Why do I blog?

I started my first blog in 2005; it’s going to be 10 years next year. Definitely calls for a celebration, but frankly, I feel bad that I don’t blog the way I used to back then. Not for readers or hits or likes, just for myself. I enjoyed blogging so much back then. Now I write on topics which would appeal to my target audience mostly (whenever I do write that is, and if there are readers out there, which I’d like to believe there are).

I have gone from a person writing about everything and anything, to Z to parenting to reading. If you’d ask me which one I enjoyed the most it would be the first phase for sure. There was no pretense as such (which is not there in my blog today as well). There was more soul in my writing, more passion, that is something which is missing now. Till one day out of the blue I really want to speak out or rather blog out. Today is such a day and I don’t want to give it a miss.

I like doing things which make me forget about what’s going on around me and just let me go in my own zone. Now, this coming from a person who LOVES to be in focus is kind of strange… but that’s also me. Like when I read out from a book to a bunch of kids or tell a story to a bunch of adults I love being the center of attraction and enjoy my 10 minutes of fame, it’s therapeutic. Similarly a nice haircut, a conversation with Z or Fizz and blogging is also therapeutic for me. And, I believe the reason why I blog even today, though I don’t as much as I’d like to… it is because I feel wonderful after jotting down something that is going on in my mind. 

And if you are reading… Why do you blog?

Happy Fathers Day AJ

A father generally becomes an unsung hero, a second lead where the main protagonist is a mom and mostly not considered an equal parent. I know moms do a lot for the baby but dads do their share as well... especially in today's day and age. My dad was and will always remain my hero, he passed away 10 years back and no one can fill the void that he left in our lives... no one. My dad was my best friend... we played board games, talked, argued, discussed and had a lot of fun. It has been 10 years I haven't had a conversation with him... I miss him.

Mum was always our parent, but dad was always our friend. We could share anything and everything with 

AJ without thinking twice. That’s why when I had friends who were terrified of their dads I felt weird and I felt blessed. AJ was there besides us like this strong pillar who always was there by our side always… no matter what. Something’s that AJ did, which many dads miss on doing, make him stand apart from many daddies who do not become the equal parent.

AJ taught us how to have fun, how to be happy with or without any big reason... He taught us how to be patient... and when I say patient, I mean extremely patient. Especially when it comes to your children. He showed us how to respect our mom. He NEVER, never ever spoke to mom in a disrespectful manner (and I love him for that). He showed us it is OK to cry if you want to cry and let out your emotions. He was the one who showed us what believing in someone really means... he had a very strong belief in all his daughters. AJ was the one who made me dream, and told me dreams do come true. AJ told us, go for your dreams and dream big. He was the one who showed us what pampering your kids actually means... he spoilt us rotten. Mom was the strict one, but dad the most chilled out person I have ever come across.

I think I'm blessed when it comes to dads, like really blessed. There was dad and there is Fizz who is an amazing dad to my child. He is just like my AJ. He becomes my dad (not in the literal sense of the word though) when I really miss AJ.

This year two days after Father’s Day (18^th June) will be dad’s 10^th Death Anniversary. I still cannot believe he’s not there right here… because I know wherever he is; he is in a happy place. AJ can’t be sad for long. And AJ before he passed away gave me a very big responsibility; he told mom “Falak will make it really big in life… she’ll make me proud.”

AJ I know you are listening, I would have given up long back… but whenever I think of giving up on anything. I think of you… and I don’t have to do anything else. I just get up and start moving. Thanks for being there ALWAYS. 

