Modern Motherhood & Parenting in 21st Century: Journal capturing small, beautiful moments

My son Rudrakksh amazes me everyday with his words and actions! This journal captures those beautiful moments.

‘Beleyuva siri molakeyalli’ is a popular Kannada proverb. Going by that, I’m trying my best to ensure Rudrakksh follows good habits right from this young age of two years.

1. Brushing teeth twice, once in morning & once at night before sleeping.

2. Saying thanks to Sun god everyday, and a short prayer.

3. Washing hands before eating.

4. Washing hands and legs whenever he comes from outside, after playing.

5. No wearing footwear inside house.

6. Helping me with hanging wet clothes by giving clips.

Daily Journal..

7 May

For the first time, Athe & I managed Chava such that he doesn’t drink milk at night in spite of waking up thrice and crying for an hour from 3-4 AM. That’s a win :)

6 May

Took Chava to doctor today. We are advised to stop giving him milk at night. Sleep without 3-4 interventions is important for brain development. If he stops drinking milk/water in those 8-10 hours of sleep, we can stop diapering at night too. Tonight is the trial. Took him to park too, while coming back from clinic.

5 May

Chava played well with Vanshika, Chiru, Rajath and Hithu :)

4 May

For the first time, Chava is saying “hotte novtidhe” since 2 days. We applied castor oil to his naval which resulted in cleansing his gut. He now likes getting castor oil applied.

3 May

Chava played with Taksh’s toys at Nelamangala. He also loved riding his cycle.

2 May

Chava played with Chiru Anna, Vanshika akka for hours, at Hosakote. He also met his Doddappa, Doddamma, Athe, Maama, Akkas.. and he remembers all their names :)

1 May

Chava woke up at 8 and he was just lying beside me on bed till 9:20.. in between he’s waking me up by saying Baanima.. Then our cook Gita looked after him for 15-20 mins while I took bath and had breakfast. Grateful for all the support :)

30 Apr

For the first time since Rudrakksh was born (2.25 years), I took care of him alone for 24 hours, without support of my in-laws and parents. Praveen helped 25% and I managed him 75% of times :) A day to remember..

29 Apr

Chava meg Taksh today for a few mins. We make sure to take him to all functions, so that he feels comfortable in socialising, and that is a common activity.

28 Apr

Chava slept for 2.5 hours in afternoon today. At night, he ate red rice with curd, by himself sitting on his chair :) He was also imitating our house help, as if he was washing glasses with water.

27 Apr

One of my acquaintance said her son (2.5 years old) was watching cartoon in TV, because she needs some space. She was happy that little one has moved away from mobile screen to TV. It’s a win in some sense. I’m proud that Rudrakksh doesn’t even know what cartoon is :)

26 Apr

Chava met Vivikth today at Bhemavi’s new house, and they hugged for two seconds :) Hopefully, they’ll play together in future..

25 Apr

Chava generally sleeps when he’s in a car. Today also he slept aaramse in cab, though it was so hot and he’s sweating so much.

24 Apr

My parents took care of Chava while I went to attend Nadhi event for 5 hours. I’m so glad we have family support that we get some free time :)

23 Apr

Thatha took Chava to park today evening :)

22 Apr

Chava is now wearing his new silver kadas on his ankles, polished old bangles with black beads, and new silver chain. Silver metal is known for its cooling energy :)

21 Apr

My Athe gave Rs 15,000 as a gift for Chava.. so bought silver kadas and a small chain for him, from GRT :)

20 Apr

Attended the second session of Waldorf Steiner’s Webinar, about parenting. It’s been good so far, but quite pricey. My biggest learning is - Parenting should be enjoyed. It’s a great time for us to be child like along with a child because our children will grow up soon :)

19 Apr

Chava on a scooter ride with Thatha. He loves it.

18 Apr

Took Chava to a function (Dhyey’s naming ceremony) and then to my Ajji mane where I used to go every summer break (my mom’s mom place).

17 Apr

He’s now learnt to jump from chair. He loves it. All set to go to ammamma mane.

