Harps is an award winning blogger who shares her remarkable journey of motherhood after experiencing post natal depression and an unexpected diagnosis of Down’s syndrome. Her readers have often coined her words “relatable” and “warming”.
Pink Ladoo is a new campaign to celebrate the birth of a daughter to challenge existing social values that are placed on daughters in the South Asian community.
Seeing the campaign on Facebook filled my heart – coming from a family of three daughters, the birth of a daughter and how (or how not) it’s celebrated is something really close to my heart.
Traditionally, in South Asian families, you’d only give out ladoo (Indian sweets) if you had … a son. You’d only celebrate Lohri if you had … a son. You only celebrated by gifting loved ones with elaborate Indian outfits if you had … a son.
Why wasn’t the same done for daughters? It was almost seen as a minor catastrophe if you had a daughter and no sons. Who would carry the family name? Who would take care of parents during old age?
I can safely say that my parents have never missed having a son. Yes in our culture daughters do move out to live with their husbands. And yes one day mum and dad will be living alone in a big house and yes that sucks. It hurts. But they know we’d never leave them or not take care of them. We wouldn’t do that now so why would we do it during old age? Why does it matter what gender we are?
Pink Ladoo is about celebrating equality. It’s about encouraging a positive perception for the birth of a baby – be it a boy or a girl. It’s a movement for change. A movement towards equality in the South Asian community.
To any mother in law or mother that doesn’t celebrate the birth of a daughter or granddaughter, I ask you one thing – who produced your son? You did. What are you? Point made. Women are phenomenal and without women there would be no men and they deserve to be celebrated the same as men if not more!
As Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught us …
“So kyo mundha aakhiye jith jameh rajaan”
“Why call her bad, from her Kings are born”
When we fell pregnant, the gender of the baby wasn’t even a question for us. To fall pregnant was a blessing, to carry and deliver a healthy child was a miracle and ultimately that’s all we cared about. We are blessed that both of our parents belong to the same school of thought as us.
I pray one day I am also blessed with a daughter and she showers me with as much love and care as we do our parents and as much as my mum and her five sisters do to their parents. I’ll be painting the town pink! My late Papa Ji always said he was blessed to have five daughters and was equally blessed to have his one son.
Thankfully times have moved on but you still find pockets of backward thinking.
Hug your children extra tight tonight and celebrate what God has blessed you with – a perfect little gem, irrespective of gender. Accept God’s gifts open heartedly.
Well done Raj Khaira for bringing this issue to the forefront.
It’s been an eventful last few weeks and Arjun getting chicken pox added to it! At 14 months old, I was pretty grateful when I realised what it was – I thought it would be a painful few days but I was glad to have them out the way while he’s little and won’t remember when older.
Here’s our chicken pox diary.
Day 1: Friday
As I was changing Arjun’s nappy, I noticed two “sores”. Something inside, call it a mothers instinct, told me to have a spot check around his body. He’s had a sore or two before at nursery but I’ve never felt the need to check the rest of his body. This time felt different. He seemed well in himself. I spotted two little pimples on his arms next to each other. I decided it was probably nothing and we both got ready and set off to start our day.
We had a fun filled day at my parents house and Arjun was in good spirits.
I popped out to see my Biji with my sister Goov and Preetam and left Arjun at my parents with my parents and Harv sleeping.
When I got back, Before I even picked him up, I knew something was wrong. He didn’t look himself and wasn’t excited by the sight of me or Preetam. I’ve never seen that before. When I felt his body, I panicked. He was really hot. He’d just woken up as we’d entered. I checked his temperature and it was 39.9. He’s never had a temperature that high before. I panicked a little. He was really quiet and not really responding to our usual antics.
I gave him some Calpol, waited for it to kick in and once I was satisfied that his temperature was dropping, we took him home.
Day 2: Saturday
Arjun woke up pretty grizzly on Saturday. Again he was really quiet and had a temperature but not as bad as the night before. He felt wet and clammy but he generally is a sweaty baby during the night.
We decided a change of scenery may do him some good so decided to spend the day at Preetam’s parents house as planned where we were also joined by Preetam’s sister and husband. I welcomed the extra company to keep Arjun occupied and hopefully lift his spirits.