This post is liked with the Fathers Day 2013 Link Party we are hosting. If you have prepared anything for Father's Day or are planning to surprise your spouse/dad. Do share the same on our Linky Party, you can even mail it to me at contactmomsters@gmail.com

22nd February 2013 - the night still gives me shudders

Night of 22nd February qualifies as the Worst night of my life so far. I felt so helpless as a mom, I stood there and was trying to understand what was happening to my baby. She was her chirpy self throughout the day, when Fizz reached home at 8:45, he told me she was warm, I said can't be. I felt her and frankly I didn't feel she was warm. She was her loud chirpy self till 11.15pm when Fizz told me she's shivering, I looked at her and she shivered again. I took her in my lap and she wasn't reacting. She just kept looking at a spot, and wasn't reacting. We took her to Fortis, The 10 mins drive from our house to Fortis was the longest drive of our life. I know I was feeling terrible, but now when I look back at the situation... I just keep on thinking of Fizz, he kept on saying "Main Zoe ko kuch nahin hone doonga..." At Fortis when the doctor examined her he told, she became unconscious because of the sudden rise in temperature. This had happened once to me as well, guess that's the reason why it happened to my baby... I'm sorry baby.

The doctors immediately controlled her temperature and soon my baby was conscious. Afterward, she underwent some tests and kept under observation for 24 hours as she had high fever. The tests were normal (ALHAMDULLILAH) and she has recovered well. She was a bit sleepy, which is totally logical. 

Seeing Zoe Alhamdullilah, happily playing with Fizz brings a smile on my face today. Allah has been really kind on us, I love my baby.

A Day to remember...

12th February this day has always been special in my life. Today, I complete 6 years of being engaged to Fizz, yes it is our engagement anniversary (if there is something like that). I seriously cannot imagine anyone but Fizz as my life partner. He is my best friend, and that is all I wanted my husband to be over and above anything else. With the toddler our family Mash'Allah is complete.

This is a huge reason to remember this day, but there is a bigger reason. It is AJ's birthday, my AJ was the best dad I could have asked for. On his birthday I miss him a lot, I miss being with him today more than any other day. So, this is a special post for A.J. He might not be besides me, but I know he is always with me. 

"You were the coolest dad one could have asked for, I can say that without any doubt. You were someone who believed in us and always stood besides us no matter what. I miss you so much on this day and I feel so so so blessed to have a dad like you."

Here is a link of the song, that makes me think of A.J. 

Love you A.J! Miss you...

Project 52 Week 4: Me... Myself,,, and I!

When I heard the topic of the Marathon Bloggers this week was about 'Me Time'... I was smiling from ear to ear. I'm a strong believer in taking time out for myself. People keep on telling me, "You have a toddler, you handle her single handedly, you work from home and still take out time for yourself... you must be kidding." Not really, I mean I do this and much more and I humbly accept it :-P, but I never compromise in taking out time for myself.

Next question which comes with a bang is "How do you do that?" and I say "its an art and you cannot learn it". Frankly, you just need to prioritize, plan, delegate for anything to work and that is what I do to take some time out. I don't manage to do it my way, but I do manage. 

I do try to make sure, Me Time means not only time with myself, doing something I like doing... it also means I have to be transported in a world which is free from worries and rush of any kind.

My 'Me Time' is very simple and totally fuss free, reading a nice book, watching a nice movie alone, working out, taking a nap at an odd hour, working on my blogs, going for a long walk when the weather is awesome (I get a lot of opportunities, thank God for Bangalore Weather). Traveling alone used to be so good before The Toddler was born... Even having a nice strong coffee sitting in my balcony or gardening helps me connect with myself. I believe in simple things and maybe that is the reason why I manage to take out time for myself.

If it would not have been for Fizzy, it would have been tough for me to take out time for myself.

Does everyone do similar things? What is the importance of your 'me time' to you?

Moms can Dream as well!

Moms can be dreamers too... don't you think so? I, for one am a mom with dreams. I'm extremely possessive about my family and my dreams (which are a big part of me). I dream so I'm. There are some dreams which are extremely personal (specially ones I have for my family and towards my religion) and I would not want to share those... but then there are those which I love talking about.

• I want to be the best mom to The Toddler (A mom who has big dreams will be a mom first :-))
• My Little Chatterbox was a dream which has come true... I know I still have a long way to go. Be it in spreading the words across Bangalore and spreading wings across India. I dream big, but that's a part of me.
• I want to travel around the world with The Toddler and Fizz
• I dream of being a constant learner, someone who never stops learning
• I dream & I believe I would be able to become as healthy as I was before The Toddler was born... (more for myself and my family)
• I want to write a book (a best-seller actually), sometime real soon
• A small house in Goa, just for The Toddler, Fizz & Me
• Last but not the least (in fact this is one of my biggest dreams) I want to raise The Toddler to be a healthy, happy confident, smart, intelligent, well-read young girl... who knows the difference between right and wrong... someone who values people, life and most importantly her individual self. Most importantly, I would like her to grow as a dreamer...