16 Apr

Praveen took Chava to park today and I used that free time to create a video about Kraanthi for 1.5 matters Instagram page. Then I took him to deliver Ragi malt, shop a silk thread for my Athe, collect muram from Uma Athe. He walked all the way. Came back home tired and slept :)

15 Apr

Took Chava to park. And then went to shop a few clothes for Bhemavi. We also bought a bamboo wooden chair for Chava, which will possibly last for 20-30 years :)

14 Apr

We went to Bhemavi’s home. They both played together for about 1.5 hours. They both rode a new scooter together. Chava fed kadle puri to Bhemavi in spoon :)

13 Apr

‘Beleyuva siri molakeyalli’ is a popular Kannada proverb. Going by that, I’m trying my best to ensure Rudrakksh follows good habits right from this young age of two years. Brushing teeth twice, once in morning & once at night before sleeping.

12 Apr

Chava met children of my school friends, today at Avani’s 1st year birthday party — Rakshitha’s son Samarth, Aparna’s son Adrutha :)

11 Apr

Chava spoke to his cousin Aadya and to his friend Viha over video calls. He also said, let’s go to Guru Maama mane to see Rumi (pet dog) :)

10 Apr

Chava & I went to restaurant to bring Gobi for Praveen, mangalore bajji for Athe & Uma Athe. We also gave 1 bajji to Charvik. Chava loved the bajji, like his Amma and Chandra thatha :)

9 Apr

Took Chava to park today. And today he played “Hanging game” and said “kai bidi”. Hanged on his hands for 10 seconds using rings :)

8 Apr

Chava & Charvik played together for the first time :)

7 Apr

Chava spoke to Karan Maama, Amar thatha & Rani Ajji. He remembers all of them and says they gave him a “pilli yellow car” :)

6 Apr

Took him to park. He climbs up the slide fearlessly, but while coming down, he says “Kai Itkoli Baanima” (hold my hand) :)

5 Apr

Took Chava to park, where he played swing sitting together with Takshith. Someone asked his name, when I said Rudrakksh, she said, oh he’s a boy, I thought it’s a girl because he’s too cute.. :D

3 Apr

Watched Mardani 2 movie and was shocked to know the data of rapes in India. Everyday, average 106 rapes! That’s disheartening. More than raising girls right, we should take double extra care to raise boys in the right way. We all should stop saying “men will be men”.

1 Apr

I met Vivaan, who’s just 2 years old and has lost his mom :( Tears rolled down my eyes….He spent 30-40 mins with me playing with coins during his mom’s funeral.

31 Mar

Chava happily spent time with his Ammamma and thatha when Athe & I went to watch Dhurandhar :)

30 Mar

One of our friend’s son who’s just 3 years old is diagnosed with brain tumour. He got fits / uncontrollable movements twice after which Brain MRI was done. Praveen & I are disheartened :(

29 Mar

Chhaava was easily managed by his Appa, Ajji, Ammamma while I went to speak at 1M1B event (from 3-9 PM). He slept well till 6 after playing in water at Harini doddamma mane.

28 Mar

Chhaava met Kishan anna, Harini doddamma, Vikki Doddappa. I don’t carry any toys even when we go to different houses. He’ll figure out to play with whatever things are available.

27 Mar

Chhaava met Yogesh maama for the first time :)

26 Mar

Amma looked after Chhava for 5 hours, so that I could watch Dhurandhar 2 movie with Appa :)

25 Mar

For the first time, I sang our Indian national anthem to Chhaava. He liked it. He repeatedly asked.. “India song helu” :) I’m deeply inspired by Dhurandhar’s line.. Balidaan Paramo Dharma!

24 Mar

Chhaava met Diya today after a few days. While she refused to give her toys to him, I told Chhaava to play with an alternative toy, he kept quiet and followed what I said :)

23 Mar

Thanks to my Athe who looked after Rudrakksh since morning 9 to 2 PM.. while I went to watch Dhurandhar 2! He was playing around aaramse at home, without being cranky.

22 Mar

Chhaava says the names of most of his relatives.. Kithan Anna, Harini dodhama, Vikki doddappa.. :) He also kissed them all.

21 Mar

Chhaava is quite cooperative. Whenever I say, let’s cut nails, “parchtidhe”, he’ll be okay. Of course, he keeps asking for the nail cutters to play :D Praveen gave him bath today :)

20 Mar

He played with Punarvi & Sanvika today for the first time :) They came home and enjoyed solving puzzles. He got his new friends in the new house!

