tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36598458845632927182024-03-14T05:46:42.252+05:30Z Writes!Z Takes Charge!My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.comBlogger400125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-65948476971567441662020-01-30T18:13:00.002+05:302020-01-30T18:13:38.668+05:30Wild Karnataka – Experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US">We were ecstatic when we got to know we were going to see <b>Wild Karnataka. </b>It was a long trip to Vega City mall, Bannerghetta Road, Bengaluru. We went in an empty elevator to the 4<sup>th</sup>floor of the mall. We entered PVR and were taken to Audi 6 – Playhouse. We finally sat in our assigned seats. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I sat in the last row at the back. We eagerly waited for the movie to start and got some buttered popcorns. Soon the movie started. I loved the movie so much that I did not realise my popcorns were stolen </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 20pt;">L</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-9377582133141564372019-08-11T18:08:00.001+05:302019-08-11T18:09:05.167+05:30A report on my cat (Q&A)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q: What is
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A: His name
is Coffee A.K.A Puglu.</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q:What are
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A:At dawn he starts
scratching the balcony’s door. Then he is opened in for the rest of the day &
fed well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q:What does
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A: He usually
sits in a corner. Sometimes he jumps around or runs, so we keep him out for a
while.</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q:How old is
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A: He has
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<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">THANK YOU!</span></span><br />
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<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">[Report
written by Zoe A.R. done on 11/8/2019.]</span></span></div>
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My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-83153080117730499882019-06-23T12:46:00.002+05:302019-06-23T12:52:48.352+05:30Book Review - Pops!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Book Name: Pops!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Author: Balaji Venkataramanan</span><br />
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Reviewed by: Zoe (Age 8.5 years)<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pops! is a book about 7-year old Arun who lives with his Mumma and his Patti & Thatta. His life is normal like we would expect a 7-year old’s life. Everything seems normal expect the fact that Arun has never seen his dad. His father (Arun calls him ‘the Man’) left Arun and his Mumma when Arun was born. One day, suddenly Arun gets to know that he has to go to the family court. Arun is nervous as he will be meeting the Man for the first time. At first, Arun doesn’t like him, as the Man had left them. Soon things start to change, when Arun’s school play comes near. Patti & Thatta don’t like the fact that Arun actually has started liking the Man. If I tell you anything beyond this, then the surprise will get spoilt (I don’t like doing that).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Many people (like me) can’t think of a life without Pops! (I call mine Fizzy). Arun could and he did live without his dad for 7 long years. The book is great, very interesting, because now I know how it feels like not having a parent. I personally wouldn’t ever think of being in Arun’s place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Arun was really forgiving and a little mature for his age, I could relate to Arun, but only a bit. Pops was a very kind man who would never raise his voice and he seem like a happy-go-lucky person. Arun’s Mumma is a little strict, but very loving and forgiving. Thatta & Patti are always dull mood (Mumsy says sombre is a better word), they keep telling Arun that Pops will take him away one day; I personally don’t like when they do that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I kept myself in Arun’s place & felt very bad for him not having a dad, but for Arun it was normal till he went to the court. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To </span><span style="text-align: left;">Balaji Venkataramanan </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(writer of the book), I would like to say’, “The book is amazing, where did you get the idea from? Do let me know…”</span></div>
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My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-4959534073475672672019-06-02T00:54:00.001+05:302019-06-02T01:12:14.148+05:30Z Takes Charg<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "helveticaneue"; font-size: 12px;">Being Zoe’s Mom is changing for good. I have been away from the blog as I got busy with work and life in general. Z, the hero of this blog keeps reading the posts and wants me to get back to writing, I have tried in the past but failed miserably. So, I gave the charge of this blog to Ms. Z, not complete charge, but the charge of churning out some amazing content. She’s been writing in her journal regularly for the past 3 years, yes, she is 8 years 6 months…. She has a habit of noting down everything. She has now agreed to let you have a little peek in her life… So, I will be sharing a few entries (unedited) with all of you… </span></div>
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Here’s Zoe’s mum saying bye… hope you have fun reading. </div>
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My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-89621428253012843212018-11-26T00:00:00.000+05:302018-11-26T00:00:03.155+05:308 years of awesome<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How do I address my 8 year old daughter who is everything I ever wanted. Zoë is my daughter, my strength, my weakness, my lifeline, my confidant, my partner-in-crime, my monkey, my mini-me… I can go on and on. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Zoë is her own person now, she has a personality you won’t ignore. On her 8th, I wanted to celebrate Zoë and the person she has become or has always been...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>Curious...</b> One thing, which you can’t miss when and if you get a chance to meet Miss. Z is her curiosity. She wants to know anything and everything, at times her questions become too much to handle. Thankfully, I’m not the only one she turns to with her questions ;-). That’s the reason why maybe, academically, she is doing pretty well. She just loves to learn (that is without any pressure from school or at home).<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A bookworm</b> above anything else... I have seen children get into a reading phase and out, with Z she never gets out of it. Now, she also enjoys watching TV/movies and music. I should have mentioned music before television…. this year, she listened to a lot of Beatles and Presley (thanks to her dad), she loves Hindi Movie songs as well. Board games fascinate her and she likes playing games on Alexa as well. But, books still hold her heart.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whiner</b>, yes she is a big WHINER. She can whine about anything, and there's no stopping her. She becomes a little irritating whining and cribbing, at least I can say she hates her whiner self and is working at changing it.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Adamant: </b>If she puts her heart on something, she wants to be the best at it. When she started her swimming lessons this summer, she was at a beginner level, now… she is quiet good at it, and all the credit goes to her. The flip side is, she still struggles at handling things that might not go her way. She gets pretty emotional, which is something we are working at. We are trying to release her emotions in a better manner.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Moody and very transparent:</b> Zoë gets her mood-swings from me (damn) and she is extremely transparent as well, what’s going on within her is reflected on her face and her behaviour. Good thing or bad, well, depends how we handle the situation. Thankfully, she prefers sharing her feelings and emotions with us (both the parents).<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Chatterbox: </b>Always has been and I guess she will always be, she can just go on and on. Her language skills are something she gets appreciated for a lot, thanks to Zoë and her books.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fair:</b> Zoë has a very good sense of right and wrong, and when she sees something inappropriate she does question, we never stop her from doing this. I know she might land into trouble because of this, but we don’t want to take away something so precious from her… The world will just have to live with that.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Born to perform:</b> If someone sees her in daily life her might say Zoë is extremely shy especially in amongst strangers. Leave her on stage and the girl owns it (she loves it). She loves public speaking, and this she has definitely taken from me… there is no denying it.<br /><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Helper: </b>She has always been my little helper, but she loves helping her friends and people around her. She loves lending a helping hand whenever and wherever she can.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She loves her <b>comfort zone</b>: Zoë loves her comfort zone, she is super confident, happy and her true self, take her out and she gets into a shell, she comes out of the shell but not immediately.<br /><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Enthusiastic/Hyper:</b> Yes, when in her zone, she is super energetic and enthusiastic about the smallest of things.<br /><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Our strength:</b> She knows if something isn’t right with us or her friends (I don’t know how but she does) and she makes sure she makes us feel a little better. Everyday morning, post-gym she asks me about my workout and tells me, “<i>Mumsy, you are so strong, I</i><i>’</i><i>m so </i><i>proud</i><i> of you</i><i>”</i><i>. </i><br />Feminist: She is a budding feminist and believes in equality (like her parents). She is extremely vocal about it as well.<br /><br />To Z I want to say, “Zoë, you are all this, all this, and much much more. Fizz and I love you for who you are and we will always respect you for being you. Please be as you are because, my little woman, you are very very special… Happy 8th sweetheart. Love you to the moon and back!" </span></div>
