he is going to fall asleep and then would never sleep through the night. So, I changed him out of his nappy into pants and shorts and got the single pushchair and we walked downstairs to the shop and then to the fruit and veg stall. We bought stuff for dinner and came home and I let Dylan wash all the veggies – he LOVES doing it and takes such time and care in placing each individual item into the water. While he was washing the vegetables, Abi had a nap and I cooked dinner. It actually worked out really well. Dinner at about 6.30 and then bath and bed. Brilliant!
A few photos of our play date at Tia's:
At about 10.45, Abi went for a nap and DJ and I made popcorn and juice. As I treat I let Dylan have his in his bedroom so he could watch 'Inspector Gadget' – something new he has just started watching! I gave him his popcorn and his juice and told him I was going to the kitchen if he needed me. The next second he came running down the corridor saying 'Mummy, Mummy!' I stopped where I was and turned around and he came running right up to me and said 'Mummy, hug!' and threw himself into my arms. Aren't moments like that just so wonderful?! They make your heart melt!!
After he gave me a hug, he went back to his bedroom to play and I went to the kitchen to put the dishes away as the Kumar didn't come today because we went out in the afternoon. I need to get him a key cut really. Anyway, going into the kitchen, I had one of those horrible 'not liking India' moments because there sitting on the kitchen counter was a cockroach!!!! I haven't seen one for AGES … not since the last time I wrote about it on my blog. He was just sitting there right next to the microwave and I felt all … tingly. I couldn't just leave him because I knew if I did he would disappear and I would know he was somewhere in the kitchen! So, I picked up a magazine, gritted my teeth and … squish!! YUCK, YUCK, YUCK!!!!! I scooped him off the counter and threw him over the balcony! Someone told me (I can't remember who) if you leave a cockroach squished somewhere in your house it lets off a scent which attracts other cockroaches so I got rid of him as quickly as I could. Even as I write this it makes me feel itchy!
Moving on …
My friend Emma sent her driver to pick us all up at 2 p.m and take us to her house. She lives (where most of the other expats live) on the other side of Gurgaon so it normally takes about half an hour to get there depending on traffic! For those of you who have read my previous posts, you will know that on one occasion it took us 3 hours to get home from that side of town! Anyway, we made it there in good time and had a lovely play date with Tia. We're not going to see Emma and Tia again for about a month and a half as they are going to UK and then we are going to Doha. We had a really lovely time! When it was time to leave (or nearing the time we had to leave) I tried to order a taxi from a new company but the first number I tried was a hospital, the second didn't exist and the third went onto a vodaphone answer service! So, no luck! As it turned out, my other friend, Melinda who lives in the same complex had just got home and I had to go and drop something to her anyway, but she said her driver would take me home! Haven't I got nice, kind friends?! So, Melinda's driver brought us back and it took about 45 minutes. We actually got home at about 5 and I could see DJ was really tired. I thought if we stay in the house, he is going to fall asleep and then would never sleep through the night. So, I changed him out of his nappy into pants and shorts and got the single pushchair and we walked downstairs to the shop and then to the fruit and veg stall. We bought stuff for dinner and came home and I let Dylan wash all the veggies – he LOVES doing it and takes such time and care in placing each individual item into the water. While he was washing the vegetables, Abi had a nap and I cooked dinner. It actually worked out really well. Dinner at about 6.30 and then bath and bed. Brilliant!
A few photos of our play date at Tia's:
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday 13th September
This morning I had decided we were going to go shopping. As I mentioned in my previous post I wanted to go to M&S in one of the other malls. Pen told me last night he had to be up early so I asked if he could drop us at the mall, to which he replied he would. I woke up Pen at 10 a.m and asked him how long I had to get myself and the kids ready before we had to leave. He said he was leaving immediately and I asked him if I could just have 5-10 minutes to get the kids ready. I told him I would be as quick as possible! He said ok, so I rushed around like crazy, got DJ ready first, then myself and then Abigail. I went back in to Pen and he was back asleep. I woke him again and told him we were ready. He told me that his alarm was on snooze and he would be up soon.
I took the children in the play room but Dylan was getting really upset because he knew we were going out – we were all set to go out but we weren't moving and DJ kept saying 'big shops mummy, slide mummy!' - I'd already told DJ where we were going and he LOVES going out so he was getting really upset when we were just hanging around. After 15 minutes I went back into Pen and again and asked him what was happening. He got angry with me and told me I had to work to his schedule and he was not ready to get up yet. I waited a bit longer but by 11.15, even I had had enough! I got the kids, bundled them in the pushchair and got a taxi to the mall.
We arrived at Metropolitan Mall at about quarter to 12 (an hour and a half after I planned to get there) and as soon as we arrived I asked DJ if he wanted to go to the play area. He said 'No mummy, no slide, nuggets, chips!' Damn it! I knew I had forgotten something. In my haste to get out of the house, I had left Dylan's lunch box on the side in the kitchen so as it turned out DJ had his wish and we had McDonald's instead. After lunch, I popped into one really cool shop called 'Archie's Gallery' which is a gift shop. It's really lovely and has some nice things but the only problem is you can't get the pushchair around the aisles. It's only a small shop so I left the pushchair with both children in it and I had a quick look around. Dylan got out and tried to make a run for it so I had to strap him in the pushchair then Abi started crying so I had to take her out and carry her … it was just so hard to shop! Anyway, I picked up a few bits and then we left.
We went straight to the play area and DJ was the only child in there. He had lots of fun on the slide and the ride on cars etc. As soon as I put him in there, I made sure he was happy and then I took Abi and we went upstairs to the Beauty Salon on the 2nd floor. I asked if they did eyebrow waxing, which they said yes so I manoeuvred the pushchair around the salon to the back where they told me to sit. When I saw the chair, I was confused as I always lay down to have my eyebrows waxed. I looked at the woman and said 'waxing yes, no threading'. She replied 'no, threading only!' I figured this was my chance to get my eyebrows done so I sighed and said 'how long will it take?' she told me less than 5 minutes. So, I took a deep breath, sat down and had them threaded. I hate having threading done as I find it so much more painful than waxing, but as she said it only took a matter of minutes and it was done. The bonus – it cost Rs.40 which is about 50 pence!!
