To 7 beautiful years!

Dearest Darling Z, 

How does it feel to be with your monster mom for 7 long years? I know exactly what I feel about you my rockstar... You are absolutely amazing, and you don't cease to surprise me every single day. 

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. 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. 

In my pre-Z days, 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. 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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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...

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. 

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".

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. 

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..."

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.

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? 

Here's what I want to tell you:

- Always believe in yourself and love yourself. 

- 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. 

- Always speak when you have to and don't worry about what others might think. 

- We all make mistakes, those mistakes make us the best version of ourselves. 

- You're too smart to be a part of a rat race. 

Remember our little #ConversationwithZ #ThatswhatZsaid

Z: "I love being myself, I can like others, but I can't be like them. I don't like to follow the crowd... "

After a few seconds: "You know what follow the crowd means... right?" 

Me: "What does it mean?"

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?" 

I've said enough, yet there is so much more I want to... we'll keep that for another time...for now...

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. 

Lots of love

Mumsy!

6th Birthday Letter to Z

Dearest Z,
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.
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 than 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:

• The way you can go on talking for hours and nothing/no one can stop you. 
• The way small changes scare you (like your haircut) and you accept big things so easily (like sleeping all by yourself at night).
• You're the happiest with your books, and how you love to smell the pages of a new book. 
• You can do cartwheels but hate it when I say "Ride the bike without your training wheels"
• You can twist your face in any direction but cannot give a decent smile in front of the camera.
• Your unconditional love shows us how to accept and love people around you. 
• The way you get upset when I purposely forget to say "I love you" and kiss you goodnight. 
• You're my best workout partner who keeps pushing me. 
• The way your face lights up when we say ice-cream. 
• 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.
• You can do anything to please me, even though I don't want you to do that. 
• 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.
• 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.
• How you make a fuss when I tell you what's for lunch or dinner and then eat it without creating any problem.

 These are just a handful out of a huge pile of things you do which have 'Zoe' written all over it.

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:

• 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.  
• 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?
• Never give up!
  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.
• 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.
• Every day is a new day.... whatever happens good or bad, she starts every day with the same zest and energy!
• 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?
• DREAM and Dream BIG
  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.
• Love unconditionally
  When she loves someone, she doesn't hold back. Her parents, her friends, her teacher, her school, her cousin, her aunts anyone....
• 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.
• 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?
• 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! 
• 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)
• Grudges are a waste of time...
  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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Carpe diem!
  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.
• 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....
• 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
  

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

Happy 4th Birthday Z

Birthdays are special, and this year we had decided we will do what Z wants for her birthday. We celebrated Z's birthday a couple of days after her real one (on the 29th of November). We would have loved to do the celebrations at home, but logistically it wasn't possible. We chose Gubacheez, because that is a place Z loves.

Z wanted to call everyone from her class and from the library. We told her she can call 15 kids + parents, finally she came down to 16 kids (the child wants to have her way ALWAYS).

We wanted a pretty no-fuss party, where children would come and enjoy. Kids played, got tattoos done and had lots of fun.

The star of the evening (besides Z) was the cake, I had picked the design after weeks of research. The cake was in shape of an open book with her favorite Julia Donaldson characters popping out. The cake looked AWESOME, and tasted the best I have had in ages. Thanks to Cake Room.

I leave you with a few pictures from the D-Day

Happy 4th Sunshine!

Dear Z,

Happy 4th  Birthday!
 

4 years Zoe, 4 years (we've sailed through) and here's wishing we spend lots and lots and lots of years of happiness and health together (FYI: the 'we' includes Fizz as well)

So, you can stop giving me the 'When I'll be 4 years old' gyaan... Before you start 'When I'll be 5' raaga, give your Mumsy a break of at least 12 months.

OK!!!! That was easy, I have been blankly staring at my laptop for sometime now. I cannot tell you, how proud mumsy is of you Z. The screen got blurred and I thought it needs cleaning. Later I realised a tear or two trickled down my eyes as I try to gather my thoughts about the 4 years that have gone by. #LookWhatYouHaveDone

I still cannot believe, I'm a mom to a 4 year old... did I cry because I just realised you have turned 4. :-D

Talking about the year that went by... You have grown as a new person... Independent yet clingy (at times), brave yet apprehensive to try out new things, expressive (which you've always been - touchwood). I'm sorry that I called Z:1 and Z:2 a Drama Queen. Nothing can beat you now. Having said that, I'd like to add you're not pretentious, you're a born Drama Queen... you are effortless. :-P

I have to say this, "Oh! My God! I see so much of me in you sweetheart". Not just physically (that anybody can see), our personalities are so much like each other. You are truly Mini-Me. Then, you are like Fizz in a lot of ways as well.

