Amaya is a full half :)

Little Miz Amaya celebrated her 1/2 year birth anniversary by tucking with great gusto into her first 'solid' food. Encouraged and cheered on by a whole support team of mama, dad, dada & dadi(Grandpa and Grandma Sharma) Amaya showed no hesitation in sipping baby spoonfuls of Rice Cereal. She thoroughly enjoyed her meal and the applause to no end.

Amaya has developed all sorts of abilities this past month and is now rolling over on both sides from back to belly and then back over. When the mood takes her she does a little caterpillar motion to progress along the bed on her tummy though the gears can be forward or change to reverse at a moment's whim. :) She is now a professional raspberry blower pursing her lips and letting loose in between big smiles. She is already a big favourite at the park where she goes walking with mum, dad and Grandma Sharma thanks to the big smiles and gurgles with which she greets anyone that stops to say hello to her. Her other tricks include arching her back completely to look at people behind her and of course her squeal which is heard when she is tired or needs attention.

Her report card for health and happiness is a resounding A+ and Baby Doc Balan is very pleased with Amaya's progress and her vital statistics of height, weight and head circumference. She feeds and sleeps like a champion and continues to be the apple of everyone's eye.

Grandpa and Grandma Sharma look forward to their time with Amaya every morning. Grandma reads to Amaya and enjoys long chats with her while Grandpa is often seen happily imitating her little 'huff-puff' deep breathing. Grandma Cornman shared with us that mama Michelle also did this as a baby. Amaya has effortlessly brought so much joy into her family's life especially Grandpa Sharma who is seen smiling and chuckling all the time around her now. Imagine the excitement when Amaya will visit Grandpa and Grandma Cornman in June and take her bag of tricks across to keep them enamoured.

Godmother Erin and Zi Peppe are visiting from Cambodia and Amaya enjoyed time with them and the presents they got especially the little cloth crab whose legs she munches on with great enjoyment.


The most endearing thing though is to watch the ever deepening bond between Amaya and her mother. We can already imagine her running around behind her mother like a little tail as soon as she is mobile. Dad, Mama and Amaya love cuddling up as they go to bed every night and then waking up to smiles and giggles every morning. Amaya loves to have a hand or leg in contact with each parent as she sleeps and they in turn love it :)

Keep looking out for more news from Radio Laddoo (Amaya's new pet name...it's actually a very tasty traditional Indian sweet)

It is the year of Obama, our baby rolls to the left

Hey, just like her parents, Amaya rolls to the left! At 4 months and 3 days, Amaya goes from her back to rolling on her stomach. What a strong girl!!! The weeks prior to this event, she would grunt with each attempt while swinging her legs to get some momentum. After a few tries she would squeal with disappointment. She was saving the moment of triumph when her father came back to town. Her motivation the first time, was food! Just like her dad! Amaya saw the breast, swung a leg and dove for the prize. :D Since then, she giggle with glee as she shows me her new trick. I wonder what is next.

Our little one also attended her first wedding, and after the bride, was the belle of the ball.

Each and everyday that goes by we are blessed by a joyful child. Although I think this one needs the number of cousin Kiera's hairdresser. Someday of the days I think I am waking up next to Andy Warhol!

Santa brought Cousins

News Flash: Amaya and Mama have landed in Delhi and are now finally playing in their home with Daddy. Amaya misses Grandpa and Grandma Cornman a lot and yet is happy to be with Grandpa and Grandma Sharma along with many members of the India family and friends team. India is noisy, cool and fast paced and Amaya is already captivating the hearts of everyone who meets her.

It's the Year 2009 and little miss Amaya has raced past the 3 month mark with many a gurgle and squeal. She went to her Bhagwaan Papa's(Godfather's) home in NY for her first new years party and charmed all the guests. Amaya was a true star. She greeted everyone then bowed out for a feed and slept the night through. Happy 2009!

With the new year brings experience to her mom and dad as they are are recognizing the many voices of Amaya. Her cries for food come in short bursts, she looks really sad when she needs a change of diapers and when she is tired and ready for bed well her eyes swell and everyone is jolted awake as she announces it with high pitched squeals and a little crying session. Amaya is still the 'people's baby' and loves snuggling up as Grandma, Papa, dad or mom walk or rock her into sleepyland. Grandma already finds the fast growing little miss a bit heavy to carry for long stretches but is having long, giggly conversations with 'my baby' as she likes to call Amaya.

Amaya is more of a joy with every passing day and is holding her head up for long intervals when she is being held or during tummy time. She is very alert and is already grasping things and bringing them to her mouth for a taste test. She enjoys conversations and will encourage them by gurgling and cooing away even before an adult has a chance to say anything. She still loves music be it classical music Mama plays for her, Hindi classics sung by Dad or the ever golden 'Rock Around the Clock' which Grandpa often sings for her.

The best memory from this Christmas is that Santa brought Kiera and Adam, Uncle Martin, Aunt Megan and Uncle Andrew. Amaya was a bit overwhelmed with all the commotion as she is used to being the number one noise maker. Adam, the Buddha man taught Amaya the art of peaceful negotiations and and she caught Kiera's gift for gab. Amaya is so lucky to have so many people who love her and brought or sent her gifts. She gives love to her family members for the lovely and thoughtful presents.

Amaya hopes everyone spent their time with the people they love. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!