I went downstairs and popped into Marks and Spencers – they didn't stock any nursing bras, which was a big disappointment so I went to check on DJ in the play area. He was quite happy but as soon as he saw me, he asked to come out. I called the taxi and asked if he could come and get us. He told me 15 minutes … that was at 1 p.m.
So I had a bit of time to kill – I went into a large shop called Shoppers Stop and had a look around and then we stood in the entrance to the mall and I called again. He said he would ring me back in a few minutes so I waited. While we were standing there there was a small group of Indians nearby. I really didn't like what happened next … the woman and a small child stood in front of me and the children and the man held up a camera to take their picture. Before he took it, they moved out the way to the side so that he ended up taking us. He then took a second photo of us (I am sure of this as it flashed). I called across to them 'If you asked to take a photo, I would have said yes, there's no need to do it without asking!' The man shouted at me 'I was not taking you, I was taking behind you!' So two things – why were the woman and child standing there for a few seconds so it seemed like he was taking them? And secondly, behind me was a McDonald's sign and a watch shop sign … hmmm interesting photo! It really makes me angry because I never say no when people ask to take photos of the children but when they do it slyly, I think it is SO rude!! And then to deny it when it was so obvious what he was doing … not right!!
It had now been about 25 minutes since my first phone call, so I called the taxi guy back again and asked where he was. He said 'coming now, go outside'. So, I took the children and we walked out the mall and down to the main road. The only problem with MGF Mall is the traffic coming into it for parking. It's always chocca so I said I would walk down to the main road so it would be easier to pick us up. We got there and there was no sign of the car! We waited and waited and waited! Lots of autos and other taxis stopped to try and pick us up but as I had arranged a driver, I decided to wait. We were approached by a street beggar, who I told to go away and before anything else happened I saw a whole mob of them literally running towards us!! I pushed the pushchair really fast and walked along the main road past the mall away from the beggars. Thank goodness they got the message and didn't follow me.
I phoned the taxi again – by now it was 1.40 – 40 minutes since my first call and 25 minutes since I was told he would be here. Another taxi pulled up and I gave my address and he said 'yes, yes 200 rupees'. I asked him if he knew where I wanted to go and he just kept saying yes and pointing to the back seat. I asked him 'Where am I going?' and he replied the same again 'yes, yes' and pointed to the back seat. I told him to forget it! I'm not going to get into a taxi when he has no idea where we were going. Then another taxi pulled up and I got him to bring us home. He drove like a MANIAC! You should have seen Dylan's face especially when we got to our road which is really bumpy and badly damaged after the rains. He just raced over all the bumps and the kids and I were rolling around in the back and bouncing up and down! It was horrible!! Anyway, he got us home safely and quickly so I paid him and we got out.
We came upstairs and it was just after 2. I had actually thought it was 3! I thought it was an hour later than it actually was and I had been racing to get home in time for Raj Kumar when there was no need!
As soon as we got in, I stripped off all three of us, got us all showered and into fresh clothes as we were all incredibly hot and DJ was filthy!! DJ watched some tv and had some juice while I put Abi to sleep then I got DJ tucked into bed for a nap. They were both exhausted.
Raj Kumar arrived and I think he was a bit shocked at the state of the house. With all the running around, it was chaotic! There were dishes everywhere and the play room was a mess and there was my washing hung out everywhere all over the dining room. Luckily, with both children asleep I was able to tidy up my washing, which made a huge difference. Raj Kumar is great though – nothing fazes him – he just got on with his work!
While the children were sleeping, I caught up with my mum on Skype which was lovely. I love Skype – it's so wonderful to be able to see your family while you are talking to them! Abigail slept till 4.30 and DJ woke up just afterwards. While I was on the phone to my mum, I started cooking the dinner. We had roast chicken, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes (as DJ doesn't eat roasts), carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and gravy! Yummy!
Isaac and Alex came over at about 6.15 and Alex sat with the boys while they had their dinner. I took Abigail and went down to the local shop. We were nearly out of water and he had no delivery boy to send a 20 litre bottle upstairs. So, I put Abi in the front of the double pushchair and then went and bought a 20 litre bottle and put it in the back of the pushchair to bring home. When we got back, the boys played while Alex and I had dinner. Then I bathed both kids and put them to bed.
Abigail went to sleep at 8.15 and then I went into DJ's room to settle him. While I was talking to him, Abi woke up and I had to go and feed her. I told Dylan I would be back and we would clean his teeth and have a story once I got Abi back to sleep. I went into Abi's room and started feeding her and then DJ started crying right outside the door. He was crying and calling me, so I laid Abi in her cot and she started screaming and I went to see DJ. He was saying 'teeth mummy, teeth'. I thought if I quickly clean his teeth just with water, he will be happy and I can do it properly after I get Abi to sleep. Dylan, as sharp as a button, said 'No Mummy – toothpaste!' so I had to clean Dylan's teeth properly. All the time we were in the bathroom I could hear Abigail crying so I took DJ back to his room, tucked him in and went back to Abi. I finally got her back to sleep again at about 9 and then went back to DJ who was still awake. I tucked him in a third time and came out of his room.
I came on Skype and started chatting to my dad, which again was really lovely! It's the next best thing to seeing my parents – seeing them on the computer! At about 9.45, DJ came out of his bedroom and said 'please mummy peas' which is really funny because he can't say 'please' he says 'peas' so he was actually saying 'peas mummy peas'. He went into the kitchen and came back with a handful of peas (in the pods). He sat next to me and starting podding them and eating the peas. My dad couldn't believe it – he was asking about DJ eating vegetables and I told him – he eats carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, corn – he's really good like that!
