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