Rockin'

Hey Sonia,

I had this chair when I was little (and your mom did too). I dug it out of your Nana and Papa's cellar a few weeks back. I polished it up and re-upholstered it for you. I even bought foam for the seat and made it comfy again (you should've seen the icky piece of foam that came out of it!)

Of course, you have it, but I thought I'd immortalize it on your blog for you. Here it is:



Love you,

Auntie Karen

Another Song For Sonia

Dear Sonia,

Last night, I went to a concert in Lowell (right near Nana and Papa's house!) and saw Michael Franti & Spearhead. They have been a favorite of mine for about a year now, but I've not seen them live yet. It was the best concert I ever saw. Their music is awesome! There were lots of kids there, too, because the music is for everyone! (Someday I'll take you to a show, okay?)

Anyway, while he was singing this song, I kept thinking it was a perfect song to give you. So, girly, climb into Mommy's lap (up, up, up, la, la, la) and give a listen to this one!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoaTl7IcFs8

Love,

Auntie K

Swankness

Dear Sonia,

The other day, you got to go to a swank hotel in Houston and hang out at the pool. You had fun, your mom said, but then the photos came! What happened here?



But then you were fine! Look at you go!



And of course, then you put on a whole show for everyone afterwards, as evidenced here. By the way, in this photo, you look A LOT like your Auntie Karen and your mom when we were small.



Glad you had a good day of swankness, sweetness.

Love,

Auntie K

Separation Adventures

Dear Sonia,

Hello my little independent niece! This week, you are on your own for the first time in your young life! You told mom and dad it was time they went on a real trip and left you behind, and good on them, they took you up on your offer!

You are relaxing for the week at Chez Chilu, with your grandparents. Tiffany is still coming though, so that'll be good for you - not too much change!

Now, don't tell Mommy I told you, but she wasn't so sure about this whole leaving you for a whole week thing. She knows you said you'd be fine and that you were all about hanging with the grandparents, but she wondered about all this newly found independence. Wouldn't you miss her? Would you be confused? But, she went anyway, trusting in you.

I think it's gonna be great. Mom and Dad are helping people in need in Greece and they are having a good time too. As much as they dig you, they need some alone time now and then to make sure they can keep being the kick-ass parents you deserve, together!

So, my little Sonia-ita, have a great week. Enjoy eating food that mom would never feed you because you convinced someone you could have it. Learn all kinds of tricks now, because there's more separation from Mom and Dad in your future; I suspect it'll be you doing the travelling sooner than later!

Love you!

Auntie K

Just Keep Swimming

Dear Sonia,

You are a little fish. You are in group swimming lessons with your playgroup in your very own pool in your yard! And of course, you love it! Mom takes you in almost every day, too. Apparently you demand it. You point to the pool and ask to go in. Yay! Only 9 more years until you can learn to scuba dive with Auntie K!

Love you,

Auntie K

Up, Up, Up, La, La, La

Dear Sonia,

Your mom called the other day and said that when you see her sitting at the computer, you go over and say "Up, Up, Up, La, La, La". This means you want to sit on her lap and listen to the song I put on your blog for you.

She asks "Do you want to listen to Auntie K's song?" and you nod your head yes!

I love you, sweetie head.

Love,

Auntie K

Food

Dear Sonia,

Our family has an interesting relationship with food. Hopefully you'll get your mom and dad's genes and not have to battle your way through a weight-loss life, but even if you do, you've got plenty of company (me included!).

Here's some foods you should never stop liking:

- bananas
- yogurt
- avocados (Although I'm not sure you like them now. Get on that.)
- brown bread (Forget the squishy white kind. Ick.)
- tofu (You dig it. Your Nana doesn't get it. Don't listen to her.)
- grapes (It's your candy. Keep it that way!)

Foods there's no need to ever eat (even though you probably will):

- Velveeta cheese
- french fries in mass quantities (remember I told you this in college)
- fried dough (one of your mom's favorites!)
- doughnuts (really. There's just no need.)

The less you cook something, the better it is! I mean this for veggies (steam 'em!) and red meat (your parents are well-done fans, so you and I will have to make a date with some medium rare meat so you get a real taste of beef!). Course, chicken and pork needs to be cooked enough (that pink middle doesn't work for them). Veggies and fruits are spectacular and nothing tastes better than a yogurt/milk/banana/frozen fruit of your choice smoothie made in the blender at home. YUM.

Most of all, food should be enjoyed and savored. A meal out should be special, but so should a meal cooked in. What spices you use matter (and you get to have more spice education than others because of your Indian half - pay attention!). Making a lovely meal for yourself at home at night is a great event. Not just because you have to eat, but because of how delicious it can be - and you made it!

Your mom is a baker. She loves it in a way I don't. Baking for me is a chore. But cooking, ah, there's nothing better.

We'll cook some great meals together. I'll teach you how to not measure. How to make a great meal out of whatever's in the fridge even if it doesn't look like it goes together. How to make an instant light sauce from a tiny bit of butter, some milk and a shake of flour. How to freeze just about anything to use later (I have two bags of bread remnants and a bag of bread crumbs in the freezer right now just begging to be turned into stuffing!).

Here's to food, 'arita! I can't wait to cook with you.

Love,
Auntie K