6 months, and on the move

Crawlin', cruising, deciding what to get into next...

Oops, still a little unsteady...

Torin had his 6 month check-up today. I really can't believe it's been 6 months already. They say time flies...it more like whizzes by in a cyclone of diapers, feedings, tears, smiles, and giggles. At 17 lb 6 Oz he's right in the 50th percentile. He's crawling, scooting, rolling, wiggling, and pretty much using any means possible to get all over the place. Today he even pulled himself up to a standing position using the couch (not for long, though- balance is still pretty questionable!).

Zoo!

Torin the Tasty Tiger Treat?

Feeding the giraffes (mommy probably got a bigger kick out of this than Torin, but what a great excuse!)

Riding the elephant (Yeah, okay, mommy got a bigger kick out of this one, too. Having kids is great- I would have done this stuff anyway, but with a baby people think it's cute).

Last weekend we braved the swine flu and ventured out to the local Reid Park Zoo. Since we are leaving soon, we figured we'd better get around to doing all those things we've been meaning to do in Tucson. It was a nice little zoo, and a blast watching Torin watch the animals.

Torin Goes Camping

Sleeping (finally) in the morning, while mommy and daddy pack up

Having a snack in the tent

Sleep? Why sleep? This camping stuff is fun!

Mommy contemplating (and thinking better of) climbing to the top. The Chiricahua Mountains were very cool- a great way to spend a birthday.

Torin enjoying the ride...and sleeping through another great hike

More Adventures

A family photo during our hike on Mt. Lemmon

REI vest, and ready to go

Torin and Loch, deep in conversation during our visit to Yuma

First Rice...Version 2

Yesterday I had my first rice...again. It was not nearly as elaborate as the ceremony in India, but I actually got to eat it this time. Here I am getting ready for the big event (and considering eating my feet instead, if we don't get this show on the road).

mmmmmm.......

Uncle Nat wasn't here to do the honors, so mommy and daddy took turns.

That was good...but can I have the boob now?

Some highlights from the past month

Here I am with Nanny during Nanny and Bompy's visit to Arizona.

Can I drive?

Hiking with mommy in the desert

My favorite new toy (that takes up most of the living room)

Look, I can read...upside-down, even!

Mookhe Bhate

In addition to the weddings, we had a first rice ceremony for Torin (Mookhe Bhathe). The above photo shows the rugs that Takuma made for the rice ceremony.


The ceremony is traditionally performed by the mother's brother. As luck would have it, my brother Nat was there, and more than happy to be a part of the festivities. The above picture shows that first part of the ceremony, where Torin was presented with some items on a tray: a pen, a book, some clay, some money. He picked the pen, which I believe symbolizes wisdom.


Nat and Torin, neither of them is sure what will happen next...


This is Torin's 'first meal'. He didn't actually eat any of it, but Nat touched each item to his lips. Nat was then expected to finish the food himself...although nobody told him this before the huge lunch which was right before the ceremony.


Baby Torin, asleep after the big event...

India: 2 weddings and a rice ceremony

Our trip to India was amazing: 2 weddings and a 1st rice ceremony, as well as lots of great family time. The picture above shows how Torin's Indian family made him a proper Indian baby by putting ash spots on the bottom of his feet and the side of his head. This may be oversimplified and possibly not entirely correct, but my understanding is this is done so that the evil spirits do not think he is 'too perfect'.

We showed Torin off to everyone, even this very old and wise Guru at the temple was pleased to hold and to bless our little pumpkin.

The brides: Femke and Mantu, on the first day of Mantu's wedding and the last day of Femke and Ajoy's wedding.
Abir's grandmother (Takuma) holding Torin. This makes her Torin's Boro-ma, or great grandmother.