Showing posts with label All the love Z gets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label All the love Z gets. Show all posts

Thursday, November 26, 2015

5 Amazing years of Z-Ness

Dearest Darling Z or Mini-Me,
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...
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.


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.
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).
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.
In short sweety, you're my rock star (have always been, will always be).
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.
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.
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.
The little shy Z is going away, and I see a more a confident you emerge every single day.
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.
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.
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.
Fizz and me have a message for you.
Here are a few 'words of wisdom' from your Mumsy:
a. You can be anything you want. Just respect yourself and love your self for who/what you are.
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.
c. You have your opinions, others have theirs. Don't force yours on others, don't shy away from expressing your opinions as well.
d. Never change yourself, just because someone else would like it that way.
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.
f. Peer pressure will take you no where. 
Here's what Fizz wants to say, "Stay who you are, don't change yourself for anyone."
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.

Happy Birthday once more girl.... Keep Rocking and May Allah Ta'ala bless you always
Lots of Love 
Mumsy

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Do you talk to your child? I do...

"Mumsy should I tell you about school?" or "Fizzy can we do some talking-talking?" these are sentences that our 4 year old uses on a daily basis, in fact many times during her day. Our days are incomplete without two things, talking and reading of course. Having a conversation with your child no matter they are 2 or 20 is crucial. Z knows she can tell Fizz and me anything and everything. I know, she is pretty young right now, and it is easier. We try to make 'having a heart to heart conversation' normal in our household... between the three of us. 

That is how it usually happens (image courtesy She Knows)

Communicating with younger kids is easy and tough. It is tough to make them express what they really want; once that is sorted things become easier. We strongly believe in the power of communicating with the child... it is one of the crucial aspects of parenting. In our case we believe talking and listening both are crucial. We make sure when she is telling us something, we do not have any interruptions (which means no mobile phones and I-Pads or television).
 
When Z comes and tells us something, we always encourage that. When we talk to each other, we try to keep it extremely normal, not routine... it’s not a chore or task.
 
This post might look like one of those 'gyaan' posts I rarely do. I had to do this, because I learned it the hard way. At a point in time I got so busy that I forgot the importance of talking to Z... just talking (and that doesn't include instructing or asking close ended questions).
 
I had put in a lot of effort and I have seen a marked difference in our relationship. Now I actually look forward to those moments when I can speak to Z or she can pour her heart out. At times (in fact most of the times), what she says is completely random... but I don't mind that really. At least she knows I'm listening which I genuinely do.
 
Do you take out time every day to just be with your child... just talk to them without any reason? If you haven't ... TRY

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Z at #ZohaKiShaadi

When we left for Kanpur, I didn't know how would Z react seeing so many people around her. How would she be able to cope up with the cold, especially when most of the functions were outdoors. Her schedule would go for a toss completely, wedding functions obviously meant late night.

Keeping our fears aside ... or shall I say, taking them along we left on our journey. When we reached Kanpur finally, Z was a little apprehensive. She had seen everyone a few times but, did she remember them all? No. She only recognized my elder sister and her cousin brother Z. Well, that was a decent start. At least, she didn't cry like she did in the past. She was just a little uncomfortable, that is it. As days past, Z not only started recognizing people, she enjoyed with them as well. She also loved spending time with them without me or Fizz, this, was a huge achievement.

Talking of the marriage functions, well I did get a little irritated by the time the Walima (reception) was over. So many functions, and getting ready for all of them was not child's play. Z did not mind getting all decked up and she did attend all the functions, she loved staying at the venue till all of us were ready to leave. She enjoyed the food, the attention that she was getting and she learned how to pout for selfies as well.



She got mehndi applied for the first time, and she patiently sat for an hour till the mehndi was dry. I didn't expect that happening for sure. She was also the star dancer, she has snatched my title from right under my nose.

All her Khas (Khaalas/Aunts....well that is what she calls them) loved to pamper her... be it Aanie, Nookha, Bushkha, Peekha, ZoKha, ZeeKha, FuKha, ShuKha (funny names ... yeah?). Z misses all of you. Yes, and she keeps talking about Sartaj Mamoo, Jaan, Ahm and MaazMoo as well. How can I forget all the Ammoos she met there... but she talks about Rayef Baby and Zeffy Bhai the most. All in all she LOVED the attention she was getting. 

The day we were leaving Kanpur, all she said was 'Mumsy, I will go to Delhi in April. Get the tickets.' We sure will Sweety!

Thursday, September 4, 2014

How my bond with my daughter has changed over the years!

I know people say you are reborn when your child is born and all that... I'm sorry I do not agree with that. I didn't 'connect' instantly with Z, I took time and so did she. Of course I did do what a mom is 'supposed' to do but for me handling a small baby was more of a responsibility than anything else. You can't blame me really, the youngest baby I handled before Z was my 6 month old nephew. Z has always been closer to her dad, coz Fizzy connected with Z from the word go.

