Interesting walk to the Smithsonian museums

The best way to explore a big city is on foot. We spent one night in Washington, D.C., this past Friday. I wanted to see the Smithsonian museums and the weather was warmer than Princeton so it seemed the ideal place to visit with Sameer. Rahul found a hotel in the Mall area (near the White House, Capitol and the museums).

We started on Rhode Island Avenue (in Washington, D.C., many of the avenues are named after the states; and many of the streets are named after the English letters) and then took the 16th Street. While on the 16th Street we could spot the Washington Memorial, so we decided to head in that direction first. The Memorial is right behind the White House. We spent some time looking at the White House and the Christmas tree there.

16th Street ends at the White House. To head toward the museums, we took the 15th Street, which goes through the Ellipse and gives a really close view of the Washington Monument. There was a huge line to go up the Memorial.

We realised that the Smithsonian museums were not so far off and since Sameer was comfortable in his Baby Bjorn, we could go to the museums on foot. So it turned into a one hour and fifteen minutes stroll as we checked out the Christmas decorations on the various public buildings on our way.

He understands no, only too well...

A month ago I realized that Sameer can now understand the meaning of no. So when I would say no to his touching something, he would pause immediately. Of course he would start again, but again if I said no, then again he would pause. I was so happy. Well now he not only understands the meaning of no when someone else says it, he knows how to say no -- he'll nod his head 'no' when he doesn't want something. Specially at mealtimes he'll go no, no, no, no, no till eventually he'll get frustrated and go 'unghhh'. The problem is there are very few times that he'll not say no at mealtimes. So I end up feeding him irrespective of his no. I don't like to do that, and a lot of times I'll let him be, but when it continues throughout the day, that's when I end up doing ज़बर्दस्ती।

He also understands some other things now. Like when I read his book to him, That's not my bunny and point to the fluffy tail or the rough paws, he'll touch them. Earlier he never used to do that, in fact he had no interest in touching the book at all. It's nice to see him growing up, learning new things. Another funny thing he has learned is spraying. The only time it's not funny is when he sprays with his mouth full. Sometimes Rahul sprays right back at Sameer and that starts him off. So they have a conversation of sprays between them.

Sameer's Swing

Sameer has invented a way to entertain himself while waiting to be picked up from his car seat. His car seat has a curved bottom, so he can rock it. He rocks it with his legs while holding the handle.

Sameer can find us now

Sameer is often playing in the living room with his toys and his books. Ruchi or I will leave him alone and would either be cooking or doing something else. Up until a few weeks ago, he would start crying in a few minutes if he would not find us near him. Now he would start by going towards the kitchen, then to the bedroom and then to the guest bedroom/study. He gives us such a lovely smile when he finds us. We have no option but to lift him up and hug him. सारा काम छोढ़ कर उठाना ही पड़ता है.

Our little protester

Eyebrows furrowed, face tensed up, nose wrinkled, lips upturned, and a two second pause before crying starts. That's how Sameer looks when he wants to be held and instead finds himself being put down instead. Please note, this reaction starts even before he has been put down. Sometimes, as soon as we bring him near his crib, he realizes that he is being put in his crib, he'll start protesting immediately, even if he is in mid-air. Its so funny to see him at those times, cannot help but laugh.

He has never been too fond of his crib. Although we still put him to sleep in it, atleast during the day. In the night he usually starts there, but then later ends up in our bed. I read about Rishab finally moving into his bed and sleeping on his own, without being rocked, and I wonder when will Sameer get to that stage. It'll be so nice to have our bed back. His pediatrician recommended the 'Ferber' method to get him to sleep on his own. We tried it a few times, but after hearing his blood-curdling cries for several minutes, we gave up. Neither one of us is strong enough to fight those cries. His whole face would turn red and he was crying and screaming and whimpering at the same time. Withing half a minute of picking him up, he quieted down. Oh, you should have heard the silence in the house. For the time being we end up rocking him to sleep, and looks like that'll continue for some time.