Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Bringing in 2014


Every year around this time, I have a habit of preparing a list ... a list of to-do's in the coming year. And I have been a very good girl when it comes to following that list. This year I have prepared a similar list for Z, we are going to work on these 'new year resolutions' together. I just send a little prayer to the lord above, and hope to do these things together.

2013 was not a very smooth year for Z as far as her health is concerned, we need to work on improving the immunity levels for sure. We have already started working on the same and hope 2014 and the future will be healthier and happier for Little Miss. Z Inshaa'Allah.

Seeing my little girl performing on stage made me realize how she loves dancing (I know someone might get jealous, but she has taken this from me as well). I asked her whether she would want to join dance class and I got a BIG YES as my answer. So I'm looking for a place where I can enroll her till she turns 4 and joins Ballet.

Night potty training is another milestone which we need to work on and I will try to get this over and done with before you turn 4.

We bid 2013 good-bye and did lots of things Z wanted to. We went toy & book shopping, Z wanted to have donuts and she did... before going to bed, we watched Shrek and Z loved it.

Being Zoe's Mom is also taking a resolution for 2014... that will be to be more regular with posts and updates.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Book Pick - Tabby McTat by Julia Donaldson


Book: Tabby McTat
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler



This is the 2nd book Z received as a birthday gift from her Aanie. There is nothing new about the fact that I love Donaldson's work.

Why I picked it and what was my Reaction: I did hear a lot about the book from parents of older kids and when I did read about Julia Donaldson's work Tabby McTat was always mentioned. When I went through the book for the first time, I thought Z is going to take a few more months to get hooked on to this one. Guess what? I was totally wrong.

The Toddler's take: Z loves cats and with Tabby McTat, her love for cats became stronger. She loves not only Tabby but also Samuel Sprat, Sock, Soames and Susan (those are the other cats featured in the book).

What it is about: It is about Tabby McTat who is a busker's cat. Tabby and Busker get separated and though Tabby starts a new life with a wife, children, new owners and a new house... he does miss the busker a lot. Will Tabby be able to go back to Fred (the busker) if he does what will happen to his family.

How We Read it: Drama and lots of singing.

Favorite Line: We love the song 'You... Me and the Old guitar...'

Age Group:  4+

BZM Must Buy, you can pick it up from Flipkart

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Super Simple Christmas Craft!

Super Simple ... Super Fast Christmas Craft. I'm not a Crafty mom at all... I can mess up even if it comes to sticking to pieces together...Yes I'm that bad. So this is what I tried with Z this year. I made this little ornament out of Ice-cream sticks for Z's Christmas Tree.

 



This craft is very simple, you would hardly need 5 minutes to create this and a little time for the paint to dry. Here is the stuff you need:

  • 3 Ice-cream Sticks
  • Green Paint
  • Brown Paint
  • Paint Brush
  • Glue
  • Construction Paper
  • Small Itsy-Bitsy stuff to decorate the tree
  • Small piece of Red Satin Ribbon

Follow these steps:
  • Paint the Ice-cream Sticks green on the both sides, keep it aside to dry.
  • Cut the construction paper into a square of 2 inches * 2 inches, paint that brown on both the sides.
  • Stick the ice-cream sticks to make a triangle
  • Stick the construction paper in the middle of one of the side, as the trunk of the Christmas Tree
  • Decorate the Tree
  • Tie the ribbon at the tip of the Tree on the top

Taa-Daa your tree is ready!


Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Z Speaks

Z playing alone... I look at her and go to her.
Me: Hey baby do you want mamma to play with you?
Z: No Mamma. Please go back. Zoe is busy.
Me: Please Z can we play together
Z: No! Later. Go complete your work. Work on Laptop!

So for those who don't know I'm working out for the past couple of months. I was doing wall-sits (for those who do not know you need to stand against a wall). Z comes up ...

Z: Momma don't push the wall... it is bad habit.
Me: **Panting... Out of breath. Pushing people is bad, you can push the wall.
Z: No Momma, it is bad habit. Get away... see big doggie is coming he will bite you!

