My Dad Bestest

Dearest Fizzy,

I don't know why do we create such a hype around Fathers Day? Isn't every day Fathers Day... I guess not, not all daddies are like Fizzy. Thanks for being the coolest dad I could have ever asked for. Ma keeps telling me AJ (my Granddad) was the coolest dad, but I just can't agree to that... anyways.You keep on doing so so much for me.... and I love it.

• You have completely changed your work timing from the day I came in your life, so that you can spend more time with me. 
• I just love to play in the tent with you, so what if you can't fit in the tent completely. At least I get a big chunk of you. 
• You spoil me rotten.... I wish Momma wasn't such a control freak.
• You do what I want you to do, you are my best buddy. You have always been and will always be my BFF.Though Jeevesh is also my best friend please remember.
• I love when we go shopping, when Ma is away for her meetings. We can give up the 'dressing in the same colour combination' bit... its too childish even for me.

Here is a list of things I have told Momma to ask from you on Fathers Day (you don't expect me to give you a gift, I'm just 3.5 year old Fizzy)

• Dora Puzzle, I know I already have 2 of them but I need just 1 more
• Charlie and Lola books (I just have 2 of them right now and I love them)
• Please wait outside Siksha with me till Jeevesh comes, I don't want to leave my best friend behind.... I'm such a good girl no?
• A big bed for me to sleep in (this one Momma has added, I'm comfortable where I am, so you can ignore this request).
• Your weekends are reserved for me, do not forget that. 

Lots of Love

Z

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Letter to my Dad - BZM

Dearest A.J,

Hugs... I know you are the best dad I could have asked for, so please ignore the letter above :).

Its because of you guys (you and Ma), I am what I am today. Professionally, today I am able to do whatever little I can because you always always always trusted us, your daughters. You gave me a direction which I realized almost a decade after you passed away. 

Now, when I look back I realize you were such a chilled out dad, I never remember a single instance where you raised your voice on us (that was ma's forte :-P... Sorry Mamma :-D)

You just had 1 parenting funda... let them have what they want, yes you made sure we were spoilt. You trusted us blindly and that made us become responsible. Coz we were aware we have such a big burden on our shoulders and we can't break your trust. 

Love you A.J Today and forever. 

Falak

And she made me go Teary Eyed ...

21st December 2013 was Z's 1st Parent's Day and we were all very excited about her big day. Z and her friends had been preparing for their big day for more than a month now. Whenever we asked to tell us what she was doing, she just changed the topic. She didn't even tell us which song was she dancing on... leave aside showing us her steps.

Faizan and me were sure Z wouldn't go on stage... and even if she did, she wouldn't dance. I was hoping against hope she does though. We stopped asking her about the dance. On the D-Day we reached the auditorium, 1st thing that shocked us was that she saw two of her friends and she went straight to them. She didn't want to come to us when we called her, when it was time to go on stage...Z did get a little apprehensive but didn't resist going on stage. The kids were kept backstage throughout the program and Z was happy to be there. When the 'Santa Dance Troupe' reached the stage, Fizz and me were ready that Z might not dance... like many small kids did when they reached on stage before Z's performance.

We were in for a surprise, Z completed the entire dance, enjoyed herself and my baby looked totally ADORABLE. Fizz and me were cheering up like we have never done ever before... I was all smiles and tears started rolling down my eyes. It was a moment I will never ever forget.  Thanks Z for giving me another #ProudMommyMoment

Z's on the extreme right in front.

And here is the Santa Claus song Z danced on.

The Toddler turns into a 'Preschooler'

Yes, the day came and she did it. Zoe started school on the 10th of June 2013. She is going to Siksha Montessori, which is very close to our place. I went with her and sat there in her class for 2 days and then the teacher told me she can come alone tomorrow, let's try. I was not prepared for this, I was told it takes a week or so and here I see my little Z exploring the place from the word go.

I had already told her last night, that tomorrow Zoe will go alone to school... Mommy will say Bye-Bye and we will come to pick you up. When we dropped her this morning, she was crying but the moment she entered she became quiet in some time. When I dropped her at the gate I immediately sat in the car, but Fizz kept standing at the gate for sometime. When she was out of site, Fizz and me waited outside the school premises. There was a girl who was constantly crying, Fizz kept on saying its Zoe, and I kept saying she doesn't sound like her. After sometime the teacher came out with a kid who was hauling (who Fizz was mistakenly calling Zoe). The teacher told us, she stopped crying when she entered and now is fine. Once the 30 minutes got over, I heard Zoe's teacher calling her to come to the gate so that we can take her home. It took her 2-3 minutes to come as Miss Z was busy playing and we could see that from the gate.