This is just glimpse in my dream world... Being a dreamer is a crucial part of me, and I sure do not want to lose them.

Being Zoe's Mom Facebook Fanpage

Wooooooooohhhhhooooooooooo I have done what I have been trying to figure out for days now... Check Being Zoe's Mom Facebook Fanpage like right now...

The Best Birthday Wish from Z (In her dad's words)

What else could have made my day better... Mwwwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh

My Real Soul Sisters

I just finished the "Chicken Soup Of the Indian Soul Celebrating Brothers and Sisters." And all the stories made me thank God for having been blessed with two of the best sisters in the whole wide world.

My Beautiful Sisters... This is for the both of you.

My relationship with my Elder sister has always been bitter-sweet. We fight and then we make up. Api (as I call her) and I, are just a few years apart... but what sets us all the more distant is our maturity level. She is like this sensible (everyone thinks so) and mature elder daughter. Mom tells me, when I was born... she did feel neglected, but didn't throw a tantrum, like any toddler her age would have...she just became quiet (yeah that's how mature she was even back then). And then there is me the immature, irritating (per them), loud mouthed, over-confident soul. Friction was bond to happen. 

I remember when I joined Api's school in standard 5, she was in class 9 in senior school... So obviously she got all the opportunity to bully me... the innocent soul. There is this one incident which she says she did because I irritated her a lot... Saturdays, were P.T days at school, which meant white uniform and white shoes. Both of us had to polish our white shoes every Friday night. That Friday, Api rushed to polish her shoes and finished all the white polish in the bottle. She made sure I was not able to polish my shoes, she didn't leave a drop... I wore my shoes without polishing them (just that they had turned grey). 

Now Api was responsible for checking uniform post our morning assembly... and while I was walking up to my class, I heard someone calling out my name and asking me to step out. When I turned, I saw Api standing there. She said "Why aren't your shoes polished???" And all I could do was say "but" and stare at her. She pulled my arm and made me stand in the 'defaulter's' line for one hour with the summer sun shinning right on top of my head.

This is the same Api who took a 'Motherly' avtaar even when  we didn't need it. I remember my first day in Delhi University and I being the strong-headed stubborn one, declared "I'm going to take a DTC, who goes to college in an Auto" that was my first time in a public bus (that too the famous DTC) and I wanted no-one and I mean no-one to accompany me. My parents weren't in town so my sister was in-charge of us. She had told me to call up from an STD (Cell Phones was still considered a Maha-luxurious item for college goers), which I obviously forgot. When I reached back, I found her standing outside our apartment, she yelled at me for being careless and hugged me and told me to take care. Following this was a chai session discussing my first day, followed by some more gyaan. 

Me and Api at one of her pre-wedding function

When her marriage was fixed... I didn't like the guy (sorry S.B), but I thought someone's going to snatch away Api from me. I was super anti-Api's marriage... but then that happened, and non of my arguments were considered valid enough.

When I was 6+ I came to know I was going to have a sibling. Now, sharing space with Api was tough, there was this other one coming. So in September 1987, mum brought this little thing bundled in pink home. And I hated her from the word go. That was our 'baby' sister. The forever 'baby' of the house had arrived. Nidaa is this rule-breaker, shopaholic, blonde... still extremely studious and a topper (yeah a deadly combo), binge eater yet maha-thin (I told you she's weird) kid sister who loves you like hell. 

If Api and my relationship was bitter sweet, with Nidaa and me it was a complete Love Hate thing going on. Add to that Api and Nidaa are too close to each other. 