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My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-88940933312145434172017-11-26T00:00:00.000+05:302017-11-26T00:00:17.164+05:30To 7 beautiful years!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Dearest Darling Z, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">How does it feel to be with your monster mom for 7 long years? I know exactly what I feel about you my rockstar... </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You are absolutely amazing, and you don't cease to surprise me every single day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This year, has been a milestone of sorts, you have all of a sudden become this new person. You're no longer my little chubby cheeked, curly haired daughter... today you are leaner, taller, smarter, yet no less adorable. Your infectious smile with so many missing teeth, your scraped knees, your tangled hair and your loud voice... I love all this and more. </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">Your smiles makes my day, your hugs complete me and your tears... they just tear me apart. Well, it does sound melodramatic, but it's the truth. I never thought, I was capable of feeling this way before you were born... what can we say, but motherhood does make you emotional. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In my pre-Z days, </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was a very practical woman. I wasn't really compassionate, I was extremely indifferent to a lot of things (and people) who should have meant more. Then, I had you, and you showed me the true meaning of love, care and compassion. I'm a completely different person now. I see you care about people around you, think about them and feel for them. I remember, I was narrating a story about a child who doesn't has parents and then someone adopts the little boy. That day, I saw your expressions change from fear, to sadness to happiness and relief. You had tears in your eyes. That's what I mean, you could actually feel for others. That's an amazing quality, stay blessed, sweetheart. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Talking about being emotional, you my darling, can cry when you read books, hear about someone's pain or even while watching a movie.... You laugh your heart out the very next second. This just goes to show how sensitive you are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Your independent streak drives me nuts, but there are these situations where you become unsure of yourself. Yes, you are apprehensive when you're put in an unusual situation, but that's just you. All I will say is have a little more faith in yourself. I used to worry about whether you're ready to handle different situations or you'll just get bullied and stay under pressure... You have now shown me how strong you are. You took your school change so beautifully, sorry I doubted you. You love your new school, and I can see that in the way you look forward to go to school every single day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Your curiosity, what can I say, you have a question ready, before we can give you an answer. You don't ask questions, for the heck of asking... you genuinely want to know. And believe me, Fizz and I will try to do our best to answer all your questions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">You can go on talking non-stop, like a volcano has just erupted, you have always been extremely good when it comes to talking. I also see you always ensure you listen to us, I don't know how you do it. You speak so much, but then you listen to others when they speak as well. That is a new quality which you have developed, I'm am really impressed, that finally, you are listening as well. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You're absolutely headstrong, like Mumsy. People might take that as a negative trait, I think it's amazing. Stay like this, though people might suggest you otherwise. You might be what people call 'bossy' but I don't see it that way. I know you do come across as someone who is not ready to listen or budge; but I've seen you accept your mistakes when and if you are wrong; you apologise before you're told to... That's not bad, is it? Always be like this...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">I have always mentioned about this quality of yours in my previous series of letters on the blog, but I can say it again. I see so many seven year olds around and then I see you. You know how proud I'm of the fact that you don't necessarily have to follow or do things everyone else thinks might be correct for you. If you think something isn't right for you, you always question why... Even if it's your parents you doubt. You are a super cool 7 year old. So many kids your age get into girl and boy stuff, but not you. I was hearing a conversation the other day when you were arguing with a friend who was being 'kind' enough to make you understand "girls don't play football." You made him quiet by saying just two words, "says who?" and this is is just one incident. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">Till you were 6, reading was all you wanted to do. Now you have varied interest, but reading tops the list. You favourite book now a days, which you've read again and again is "Good Night Stories For Rebel Girls".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You might not know this, but I just am amazed at is your perseverance... Be it learning to ride a bike without stabilizers, going for your first sleepover and now learning to skate... You don't give up. You're teaching yourself how to play a keyboard, just because you hate going for keyboard lessons. You also started the Quran this year, I hope you just don't read but understand the words and the meaning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You know your friends are very important for you and you care about them....but then you know what, your guide in the PTM told me? She said "Z is a very flexible girl, you make her a part of any group and she doesn't has a problem. She will put in her best. That's a big thing for a child this age, generally, they love being with the same set of people." You might not realise that Z, but it's huge, I'm super proud of you! I used to be super scared of my PTMs, but in your case, I've never heard a teacher complain about you... All we've heard is "she's flying and how..."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Have you seen how your eyes light-up when you witness something amazing... You have magic in your eyes Z. A new book, discussing a play date with N, watching a new movie, listening to a nice song.... You should see how you just enjoy yourself. Keep that alive always, that is a special trait and everyone doesn't has it. As I type this, I can hear you humming 'Ghalti se mistake' in the other room. I always smile when I see you singing and just being yourself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You do have your mood swings, terrible ones, but then you zap out of a bad mood in no time. I'm glad we've told you how important it is to speak to either of us whenever you want. I'm happy you're following that, please stay the same, and I promise, we will help you in whichever way possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I just wish you had more confidence in yourself, and I know I can blame myself for that. I believe in you so much that you at times start questioning your strengths and abilities. Try and believe in what you are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Since Mumsy and Fizz, both are working, I worry a lot at times. Worry that I don't spend enough time with you, or don't talk to you enough... but one conversation with you, and you ensure I know that I don't have any reason to do so.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Your relationship with your Mumsy has taken a new turn now... We argue, we read together, watch Full House, discuss things I can't imagine I would anyone else... You're equally close to Fizz as well, how do you do that? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's what I want to tell you:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- Always believe in yourself and love yourself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- Crying doesn't make you weak. It's what comes after the weak moment that's important. Once you're done crying, get up and come out as a winner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- Always speak when you have to and don't worry about what others might think. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- We all make mistakes, those mistakes make us the best version of ourselves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">- You're too smart to be a part of a rat race. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Remember our little <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/conversationwithz?source=feed_text&story_id=10159513147475004" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">ConversationwithZ</span></span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/thatswhatzsaid?source=feed_text&story_id=10159513147475004" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">ThatswhatZsaid</span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Z: "I love being myself, I can like others, but I can't be like them. I don't like to follow the crowd... "</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After a few seconds: "You know what follow the crowd means... right?" </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Me: "What does it mean?"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Z: "why should I do what others do? I might like my friend's shoes, but if I buy the exact same shoes, how will I know what's mine?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I've said enough, yet there is so much more I want to... we'll keep that for another time...for now...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Birthday sweetheart! Wishing you everything and more. May Allah Ta'ala bless you abundantly. Keep dreaming, keep questioning, keep challenging yourself, keep reading, keep smiling and keep rocking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lots of love</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mumsy!</span></div>
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My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-79752019207177343082017-05-06T15:26:00.004+05:302017-05-06T15:32:46.081+05:30Goodnight stories for rebel girls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There are good books, there are great books and then there our books which touch our lives in a very special ways. They tell stories which inspire us, make us happy, tales which we instantly connect with, stories which make us pick the book up again and again.</div>
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Today, I'm writing about one such book which I recently came across. The title of the book was appealing enough for me to pick it up for my little Z. What I didn't know was that the stories in the book will touch my heart as much as they inspire my daughter. The book is called Goodnight stories for Rebel girls. It's written by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo. It has illustrations by 60 female artists from across the globe. </div>
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I made Z pick up her abosolute favorites and she did give me a long list after a lot of drama, according to her, "how can I pick only a few. I love all the stories." Anyway, her favorites include <b>Margaret Hamilton, Brenda Chapman, Ann Makosinski, Coy Mathis, Maria Montessori, Jane Austen, Cleopatra, Julia Child, Simone Billes, Ashley Fiolek, Nelly Bly and Malala Yousafzai. </b>I can't blame her for picking so many of them. </div>