**I literally fell off.

Zoe going through one of her books in which Snoopy is dressed up as a bandit.
Z: Momma what is this?
Me: Ba, it is snoopy, dressed up with a patch on his eye. He is playing dress up
Z: Oh Momma... Snoopy is playing a bandit.

Her current obssession Zog has been read out again and again and she keeps saying... I'm Princess Pearl... I don't like dancing in a Silly Frilly Dress.
** I don't think she knows the complete meaning YET... But she has made mumma happy.

Leaving you with a picture
All I told her is that Z I want to click some pictures... I took these within a minute!


Friday, December 13, 2013

Book Pick - Zog by Julia Donaldson

Book: Zog
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler


I'm back with Julia Donaldson... and with another book. Z got 2 brand new books last week Zog and Tabby McTat (she loves both). We will review the later next week. I read somewhere recently that Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are a match made in heaven, and I completely believe they were meant to produce brilliant books together.

Why I picked it and what was my Reaction: Z got this book as a gift, everyone knows she loves Donaldson. My elder sister gifted it to Z, and she was hooked on to the book immediately. She loves the way she can relate to Madam Dragon and compares her to her teacher at school... it is funny but true.

The Toddler's take: Z loves Donaldson, dragons and school... hence Z is completely obsessed with the book. She reads the book every single day and within a week she has memorized the book already. She reads the book on her own throughout the day. 

What it is about: Madam Dragon runs a school and trains little dragons. Zog (one of her students) is very hardworking and has his eyes on the Golden Star. He tries to complete all the tasks that Madam Dragon gives, but keeps getting into trouble. A little Princess named Pearl helps Zog at every step. In the end Zog gets the golden star and becomes an ambulance for the flying doctors, i.e Princess Pearl & a knight.

How We Read it: Drama... Drama and a lot of Drama.

Favorite Line: 'Now that you've been shown, you can practice on your own...' I don't know why but Z has to repeat this line like a 100 times a day.

Age Group:  3+

BZM Must Buy, you can pick it up from Flipkart

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

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.




Monday, December 9, 2013

Z Speaks (adventures actually)


  • Zoe said something (very seriously) and I started laughing.... since I found it funny... Z gives me a dirty look and says "Its Not Funny" ....
  • Our Mornings have to start with a tantrum. The good part is that is the only meltdown she has in a day (Thank God for that). The bad part is... she could have been chosen a better time. Breaking News - Faizan got mad at her... which is HUGE... its another Story that it was a loud 'Zoe Stop It!' followed by an apology. 
  • Look Who is in celebration mode with gifts pouring in. Thanks Aanie, couldn't be happier...In the picture - Zoe + Tabby McTat + Zog (reviews up soon)
 

This is what happens when the husbands gets his muse (unfortunately it is no longer me)

 

Monday, December 2, 2013

Book Review - Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

So I take a little break from Donaldson and review an equally amazing book by Anna Dewdney. It is a series of books featuring Llama Llama and Mama Llama. This is not the first book in the in the series but it is the most popular.

Book: Llama Llama Red Pajama
Author: Anna Dewdney




Why I picked it and what was my Reaction: Just look at the cover, the cute Llama will make you pick the book anyway. This one was recommended by a close friend and I do not regret picking it up all. It is a lovely colorful book about a Little Llama and his mama.

The Toddler's take: Zoe loved the book before she owned it. She took it from the library and didn't want to give it back. I also showed her a video of this story and she loves the story-song. She was hooked on to the book when she was gifted the book by her Aanie (my elder sister).

What it is about: The story is amazing, it is the story of her life... When I tuck her in bed and go out she wants everything at that point... and she has to read the book before she finally goes to bed.

How We Read it: Our storytime  is not complete without a little bit of Drama... So we sing the Llama Llama song first and then we read the book.