I used to crib and cry and blame myself constantly. I always wanted to be super mom and here I was clueless, tired, worried and I just wanted to run away. 


Thankfully, 3.5 years down the line, I can proudly say, I have developed a bond with Z which I always wanted.

There are moments when she wants just her Mum and no one else. I feel super in one of those moments. She makes me understand that no one but me is what she wants. I might have a 101 issues but she makes me believe I'm perfect and that makes me HAPPIEST.

We laugh together, we read together, we workout together, we sing together... She is my Best Friend and I'm not saying that because she is my daughter but because I'm in my best of zones when I'm Z-oned :-P

When I get dressed she becomes my stylist and tells me if I go wrong (not that I believe everything she says :-P ). We also coordinate the colour of the clothes we wear at times...

We go shopping/for coffee together, and we have a blast together.

Wherever I have reached in my career is because my family has been so understanding and Z plays a BIG ROLE in that.

And this post will be incomplete if I don't mention this - When I came back from the workshop at Z's school, I went back to pick her from school. At home she hugged me and said 'Ma, I love you'... I don't know why but she said because she loved what I did in her school and her friends said I was so nice... (well I take that as a compliment) :-D

These small moments help me stay on track and makes my belief in me as a mom, stronger.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Done with the first School Break

 

School holidays can be really stressful for some moms, because most of us don't just know what to do with the kids and how to keep them happily engaged... especially when you're not traveling. Some parents just believe in turning to the idiot box, which was not an option for me. Though Z did get to see more than what we usually would have done, keeping the movie we went for.

Here are some of the things I did to keep L'll Z engaged (please understand, I was not on leave, Z was. So I had to plan the schedule accordingly).



Stories & more Stories: It is obvious by now that Z's days are incomplete without her books. We explored some lovely books this holiday season... Stick Man, Snowmen at Christmas, Snoring Shanmugam, Squash and a Squeeze.

Movies: Z went to watch Dhoom3 with us, she loved the movie to say the least. She shrieked in the chase sequences, danced on the songs and shouted when she saw 'Two-Two Aamin Khan' on the big screen. She has been wanting to go once more, but I can't give in :(. We rolled in the new year by watching one of my favorite animation movie Shrek. Z loved it and her new year started with a big big smile. She has recently started watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse but Peppa still remains her favorite.

Colours:
Give Z some crayons and a big chart paper and you're sorted. She can spend a long time painting the paper.

Blocks: Another thing she loves doing is playing with legos. Though she loves breaking a lego tower more. This is another thing she can go on doing for a long time.

Pretend Play: Z loves being a doctor with her doctor set, a car racer with her new remote controlled sports car, if she doesn't have a set in place we make up some stuff with play-doh. She picked this new Hamleys tea set, which initially I was a little apprehensive about... but Z loves playing with it. Z got a doll but she isn't much into dolls right now (I'm happy actually). She prefers her dinosaur, Mickey-Minnie stuff toys. 


Traveling around Bangalore: Whatever time I could take out, I took Z out to parks, playdates, malls (which I only like during Christmas)

Decorating her Christmas Tree: Z loved decorating her little Christmas tree with mamma.

I missed out on baking with Z, but we will do that soon.

Here is hoping your 2014 is super.

P.S BTW Z came across this song while I was watching TV, and the only thing she said was 'Zoe's Song, Zoe Drama Queen' **Runs to hide face**


Saturday, June 29, 2013

The Cousin Diaries

I have been pretty close to a few cousins (specially the ones from mom's side). We had my mum, elder sister and nephew visit us in June. I loved the way Z-Zo (Zefan and Zoe) bonded. They played together, listened to stories, held hands when walking on the road and it was beautiful to see the both of them together. Of course there were times when they fought like cats and dogs, snapped back at each other and did not share any of their toys/books.

Zefan was this elder brother who took care of Zoe (when he was in a good mood that is :)) and that was one of the sweetest thing to see around the house in the past couple of days. It was also easy to take care of both of them together when they were in a playful mood, the situation worsened when they were at loggerheads :-P. Zoe  sure misses her Zeffy Bhai  when they are all gone.

Here are some of their pictures together, bless em...





Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Granparent's Love!


A couple of days back I posted this picture on my mum's Facebook wall, and then today I read a Welsh proverb 'Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild.'

