Kuttyma has been growing up fast. Too fast for my liking. I bet every parent on earth says the same thing. I am no different. I am taking time to ensure we cuddle and giggle a bit longer. I know soon the moments I take as routine today will be rarity tomorrow.

A few weeks back, right before our vacation, kuttyma fell sick. Food poisoning or some stomach bug. She threw up non-stop. The house was a mess and I was at mommy hell. Watching her weak and dull was heart wrenching. Luckily, it was some 24 hour bug and once everything was out of her system she recovered.

If watching your sick four-year old was heartbreaking, taking care of a convalescing four year old is hair pulling. The day after her sickness, I kept her at home just to be on the safer side and kuttyma was being herself. Jumping around and wanting my attention every second. I had to find quiet activities for her and ensure she rested enough.

To keep her busy, I pulled out one of the Christmas catalogues that seem to appear at my mailbox every other way enticing me to visit the store. I asked kuttyma to make a collage of the stuff she liked and maybe someday I can buy few of them for her. She was hooked.

She sat down and worked while I got some stuff done. Conversations of course never ceased. Here are tidbits from our talk

Her: Mommy, can you buy me these plates?

Me: Why do we need plates? We already have them

Her: But these are so cuuuute (yes she actually dragged the word out). It is 8 dollars. Pretty please

I dissuaded her and told her we can buy what is needed and not everything. But I can see where this journey is going to lead. I have a little shopaholic and it is bound to be interesting.

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Her: Mommy – when I grow big can I live with you?

Me: Where else will you go? (I caught myself after I said that. I just assumed she will be with me forever which is no way close to the truth. I want her to soar and I know in all probability she cannot do it when glued to my side) Ofcourse you can live with me if you want you can live with me

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Her: Look mommy! A star burst

It was a jet trail left behind by an airplane. She has been quite amazed by them

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We landed in Dubai and waited in line for immigration

Her (whispers into my ear): Do you see they are wearing a different costume? What is it?

Before I could reply, she adds – see I did not point and talk loudly.

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Christmas, Santa Claus, Gifts, and Decorations have been taking over our world. Santa visited her school and gave her a book. Her teacher told her to leave cookies and milk for Santa. The whole holiday aisle at the stores have her attention.

Her: mommy, you know Santas are not real.

Me: Really?

Her: Yup! Someone dresses up as Santa and gives gifts.

Me: Hmm – why do they do it?

Her: maybe it is their halloween costume maybe?

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I was wearing a white long skirt one morning.

Her: Wow! You look beautiful mommy. Just like a wedding dress

Me: Thanks. Really? You have a similar skirt remember?

Her: But I don’t like mine. When I marry can I wear your skirt?

Me: (really taking the concept of something old too close to heart) Sure but I think you would prefer something new. We will worry about it then. Who are you going to marry?

Her: I don’t know.

Me: You marry someone who loves you.

Her: My friend “C” says two girls can’t marry.

Me: You can marry anyone you love. Two girls can marry. Two boys can marry. A boy and girl can marry.

Her: I love you and you are a girl. Can we marry?

I guess I should be flattered.

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