Tag: 2026

Dadu Turned a Year Older, I Collected a Dozen Firsts

Some trips are special because of where you go. Mine was special because of who I was with. To celebrate my Dadu’s first birthday with me, my entire family packed their bags and headed to beautiful Diu. Joining me on this adventure were Dadu, Dadi, Chachu, Chachi, Mumma, and Pappa—the people who fill my world with love every single day.

But before the excitement of the trip even began, I had an important milestone to check off. I visited Tramba PHC for my Oral Polio Vaccine. Everyone was proud of how brave I was, and once that was done, I was officially ready for my first big family vacation!

What made this trip extra special was that every single decision revolved around me. The destination, the hotel, the travel timings, the cars, the meal plans, the sightseeing schedule—everything was thoughtfully planned keeping my comfort and routine in mind. For the first time, I wasn’t just joining a family trip; I was the centre of it!

The preparations started days in advance. By then, I had already begun eating solids, which meant travelling required military-level planning. My Mumma and Pappa, once famous for being minimal packers, suddenly found themselves carrying what looked like our entire home. There were clothes, diapers, toys, medicines, feeding supplies, cooking essentials, food containers, and enough baby gear to make anyone wonder if we were moving instead of vacationing.

The road trip itself was so much fun. I happily hopped between two cars enjoying cuddles, songs, conversations, naps, and endless attention wherever I went. Both the cars felt like my own personal VIP lounge.

The highlights of out trip was celebrating Dadu’s birthday on 28th June 2026. I came fully prepared in my special “Happy Birthday Dadu” onesie, and I looked absolutely adorable, if I may say so myself! The best part was helping Dadu cut his birthday cake. Everyone gathered around, smiling and cheering, while I enjoyed being part of the celebration. It was such a joyful moment and one that I’ll always see in photos and hear stories about.

The birthday celebrations also introduced me to something completely magical—balloons! It was my very first encounter with them, and I was fascinated. The bright colours, the way they floated and bounced, and the excitement they brought to the room completely captured my attention. Safe to say, I was a big fan.

At the hotel, while the rest of the family enjoyed delicious holiday meals, Mumma made sure I stayed on track with my solids journey. She lovingly cooked fresh meals for me, proving once again that mums never really go on vacation. Thanks to her, I got to enjoy my own special menu while everyone else enjoyed theirs.

Of course, despite being on holiday, the nights still revolved around my schedule. Dinner timings, evening plans, and bedtime routines all adjusted around me. I may have been the youngest traveller, but I was definitely the one running the itinerary.

And then came the biggest surprise of the trip. Until this vacation, I had always slept in my ghodiya. But somewhere between the long drives, hotel stays, and new experiences, I decided it was time for a change. During this trip, I gradually stopped sleeping in my ghodiya and learned to sleep between Mumma and Pappa on their bed! —What they expected to be a family vacation unexpectedly became the trip where I achieved a major sleep milestone.

Another memorable first was my very first swim. Everyone was excited to see me enjoy the water, splash around, and become a little water baby. Unfortunately, I wasn’t quite convinced. The pool and I had very different expectations of how that experience would go. While everyone else loved it, I wasn’t particularly impressed. Maybe I’ll enjoy swimming more on future vacations!

As wonderful as Diu was, the journey back home brought another unforgettable milestone. I realised that I could sleep comfortably in my car seat, with no help! For Mumma and Pappa, this was nothing short of revolutionary.

On our way back, I also visited my very first Jyotirlinga—Somnath. It was a deeply meaningful moment for our family, made even more special because my Motapappa had thoughtfully arranged everything so I could have the best possible darshan. Being blessed with such a smooth and comfortable first visit to Somnath made the end of the trip truly memorable.

Looking back, this journey was so much more than a vacation. As if Dadu’s birthday celebrations weren’t reason enough to make this trip memorable, I had a milestone of my own to celebrate—I turned 7 months old during the vacation! So while everyone gathered to celebrate Dadu, I quietly marked my own special month birthday too. Looking back, it feels like the perfect time for a trip filled with so many firsts—my first family vacation, first swim, first balloons, first Jyotirlinga visit, and even a brand-new way of sleeping.

Most importantly, it was a reminder of how lucky I am to be surrounded by a family that plans every detail with love. From Dadu and Dadi to Chachu and Chachi, from Mumma’s endless preparations to Pappa’s careful planning, everyone made sure my very first vacation was comfortable, joyful, and unforgettable.

