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Showing posts from October, 2013

Scent of spring: Songbirds, cherry blossoms, and warmer days

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    Spring, perhaps the most awaited season of the year, is about to grace this region of the world with its presence. I know spring is about to arrive in Delaware because after a series of unusually frigid mornings, which lasted from December through February, cheerful chirping of red-breasted robins, blue jays, and chickadees has now filled the morning air. In contrast to spring mornings, winter mornings are so hushed and uneventful that one may even question if birds exist in this land at all. To me, birdsongs are the harbinger of spring.  With the first sight of a bluejay perched on the backyard fence or a cardinal dancing on a leafless cherry branch, I know that my wait for spring is almost over, for I’ve learned from past experiences that an increase in bird activity signifies the approach of spring!  In this part of the world, during spring, nature comes alive with an abundance of activity. Everywhere I look, I witness signs of life. I witness new life in the ...

Baby in Bangladesh

When you are taking someone to your home country for the first time, you cannot help but be careful. You try to make sure that the food and water are safe and the weather is not too hot and humid. In September 2013, we took our daughter with us to Dhaka, Bangladesh on a short vacation. But who knew that taking her to my homeland would demand so much extra work! My 12-month-old daughter was traveling with us to Dhaka for the first time. The preparation for the trip began weeks ahead. Veteran moms advised me on food, water and weather of Dhaka city. I was going home after four years and I wanted to spend good time with friends and family - nursing a sick child was the last thing I wanted to do. Beside gifts, it was my daughter's foods, clothes and diapers that took most of our luggage space. I took four tins of baby formula for my three-week trip. I thought that would be enough but it was not - I had to go to Kids & Moms in Uttara to buy formula for her on the third week of ...