He spent most of the day lying down or sitting quietly. He wasn’t himself at all and was really clingy. Usually he’s running around opening every cupboard in sight or attacking the fridge magnets! He wasn’t interested by his toys or the TV remotes.
It broke my heart to see him like this. He didn’t have much of an appetite at all. I’d forgotten about the idea of chicken pox by now as I’d assumed that he’d have had more by this time if it was that.
We decided to take him for a short walk and ended up at the park which was pretty empty. He usually loves the swings and slides but he didn’t want to be put down at all. He was super clingy and very tearful. So we decided to take him back.
Day 3: Sunday
By Sunday Arjun was in much better spirits and his temperature seemed to be a lot better. I noticed a few more pimple like spots on his arms but nothing major and not in the usual places chicken pox appear (tummy and face).
His Goov Masi came to visit and they did finger painting together which he found really fun. He laughed and giggled – my boy was back!
We popped to Preetam’s parents again that evening after a drive to Starbucks. Arjun was in much better spirits and was being his cheeky self. He even managed to eat a little – pizza! I’d have been really worried had he refused his favourite food.
I wasn’t sure if it was chicken pox or a viral infection that had passed but either way I thought it was better to be safe than sorry so decided I’d keep him at home the following day.
We stocked up on Calamine lotion just in case.
Day 4: Monday
Arjun woke up in good spirits and his temperature seemed to be completely fine. He managed to have a little breakfast. He played happily while I called his nursery. As soon as I mentioned that Arjun was unwell, they asked if he had chicken pox. Boom! My initial motherly instinct was right! Two other babies had been sent home that morning as they had chicken pox and so it was highly likely that’s what Arjun had.
I almost felt relieved knowing what it was. I was also really pleased that Arjun had got them so young.
I messaged my blogging buddy BattleMum on advice on chicken pox as her baby boy had them recently too. She recommended PoxClin Mousse so I sent Preetam a message to bring some home.
He seemed fine in himself so I continued working from home as he played. While I was on a work call, I noticed his arms had started to blister. I didn’t manage to get a clear picture but they quickly started to fill on his arms. He kept touching them – I wasn’t sure if it was because they were itchy or because he was just fascinated by them but it was pretty difficult to distract him! I managed to distract him for a while with play doh and a rolling pin … Till he decided to taste it!
At his grandparents house that evening, while he was rummaging through the cupboards and finding empty yogurt containers to sit on (his new “thing”), I noticed his eye seemed a little sore and gunky. I suspected conjunctivitis. Great, just what we needed!
Day 5: Tuesday
I called the doctors to ask about Arjun’s eye. They thought it would be a good idea for us to come in given he was already unwell. I decided to walk to the doctors with Arjun but ended up carrying him for a lot of the way! We were quarantined at the doctors as Arjun was contagious. The doctor confirmed it was conjunctivitis and to wash with warm water.
Arjun was hard work on Tuesday. He decided to bypass his morning nap (not entirely his fault given his doctors appointment coincided with nap time) and didn’t want to be apart from me. He was happy when I was close by or when he was in my arms. He actually managed to eat a bit more than he had done the last few days (that wasn’t hard as he was practically on a hunger strike), he really enjoyed the homemade vegetables pies I’d made him.
After lunch, it took me a while to put him down for a nap but he slept well. I managed to get a lot of my work done during his nap and was glad to have company in the afternoon. Our friends Karan and Pavan came to spend the afternoon with us to give Arjun some extra company.
When he woke up he was in a really good mood and was kept busy by Karan and the tabla and also had some time in the garden with Pavan playing on the slide and swing.
I decided to make paneer that evening as a pick me up – I really needed comfort food! You can find the recipe here.
I decided to go to work the following day as Arjun seemed better so Preetam took the day off to be at home with Arjun.
Day 6: Wednesday
I missed Arjun so much when at work. I don’t consider myself overly googoogaga when it comes to kids but seeing your child unwell is the worst feeling. I stress even if he has a sniffly nose! They enjoyed the day together and Arjun seemed back to his normal self bar the hunger strike. They say it’s normal for a child to lose their appetite during chicken pox as the insides can also be infected making it painful.
When I got home, I was embraced by my little terror. It was the best feeling ever. We spent the evening singing nursery rhymes and blowing bubbles.