19 Mar

For the first time, Chhaava & I went in our Bajaj Chetak EV scooter all the way to Bhemavi house in traffic. That’s a win. He held the mirror handles and leaned his head back on me. Met his best friend Bhemavi, Teju Athe, Manu maama today to wish Happy Ugadi :)

18 Mar

Took him to park today, on our new Bajaj Chetak EV :) Spoke to a parent who resonated with the idea of homeschooling. He loves aigiri Nandini mantra and now says “giri vara vindhya shirodini” in one go :)

17 Mar

The only toy he plays with is red car. He rides it multiple times everyday. He plays with clips, cups, bucket, saucer and spoons :)

16 Mar

Chhaava is being stubborn after he crossed two years. So more energy is required to look after him these days. One good thing is - He’s eating jowar (millet) roti roll, everyday for dinner along with chutney pudi & ghee :)

15 Mar

Attended a relatives wedding ceremony today, where Chhaava met his cousin Samanvi. It’s important that my child attends social gatherings from a young age, one of the reasons we chose to return to India from UK :)

14 Mar

Today, he played sea saw, slide with other children at Manipal hospital, while we waited for our annual eye checkup. He waited for his turn, and didn’t push other children. That’s a win :)

13 Mar

Today he ate one jowar roti roll for dinner, with A2 Ghee & Groundnut Chutney Pudi. That’s a win :)

12 Mar

Chava fell down today on road. But no bruises because Chiru picked him up with super quick reflexes! Grateful to have such cousins around :)

11 Mar

He spent good time with his hoskote doddajji during a week’s stay. She’s also happy riding his toy car speedily, talking non-stop, saying lengthy sentences and calling her “girijammajji” :)

10 Mar

One of the main reasons for coming back to India from UK was - Giving a great social circle for our child. Today, it feels like, we did the right thing. Meeting so many people (new friends and relatives) who are like-minded, eco-conscious living a healthy lifestyle..feels like a blessing :)

Chhaava met Apratim (appu anna) & Yashaswini akka at Divya’s home. Best kids I’ve met in recent days, who are brought up so well by their parents Divya, Siddhu anna & granny. I will also raise Rudrakksh to be a kind, humble, warm-hearted person :)

9 Mar

Chhaava visited two more temples today and he asks for Vibhuti, Kumkuma, does namaskara :) He also ate 2 pooris + saagu prepared by his ammamma :)

8 Mar

Took Chhaava to his Maama Athe house where he loves spending time on Swing and patting Rumi :) I want him to grow up knowing all the important relatives in first circle..

7 Mar

Took Chhaava to 3 temples in Malleshwara and he identifies all 3 gods.. Shiva, Gangamma, Basanna chaami :) He gets excited to visit temple!

6 Mar

Today I was telling him the story of ‘Samudra Manthana’ from Shiva’s storybook. He listened to it and slept in joli :) He even repeated the words ‘Thamudha Manthana’.

5 Mar

Many of my friends are carrying now, with their second child :) Many of them say they are planning. All of this are positive signs that two children are needed. It is in line with Replacement Ratio.

4 Mar

Chava loved the ‘Mahadeva’ book :) He saw the snake, mountain, tortoises of Samudra Manthana scene.. I’ll continue to tell him Shiva story this month.

3 Mar

Appa & I brought a chair for Rudrakksh. It’s plastic :( But bought it because we need to correct his sitting style to move away from “W” position.

2 Mar

Ordered 10 Mythology Board books for Chhaava. He loved the Durga story. He now tells the story back to me “Mahishasura kokki rakshasa (bad guy).. Durga jeji beat him” :)

Every month, I’ll give him one book - starting with Shiva story :)

1 Mar

We shifted to a new rented house and I’m amazed by how quickly Rudrakksh got accustomed to this new place inspite of things being spread all over the house! He calls it “hosa mane” :)

28 Feb

While we 4 (Prav, Amma, Appa & I) were busy shifting items to new rented house, Rudrakksh happily stayed with his Ajji & Chikkappa the whole day in their house :)

27 Feb

Did a quick photoshoot of Rudrakksh as Vamana 😊 Placing his feet on a globe, editing background with AI. His ammamma wanted to do it since 5 days.

26 Feb

He gets his teeth brushed and tongue cleaned by his father everyday.. once in morning and once at night :) He played with neighbour kid Yashu for more than one hour, while we elders were busy packing in shifting our house.

25 Feb

For the first time in two years, Chhaava asked for “appaya” when we woke up. He wanted his dad only to pick him up from Joli. But Praveen had gone to gym. When my Amma called Praveen, asked him to come soon, he was shocked and surprised that his son is asking for him with so much love :)

24 Feb

My Amma told Rudrakksh looks like “Vamana”, and he immediately picked up “Vamana chhaami”. I hope to tell him the legendary story to him soon :) He already knows the story of Goddess Chamundi & Mahishasura.