My first trip to Diu wasn’t just a holiday—it was a collection of beautiful firsts, wrapped in love, laughter, family, and memories that will be cherished forever.

Happy Birthday Dadu ❤️

Wait Let Me Cut the Cake 😎

Baloooooooooons 😍

Sleeping in the bed like a Big Boy 😴

I dont think I trust this Pool thing 🧐

Chilling with Mumma 🤗

The Bharad Boys 😎

I turned 7 months old 🥳

Papapapapa 😇

Chachu Chachi and Puchku 🧑‍🧑‍🧒

Being Squished is my Full Time Job 🤗

Sleeping in the Carseat like a Big Boy 😎

July 1, 2026
From Parents to Partners, For a While

Five months with you, our little star,
Of cuddles, giggles, and nights not so far,
Of tiny hands and sleepy eyes,
And love that grew beyond the skies.

Then one sweet day, just for a while,
Mumma and Pappa stepped out with a smile.
You stayed at home, safe and snug,
With Dadu Dadi’s kisses and warm, soft hug.

At lunch we sat, a little unsure,
Checking at our phones just to be sure
“Is he okay? Did he sleep?”
You were in every thought we’d keep.

Still, we laughed and held hands tight,
Just like before you came into our life.
Not only Mumma, not only Pappa too,
But two hearts in love—because of you.

And when we came back, oh what joy to see,
Your happy face waiting with glee!
We hugged you close, our baby so dear,
With even more love than the day before, here.

So remember this, as you grow big and tall,
We stepped away, but not at all.
We carried you in all we do,
And come back home with more love for you!

From Partners 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻

To Parents 🧑‍🧑‍🧒💖

May 1, 2026
Cheeku’s Ahmedabad Diaries

Some chapters in life feel so full, so gentle, that you wish you could pause time and live in them a little longer. The past three months were exactly that for you and me, Sharva—a cocoon of love, laughter, and firsts. And now, as we returned from Ahmedabad to Tramba, carrying bags full of your baby things and hearts full of memories, it truly felt like we were closing a beautiful chapter while stepping into another.

These months at Motamummy and Motappa’s home were not just about staying—it was about growing, together. Sharva, you were wrapped in a kind of love that only grandparents can give. Every day revolved around you, and yet it never felt tiring—only joyful. Your Motamummy and Motapappa built so many little routines for you, making sure you were comfortable, happy, and always surrounded by warmth. From feeding times to nap times, from playtime giggles to evening walks—everything had a rhythm, and somehow, you settled into it so naturally.

And oh, how much you changed. From those tiny newborn days, you began discovering your world. First came the soft coos, those tiny sounds that felt like conversations from another universe. Then came your smiles—wide, innocent, and enough to melt every heart in the room (especially while looking at your passage plates and drawing room lights). Slowly, you began recognizing faces, responding to familiar voices with excitement. And one day, just like that, you rolled onto your side, as if to say, “Look what I can do now!” Each milestone felt like a celebration.

Your Motapappa made it a ritual to pick you up in the morning and play with you while your mumma slept a little and your motamummy did her work! He would take your out for evening strolls. Those quiet walks, with the soft breeze and fading sunlight, became your special time together. I could see the bond growing stronger with every step.

Your motamummy—her voice became a comfort you grew to love. She would sing poems and lullabies, filling the home with a calm, soothing rhythm. It wasn’t just music; it was love in its purest form! She would talk to you constantly and you would reply in your coos and babbles!!

And the most unexpected bond was none other than with your Mamu! Your mamu had his own little world with you. He would wait—sometimes impatiently—for his cheeku to wake up, just so he could play, talk, and make him laugh. The excitement in your eyes every time you saw him would light up the whole house. The way he talked about you like you were the most precious thing was so beautiful! And the way you laughed seeing him do his antics were his rewards.

And every videocall with your Mimi made you so excited but it made Mimi so sad she couldn’t be there with you! She couldnt wait to come back from Canada and hug you tight and spoil you like you were meant to!

The house was never quiet, never still. It was alive—with laughter, tiny sounds, soft conversations, and countless moments that stitched themselves into our hearts.

And while you were there so many of Motamummy, Motappa, Mamu and Mumma Papa’s friends came to meet you bearing gifts! Vidhu Masi, Sana Masi, Himani Masi all made it a point to come over again and again to be with you because your masis love you just like your mumma!