Pen walked in the front door at 10 p.m and DJ went running to greet him. P was surprised that Dylan was still awake as normally DJ is asleep when he gets home. Anyway, a few moments later Abi woke up so I went to see to her and Penri put DJ to bed (before having his roast dinner). I think it must be nice to come home and have dinner waiting for you; it's just a shame it's such hard work to cook with two little ones. I have been much better recently though – making more effort to use my oven to not only cook, but bake! :)
I took the children in the play room but Dylan was getting really upset because he knew we were going out – we were all set to go out but we weren't moving and DJ kept saying 'big shops mummy, slide mummy!' - I'd already told DJ where we were going and he LOVES going out so he was getting really upset when we were just hanging around. After 15 minutes I went back into Pen and again and asked him what was happening. He got angry with me and told me I had to work to his schedule and he was not ready to get up yet. I waited a bit longer but by 11.15, even I had had enough! I got the kids, bundled them in the pushchair and got a taxi to the mall.
We arrived at Metropolitan Mall at about quarter to 12 (an hour and a half after I planned to get there) and as soon as we arrived I asked DJ if he wanted to go to the play area. He said 'No mummy, no slide, nuggets, chips!' Damn it! I knew I had forgotten something. In my haste to get out of the house, I had left Dylan's lunch box on the side in the kitchen so as it turned out DJ had his wish and we had McDonald's instead. After lunch, I popped into one really cool shop called 'Archie's Gallery' which is a gift shop. It's really lovely and has some nice things but the only problem is you can't get the pushchair around the aisles. It's only a small shop so I left the pushchair with both children in it and I had a quick look around. Dylan got out and tried to make a run for it so I had to strap him in the pushchair then Abi started crying so I had to take her out and carry her … it was just so hard to shop! Anyway, I picked up a few bits and then we left.
We went straight to the play area and DJ was the only child in there. He had lots of fun on the slide and the ride on cars etc. As soon as I put him in there, I made sure he was happy and then I took Abi and we went upstairs to the Beauty Salon on the 2nd floor. I asked if they did eyebrow waxing, which they said yes so I manoeuvred the pushchair around the salon to the back where they told me to sit. When I saw the chair, I was confused as I always lay down to have my eyebrows waxed. I looked at the woman and said 'waxing yes, no threading'. She replied 'no, threading only!' I figured this was my chance to get my eyebrows done so I sighed and said 'how long will it take?' she told me less than 5 minutes. So, I took a deep breath, sat down and had them threaded. I hate having threading done as I find it so much more painful than waxing, but as she said it only took a matter of minutes and it was done. The bonus – it cost Rs.40 which is about 50 pence!!
I went downstairs and popped into Marks and Spencers – they didn't stock any nursing bras, which was a big disappointment so I went to check on DJ in the play area. He was quite happy but as soon as he saw me, he asked to come out. I called the taxi and asked if he could come and get us. He told me 15 minutes … that was at 1 p.m.
So I had a bit of time to kill – I went into a large shop called Shoppers Stop and had a look around and then we stood in the entrance to the mall and I called again. He said he would ring me back in a few minutes so I waited. While we were standing there there was a small group of Indians nearby. I really didn't like what happened next … the woman and a small child stood in front of me and the children and the man held up a camera to take their picture. Before he took it, they moved out the way to the side so that he ended up taking us. He then took a second photo of us (I am sure of this as it flashed). I called across to them 'If you asked to take a photo, I would have said yes, there's no need to do it without asking!' The man shouted at me 'I was not taking you, I was taking behind you!' So two things – why were the woman and child standing there for a few seconds so it seemed like he was taking them? And secondly, behind me was a McDonald's sign and a watch shop sign … hmmm interesting photo! It really makes me angry because I never say no when people ask to take photos of the children but when they do it slyly, I think it is SO rude!! And then to deny it when it was so obvious what he was doing … not right!!
It had now been about 25 minutes since my first phone call, so I called the taxi guy back again and asked where he was. He said 'coming now, go outside'. So, I took the children and we walked out the mall and down to the main road. The only problem with MGF Mall is the traffic coming into it for parking. It's always chocca so I said I would walk down to the main road so it would be easier to pick us up. We got there and there was no sign of the car! We waited and waited and waited! Lots of autos and other taxis stopped to try and pick us up but as I had arranged a driver, I decided to wait. We were approached by a street beggar, who I told to go away and before anything else happened I saw a whole mob of them literally running towards us!! I pushed the pushchair really fast and walked along the main road past the mall away from the beggars. Thank goodness they got the message and didn't follow me.
I phoned the taxi again – by now it was 1.40 – 40 minutes since my first call and 25 minutes since I was told he would be here. Another taxi pulled up and I gave my address and he said 'yes, yes 200 rupees'. I asked him if he knew where I wanted to go and he just kept saying yes and pointing to the back seat. I asked him 'Where am I going?' and he replied the same again 'yes, yes' and pointed to the back seat. I told him to forget it! I'm not going to get into a taxi when he has no idea where we were going. Then another taxi pulled up and I got him to bring us home. He drove like a MANIAC! You should have seen Dylan's face especially when we got to our road which is really bumpy and badly damaged after the rains. He just raced over all the bumps and the kids and I were rolling around in the back and bouncing up and down! It was horrible!! Anyway, he got us home safely and quickly so I paid him and we got out.
We came upstairs and it was just after 2. I had actually thought it was 3! I thought it was an hour later than it actually was and I had been racing to get home in time for Raj Kumar when there was no need!
As soon as we got in, I stripped off all three of us, got us all showered and into fresh clothes as we were all incredibly hot and DJ was filthy!! DJ watched some tv and had some juice while I put Abi to sleep then I got DJ tucked into bed for a nap. They were both exhausted.
Raj Kumar arrived and I think he was a bit shocked at the state of the house. With all the running around, it was chaotic! There were dishes everywhere and the play room was a mess and there was my washing hung out everywhere all over the dining room. Luckily, with both children asleep I was able to tidy up my washing, which made a huge difference. Raj Kumar is great though – nothing fazes him – he just got on with his work!
