Lakshmi Iyer's Blog, page 58

Names, Birthdays, Identity – Grappling With All Things Adoption

  “Pattu, Pattu! Laddu has grown up. She has hair on her legs just like our cousin. Soon she will be tall and have three babies. Two adopted and one borned to her…” “I will adopt all three of mine.” “I want to born mine. No adoption for me…” The conversation catches my attention and …

Reflections On Relationships

I am on the phone with my cousin. I have it on speaker, tucked into my blouse as I clatter and clang washing dishes. She puts up with the noise and me as we trade notes on our week. I hang up and feel a physical wave of gratitude wash over me for her time … Continue reading Reflections On Relationships

To The Moon And Back – We Love You

The sun slants in through the open glass of the side door. It feels warm against my face. All three kids surround me. One is convinced her sleeping bag needs a wash. The other two are taking their first delightful steps into the Harry Potter universe. The questions fly thick and fast. I can’t seem … Continue reading To The Moon And Back – We Love You

Adulting

I walk in the cold morning air cognizant of the fact that Laddu is in her carseat and probably straining to get out. I grab the empty recycle bin and hear a sound that make me whip around. Ammu is visibly sobbing and running toward me. The time is 8:16 AM. We run, the two … Continue reading Adulting

Philadelphia Writers Workshop – A Recap

All week before the actual conference, I went about my day thinking about it. I lay awake at night thinking of plot, structure, synopsis and query. Then a day before I decided to chuck it all and just go as an attendee. I vented on twitter tagging my posts with #phillyww and before I knew … Continue reading Philadelphia Writers Workshop – A Recap →

This Little Light Of Mine – Three Terrific Years

She walks ahead of me, her plump calves pumping up and down on the concrete pavement. Her princess boots click each time they hit the ground. Her white dress swishes around her. Tendrils escape her ponytail and the band holding her hair has sagged, relaxing its hold. She turns around to check if I am … Continue reading This Little Light Of Mine – Three Terrific Years →

Dinner Table Discoveries

  “I will do it myself!” Laddu’s voice is strident, ringing across the dining table where the five of us are sitting. Steam escapes her plate where a serving of rice topped with ghee and kootu looks tantalizing. My offer to mix it results in her declaration. On my left is Ammu staring at her … Continue reading Dinner Table Discoveries →

A Tale Of Two Mothers

  We roamed the mall side by side, me in my elastic waistband lounge pant and she in her jeans. We gawked the name brand stores, stepped inside H&M and walked out with bags. We sat by the water fountain, cups of coffee in hand and a box of pretzel bites on the table before … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Mothers →

Unbridled Joy

In the minutes before the clock struck three and the cars would start arriving in our driveway, I prowled the first floor of my home, camera in hand. Just as I thought I would head to the basement and snap pictures of the hastily made decorations, I spied Ammu and Pattu by the window. The … Continue reading Unbridled Joy →

Serenading My Darlings

I watch from the front door, the stoop damp from all the snow melt as my children trudge through slushy piles of melting snow and ice. Their backpack hangs heavy from their shoulders. They carry a huge unwieldy  trifold board in their hands struggling to keep it off the ground. “I love you.” My voice … Continue reading Serenading My Darlings →