For the last two or three weeks, Arun has been busy impressing us all at how he knows exactly how to blow his nose, all by himself in a tissue and disgard it in the trash can.

This week, he dawned cotton, “big boy” undies as he’s been telling us when he has to go potty (“Ka–Ka!”). He’ll even run to the bathroom and attempt to take of his undies. So, we brought up Nishad’s old little potty for him. No harm in letting him lead and set the pace for us! We’re also proud to have announce that we think we have a left hander in the house! Arun eats with his utensils with his left hand, “writes” with his left hand as well as waves, blows kisses, rolls and tosses things with his left hand. Exciting!!!

The boys have really been forming a strong bond as of late. They have really enjoyed playing and working together…Nishad liked to “teach” Tiger things too. On occasion, getting into mischief as well! haha. I am so glad we have two boys. I couldn’t picture life any other way.

Nishad *loves* doing summersalts, walkovers, break dancing, jumping, climbing…you name it! Today we went to open gym for pre-school children. Arun assisted Ashish at home and Nishad and I went off to work off some energy. We’re always looking for creative and educational ways to get through these “indoor” months living in Minnesota. This was the third time we attended this gym’s open gym. To this point, we haven’t enrolled Nishad in a class yet because we wanted him to get use to his school schedule. However, after today, he’s signed up for a trial class! Daddy and I think it just may be time! It really is a shame that we always have to venture so far and go to privately owned places to get good instruction. There are offerings through community education, however, you get what you pay for. Hopefully, there will be better qualified instructors on staff for community education, with programs that are as good or better than private offerings. That was one of the reasons why I started a dance program at a YMCA when I lived in Chicagoland. Why shouldn’t quality programs be offered for all- regardless of demographics or incomes?

I beam (no pun intended!) with pride when I see Nishad interact with other children. He’s so polite and courteous. We are so lucky and blessed to have Nishad and Arun in our lives. Such gifts that never stale, but only continuously grow and bring forth more joy.

We were sure to party like animals, with the animals to bring in the New Year at Como Zoo’s “Noon” countdown party. Radio Disney was on hand to supply lots of music, dancing, games and free “stuff.” Complete with an animal print beach ball drop, noise makers and hats, this makes our list of things to do again in 2009! As the countdown approached, I collected my little party animals and safely placed both boys in the double stroller. There were way too many people there for me to worry about!

After we took a short elevator ride downstairs for lunch at Zöbota Café. They make the best spicy black bean burgers! Of course, we had to do our part in supporting the zoo by picking up a few ‘souvenirs’ from our favorite Saint Paul destination. Nishad picked out matching tiger shirts and socks for he and “Tiger” (aka, Baby Arun).

Our visit would not have been complete without a meander through the conservatory. January 3rd is the last day for the Holiday Flower show in the sunken garden. It was both as dramatic as it was beautiful. Of course, for this photographer, it provided the perfect backdrop to take pictures of my favorite, most precious two subjects! It felt good to be out, despite the cold. I had to stop halfway form teh car to the zoo to put on gloves as I couldn’t take the stinging in my fingers anymore. The cold reminded me of how alive I am…and how much more alive, and better off, we will all be without this bitter cold!

We headed home and made it back by 3:30PM. Daddy was home early and made a pit stop to pick up some fresh Alaskan King Crab legs for our New Year’s Eve celebration at home. It’s our tradition. They melt in your mouth and they are so sweet, succulent and buttery. In addition, I made a fabulous fresh salad with a side of a baked potato. For dessert was a banana cream pie.