While the children were sleeping, I caught up with my mum on Skype which was lovely. I love Skype – it's so wonderful to be able to see your family while you are talking to them! Abigail slept till 4.30 and DJ woke up just afterwards. While I was on the phone to my mum, I started cooking the dinner. We had roast chicken, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes (as DJ doesn't eat roasts), carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and gravy! Yummy!
Isaac and Alex came over at about 6.15 and Alex sat with the boys while they had their dinner. I took Abigail and went down to the local shop. We were nearly out of water and he had no delivery boy to send a 20 litre bottle upstairs. So, I put Abi in the front of the double pushchair and then went and bought a 20 litre bottle and put it in the back of the pushchair to bring home. When we got back, the boys played while Alex and I had dinner. Then I bathed both kids and put them to bed.
Abigail went to sleep at 8.15 and then I went into DJ's room to settle him. While I was talking to him, Abi woke up and I had to go and feed her. I told Dylan I would be back and we would clean his teeth and have a story once I got Abi back to sleep. I went into Abi's room and started feeding her and then DJ started crying right outside the door. He was crying and calling me, so I laid Abi in her cot and she started screaming and I went to see DJ. He was saying 'teeth mummy, teeth'. I thought if I quickly clean his teeth just with water, he will be happy and I can do it properly after I get Abi to sleep. Dylan, as sharp as a button, said 'No Mummy – toothpaste!' so I had to clean Dylan's teeth properly. All the time we were in the bathroom I could hear Abigail crying so I took DJ back to his room, tucked him in and went back to Abi. I finally got her back to sleep again at about 9 and then went back to DJ who was still awake. I tucked him in a third time and came out of his room.
I came on Skype and started chatting to my dad, which again was really lovely! It's the next best thing to seeing my parents – seeing them on the computer! At about 9.45, DJ came out of his bedroom and said 'please mummy peas' which is really funny because he can't say 'please' he says 'peas' so he was actually saying 'peas mummy peas'. He went into the kitchen and came back with a handful of peas (in the pods). He sat next to me and starting podding them and eating the peas. My dad couldn't believe it – he was asking about DJ eating vegetables and I told him – he eats carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, corn – he's really good like that!
Pen walked in the front door at 10 p.m and DJ went running to greet him. P was surprised that Dylan was still awake as normally DJ is asleep when he gets home. Anyway, a few moments later Abi woke up so I went to see to her and Penri put DJ to bed (before having his roast dinner). I think it must be nice to come home and have dinner waiting for you; it's just a shame it's such hard work to cook with two little ones. I have been much better recently though – making more effort to use my oven to not only cook, but bake! :)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Sunday 12th September
Breakfast again for Abi – cereal. I am determined with this now. Even if she only manages a few spoonfuls each meal, it's a definite start. Dylan woke up this morning and asked me if he could go to school. That's happened about 3 times now since we did our second visit. I'm so happy as it's really promising! I'm hoping he is going to love school; it's one of the hardest things and I know I'm going to find it really hard when he actually does go and I have to just drop him off and leave him! My little baby is growing up so quickly!!!!
Dylan and I went to the vegetable stall this morning and had much more luck this time! I'm happy to say that they had pretty much everything so I ended up buying loads. When we got back, Dylan washed all the fruit and veg in sterilised water. He LOVES doing it as he splashes water everywhere but it's really good for him as he is learning all the time he does it. He talks to me about what vegetables he is washing and how many there are and what colours they are. He's so clever! :) Look at the lovely colours ...
Is it me or does this potato look like some kind of bird?:
We went out this morning at 10.45 as we wanted to get to Ambi mall early. I asked Pen to drop Abigail and I at the main entrance to I could go into M&S and Debenhams (which are right at the front) and we always park at the back. I wanted to buy some underwear and they seemed to be the best places to go. So, I started in Marks and found the bras and stuff but there wasn't a single person around to help me and after a few minutes of trying to find what I wanted and having no luck, I gave up and left. I went into Debenhams and tried on a few bras without much success. In the end, I did what I absolutely HATE doing … I asked to be measured. The woman measured me and went to pick up some in my size. She found a couple and at that point Pen and DJ arrived. I asked the woman to just give me a second while I gave a crying Abi to Pen and I took Dylan. When I turned around the woman had gone. I asked her colleagues (there were about 4 of them standing there watching) where she had gone and none of them could find her. I went back to the changing room and called out but she wasn't there either! It was ridiculous … Abi was crying, DJ was trying to run off to the escalator and this woman had just disappeared!! I looked at her colleagues who didn't know what to do and I just said 'Sorry, I can't wait any longer' and walked away. At that point, they all started going mad trying to find her but we just left the shop. After all, it's their loss! If I had been able to find bras to fit, I would have bought 3 or 4 which would have been a lot of money. They are priced a little bit more expensive than UK. Anyway, not a successful start to our shopping trip!
DJ was hungry so we went up to the third floor to get his favourite weekly treat. Nuggets, chips and pop. I don't mind him having McDonald's because it's a once a week thing and it's a real treat for him when we are shopping. At the end of our meal, I was feeding Abi and she was falling asleep which would have made our shopping trip a bit easier as she normally would sleep for 30-40 mins. DJ lent over the table and knocked over my LARGE pepsi (which I had hardly drank from) and it just covered my legs (and Abi who was obviously laid on my legs)! She jumped awake because it was so cold and she was now drenched!
I changed Abigail's clothes and put her in the pushchair and then we headed straight to a clothes shop where Pen bought me some new jeans! I was trying to explain to the woman in the changing room that I was going to keep them on and she couldn't quite understand. In the end, I just walked out the changing room and she kind of hovered behind me while we went to pay.
After that we took Dylan to the play area and I fed Abi, who was asleep within 5 minutes! Penri took the grocery shopping list and went to shop in Big Bazaar. I stayed around the play area and went in the baby shops. I ordered some more play mats for the playroom. I need one more set to make it complete and they didn't have any in the shop. They told me I would have to go into Delhi to which I explained I couldn't and could they order them for me. He said 'it will take much time'. I asked how much and his response: '3 or 4 days'. I told him that was absolutely fine and please could he get them for me, gave my number and left the shop.
