Monday, December 31, 2012

2012-The Year That was

As I spend the last day of the year 2012, bundled up in my razai to beat the Delhi chill, I can't help but become nostalgic. I always do that on the 31st of December, now it has become a ritual. So the year that passed by brought with it a mixed bag of emotions. Some people believed, we would not exist no longer once 2012 is over... that didn't happen which was an amazing thing.

I had some amazing moments and some not so good moments. Before I go into the positives or negatives. I would like to thank Allah (SWT) for making 2012 a good year for me. Thanks for my family who have been my strongest support base (Fizz n The Toddler), I don't want anything more if I have the two of them with me. I thank you for good health, though my knee is still in a bad shape, but that is more because of my negligence. And I thank for every thing nice that I have in life... (Genuinely)

Let's see what were the good things that happened in 2012:
  1. I became a better mom, and Fizz was at his best being The Toddler's daddy
  2. We went for 2 holidays (Pondicherry & Shimoga)
  3. I started My Little Chatterbox in Bangalore & our 2nd session is about to begin in January Insh'Allah. I have also discovered what is the best way to work from home. I go out for my trainings/meetings, besides that most of the work is done at home. The Toddler has also become used to my working at home and doesn't disturb me much. My work also helped me socialize more, and made me meet new people.
  4. I'm in love with Bangalore now... I will have to say I have to explore many places still. 2012 did help me become familiar with the city
  5. 2012 saw the Toddler turn into a Tot from a little baby. She turned 2 years old on 26th November 2012 and she is now a big girl. She met all her milestones before time, and I'm so proud of you Missie. The Toddler also got admitted in a school the 3 of us love, she starts school from June 2013.
  6. We did manage to watch more movies this year, Talaash tops the list, I didnt want to miss this one...and I didnt
  7. I did start working out 2 times a day
Not so good things:
  1. I have become extremely paranoid as far as The Toddler is concerned, thanks to the events happening around us. I think a 100 times before I leave The Toddler with a stranger. Our country has become so unsafe, it can't be taken lightly. 
  2. Connecticut Shootout
  3. We have to start The Toddler's Day Care formally from January 2013 (gives me jitters).
  4. Unfortunately, I was not able to keep up with my namaaz the way I wanted to, Insh'Allah I will work on this front
  5. Working out somehow isn't working the way I want it to. I sure would not give up, I will reach there soon Insh'Allah

Saturday, December 22, 2012

And She Did It!!!

The dreaded moment which I've been waiting for ... No, I never wanted it to happen... But I was told this moment is a part of your toddler turning 2. I couldn't have denied it, I did prepare myself for it and I did the right thing... I'm proud of my 'mommie self'... I deserve a pat on my back.

She has scratched me, pulled my hair and hit me... but at that time she was too young.

So the Toddler and me were sitting after a long day of shopping... Both of us were tired. My foot had twisted and I was in pain (no it wasn't a lot of pain, guess I was exhausted). I sat on the couch and started reading a book (all moms must be aware when a mom reads, one of her eye is on the book and the other on the child... Especially when you have an infant/toddler). The Toddler was up to some mischief, she was standing on her chair and constantly climbing the TV cabinet. It could have been too dangerous, I don't stop her from her mischief other wise, but here I knew I had to stop her. She didn't listen to me after telling her 4-5 times, my tone got stern every time. When she did not give up, I got up and hit her on her bum... I hit with a very light hand (I don't believe in hitting her, and I do it just to get her listen and grab her attention with a very very light hand). I guess she got startled and her face grew red with anger. I held her in my lap, but she looked at me with anger and hit me on my face. Now she did this on purpose, I could say from the look in her eyes. I did get angry, but thankfully didn't lose my cool.  I held my ears and said sorry, since I know it was my fault, I spanked and startled her. I don't believe in saying sorry if I'm not at fault, and will always apologize if I'm at fault. I try to make sure The Toddler also does that. Once I apologized she made a puppy face, tears rolled down her eyes, and she hugged me with a 'Mommie'.

Today, my Toddler taught me a big lesson. Say sorry if you're wrong, and things will be right.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday Facebook Update!