I'm so proud of my Baby that I promised her an ice-cream treat tonight when Fizz comes from office. Another milestone accomplished successfully.

P.S one of the main reason she loves the school is the star and smiley face she gets every day at school :-)

Mommy-ing a Daddy's Girl

This post was written for Parentous you can read it here Mommy-ing a Daddy's Girl

I was always close to my dad and now that he's not there with us I feel the void. When I was pregnant I always wanted a baby girl... And I always knew that she would turn out to be closer to the husband. Then my wish was granted, I was blessed with Zoe. Now that she 2 years + I don't have to think twice when I say, she has turned out to be a COMPLETE DADDY's GIRL.

When the husband is home, she doesn't even acknowledge my presence. Feeding, bathing, changing clothes, story time everything has to have one common ingredient Daddy.

I will have to give credit to the husband; he's a complete hands-on dad. He knows more about Zoe's medicines, vaccination, diet, shopping, playdates than I do. (That doesn't mean I'm clueless about them... Huhh). Seeing the both of them together having such a blast, I get all moist eyed and emotional. I also feel a tad bit jealous... Why does Zoe become such a Dad's Darling when he's around. When its just me and Zoe things are pretty nice, but we unfortunately do not share the same connect as the husband and Zoe does.

Zoe is always happy when she's around us (touch-wood) but if you compare her reaction when she sees daddy after a long to when mommy gets back home... The later is nothing in comparison, stands nowhere. When I come into a room, I get a smile and Zoe's eyes start twinkling. When the husband does, she starts jumping and shrieking with joy, insists on him picking her up right away and blows loads of kisses on daddy dearest's face followed by 'I Love You Fizzy'. Now you know what I was talking about.
So how does a mom of a daddy's girl feel? I feel happy to see the both of them together. I feel nervous that this mutual love for each other will grow further and Zoe will eventually treat mom as a babysitter while daddy is away. I feel jealous at times, seeing them connect so well, they at times end up completely ignoring my presence. More than anything else I feel blessed when I see them together, I see myself and my dad in Zoe and the husband.

Whenever I feel a little insecure I think about the positive aspect of this relationship. The husband has turned out to be a great dad, and he helps me a lot as far as taking care of Zoe is concerned. When the husband is with Zoe, I get my much needed me-time. I can do anything attend to chores, read, exercise, work, or listen to some music... Whatever I want.

 
There are times (though they are very few moments) when she prefers mommy over daddy. When she gets hurt, when she wants someone to make a fool out of them self and read a story, when she is very sleepy at night... So I love these moments and when they do come, I feel she also needs her Ammi as much. So with Zoe and with most children it’s about moments/phases, some belong to dads and some to moms. So what if my moments are few and far between.

Happy 22 Big Girl

If you expect me to write new words that have been added to Z-Dictionary you must sure be kidding. Now she's started saying couple of words together like that day when Fizz rang the doorbell in the evening... The moment I opened the door Z said "I See You... Wow". She also knows the names of all the 4 Teletubbies. All I can say she is able to strike a conversation very easily now.

Potty Training has become a dreaded word... Swear! She can say 1000 words but not a single word for Pee-Pee or Poo-Poo. All I can do is WAIT.  I guess this is the only thing Z has really bothered us about.

The rounds of school have been happening for couple of weeks now, I'm keen on a Montessori set-up and they take children at 2.5 years... Now the big grind begins. We've already filled the form at Siksha Montessori, they'll call us for an interview once Z completes 2 years. Indriya is another school where we'll be filling the form - there admission process starts in October for the next year.

Z's tantrums are increasing and I'm already terrified of Terrible Twos. Z's obsession with Fizz (and vice versa).

She's obsessed with feeding people around. Last Sunday we dined at 3 Quarter Chinese, and after she was bored of feeding Mommie (years now that's what she calls me) n Pa... She went to this total stranger on a table besides us and started feeding (hides face). Z made a friend in the restaurant and they kept each other entertained. When the little boy wanted to kiss Z, she shoved him aside... I was taken aback and Fizz totally Proud of her dotty's achievement.

And in the end... I leave you with a glimpse of the Little Girl who ain't so 'little' anymore.

Fizz Clicked Away on Father's Day

Fizz n Z spent some quality time on Father's day... and this was the result.

Happy Pa's Day Sweetheart

Okay, so this is your second Father's Day, and Z is still small to wish you properly. I've said it a zillion times but, one last time I cross my heart and say... Fizz : You sure are the better parent for Z. I mean, I do all I can to get the kind of love she showers on her Pa. The moment she lays eyes on you Fattaak ... Mumsu disappears from her memory.

Here's wishing you a fab Father's Day Sweetheart. I just love seeing the bond you share with Z, and I'll not trade it for anything.