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We have read these stories once and we are reading it once again... I know it definitely isn't the last time she is (sorry we are) reading it. I love the message in the beginning of the the book as well; <i><b>"To the rebel girls of the world: Dream bigger, aim higher, fight harder, and when in doubt, remember you are right."</b></i><br />
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I wish I had Goodnight stories for rebel girls, when I was a little girl. </div>
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Please do not think twice and pick this up for yourself and your kids. </div>
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My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-43052919046282719262017-03-24T22:35:00.001+05:302017-03-24T22:35:19.661+05:30Leaving with a bagful of memories<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">I see so many parents now-a-days who just question the 'standards' of
schools. And then there are schools like Siksha - a little place in one
of the quiet green roads of BTM, Bangalore; this place was a blessing for my child
and many such children. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">What started on the 5th of June 2013 with Z joining
Siksha Montessori, finally ends today with my daughter graduating. And what an
incredible journey it has been. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">It's been a beautiful ride and we (Faizan and me)
couldn't have asked for more. Siksha soon became a very important part of Z's
life. She spoke non-stop about her school and how every experience was
enjoyable and enriching, the amazing day she had, the discussions,
celebrations, mishaps, presentations et. al.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Once she settled down in Siksha, I have never heard
her say "Mumsy I don't want to go to school". When she attended her
extended sessions for a few months, where her school hours increased, she was
equally excited. She learned so much, but more than anything, she enjoyed the
process. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">You were the first environment Z encountered outside
her home, and you've given her much more than we, as her parents could've asked
for. Siksha was more than just a school for us... it was a place she made her
second home, a place she felt safe, secure, loved and free. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">A huge shout out to all the aunties and the help
staff... you took care of so many little ones, and continue to do so. It is
nothing short of a blessing for us. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">It was by chance that Faizan, Z and I walked into
those Siksha gates... but, finally when we chose Siksha, we instantly connected
with the environment and Neetha’s vision... As parents, not once did we have a
chance to doubt our decision. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">It is time to move on, and we will miss Siksha as much
as Z. The next school she joins, has to match up to the high standards Siksha
has set. This, is not just for us, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">I know I speak for many graduating parents. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Siksha has given a beautiful environment to my
daughter and the transition will be a challenging one for her and for us. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Thanks Siksha for the beautiful foundation you've
given to our child. Thanks for transforming her into a sensible little girl and
a nice person at heart. Words won't do justice to all that I want to say. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Here is to the amazing people at Siksha, may you keep
touching the lives of many many more children out there. God bless you!</span></span></div>
</div>
My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-59508057573688641492017-03-03T11:22:00.001+05:302017-03-03T21:01:24.085+05:30The Trap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Picture this:<br />
<br />
A nice warm Sunday morning and all you want is to stay in bed for just a little longer. Usually, I start thinking too much, throw the covers and get up without even letting my mind relax. That Sunday was different, it was a Sunday, which made me lazy and just stay in bed for a little longer. Since, my husband was snoring away, which was pretty unusual (no not the snoring bit, but the staying late in bed bit), I thought, I would enjoy my Sunday. After contemplating for half an hour, trying to enjoy, I got up. As I stepped out of the room, I see my 6 year old sitting there, reading The BFG for the nth time. Now, if you know Z, you'd say that's not unusual, I agree. What was unusual was she was all dressed up... teeth brushed, changed, ate breakfast and combed her hair. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WYrgeLQniVM/WLkEkwCIUzI/AAAAAAAAErM/I4bFlgD2uI8MApj1YCiNHHKGQoOCwUBtwCLcB/s400/BZM.png" width="347" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I, for one, don't want her to grow up too soon, I want her to feel like a baby... I tried to ignore the sight as a 'one-off' and sat down with my chai and mobile... She gets up, goes in my house help's room and says "Mumsy uth gayee hai, breakfast banate hain" (Mumsy is up, let's make breakfast). She takes my house-help to the kitchen and gets breakfast ready. Half my breakfast is 2 slices of toasted whole wheat bread and at least she prepared that. I see her get the plate from the kitchen. I try, not to look up, and she says, "Excuse me Mumsy, breakfast is important." I pout, keep my phone away and take the plate. Once I'm done she takes my plate and I'm back with my phone (I usually avoid phones on Sundays, but the scene in front of me was super scary). <br />
<br />
I feel like someone standing in front of me, AGAIN. I look up, she has a The BFG: Plays for Children in her hand. She says, "I did everything for you, and you forgot your promise." <br />
<br />
Ahhh! Blackmail, I like that.<br />
<br />
Me (my smile which had faded away back on my face): "Yes Z, tell me" I throw my phone away.<br />
Z (now, she is pouting): "You promised you will read the 'whole book' with me"<br />
<br />
My smile fades away a little... one part of my brain says "What? You promised to read aloud a 120 'pager' in one day... are you nuts?" another part is constantly saying, "A promise is a promise, besides she did so much for you in the morning."<br />
<br />
My smile broadens and my eyes twinkle, "Let's do it"<br />
<br />
Z has a broader smile and a brighter twinkle in her eyes, "Yes!" she said... As if saying, "You fell in the TRAP again"<br />
<br />
Score: Mumsy 000 Z 100<br />
<br />
Post that 1 and a half hours were filled with completely crazy book-a-licious fun. <br />
<br />
Actually<br />
<br />
Score: Mumsy 100 Z 100<br />
<br />
After I read the last page, I turn to Z and say, "Next time, just tell me to read, avoid the drama."<br />
<br />
She smiles...<br />
<br />
A Sunday well spent. </div>
</div>
My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-27699824584093859272017-02-09T22:21:00.003+05:302017-02-09T22:21:39.050+05:30Book Review - A kitten called Moonlight<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some books leave an impact on you no matter how simple the story line. With a few books you can't put a finger on what is that one thing that really touched your heart. A kitten called Moonlight is one such book. This one is a winner also, because it makes Z and me snuggle up, read and go into our own little world. A world full of hugs, books and a little ball of fur... Moonlight is a lot like Fluff (our own little kitten - which is little no more). Anyway, let's come back to the book before I start discussing about anything besides the book.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6tncdCUsebY/WJydzYKdO7I/AAAAAAAAEqk/EQU9DIeoOAsFIQQc41fdHDAFGlIjZms6gCLcB/s1600/16427693_1184884094961785_6838114686831810906_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6tncdCUsebY/WJydzYKdO7I/AAAAAAAAEqk/EQU9DIeoOAsFIQQc41fdHDAFGlIjZms6gCLcB/s400/16427693_1184884094961785_6838114686831810906_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A kitten called Moonlight is a story by Martin Waddell and beautifully illustrated by Christian Birmingham. Charlotte and her mom have a favorite story (don't we all), this is a special tale as it is based on an incident which actually happened. The story about the night Charlotte and her mother rescued a little kitten by the sea. The kitten wouldn't have been found, if not for the silver moonlight. That is the reason why Charlotte chooses to name the kitten Moonlight. The book talks about being selfless and caring for others. <br /><br />What makes this book all the more special are the life-like illustrations by Christian Birmingham. The soft strokes used are just perfect for a story which talks about being sensitive and caring. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3NCT2y6-rs/WJydzXibblI/AAAAAAAAEqo/ZYPYifWW8HYqUt7fuul8FOFQYir0kyMCACEw/s1600/16508333_1184884118295116_1985360220988599324_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3NCT2y6-rs/WJydzXibblI/AAAAAAAAEqo/ZYPYifWW8HYqUt7fuul8FOFQYir0kyMCACEw/s400/16508333_1184884118295116_1985360220988599324_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qWbSnPH_LKw/WJydza8SOwI/AAAAAAAAEqs/gEib2x_XpwIONMGHIiL5PAPiWmNXSRo5wCEw/s1600/16602801_1184884104961784_8886747148943294878_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qWbSnPH_LKw/WJydza8SOwI/AAAAAAAAEqs/gEib2x_XpwIONMGHIiL5PAPiWmNXSRo5wCEw/s400/16602801_1184884104961784_8886747148943294878_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Z loves this book, both Z and me are cat people, and A kitten called Moonlight is just the perfect this mother - daughter duo. </div>
</div>
My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-3316516789761043752017-01-10T14:01:00.002+05:302017-01-10T14:01:52.025+05:30Book Review - The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are some books which touch your heart even before you have actually read it. One such book definitely has to be The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires. I read the brief and I instantly connected with the book. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSMVoKMc-7w/WHSb6XW20rI/AAAAAAAAEqI/5OsDWLMacEMJtjIz1gkH4v4Yam00eql5ACLcB/s1600/BOOK.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSMVoKMc-7w/WHSb6XW20rI/AAAAAAAAEqI/5OsDWLMacEMJtjIz1gkH4v4Yam00eql5ACLcB/s400/BOOK.png" width="385" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />This book tells us about an 'ordinary girl' and her pet (her best friend). How they plan to make the most magnificent thing... They plan and get to work. Will they succeed will they not? What if they don't? What will be this 'Most Magnificent Thing'. You have to read it to see how amazing this book is. <br /><br />The book talks about planning, invention, failure, success, ideas and execution. More than all this girl it is a story about a very young girl who doesn't know when to give up and why to give up. I loved the simplicity and the awesomeness of the book. The girl and her assistant are the best. The illustrations are beautiful and take the story forward. For Z, this book came at the right time, she is just learning that if you aren't able to do something, it doesn't make you a failure... till you keep trying. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Z loves the book, she has already read it a few times and she has a big smile on her face whenever she reads the book. </div>
