We were in India last month and missed posting her monthly progress report. Here is Ashwini’s current progress report.

  • I can't walk while Ashwini runs and keep up with her pace anymore. The only problem is that she knows the accelerator but doesn't know where the brake is. Many times, she ends up on the floor or on the wall while turning a corner.
  • As it is seen in the photo, most of her milk teeth have come in.
  • 'Terrible twos' are here to stay and are going in full swing. As a baby, she hardly ever cried and we were used to the happy, smiley Ashwini. But, that has changed lately. She has become very stubborn and knows how to use her crying to get things done her way (it works with me, if not with her aai). It seemed like she cried more during last month or so than rest of her life combined. She has gotten very good at using the word 'nako' (means no) for everything.
  • Her English and Marathi vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds. She confused her kaka by asking 'kaay aahe te?' (what is that?) in marathi and he kept scratching his head in search of english words that fit those sounds.
  • Many times, even V and I get stumped with something that she says. She keeps repeating it till we get it. The joy on her face when we understand her words is just immeasurable.
  • Her memory is developing more and more. She keeps remembering things and people from our India trip. Sometimes, she surprises us by mentioning smallest little details.
  • She is good at making up things too. After coming back she still sees crows and parrots outside and when asked to point them out, she sticks her finger out in any general direction and goes 'right there'.
  • She is learning more and more songs and memorizing more and more books. Her love for books is still unchanged.
  • Another activity she likes very much is drawing. She always wants to draw Moon, stars and Saturn. And she properly recognizes Saturn. Wonder where that came from... ;).
  • Ashwini is able to express her thoughts in words without us asking anything. I was very proud when she just stopped while playing with balls, turned to V and said "Aai, I like cheese."
  • Her problem with opposites is going away. She is very assertive with her yes's and no's. Now she knows 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' along with just up and down. She still gets a little confused with the names of colors but, she picks out objects of the same color.
  • Her counting skills need a little improvement. She goes one, two, six, nine, ten, four.... something like that.
  • Ashwini is starting to pick out clothes/shoes that she wants to wear. She is very particular about her hair. Always wants to check in the mirror when we tie her hair to make sure it is properly done. Here is she in a ponytail in stead of usual pigtails.