And then came the day we had to leave. Packing felt heavier than it should have. Not because of the things—but because of everything we were leaving behind. Every corner of that home held a memory. Every room echoed with your growth. The goodbye was not loud, but it was deeply felt.

Coming back home to Rajkot brought its own comfort. There was excitement too—you getting to spend time with your dad, being back in your own space, and of course, reuniting with Stella, who had surely missed her mom and her little human. And most excited are Dadu and Dadi who cant wait to spend time with their Sharvu!

Yet, even in that happiness, there was a quiet heaviness. Because some homes aren’t just places—they are feelings. And Ahmedabad, in those three months, became exactly that for us. This chapter may have ended, but its warmth will stay with us always. And someday, Sharva, when you read this—you’ll know just how deeply you were loved, even before you could understand it. And how, in those early months, you brought all of us even closer together.

Day 1 at Motamummy Motapappa house!

Day 2 in Ahmedabad

Making everyone tiptoe around you!

“Sounga to sirf Motamummy ke pass” Phase

Morning time with Motapappa

Cheeeeeku na Cheeks Khai Jauuuu!

Happy 3 months

Cheeku and Mamu

Motamummy, Mamu, Sana Masi and Himani Masi entertain me while my Mom is not home!

April 25, 2026
From a Feeling to Forever

My dearest Shavu Vavu,

Exactly one year ago, on April 9th, 2025, our world quietly and beautifully changed. That day started like any other, until something deep inside me felt different. I can’t explain it, but I just knew. Before I told anyone—even your dad—I decided to check. It was just a feeling, a quiet whisper in my heart and somehow, it turned out to be true. Two little lines appeared, and in that moment, time stood still.

I remember staring at them, my heart racing, my hands trembling, and a million emotions rushing in all at once—joy, disbelief, love, and a deep, overwhelming sense that life would never be the same again. Because of you. You were our tiny, beautiful secret for a little while. And then came the moment we began sharing the happiest news of our lives with our closest family.

Your dadu and dadi had just landed in New Jersey for a one month trip to the USA when we told them. The moment they heard, everything changed—they couldn’t wait to come back, to be closer, to celebrate you. Their excitement was so pure, so full of love, it made everything feel even more real.

Motamummy and motapappa were in complete disbelief at first. It took them a moment to process, and then slowly, their faces lit up with the happiest smiles. It was the kind of joy that takes a second to sink in—and then stays forever.

And the rest of your little world? Oh, they were over the moon. Chachi, chachu, mimi, and mamu were crazy happy—full of excitement, laughter, and so much love for you already. You were celebrated from every corner, by everyone who matters to us.

And then came the waiting. Those months felt long and short at the same time. Every day, we imagined you. Were you okay? How would you look? Would you have my eyes? Your dad’s smile? Would you be calm or mischievous? Would you love music, or stories, or cuddles the most?

We shopped for you with so much love—tiny clothes that felt too small to be real, soft blankets, little socks, cribs and bassinets, car seats and strollers, everything that made us smile every time we saw them. Every item we picked wasn’t just a purchase; it was a dream, a piece of the life we were building for you.

We spoke your name before you even arrived. We changed our minds a hundred times, searching for the one that felt just right—the one that would carry your story, your identity, your light. And all the while, we waited. We counted days, weeks, moments just to meet you.

And now, here we are 9 April 2026. One year later, on this very day, you are in my arms. Not a dream, not a thought, not a hope—but real, warm, smiling, and ours. You are four and half months old already, and somehow, it feels like you have been a part of us forever.

You have filled our home with laughter we didn’t know we were missing, with sleepless nights that we wouldn’t trade for anything (maybe I would), with a love so deep it’s impossible to explain.

Looking back, April 9th will always be the day you quietly entered our lives. And today, it’s the day I hold you close and realize—you were worth every second of the wait.

Always and forever,
Your Mumma 💛

Had to check twice before telling anyone

From two pink lines to so many lines, just one year apart!

April 9, 2026
Not Just Ours, Their Sharva Too

There’s something incredibly magical about watching your little world grow bigger—not just with milestones and firsts, but with love pouring in from every direction. And for you Sharva, that love has come in the most beautiful, overwhelming ways, through Mumma and Pappa’s friends, their people!