• I love when I the middle of the night Z wakes up, climbs on your tummy n sleeps.
• I love when Z calls you 'Pa... Ae Pa' in the most affectionate tone ever.
• I love when you don't click anyone else's picture except Z's with your new camera.
• I love it when you make Z promise to you, every single night (without fail) that she won't marry when she grows up and she won't go away (enjoy the moment Fizz)
• I love the way you enjoy preparing Khichdi for Z.
• I love seeing the both of you talk to each other.
• I love seeing you get jealous when Z hugs me and doesn't pay notice you.
• The moment you enter in the evening and your first and the biggest smile is reserved for Z, (this was mine before Z was born)... but I still love it.
• The way you find out ways to take care of Z is commendable.
• I love it when u tell me "I can't be strict with her yaar, you need to do that."

There are just so many things and I know this post won't do justice to what Z's Pa mean to her.

Happy Father's Day! Z is blessed to have a dad like you.

You started bonding with Z when she didn't even recognize U

And the bonding continued

Z's ur personal assistant :)

Eid isn't complete without Pa

Enjoying Goa Sun

This would've been your best birthday kiss I swear.

Manners Anyone?

I was about to jot my thoughts down on teaching babies some manners and as I was reading through my reading list I found this amazing post by S. So 'ThankUU' S for your post. 

I have been thinking on when should one start teaching manners to their kids... Now I'm not talking about 'Table manners', 'how to sit like a woman/gentleman' etc. I'm talking about basic 'Thank You', 'Excuse Me', 'Sorry' and 'Please'. 

I have seen many kids lacking these basic manners these days, and I'm talking about kids aged 6-7 years and above.No offense to anyone, but for me these things do count. I guess its the parents who instill these things in kids from a very young age. Small mannerisms and acts do count.

Fizz and I make sure we always say 'Thank You' when we give something to Z or vice versa. When ever it is needed we say Excuse Me, Please and Sorry. Whenever Fizz says sorry to Z, he holds both his ears.... Z is still to say these words but whenever we say Sorry, or Z misbehaves and we say 'Z that's not good, say sorry.' , she makes it a point to hold her ears. 

These small things do matter and our tots are watching us.

Z & Me

Thanks to S for writing a wonderful post, and thanks for making me think. I've always maintained that Z is her Daddy's daughter... Yes she is, but that doesn't mean she's not her 'Mom's Brat'. She is with her mom 24*7 and she loves cuddling her mom and following Ma all the time. She follows me all through the day saying 'MaMaMaMaMaMa', I can't go anywhere without Z... When I do, the moment I enter our house she welcomes me with a WIDE smile.

Z spends most of her time in the evening with Pa... but if Pa is unable to make her sleep or feed her Ma comes to rescue.

The fact that Z is totally like her mum (looks, attitude, behavior everything), so we love spending time together. Fizz ADORES the both us totally, and that's because we are totally like each other.

Anyways, I don't agree with the terms 'Pappa's Girl' or 'Momma's boy'. A child needs both her mum N Dad... and so does Z. So, when Fizz is always there to pamper her like anything... there's me who has to act as the bad cop (when it is required) and discipline Z.

Z's Mother's Day & Hubby's Birthday Gifts

I know this is coming in late, since Mother's Day and my Hubby's birthday happened a week ago. I decided it's not only me who will surprise Fizz on his Birthday but I'll give a gift from Z's side as well. Also, Mother's Day was coming up and since Fizz was damn busy, I decided to get something for myself as well (from Z :-)). 

I wanted both the gifts to be similar and I didn't want to spend much on these. I'm a huge fan of personalized Photo Mugs.... They can be made as you want them, will definitely be used a million times before they're broken... and Z's picture on the coffee mug is a BONUS. So here is a look at the mugs Z gave us and we loved them.

Mumsu's Mom's Day Gift

Another View

Pa's Birthday Gift

Another View... Please note focus on 'ATM' is the maximum :-)

Sleepless Nights

Today (Tonight actually), Fizz lost his temper on Z for the first time. Since past 3-4 days she doesn't sleep at night and if she does, she gets up at 2:00am and is up till 5-6 in the morning. It's always been Fizz who make Z go to bed at night and I do that for her day-time naps. Z does not want to change this at any cost.

So, what happened last night was that Z just kept shrieking the moment we put her on her bed and wanted Fizz to pick her up. Fizz did what she wanted at first, then started ignoring her. When Z continued this for an hour Fizz shouted at her... I know how guilty Fizz must have felt after that. He cannot tolerate when I speak to Z in a high pitched voice, he must've cursed himself for doing this.

What Z wanted (which we realized pretty late) was that I should leave the room. So, I have no option left... Even if I have fever, I cant make Z understand it.

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.