Baby Suri

Sandy, Ken and Lily gave Vivian this lovely brown-skinned rasta-haired doll named Suri for her first birthday, among many other things. She languished at the bottom of the toy box - occasionally surfacing and then disappearing back into the depths like a blue whale.

But a few days back all that changed. Now she is Vivian's "baby". Vivian carries her around and snuggles up with her when she goes to bed and hugs her when she wakes up. She pokes her belly-button, checks on her diaper, and shoves food into her smiling mouth.

Over a year ago, Vivian showed interest in one other stuffed toy - Ganesh, given by Jagruti and Morris. And now this. Maybe that's how she's going to express her Indian roots....

South Padre Island

Twelve of us spent a few days on South Padre Island - the little sandbar at the southern tip of the Texas coast. Six adults and six kids - all under one roof. It went surprising well. Here are some images.

Dancing Queen

Did I mention that Vivian likes dancing? Jo took these pictures. I can't stop smiling every time I see 'em....

Happy 17 Month Birthday

Vivian is 17 months old today. It's probably the last time or close to the last time that I will mention her age in months. In 31 days, we'll say she is a year and a half. And from there on, it will be years, fractions, and approximations thereof - almost two, three and a quarter, etc.

About a year ago, we were at a beach in Florida. Now we are at South Padre Island. The intervening 13 months have flown by. The 4 month-old infant is now a 17 month old person.

She walks on the beach.
And plays with balls and says "ba".
And points to birds (and kites) in the sky and says "bir".
And to fishes and says "thissies".
And collects shells.
And piles wet sand on her mom.
And strolls in the ankle deep waters of the Texas gulf coast.
And sports a tan.
And cries when her cousins leave the beach to head out for a dolphin watching tour.
And has a strong preference for ice-cream sandwiches and ice.
And loves out-door showers...

I have a hard time remembering life without Vivian. But we have our lapses. Jo and Greta and I were out swimming in the gulf on the other side of a submerged sandbar today. Carol and Vivian were on the beach. After a bit, I turned to look for Vivian and said: "Wonder how the girl is doing". Jo said "What girl?". I said "Ours". And she said "Oops - I forgot".