My visit to Father Christmas

Yesterday, Nanny, Grandad, Aunty Faye, Ava, Mama and I went to visit Father Christmas in his Grotto. We took a special steam train to get there which was really magical, especially as the snow was falling all day. I especially loved the twinkling fairy lights and the beautiful christmas trees everywhere. I even took a liking to Father Christmas's beard!

Food, glorious food!!

Hello

We are still in England and I am loving it! There is so much snow everywhere, I am wrapped up so much every day, it is such a change from spending most of the day in my nappy as I do in India! We are staying with Nanny and Grandad Bonner in Shrewsbury and Daddy is coming up to visit us on Christmas Eve - Mama and I can't wait to see him. I want to show him all my new skills; rolling around to get where I want to, getting up on all fours, eating everything in sight and feeding myself and saying "Mama". Phew, I am sleeping better too because I really tire myself out with my new found independence. I eat three meals a day now, nothing escapes me! My favourite food is well cooked carrots and apple and pear purree! Mama lets me feed myself sometimes but we both end up covered in food, all Mama's clothes are covered in mashed potato and carrot - it is great fun though! Nanny and Grandad have bought me a bouncer which I love too, it gives Mama spare hands.

Return to the motherland

Hello

We had a lovely visit from Granny and Grandpa to Mysore. They enjoyed seeing our Indian home and seeing so much of me! We showed them the sights of Mysore and even took a journey to some nearby 13th century temples which I thought were exquisite, even though being in the sling made me feel a bit sleepy!
We returned last week to a very cold and crisp England where Mama, Papa and I enjoyed a week in London, taking long walks in the park, taking the tube and Mama even took me on the bus in my pushchair. We are all very happy to be back here and despite the cool temperatures, it is lovely to go out all wrapped up in my snowsuit, I am even wearing shoes for the first time! Before we left India my Granny and Grandpa bought me my first walker, I love the independence!

Also I am experimenting with my new bouncer which really makes me giggle, my little legs don't stop moving in it. Papa took this video of me enjoying it today.

I'm back!

Hello everyone!

I know it has been a while since I have written but I have been laid down with a terrible cold, from which I and Mama are only now just recovering. My big news is that my first tooth has made an appearance! It is really sharp which means that I love putting everything in my mouth! I have managed to decimate magazine covers, luggage tags, and I have given Mama hiccies on her arms, cheek and nose!! He he he! We have just come back from a short holiday to Ahmedabad which is in the north western state of Gujarat which means that I have now taken my second flight. Papa had a conference there on the Global Earth Charter and he had to give three presentations to lots of people - I am so proud of him. Whilst Papa was working Mama took me sightseeing in my sling. Gandhi was born in Gujarat so on our first day we visited his Ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati River from where he launched his non-violent resistance movement which led to the exodus of the British. We learnt so much about this amazing leader, but unfortunately most people there seemed more interested in us as we were photographed, videoed and followed around - poor Gandhiji was left in the shadows! From here Mama took me to the best restaurant in town for a traditional "thali" which is where you have several dishes, including desert, in small bowls on a brass plate. It was a beautiful restaurant with gorgeous fabrics hanging from the ceiling. I was happily kicking away on the sofa, playing with my feet, whilst Mama tucked in. Needless to say, I was the star attraction again so lots of people came over to pinch my cheeks. The next day we tried to visit the Textile Museum which apparently has saris which are over a thousand years old which Mama was very excited about seeing, but when we tried to go in they said babies weren't allowed! Mama was very angry and talked to the manager but her logical counter-argument was too much for him and he dug his heels in and wouldn't let us pass! Nevermind, we went shopping instead! The photos you can see here are of me on my new tribal hand-embroidered wall hanging which I am using temporarily as a playmat. Mama also found me a hand-painted wooden mobile of five Hindu gods and goddesses for my bedroom, I am fascinated by it. We finished off our trip by going to a wonderful shop which is run by tribal ladies where almost 70% of the proceeds go back to the tribal women. Gujarat is famous for its beautiful hand-embroidered distinctive textiles so Mama was in her element here chatting to the ladies and learning about their unique craft. Whilst I was snoozing away in my sling Mama bought me an elephant wall hanging, a present for my beautiful cousin Ava Jo, and a present for herself. Papa was a bit cross when he couldn't close the case yesterday! But as Mama said we may not return to Gujarat again so we had to make the most of it! I am really excited as Granny and Grandpa Ashby are coming to visit next week, it will be so lovely to show them our new home. Only a week after that we are coming back to England - yipppeee. I can't wait for the flight, Papa seems to think he will spend that time watching films but I plan to keep him busy!