Age Group:  2+

BZM Must Buy... pick it up from Amazon

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Book Review - Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson

I'm back with another review of  a completely amazing book by Julia Donaldson

Book: Room on the Broom
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler


Why I picked it and what was my Reaction: A witch, a broom, a cat and the words " Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler" made me instantly fall in love with this one. When I read the I was smiling, the way the witch has been portrayed as the most gentle creature on earth was totally amazing. The story, the rhyme, the words, the illustrations, the situation... I just loved it all. 

The Toddler's take: I think Zoe knows its a Julia Donaldson book even before I tell her... she loves Room on the Broom (or 'witch and the hat') as she likes to call it. So much so that she wanted to dress up as a witch for her school party. When I read it to her the first time all I got were repeated request of reading the book again. I got the same reaction when I read it in my session, so I have tested the book on not one, not two but a lot of kids. 

Zoe 'reading' 'Witch and the Hat' to Pooh!

What it is about: Extract from my review of the same book on Artsy Craftsy Mom "The story is about a kind hearted witch and her pet cat, they love flying on their broomstick. The witch keeps on dropping her hat, her bow and her wand. These are retrieved by different animals and all the animals want in return is a lift on the witch's broomstick. The witch allows all of them to fly with her, till the broomstick snaps into two. Suddenly the witch gets in danger, will her new found friends be able to help the kind hearted witch? The story is exciting, with rhythmic verses and lots of fun. The kids will fall in love with the kind hearted witch. Repetition of verses, a lot of drama and a little suspense makes it a complete winner and a must read.  I love the book as much as Zoe does; I also love the underlying message on sharing, friendship & trust."

How We Read it: Lots of Drama and some more... with different voices and moving around all over the place. 
Age Group:  4+ but if you are raising a reader a 3 year old will also enjoy it as much, Z has this book since she was a little over 2 and she loved it.

BZM Must Buy, you can pick it up from Flipkart

Monday, November 25, 2013

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)

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Book Pick - The Gruffalo's Child by Julia Donaldson

As mentioned, I would be telling you about some amazing Julia Donaldson books for a couple of weeks and this week's pick is The Gruffalo's Child by Julia Donaldson.

Book: The Gruffalo's Child
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler



Why I picked it and what was my Reaction: Well, reading Gruffalo and reading it over and over again made me pick the sequel. Gruffalo,  Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler cannot go wrong.

The Toddler's take: People told me this is not as entertaining and engaging as the first installment, but I beg to differ.  Z and I can vouch for the book... She reads Gruffalo followed by The Gruffalo's Child and it is something she has to do. Her giggles, her questions, her kissing the book continues in this one as well.

What it is about: The book starts sometime after the first one ends. It is a totally adorable sequel to The Gruffalo. It starts when a cold winter night, Gruffalo tells his child about the big bad mouse. Gruffalo's child becomes inquisitive and she wants to find out everything about the mouse. So, as her dad snores one night, she tip-toes into the jungle. The Gruffalo's Child meets the snake, owl and the fox before meeting the Big Bad Mouse, what happens next??? well read the book to find out. 

How We Read it: Lots of voices, emotions and drama. 

Age Group: 3-6 years

BZM must buy, pick it up from Flipkart

Monday, November 18, 2013

Her Z-ness

Random Updates:

Went to pick Z up from School today and asked the teacher hows she doing..... and I hear "Ohhhh she's doing great. Her energy is infectious and she loves to talk"
Why wasn't I surprised? She's just like me.


Zoe talking to the cushion (make belief Fizz)
Z: Fizzy do you miss me??? OK do you want to listen to a story. Opens her hands like a book. Once upon a time there was a little girl who lived in a jungle called Gina. Gina was sleeping, in the morning she saw a giant and giant said "Come Zoe Come" (how did Gina become Zoe???) Zoe shouted 'No,giant you bad bad boy ... go home.' Simish (Finish).
OK... Did you like the story???"


And Here is the Drama Queen...


Thursday, November 14, 2013

Stay a Child Forever - Contest Entry On-Board the Mommyship

This post is for the Children's Day contest by On-Board the Mommyship, a blog by Rituparna, which I love reading. 

Here they want us to tell in not more than 150 words that one quality (why just one) you want your child to remember all his / her life.