I remember Ma sending me to sleep at 9:30 pm, half an hour before Api. So I was closed in this room with 'Baby' Nidaa sleeping peacefully in her crib. I was feeling extremely left out and thought of an evil plan. I pinched the 'poor soul' sleeping in her crib (I used to pinch really hard) and kept pinching her till she got up and started howling. I ran towards my bunk bed as I heard someone's footsteps. Ma rushed to the room, she asked me "Falak, What happened?" and I pretended like I had already slept off, got up rubbing my eyes saying ... "Mamma, pata nahin... I had already slept off..." Yeah... Yeah I know you must be saying what a devil. Wait till you hear this...

Nidaa and I used to have these Big fights, where we used to pounce on one another. I was triple her size, but she used to beat me hands down. When Api went to hostel for her graduation, she used to steal my letter pad and write letters to Api... bicthing about me. And then they both used to gang up against me, when Api was home for vacation. 

I still remember, a day before my wedding I had a huge fight with my mom (yeah, I'm a big fighter-cock you can say that). I was crying like hell and declared "No one cares for me...", everyone, stood by Ma and said I was wrong, but Nidaa was the one who understood my point, cried with me and ended up fighting with Ma. That's what our relationship is all about. I might fight with her like anything, but when someone scolds her or says anything bad about her behind her back... I get into my Chandi avtaar and stay on Nidaa's side. My Ma always says, "It's better to stay out of their fights/arguments, as you will end up making a fool of yourself."

Nidz and me at our Brother's wedding

I love the both of them and love to hate them. Both of them are alike and I'm the different one... but guess I'm the lucky one... My sisters are my priced possession ... Thank God for them.

Are you a 'Sacrificing' Mom?

I've been wanting to express my views, take a stand on something I truly believe in. For the first time in my life I was scared to take a stand. I mean, I've always said what I wanted to... but here I was confused and more confused as to whether I should say what I wanted to. Finally today on Facebook I did it. A Facebook status actually is a mini-blog post, which I use to gather reactions at times... When I'm unsure of writing a complete post on something. And I wrote "Many women forget that having a family/baby isn't synonymous to losing your identity. In fact you need to be a happier/stronger and confident 'individual' to have a happy Family/Baby." I knew I wasn't saying something new and this was something mothers want to say but most of the times don't.

I for one don't believe in 'Mothers sacrificing for their family/children' bit. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings and if you think "what the hell is she saying?" I'd suggest please don't read this post any further.

I have never thought I'm sacrificing when I do something for Z. I left a full-time corporate job (which I any ways wanted to), I took up a Work From Home option, I'm planning to start something which would keep me happy/engaged and help me earn some money (big yeah for that). I took these and many such decisions because I wanted to do this and not because I'm doing a sacrifice (read 'favor') on Z. I'm not someone who will be happy living for someone else, and I know if I'm not happy then Z would definitely not be happy.

I look at my mum, she did a lot for us (and I love her for that) but she didn't lose herself in this. She wasn't there with us 24*7, she was the one who decided on what's going on in our house and life till we were mature enough to do it... no one dare argue with her. She had a life of her own, still does. She never told us I've done so much for you, or I've sacrificed my life for you... Forget saying, she never made us feel like that. She is an individual who made her own decisions. And that's how I think it should be. I know my priorities; I will never neglect Z for something just I want to do and I would never neglect 'my self'...

Before you assume lemme add, what I've said is not about whether you're working/SAHM/WFHM. The decision you take should be yours than anyone else's. I salute housewives who handle the kids and house perfectly and if that's what they want to do then it will make you happy and keep you satisfied. I admire the way some women go out work and handle kids (leaving a baby with a nanny/daycare isn't an easy decision and its to each their own). Then there are people like me... I don't know if I will leave Z and go to office, but I work equally hard at home, and trust me its not easy. You have to draw a line. There are situations when I'm on a call with a client and Z wants me exactly at that point in time.

When Z grows up, I want her to know... I'm there for her but I do have a life/identity of my own. So the bottom line is  I know Z would be real proud of me and really happy  if she knows I'm happy. That's what I want. What about you?