</div>
My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-80278424252649749872017-01-06T19:14:00.000+05:302017-01-06T19:14:13.207+05:30Why I chose an Elementary Montessori for Z? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J80QPMkp4ek/WG-ef4zVylI/AAAAAAAAEpw/ouIIsDhS_40tTTd5A6c_Q8v9l12R2v3kwCLcB/s1600/12039377_10155992426620004_2519861061151373774_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J80QPMkp4ek/WG-ef4zVylI/AAAAAAAAEpw/ouIIsDhS_40tTTd5A6c_Q8v9l12R2v3kwCLcB/s640/12039377_10155992426620004_2519861061151373774_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="right"><td class="tr-caption">Image Courtesy: Google</td></tr>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Z, who is now a
confident 6 year old, introduced me to the world of Montessori education. She
joined this amazing House of Children in June 2013, and she literally blossomed
into someone who is curious, confident, independent and aware (for her age);
into someone who likes learning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn’t
need to be entertained; she loves her company as much as of her friends and
family. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Now, that she
will be completing almost 4 years in her current school, it is time to bid
adieu to one of the most amazing schools (not just Montessori). Siksha
Montessori (her current school), unfortunately, doesn’t offer Elementary
Montessori. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Last September, Z
got admitted in a very good school and we had decided to go ahead with the
same. It seemed like the perfect choice for us, many of the kids who come to
MLCB go to this school and I received a positive feedback. Besides, it was
walking distance from our home and my work place. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">When she went to
give the entrance test and interaction, she did fare well; but seemed a little
lost. We decided, it is a new environment and she will adjust easily. She was
also looking forward to join this new big school. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">One thing that
was bothering us was that she was already reading chapter books, doing
multiplication, carry forward and borrowing, she knows about most parts of
speech, she has also read so much about the world around us, space,
environment, animals etc. Wouldn’t she get bored in a regular school
environment? Yet, we were happy with our decision.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Then out of nowhere,
we got a pamphlet about an Open House in an Elementary Montessori. Now, we did
receive a couple of information pamphlets about Elementary Montessori schools,
and since we had decided to go ahead with the big school, we weren’t paying heed
to any information brochures. This one stood out, and since, the open house was
on a Saturday, we decided, my husband and Z would visit the school, just to
look around (my Saturdays are busy, hence I couldn’t). When they came back,
both of them had liked the environment a lot. We decided to fill the
application, just like that and we did. When after a month we went for an
interaction, we learned about the approach and the school, we really liked it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">What stood out
for us was how our little girl blended in with the environment. Usually, when
she enters a new environment, she takes her own sweet time to open up, but
here, she was, talking to adults, roaming around in the environment, and just
happy to be there. She owned the place. That was an eye opener for us, we knew,
we should choose a place where she is happy, and if she is happy, we will be
happy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">That was the day;
we finalized our decision and enrolled her. For us, it was like making a decision
between two good choices, yet, we didn’t have to think twice about our final
decision. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Z will join her
elementary school in end of May Insha’Allah, and we can’t wait. She is sad
(make it very sad) about leaving Siksha, but she is happy to join her new
school. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">I have no doubt
that Z would have been ‘just fine’ in the other school, but is that ‘just fine’
enough?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-2839729045222952672017-01-03T13:15:00.000+05:302017-01-03T13:15:07.960+05:30A little guilt is good for health <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Guilt strikes when you least expect it, actually, when you don't want it to. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Picture this... I just have the busiest days coming up, some trainings,
and Montessori classes. I was happy, and actually was looking forward
to meeting and training new people. Wham! Z gets sick, starts with a
stomach upset, bad throat, followed by fever. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What do I do?
Thankfully, this time, the decision was 'slightly' easy than what it
could've been. Courtesy Fizz, he had taken a week off from w<span class="text_exposed_show">ork,
and I felt so relieved. Every single morning, before leaving them, I
felt pathetic, and that's to put it mildly. My thoughts kept going back
to Z and I checked my phone every time I could. Fizz, on the other hand
was the best, he just made sure he didn't let anything affect me and my
work. He tried his best, and it was making me feel great and guilty at
the same time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Z, on the other hand, was at her best behavior. She
was feeling bad, as she felt, because of her, my work was getting affected. I
ensured her, that's not the case, but she's a big girl now... She
understands things. Alhamdulillah, Z is fine now, and I just feel
better myself. </span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
This
happens all the time, and I guess, it makes me (us) stronger. Every
mother, working or not working, has to go through so much on an everyday
basis. In fact, any parent who is hands on, goes through so much.
Guilt, is not good for us, but if at the end of the day, you have a
beautiful family who supports you, no problem is big enough. Besides,
when Z tells me "Mumsy, you're the best, and I'm so proud of you," I
can't ignore her words.</div>
</div>
My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-63750867203443636922016-11-25T23:53:00.002+05:302016-11-26T08:20:23.089+05:306th Birthday Letter to Z<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dearest Z,<br />
Every passing year has revealed something new about
you.... You've surprised me like nothing has and nothing will, but one
thing remained constant for the past 6 years now, you have always been
my Rock star. <br />
I try and try really hard every day to celebrate
you as an individual, because for us as parents, that's very important.
You might look like me (I believe you're way better looking) but you're
your own person, own individual and for me there's nothing better t<span class="text_exposed_show">han
to celebrate 'Zoe' on your 6th. These 6 years
of Z-Ness have made my life Z-full. I love your special ways that make
you just you:</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ltVEjNA1bQE/WDh_48dtcdI/AAAAAAAAEpU/swliSwTkTE4dSDAhbbhBigfJlz3xA0xkACLcB/s400/Untitled.png" width="392" /></div>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><ul>
<li>The way you can go on talking for hours and nothing/no one can stop you. </li>
<li>The way small changes scare you (like your haircut) and you accept big
things so easily (like sleeping all by yourself at night).</li>
<li>You're the happiest with your books, and how you love to smell the pages of a new book. </li>
<li>You can do cartwheels but hate it when I say "Ride the bike without your training wheels"</li>
<li>You can twist your face in any direction but cannot give a decent smile in front of the camera.</li>
<li>Your unconditional love shows us how to accept and love people around you. </li>
<li>The way you get upset when I purposely forget to say "I love you" and kiss you goodnight. </li>
<li>You're my best workout partner who keeps pushing me. </li>
<li>The way your face lights up when we say ice-cream. </li>
<li>The way you love your school and are on the verge of tears when I say
"Siksha isn't the best school"... You know I'm lying don't you? You are so scared to graduate from Siksha in couple of months, but then you're also looking forward to join the new school.</li>
<li>You can do anything to please me, even though I don't want you to do that. </li>
<li>You love watching movies like mom and dad, and make sure you don't
waste a lot of time in front of the television, because if you do you'll
not get to watch the one movie you watch every month.</li>
<li>How you've
read Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as well as Fantastic
Mr. Fox again and again... Then there are days when you just want to
read Julia Donaldson books one more time... just because you say she's
still your favourite.</li>
<li>How you make a fuss when I tell you what's for lunch or dinner and then eat it without creating any problem.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
These are just a handful out of a huge pile of things you do which have 'Zoe' written all over it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="316" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0FPDkTKQLiw/WDiASzi9cbI/AAAAAAAAEpY/m4QH-1W70owlSJgg-Onx1NZMI6wTi2p4gCLcB/s320/Untitled.png" width="320" /></div>
<br />
Something that I loved about being your mom is the fact that everyday, I learn something new from you... Thanks Z, you have been my favourite teacher. Here are a few things you have helped me learn:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>No matter how much you try, you'll make lots of mistakes as a parent, but guess what.... you're the best parent for your child. </li>
<li>Becoming a parent has made me treasure the smallest of moments. I no
longer look for happiness in big things, I can be very happy with little
things in life. I treasure every moment, I cherish them, I love
creating these little memories. If not for Z, I wouldn't have been able
to understand this little (but very important) fact of life. And of
course, with the child growing up at a super speed, you don't have any
other option left.... Do you?</li>
<li>Never give up!<br /> I've seen her struggle when she really wants to do
something and finds it difficult. Like the egg and spoon walk she's
mastered or the cartwheel. Then they're things she thinks she isn't
ready for and she won't do it, till she's convinced.</li>
<li>Smile! Z loves to smile (Alhamdulillah) she can smile at the smallest
of things. The pets, her books, a tickle, dance moves, music, her
school, her friends.... and so much more. You don't need a huge reason
to smile.</li>
<li>Every day is a new day.... whatever happens good or bad, she starts every day with the same zest and energy!</li>
<li>Live in the present... Kids live for the moment, they don't bother about
their past or the future. All they are worried about is the moment.