  • Ask Zoe 'Are u Mad?' She says 'I'm Mad' :-P
  • That's what my new Blog Description says "Little girls are precious gifts like birds and brooks and streams...their hair is tied up with ribbons and bows...their hearts are tied up with dreams. " Couldn't have been more apt.
  • Went for Zoe's 1st hair cut, I had something different in mind... but Zoe (thanks to her tantrums) just managed to get a trim. A big thank-you to everyone at Divas & Dudes for being so patient and trying everything to make her feel comfortable. You guys were amazing.
  • Got Ya!!! Zoe 'milk strike' is over. Now she has milk in a mug (with a straw) ** don't look at me like that... And when I hand the mug to her she says 'Cufee' and gulps it down.Yeah right I'll give you Coffee... For sure ;-)

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Moms can Dream as well!

Moms can be dreamers too... don't you think so? I, for one am a mom with dreams. I'm extremely possessive about my family and my dreams (which are a big part of me). I dream so I'm. There are some dreams which are extremely personal (specially ones I have for my family and towards my religion) and I would not want to share those... but then there are those which I love talking about.
  • I want to be the best mom to The Toddler (A mom who has big dreams will be a mom first :-))
  • My Little Chatterbox was a dream which has come true... I know I still have a long way to go. Be it in spreading the words across Bangalore and spreading wings across India. I dream big, but that's a part of me.
  • I want to travel around the world with The Toddler and Fizz
  • I dream of being a constant learner, someone who never stops learning
  • I dream & I believe I would be able to become as healthy as I was before The Toddler was born... (more for myself and my family)
  • I want to write a book (a best-seller actually), sometime real soon
  • A small house in Goa, just for The Toddler, Fizz & Me
  • Last but not the least (in fact this is one of my biggest dreams) I want to raise The Toddler to be a healthy, happy confident, smart, intelligent, well-read young girl... who knows the difference between right and wrong... someone who values people, life and most importantly her individual self. Most importantly, I would like her to grow as a dreamer...
This is just glimpse in my dream world... Being a dreamer is a crucial part of me, and I sure do not want to lose them.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Comparisons Comparisons & Some more... Comparisons

Would you compare these?
We spend our entire life comparing, don't we... we might HATE it, but we still do it. It is engraved in us, our entire system and I have been a victim myself. I was the middle sibling and unfortunately for me, both my sisters got better grades than me, which was a big thing (for mom at least - no offense). I was a hit when it came to extra-curricular activities, but that was meant to be secondary? I really don't blame mum, she was proud of my achievements, yet she believed I should focus more on my studies and become an excellent student from an above-average one. AJ loved me (us) a lot to say anything, he was happy when we were happy.

I hated being compared, I did voice my opinion to mum but I guess she did want me to excel in studies as well. Now, when I tell mum, she should have known that I'm different from my sisters as they are from each other. We should celebrate our differences rather than work at becoming clones of each other.

Now that I'm a mom, I do not want to fall in that trap, and I know I won't. You might think it is easy for me as I have just The Toddler and I don't intend to have another baby. So who will I compare her with? Anyone and everyone... her classmates, celebrities, a random kid running around in a mall... anyone. If I want to, I can compare her to any and every one.

Parents do not realize that comparing can fuel sibling/peer rivalries. A simple sentence like, "How can you get such low grades? Your sisters always get amazing grades. Why not you?" Now I know, mum just said that for my betterment, but I felt like I have been slapped right across my face. I love my sisters, but as a kid I did not want to know what they were doing/discussing... because I felt I'm not as good as them.

Why do not we understand that each child is different and has varied interests/capabities/inclination... they like and dislike different things. Like we never compare oranges and apples, it is unfair to compare children as well. When we keep saying 'every child is special and so is mine' why don't we treat them as specials? Why do we want them to be a part of a herd?

Your baby is different and every kid will shine, if they are brought up in the right kind of environment. Make sure you tell your child how unique they are, tell them "You are unique, don't try to be someone else, be yourself and love yourself". If you want them to work hard and give something their 100% tell them so, don't say "When XYZ can do it why can't you".