Baby naming ceremony

I have been to my friend Pranao's naming ceremony in Nanjangud today, which is a town an hour away from Mysore. Mama had dressed me very smartly including my ankle bangles, but, half way there, I decided I had had enough of wearing that and focused on filling my nappy which leaked everywhere! Papa and Mama pulled over and had to undress me completely and wash me down,even my ankle bracelets were messy - he he he! Luckily Mama had packed a spare outfit, not quite as smart, but better than just turning up in a vest! We had a wonderful day, we were the guests of honour. When we arrived I was passed around like a parcel, Mama couldn't keep track of where I was! I lapped it up though and was so stimulated by the temple's bells, the sounds of prayer, the scent of incense and the priests' chanting. My eyes were wide open taking it in. I even tried out Pranao's cot which swings, I loved it! Later on, Mama put me in it, gave me a few rocks, and I fell asleep instantly. Mama grasped onto this and has sent the driver off to buy one post haste! It will be 10 pounds very well spent!! The town of Nanjangud is a holy pilgrimage town and people come from all over India to pray at the seventeenth century temple. We were granted VIP access to the inner sanctum of the temple to pray to the god, I was oblivious of the significance of this moment as I was fast asleep in Mama's arms. I did wake up briefly when the priest rang his bell deafeninly not too far from my ear, but once I had figured out what it was, I passed out again. Mama and me were constantly photograped and filmed on our way round the temple as I think people thought we were famous! We all had a lovely day and really enjoyed being part of this special religious ceremony, it is what makes India what it is. Love you all lots and see you next month xxxxxxxxx

Water baby

I had my first swimming lesson today with Papa! He has been working so hard so he had a well deserved day off today. We went out in my pushchair this morning for coffee and, inadvertently, got caught up in a religious procession with thousands of people. Papa was like a Formula 1 driver as he negotiated the crowds and whizzed me through, away from the wandering hands of everyone who was trying to grab my cheeks! When we came home, one of the Raleigh drivers, Prashant, came round to visit with his wife and their son, Pranao, who is 10 days older than me. We weren't that interested in each other though, we were more interested staring at our Mamas. We have been invited to Pranao's naming ceremony later this week at an old temple an hour away from here, apparently I am the special guest. Mama will dress me up in my maharaj outfit as it is a special occasion, Mama thinks she will wear her sari too. After lunch we went swimming, I was a little sleepy so we didn't spend as long in the pool as Papa would have liked, but I did enjoy my first dip as you can see from the photos and videos below. I wore my own special trunks, mini wet suit and hat. I crashed out afterwards as this new exercise exhausted me. Mama and Papa will bring me swimming again when Papa next has a day off. Love you all lots, time for bath and bed now. xxxxxxxxx

Look who's talking

Hi everyone

All is ticking along well in Mysore for me and Mama. I had to have my 4 month old vaccinations last week which meant I was very unhappy for a couple of nights, as I was a month older I was more aware of how painful the after effects were. I'm still rolling away very happily though, especially first thing in the morning and after my lunchtime nap! I love chattering away too and I have a good giggle when Mama nuzzles my neck. Mama has been organising Granny and Grandpa Ashby's trip to visit us, they are coming out on November 10th and will be staying with us for a week before heading down to Kerala. We are looking forward to showing them our home and our favourite coffee shops! Mama took this video of me yesterday, she persevered in coaxing me to roll, in the end I oblige! Love you all lots and can't wait for your kisses and cuddles when I am home. xxxxxxxxx

Rollin', rollin', rollin'.......

My big news this week is that I have rolled from my back onto my tummy - it was easy! I waited until Mama's back was turned then I sneakily did it. She was jumping with excitement when she turned round and saw me on my tummy! I love this newfound independence and am rarely on my back now, Mama says it makes changing my nappy a new challenge! Mama has taken a video of me, she tried to get me to roll but I was feeling a little stubborn, nevertheless we hope you enjoy it. Lots of love to everyone xxxx

Heavyweight champ!

Hello everyone

Mama took me to be weighed and measured today. I now weigh 14lb 1oz (which means I have now doubled my birth weight) and I am 61.5cm long! Unfortunately this morning I woke up with a rash in my elbow creases and on the backs of my knees, Mama thought it was prickly heat but the Doctor seems to think it might be eczema. I have a special cream to put on to ease it, I am not in any discomfort though and still smiling away. My sleep patterns are a bit erratic again, Mama thinks I might be having a growth spurt! I am almost rolling over on my own now. I rock from one side of my hip to the other and crane my neck backwards and push up my bottom - any day now Mama will find me on my tummy. I practice lots in my sleep too and early morning which, incidentally, is when I start talking. Papa has had to sleep in the guest room for a couple of nights as he doesn't find my 6am babbling so endearing!! Mama is getting my nursery decorated soon, she has found a local painter who is willing to replicate my favourite Rudyard Kipling story, "How the Rhinoceros got his skin". I want to have lots of animals and palm trees to gaze at once I move into my new room after Christmas.

