Dhruva Benjamin Cheethirala arrived at 11:30 am on 6 January 2003 in the Hayward General Hospital. He weighed nine pounds and seven ounces and was twenty-one inches long. Although we had not yet seen him, we had a couple of digital photos thanks to email!
And thanks to papa's many travels, there were lots of frequent flyer miles to take Grandma Ruth to visit and take more pictures. Those are the ones posted below.
Dhruva is a truly beautiful newborn. Although he has his moments of hunger and pain when his face is not so tranquil, this is a common look of peacefulness. Sometimes with eyes closed, some times with eyes open. Calm and peacefuf for the most part.
My brother, Austen, s very excited to welcome me into the family. He is always thrilled to have me on his lap and watching whatever he does.
Grandma wanted to show off all my dark hair! And my pretty mama.
You may think these all look the same, but it doesn't really matter since they all are too cute not to post! Since this was at three weeks old, Grandma saw me most while I was sleeping--during the daytime hours!
What was difficult to impossible to capture on film was the brief smiles and chuckles that were so common during this visit. I smiled the most when I was done eating and "cooing" at my mama.
And if I did happen to be awake when it was time for the family to eat, etc. all I needed was a few moments in my musical swing to have me deep in dreamland once again.
When awake and fed, I was happy to observe the sights and sounds around me. I like to watch my big brother and listen to his happy voice as well.
Year of the Sheep: (I'm on a borderline, I guess, and not really born in the year of the sheep according to my mommy. And she would know, cuz she is really, really, REALLY smart!)
Those born in the Year of the Sheep are said to be charming,
elegant and artistic, who like material comforts. A bit of a worrier they also
have a tendency to complain about things. Jobs as actors, gardeners or
I'm a smiler, just like my brother and my daddy! It just lights up my entire face and comes out my toes!
The portrait above was taken at three months old.
Mommy is amazed at how much like my brother I am. At only four months of age, I already perk up and watch the trucks go by and love to see big equipment with wheels. This is my new fire engine shirt and I love to wear it! We are "all boy" boys!
I am one HANDSOME GUY! Just wait until I get older! My brother and I are really gone knock 'em dead when we walk into a room!
Watch out world, here we come!
**Last updated May 2005
Below is a collection of photos from my first year.
Strange traditions to learn. Eating a bear? What a scarey cake! Brightly colored eggs were more interesting by Eastertime.
But being outside is wonderful anytime of the year.