If we want all children to fit in the same mould, we would not be able to see who they really are... Is that fair?

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Yap Yap Yapity Yap

The Toddler's favorite word is 'No'... which she says to milk, food, sleep, anything and everything when she's not in a mood.

Jooss, Bikiti, Ice-Ci-Ci that's what the Toddler keeps on asking the whole day long. I try to restrict myself, but give in to the juice demand at times. The Toddler doesn't like chocolates and if you give her 2 pieces she would end up eating half a piece and gives the rest to Mommie.

Her favorite word is 'Bye-Bye', 'Let's Go' if you take her out 100 times in a day, she will be gladly ready. Am I tearing my hair already?

Not really, coz with these demands, No's and bye byes... There are a lot of cute things the Toddler says and does. This makes us smile and make the not so terrible 2's turn into Terrific 2's.

Singing songs is her new-found obsession from Bigg Boss, to Muskane Jhooti Hain, to Po-Po-Po and even Fevicol se. **i don't know where to hide my face when I listen to the last 2**. She surprises us every time and when she is through, she says "Clap-Clap". She loves singing rhymes as well, Baa-Baa Black Sheep, Twinkle Twinkle, wheels of the bus, if you're happy and you know it, I want to eat apples and bananas... She keeps on humming the entire day.

When I tell her 'you're a bad girl' she makes a sorry face and goes 'Sowiii'

When we act as if we are yawning, she keeps a hand on our face and goes "Awww-Aww... Ninnaa?"

If you take her on the road she will tell you where a car/bus/aatoo/bike is. And she points and says their name whenever she spots on... So you can imagine the amount of yapping that goes on (Masha'Allah).

She knows her numbers till 20, without a miss. She also recognizes yellow. Animal names/sounds/fruits/basic actions are passe and if you don't know what all she's been saying in these categories please refer to the old month updates.

So 'Aall is well' Masha'Allah, except the tantrums here and there.

Sunday Facebook Update!

  • Thanks to Mr. Popper's Penguins ... Zoe has been giggling for some time now :-)
  • Zoe was singing her Phonic song and came up with D...D...D DaisyDoo (that's what she calls Upsy Daisy from In the Night Garden). I'm so impressed that she connected it the right sound... but she is missing CBeebies... We gotto have the channel back soon.
  • The girl who used to love milk, has boycotted milk. I've tried plain, flavored, shakes, lassi et al... Nothing seems working! :-( She left eating proper meals long back. Now if she has 1 meal in a day without Nakhras I feel blessed.  

Thursday, December 6, 2012

An Eyeopener on Gender Stereotypes and My Views

I read a beautiful post on Parentous this evening which took our attention towards Gender Stereotypes that exist in our society. I suggest the readers please go through Reema Sahay's post before reading mine, she actually speaks my mind.

For all those who know me, or have read my blog... I'm known to be a feminist. I have no problem with the other gender what so ever. The problem I've always had is with the image our society has created around a man and a women. Below I'm giving reference of 2 situations which I faced with my daughter, I felt sick to say the least.

Picture This:

I visited a huge toy store to buy some toy cars for my daughter (do I see some raise brows already? I hope not). When I checked with the attendant, I was told "Oh! Toy Cars... those are in the boy section ma'am". I felt weird and realized even toys are gender based. I tried not to raise the point, I felt it was a system they follow, and almost every toy-store stacks its toys like that.  I just hurried towards the 'BOY section' with my little girl. I (fortunately/unfortunately) overheard a mom telling her pre-schooler “Why do you want a kitchen set? It is for girls… Are you a girl?”. I became furious, and left the store immediately. Obviously the toddler had to come home without the toy car.

Picture This (2):

Couple of our relatives reside in a pretty conservative part of Delhi. I went to visit this aunt of mine, and was enjoying some chai and rusks, when I overheard a mom telling another mom, 'Woh toh apne bete ko itna pamper karti hai, har baat mein rona shuru ho jaata hai... poora ka poora ladki ban gaya hai" (she pampers her son so much, he cries at the drop of a hat, he has become a sissy, a typical girl.) I regretted having overheard that conversation.

