The birthday update

So, the birthday came with a bang and was celebrated with much aplomb. The day started at the Dubai Dolphinarium where Cuddles clapped loudly each time the seals and dolphins managed to twirl a ball on their noses and danced and dived into the water.  It was followed by a visit to the church to receive blessings on the blessed day. By then it was noon and we headed home for lunch and to prepare for the evening. We had decorated the house with a banner, bright balloons and  butterflies that hung on ribbons from the ceiling. Cuddles had been away the night before, so he was quite enchanted with all the decor at first. By now, he couldn’t wait to blow the candles and cut his Barney cake. Before it could erupt into a nasty tantrum session, better sense prevailed and Cuddles agreed that birthdays happen in the evening. The last few hours ticked by in hectic preparations in the kitchen and frequent trips to the supermarket with happy notes of Cuddles singing the birthday tune in the background. At first he was the shy boy when guests came in, but, in a short while he was back to being what he is  – a brat — the damages included two spillages of beer cans, cushions on the floor, sitting on the dining table loaded with food, presents opened, inspected and then discarded in full public glare and refusal to eat anything except slices of cucumber. But then whoever said terrible twos and toublesome threes knew what they were saying. The cake was chocolate truffle, the birthday outfit was red check shirt and denim shorts, the main course was Indian. All in all an enjoyable day and a very special one too.

Cuddles gets mail

Dear Cuddles

You are just days away from turning three, a momentous milestone for both you and me. On most days you are a brat who keeps me on my toes and our house upside down, but in all this madness I thank God a million times for making you mine. For filling my life with unconditional love, wet kisses and sweet hugs that are guaranteed anytime of the day.

This year has been a toughie for all of us, but you have been oblivious of all the pain it has caused you. I learnt from you to live life as it comes, to be madder than ever before and to come back to new joys and crazy adventures. It’s been a year of exploring fun activities, seeing you dabble effortlessly in three languages and turning into a restless-curious and an adorable lil big boy.

The costliest toys don’t mean much to you because re-arranging the drawing room furniture is more fun. Running recklessly remains your most loved activity and your partner in crime is your grandfather who puts his army boot camp fitness levels to good use when with you. Chasing cockroaches and flies is your new found pastime much to your mother’s displeasure. You are a puzzle addict taking on your Sudoku fan of a dad. Food is what you eat when suitably distracted with stories, stickers or videos. Like your parents I can forsee a future movie addict who does not bat an eyelid when in front of the idiot box.

A paragraph is not enough to chronicle your wild year, but the daal needs attention and this is all that your ‘lazy with words’ mom can churn out.

The birthday plans are going to be a lil different this year. Hope you enjoy the day. It’s truly a blessed one.

Love Mom