Day 7: Thursday
Karan and Pavan suggested we spent the day at theirs knowing I was pretty drained from having days on end at home with Arjun. I thought the change in environment would also do him some good. He loves it at their house.
He had a great day playing at their house and we were later joined by his Goov Masi. He kept us entertained with his usual antics and by trying to lead the way with “row row row your boat” – he has the cutest scream at the end of the rhyme!
By this day Arjun’s face had pretty much cleared up. There were still a few spots on his legs and arms.
Day 8: Friday
During the night Arjun seemed to have developed a cough and times it felt like he was slightly struggling to breath. I struggled to fall asleep worrying about him and decided to turn to Dr Google instead – big mistake. It basically told me my baby could die in a few hours if he had a chicken pox on his lung. I panicked. I’m a hypochondriac at the worst of times when it comes to Arjun so that was the last thing I needed to read!
I made a doctors appointment first thing just to be safe though. The doctor confirmed his chest didn’t sound too bad and that he should be ok but to keep an eye.
We spent the rest of the day and night at Preetam’s parents where we were also joined by Preetam’s sister. Arjun was back to his normal self – a stark difference to how he was the week before there! He was up to his usual antics – he decided to show everyone how to ab roll – a little gym buff in the making, he spent hours taking his crayola pencils out of the box and putting them back in and he played with the fridge magnets – 90% which he’s already managed to break (the remaining 10% he hasn’t managed to get his hands on just yet), and he watched his Dadi Ji tutor her students.
His Dadi Ji also made him home made play doh which he had fun playing with. You can find the recipe for the play doh here.
I also baked him cinnamon and banana cookies while we were there and he absolutely loved them! You can find the recipe here.
We had lots of fun during our sleepover and Arjun sure did keep his Dada Ji and Dadi Ji busy!
In the end we didn’t use the Calamine lotion (but it will be coming in handy for holiday in case anyone gets heat rash!) or the PoxClin as Arjun didn’t suffer from any itchiness. He only had about 15 spots in general so I don’t know if this was just a mild dose and if so perhaps he may get it again but I’m hoping we’re done with it! I’ll be sure to take Arjun around any kids that have it to test out his immunity 🙂
Have your babies had chicken pox? What are your thoughts on the vaccination?x
Arjun’s Dadi Ji decided it was time to make homemade play doh just like she used to for Preetam and his siblings.
It was really nice to hear old stories about Preetam and his siblings and how they used to play when little while mum made the play doh. It was nice watching his mum make something for her grandson while reminiscing about her own time when her children were younger.
I’m really glad our parents get to relive that time with the benefit of not having to deal with around the clock nappy changes and sleepless nights! Haha!
Here is the recipe for homemade play doh shared by Arjun’s Dadi Ji x
Makes: 4 pieces Ingredients:
1 cup self raising flour
1 cup water
1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon cream of tartar
4 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon red food colouring
1 teaspoon orange food colouring
1 teaspoon blue food colouring
1 teaspoon green food colouring
Method:
Mix all the ingredients apart from the food colouring in a pan over a medium heat until it forms a dough like texture.
Once formed, remove the dough from the pan and knead with your knuckles and split the dough in to four pieces and work in the different food colouring to each piece of dough.
I’ve been meaning to write this post for MONTHS! But just haven’t got around to doing so. As I was packing Arjun’s bag for tomorrow I thought I’d do this post at the same time 🙂
Arjun is now 15 months old.
The change bag: I’m absolutely obsessed with this change bag. After searching low and high, four change bags later (including a skip hop one and an Armani one) and a few pennies shorter, I finally came across this one.
I first saw this change bag when my cousin had her baby boy, it immediately caught my attention as it seemed a lot bigger than the others I’d had.
Bhavan was happy for me to have a snoop around her Costanzo Enrico change bag for me to see if it fit my bill, and it did! I ordered it there and then (with her permission of course! – she may not have wanted a bag twin!!) and was so pleasantly surprised at its bargain price of £29.99 for an 8 piece change bag and thanks to Amazon Prime my new purchase arrived the next day and I haven’t looked back since! Based on the price I wasn’t sure that the quality would be amazing but it hasn’t failed me yet (touch wood!).
