The morning was spent getting visas for Papa-Mummy. In the afternoon we took the flight to Patna. Dadajee and Dadijee were waiting eagerly to see me the first time. True to form, I was sleeping on the occasion.

The journey was awful, and I bawled my heart out. The plane was cold, Hong Kong was hot and humid, and I had some blasphemous realizations (after a few hours on Papa's increasingly stiff lap, even the bassinet looks inviting).

After all this, New Delhi and Luddu chacha's home was very welcome. I and Aruja didi traded some crying tips.

I am leaving for India today, to be at Babboo Chacha's marriage. All the event management is going to be tough, but I'm sure it's going to be loads of fun! I am told both Dada-Dadi and Nana-Nani have planned lots of things for me. As long as that involves plenty of lap time ...

Papa and his crusty old camera work well enough for the tabloids, but it was about time for a professional photo shoot. I went down to the Picture People at Oakridge, and got some photos taken.

Today was my second visit to my doctor. I flashed her one of my trademark smiles and she was completely floored! She gave me high marks on my height and weight, and was happy with my progress.

I outgrew my first piece of apparel - my blue overalls.

After close to 3 months, Nani left for home today. I absolutely couldn't bear to see her go, so I did the next best thing - I slept through her see-off.

Because at this stage smiles from me are still hard to come by (goes with my macho image), here are a couple of PR photos.

Lest this weblog suggest I am all about whining and crying, I have begun to practice throwing an occasional smile back at Papa-Mummy.



It's a pretty effective tool to handle grown-ups. It keeps them enthralled, works as a fine incentive for them to play with me, and seems to improve their baby-speak skills.

I got my 2-monthly shots today. And to think I had been pretty upbeat all day, playing and cooing at Papa-Mummy, until reality struck, or rather pricked me in an unmentionable place. I was so surprised I didn't even think of utilizing my full-throated cry, but instead let out more of a whimper. But then I figured crying wouln't do my stud image much good, so I quieted down, unlike some of the other kids there.

Oh, and today this weblog is at the top of the results when googling for "Sushmit". I dunno. Papa cares for and enters dumb shit like that. Maybe I should outsource the chronicling of my weblog. (Ed: Ouch! Well, as long as he doesn't outsource parenthood ...)

Papa-Mummy had their first real scare today. While Mummy was bathing me, I thought I would take a friendly swipe at the faucet with my foot. Unfortunately, it wasn't in so friendly a mood, and responded by spewing some hot water at me. I ended up scalding my right foot. It hurt real bad and I didn't stop crying till Papa came home and took me to the hospital. However, some ointment and a bandage calmed me down. That, and this wonderful nook that forms in Mummy's back.

I went to see my first movie today - Veer Zaara at Naz Cinemas in Fremont. I think I understand why people seem so excited by the movies - there's lots of lights on the screen, and they keep changing! And lots elsewhere - there was this light above our seat which came on when the movie ended. It said "EXIT" and I found it positively enthralling! All the sounds were scary, though, and I was thankful Papa covered my ears whenever things got loud.

A HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you - though at this stage even the idea of a new year is new to me. Maybe you have to get old to appreciate the new (my, is that my first pearl of wisdom?). We cut a cake at night to celebrate the new year.

With numerous fans clamoring for an interview, I figured I could hold them off no more. I made my first public appearance at the Baby Welcome party conveniently thrown for the purpose by my PR agents - er, I mean Papa-Mummy.



The party was at Sarovar Indian Cuisine in Milpitas. Lots of friends and family came over, and I had a blast doing the rounds of eager arms.

It's, umm, not the utmost flattering when your fan base is positively geriatric compared to you, but, hey, it's a start. And I've noticed that the grown-up set are pretty good at pampering, so they're not without their uses. And I made some friends nearer my age.

More photos here.