Grandparents... What do they mean to children. I've not been very fortunate with Grandparents, I'm not too close to any of my Grandmoms. My Paternal Grandad passed away before my parents got married, and my maternal GD a couple of years back. My only fond memories of a Grandparent were attached to my Nana... With him as well we've hardly spent time together. Now when I see my mom and my in-laws, I see the 'Grandparents', I've heard about. My dad was very fond of kids (little girls specially) but unfortunately for Z he passed away couple of years back. My mom stays with my elder sis in Delhi, my nephew is blessed to have her there. My in-laws stay in their house in Rourkela... Z hardly meets them as well. I feel so sorry for Z, when I think she's missing out on all the love and care she deserves.

When we were in Delhi, she met her Ammoo (my mum) at least every weekend. Coming to Bangalore was our decision, and we shifted when Zoe turned 4 months. Also when in Delhi, my in-laws came over more frequently as Delhi was closer to Rourkela compared to a Bangalore.  Since Z's Ammoo was in Delhi, if we had to go on a holiday to her grandparent's place, it would've been Rourkela. Now we constantly have to decide between the 2. :-(
I don't know about Fizz, I keep getting haunted by a question... Have I been unfair to Z when we took this decision. I never realized things would take this turn.

Z with her Ammoo

Zoe with her Daadi

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Eid Pe Bhai Behen Ka Pyaar

I didn't intend to write a separate post for Eid, because our eid is a pretty simple affair... with the family (part of it) being together.

This year it was no different ... but Bhaijaan (Zefan) and Z being together made all the difference. These pictures talk for themself.

Don't they look just Adorable together?

My Puchka... Innocence Personified (Mash'Allah)

Isn't her lehnga super? Courtesy my mommy

My Stud Boy

My Sweethearts

Awwwwwwwwwwww

Here comes Ms. Attitude

A sloppy kissie just for Abbi

Hotness

Whenever I see this picture I fall in love with Mera Baccha again n again n again (Kaalaa Teeka)

Z pestering Bhaijaan

Busy with her toys...

Saturday, May 26, 2012

An Adult... Not Yet! Happy 18 Sweetheart!

Hey Little Lady,

A big Hug... And lots of kisses to my Princess.

You are now all grown up my sweet pea (18 months) 1.5 years. You will hate me when I treat you like a baby... but sweetheart I still have all rights to treat you as one.

So no need to start flying when I say you are now an Adult (in baby/toddler dictionary)... 18 is an adult... Right?

So coming to the month that has gone by.

You have become a Yapping Machine. Unfortunately Fizz and I don't understand most things U say... But you make it a point that you make us understand everything. You talk to us constantly, when a phone rings or you see a phone you go "Heyoooo... Blah! Blah! Blah!". No one, and I mean NO ONE can stop you Z. You sit with your books (your priced possessions) and go "Ba Baaa, Dight, Heehaaa....".  As if that's not enough, you have to pick a word from a sentence we've said and you make sure you repeat it. That happens every Bloody time we say something. Sigh!!! The only time you sit quietly is either when you're strapped in the car seat enjoying the view or when you're  sleeping.

Ice-cream is something that brings a huge smile on your face. Whatever the flavor, your weekly Baskin Robins trip is the best thing. And you look forward to it the entire week (me thinks).

You have learned the art of sharing (finally). If you have 2 sweets and Ma puts her hand out, you give a sweet to me without thinking twice, with a big smile on your face. Post that you keep on looking at me till I say 'Thank You' and you give an even prettier smile.

As if words aren't enough, you point at stuff to make what you're saying clear to us and bring things to us (like your bottle, bag, toys, BOOKS). You take instructions very well MaShaAllah, and its not a task to make you understand things.

You have started helping us in 'cleaning up' your mess (toys n books). Its something which we do as an evening ritual... With our clean-up song. We bring stuff to you and you put it in Z basket or vice-verse. You take out dirty clothes from the basket and keep them back (point to be noted: you just do that with your cloth basket and not Ma's, Pa's basket.) When you pick Aaloo/Pyaaz from the  basket in the kitchen or a utensil from the drawer. You make sure you keep it right back... And when you can't keep it back you give it to Ma/Pa to keep it back.

Coming to body parts you know your nose, lips, tongue (your favorite), tum-tum and bum. You also point at your dolly's nose, lips and tum-tum. Unfortunately your dolly doesn't has tongue (it doesn't show).

Music makes you go Mad. The way you dance  on all the item numbers is not funny. You look so damn cute when you shake that bum of yours. Your current favorite are the 2 item numbers from Ishaqzaade. You somehow know when a song isn't meant to be a dance number. Nothing explains when you stand still and listen to 'Kun Fayaa Kun' (from Rockstar) in awe... And I just love the way you smile looking at Shahid Kapur in 'Rabba mein toh' (from Mausam) but you don't dance on this song as well.

You know your mum is an excellent story teller (all the kids love me for this, coming from my own dotty... I felt amazing). You bring your books to me (even when Pa's around) every 10 mins and love the way I read them out to you. Thanks for loving me as a story teller. I get a bonus when you hug me, every-time I finish reading a book. Love you jaan.