Morning playtime

Tummy time video

I'm on a roll!

A big moment for me this evening. Mama put me on my side and after a few huffs and puffs I had successfully rolled onto my front! Mama was super excited, so was I as I was smiling away! Mama took a video of me a few days ago (in the video bar below), I was trying to roll over but was getting rather frustrated with my attempts! There is no stopping me now! These photos were taken this week in my cot with my favourite toy, Mimosa the cat.

Mini Maharaj

This week Mama and Papa visited friends of theirs who have a son who is only 10 days older than me. I was the star attraction and was given a special baby ceremony where they dressed me up as a Maharaj, which means an Indian prince, and put black dots on my cheeks and forehead which is meant to ward off evil spirits. I was then blessed in the family shrine by the matriarch of the family. I loved all the attention even though I was passed around like a parcel! Indian babies are rocked to sleep in the ladies' laps when they sit crossed legged on the floor, Mama has since tried this with me at home and we both like it. Indian women also breastfeed this way too, but Mama isn't so limber to try that just yet! I love you all and miss you lots xxxxxxxx

Check out my new video!

Hello everyone!
Mama took a new video of me this morning kicking around on my change mat. You can view it on the video bar, it is the third one day. Happy viewing! Love you lots and miss you all xxxxxx

I am 3 months old!

I am 3 months old now and learning fast. I am grabbing at most things in my line of vision and can roll onto my side when I swing my legs over. I haven't attempted a full roll yet but it will come! I am still very interested in my hands but haven't discovered my toes yet. Below are some photos of the lovely girls at Mama's favourite coffee shop called The Green Hotel. It is a beautiful palace which has been converted into a hotel which is a sustainable enterprise; all proceeds go to local charities. The staff love me to bits and when Mama goes for coffee they scoop me up (when I am not sleeping) and take me round the beautiful garden courtyard, cooing over me. They have all offered to be my "ayah" which means a nanny but Mama says she wants to keep me all to herself which is exactly what I want too. I am a very sociable baby but I only really want my Mama and Daddy. I am learning so much every day now, I am grabbing at most things and my inquisitive eyes are taking in everything, Mama calls me her meerkat as I am always lifting my head off her shoulder to absorb everything in my sights!

My week in Mysore

Mama and I have had a lovely week back home in Mysore although we are both missing the cooler climes. The weather is 29 degrees most days with 75% humidity so we are trying to keep as cool as we can. I am still sleeping from 7.30pm until 4.30am every night and catching a few naps in the day too. I have just started to wake up around 7am and kick around in my cot for a while smiling away. This is a lovely family time as I manage to see Daddy before he goes off to work at 8am. I made some new friends this week, they are the daughters of Mama's Austrian friend Angela. They are called Pia and Lara, Pia is almost 3 and Lara is 8 months. I was transfixed with them when I visited their house and despite being the youngest there I was the most well behaved!! Most evenings Mama takes me out in the pushchair to a nearby park which helps me have a little nap, last time we went though Mama got soaked to the skin as the monsoon rain drenched her! Happily I was fast asleep and dry in my rainproof cover - he he he! Mama took me to be weighed and measured this week; I weigh a happy 5.7kg and I have grown to 61cm so some of my clothes no longer fit me. Mama took me shopping today though so I have few more lovely colourful outfits. Daddy has a day off tomorrow so we will have a lovely family day. We are going to visit a new apartment as Mama and Daddy are thinking about moving, the place we are seeing tomorrow has a swimming pool - yippeee!!!!

Back home to Mysore

So after a 13-hour drive we finally got home from beautiful Kerala and I went straight to bed.

Daddy took a video of me for you all to see. He is a bit of a dingo though because he got the camera on it's side.

This is me in my cot in Mummy & Daddys room. I love my musical mobile it always sends me off to sleep; dad says it is because I wear myself out dancing on my back to the twinkle song! (truth is I just do that to see him smile at me).

Hope you don't get neck ache watching me........ check out the video bar bottom right for my latest big screen action!

I'm on my holidays!