I went into Mothercare who had a 50% sale on – it was amazing! I don't buy a lot in Mothercare here because I find it to be really expensive but with the sale on, it was really reasonable! I bought DJ two pairs of shorts with matching vest tops and Abigail four pairs of shorts, three t-shirts and two all in one cute little outfits. All that only cost about £30 which is really good – it averages out to £2.30 an item – that's how I justify it anyway :) While I was in Mothercare, I could hear Dylan crying in the play area, so I dumped all my things on the counter and told them I would be straight back. I went over to the play area and sure enough, DJ was crying so I took him out. He needed a nappy change (although he is potty trained at home I haven't taken the next step to let him wear pants outside the house yet). I changed his nappy and then we went into Mothercare to pay for my items. As soon as we walked into the shop, DJ was saying 'No mummy! No mummy!' and I tried to compromise with him and told him if he was good for a few minutes, he could have a new toy when we go into Reliance shop. He say 'No toy! No toy! DJ popcorn!' lol. There was a popcorn vendor right outside Mothercare so I told him, that was fine, he could have popcorn then. We paid, left the shop, got popcorn and went to Reliance.
I gave each of them a toy to play with while we were walking around the shop. I always do that and 9 times out of 10, I end up buying it! I chose a couple of books and bought some cellotape and then went to pay. Just before we got to the till, I put the toys back onto the shelf. Just then my phone rang and it was Pen asking where I was as he had finished food shopping and was on his way upstairs. I spoke to him, paid for my items and left. We went back upstairs to the food court to get a drink (as I didn't actually get to have my drink earlier) and then we went to the car and came home.
It was really nice unpacking the shopping because I hadn't actually done it, so every bag I opened was like a nice surprise to see what was in it. I'm a bit sad like that actually – I love unpacking shopping anyway. Looking at all the things I bought – especially when it is clothes and shoes and toys etc. My friend Alex said to me last night she reckons I'm a shopaholic. I replied that so were my mum and my sister and she said 'That makes it alright then' and laughed. I told her it must be in the genes! :) But, if that's my worst vice then it's not that bad! Actually, I'm planning on going shopping again tomorrow lol. This time to the other mall to the other M&S shop to see if I have any better luck there. They also have a nice play area in that mall which DJ loves so it will be nice for him too! So, Pen is going to drop us on his way to work and then I will have to figure out a taxi to get us home. I am NOT using Tyagi and his company again – they're useless!! Well T isn't but his 'brothers' are!
Alex and Isaac came over this evening which was nice. The boys didn't really play though as DJ had just sat down to dinner so he ate his food while Isaac played in Dylan's bedroom and then it was quarter to 7 and time for bed. Still, nice for me to catch up with Alex though. Will miss her when she leaves in October!
Anyway, that's all for today. Will write again soon x
Dylan and I went to the vegetable stall this morning and had much more luck this time! I'm happy to say that they had pretty much everything so I ended up buying loads. When we got back, Dylan washed all the fruit and veg in sterilised water. He LOVES doing it as he splashes water everywhere but it's really good for him as he is learning all the time he does it. He talks to me about what vegetables he is washing and how many there are and what colours they are. He's so clever! :) Look at the lovely colours ...
Is it me or does this potato look like some kind of bird?:
We went out this morning at 10.45 as we wanted to get to Ambi mall early. I asked Pen to drop Abigail and I at the main entrance to I could go into M&S and Debenhams (which are right at the front) and we always park at the back. I wanted to buy some underwear and they seemed to be the best places to go. So, I started in Marks and found the bras and stuff but there wasn't a single person around to help me and after a few minutes of trying to find what I wanted and having no luck, I gave up and left. I went into Debenhams and tried on a few bras without much success. In the end, I did what I absolutely HATE doing … I asked to be measured. The woman measured me and went to pick up some in my size. She found a couple and at that point Pen and DJ arrived. I asked the woman to just give me a second while I gave a crying Abi to Pen and I took Dylan. When I turned around the woman had gone. I asked her colleagues (there were about 4 of them standing there watching) where she had gone and none of them could find her. I went back to the changing room and called out but she wasn't there either! It was ridiculous … Abi was crying, DJ was trying to run off to the escalator and this woman had just disappeared!! I looked at her colleagues who didn't know what to do and I just said 'Sorry, I can't wait any longer' and walked away. At that point, they all started going mad trying to find her but we just left the shop. After all, it's their loss! If I had been able to find bras to fit, I would have bought 3 or 4 which would have been a lot of money. They are priced a little bit more expensive than UK. Anyway, not a successful start to our shopping trip!
DJ was hungry so we went up to the third floor to get his favourite weekly treat. Nuggets, chips and pop. I don't mind him having McDonald's because it's a once a week thing and it's a real treat for him when we are shopping. At the end of our meal, I was feeding Abi and she was falling asleep which would have made our shopping trip a bit easier as she normally would sleep for 30-40 mins. DJ lent over the table and knocked over my LARGE pepsi (which I had hardly drank from) and it just covered my legs (and Abi who was obviously laid on my legs)! She jumped awake because it was so cold and she was now drenched!
I changed Abigail's clothes and put her in the pushchair and then we headed straight to a clothes shop where Pen bought me some new jeans! I was trying to explain to the woman in the changing room that I was going to keep them on and she couldn't quite understand. In the end, I just walked out the changing room and she kind of hovered behind me while we went to pay.
After that we took Dylan to the play area and I fed Abi, who was asleep within 5 minutes! Penri took the grocery shopping list and went to shop in Big Bazaar. I stayed around the play area and went in the baby shops. I ordered some more play mats for the playroom. I need one more set to make it complete and they didn't have any in the shop. They told me I would have to go into Delhi to which I explained I couldn't and could they order them for me. He said 'it will take much time'. I asked how much and his response: '3 or 4 days'. I told him that was absolutely fine and please could he get them for me, gave my number and left the shop.
