More than a year into it, Aarti and I are both still getting adjusted to parenthood. It hasn’t been easy for either of us. Sonia has trouble going to sleep at night – and she’s resorting to tantrums whenever she’s placed in her crib. The tantrums end up with her puking. Time and time again.

She also wakes up during the night – to cries. We haven’t been able to get any rest as a result of it.

Sonia’s normally a well behaved kid during the day. She’s picked up several new words. For instance, when she wants her feed, she says “Dhoo-Dhoo” (“milk” in Hindi). As much as I love being around my daughter, she can be particularly frustrating. She doesn’t eat much solid food; she prefers her bottles still. We both think the lack of food in her system causes her to wake up at night. Her vomiting doesn’t help the situation much.

There are days where I wonder if I was ever cut out for parenthood. I’m typing this as Aarti attempts to put a crying Sonia to bed…

-Krishna

Appa sent this link to me, which is quite fascinating. This “Super brain Yoga” is something Hindus have done for centuries (thoppukaaranam). In fact, many Indian parents insist that their kids do it in the morning. Who would have thought that this exercise improves brain activity? Apparently, American doctors are now seeing value and case studies where thoppukaaranam is working. Fascinating.

Looks like I’m going to give it a try again.

Thanks, Appa.

-Krishna

Here’s a penciled panel taken from tomorrow’s UNcubed…

-Krishna

Amazing inventions created by three unique Indians. Very inspirational what one can create with motivation and limited resources.

Allow me to share an exquisite Flash animated movie by Nina Paley for your viewing pleasure. It’s a retelling of the Ramayana with 1920’s jazz. Very interesting and creative. Below is part 1. The other parts are available online. Enjoy!

-Krishna

Here’s a panel from tomorrow’s comic…

-Krishna

Today I said goodbye to Aarti and Sonia – they’ve gone on a mini-vacation to my parents’ place in Knoxville, TN. Grampa and Gramma (or Thatha and Pati) have been dying to spend time with their grand-daughter, and Aarti needs a break from the usual – so they’re off.

I miss them both a lot – (I don’t miss the ‘diaper changing’ part, though.)

Bachelor life is really weird for me to get used to. The house is quiet. There’s no one to talk to. I miss Aarti’s awesome home cooking already. As I have no talent in the kitchen whatsoever (aside from taste-testing), I’ll have to settle for my lame attempts at meal preparation for the next 3 weeks.

I’m going to try and use this time productively. On the docket for this year are two books, and it’s my goal to make some steadfast progress on that front. So, yes, Shweta – if all goes according to my plan, you’ll be able to buy an UNcubed book before the end of this year.

Dinner: homemade pineapple pizza and baked potato chips

booyah!

-Krishna