I use several of the additional pieces that come with the change bag including the nappy pouch organiser, baby mat, padded shoulder strap. It also comes with a baby bottle holder and a wet bag.
The bag has two zipped side pockets, two front deep pockets which also include a Velcro flap, a large back zipped pocket, an internal large zipped pocket and two elasticated internal pockets. The number of pockets is perfect for what I need and I’m sometimes left with a spare pocket.
I’m able to fit all of Arjun’s items, a change of clothes for him plus basic make up for me as well as my purse, phone and keys.
Here’s what’s in my change bag …
Nappy changing: I use the nappy pouch organiser to hold the baby change mat, Vaseline, metanium (in case he gets nappy rash while we’re out – especially while teething), nappy bags, 2 nappies. I usually keep a few spare nappies at the bottom of the change bag in addition.
I keep this pouch in the main internal section of the bag. I keep the wipes in this section too but outside of the nappy pouch organiser for easier access in case I need to mop Arjun up after eating.
Snacks: I usually take a selection of snacks which can include Organix baby crisps (in a little container to stop them from breaking), breadsticks, raisins (Arjun’s favourite), Ella’s Kitchen pouches. I usually keep disposable bibs too.
I keep these in the back large zipper pocket of the change bag for quick access.
Water: I keep Arjun’s sippy cup in one of the front Velcro pocket of the change bag so it’s easy to access.
Medicine: I keep a basic first aid kit, Calpol, Nurofen, Ashtons and Parsons teething granules and Anbesol teething gel. I also carry a travel bottle of sunscreen during the summer.
I keep this in a freezer bag in case of stickiness in an inside elasticated pocket.
Toys: I rotate the toys that I take for Arjun every so often. I carry his toys in a little drawstring toy pouch that I sewed for him. I used different fabric textures and colours so that he could touch and feel as well as learn colours too. The drawstring makes it easy for him to access his toys himself.
As well as toys I also carry toy rings and a toy tie in case I need to attach a toy to a high chair for example when out at a restaurant.
I keep this pouch in the main internal section of the bag.
Milk: when out and about I find it easier to take ready made formula to save me the hassle of locating cows milk when out in public. I always pack two SMA cartons – one for his snack at 3pm and one just before bed at 7.30pm.
I keep these cartons in one of the side zip pockets.
Change of clothes: I saw a video on YouTube a little while ago about an efficient way of packing baby clothes and was reminded of it by my blogging buddy Suz over at Beau is Blue. It goes like this…
The super cute clothes above are from our favourite baby clothes supplier Fred and Noah.
I keep his change of clothes in the main internal section of the bag.
If I know I will be staying out past bedtime, I also pack a night suit which I put in the second side zipped pocket.
My bits n bobs: I carry some make up and toiletries in a little pouch including hair brush and comb, eyeliner, blusher, contact lenses, lip balm, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, tissues and anti bac wipes. I also carry a few rubber bands for Arjun’s hair and some hair grips. I use this make up stash if I ever stay at my parents too.
I keep this in the other elasticated pocket.
I also carry a phone charger and some cash in the internal zipper pocket of the bag.
The really important stuff: I keep my phone, purse and keys in a front Velcro pocket for easier access.
And there you have it! I manage to cram quite a bit in to my bag.
What change bag do you use? Do you include any other bits that I may find useful?x
So today Arjun’s Harv Masi decided to do an afternoon of edible messy sensory play. There are definitely endless perks of having a sister that’s a nursery nurse! He absolutely loved it especially as his big sister Shaan is also here.
As you all know, Arjun’s quite the foodie so we thought it would be a fun way to incorporate sensory play with different textures, smells, colours and tastes given he was bound to stick whatever it was in to his mouth!
The trays we went for included:
Cooked pasta and cornflour with mixed food colouring
Mini marshmallows and jelly
Water with food colouring
Shaving foam and mixed food colouring – not edible but we watched over him to ensure he didn’t eat it!
We gave him a whisk and steal spoon to use to play. He took an immediate liking to the whisk and spent most of his time mixing the trays. His favourite tray was the water tray and the marshmallow and jelly tray. He liked eating the pasta and the marshmallows and he liked splashing the water. He got shaving foam on his face which was super cute.
