The Zoe Story

Zoe would be celebrating 1st her birthday next month, and it is high time I have her birth story jotted down. I was an HR professional and have put my career on halt since the day Zoe came in our lives. Faizan and me (who have been married for almost 4 years now) come closest to a happy urban couple. We respect each other, believe in giving one another space, and love to spend time with each other. Zoe has just made our family perfect and complete (Mashallah).

Staying in Bangalore (without no family here) both of us know Zoe is our priority and both of us set aside the things we want to do to take care of our Princess. Faizan is a hands-on-dad in the truest form, her does everything from changing her diapers, to bathing her, feeding her, dressing her up, to distracting her when I comb her hair. 

We didn't plan on starting a family, but when we conceived Zoe... after we actually came to terms with the fact we were happy, excited, a little confused and what not. In short we were ecstatic. For the both of us it meant our marriage got a brand new meaning, and our family became complete.

I had seen my elder sister who was pregnant with my nephew (2 years elder to Zoe). So I had and idea about pregnancy. Besides I read alot, discussed a lot with other preggy woman (when working 10 of my colleagues were pregnant so I had a lot of company).

Fortunately for me, I had a very normal pregnancy. I was working till the 25th of November (a day before we were blessed with Zoe). Frankly, I feel people make a big deal about pregnancy... or maybe I was just fortunate enough. I only had a little morning sickness in the 1st trimester.

I was also lucky to have Faizan and my family (mums and sis) by my side. I also had a very employee friendly employee, so I was extremely happy throughout.

Faizan was very cooperative from the day we knew we were expecting a baby. He made sure I was happy, had my home-cooked meals at the right time, took my medicines regularly, et al. He accompanied me to all the doctor visits from day-1, there wasn't a day when I had to go to the doc's clinic alone or with my mom. He couldn't be there with me in the OT as I had a C-sec, but besides that he was always besides me.

I remember I worked half day on 25th and went to the doc's clinic for a regular check-up. The doctor suspected some complication (the only problem I faced in my pregnancy) and this was followed by a series of tests. At around 11:30 in the night, it was decided I would have a C-Sec. I was a little upset as I wanted a normal delivery... but then it was because of Zoe's health we gave in and decided to have a C-Sec.

At 1:06 am on 26th November 2010 Zoe came into this world. I was under anaesthesia and at around 3:00am when I woke up, the 1st thing I asked the nurse was - how is the baby? The nurse told me "it was a baby girl" and I was on top of the world. I was able to look at Zoe only at around 4 in the morning. Faizan was so excited about Zoe coming in our lives that he bonded with her from day one. Faizan is very strong person, but is very emotional when it comes to me or Zoe.

The first few months with the baby were chaotic. Zoe was born underweight… She was suffering from colic for the initial 2 months, we shifting to Bangalore where were all alone. I had forgotten to wash my hair. I didn’t know how I was looking. I stopped working out, put on weight. I was recovering from C-Sec, my back pain was severe and energy levels low. It was like a mad rush with so many things on my mind... but myself. Now I have eased out a little but the initial 8-8.5 months were bad. Now Zoe's schedule is set, we are better settled in Bangalore, I have started working out, doing things I enjoy.

All my time right now is 'Zoe-time', so whatever I do, I take some time from Zoe and then I do it. On weekends and when he is at home, Faizan doesn't let me do much. He pretty much does everything for Zoe. I actually enjoy my Zoe-time...

Before Zoe came in my life, I watched all the movies possible in the theatre... partied... ate out... So I was prepared to have a child, and though occasionally I miss that life... When I look at Zoe I don't mind.