My favourite Pregnancy Movies

I obviously have 2 obsessions in my life  right now... Children/Pregnancy (which is recently developed) and cinema. I remember when I was pregnant, I watched as many baby movies as possible. I love the way Hollywood movies show pregnancy and babies (though they not always show reality) but what the hell I still Love them. Here's a list of movies based on pregnancy which I love, and I have seen them like a million and I just love them. Actually one doesn't need to be pregnant to fall in love with these movies. They make you laugh, they make you cry and fall in love. But when I was pregnant I made sure I watch every single pregnancy movie. It was some sought of a therapy for me... It made me feel happy.

• The Back-Up plan: This Jennifer Lopez and Alex O'Loughlin starer is a favorite and tops the list. After - all we named Z after JLo's character. This was actually the first movie I saw when I came to know I was expecting Z (coincidentally). I fell in love with the movie.

 

• Father of the Bride 2 Steve Martin is super funny as the dad of a bride and even funnier as a Granddad-to-be.  Love both the parts but the sequel is a lot more funny. I love watching this movie with Fizz.  I'm so confident Fizz will be a dad like the character Steve Martin played in future.

• Nine Months - Hugh Grant is a good enough reason for me to love this movie. I first saw this movie when I was in school and have loved it ever since. This movie shows a man's take on Pregnancy and babies.

• Baby Mama - The chemistry between Tina Fey and Amy Poehler is unbeatable. The movie is about this successful single Business woman who finds out she's infertile. She hires a woman to be a surrogate mom.

• Juno - This movie about teenage pregnancy sees the main protagonist Juno getting pregnant. She tries going for abortion but drops the plan and decides to give the baby up for adoption instead.

• Junior - Seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger play a male scientist who undergoes pregnancy is HILARIOUS.

• Baby Boom - Diana Keaton plays a super successful career woman and she unexpectedly gets the responsibility of a toddler (which she inherits from a deceased cousin). She tries to save her career, then gives it all up and after struggling a little starts selling Gourmet Baby Food which soon becomes a success.

To see list:

• Knocked Up
• She's having a Baby
• Away We Go
• Waitress
• What to expect when you're expecting

So that's my list... what's yours? Please suggest names if I have missed out on any (which I'm sure I have)

50 things About Me

So I have seen this list on so many blogs, I wanted to do this for myself. Now this is more for me (as I keep forgetting who I really am at times) than for my readers:

1. I love myself, I know I have a huge scope for improvement but still
2. I love my family (my parents, hubby, Z, my siblings, cousins) and friends
3. I love to dance, it’s the biggest stress buster besides Z of course
4. I think I’m a nice mom, still I have a long way to go.
5. I’m a Leo (a true blue Leo) actually
6. I’m a movie buff… love Bollywood movies and absolutely adore Hollywood Rom-Coms (no one makes Romantic Comedies like Hollywood). I cry when I watch movies
7. I’m a diehard Aamir Khan fan since I was 6 years of age
8. I can’t stop drooling when I see the likes of George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Matthew McConaughey, Jude Law, Hugh Grant Michael Vartan and the likes
9. I love to act
10. I love to laugh.
11. I love to write
12. I love it when people say genuine good things about me
13. I’m married to the greatest guy in the whole wide world and we are blessed to have the best daughter (Cant thank Allah enough)
14. I’m extremely loyal to people I’m committed to
15. I’m very ambitious and sometimes I become harsh on myself because of this
16. I’m a hard core optimist and hate pessimism.
17. One thing I have fought with is my weight, it’s been like a yo-yo and I’m struggling to lose weight right now
18. I love working out (aerobics)
19. When I was working I wanted to quit and now I want to start working. Right now I’m working at starting something on my own.
20. I’m a lousy cook, but I love to bake cakes
21. I lie just for the heck of it at times
22. I prefer coffee to tea
23. I have read so many books but I still have a soft corner for Archies Comics
24. I love Pink
25. I have a problem when I have to confront someone
26. I love to argue ;-)
27. I want to learn a new form of dance
28. I’m the biggest Jane Fonda Bhakt 
29. I love when Fizz wakes me up in the morning
30. I don’t have aerated drinks
31. I can be very harsh but I prefer that from being sugar coated
32. I’m very particular about my appointments, and have never missed one
33. I love to smile at myself when I look in the mirror
34. Post Z I’ve become a late riser and a late sleeper (I hate it)
35. I love to read with expressions and go in another zone altogether
36. I hate forwards and useless promotional mails
37. I love the smell of popcorns and fresh coffee
38. I love CCD and always have Iced Eskimo
39. I don’t love Chocolates
40. I love getting a mail/message from a long lost friend
41. I was on top of the world when I met my childhood best friend Megha on Orkut after 10 years and Komal on Facebook after more than 15 years
42. I always look forward to my birthday
43. I love potatoes (my only weakness when it comes to food)
44. I love being surprised
45. I’m very possessive about people close to me
46. I love Fairy Tales
47. I wanted to be a theater actor but… that’s another story… dukhti rag 
48. I used to love my hair till Z was born
49. My skin was the best when I was pregnant
50. This was very exhausting… so I will tag 2 blogging friends (please spare me ladies I swear I will read your list)