Isn't that the best life lesson?</li>
<li>DREAM and Dream BIG<br /> Z has such a vivid imagination.... she believes
in dreaming about seemingly impossible things.... she says "you see
Mumsy... it'll happen" and it does. She made me a bit of a dreamer
myself.</li>
<li>Love unconditionally <br /> When she loves someone, she doesn't hold back.
Her parents, her friends, her teacher, her school, her cousin, her
aunts anyone....</li>
<li>Stay Curious! When you don't know the answer... Ask... Z never lets
anyone stop her, if she has to know something she will ask. We try to
give her as many answers as possible. Besides many other things I love
this about her.</li>
<li>Don't judge people... if Z hears anyone say anything negative about a
person she needs to know the reason. She cannot, just cannot say
something inappropriate about someone when she can't justify it. For
her, she prefers seeing the goodness of people around her. For us, we
can comment in an inappropriate manner about anyone just based on our
assumptions. Do we even know that person well enough, that we start
judging them? </li>
<li>No wound, no hurt, no pain, no tragedy is big enough.... Everything can be turned right with a little kiss and a warm big hug! </li>
<li>Never do something that isn't you... Z is someone who loves being
herself. No matter what... She love being Z and I just love that about
her, I hope she stays the same, will keep her away from stupid peer
pressure (looking back, I realise I was pretty much the same and
Alhamdullilah I had a pleasant childhood and pretty decent teenage
years)</li>
<li>Grudges are a waste of time... <br /> I was unfortunately someone who
doesn't forget easily and I did hold grudges. I just wasn't able to let
go. Z entered in my life and I saw how things or what happens between 2
people, wasn't not crucial, people are more important. Such an important
lesson for someone like me.</li>
<li>When you've tried hard enough, it's ok to ask for help. Z is a girl who
gives everything she tries her best, but we're humans and we are bond to
be not so good at many things, she knows when she can't figure out
things, she can ask for help. I now know, this holds true for me as
well. I'm more open and ask for help when I get stuck.</li>
<li> Friends are very important. There are some friends Z has had for a
few years now, most of her school friends, and her 2 best buddies. Z
believes in making friends from both the genders and she loves them to
bits. Her favourite is her school friend N. ZnN argue, play, fight and
then make up. I love seeing them together. </li>
<li>Carpe diem! <br />
Another very powerful lesson. We adults have a terrible
habit of ruining the moment we're living in. As a parent and an
entrepreneur, I have so many things going around, and I forget to live
in the moment. Children aren't like that. Z has shown me how important
it is to seize the day/moment you're living in. </li>
<li>Anytime is a good time to dance.... Even if it's in the middle of the
night. Actually, I always believed in the power of dance, but I used to
think that's just me. Z taught me, you don't need a reason to dance.... </li>
<li>It's ok to show your emotions, it's ok to cry till you feel better,
it's ok to laugh till you cry.... it's ok to feel scared or confident...
it's ok to be jealous and it's ok to correct yourself and remind
yourself that being jealous will take you nowhere. It's ok to show
you're angry and it's ok to be be mellow and zone out at times... we
should not let these emotions rule our lives though. No wonder Inside Out is our favourite movie<br />
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-12609934299031127142016-11-16T22:44:00.001+05:302016-11-16T22:49:41.417+05:30Book Review: Thank You, Mr. Falker<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm a huge fan of Patricia Polacco, and Z is slowly catching up. Thank You, Mr. Falker, is the first book by Polacco she has read. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvEOoPOWl88/WCyStih2DxI/AAAAAAAAEo8/hfA22dxLJL8vxndG7QlEWVbpS7pojWNegCLcB/s1600/9169ETsQDdL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NvEOoPOWl88/WCyStih2DxI/AAAAAAAAEo8/hfA22dxLJL8vxndG7QlEWVbpS7pojWNegCLcB/s400/9169ETsQDdL.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The book is about a little girl Trisha, her family, especially her grand dad is really excited about the fact that Trisha will soon start reading, as she is about to enter big school. Trisha loves books, and she wants to read, but how much ever she tries, she is unable to read. </div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgiZjW46O9Y/WCySxYA3jHI/AAAAAAAAEpA/en2fATuPLm0yD1C4cWZQWKQHUZ7uY3RyACEw/s1600/hair-of-zoe-fleefenbacher-goes-to-school-9780689858093.in01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgiZjW46O9Y/WCySxYA3jHI/AAAAAAAAEpA/en2fATuPLm0yD1C4cWZQWKQHUZ7uY3RyACEw/s640/hair-of-zoe-fleefenbacher-goes-to-school-9780689858093.in01.jpg" width="465" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trisha and her granddad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In
the middle of all this, her grandparents die and she moves cities (and
schools) with her mom and brother. In the new school, her problems
increase, her classmates call her dumb.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Enter Mr. Falker and he not only helps Trisha learn to read, he changes her life as well. He gave her life a direction.<br />
<br />
What
Z and I loved about the book, besides the beautiful story, was the
fact that Trisha's story is the real life story of Patricia Polacco, yes; and
the difficulties she faced in school. I also loved the way how the word
'dyslexia'* is not used once in the book and without being too preachy she put forth her story in
such a beautiful manner. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8icc91yMp5U/WCySxQ-pzOI/AAAAAAAAEpE/eqJAUzyGwOIYaU5fNWyGo04DkksgD28ZACEw/s1600/hair-of-zoe-fleefenbacher-goes-to-school-9780689858093.in02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8icc91yMp5U/WCySxQ-pzOI/AAAAAAAAEpE/eqJAUzyGwOIYaU5fNWyGo04DkksgD28ZACEw/s640/hair-of-zoe-fleefenbacher-goes-to-school-9780689858093.in02.jpg" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trisha and Mr. Falker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This story brings tears to my eyes whenever I read it, and when I read it to Z, she said nothing, she just hugged me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This book unfolds a beautiful story, a page at a time. I struggled while reading as a child and that is the reason, today I teach kids to read and to love books. I understand Trisha's frustrations and how she feels helpless. My problems were nothing in front of this girl.<br />
<br />
This book has to be a part of every children library and every classroom. Teachers have to read it out loud to the class and believe me, you will be surprised at the way children will react. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a treat, you can see this beautiful narration of my favorite story:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/abN2aP_Dzd0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/abN2aP_Dzd0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*<i>Polacco struggled a lot in school because of an un-diagnosed dyslexia, You can watch this video about her struggles <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II8Qq_QYT9Y" target="_blank">here.</a> Her life changed at the age of 14 years when she met the real Mr. Falker. </i></div>
</div>
My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-90036006862641924752016-10-12T15:01:00.000+05:302016-11-16T22:52:52.204+05:30Book Review- Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are many reasons why we picked <b>Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School </b>for Z.<br />
<br />
Z will be entering class I next year, Z loves her hair, and of course, the central character has a very very special first name :).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was eyeing this book for a long long time, and finally I got it at a
great discount on Amazon.The book is written by Laurie Halse Anderson,
and is beautifully beautifully illustrated by Ard Hoyt. Hair of Zoe
Fleefenbacher Goes to School is a book about Zoe Fleefenbacher, her
entry in big school and her hair which have a mind of their own.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mA_tBldihqs/WCyOA2rU-LI/AAAAAAAAEow/Bqq3-eA9Y9kH8kXsUP4Ptt8IZel_XhTmwCLcB/s1600/hair-of-zoe-fleefenbacher-goes-to-school-9780689858093.in01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mA_tBldihqs/WCyOA2rU-LI/AAAAAAAAEow/Bqq3-eA9Y9kH8kXsUP4Ptt8IZel_XhTmwCLcB/s640/hair-of-zoe-fleefenbacher-goes-to-school-9780689858093.in01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Zoe
