Pregnancy, Parenting and Beyond

 As a part of son's community service project, we (or I must really say He) decided to host a Book Exchange - along with a few neighbors. As the days passed, J got more and more excited and spread the word. With the generous donations from well-wishers, we were able to host it as a Book Sale - all proceeds of which we are to donate to St Jude Children's Research hospital.    We created a Raffle box - and picked out a winner at the end of the event. The little 9 yr old girl was over  the moon and brimming with joy. Also, as we waited for our patrons to show up, some of the children and J made bookmarks. The children were super excited to learn how to fold the paper and then embellished them with glitter - (sadly no pics as I was enjoying with them). But below are a sample of what we made. Courtesy:  Creative M by Meetu G For step by step instructions click here :  Bookmarks

Thanks to our growing up children and especially J's school that encourages the children to do for and give back to our community. With the Book exchange/sale, it was a project within our community. As for the community as a whole, we decided to deliver meals to senior citizens via the Meals on Wheels program of the Newark Senior Center, DE. We promptly picked up meals at half past 10 and since we were new, we were given an easy route. From carrying out the lunches to our car... J's journey began with following directions to the patron's address.... walking down to the front door, knocking ever so gently or "bang on door" were instructions on some of the front doors.  It was wonderful to say "Here's your lunch!!" and we got plenty of smiles and blessings on the way. Something that we would definitely consider doing again... Coz J was totally elated by the experience.  If interested... Call Stephanie at the Newark Senior Center , DE.

1tsp Ghee/clarified butter (available at any Indian Grocery) 1 tsp Oil 1 cup Dal (masoor/red split lentils, tuvar dal/yellow pigeon peas) 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic/ 3-5 garlic cloves (mashed ) 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander leaves/ cilantro 5-7 curry leaves 1-2 finely chopped hot green chilies - optional 1/2 tsp turmeric salt to taste 1 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 tsp mustard seeds 2 pinches of Asafoetida 1tsp - garam masala (optional variation) 1/2 red onion (optional) 1 medium tomato chopped in cubes. Wash the dhal 2-3 times. Let it soak for 20-30 mins. Using a pressure cooker for this preparation since it cooks the dhal until its a good mash. Take Ghee+Oil, add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, curry leaves, asafoetida. Then add the green chilies and garlic and fry. Add the onion and saute until it softens. Next add the tomatoes and cook until soft. In goes the Dhal, salt, turmeric and garam masala. Let the dal cook for 5 mins. Then pour in 4-6 cups of warm water.

14May2015 It was from a time before we had children that my husband and I indulged in listening to CD recordings of Books. A completely different experience from actually having to read the book. No additional concentration towards keeping up with the lines, the print, the pronunciation...rather sitting back, listening, understanding, relating and reliving the book. Getting transported within the story or connecting the scenes to our own lives. Many years have passed and we'd almost forgotten what it meant to just Listen. A dear friend, suggested The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri. Its a book she's read as part of her Book Club and is hosting their meeting. In search of wanting to cook an Indian Meal she turned to me for Menu options. The book though not set in my hometown, reminds me so much of home. The setting, the family traditions, the rituals, similar to what most Indian families grow up with. The older child - seemingly the one responsible for the family; obedient and

2 cups Rice. (long grain basmati) 4 cups water/broth 1/4 tsp Cumin seeds 5-7 peppercorns 1in stick of Cinnamon 2 green cardamoms 1 bay leaf 1 large pinch of Turmeric powder for color 2 tbsp of butter or olive oil Let the spices fry in the oil for a little bit. Add the Washed Rice to the pan and keep stirring adding 1 cup of water/ broth at a time. Once all the water is added, and is boiling. Cover with lid and lower the heat and cook for 13-14 mins. Garnish with dried mint or cilantro. Optional Garnish of Fried Onion/Cashew nuts/ Raisins. Serve as side dish with meat/fish or with Dal/lentil soup.

My child yells, "I hate you!" when she's upset with me — or sometimes just when she's upset around me. How should I respond? Becky Bailey developmental psychologist and early childhood education specialist At this age, a child isn't wishy-washy about her feelings. She feels one emotion at a time, and it's all-encompassing. It's why she's happy with a passion or angry with a vengeance. So when things are good, they're very good, and your preschooler adores you. But when things don't go her way, she feels that life is bad, that you're bad — and that she hates you. Though you may be tempted to, avoid responding to your child's "I hate you!" with "Well, I love you. " This will only shame her. And saying, "You know you love Mommy," or "There's no reason to get so upset!" belittles her very real feelings. Remember that your child is still learning to manage her emotions. She ne