After reading Reema's post I realize it's very easy to pick these instances up and frown... Gender Stereotype has become a part of our society. We in our daily lives do and say things which make our children feel girls and boys are different and do things differently. When we mostly pick pinks for girls and blues for boys, it is our mindset that tells us that Pink and Blue signify two different genders. (I personally feel men look really cool in pink and girls carry blue fabulously - like any other color). 

We as parents do set examples in front of our kid's as rightly pointed by Reema.

What are your views on this?


Monday, December 3, 2012

Review PinkCow Classic Designer Clothing

Name: PinkCow Classic Designer Clothing
Owner: Pratima Anand (NIFT Mumbai Graduate)
Reviewed By: Falak
Date Reviewed:  1st December 2012



Review:
Being a mum of a 2 year old little girl, I have always been on a look-out for good dresses for my little angel. Little Woman which I reviewed last time makes beautiful casual dresses. If we talk of party wear, I think PinkCow makes some amazing stuff. I'm not a great fan of party dresses available in India... they make your little girl turn into a birthday cake.

PinkCow boosts of some amazing designer clothes for little girls. Love the vintage style dresses which are sure to give your little one a unique style of her own. Still these dresses are age appropriate (except one or two which I saw), which I love, they don't make these little girlies look like grown up girls. If you are looking for dresses and gowns, PinkCow is the place to look for.











Pros: Great age appropriate designs
Cons:  Tad bit expensive but then you have to pay a price for good stuff
Check their Facebook Page
Overall Rating:

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Book Review - Today is Monday By Eric Carle

Name - Today is Monday By Eric Carle

I'm back with my favorite Eric Carle... I promise, I wouldn't do an Eric Carle for the next 2 months.

Why I picked it and what was my Reaction: Thanks to Padmini for introducing me to this one. It is a book with believes in repetition (like all Carle's books) which children love. It's a sing song book and The Toddler loved the video, so I picked up the book. The animals eat String beans, spaghetti, ZOOOOP, roast beef, fresh fish and chicken on all days, till on Sunday they are in for a treat - an ice-cream. In the end all 'hungry' children are invited to 'come and eat it up'.

The Toddler's take: Tell her to bring Today is Monday and she will instantly get it. She loves the song and sings "All you hungry children come and eat it up"

How We Read it: We sing song and point on animals and the food they're eating. You can check the YouTube Video which we love. 

Age Group: 2 - 5 years

Sunday Facebook Update!

  • Nidaa loved the dress u sent for Zoe's birthday sweetheart. If Zoe would have been able to give words to her feelings ... she would have said "Noo-Noo, that is the best dress I have received. And I love the matching shoes. Noo-Noo can you please become my personal stylist... My Fashionista Khaala"
  • 2 times naughty,
    2 times adorable,
    2 times talkative,
    2 times lovable.
    And my munchkin turns 2 - welcome 'Terrific 2s'
    Happy Birthday Zoe... 2nd birthday means 2 times happiness. Stay blessed cupcake, and I promise you will have a blast Inshaa Allah!
  • Zoe's 1st RoadTrip and she behaved like a sweetheart. Her mischief and yapping were constant, but she didn't trouble anyone. My big girl.

You made my day Sweetheart

I went to watch Talaash today and Fizz babysat the Toddler, Fizz will watch the movie tomorrow (no, this isn't about the 'Oh No' parenting moments... which are few and far between).

Fizz and The Toddler came to pick me up, and she was super happy to see me... but she didn't give any different reaction, when she saw me after 3 long hours.

We reached home, and after 5-10 minutes I heard the best thing I have heard in days... The toddler tucked my shirt and in the most lovely lovely ADORABLE tone said "Momma... Love You". It was a big Awwwww Moment. Ahhhhh I love parenting... thanks to The Toddler for introducing me to the love of parenting.


Wild Karnataka – Experience

We were ecstatic when we got to know we were going to see  Wild Karnataka.  It was a long trip to Vega City mall, Bannerghetta Road, Benga...