You know what's 'hot' if we say 'no Z, don't touch this... This is hot'. You remove you hand and say 'no-no-no'.

You have got a hang of your name. You often say 'Doe-Doe-Doe' and 'Do-Do-Do'. That is damn cute.

You give Ma a high five and start laughing when I try to dodge you.

 Your obsession with Teletubbies continues... So much so that as soon as the weird looking phone (or whatever it is) comes out to say 'time for Tubby Bye Bye'... You go 'Bee Bye-Bye' before that weird looking thing utters a word.

Now I'm reading Gina Ford's book on potty training (since I have no one experienced around). Ma planned to start training you already... But you know I wasn't well... Sorry baby.

 You love seeing Ma do aerobics, you laugh and try to move yourself as well. I must say you have started pretty early lady... Mwaaaaah!

You want to get carried (especially when Pa's around) You shriek when Pa puts you down or ignores you. People say its a phase... I just hope it is. That also reminds me, we went to Cubon Park last Sunday and you had a whole lotta fun. We didn't sit on any rides cause there were a lot of people, but you enjoyed nonetheless. You sat on a Pony (didn't go for a ride... You're too young - me thinks). You shrieked the moment Pa placed you on the Horse... While Ma was clicking pictures.

So all in all... A month with lots and lots to discuss. You are already 1.5 so next task (besides potty training) is school (Montessori) hunting. Phew!

I took this video a few days back.. The temperature in B'lore is soaring high... you can make this up from what Z is wearing. 

 

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Fizz The Father

The title of the post might sound filmy, but this is one of the best post (per me) I have written. :-)

Whenever I see Fizz n Z together I can't help but look with a complete 'Awwwww' and feel all blessed. I have written about them on and off but nothing exclusively on their bond (which is something special). I keep reading a lot of parenting blogs and I loved one such post by Mama-Mia that I decided to do my perspective on Fizz and Fatherhood.

Fizz has always been quiet comfortable with handling kids, before Z came in our lives... Fizz has been a favorite of kids... Be it with his own nieces and nephew or my nephew. Zefan (my nephew) shares a closer bond with Fizz, so much so that he addresses Fizz with his pet name... (Don't ask me what that is...) Before Z came into our lives Fizz was not very comfortable handling small babies though.
Fizz with Zefan
Things took a 360 degrees change when Z was born. Its said when a child is born a mother is born. In our case a Father and a Mother were born. Being a new 1st time mom I was apprehensive taking care of Z in the initial weeks, but Fizz became the perfect dad that he is from Day 1. He didn't make me think for a single second that Z was just my responsibility. For me, Fizz was the perfect hands on Daddy. I started respecting/loving Fizz even more in the weeks post Z was born. Night time Feeds became chatting (read gossip) sessions, Z's colic cries meant Fizz taking Z in his lap and roaming around till she fell asleep, he consumed all his paternity leaves and Work From Home to be with us.

When we shifted to Bangalore (Z was 4 months old). He made sure he was there with both of us. I used to complain to Fizz constantly that I don't know why Z is crying, why she's not taking her feed, how to start solids... I used to tell him "I'm good for nothing, I don't know anything." He just told me "no one can give you a Guide on parenting, we have to bring Z up the way we want to."

When we enrolled Z for her first Mommy-Toddler program, Fizz made me shift the classes from Friday to Saturday just to make sure he comes along and participates. There hasn't been a single doctor visit where Fizz hasn't accompanied me.

Fizz has now become a pro (he always was actually). He bathes Z, changes her diaper (faster than I do), makes her get ready, feeds her breakfast, makes her meals (when he gets time), makes her go to sleep at night... He sure is a better parent and I don't have any second thoughts on that.

Fizz and Z share an awesome bond. Fizz has instructed me "you wanna discipline Z do it, lemme spoil her". Z goes "Da-Da-Da-Da" the moment our doorbell rings in the evening. He doesn't leave her for a second once he's back from work. When we go out to a restaurant or a mall Z tags on to Pa.

I love seeing the both of them together and love the way they are so happy in each other's company Mash'Allah.

Fizz's 1st picture with Z!

Late night chat

Happy with each other

Colic Times

Play Time

Z's favorite right

That is how she slept

Breakfast is fun with Pa

Helping Pa out on his research

Serious discussion

 


Fun time with Pa
Z's first eid at Dada-Dadi's house
Ba-Bye time

Both are equally focused

Walky Walky with Pa

Splash Splash

Fun at Fort Aguda

Time to chill

Pool was fun with Pa

Pa irritating Z for a change
 Finally... since Fizz is so obsessed with her dotty, I plan to get a T-Shirt personalized for him:

Thanks Api for the picture.

Wild Karnataka – Experience

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