Who's The Chef?

V watched Ratatouille last week for the first time and it's been his post-dinner movie every night since then :). He knew the meaning of "Chef" before watching the movie, so he was just super excited watching the movie and thinks he is the "Little Chef" and I am the "Chef" :). Here is a conversation we both had today while I was in the kitchen making dinner.

V: Momma you are the chef.
Me: I guess. Because I am cooking now?
V: No you are cutting fast like little chef in Ratatouille.
Me: Ok then, I am the chef :)
V: You are the chef for me
Me: Ok. I am your chef. So you better get to the dining table then, dinner is almost done.
V: And Madhavi attha is Rushil's Chef (Rushil is his BFF who lives next door and Madhai his mom:))
Me: Yes, Madhavi attha is his Chef
V: Who is Chaitu Mama's Chef?
Me: Hmmmmm I guess Maathe (my mom) is Chaitu mama's chef.
V: No
Me: No?
V: I don't know. Maathe is not Chaitu mama's Chef

So if you know who's the chef, let me know... will ya! ;)

Here's my "Little Chef" helping me with making dinner few weeks ago :)

What Is It?

Low Levels of vitamin D can cause it
May be Someone in your family has it
Not enough Vitamin B12 could be the reason
Or it may just be the season
You are unable to recognize the face in the mirror at times
But you have a 3 year old who can recite all the rhymes
How dare you talk about it publicly?
Can you make it go away by being silly?
You realize at the end
You are your own friend
You are the reason
You are the season
You are your own reflection
You are strong
You are silly
You are you and it cannot ruin you

Say Thanks!

You don't have to try too hard. Simple words. Thank You. That's all it takes. It seems like the first words we teach our kids are how and when to say thank you and please. But in that process we fail to see that adults need to be reminded of these words too in between. Like every other parent, I taught V about the importance and proper usage of these words. I say proper usage because my sneaky little brat thinks I will let him get away if he says "No brushing tonight momma, Pleeeaassseee". Sorry that doesn't work.

Coming back to the point. When we went to Vegas few months ago, one of the things I wanted to do was visit as many "celebrity" Chefs restaurants as I could that allow 3 year old :). Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill was one of them on the list. I called ahead and they said not a problem to bring in V. They had high chairs for kids and V didn't waste no time in flirting with the hostess. Food was good but the service just sucked. Waiter served us with water and V said "Thank you" without me having to prompt him. His thanks wasn't acknowledged. V turns to me and says " Aa abbayi you are welcome ani cheppaledamma" (That boy did not say 'you are welcome momma). Prabu and I told him, may be he didn't hear V so it's ok. No big deal.

And now yesterday, V and I were walking towards the house from the parking lot and we saw our neighbor was trying to juggle bunch of bags and a tray with food. I offered to help and she handed the tray to me. I took it to her car and she told me where to put it and I did. Then she just walked away to her house. V who was standing next to me watching all this says "Oh aa ammayi thank you cheppadam marchipoyindamma" (That girl forgot to say thank you momma).

So all you boys and girls, don't let my 3 year old teach you good manners. He is not a perfect child (I make sure that he is not ;)) but he does pick on these things. Bad part is not only do I have to do damage control at that second but I also have to make sure he doesn't take advantage of these situations. He tries to pull "I said thanks. You didn't hear me" once in a while and I have to remind him that he needs to say i clearly and not mutter.

Oh and Thank you all for listening/reading ;).

BFF Anyone?

Last week V and I had a conversation in the car while driving (Somehow we both talk all the fun stuff in our drives). Topic was about friends and best friends. He was telling me how he thinks Rushil is his best friend and that he can not wait to show his new toys to him after he goes back to Phoenix. Here is the rest :

V: Do you have friends momma?
Me: Yes I do hon.
V: Who are your friends?
Me: Well you have met them. Jay mama, Dolly masi, Avik mama and...(he cuts me off right there)
V: What about Vikram?
Me(Trying so hard not to laugh): What about Vikram?
V: Vikram is your friend?
Me: Yes, you are my best friend too.
V: ok
Me: Now that we are friends, we need to listen to each other and not throw tantrums.... ok?
V Ok :)

Fast forward to weekend.

Me: Vikram, last chance, get back and put your pants on or you are going on a time out.
V: Hold on amma. 5 more minutes
Me: I gave you 20 minutes and we are running out of time.
V: We are best friends right. You should listen to me momma.

The End :)

Parents And Kids, Kids and Parents

It's a circle.
It's a cycle.
It's all the same.
There is a generation gap.
There is a cultural difference.
Fights happen.
Tantrums are thrown.
Warnings are given.
Punishments handed down.
Rules laid out.
Expectations are set.
Standards are raised.
Roles are reversed.
Do as we say.
It's our turn.
We know better.
I hate you
I love you
I miss you


PS: Love you dad :)