The past 4 years haven't been so tough, or I'm just too emotional and happy to say they were. Actually the lows were few with lots of highs. I have enjoyed the 4 year long roller coaster ride.

Thank You for blessing me and choosing me as your mum ZeeZoo. My life has changed for better after I became a mom.

Happy Birthday Sunshine! Thanks for making my days and nights bright!

Love Mumsu

Here is how we celebrated Z-3

So we are back, from a much needed break and after having a lot of fun.

We went to Goa to roll in Z's 3rd birthday, yes... like the 1st.  The only difference was this time around we had all the more fun and Z loved her little holiday.

We stayed at the Country Inn and Suites by Carlson Goa and we loved the place. I think Z loved the bike rides... all 3 of us did. Beaches meant lots of sand castles and playing in the water. Z still didn't want to go in the pool, she preferred the beach.... don't worry we will reach the pool as well.

She got pampered like anything, and ate what Z wanted to. We didn't shop much this time around because she doesn't like shopping yet. This was her trip so we did what her Z-ness wanted.

I will let the pictures do the talking.

Cheers To Z3

Hey Beautiful!

I love to see you grow everyday Ma Sha Allah. And you have really become a little girl over the past year... You have become taller, leaner (skinny actually), that day Fizz was saying 'My little girl has really grown up' and that is when he sees you every single day. So, now you understand what I mean when I say you have grown up. Even I feel the same. I truly do... specially when I see your dresses & jeans become shorter. I have to buy new clothes every now and then.
 

Every single morning you wake momma up with your brightest smile. And I can do anything for that smile of yours. It is the brightest and the most mischievous smile I have ever seen in my life.  

You learn so much everyday. I expected that by the end of the 3rd year you would know the names of all your favorite books... you know the names of almost all the books you have and you pretend read the book as well. You tell me the same story in your own words. You can count from 1-29 and then you start 20-10, 20-11, 20-12 :-P. You know the days of the week, which I was shocked to know when I heard you recite the other day. You know almost all the major colours (almost 10-12 of them) and you correct Fizz as well. Your phone phobia has disappeared and you can talk on the phone with ease. Be it for pretend play or actual talking on the phone. I don't think I can match up with the speed you solve your puzzles and blocks.

If I recall the day you entered our lives 3 years back, I couldn't have guessed you will become so big so soon Ma'sha'Allah. You were so small, so tiny and so delicate. You know what... when I held you in my arms for the 1st time... I cried as I wasn't sure I would be able to take care of such a delicate and such a precious little thing.... I guess we did just fine. When I see your little feet touch the floor as you rest on the chair I feel my little baby... who I easily held in two palms of mine when she was born has become a big girl.

 
One thing that I expected is that you will turn out to be a chatterbox... which you have become in the true sense of the word. When I heard you say Mamma for the first time I was in tears... but now you say ... Momo please read me this book... or please come with me to the bathroom... or Momo will you take me to nusic class *music class. You learn so many new words everyday and you create complete sentences, 3 cheers for that! You not only speak clearly most of the time... you also make up your own stories, which I love listening to. You can be the sweetest (at least sound sweetest) when you request "Fizzy/Mamma can you do this Pleeeeeease". My heart melts right there and then.

Everyone knows about your love for books, besides books you also love playing drums and cars. Pretend play and painting is something you don't mind doing. What I love is the fact you do not need company while playing and you can keep yourself busy and engaged.

You have adjusted well in school, and I know you are one of the naughtiest one in school. You have to carry your own school bag, even though it is a little heavy for you. You love your school which was one of the biggest milestones. When you talk about your friends (Ishika, Jainish, Jaivish & Aka-kanksha) I just love listening to you. You also found someone you love spending time with and she loves your company too... yeah I'm talking about Laasya. I guess we need to spend more time together... what say Shweta? And your new - found buddy Hrishikesh, I do not know how much H remembers you, but you keep talking about Hrishikesh. Three of you created a ruckus on the playdate but you enjoyed each other's company none the less.

Another milestone which we achieved this year was your potty training. Not training actually. I just told you one fine day, and you were ready. Night training is still left but we will reach there once my baby is ready.  

There are things which you do, which prove that you are still little. Like your tantrums... my God! Who said Terrible Twos were bad, I think its Troublesome threes now. You are short tempered and all kids your age are... but it is nothing to be proud of and I hate it when you show your temper off. Having said that... I must confess you are extremely loving as well. If you love someone you make sure people know that. When you see mamma or Fizz upset or angry you start with your "Make Happy Face... Sad Face, Surprise Face, Shocked Face, Crying Face... Big Happy Face." I love playing this game with you as you beat both Fizz and me to it. You are the undisputed Drama Queen. I thought I was the biggest drama queen ever... till I met you... and you are the best! I bow down to thee. Your expressions (specially the surprise, curious and sad face you make)... things you say and do to get attention are HILARIOUS.