23 Feb

We met Bhemavi, Diya and played together for sometime without snatching anything. :)

22 Feb

With gods grace, Rudrakksh mundan was done with zero cuts :) He cried during head shave, headbath..for an hour. Applied 100% Natural Red Sandalwood Powder (raktha chandana from Raw Alchemy). No more tears after that :)

So happy ~40 people had come so far to grace the occasion. Grateful to all of them.

21 Feb

All prep done for the big day of Rudrakksh mundan ceremony! Some anxiety, prepared for his cry, the only prayer is ‘no cuts while shaving his head’ :)

20 Feb

Finally got second photoshoot done for Rudrakksh, at Chethana’s place.. one with Bhemavi’s purple frock, one with Diya’s blue langa jacket :) One pic with his ammama and Thatha..

19 Feb

Chhaava & I fed muskmelon and leftover coriander leaves to two young cows today. He asked me to lift him, so that he could touch the cow and do namaskara :)

18 Feb

Everyday he waters the plants kept in Nanasu terrace. My neighbour ajji was surprised to see that and appreciated him :)

17 Feb

He said “tanku you tho much” to Vinay Anna who repaired his JCB toy and remote car :)

16 Feb

He enjoyed playing with ‘nookobandi’ today, which was gifted by his thatha last year :) Invited dear ones for his mundan ceremony this Sunday.

15 Feb

On Maha Shivaratri, he did Pooja to Shiva lingu with ammamma. :) We 3 also visited “jeji gudi” (Annapurneshwari temple) in evening. He bowed and did namaskara to all gods and goddesses. When his Ajji asked what did you see in temple, he said “jeji swing” because he saw an idol on swing :)

13 Feb

He wished his ammamma “Happy Birthday” and kissed her, on completing 60 years :) He enjoyed the chocolate cake! Glad to see him being with Amar thatha at least for 5 mins.

12 Feb

Appa & I took Rudrakksh to park. He enjoys two-wheeler rides. He fell down from swing today, on mud. He fell once on road I while running. He does cry. But I don’t feel sad about it because there are going to bigger falls in future, from cycles, or in sports. :)

11 Feb

Rudrakksh played with Nihaan (Mala’s son who’s 7 months old) for 30 mins. He hugged and kissed the baby’s hands. Seems like he loves seeing babies. :)

10 Feb

Rudrakksh met Rumi (a pet dog) after a long time and he absolutely loved meeting her. But Rumi got scared when he fell down and cried.. He kept asking for Rumi. Like me, he surely loves pet dogs. Proved for second time :)

9 Feb

Our neighbour toddler came home and I’m glad Rudrakksh didn’t snatch any of his toys from her. She happily stayed at our home for 30 mins exploring 3-4 toys. He kept saying “Diya paapa” :)

8 Feb

Took Rudrakksh to park. Just watching him play swing and slide gives me joy. Also, I make sure he gives space for other children to play first, without being cranky. I believe patience and kindness needs to taught since childhood :)

7 Feb

Everyday he plays with water in morning with 3 coffee mugs, one strainer and dry/fallen leaves in the balcony. He plays solo, silently, with full concentration for about 15 mins. I enjoy watching his calm, self-invented play :)

6 Feb

Today, Praveen & I were doing a heated argument which made Rudrakksh cry. 2 hours later, I said sorry to Rudrakksh & asked him “if he felt bad?”

He said “yes”

I was shocked and thought he’s simply saying yes.

I asked him “did you feel happy?”

He didn’t answer.

Then I asked: Did you feel sad or happy?

He replied “I felt sad”

I said sorry again..

His words, his reactions truly amazes me everyday :)

5 Feb

I was giving bath to my son. I was sad over something because of which I was crying. Initially he thought I’m doing a prank and he was laughing. But when he realised I was really crying — He also immediately started crying loudly and said “Let’s go out”…

He stopped crying only after I stopped crying and sang a song for him, proving that I was okay. I’m truly amazed by response of a 2-year old human. :)

3 Feb

When there was a loud argument in the house, he starts crying and he said “Amma, let’s go to terrace” :)

2 Feb

When we said “Fruit is cold,” let’s eat later. Rudrakksh said, “Jiji ge haakana” (put it in water to normalise the temperature).

It reminded me how children don’t complain; they instinctively look for solutions.

Adults, we overthink. Children simply adapt. :)