He is happy to play independently but also enjoyed playing with Shaan.
http://youtu.be/xrJJ5EpD38E
It was really nice to have an edible sensory experience at home – I hadn’t even thought about ever doing this.
Next time we’ll be incorporating some of his toy figurines and creating fun scenes!
I’m super excited to be doing my first ever beauty review! I’ll be reviewing the Youniue 3D fibre lashes mascara. I’m a sucker for mineral make up and my base foundation and blusher is mineral already. So I jumped at the chance to review this product when contacted by Sandy. I’m all for natural products especially where it comes to them being used on my skin.
Excuse the selfies but apart from turning to Arjun to take pics of me, I had little to no choice!
What were my first impressions? When this little baby arrived, I was really impressed with the packaging. There’s a little case which sort of resembles a hard spectacles case with really nice engraved design which holds not one, but TWO applicators – the 3D fibre lashes and the fibre gel. The packaging is swanky, sleek and definitely aesthetically pleasing. Pretty impressive for a £23 mascara. I hoped the product would be just as good!
As you can see from the before pictures, I am definitely not gifted in the eyelash department. Not only do I have very few hairs, they’re also pretty light which means I often look like I have none!
Finding the right mascara for me is pretty tricky as I really can’t stand ones that make your lashes look like spider legs or become clumpy. I like my lashes to be separated but have length and a little volume.
Firstly, the brushes. I was a little daunted by the 3D fibre brush which has millions of tiny fibres attached to it (as the name suggests!). I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to apply it correctly.
The gel brush resembled that of my existing mascara (L’oreal) so I felt confident with that.
The instructions recommend that you apply a layer of gel, then a layer of fibre lashes, and then repeat the process depending on how little of much you’d like to build your lashes up.
Thankfully I read the instructions which clearly advise you to really get the gel off the brush before applying to stop clumping. I found it really easy to apply my first round of gel. The brush glided through my lashes easily and it did a good job at separating them. I used elegant soft strokes and not too many.
Once I’d done my first layer of gel, I got to the scary bit – applying the fibre lashes. It really isn’t bad at all! Again, I used soft strokes and was sure to remove any excess with my fingers (there wasn’t much). I noticed an immediate difference.
After 1 layer of gel and fibre lashesI applied three layers of each in total although I’m guessing someone with “normal” lashes would only need two. I was pleasantly surprised that even I, Miss Accident Prone, managed to apply it without any major disasters or clumping!
After 2 layers of gel and fibre lashes
Before and after – 3 layers of gel and fibre lashesI was really pleased with the results – my lashes looked a lot fuller and gave me the same effect as false lashes without the heavy feeling on my upper lid.
BeforeAfter 3 layers of gel and fibre gelI could probably achieve similar results with my normal day wear mascara but would definitely end up enduring clumping. My normal mascara feels dry against my lashes where as the Younique gel maintained just the right moisture. I also like the fact that it’s very easy to build up the heaviness. I was going for length and volume and I was able to achieve this with long soft strokes. To increase the heaviness, I’d just need to do a few more layers.
Before and after (with full make up)
The only down side is that this mascara takes a little longer to apply than my normal day wear mascara due to the layers procedure but I do believe that this is part of being able to achieve the look I was able to. I probably wouldn’t wear this mascara on a daily basis but will definitely be using it for parties, weddings and when I go out. Basically for more special occasions than going to work or moping around the house with Arjun and mopping up poo or vomit!
Also, one or two fibres did end up dropping just below my eye so be sure to clean up once applying.
I sometimes find other branded mascaras can cause irritation to my eyes. I wore this for a good 6/7 hours and felt no irritation which I’m guessing is down to the fact that it’s a natural product. My eyes also looked the same as when I applied the mascara 7 hours later. Excuse the lightening scar!
Seven hours later
All in all, I’d definitely recommend this product – I’m really pleased with the results I managed to easily achieve. I’m by no means a makeup Guru so if I can use it, anyone can! I’m looking forward to replacing my false lashes at parties and weddings for this mascara where I can. It’s great value for money.
If you’re interested in purchasing this, you can do by visiting Sandy’s page.
Thanks for reading x
Disclosure: This product was received to review. All my opinions and beliefs about this product are honest and my own. This blog is solely written and edited by me. Harps x
I can’t believe a year has flown by. It feels like only yesterday I was super excited to go in to labour and have my baby.. A year on and it still feels surreal. I still can’t believe I’m a mum. I have a little dependent now. It doesn’t feel real.