I went into Mothercare who had a 50% sale on – it was amazing! I don't buy a lot in Mothercare here because I find it to be really expensive but with the sale on, it was really reasonable! I bought DJ two pairs of shorts with matching vest tops and Abigail four pairs of shorts, three t-shirts and two all in one cute little outfits. All that only cost about £30 which is really good – it averages out to £2.30 an item – that's how I justify it anyway :) While I was in Mothercare, I could hear Dylan crying in the play area, so I dumped all my things on the counter and told them I would be straight back. I went over to the play area and sure enough, DJ was crying so I took him out. He needed a nappy change (although he is potty trained at home I haven't taken the next step to let him wear pants outside the house yet). I changed his nappy and then we went into Mothercare to pay for my items. As soon as we walked into the shop, DJ was saying 'No mummy! No mummy!' and I tried to compromise with him and told him if he was good for a few minutes, he could have a new toy when we go into Reliance shop. He say 'No toy! No toy! DJ popcorn!' lol. There was a popcorn vendor right outside Mothercare so I told him, that was fine, he could have popcorn then. We paid, left the shop, got popcorn and went to Reliance.
I gave each of them a toy to play with while we were walking around the shop. I always do that and 9 times out of 10, I end up buying it! I chose a couple of books and bought some cellotape and then went to pay. Just before we got to the till, I put the toys back onto the shelf. Just then my phone rang and it was Pen asking where I was as he had finished food shopping and was on his way upstairs. I spoke to him, paid for my items and left. We went back upstairs to the food court to get a drink (as I didn't actually get to have my drink earlier) and then we went to the car and came home.
It was really nice unpacking the shopping because I hadn't actually done it, so every bag I opened was like a nice surprise to see what was in it. I'm a bit sad like that actually – I love unpacking shopping anyway. Looking at all the things I bought – especially when it is clothes and shoes and toys etc. My friend Alex said to me last night she reckons I'm a shopaholic. I replied that so were my mum and my sister and she said 'That makes it alright then' and laughed. I told her it must be in the genes! :) But, if that's my worst vice then it's not that bad! Actually, I'm planning on going shopping again tomorrow lol. This time to the other mall to the other M&S shop to see if I have any better luck there. They also have a nice play area in that mall which DJ loves so it will be nice for him too! So, Pen is going to drop us on his way to work and then I will have to figure out a taxi to get us home. I am NOT using Tyagi and his company again – they're useless!! Well T isn't but his 'brothers' are!
Alex and Isaac came over this evening which was nice. The boys didn't really play though as DJ had just sat down to dinner so he ate his food while Isaac played in Dylan's bedroom and then it was quarter to 7 and time for bed. Still, nice for me to catch up with Alex though. Will miss her when she leaves in October!
Anyway, that's all for today. Will write again soon x
Saturday 11th September
We had the Worst night ever!! Between DJ and Abigail waking up alternately, I don't think I got more than an hours sleep at any one time. It was just beyond crazy! Then Dylan woke up at 3 a.m and wouldn't go back to sleep. Abi woke up at 4.30 and didn't go back to sleep until 6.30 and then it was only for half an hour! At 7 I got up with her and then DJ got up around 7.30! You know when you are so tired that you literally feel yourself falling asleep even when you're standing up … that's how I feel today!
I'm wondering why Abi had such a bad night. I don't know if it is because she was hungry, cold, uncomfortable … who knows! Anyway, I made a decision this morning! As with the potty training – when I really put my mind to doing it, it took only 5 days so I decided today I am really going to do my best with the weaning. For breakfast I made Abi some baby cereal and she managed about 8 spoons of it!
We didn't go out to the mall today as we were all so tired; we thought it would be better to have a day at home relaxing! Abi went for a late morning nap and I tried to sleep too. I actually ended up going in Dylan's room to sleep so he could play with his cars and toys and I could sleep. He didn't really let me sleep as he kept saying 'Look Mummy, Helicopter!' or 'Look Mummy, dinosaur, rrroaaarrrr!' and if I didn't look he would come right up to me and say 'Cake up Mummy!' (because he can't say wake). So, although Abi slept for about 2 and a half hours, I just went in and out of sleep! It was definitely better than nothing though.
So, in the afternoon, once we all felt a bit better and a little less tired, I did loads of washing. It never ceases to amaze me how much washing we all have! For example, I did three loads today and the only thing that stopped me doing the fourth and last load was that I had nowhere to hang it to dry! I find that we do go through more clothes here too – just because it's so hot so we really only wear things once before they need washing. Also, I guess the potty training means more pants etc although in all honesty, he doesn't really have accidents any more – if he does it's only one a day. I think he's done brilliantly!!
DJ and I went down to the veg stall this afternoon but they had such a poor selection. There was hardly anything there!! I was really disappointed! Will have to go back tomorrow morning.
This evening Abigail had mashed carrots for dinner which she didn't seem too keen on although she ate about 5 or 6 spoonfuls. DJ had a lovely dinner and ate it all! I'm glad to say he has got his appetite back! All in all, after a really bad night, it was a fairly good day. I'm looking forward to shopping tomorrow though.
I'm wondering why Abi had such a bad night. I don't know if it is because she was hungry, cold, uncomfortable … who knows! Anyway, I made a decision this morning! As with the potty training – when I really put my mind to doing it, it took only 5 days so I decided today I am really going to do my best with the weaning. For breakfast I made Abi some baby cereal and she managed about 8 spoons of it!
We didn't go out to the mall today as we were all so tired; we thought it would be better to have a day at home relaxing! Abi went for a late morning nap and I tried to sleep too. I actually ended up going in Dylan's room to sleep so he could play with his cars and toys and I could sleep. He didn't really let me sleep as he kept saying 'Look Mummy, Helicopter!' or 'Look Mummy, dinosaur, rrroaaarrrr!' and if I didn't look he would come right up to me and say 'Cake up Mummy!' (because he can't say wake). So, although Abi slept for about 2 and a half hours, I just went in and out of sleep! It was definitely better than nothing though.