So now Sumita and Nibedita... Go ahead... take your time 

The 'Pink' Me

I love when my cheeks, forehead, chin... actually my whole face goes PINK after my workout. I love rushing to the mirror and looking at myself right after my workout (I really don't care if you think I'm self obsessed).

If you need some motivation to workout, just try it and I hope you will feel as magical and as 'top of the world' as I do. So thankfully working out is on track. Will do a fortnightly weigh in and update (hopefully the kilos are dropping).

So whose on your Speed Dial List/Favourite BBM contact.

I read an article on a parenting website and that gave me an idea to write a fun but true blog post.

I know mums are Rockstars and all that... We can do everything our baby wants, but a little help doesn't really harm. Having TRUSTED people around/speaking to them acts as a big stress buster for new moms like me. So here is a list of characters every mom needs in the Drama called life.

Hands-On Hubby: I've always bragged about Fizz in many posts, and he deserves every bit of it. He's a pro (Mash'Allah) when it comes to handling Z and me. I can be in my worst of moods, shout, scream, do anything and he just listens (well, most of the time). He's my punching bag, I have to share every damn thing with him. He's just Fab.
Your Mom - I'll have to admit my mom's not very comfortable in handling a baby... She says she's forgotten everything about bringing up babies. I frankly don't need her for that. Just like Z needs me, I need my mommy. No matter how much I argue with her at the end of the day, I'll need her no matter what.
Elder sister/Experienced Mom Friend - no one understood my post-partum depression as Api (my  Elder sis) did. She constantly lends a ear to my constant whining, nagging, aspirations, dreams, gossips everything. She listens to me patiently and  advises me on (especially regarding Z) just when I need it.
A trusted Pediatrician- with kids, you need someone who can advise you on health issues. There are times when you feel worried just about nothing and no one can make you feel better than your baby's Pead.
A bunch of New Mommy Friends- thanks to my 'New Mommies World' group on Facebook, I have loads of super reliable, equally worried mommies... Who are exactly in the same situation as I'm. We discuss things without being biased, give advise when needed and lend a ear when we need to speak out.
An unmarried Friend - Unfortunately all my close friends are married with babies. And one of my Best friend (whose married but not a mommy yet) lives far far away in the U.S. My younger sister could've definitely fit the bill but she's studying in UK.(Dammit). What does this friend do? She talks to you about everything besides baby and marriage, keeps you updated on what's happening around, accompanies you to the salon/spa sessions, goes shopping, plans girls night out...
A punching Bag - Fizz my Biggest and Cuddliest Punching Bag. No one can take that title away from him.
Your Best Buddy - All my most amazing friends aren't in Bangalore, or anywhere close by. So I stay in touch with them on Facebook. (Thanks to technology). The best part is I can tell them any damn thing and they would give me the best advise.
Your Workout Friend- extremely important. I've many friends with whom I can speak about working out. Thanks to Ashi for inspiring me. Babes, you stay so far away but seeing your post A (her baby) pictures just made me  work hard and sweat it out. You rock girl. When I've done something awesome (be it related to workout or diet) Api is one person who is the 1st one to know. And most of the time, I scold her for not working out. I become a fitness expert with Apz. And then there's Thakur with whom I can joke about working out and being extremely lazy to move your *ss. Thanks for inspiring me guys.