He’s my heart and soul and has kept me going despite the lows on my rollercoaster of emotions with motherhood. He’s my biggest blessing. He’s taught me patience (sort of!), he’s taught me to be less selfish (I only share my food with him!) and he’s taught me that I can love like I never imagined.
I feel eternally blessed and grateful to God for everything. I survived a year of mummyhood – go me!! It feels like a huge milestone. I can’t believe I’ve taken care of Arjun for 21 months (9+12). I never thought I’d be able to do it. But to be fair, I couldn’t have done it without Preetam and without my sisters who have been such a strong pillar of support.
It’s been quite frustrating as my memory feels like it’s totally been wiped in large chunks, but I’m so thankful for my blogging journey as it allows me to reflect back on the last six months of Arjuns life. I just wish I’d started it earlier. The last year has flashed by and it’s made me realise how quick time flies and how I really need to learn to live in the moment more.
My confidence of knowing what Arjun wants has definitely grown. He’s still strongly daddy’s boy but mummy definitely knows best! I remember when people used to say to me “you’ll just know” or “mummy always knows” and I used to feel panicked during the early stages of motherhood as I didn’t know why he was crying. I felt like I was failing or like something was wrong but over time I’ve definitely gotten to know him inside out. I know when he’s tired, when he’s hungry, when he’s in pain or when he just wants a cuddle. I feel more confident now than I ever have though I still have a lot to work on!
For his actual birthday, the night before I had decorated the living room with Mickey Mouse scene setters and balloons (thanks Goov!) as he loves Mickey at the moment! I was super excited for him!
We bought him a Mercedes AMG remote control car (daddy’s idea!) which he can also drive himself when he’s older.
When Arjun woke up, we took him downstairs and he was fascinated by the decor. He investigated his new ride while daddy prepared birthday breakfast crepes.
http://youtu.be/Ic2pwsp7X7o
After that, Arjun played some more with his car and we played peekaboo before he fell asleep pretty quickly for a nap. I also fell asleep with him! I think all that excitement had caught up with me too. I woke shortly before him so showered and got ready.
When he woke, we all went to the gurdwara to thank the almighty for everything. Walking up to Maharaj (Sri Guru Granth Sahib – Sikh holy scriptures and our current guru), I had a flashback of the first time I came to the gurdwara after having had Arjun. It was a few days after he was born and I remember being in excruciating pain. I almost fainted while they did the ardas (prayer) then. And look at us now! I only get the odd pull but otherwise I feel pretty “normal”. Arjun was tiny back then. It’s hard to believe he’s grown so fast. I’m so proud of the loving little boy he is. Throwback – Arjun’s first ever trip to the GurdwaraThrowback – Arjun’s first ever trip to the Gurdwara
Arjun enjoyed all the attention he got from the Giani Jis (priests) who all seemed to know it was his birthday and gave him lots of blessings.
When we got home, we took Arjun in the garden to test out his new ride. It was so cute watching his excited face as his daddy rode him around the garden. I’m pretty sure he was convinced that he was driving the car himself haha! He looked so cute driving like a boss with one hand on the steering wheel and one arm leaning against the door.
http://youtu.be/9_VO_CPs8nw
While playing in the garden, we received a surprise visit from Arjun’s cousin Shaan. He was ecstatic to see her and had fun playing in his car with her. He then opened his gifts from her which included a Mickey Mouse golf set. He found it absolutely hilarious watching her knock golf balls with her club. It was adorable.
After that, Arjun had a quick nap during which time I carved a watermelon basket (in to a hippo head) for his party. I then prepared dinner for the evening (pizza, salad and garlic bread) where we were going to be joined by our immediate family to celebrate.
Arjun had a lovely time opening all his gifts. He was absolutely spoilt rotten by his Dada Dadi, Nana Nani, Chacha Ji, Pua and Fufar Ji and Masis. He received his very first motorbike from chacha, a motorbike rocker from his Pua and Fufar and a whole new wardrobe and slide (to name a few!) from his Masis. He also got a mini tabla (Indian drums) from my parents which he is obsessed with!
