We have a 100$ gift certificate to Janie and Jack and more in gift cards to Banana Republic from our AmEx rewards. We finished off the Janie and Jack gift card in one go and then some.

{But this cute look was worth it}

At Banana I could only find one half decent thing to buy. Luckily, we found out that Stella McCartney is coming out with another line for BabyGap. And, since we missed our opportunity to buy her awesome rocker jacket last time, we don't want to miss out on the chance to get Avinash some cool clothes.


Especially since he may not appreciate being dressed up like a preppy whale watcher when he gets older...

We were hanging out at our favorite furniture store, Ndao. Tons of real wood furniture (crazy I know -- but we are sick of west elm and Ikea plywood and particle board).

This is our new bookshelf. It has carved sides with gorgeous turqouise accents. It is still sitting in the store window because it is awaiting a home.


Our new place search continued on today. We looked at the Amalfi two bedroom loft again today, but I still can't decide. The living room seems smaller, but the location is way better. And we would be so close to our friends Garima and Sameer. We found another place online which is a condo rental. This place has hardwood floors, more square footage but one less room.

We had another great dinner at home tonight. I am on a pretty good streak if I do say so myself. First portabello sliders with carmelized onions and tomato sauce on brioche buns last night for dinner, then brioche french toast with carmelized bananas and walnuts and now roasted baby squash with chickpeas. So scrumptious. Possibly the best thing of all is that Avinash loved all of it, and has gained over 2 pounds!

The Itsy-Bitsy Spider

is fascinating and a great dance song. Who knew?

p.s. Ryan, no one wants to hear the 'wheels on the bus' song. Not cool Dad, not cool.

He's baaaack...

full of laughter and joy!

This video is for you Mom and Dad, I know you must be going through withdrawal right now.

Day Seven

...without my little boy.

At least I have these pictures as consolation.

You should hear him now too. He chatters and babbles so much over there, especially with my Dad, whom he calls Baba now. Apparently he has also rearranged all of my mom's pots and pans in the kitchen. I miss him!!

Day 6

Avi looking happier and playing in the puja room.

Day 5.

He looks like such a sad baby here, is he missing his mama already??

Day 4.

{Hey! Those are my blocks!}

Avi is spending a few more days than originally planned in Allentown with my parents after Ryan's business trip to DC. I miss him so much!!! At least my dad is sending me pictures of him every night. He looks a little forlorn without his mama.

Check out my awesome husband.

"One of the best ideas comes from Ryan Hecker, a tea party leader in Houston. Mr. Hecker has launched a Web site called spiritof94.org to gather ideas for a new contract, a Contract from America that will be written by grass roots activists. Republicans would do well by listening to him and embracing this project. Not surprisingly, the most popular issues are shrinking government, restoring constraints to the budget and transparency. The Contract from America will be completed by April 15 and promoted by 2010 tea parties to be held in hundreds of cities across the country. "
-Dick Armey

That excerpt is from an article by Armey in the Washington Times about the renewal of Republican politics and he puts in a major highlight about Ryan. You can read the full article here:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jan/20/special-elections-are-often-the-harbingersb-bof-po/?feat=home_headlines.

I am so proud of Ryan right now. He has been able to accomplish with this organization in just a short time. He always has so many ideas, but to actually implement one on a national stage is just amazing. How easy is it just to sit back and assume that we can't make a difference? But I really believe that Ryan is going to accomplish more and more with this project.

15 months

Avi had his 15-month check up yesterday. Guess who have been starving their own child? We have!!

Poor little baby grew three whole inches since his last check up but hasn't gained a single ounce in weight. Apparently this means that he has not been taking in enough calories. He is 29 3/4 inches tall (15%-ile) but only 18 1/2 pounds (<5%-ile).

Oh Avinash? What are you going to do with such awful parents? The pediatrician seemed so horrified. Now, we are both waiting for child services to come take us away or for UNICEF to show up with food donations for Avinash.

The night before Christmas.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

in hopes that St. Nick would soon be there.



The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.




Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,



And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back.



His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!



His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.



He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."