loves her pre-school and her teacher. Her teacher let Zoe's hair help
her carry out a lot of tasks in the class. Things change when Zoe enters
1st grade. Where her teacher, Ms. Trisk, says "Her hair needs to be
tamed, First Grade has rules". She tries everything to tame Zoe's hair,
Zoe hates it when Ms. Trisk tries to tie her hair, but she cannot say
anything, First Grade has rules you know!<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRyXDIy0jNU/WCyOA_RJE3I/AAAAAAAAEos/YkZP0cInYEcTk5ubQbMR9Ir3iC2hHXzoQCLcB/s1600/hair-of-zoe-fleefenbacher-goes-to-school-9780689858093.in02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRyXDIy0jNU/WCyOA_RJE3I/AAAAAAAAEos/YkZP0cInYEcTk5ubQbMR9Ir3iC2hHXzoQCLcB/s640/hair-of-zoe-fleefenbacher-goes-to-school-9780689858093.in02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Will Ms. Trisk be successful in taming Zoe's hair? Or will she fall in love with them like Zoe Fleefenbacher's Kindergarten teacher. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You will have to read it to know what fun is in store for you. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to Z "<i>Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School is the best book I have read this month Mumsy, I just cannot stop laughing. I am just like Zoe Fleefenbacher"</i> </div>
</div>
My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-23643638264330781452016-08-18T01:43:00.000+05:302016-11-16T22:55:47.801+05:30Book Review - Your Turn Now <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Your Turn Now - Heartening Stories of Everyday Kindness inspired by the Little Blue Card, is a simple yet beautiful book published by FunOKPlease. It is penned by <b>Lubaina Bandukwala </b>and illustrated by <b>Shraddha Pimputkar. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Frankly, when I read about the book, I was a little apprehensive about it, I wondered if Z would appreciate it. The reason was, I usually do not pick up moral or inspirational stories for Z. If she learns a lesson from a fun story, it is alright, but I steer clear away from moral stories. The thing is, my little girl reads for fun, she enjoys reading like nothing else, I don't want to take that away from her.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, I picked up the book, just to try it out. It is clearly meant for slightly older kids, but I was ready to explore the book with Z. And did we love it or what????<br />
<br />
Both of us were totally in love with the stories and <b>Rushabh Turakhia's </b>global initiative <b>Your Turn Now</b>. You can read more about it <a href="http://lifebeyondnumbers.com/your-turn-now-one-mans-mission-to-create-a-global-chain-of-kindness/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The book was an eye opener for me as a parent, I didn't realise, in today's fast paced life we are leaving humanity, kindness and love behind. It was a simple book, which touched me at many levels. For a little girl, who isn't even 6 yet, this was a big book with lots of stories, stories she wants to re-visit and discuss with her friends, her parents, her teachers et. al. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Z's words, <i>"The book is just so good Mumsy, I think I will read it again. I loved the kindness cards I received with the book, I will be kind and share it with my friends."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have ordered a copy for the library as well, and looking forward to purchase <a href="http://www.funokplease.com/bookshelf/your_turn_now_2" target="_blank"><b>Your Turn Now-2</b></a><i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i> You can pick a copy of Your turn now from the Flipkart link below:</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
</div>
<a href="http://dl.flipkart.com/dl//your-turn-now-true-stories-kindness-children/p/itmdef3ugkwq4zg9?pid=9789381593028&affid=falakrand"><img src="http://img6a.flixcart.com/www/prod/images/buy_btn_1-b05fffbb.png" /></a></div>
My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-90499301146229985512016-07-07T17:33:00.000+05:302016-07-07T17:33:10.666+05:30Let's try Mumsy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"I can try Mumsy! I know I will be able to do it" That's what Little Missy told me. Ok! So let's rewind a little: <br /> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Z was trying to write some words, and her hand writing wasn't neat
enough (according to Ms. Z). So she kept on erasing and doing it again. I
didn't want to see her struggle (well, actually, I didn't want to hear
"Oh No! Not again" for the nth time). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I told her "Sweetheart! Please
just leave it for the time being. We can try it later." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And that's when
came her rep<span class="text_exposed_show">ly "I can try Mumsy! I know I will be able to do it".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> She tried to walk with a lemon and spoon, she failed, didn't give up, and on the 5th day, she finally did it...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
That's something she does every single day, she shows me she can do
much better than what she's done. She never wants to give up before
she's achieved the results she wants. Though let me tell you... she'll only do those things with
this attitude, which she willingly wants to do.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="text-align: justify;">
This was something I usually don't expect from a 5 year old. Believe
me, I work with kids, and I say so many 5 year old children give up... without
trying, "I don't want to do it", "it's boring", I can't do this"... I
hear these things very often.<br />
<br />
And then, I've seen so many parents push
their children... the more they push, the more kids resist. They might
do something out of respect or fear but not out of the sheer joy of
doing it.<br />
<br />
We've never pushed Z, I mean right now, she's too
young, but we don't intend to do that in future. Of course, we might suggest
what to do, what not to do when needed... but eventually, she takes the
decision. Maybe that's the reason why she's not scared or too tired to
try. Maybe her eyes sparkle after she's achieved something,
because she knew she'll do it.. Maybe this trait of hers will take her
places, Insha'Allah. Maybe this is nothing to feel proud about, for any
of my readers, but it's definitely a little victory for me and Faizan as
parents.<br />
<br />
I do keep complaining about lots of things Z does, but then there are many many more things that I love her
for... I'm super proud of... And I'm immensely proud of this
quality of hers. I can see so much of me in her, when I see her
determination, a stubborn streak, when she gets after something. She
needs to get it done. As we say in Urdu 'Junoon sawaar ho jaata hai'.</div>
</div>
My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-7515956020042367282016-04-30T23:46:00.001+05:302016-04-30T23:46:30.301+05:30Yes! I took up the #MotherhoodChallenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Yes, I took up the #MotherhoodChallenge early
this year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t regret based on a few
blogs floating around claiming how the #MotherhoodChallenge was insensitive and
not well thought off. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWu8k8HijiQ/VyT2GvIbi6I/AAAAAAAAEnw/JrkqTqrpAgE383NgWJIPoZwMmbIp1W9wQCLcB/s1600/CaTSvY_WYAUKQxW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWu8k8HijiQ/VyT2GvIbi6I/AAAAAAAAEnw/JrkqTqrpAgE383NgWJIPoZwMmbIp1W9wQCLcB/s640/CaTSvY_WYAUKQxW.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy scoopnest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">What is ironic about the whole situation is
that some parenting bloggers are writing their voice against the challenge.
Why? Don’t they celebrate motherhood on social media every single day? The #MotherhoodChallenge
is a celebration of sorts as well. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Well call it a dare, a challenge, a celebration…
Being a mom is a huge part of my identity and I wear this badge with pride. I (Alhamdulillah)
feel, this is one of the biggest blessings of God. The biggest and the best…. I also feel, it is one of the biggest challenges of my life.
