It is so much fun to share new holidays with Anjali. It's fun to figure out how to explain the holiday to her and help her understand its significance. It reminds me of what's important about each holiday for me personally. I do like Valentine's day. I think it's a wonderful reminder to honor the people you love in your life. There was a great Sesame Street episode about Valentine's Day that helped Anjali understand the idea of getting and receiving Valentines. She made a big heart collage for her Papa and also a glittery Valentine for me. Valentine gifts and cards came from her family on the West Coast as well. We also went to a special Valentine's arts and crafts class at one of the community centers where Anjali got to make a few different Valentine crafts. Valentine's morning we exchanged Valentines. There was plenty of popcorn and chocolate to be had. Anjali loved the heart shaped boxes of chocolate and all the sweet Valentines she received.
February was a nice, low key month where Anjali's comfort level and happy spirit seemed to soar. She added a Tuesday morning dance class called Twinkle Toes to her weekly schedule at one of the community centers that also has a fun indoor playground and rock climbing wall that she plays on after class. Anjali's dexterity and fitness levels are continuing to grow. She is even getting a little muscly and running fast. We are working on recognizing the alphabet and I introduce a new letter each week.
She loves to share things with her Patna family and can often be found talking to pictures of Aunty Pratima, Uncle Satish and Aunty Jatha as well as the MOC sisters from Patna. Her Grandma Pixie made a sweet Valentine's video of Anjali and her cousins Gemma and Giselle. She asks to watch it almost every morning when she wakes up and lately has been holding up her picture of the MOC sisters so they can see it too.
She loves to help out in the morning with breakfast and loves to feed Papi and Leela. She is a master at cracking eggs and blending up my morning shake and of course, she can always whip up a latte or chai in her little kitchens for anyone who is in need of one. Although she gets distracted easily, she really does pride herself on trying to be helpful.
Anjali had quite a few play dates this month. She met up with Henry at Pullen Park, hung out with her neighbor Michael and also had fun with a new friend Sophia at the boxing gym.
Adam got Anjali a doctor get up and tools and now Dr. Anjali is available anytime anyone has a boo boo or is not feeling well. As she says, "Dr. Anjali will fix it." Her favorite patient, of course is Papi. Soon she will be the patient, and I think it is very therapeutic for her to play doctor, but for now she is eagerly anticipating her next two big holidays. Her first birthday party and Easter where she will get to go on an airplane and see everybody for her party! Every day she asks, "Party today?" And that's Anjali for you...always ready and willing to celebrate life.
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