It feels so special—almost indescribable—when friends go out of their way, beyond their busy schedules and daily chaos, just to hold you, see you, and shower you with affection. It’s not just visits, it’s intention. It’s love in action.

From day one, you were welcomed with open arms. Hinal masi, Navil masa, Yash mamu, and Palak mami made sure they were there right at the beginning—meeting you, blessing you, and instantly becoming a part of your little universe. And it didn’t stop there. Calls, messages, video calls, constant check-ins filled with warmth, as if distance was never really a thing. And they even found their way to Ahmedabad just to see you again.

Hinal masi has been your personal gift fairy, always bringing the cutest surprises that somehow feel just as warm as her hugs. Vidhu masi didn’t wait long either—she came all the way to Rajkot with love (and gifts!) and has always made it a point to meet you in Ahmedabad as often as she can.

Even from afar, love found its way. Ishani masi, though she couldn’t come in person, made sure you felt her presence through countless thoughtful gifts—each one a little piece of her love wrapped just for you.

And then there are the ones who made their way as soon as they could—Rohan chachu, Vasu mama, and Pranali chachi—arriving in Ahmedabad and coming straight to meet you, bringing along not just gifts, but memories we’ll always hold close. Harsha masi added her own special touch by sending the same things that Kush loves—because what’s loved once must be loved again.

And for all the many others who couldn’t physically be here, their love still reached you. Through calls, video calls, messages filled with excitement, curiosity, and affection—they made sure they knew you, and more importantly, that you would always know you are loved. Because that’s what this is, really. Love. Pure, effortless, abundant love.

Our baby boy, you may be tiny, but you are surrounded by something so big—an entire circle of people who love you like their own. And as parents, there is nothing more heartwarming than seeing your friends become your child’s people.

And somewhere in the middle of all this love, Mumma and Pappa have quietly realized something too—we truly have the best friends in the world. The kind who show up, who stay, who love deeply and selflessly. The kind who turn moments into memories and make this journey even more special. And one day you will realise that some of your “aunts” and “uncles” are the relates by blood – they are friends that we love so deeply, they became family. And that is the beauty of chosen family – love that goes beyond last names.

Sharva, you truly are one lucky little boy.

And our hearts? Just a little fuller because of it.

Vidhu Masi ❤️

Pranali Chachi ❤️

Vasu Mama ❤️

March 18, 2026
A Year of Firsts: Welcoming 2026 With You

As the calendar turns and the world steps into 2026, Sharva, you are just one month old. You don’t know what a “new year” is yet. You don’t know about resolutions, countdowns, or fireworks. Right now, your whole universe is made of warm arms, familiar voices, milk, sleep, and the simple comfort of being held. And yet, this New Year feels bigger and more meaningful than any before it—because it is our first one with you.

Before you arrived, life was full, busy, and familiar. Days moved quickly. Nights were quiet. Plans were made far in advance, and time felt predictable. We didn’t realize how much space there was in our hearts until you showed us. Life before you wasn’t empty—it just didn’t yet know what it was missing.

Then you arrived. In an instant, everything changed. Time slowed down and sped up all at once. Nights became shorter, days felt softer, and the smallest moments suddenly mattered the most. A tiny stretch, a yawn, the way you curl your fingers around ours—these became the highlights of our days. You made ordinary moments extraordinary simply by being here.

Life after your arrival is louder in some ways and quieter in others. There is less sleep, but more meaning. Less routine, but more wonder. We see the world differently now, because we see it through the lens of loving you. You have already taught us patience, presence, and a deeper kind of joy than we ever knew before.

And now we step into 2026 together.

This year will be special—not because we know exactly what it will bring, but because it will be filled with your firsts. Your first smiles, your first laughs, your first words, your first discoveries of the world around you. You will grow more each day, and we will grow alongside you, learning how to be the people—and family—you need.

When you read this someday, you might be much older. You might not remember these early days. But know this: as 2026 began, you were deeply loved. You were our greatest hope, our biggest change, and our favorite part of the future. And you were part of a family that includes not only people who adore you but also your fur sisters: one here to grow up with you, and one watching over you from heaven.

This year wasn’t just a new year.
It was the beginning of a life we couldn’t imagine before you.

Welcome to 2026, little man.
We’re so glad we get to walk into it with you. ❤️

Slumber Party on New Year’s Eve, 31st December 2025

January 1, 2026