Something really bad happened this year... which could have been avoided... I think Mamma was careless. Because of me you were in the hospital for 1.5 days and believe me those were the worst days of my life. I was so helpless Z, I'm sorry! Mamma loves you alot Buba... remember that!

Guess How Much Love You!

Momo/Mamma/Momma (it's high time you decide)

2 years of Amazing Z-Ness

Z if you're already 2 young lady. I just cannot believe (I really cannot) that you are 2 already... Just relax kid... You can chill and we are in no hurry for you to grow up :-P. You have become such a big girl in the past couple of months Mash'Allah. Most moms choke up on their kids 1st birthday, but to be honest when I look back, I think you were quite a baby back then :). It seems like all of a sudden you have become a girl and aren't a baby any more (All right, lets settle with 'toddler'). I don't actually remember, when and how... but the last 12 months saw you transform from a baby to a girl. It wasn't a day or month... you have grown up each and every moment... and have made life special.

Obviously, I feel time has flown by... but I'll skip these cliches. Do you feel the same way? I mean were we good parents and you didn't realize time flew by. Or was I a terror and you do not want to think about the 2 years gone by... naah... I hope I wasn't so bad.

I keep a journal about your achievements in the last 2 years, but do you remember how your days went by? If you want me to re-write the entire thing... I'm sorry I can't. You can sure check our monthly posts and you can keep reading them.

Z you are all that I always wanted and much more. I clearly remember how you looked when you came in this world (2 years back) and the moment I saw you, tears started rolling down my eyes. I must admit, the relationship I shared with you, has developed, I frankly couldn't relate to you when you were born, as I do today.

This year has been full of surprises, more milestones, a great lot of fun and a whole lot of tantrums. Z you must be thinking I always... always... always keep cribbing about your tantrums, but I love it... coz when I see you I feel at least there is someone who beats me hands down. Actually now I have become kind of used to of the tantrums that you throw. People say these are 'terrible 2s' but I'd like to term them as the 'terrific 2s'. You're growing and if we don't understand what you want, or we can't take charge of a situation being adults... You will throw a tantrum for sure.

You have developed a personality of your own... You are loving, independent, a social butterfly, sharp (my smarty pants), a bookworm, stubborn, you love limelight, you have strong mood swings and that makes you a perfect mix of FizzNFalak. One thing that is clear now is that,  you have become my Little Ms. Independent in the past year.  You don't cling on to us all the time (you do only when you want to). You want to wash hands, lay the table, put on your shoos, brush your teeth and what not.

You are also a busy bee, you keep yourself busy with books, magnets (yes fridge magnets) and your musical instruments. You let Mommie continue her work when you want to... but when you need attention, you just come and shut Mom's laptop... Warning toh de diya karo yaar. I won't say no... You know that.

O.K now a lot of good things... Let's come straight to business. So your Z-ness its time to bid many things adieu... Diapers and thumb sucking for sure... We sure are making progress in both these aspects. Another big step would be starting School, from June Insh'Allah. So, no more loitering around and creating a ruckus at home.

Its your day my sweet-pea and we will do what you like, another vacation birthday... And you're enjoying to the core. Happy Birthday Z, you are the best gift Allah has blessed us with Mash'Allah. Have a Blast my baby. May Allah bless you with everything you deserve and much more, may you have a blessed life ahead. And may we have the patience, love, understanding, maturity to bring you up as a loving, confident, responsible, happy individual. Love you Doll.

A picture post with details on how we celebrated your Pondi birthday will follow.

Z turned 1 Goa Style....

My dearest Cupcake,

Your 1st Birthday, like any for parent was a huge thing for us. We were confused whether to do a nice party with all family and friends or take you on a fun vacation (We chose the later). The reason why we did is simple. 1st birthdays generally become celebrations for the parents and family but in these parties the baby gets really cranky seeing so many people around. Besides you have been staying with only your mum & dad and get a little uncomfortable when someone else tries to hold and cuddle you. 

Happy Birthday with Abbi...

We wanted you to have all the fun, more than Mumsu and Abbi. We decided we would be going to Goa to celebrate your birthday for a couple of days. We were a little skeptical about our decision till the last minute, but once we were in Goa all our doubts vanished. 