So, in the afternoon, once we all felt a bit better and a little less tired, I did loads of washing. It never ceases to amaze me how much washing we all have! For example, I did three loads today and the only thing that stopped me doing the fourth and last load was that I had nowhere to hang it to dry! I find that we do go through more clothes here too – just because it's so hot so we really only wear things once before they need washing. Also, I guess the potty training means more pants etc although in all honesty, he doesn't really have accidents any more – if he does it's only one a day. I think he's done brilliantly!!
DJ and I went down to the veg stall this afternoon but they had such a poor selection. There was hardly anything there!! I was really disappointed! Will have to go back tomorrow morning.
This evening Abigail had mashed carrots for dinner which she didn't seem too keen on although she ate about 5 or 6 spoonfuls. DJ had a lovely dinner and ate it all! I'm glad to say he has got his appetite back! All in all, after a really bad night, it was a fairly good day. I'm looking forward to shopping tomorrow though.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Friday 10th September
We had a lovely day today. Woke up late (for us) at about 7.45 and I started to slowly get things ready to go to Melinda's house. I had booked the taxi for 12 and asked him to please make sure he was on time as we were going to Mel's house for lunch and I didn't want to be late.
Dylan had the runs all morning and I felt so bad for him not only because he obviously wasn't feeling great but because the potty training had been going so well that I have stopped using the sticker chart and then today I made him wear a nappy. He couldn't understand why I kept putting nappies on him when in his mind, he clearly knows when he needs to go to the toilet! Anyway, I'm happy to say that by mid-morning, the runs stopped.
At 12.15, with no sign of the taxi I called Tyagi to ask him where his 'brother' was. He said he would call me back. After 5 or 6 minutes I tried to call him again and he wasn't answering his phone. Then he called me back and told me to go downstairs after 5 minutes because his friend was nearly here. We got downstairs and waited and waited and no sign. I was getting really frustrated now as it was hot and I was carrying Abi, the nappy bag and a bag with a chocolate cake I made in it and with all that trying to keep Dylan from running off to the park or the shop! I phoned Tyagi again and as I did the taxi turned up … 35 minutes late!!
We headed over to Melinda's apartments. When we got there I couldn't remember her apartment number. I thought she lived on the 7th floor so was going around ringing doorbells trying to find her. I tried to call her mobile about 4 times but there was no answer!! We got back in the lift and went down to the ground floor again and the security man told me her apartment number. We finally got there over an hour late!!
We had a lovely lunch and Dylan and Charlotte played and Isabel and Abi sat on the floor laughing and communicating with each other, which was so cute! Isabel is very much like Abi – she is such a laid back happy baby and it's really lovely to see :)
Emma and Tia popped over to Melinda's house at about 3.45 and then we left at 4.30 to head home. I didn't want to get caught in the horrendous traffic as I have the last couple of times heading home from that side of town. Luckily, it worked and we got home at 5.20. We came upstairs, put everything in the house, picked up the single pushchair and Dylan's shopping trolley and we went down to the shop. I needed to get a few bits and it was also a good way to pass some time keeping Dylan busy before bed. I knew that he was tired and had I let him just chill, he would've fallen asleep at 5.30! At the shop, I tried to pay with our groceries with a Rs.1000 note but it had a tear in it and the guy refused to accept it. I kept trying to explain that it was fine, it just needed a bit of cellotape but he point blank refused to accept it. Abigail had started screaming in her pushchair so I told him to just send the bill up to my apartment and I would give the delivery man a different note.
We got back from the shop, I made dinner for DJ and then I started thinking about getting them ready for bed. It was about 6.15 when DJ finished his food and I could see how tired he was. As I was about to get them in the bath, Isaac turned up with Divya so Dylan played for a few minutes while I got the bath ready. I was still keen to get them both to bed because of how tired both they (and I) were. Isaac left just before 7 and I put DJ in bed and then took Abigail to bed. They were both asleep by 7.25 and I went straight to bed myself. I had a headache, probably just from being over tired. I fell asleep.
My alarm woke me up at 9 and I got up to order some pizza as I knew that Pen would be home soon and neither of us had eaten since lunch time. Pizza (Dominos) is always so good – they deliver within 20-25 minutes because the restaurant is very close to our apartment. When the delivery boy arrived, he told me it was Rs.890 (which is roughly £12). I handed him the Rs.1000 note (the torn one) and I saw him look at it and start to hold it up to the light. I had cellotaped it so it wasn't as obvious but he was still about to look. I distracted him by telling him to just give me Rs.100 change. That is a HUGE tip. Normally we tip about 20 – this time I was telling him I was going to tip him 110! He didn't waste any time. He said 'Thank you Ma'am', gave me 100 rupees and was out of there with the torn cellotaped note! Objective achieved!! :)
Pen didn't end up getting home until after 11, by which time I was asleep again.
Dylan had the runs all morning and I felt so bad for him not only because he obviously wasn't feeling great but because the potty training had been going so well that I have stopped using the sticker chart and then today I made him wear a nappy. He couldn't understand why I kept putting nappies on him when in his mind, he clearly knows when he needs to go to the toilet! Anyway, I'm happy to say that by mid-morning, the runs stopped.
At 12.15, with no sign of the taxi I called Tyagi to ask him where his 'brother' was. He said he would call me back. After 5 or 6 minutes I tried to call him again and he wasn't answering his phone. Then he called me back and told me to go downstairs after 5 minutes because his friend was nearly here. We got downstairs and waited and waited and no sign. I was getting really frustrated now as it was hot and I was carrying Abi, the nappy bag and a bag with a chocolate cake I made in it and with all that trying to keep Dylan from running off to the park or the shop! I phoned Tyagi again and as I did the taxi turned up … 35 minutes late!!