I feel so good after jotting these down. What about you? Whose on your Speed Dial List?

Happy Birthday to my favorite Husband :-)

When I got married to Faizan 4.5 years back, both of us were sure we've found our soul mates. That feeling/belief has only become stronger now.... 

Don't  know about you Fizz, but here are my top 32 reasons for loving you (Why 32??? You know that :-))

1. You are yourself, you don't waste your energy in being or trying to be someone/something you aren't. You are totally genuine.
2. We're friends 1st.... Maybe because of the less age difference, similar personality, or God knows what... We understand each other. We don't have to communicate to one another and still know what we want. We love hanging out like friends and that's the best about our relationship.
3. Your trait of never being able to say 'No' to anyone. I know you hate it, but I adore you for that.
4. You aren't an MCP. Living with a feminist like me, and believing in a lot of things I say/do... I love you for this. Your recent Facebook status only proves I'm right... It said "Be kind to women, they take up half of the population... and are mothers to the other half !!! " #women #respect #salute. 
5. You love shopping for Z & me more than shopping for yourself.
6. You love movies like me... And you can watch and appreciate Rom-Com as you do your Sci-Fi movies (which I fail to understand). We like the same actors: Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Drew Barrymore, Tom Hanks... We also dislike the same actors: Shahrukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai ;-). One odd Priyanka Chopra doesn't really matter (but why do you like her???)
7. You might like eating good food but you have never forced me to cook. You know how much I 'don't like' cooking.
8. I used to love reading before I met you... but you introduced me to a whole lot of books which I hadn't read... Especially my favorite Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less by Jeffrey Archer.
9. You aren't someone who doesn't show his emotions just because you are 'a man'. Neither do you become over emotional about things. You manage to create the perfect balance.
10. You never force your ideas on me. I'm free to decide what I want to do, where I wanna go, what I want to buy. 
11. I love your sense of handling finances well. That definitely is something time has taught you. Now you have learned how to create that awesome balance between saving and spending.
12. You know how to pamper both your angels (me and Z). Being a Leo I love you for that.
13. You genuinely seek my opinions. And you apply them in your life when you think I make sense (which is quite often).
14. Your sense of humor, the fact that you're witty not cheap. 
15. You like music... Thanks for introducing me to Presley's music. You like Hindi Film music as well, which is a big bonus.
16. This has happened so many times. Whenever I'm thinking of you, you give me a call/text me (it just happened). P.S: That doesn't  mean you can ignore my calls 10 times a day. 
17. Listening to my constant chatting... its commendable. Now that we're the 2 of us (Z n me) you hear our constant yapping without complaining.
18. You let me have my 'kabza' over our living room when I want to work-out. You never ever complain.
19. You not only do your share of the household chores, but at times you end up doing more than your share.
20. You listen to all my nagging and constant complaining. You have seen me go through postpartum depression, constant mood swings, and consistent whining but you NEVER complain.
21. When I put on so much weight, you are the one who is the 1st one to say 'I don't like skinny, slim women.' Yeah right... You are also the 1st one to encourage me when I'm working out or dieting.
22. You are smart and extremely well-aware. You can comment/debate on any topic. Smart Bwaaaoy.
23. You treat my family as yours. You share an excellent rapport with all of them without even trying too hard. You have become my family's Blue Eyed Boy...
24. I don't like buying a lot of things (good for you!). Whenever I ask you for anything its very tough for you to say 'no'. Mwaaaaah for that.
25. You don't fail to surprise me.
26. You don't care much about  designer labels or brands. Still you make sure you don't look clumsy/dirty when you step out of the house.
27. You love cooking more than I do. If both of us are tired and sitting in front of the TV in the evening, and you want to eat something... You go straight to the kitchen and start making it yourself. You don't even give me a hint that you want to eat something.
28. Like a kid you get obsessed with a new thing we buy. Whether its a new fridge, mobile, television or even a utensil. You make sure you are the first one to use it. You make sure you by heart the entire user-manual (if there's any) and raise 10000 questions. Love that you've managed to keep the kid in you alive.
29. You are capable of being extremely patient at times and can become extremely impatient and short tempered at other times (especially on Sunday nights)
30. You can pour your heart out. And when you feel the need you don't shy away from saying 'I'm sorry' or 'I love you' or 'you are the best'. Mwaaah Mwaaaaaah for that.
31. You might love me a lot but when I'm wrong you're the 1st one to tell me that.
32. Z is blessed to have you (the best dad) and I can't thank Allah enough for you.