Flaunting her dress

Zoe the Water Baby

My bikini babe in the beach

You love water and Goa was the perfect destination for my little mermaid. Be in the beaches or the pool you loved it all. Loved doing Splashy-Splash, and didnt care if it was hot, windy, or sunny.

Splash in the pool

That tastes Yuck

Enjoying Sunset at beach

Mumsu Playing Devil on the beach

Exploring Goa on Bikes

Goa meant taking an Activa and exploring the place. You loved your bike rides and felt amazing when wind blew your hair. If you were sleepy. you slept on the bike itself and Mumsu had to be extra careful, holding you tightly. We went to Aguda and Chapora fort, churches, markets and you made sure you didn't miss out on having lots of fun.

With Mumsu at Aguda Fort.

No fuss About food

You made sure you did let mum and dad enjoy, you loved eating what Mumsu and Dad ate. We carried all baby food but that didn't impress you much. You only made sure you got your food and milk on time. 

Enjoying her birthday Dinner

People loved you

Whoever saw you fell in love with you... and you smiled back. This trip has made you turn into a social butterfly, interacting with people all around and entertaining them.

"I love my family"-Zoe

The Princess turns One.... (Already???)

Dearest ZoeMoe,

I will start this note to you by stating the obvious..... Time sure has flown by.
I just cannot believe you are a whole year old now... it seems just yesterday baba that you were born... you were so tiny (2.47kgs to be precise) .... the 'tiny baby' Bodysuit was huge for you....

See I told you.... You were really Small....

Now when I look at you Mash'Allah wearing clothes meant for 12 month old I feel time sure has flown. Both Abbi and Mumsu fell in love with the cutest thing we've laid our eyes on the moment you were in front of us.

Sleeping was you favorite Past time

First few days were difficult (to say the least).... Our fun-filled lives were full of sleepless nights, coping with Delhi winters, doctor visits,  vaccinations, and ofcourse The Colic Monster (which thankfully lasted only 2 months)...... In the initial 1 month you had a little problem breathing, but thankfully that became better soon. Slowly Faizan & I became used to you being around and we knew exactly what you wanted.

Your Initial Smiles.... (You were looking @ Abbi of course)

Things started changing... You started meeting your milestones... your first smile, laughter, words, crawl, sitting unassisted, waving bye (or as you say it 'Baa-bye'), 1st tooth (now you have a mouthful of 4.5 teeth) , your crawl and your cruises.... we're waiting for your 1st step without holding on to something.

All these steps/milestones were awesome but what was a relief for both your dad and mum was when around 6 months you started sleeping through the night. Don't think we are selfish ... this also made you turn into a happier Zoe.

You love Sweet /Savory ... Healthy/Unhealthy... Everything

I have heard a lot of stories of mothers complaining about their baby's not eating properly. You do all your 'Nakhras' when I feed you something you should eat, when eventually you finish. When someone eats in front of you and doesn't share, you go berserk. You MashAllah eat all that we do. No bland mashed food for my baby...Chewing seems to be your favorite pastime, you chew everything .... paper, mobile, remote, tubes, pens ...

Love these and many other shots of yours

Zoe... you know what you love getting your pictures clicked. Actually you are a photographer's delight. The smile that comes on your face when you see the camera is amazing ... you give different expressions everytime I click u.

See I have proof... You ZeeKha will kill me for this.

You have such a charming smile and adorable innocence in your eyes that people get attracted to you easily, but when someone tries to hold you ... you shriek and how...

You enjoying your favorite 'Madhubala'

Everyone says you are your mothers replica, (in looks and attitude).... I just can;t get enough of it... because I start feeling so beautiful when someone says that. The most obvious thing that youv'e taken from me is your love for music ... Zoe, you can't stop moving when I switch on any music channel (your current favorite is Sony Mix) ... And the smile that comes on your face when you hear you favorite songs is to die for.
 

You, with your favorite book

Another thing you have taken from both your parents is your love for reading, especially the pop up cat & mouse book. That's just for a few minutes actually .... coz my Zoe is a busy girl .... she loves exploring things around ...

Love seeing the both of you together

1 thing which makes me feel all left out (which I knew would happen before you were born) is that Faizan spends every spare minute with you.... as if I don't exist .... Frankly I don't mind ... because just seeing the both of you together makes me feel nice. You are blessed to have such a great dad Zoe.... who loves you like anything. And let me tell you, when you see Abbi you forget all about me.... (Bad Zoe) :-(

Zoe aka ZoeMoe aka Daddoo aka Dukki .... you are an integral part of our lives. We don't remember how our family was like when you weren't there. Mumsu & Abbi love you a lot. May Allah bless you with a long life full of happiness, health, wealth and lots of Icecreams.

Love you baby... Mumsu