Parenting isn’t easy; I don’t have a guide for being a mom who is perfect.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">OK, judge me, but hear (in this case, read) me out first.... I
face challenges every day. Starting from a C-Section, a long-drawn recovery, depression, weight gain, and then exercising each day and thinking before I keep a single morsel of food in my mouth (best part is, it hardly shows)... What about sleepless nights, taking decisions for the child. What about those nights spent in the hospital, when I didn't sleep a wink... OK, only a mother lives in a Zombie like state for years... Dressing up for me is jeans and a shirt and not my workout clothes... scheduling our lives around the child. And what about being judged constantly... 24*7 </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Sometimes, I just have to take a shot, without even
thinking where or what will happen next. Am I doing the right thing? I just have
take that risk at times. So, there you go, motherhood (parenting in general) is
challenging and risky as well… Why can’t we call it a challenge or a dare? Why
do we always have to stick to socially acceptable terms to express ourselves? It
is a challenge, a risk, a dare and of course a celebration. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Talking about being insensitive, I cannot even
imagine the pain a mother goes through when she loses her child. Her loss is
something I don’t want to think about, because it gives me jitters. I know it’s
tough, but as they say life must go on. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We, all of us, have certain blessings that help
us live our lives happily. We also (all of us) have certain tragedies we deal
with. All tragedies are equally bad… when I lost my A.J (dad), or when I lost
touch with my family, or when a childhood knee injury, at the age of 10, gave
me a permanent knee pain for life… I did go through a lot. That doesn’t mean I
mourn every time I when my friends tell me about incidents/moments spent with
their dads. On the contrary, I remember dad, my eyes get moist, but there is a
precious smile that comes on my lips. I do have my mom (Alhamdulillah), but we
have so many differences, we are like chalk and cheese. We hardly speak to each
other, coz when we do, we argue. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Our blessings... I prefer celebrating my
life (Alhamdulillah), and thanking God for what I have. I do feel the pain,
every time I think of my sorrows and my challenges, but my blessings make me a
happier person. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">People are going on and on about the challenge, the DARE... Why are we missing the point here? Well, it a <b>challenge, </b>a <b>risk, </b>a <b>dare... </b>It is also a <b>CELEBRATION... </b>Why can't mothers be <i>allowed</i> to celebrate? And, as I read somewhere... the best part is this challenge is about all the moms out there... ' foster mums, adoptive mums, step mums, biological mums, mums who’ve lost their little ones, and mums from all walks of life share their own experiences with the world.'</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I know I will receive a lot of flak for this
article, so be it. I have always been pretty vocal about my feelings; I have
never been ‘politically correct’. And I’m a pretty strong believer of ‘to each
their own’. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-63935149023116367552016-04-25T10:32:00.001+05:302016-04-25T10:32:41.610+05:30Manners... We Care<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div data-contents="true">
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="94rhr" data-offset-key="205ef-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="205ef-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="205ef-0-0"><span data-text="true">Manners, a word we tend to forget about and/or we think, we are too cool for manners. Unfortunately, the truth is manners make you cool. I've (we, hubby & I) always been particular, that our 5 year old always says her thank you, sorry, excuse me, pardon, from her heart... It comes very naturally to her. </span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="205ef-0-0">
</div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="205ef-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="205ef-0-0"><span data-text="true">Today, in the morning, when she spoke to my house help (who she refers to as Aunty) in a loud tone, I was sure she needs to apologize. When she didn't, I took the matters in my hands. Instead of forcing her to apologize, which wouldn't have solved the purpose... I had this conversation with her:</span></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dovt3-0-0">
</div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dovt3-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dovt3-0-0"><span data-text="true">Me: You did something wrong in the kitchen, do you remember?</span></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3kkb4-0-0">
</div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3kkb4-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3kkb4-0-0"><span data-text="true">Z: No.... Hmmmm what Mumsy?</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="94rhr" data-offset-key="cacgp-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cacgp-0-0">
</div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cacgp-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cacgp-0-0"><span data-text="true">Me: Think about it... Something you said to Aunty. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="94rhr" data-offset-key="a7dq4-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a7dq4-0-0">
</div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a7dq4-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="a7dq4-0-0"><span data-text="true">Z: (after thinking) Maybe I shouted at her. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="94rhr" data-offset-key="8pnmq-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8pnmq-0-0">
</div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8pnmq-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="8pnmq-0-0"><span data-text="true">Me: You did certainly shout at her. </span></span></div>
</div>
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</div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9kos0-0-0">
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<span data-offset-key="9205f-0-0"><span data-text="true">Me: You need to apologize to Aunty</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2gccv-0-0"><span data-text="true">Me: No Z, you have to do this. You have to apologize. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3ao6l-0-0"><span data-text="true">Z: Can I get some time out (that's the phrase she uses when she wants to be left alone)</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="elpta-0-0"><span data-text="true">Me: Sure, but you know what to do...</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="r78g-0-0"><span data-text="true">Z: OK</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f5jus-0-0"><span data-text="true">After 2-3 minutes, she entered the kitchen apologised to the house help, smiled at her, gave a little hug and went back in her room... After a couple minutes I entered her room. Another thing, we believe in as a family is giving space to each other. I sat beside her, squeezed her hand</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2jjrp-0-0"><span data-text="true">Z: Thank you Mumsy.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1908d-0-0"><span data-text="true">Me: (smiling) Do you feel better now?</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1r32q-0-0"><span data-text="true">Z: Yes Mumsy, I love you.</span></span></div>
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My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-17465706179137103522016-02-23T10:34:00.000+05:302016-02-23T10:34:13.181+05:30Book Review - The Midnight Library<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Imagine a library opened through the night, with the most amazing books to read... with an adorable little librarian and a few library helpers, who are nocturnal. Imagine visitors facing problems of one kind or another and the librarian helping them with the perfect solution. I got this and much more from The Midnight Library by Kazuno Kohara (I would like to thank an acquaintance here, who introduced me to the wonderful world of Kazuno Kohara). I love the author, and The Midnight Library is the best of his work, I have read thus far.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuBKcx365cc/VsvoHOb0-RI/AAAAAAAAEnM/U9himsMPTvs/s1600/the-midnight-library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuBKcx365cc/VsvoHOb0-RI/AAAAAAAAEnM/U9himsMPTvs/s320/the-midnight-library.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I heard about The Midnight Library, I knew I had to pick it up. When I did, I could see a lot of myself in the book, and so did Z. </div>
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The book takes you (and the child of course) to a beautiful world of the The Midnight Library. And what a world it is. Z was totally mesmerised by the book and she has read the book over and over again, since. This book is simple. The magic of this book lies in its simplicity, the illustrations and sweet little situations, which any child who frequents a library would relate to.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_oUbBVVNu0/VsvoHMjINQI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/Qn5eSR47iCw/s1600/theml_spread2full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_oUbBVVNu0/VsvoHMjINQI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/Qn5eSR47iCw/s640/theml_spread2full.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are looking for a nice soothing bedtime read for your 3-5 year old The Midnight Library by Kazuno Kohara is a perfect pick.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flipkart.com/midnight-library-english/p/itmdz6w9cznfk46e?pid=9780230736092&affid=falakrand"><img src="http://img6a.flixcart.com/www/prod/images/buy_btn_1-b05fffbb.png" /></a></div>
My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-35465846743547107172016-01-02T00:22:00.003+05:302016-01-02T09:51:12.191+05:30To Be a Girl's Mum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span class="null">** This post was written for MyCity4Kids</span></b><br />
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<span class="null">When I was pregnant, I so wanted to have a baby girl, but something inside me told me I'll have a baby boy. I did try to prepare myself.<br />
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On the 26th of November, 2010, I was pleasantly surprised when I held my precious little baby in my arms. I confirmed and re-confirmed it with Faizan, and then I just couldn't hold back my tears. My parents brought 3 daughters in this world, 3 head strong, independent, very opinionated daughters. And I was blessed with one on that day.<br />
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In these 5 blessed years, I have experienced a lot of moments, moments which were extraordinary, moments where I wanted to tear my hair, moments where I consoled her and moments where she gave me a shoulder to cry on.<br />
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I can talk to her and I know she's listening, she'll not zone out.
I might not be the 'only girl' in the family, but I truly have a BFF in my family. Someone I can completely rely on, and I can talk to whenever and wherever I want. I know I'll never be 'judged'. I'll always be the best for my Z.<br />
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When I hear some people go...<br />
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'Oh My God! Girls are so cute, pretty dresses, clips, dolls..."<br />
"Do you play dress up everyday???"<br />
"Awwwww! Do you have to hide your make up already?"<br />
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Let me tell girls might be all this (might), but they are much much more.<br />
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Well, Z gets lots of cute dresses (as well as jeans, shorts, shirts) and clips, not because we play dress up... but because, I have good taste <span class="emoticon_text">;-).</span>
Her hair is long and nice, but she prefers tying it in a bun or high pony when she goes out cycling or playing.
She doesn't like dolls (yes you heard that).
