Simone returns from India

It is a axiom that children grow up fast. And Simone, who was away in India for over one month, grew up a lot.

We can start with her vocabulary. She knew so many more words. She understood Hindi much more, and some Gujrati. She had learn how to climb stairs, although was having trouble descending. 

And best of all, she learnt how to give a cute little baby kiss. She would kiss you on one cheek, and then lean over to kiss you on the other. How very enchanting, and instantly endearing.

Simone also is much better at clambering now. She now can make it across from the bed into the crib. She had a lot of practice in India, where she climbed onto the sofa and the windows (windows in India are frequently covered with iron bars) and back down. 

Simone also peacably eats at the dinner table. We do not have to isolate her. She sits with us, for meals. She is in her booster chair, with her little plate, either stuffing food into her mouth or refusing to eat. But, she does both at the table. It is nice to sit with our little baby.

Simone also has figured out the concept of-if not the details-of putting on her socks. She sits on the floor, takes the sock and thrusts her foot at it several times, not understanding the whole widen-the-opening-and-stick-your-foot-in. 

Simone has learnt some cute words. When she sees a dog, she says 'No jumping'. She also says 'Masti' or 'Dennis'. Masti is her grandfather's dog, and Dennis is a neighborhood St. Bernard puppy who, I gather, got way too many doggie biscuits thrown his way from Simone.

Simone also wants to drive now. We put her in the driver's seat with us. She first reaches over for the radio and tries to turn it on. She fiddles with the knobs and the buttons all the time. She knows her music. She used to say 'music' to ask for music, but now she also says 'change music'. Mommy and Daddy, in addition to being drivers, now have become her DJ's. 

She has become much more into reading, or rather, having things read to her. She will grab a book, and say 'reee book' repeatedly until you read the book. She usually wants a book read to her about three or four times. Then, I will tell her to get another book. She will act like she doesn't understand, then toddle off, and reappear in a few minutes with another book. Then I have to 'reee book' another few times.

When Simone and Mommy landed at LAX, Simone recognized Daddy within a few seconds. It was a tense few seconds. She recognized her nanny instantly, however. Such is life.