He’s so blessed to have such loving family surrounding him who all absolutely adore him.
We cut his Mickey Mouse cake, had dinner (all his fave carby foods!) and he played till quite late. It was such a lovely evening with our closest.
Before bed, we managed to get Arjun’s footprint on canvas. I want to do that every year on his birthday so we can see how much he’s grown!
The night ended with Preetam showing Arjun the card he’d made for him. If you think I’m a sucker for crafts, Preetam definitely outdid me lol. He waited till the evening as he’d made a cut out Mickey Mouse card which created a Mickey silhouette on our bare bedroom wall when light is shone through. Arjun was really fascinated watching Mickey shrink and expand!
We had a perfect day celebrating. We didn’t do anything too fussy – we just wanted a chilled out family day.
An update on Arjun’s 12th month in this world!:
He can walk against furniture pretty fast and often one handed
He waves bye bye
He stands for 5/6 seconds unaided
He can climb down the stairs (back to front)
He puts his hands together to say satsriakal (hello in Punjabi)
He understands words like “dudoo/milk” “paani/water”
We celebrated his birthday with all our family and friends with a jungle themed first birthday party which I can’t wait to share with you all!x
It’s been an emotional journey and I feel overwhelmed when I think about it all. But I am also looking forward to embracing toddlerhood and I’m excited for the next stage when Arjun starts to walk and talk. Tomorrow is the start of a new journey – I’m back at work and Arjun has his first full day at nursery. I’m feeling positive x
As you may have gathered, I’m a sucker for themes and love going all out! So deciding on a nursery theme was my perfect opportunity to do just that!
We always knew we wanted a jungle theme as it’s unisex and we both love animals. It’s also educational.
I searched high and low on the Internet and sod’s law the only thing I absolutely LOVED was the Lamb’s and Ivy Safari Express themed set – and it was only stocked by Babies R Us in the US and geuss what?! They don’t deliver to the UK! That wasn’t going to hold me back though! Thankfully Preetam has friends that live in America and they were kind enough to arrange for the items to be couriered over to us.
As passed on by our Mothers, Masi Jis, Mami Jis, Grandmas, Pua Jis, Chachi Jis, Thai Jis, the random aunti at the Gurdwara and any other passing Aunti! … A huge shout out to you all. I love you!
1. Panjeeri (a concoction of nuts and other super foods and stuff) is the best thing since sliced bread – out with the cravings, in with the panjeeri.
2. Your kid is destined to be a doctor or an investment banker from the moment they’re conceived … All by the age of 11.
3. You’re a prisoner post birth for 40 days – as if you weren’t physically confined enough whilst heavily pregnant. That means no stepping foot outside of the house. For 40 days. Yep.
4. Apparently eating ghee helps stimulate a smooth labour if ya catch my drift 😉
5. You can never wrap your baby up too warm. Ensure you have ample storage for rajai’s/blankets. Probably my baby brain again but apparently we’re living in the North Pole.
6. Have a pint .. Or two! .. Of milk that is … Apparently that’ll give your baby a clear complexion. Totally makes sense.
7. Sohnf Paani (boiled water with fennel) is the shizzle! Whether you like it or not – it’s the ONLY drink you’re allowed. It’ll solve all your problems (a dodgy tummy, a flat tyre, a broken down washing machine etc) … And baby’s.
8. The “you’ve gained a bit of weight haven’t you” comments – no kidding! I only carried another human inside me for 9 months and I’m sure it’s nothing to do with being force fed panjeeri, ghee and full fat milk?
9. From the moment you conceive you’re bed bound, like pregnancy is an illness, too delicate to move. You might strain yourself lifting the remote to turn Star Plus off. The doctors are crazy telling you to walk up and down.
10. You’re automatically susceptible to an “evil eye” and these are warded off by burning chilli. I don’t know about an evil eye but mine choke and cry a river from the fumes!
Here’s what Arjun (with a little assistance) made for his Puaji (Aunti) for her special 30th x
Hi, I’m Harps, an award winning blogger who shares my journey of motherhood after experiencing post natal depression and an unexpected diagnosis of Down’s syndrome. Readers have often coined my musings “relatable” and “warming”. I have gone on to turn my passion of connecting people into working with brands ranging from household names through to small businesses and sharing with my engaged audience.
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