No, she doesn't like makeup maybe because she rarely sees her mum use it. <br />
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Being a mum of a girl is way way way beyond all these <i>Ahhhhh, Oooohhhh, Awwwwws</i>. <br />
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Unlike the popular belief, Z shares a beautiful relationship with not just her Fizz, but with her mum as well. She gets pampered rotten by her dad and looks up to her mum... Everyday when I get up, I have to make sure I set the right examples for my 5 year old, because she looks up to me. I'm her favorite and so is her dad (girls know how to balance relationships, and so do boys. In fact, any child raised in a sensible manner will love her/his parent, I'd like to believe this). <br />
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She is emotional, strong, dramatic (very), funny, all this and much more... She's my little bundle of joy. I can hug her, kiss her, cuddle her and I will not get those '<i>what are you doing mom' </i>looks.<br />
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Beside books, she loves her Lego set, her kitchen, her crayons, her racing cars and her bike. Whatever she does, she completely gets engrossed into it. You should see how creative she can get with her colors as well as her legos.<br />
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I have always maintained how blessed I feel when I think of Z and how she has made our life beautiful. I don't know how it is to have a son, but I, as a mum feel, I'm lucky to be a girl's mom... I'm lucky to have a daughter like Z. <i>Alhamdulillah</i><br />
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My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-39248171834817059232015-12-31T20:17:00.001+05:302015-12-31T20:17:29.361+05:302015...the year the was.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I did start blogging actively in 2015, but unfortunately, I was not able to keep the momentum going. Overall this was a good year, though we as a family did have to go through two huge losses in the year. My dad-in-law and my grand mom expired, this meant, I had to explain the concept of death to Z. We were able to do pretty well on that front, she did get a little upset though. <br /><br />Professionally, Alhamdullilah, I did pretty well. I did start a kid's reading library of my own, I realized a childhood dream. It is not easy to balance entrepreneurship and mommiehood, but it is not impossible, actually it is absolutely worth it. <br /><br />Enough about me, since the name of this blog is <b>Being Zoe's Mum</b>, let us talk about the person whose always in spotlight, at least as far as BZM is concerned. Here are a couple of things which happened in 2015:<br /></div>
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<li>We graduated to chapter books, we still don't want to let go of our picture books (Mum hopes we never do that). Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton and Amelia Bedelia Chapter books are our favorite. </li>
<li>We visited Mussoorie, such a beautiful beautiful place. </li>
<li>We made lots of new friends.</li>
<li>We got a new hangout, the <a href="http://www.mylittlechatterbox.in/the-reading-room.html" target="_blank">Reading Room</a> (Oh! I love that place, I can sit there for hours)</li>
<li>We had our first dental operation, and everyone says I was super brave</li>
<li>We had our first birthday party</li>
<li>We turned 5 (yay!)</li>
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<br />I hope 2016 turns out to be totally rocking, happy and super healthy for Z, Fizz & Me. Here's wishing the same for all of you. </div>
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My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-20676243722844714842015-12-11T12:44:00.003+05:302015-12-11T12:44:55.194+05:30Don't forget to relax with a cup of coffee/tea and a book<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Tuesdays are our days of bonding, I don't work on Tuesdays and without daddy, both of us are left to ourselves... we love that. We go for movies, lunch dates, shopping and have a lot of fun. Last Tuesday, when I picked Z up, I asked her "So, what's the plan?" She thought for a couple of seconds and replied "Let's just relax at home Mumsy"... and relax we did.<br /><br />We chatted, read, called for a pizza, listened to some music, build a lego house and just 'lounged' around the house. No agenda, no deadlines, no hurry nothing. When I read a book to Z at bedtime and I kissed her goodnight, she smiled and said "I loved doing lots of fun stuff with you today Mumsy." Those lines echoed in my ears even after Z was fast asleep. I realized how much I enjoyed doing nothing with my Little Miss. Actually we did a lot of things in those hours of doing nothing... we laughed, we danced, we shared, we read, we enjoyed those moments. That day, after a long time I realised the importance of doing nothing. <br /><br />No one can deny the fact that parents have a huge role to play in shaping the personality of a child. You do a lot of things for the child to learn and understand the way of life, things, which will benefit them in the long run. I have a long list of stuff, I tell Z. We have so much to achieve as parents (and otherwise) that we forget the best things life has to offer. <br /><br />An imporant life lesson I would like to pass on to Z is "Don't forget to relax with a cup of coffee/tea and a book..." Life is too short to constantly stay on the go. Go out there and achieve what you want to, but once in a while (every other day) do not forget to take out a few minutes to just sit doing absolutely and completely NOTHING. </div>
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My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3659845884563292718.post-55061454674527774632015-11-26T00:03:00.000+05:302015-11-26T00:03:11.282+05:305 Amazing years of Z-Ness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Dearest Darling Z or Mini-Me,</div>
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5th birthdays have a huge hype around them, like your firsts. It's supposed to be a birthday where a little child suddenly turns into a big boy or girl, but I remember you have been trying to prove that you have become a big girl from the time you were born. I dare not call you a tot or a baby, because you get super offended. You still are a baby in so many ways... so the big girl tag will have to wait for a few years...</div>
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So, my dear 'little girl' (hope that gets approved), you have come a long way... In fact, we have come a long way. 5th birthday has to be super special, and it'll be exactly that and much more.</div>
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Z, you're a little girl who has a personality of your own. We cannot make you do something until you're completely convinced. The way you react in a situation amazes me. You are someone who never cease to surprise me (us). Each day you show us, how you can independently handle things you were unable to just a few months back.</div>
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Sometimes, you just say something and I have no choice but to marvel at your intelligence. Your thoughts, and the way you put things across just leaves me stunned. And then, all of a sudden, you become a little baby, craving for attention, laughing at the silliest things, enjoying the simplest of things and just love being the baby you still are (oops I'm sorry).</div>
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You're super smart (Alhamdulillah) and you're also extremely naive as well. When I compare many other 5 year olds with you, I clearly see that. You don't whine the whole day long, the boy v/s girls thing hasn't touched you a bit (I'd like to take credit for that), you don't hit, pull, bang, you're moody but never disobedient.</div>
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In short sweety, you're my rock star (have always been, will always be).</div>
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Your love for books and reading is something that's stayed with you from the time you were a little baby. Your books are one of your best buddies. In fact your love for books just keeps growing. From The Hungry Caterpillar to Dahl and Enid Blyton, you have come a long way.</div>
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You're a skinny little girl who loves to eat anything and everything we eat. That's an achievement for us as parents. You like junk, but before we have to remind you, you remind yourself it's not healthy.</div>
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You're Mumsy's little helper in every way. You help me at home as well as at the centre. This is something I just love about you (besides many others). You just love helping everyone (not just me). The reason being, you love limelight, but nonetheless, you are my best helper.</div>
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The little shy Z is going away, and I see a more a confident you emerge every single day.</div>
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You are pretty head strong and you have almost perfected the art of expressing what is not acceptable. No, don't get me wrong, you're not a difficult child, in fact, you have been quite a blessing (Alhamdulillah). You're headstrong, and I love you for that. I'm strong willed as well and I love to see that element in you.</div>
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That doesn't make you any less sensible. In fact, the other day I was observing you at Hamley's. A big reason why you visit Hamley's is because there's a tub of water with pretend fish and other sea creatures in that. You love playing with them. That day, a boy pulled out all the fish you were playing with. You didn't fight, you patiently waited for your turn. When he pulled the fish again, you politely said 'Please can we share?' and you did get what you wanted, the way you wanted it. I was so proud of you.</div>
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I try to be a mum who is your friend when needed, but you should always remember me as your mum first. The reason is simple, you'll have many friends, but I'm the only mom you'll have.</div>
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Fizz and me have a message for you.</div>
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Here are a few 'words of wisdom' from your Mumsy:<br />
a. You can be anything you want. Just respect yourself and love your self for who/what you are.<br />
b. This world is full of different kind of people... good, not so good, silly, smart, et al. People might want to judge you, might want to put you in their own mold... Don't fall in that trap. NEVER. Don't let people bother you, its not worth it.<br />
c. You have your opinions, others have theirs. Don't force yours on others, don't shy away from expressing your opinions as well.<br />
d. Never change yourself, just because someone else would like it that way.<br />
e. We are individuals first, then boys and girls. You, as an individual are special, and no less. Society has set certain stereotypes, follow them if you like, break them if you wish.<br />
f. Peer pressure will take you no where.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
Here's what Fizz wants to say, "Stay who you are, don't change yourself for anyone."</div>
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Always always always remember your Mumsy and Fizzy are right besides you when you need us. Some people might claim they love you more than your parents... Not true.</div>
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Happy Birthday once more girl.... Keep Rocking and May Allah Ta'ala bless you always</div>
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Lots of Love </div>
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Mumsy</div>
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My Zoe's Mumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217863579007353972noreply@blogger.com0