Category Archives: Family

Not Necessarily iNdia

I woke up this morning to hear my grandson, Alo, has a new baby brother! My daughter-in-law, Akuch, gave birth to our fourth grandchild (third grandson) Kando Mithyang Jack Madut. Pronounced “condo.”

Born August 4, 2015
9:43am (they arrived at the hospital at 8:00 am)
Natural birth!
8 lbs 5ozs
21 inches long
14 1/4″ head

Mom, Dad, Alo and baby are all doing well! I’m sorry I wasn’t there to see the birth, but I’ll get there soon!

Coconuts

Coconuts are sold all over the place here. A couple days ago this coconut vendor was overjoyed when I asked if I could get a picture with him. He even gave me his address (c/o Sunil Medical Stores – in background) to send him a hard copy after I return.

Here’s the coconut guy we get our coconut milk from outside the Institute after class/practice. This is how he shucks the coconut to get the flesh. These coconuts are immature so there is no flesh (but plenty of milk), but he was happy to perform the act for the camera. Note, he still has all his fingers.

Geetaji: Utthita Trikonasana – “Your buttocks belongs to you. Your buttocks does not belong to the person behind you.” Mulabandasana – “Bring your heel forward. Now your heel belongs to me. Your heel does not belong to you.”

Blogged from iNdia with LOVE!

News from the North

Robb & Alo at the Larkey Wildlife Center. This is at the same park where we had the baby shower, very close to their home.

Great Horned Owl

Lizard

“Want to see the poop?” Yes, Alo, everyone wants to see the poop …

Meanwhile, back at the house, Bear recovers from her walk.

While Hogan enjoys a head of lettuce.

And … HEY! That’s MY spot!

She must think that if she closes her eyes I won’t see her…

Countdown to iNdia – 2 days. I booked a round trip SD to LA flight (only $167) so Bruce doesn’t have to drive me to LA Tuesday. This will give him more time for the honey do list. Haha

Blogged on Amma’s iPhone with LOVE!

“I’m a big girl”

That’s what Maya said to her new gym coach when she walked up to gymnastics today, this being her first day in the “Big Kids Class.”

After many months of watching the big kids line up in a “choo choo train” she finally got to lead the train. As they walked away, she looked over at me with a big smile. No tears today. So cool.

The only bad thing about this is me being banned from the mat. I have to sit with the even bigger people in the viewing area. This gets better every time she looks over at me with a big smile waiving (this has happened at least 5 times already and class only started 10 minutes ago). It’s a happy day! I can see she’s learning some new things, and with ease.

There she is at the far end doing butterfly legs.

Blogged on Amma’s iPad from the even bigger area at San Diego Gymnastics

Beautiful miracle

This baby’s due soon, and I can’t wait to see him!

Speaking of babies, I came home to learn our new babies had already been deserted by their parents.

This morning, wondering if anybody’s coming back to feed them.

Aren’t they cute? The parent doves have been whoo whoo-ing close by trying to get them to fly down.

Blogged on Amma’s iPhone with LOVE!

It’s nice to be home

It was a nice day yesterday getting unpacked and caught up on grocery shopping and laundry. It was a beautiful, crystal clear day.

Bath time, sent to me from Grandma Jo Jo. How fun! Nice shower cap… & look at those beautiful blue eyes!

I missed these little buggers.

Blogged on Amma’s iPhone with LOVE!

Story Time & baby shower

We started the day yesterday with story time at the library.

The bear’s name is Cheerio and the pig’s name is Spam.

Here’s Alo putting on his glasses (part of the story).

Pretty cool art work in the library.

And outside the library.

After story time, we went to check out the park for baby shower location availability. There’s a museum at the park where they had some birds of prey on exhibit. Here’s a turkey vulture.

Alo playing at the park.

Later in the day, Akuch and Alo arriving at the baby shower. Btw, Alo has learned to walk like his mommy. He sticks his stomach out and and lets it lead the way.
Group photo (of course). Lots of very nice people. One of the couples has 2 sets of twins, 13 months apart! Yikes!

Alo & Lily sharing a cupcake.

Lily & her mom, Sandra.

We arrived back home this morning to Comic Con frenzy at the airport, and glad to be back to San Diego weather. It was cold in San Francisco. I expected warmth in a Walnut Creek, but it was overcast and cool. We even got some light rain.

We’re looking forward to another visit after the baby’s born, and after my India trip.

Blogged on Amma’s iPhone back in sunny San Diego!

Selfie stick

The selfie stick works great. I’m using it for the first time for something other than sneaking peeks at the baby birds.

Yesterday morning, Alo and I did a little Urdhva Prasarita Padasana (legs up the wall).

Then we all packed up and went on a field trip.

We went on a train ride.

We fed the animals.

Then we went on the merry go round.

We went around twice…

Then Robb, Bruce & I went to Target to get some baby shower items while Akuch & Alo took a nap. I would be amiss to not include this photo. I had to be very crafty to capture this little gem.

At dinner …

Blogged on Amma’s iPhone from Walnut Creek with LOVE!

Bart before

Bart after a few stops …

Alo selfies – happy to see his Amma!

He’s still hangin with Ernie.

Alo sleeps in the big bed now and he loves his books. I read him 5 books, all of them with a huge amount of interaction. He knows the names of all the animals, birds colors and objects. His friend, Lily, was there visiting. She was playing with all his toys around him, but all he was interested in was the books. I think for his birthday I’ll get him a pocket protector … Haha

Papa arrived later in the evening and guess what … He read Alo another book!

We went for a short walk this morning to get a cup of coffee and found this little beauty.

The sign below is noteworthy.

Evidently Bear and James are getting along just fine …

Blogged on Amma’s iPhone from beautiful downtown Walnut Creek with LOVE!

The best things in life begin with a smile!

Lynn (my Airbnb roomie) and I met up with Robb, Akuch and Alo for dinner last night at a cute little Greek restaurant called Orexi in West Portal, about ½ mile from the Airbnb where we’re staying. It was so good to see this family again. Alo talked the whole way to the restaurant pointing out all sorts of things of interest, and talked up a storm during dinner.

One of the highlights was during dinner when Alo raised his arms in the air and said with enthusiasm “AMMA.” Just like when they were staying with us and I’d come in the house after work and he would be sitting in his high chair eating dinner.

Akuch is looking good and the baby looks like he’s ready to pop any day now. We had a really nice time with all of them.

Last but far from least, Maya was surprised with a trip to Disneyland for her 3rd birthday. Jen sent this picture earlier in the day & texted me after 9pm that they were still there having a great time.

Hugs, kisses & everlasting smiles to all my grandkids!

Blogged on Amma’s iPhone from SF with LOVE!

Off to SF

Last night we paid an early birthday visit to Maya since I’ll be gone for her real birthday celebration. We got her a Cinderella dress up dress and accessories and hand me down ice cream cake.

I guess she was planning on wearing the dress to bed.

Even Sparty liked the “light up” shoes.