We headed over to Melinda's apartments. When we got there I couldn't remember her apartment number. I thought she lived on the 7th floor so was going around ringing doorbells trying to find her. I tried to call her mobile about 4 times but there was no answer!! We got back in the lift and went down to the ground floor again and the security man told me her apartment number. We finally got there over an hour late!!
We had a lovely lunch and Dylan and Charlotte played and Isabel and Abi sat on the floor laughing and communicating with each other, which was so cute! Isabel is very much like Abi – she is such a laid back happy baby and it's really lovely to see :)
Emma and Tia popped over to Melinda's house at about 3.45 and then we left at 4.30 to head home. I didn't want to get caught in the horrendous traffic as I have the last couple of times heading home from that side of town. Luckily, it worked and we got home at 5.20. We came upstairs, put everything in the house, picked up the single pushchair and Dylan's shopping trolley and we went down to the shop. I needed to get a few bits and it was also a good way to pass some time keeping Dylan busy before bed. I knew that he was tired and had I let him just chill, he would've fallen asleep at 5.30! At the shop, I tried to pay with our groceries with a Rs.1000 note but it had a tear in it and the guy refused to accept it. I kept trying to explain that it was fine, it just needed a bit of cellotape but he point blank refused to accept it. Abigail had started screaming in her pushchair so I told him to just send the bill up to my apartment and I would give the delivery man a different note.
We got back from the shop, I made dinner for DJ and then I started thinking about getting them ready for bed. It was about 6.15 when DJ finished his food and I could see how tired he was. As I was about to get them in the bath, Isaac turned up with Divya so Dylan played for a few minutes while I got the bath ready. I was still keen to get them both to bed because of how tired both they (and I) were. Isaac left just before 7 and I put DJ in bed and then took Abigail to bed. They were both asleep by 7.25 and I went straight to bed myself. I had a headache, probably just from being over tired. I fell asleep.
My alarm woke me up at 9 and I got up to order some pizza as I knew that Pen would be home soon and neither of us had eaten since lunch time. Pizza (Dominos) is always so good – they deliver within 20-25 minutes because the restaurant is very close to our apartment. When the delivery boy arrived, he told me it was Rs.890 (which is roughly £12). I handed him the Rs.1000 note (the torn one) and I saw him look at it and start to hold it up to the light. I had cellotaped it so it wasn't as obvious but he was still about to look. I distracted him by telling him to just give me Rs.100 change. That is a HUGE tip. Normally we tip about 20 – this time I was telling him I was going to tip him 110! He didn't waste any time. He said 'Thank you Ma'am', gave me 100 rupees and was out of there with the torn cellotaped note! Objective achieved!! :)
Pen didn't end up getting home until after 11, by which time I was asleep again.
Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th September
What a crazy busy day! I have achieved so much without even leaving the house!! I decided today was the day I was going to clean out the maid's room. I started in the morning and by the time Raj Kumar arrived at 2.40, I had all the suitcases carried in to the apartment and some of the boxes. Raj Kumar was really shocked when he walked in the front door and there were about 10 suitcases and stuff all over!! He said to me : 'Ma'am, you are always busy! Always something you do'. I laughed and said 'yes, he was right'. He was actually very helpful! He held Abi and entertained DJ while I quickly got everything sorted. He also helped me bring in all the other boxes, cases and tumble dryer that were still outside. The children love him and DJ especially, loves it when he is here. So, with his help, I managed to empty this completely:
I had to sort it all, repack a few things i.e. smaller cases into bigger cases so they took up less space and then I moved it all into DJ's bathroom. We have three bathrooms and never use Dylan's so it made sense to put everything in there. I cannot believe how much I managed to achieve in a day. I was absolutely exhausted afterwards. The lovely thing was – at about 4.30, I was able to sit in the playroom with both children and relax and watch them play. It was a really nice end to a tough day!
While I was sat in the playroom I had a phone call from the school I went to see yesterday 'Mother's Pride'. The lady was checking when I would be coming in to pay the fees. I explained to her that I had made my decision and was going to put Dylan into a smaller school with less children. She couldn't understand this and kept saying 'But I think Mother's Pride would be better for him!' and I nearly laughed out loud (of course that what she thinks)! I told her that 'I have made my decision and I want him to be somewhere smaller and where he will feel more secure'. She still tried to convince me about putting him there but I thanked her and told her I'd made up my mind. I didn't tell her that I had already paid for his place somewhere else. Anyway, I am happy with my choice. I know that he will be happy in the one I chose.
Thursday 9th September
I spent today at home as well. I sorted all the paperwork that was all over the apartment and put it all in one place. I did a bit of tidying and washing and just played and relaxed with the children. It was a quiet but nice relaxing day. Not much else to write really!
I had to sort it all, repack a few things i.e. smaller cases into bigger cases so they took up less space and then I moved it all into DJ's bathroom. We have three bathrooms and never use Dylan's so it made sense to put everything in there. I cannot believe how much I managed to achieve in a day. I was absolutely exhausted afterwards. The lovely thing was – at about 4.30, I was able to sit in the playroom with both children and relax and watch them play. It was a really nice end to a tough day!
While I was sat in the playroom I had a phone call from the school I went to see yesterday 'Mother's Pride'. The lady was checking when I would be coming in to pay the fees. I explained to her that I had made my decision and was going to put Dylan into a smaller school with less children. She couldn't understand this and kept saying 'But I think Mother's Pride would be better for him!' and I nearly laughed out loud (of course that what she thinks)! I told her that 'I have made my decision and I want him to be somewhere smaller and where he will feel more secure'. She still tried to convince me about putting him there but I thanked her and told her I'd made up my mind. I didn't tell her that I had already paid for his place somewhere else. Anyway, I am happy with my choice. I know that he will be happy in the one I chose.
Thursday 9th September
I spent today at home as well. I sorted all the paperwork that was all over the apartment and put it all in one place. I did a bit of tidying and washing and just played and relaxed with the children. It was a quiet but nice relaxing day. Not much else to write really!
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