I always wish Z keeps the child in her alive when she grows up, people say I've managed to do that... and I'm proud of the achievement. Z has taken so many things from me... I wish she adopts this one as well. :-)


You are special because you are able to forgive and forget easily, you smile at the drop of a hat, your curiosity knows no end... Z you love being funny and being yourself, you know how to have fun, you don't judge people around you based on XYZ, you love stories and believe in them, you do not believe in Failure, you smile from your heart!!! There are so many things about children... about Z that I love and would want her to keep these qualities in her forever. 

If I want to choose just one thing and would want you to keep that intact forever... it would be your quality to See Beauty in Anything and Everything... whether it is painting, your books, music, singing, people, a small insect, sand, cupcake, the distorted 'Piyatha' (Paratha) mom makes, the funny faces you make, it all. I just love it.

Always keep this in your heart because there is beauty in everything from a small pebble to big blue sky... God Bless You Z...

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Story of the Past 5 Months

So, Z officially completed 5 months of Siksha today and I'm a proud mom. Though, she did take a little time to adjust to school without mom & dad... Now she is a happy kid and we are happy.  Though I would like to add she hated going to school when she was recovering from cold or the terrible stomach flu she had... but that is natural. I have seen so many positive changes that we can see in Z. Recently, a friend of mine asked what changes have you seen in Z since she started her school. That made me think about this post.
  • Z has always been a chatterbox, but now her vocabulary has improved immensely. She uses many new words every single day.
  • Z has definitely become more social. She doesn't get stressed when someone wants to speak to her or play with her now, as she used to get a couple of months back.
  • She has started taking interest in puzzles and legos, which initially she did not. Her speed as far as doing puzzles is concerned has increased.
  • She wants to go to school and keeps talking about her teachers and her friends.
  • She did go as a 'rock-star' for the fancy dress party & I hope to see her on stage on the Parent's Day function.
  • Z sings one or two new songs each day, her favorite song... can you believe it is 'Lakdi ki kathi' which was and will always remain close to my heart.
Now I like the fact that I had actually not listened to everyone who was suggesting me against a Montessori. I had listened to my instinct and I did make a right decision.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Z Speaks 2

We go to pick Zoe from school, and as a ritual I ask her what she did in school:
Z -  Mamma there was Curious George in School
Me - Really?
Z - Yes Mamma...
Me - OK... And what did you do with Curious George?
Z - Play pink blocks, sandpit, snacktime and artwork
Me - Wow Zoe... So will he come again tomorrow
Z - Hmmmmmmm No Mamma tomorrow Peppa Pig! Curious George ENOUGH

***************************************************************************************************************************************


Z and Me Reading Monkey Puzzle (review coming up later this week)
Z - Oho Mamma! This butterfly is Mad
Me -  No baby why do you say so
Z - Baby Monkey will find his Momma. Butterfly making Baby Monkey sad

***************************************************************************************************************************************
I was watching TV with Zoe, and I switched one of my channel and there was an argument going on the TV, before I could switch it off... Z says "Ooooooo Mamma! Why are they shouting." She then shuts her ears, and says "Mamma please quiet quiet."

Faizan gets off to pay the electricity bill, Z being Daddy's Darling says: Where has Fizzy gone?
Me: Baby he's gone to pay the bill. Electricity bill.
Z: But why Fizzy?
Me:Just like that
Z: Mommy you pay the bill
Me: OK ba next time I will
Z thinks for a second
Z: No, Zoe pay the bill. Mommy Fizzy Relax.

***************************************************************************************************************************************

So I had slept just for around 4 hours last night.... and was damn sleepy in the morning.

Z (As I get her dressed for school): What happened Mamma? Are you OK?
Puts her hand on my forehead: Tabbat theek hai?
Me: No baba... Mamma is Sad (making a sad face)
Z: oh oh! Wait Dr. Zoe get Doctor set. Chaliya have daba (medicine)
After giving me medicine: Good Mamma. I kissi for mamma... now smiling face.

My day was made.

