Crawling video!

One step, two step....

Independence at last - I'm crawling! Yippee, it is so much fun. I started off quite tentatively but in the last few days I have gathered pace. I even crawled into Papa's shower this morning, fully clothed, when his back was turned! I was lying in the water trying to work out why I was getting so wet. It really made Mama and Papa laugh. I have baskets of toys but my favourite items to aim towards are Mama's flip flops and her phone, both are so great for my teeth. I have a new toy hanging in my room which has me mesmerised; it is a handpainted Gujarati wooden mobile of Hindu gods and goddesses which Mama and I bought when we went to Gujarat a few months ago. I love it, Mama tells me that the gods look after me when I am asleep. It must be true because I am sleeping like a trooper every night. I still love my food and haven't rejected anything so far. I have a penchant for freshly cooked chapattis which I nibble on when we go to Papa's office, the kind lady Mangalama who lives next to Fieldbase, makes them for us. I eat fresh fruit and vegetables every day and like nothing more than delving my hand into my bowl and helping myself! Mama's is relaxed about it as it makes her giggle, but it is a big clean up operation afterwards. I have been swimming again with Mama and her French friend Fabienne. I was beside myself with excitement, although, my swimming trunks are a bit tight now, too many chapattis maybe? We are missing you all very much, but don't worry about us as we are well and happy and enjoying the sunshine. xxxxxxxxx

Breakfast time

Mama and me

Back in the land of sunshine and saris

Hello everyone

Here I am, I made it. We arrived back in Mysore a week ago. I loved the flight it was great fun. I had a big nap soon after take off which meant that Mama and Papa could watch some films! During the rest of the 10 hour flight I smiled away and charmed everyone, I was even given a Paddington Bear colouring book by the BA stewardess - which I tried to eat of course! It has taken us a few days to get over the jetlag but I think I am over it now. I am now a big boy and sleep in my own bedroom, I love the independence. Mama had decorated it with elephant photographs and wall hangings (thank you Grandpa Ashby for your assistance!) so my room is very colourful and bright. My sleep pattern is still a little erratic but Mama is praying to the sleep god that it settles down soon. Today my little friend, Lara, came over. She is a year old but we were really fascinated with each other, she kept hugging me but I pulled her hair and made her cry so I got my own back. I love sitting up on my own now but still resort to combat rolling to get where I need to. I have also just started shuffling backwards and forwards, well more backwards really, on all fours so I think I may have a go at crawling soon - watch out world. My appetite is still robust, 3 full meals a day plus snacking. Mama has been making me lots of vegetable meals, my favourite snack is the mini bananas they sell here as they are so sweet. Meat is a big no-no for me over here so I think Mama is threatning me with lentils and paneer (kind of like tofu) to keep my strength up. I do like the sunshine here, my skin is nice and soft again, but of course we miss everyone, I especially miss my cousin Ava Josephine. Aunty Faye please send her a big kiss from me. Sending everyone lots of kisses from me and Mama. Keep in touch xxxxxx