I'm writing this from the beautiful state of Kerala. Mama and I have come here to visit Daddy as he is working down here all week. We had a challenging 13 hour drive across 3 states to get here, I was comfortable enough in my car seat but had a grizzle now and again when I couldn't sleep. I love it here as the weather is much cooler than Mysore, I look like the Michelin man as I have on so many layers! Daddys' temporary office is a beautiful location set amidst the undulating (big word for me!) tea plantations, we have an uninterrupted view across the green hills and can see the rainclouds rolling in and out all day. I especially love it here as I can see more of Daddy than I do at home, he took me out into the forest yesterday in his sling and he was showing me the lemongrass growing everywhere and the cardamom plants. The Indian family in whose house Daddy's office is based love having me here too. The mother takes me off into the kitchen and round the house whilst Mama can have a cup of tea. We went for a VIP lunch yesterday at a beautiful campsite overlooking the hills and lakes. The Director of a Keralan travel company, Sam from Kalypso Adventures, travelled up here to see me especially, he is a good friend of Mama and Daddy. He took us to his gorgeous campsite where he had laid out a table covered in a white tablecloth and we were served delicious Keralan cuisine - I was the star attraction of course! Everybody in Kerala recognises my name because it is mostly a Christian state. When I was introduced to the family of the house they said, "Joseph, like Jesus". I love being up here as I am in the outdoors all day, Mama, Daddy and even Uncle Vijay put me in my sling and take me off for walks through the forest, my eyes are bright as I take in this new world. I miss everyone at home and will skype you when I am back in Mysore. Love "Jesus" xxx

My trip to Daddy's office

I'm continuing to settle in well to my new home in Mysore. I have found a new rhythm with feeding and sleeping this week and even last night I slept straight through from 8pm to 06.30 - Mama was really excited, as was I, because it means even more time in bed in my sleeping bag!

Mama took me to the local hospital this week where I was weighed and measured; I weigh a very respectable and healthy 12lb and am 59cms tall - Mama's milk has some magic ingredients in it obviously! Mama and I go out every day with our driver, Chandrashekar, he is a very good driver and looks after me. Mama especially likes him as he doesn't use his horn too much which means I can sleep for longer. Everywhere I go though people are trying to pinch my cheeks and keep snapping their fingers in front of me, it's a bit irritating to be honest and I have heard Mama say in the local language "please don't touch him".

We have visited Daddy at his office a few times too. I really enjoy going as it is in the middle of beautiful countryside and I can see the cows and the sheep that live there. We are going on our first family trip to Kerala next week, Mama and I will stay in a hotel whilst Daddy will be staying at a nearby campsite with work. It is the monsoon season there so I will be really wrapped up to prevent me getting cold. It will take us 10 hours to get there by car so hopefully I will sleep alot on the journey but Mama says she will wake me up when we see wild elephants along the way.

I miss all my family at home in England but I'm loving India too so don't worry about me.

See you all at Christmas if not before. Keep skyping me so I can see you all often. Love Joseph.

Here's looking at you kid!

Mama made me giggle lots today, I am one happy baby!

I've discovered that people like it if you smile at them. When I do it they give me lots of cuddles and attention.

Namaste! India - my new home

Namaste means "hello" in India, something I have already learnt! So, we have arrived in Mysore, safe and sound. I really enjoyed the flight and managed to eat, sleep and have a few nappy changes during the 10 hour flight, I was blissfully unaware when we took off and landed, mama's milk kept me distracted! I am still jetlagged, just like Mama and Papi really, but I love sleeping in my new bed and gazing wide-eyed around my new home. It will take me a while to adjust to all the new sounds, smells, sights and faces and I still jump every time a car horn beeps - which is every few seconds! We went to visit Papi at his office yesterday but I was too sleepy and didn't really take it all in, there will be plenty of chances to visit again though when I am more awake. Mama and I are hanging out at home this morning, time for me to have my morning nap and then lunch before heading off to find a laundry and to go to Mama's favourite hotel for some homemade cake! Yummie.

Here I am with my new Indian "uncle", Deepak in our lounge.

7 weeks old this week!

We are still down in London which has been good fun. We have had a busy week, the biggest news is that I have been weighed again and weigh a healthy 10lb10oz so mama's milk is doing the trick! I have also had some more vaccinations for India, I was fast asleep when I had them so it was a rude awakening, I felt quite grizzly the rest of that day but I am now feeling much happier. We went back to Shrewsbury for a few days and spent time with my Nanny, Granddad, Aunty Faye and blonde bombshell cousin Ava. She is so loving and is always kissing and cuddling me and helping to change my nappy. I love her so much.

It has been very hot and sunny in London which is preparing me for India, Daddy even bought me my first pair of sunglasses! I love cuddling up with Daddy in bed, here we are this morning having a lie-in!

Today was my mama's birthday

We got up at 5am, 7.30am, 8.40am and again at 9.30am this morning.

It was a special day and we had a special breakfast - lovely thick cut bacon sandwiches with brown sauce. (I had milk again). Then we had a wash.

We are still in London because my passport and visa are in the Indian High Commission still. As with every day this week it was a lovely sunny day and perfect for a picnic in Hyde Park.

This picture is me having a nap on my blanket. Now I look back over the blog here I notice I am often pictured bathing. I would like to state for the record that I do not want any of these pictures to appear later in life used as a way to embarrass me.