Things I don't want to forget

I am nearly 6 months pregnant with Sachi's little brother, and am just wanting to fully relish my experience with Sachi before we start redirecting the focus on the new baby. Here are some of her milestones/memories that I don't want to forget:
3 months: Babbling secrets in an unknown language
6 months: First solids, started with sweet potatoes
8 months: First sign (milk), First tooth, and first word (mama)
10 months: Crawling with chunky thighs
12 months: Moved into our first house
13 months: Walking slimmed down my little toddler
14 months: Learned to feed herself (starting with grapes)
15 months: Stopped Nursing on her own
18 months: Had her own bed to sleep in, but mostly slept with us

Now, 29 months: She is the love of my life. She is a bright young woman with a razor sharp memory, firm negotiation skills, and a great sense of humor. She generally gets more books read and more sweets than I promise. She is also great at turning the tables on us regarding discipline. The other day Anil asked for one of her Gluco biscuits, and she firmly responded, "You can't eat junk all the time." She's right.

Sister or Brother?

Today, we went for our much awaited 5 month ultrasound, and the answer to the boy or girl question became very clear...crystal clear.

We are having a little boy. Anil and I are very excited and will now start on the path of looking at names, and figuring out what kind of fun boy decal we can add to the new "kids" room.

However, Sachi didn't take the news as well as we hoped. She really wanted a sister.

Just a year ago..

We were just looking at pictures from our India trip a year ago. (This one is of Sachi at 14 months.) I realize all our vacation pics now are mostly funny or cute pics of her in different places. It definitely makes me realize how much we love our time with her. We do this thing where we ask Sachi, "Is it possible to love you too much?" And then she replies with a little smirk, "It is not possible". She is right. Even though she bugs and annoys me everyday, I love this little smoosh to tears. She is sleeping right now...which is often when my love for her is greatest (j/k).

Love at first sight

Ever since little Sachu met "Baby Meera", she has been all over her. She always wants to know what she is doing, and if she can hold her and kiss her. Sometimes she is a little rough with her, but she is learning. Mostly she is just really helpful and wants to make sure Meera gets what she needs. She has become Masi's little assistant for all matters related to baby Meera.

Baby Meera also seems to really like having Sachi around. Meera is starting to recognize and smile at Sachi, and has started to push her away when she gets too rough. Playing defense is the true skill set of the second child.

I remind Anita that now Meera is suffering the wrath that I suffered as a second child in the family. Don't worry baby Meeru. It is these things that will make you tough and able to handle what the world has to throw you.

Sachi's getting a sibling

Little Sachi is about to get the best present ever...a little brother or sister! We are about 10 weeks along did the ultrasound today. We didn't get the best image since this one was punching, kicking and moving all around. But we did get a nice little glimpse of the face, and hands, and feet.

Sachi is going to be the best big sister come September 2010! She is already excited and knows "Mommy has baby inside tummy."

Happy birthday Sachi--you got a cousin!

Meera Esha Barot was born in Mumbai on December 12th, just a few days before Sachi's birthday. While she will not meet Meera for a few months, soon she will see that Meera was the best birthday present she could ask for. Her mommy and daddy say she is lots of fun, and definitely a night owl--just like Sachi. We have to watch out when those two become teenagers, and they are sneaking out late at night behind our backs.

So everyone is wondering--do Sachi and Meera look alike? Here is a picture of both of them a few days after they were born. You be the judge!

The left image is Sachi, and the right image is her brand new cousin Meera.

My little girl

There is that time in a parent's life when they realize their little one is no longer a baby. I am both happy and sad to say that time has come for me. There is something about the way that Sachi looks and interacts now that identifies her as a "little girl". She is her own person now with a very distinctive personality, and her own set of desires. She walks with intention, and is always trying to strike up conversation.

I guess this had to happen...my little baby is growing up. Coincidentally, this is the age (22 months) when parents usually transition their child from a crib to a bed. We transitioned Sachi months ago from our bed to her own bed--but she still finds her way to our bed each night.