O.k 32 is over, but my reasons aren't.
Happy Birthday sweetheart. I know you hate celebrating your big day from the day you turned 30... but you're 32 honey... Accept it ;-).

May Allah bless you with all the good health, happiness, wealth, togetherness (as a family for the 3 of us) and a long life. Ameen.

Thank God For Baby Girls

Disclaimer : I seriously don't have anything against baby boys... I like baby boys as much as baby girls. 

What I saw this morning on TV was serious stuff. For a little over an hour the idiot box was not acting 'idiot'. I'm talking about Aamir Khan's Satyamev Jayate (this is not a fan talking, but a mother and a daughter expressing her views).

I have been blessed to be brought up in an family where girls are in majority. You are never made to feel that you are any less or any inferior to a boy. I lived for many years thinking that it works like this everywhere. When I grew up, I realized... the I'm not seeing the complete picture... not even a fraction of it. 

What I saw today was an eye opener. I had never realized that female infanticide was a bigger issue in urban India and amongst the so called 'elite-educated' section of the society. I saw women who were forced to abort their babies multiple times, had no option but to leave their house and survive on their own (hats off). I saw people who raised their voice were being suppressed... People involved in this crime were roaming freely. I came to know that this started in the 1970's when Government Hospitals encouraged sex determination to curb the rise in population.

I saw Fizz become all dew eyed and holding Z close to his heart (literally) for that entire 1.5 hours. 

And here were Fizz and I who always wanted a baby girl.

Here is a small request to God: Please don't give baby girls to monsters who do not appreciate her... realize she is as precious as anyone else... or even more. Please don't let them kill these treasures before these angels take their first breath. 

A proud mum to a baby girl. 

These are a few of my favorite things...

How I just LOVE these rains... Took Zoe for a stroll... It started raining, had to rush back but that rushing back (for once) was fun. Nice fresh breeze, raindrops falling on your face, and my baby singing and enjoying. These sure are a few of my favorite things.

I wrote this on this on Facebook and it made me think what actually are things that make me smile. So here are a few (ten) of my favorite things.

• I love smiling and making others. I'm pretty optimistic and hate pessimists (if you are one. Please! spare me...) I have my mood swings but I like being The Happy Me.
• Getting pampered and being the center of attention (I'm a Leo and you can't blame me). And I love to pamper you back. Nothing can match up to a nice hair cut.
• Love seeing a smile on my loved one's faces (Fizz, Z, Ma...)
• Dancing and Aerobics. When I'm stressed and feeling low that's what I do.
• Movies (English rom-coms, Aamir Khan movies, nice old Hrishekesh Mukherjee, Nasir Hussain or a few Basu Chatterjee movies). And I love Bollywood Songs. (especially Hindi movie songs, RD Burman my all time fav)
• Long Drives/walks in the rains
• Baking especially Cakes
• Reading out and playing with Z... In fact just being with Z makes me go lalalaa..laaaaa..
• Arguing with Fizz ;-)... Just knowing he's there and being with him is awesome.
• Writing... I love writing.

After having jotting this down I have come to the following conclusions:

• Writing this and thinking about it has made me smile... I'm happy 
• I'm a 'no-fuss' person, simple things keep me happiest. 

Want to stay happy... do what I have done.

Yeah I know this is 2 year old snap... And I'm double the size now :-)
But I love my smile in this one.