Dear Iniyaal,
I hope you are happy and healthy.
I was supposed to write you this on the 27th of this month, i.e., on your birthday. But Appa became busy and somehow managed to write it now. I have permanently dedicated the August month blog posts for your mom and us. Likewise, the November month one would be yours forever. If wondering why I am writing this, kindly refer to last year’s birthday post and the one I shortly wrote after you were born.
You just turned two a couple of days ago, and your mom and I are soo happy. It’s not just you who is growing up fast, but also us who are evolving as parents. Last birthday you were just a toothless fairy who was crawling. But now, you have become one little angel who has tooth grown up and started walking too. At times it’s hard to cope up with you, your nimble activities, and your overwhelming love, but we somehow manage to catch up. And, you have this superpower of makeup for it with your cute smile.
P.S. People say you smile more or less like me, and it makes me quite happy every time I hear it.
Just like me, you also love and enjoy music. Just that, your taste for songs is more like your mom than mine. The following are some of your current favorites, and you wouldn’t even eat without listening to them. I am sure your taste in music would have changed by now, but give these songs a chance. Who knows, you might even start liking them again.
Also, earlier you would only sleep when your mom rocks you. But, lately, you only sleep when I sing to you. Probably you are the only person in this world who likes me singing. If you think you drowse to lullabies, you are absolutely wrong. The below are your fav bedtime songs. I know you would probably be hating me now for singing them horribly. But, all you wanted to know was, Appa tried his best :D.
Your key highlights this year are
- You started walking
- You started eating on your own (selected foods)
- You went to the movie theatre for the very 1st time (Annatha)
- Attended a wedding reception for the 1st time (Brags Mama and Ashwini Mami’s)
Most importantly, you started calling me “Appa.”. I used to be a bit jealous of your mom cos, “Amma” was the only word that came out of your mouth for a while.
Now let’s come to your 2nd birthday.
It was raining cats and dogs (don’t take it literally) on the week of your Birthday in Chennai. But, luckily, though there was a forecast, there was no rain, and the weather was pleasant in the morning. So, just like your last birthday, we went to the same 1000+ years old temple as suggested by your mom. As usual, you enjoyed going out and the temple atmosphere.
Later in the eve, despite the rain, we went to Sindhu Aunty’s Daughter, Ahanaa’s 1st birthday party. Appa was never good with clothes and fashion. But, Appa chose the one you dressed for the evening, and you were looking absolutely adorable, like one cute doll only. You seemed to enjoy the party, especially around here and there.
To my surprise, your Aunts and Uncles gave you amazing gifts. I am giving you all except for the present from Deepu Mama, the green Dinosaur. Really sorry Iniyaal, kindly forgive me for the same. Also, your Raji Aunty has left you an important note written on a unique postcard along with the set of colorful children’s books that she got for you. I am preserving it for sure. But, just in case if I have lost it, please read it from below.
Like I have said in the two previous letters, love and respect your mom, cos she loves you more than anything else and spends a lot of time and energy taking care of you.
Be Happy and Keep Smiling. Love you a lot.
Your Awesome Loving Dad,
Gokoulane
Gokoulane Ravi 