***************************************************************************************************************************************

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Book Review - What The Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson

Firstly, I would like to apologize to Julia Donaldson, our favorite author. We have explored so many books by Donaldson and I have just written about The Gruffalo. Today, we are talking about a current favorite 'What the Ladybird Heard'. And just to make up, I will be doing back-to-back reviews of Donaldson every week.... that is for entertaining us so much. 

Back to the book... 'Once upon a Farm'... well if a book starts with that phrase it shows the amount of fun in store for the readers. How a little, silent, harmless ladybird saves a 'fine-prized cow' from being stolen. The fun continues when the cat says Oink and the 'Baa', 'Moo', 'Cluck' all goes wrong.


Why I picked it and what was my Reaction: The first line did it for me... the vibrant illustrations are beautiful (though they aren't by Donaldon's favorite Axel Scheffler). Zoe immediately fell in love with so many animals all in a single book. The vibrant yellow was also responsible for me picking up the book.

The Toddler's take: She immediately fell in love with the book, she loved the book and her love for it has only increased. We have had this book for more than a year now... and she wants to read it every single day. She loves when all the animals take out the noise of other animals... and her "Oh No!" reaction, after every animal is so funny.

How We Read it: Lots of voices that is all the book needs. It is such a great book in itself, I don't need any songs or games or puppets. She is completely engrossed from the first page till the end (though the story is a little complicated for a 3 year old).

Age Group: 4+ but if you are raising a reader a 3 year old will also enjoy it as much.

BZM Must Buy, you can pick it up from Flipkart

Monday, November 4, 2013

Z is a born story teller

I don't know what it is... is it her love for books... or watching her favorite Julia Donaldson story come live on TV  (put something else and Z will happily skip her 1 hour of TV).... or listening to her dad making some totally crazy stories... or seeing her mom narrate in the most animated manner.

Even if mom or dad are busy, she will look for a book and start reading ... she doesn't read yet. She pretend reads the book and makes an amazing story... right there and then. Picture this... I went for my cousin's wedding and at one of the functions I made Z sit on the couch and went to have dinner. Z looked around... picked up a brochure kept there and started reading out loud "Once upon a time... a long long time ago..." everybody looked at her and had a big laugh.

For Z, it wasn't funny, it was serious business. 

She prefers a book but, if she doesn't have one it is perfectly fine. For instance, I went to pick her up from school the other day and as I always do... I asked her what she did at school. She told me Gruffalo was there at school and she wasn't scared... According to her she even played with Gruffalo in the sandpit and with the pink blocks. Then again that day while sitting on the pot... she said 'Mamma I'm a vegetable. I'm a banana.' I told her 'Baby ... Banana is a fruit" then after thinking for a minute or two she said... "no I was a vegetable and I was a small green pea. I don't like green so I became a yellow banana."

This is common amongst 3.5 year olds but Z isn't 3 yet and she has been doing this for past couple of months.

All I do... well I just try to read more and I try I never stop her when she is trying to make up a story. I also ask a lot of questions when she is done. You should see the spark in her eyes when she answers my questions.... Its amazing!

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Its the simple things in life that really matter…









Children, especially younger children are very simple creatures and simple things please them more than anything else. I say that with a mommy experience of almost 3 years. Z has lots and lots of toys… like many other children her age, but all her toys do not impress her for long enough. Simple things on the other hand keep Z happy and busy for longer period of time…

Books keep her completely engrossed (I know books don’t come cheap now…), that is the only thing she asks for and wants most of the time.

Even if I don’t talk about books, Z can be kept happily engaged for long. I was in Kanpur couple of weeks back for my cousin’s engagement and Z with her cousins was creating a ruckus. Well, I was there to keep the kids happy without much noise. I pasted sheets of brown paper with a scotch tape on the floor and gave all the kids lots of crayons. The kids (all between 2.5-6 years) were busy for a good one hour. The younger ones like Z did end up spoiling some beautiful pictures the elder ones were drawing.

I make sure I take Z to the park or our terrace everyday. There I let her do, pretty much whatever she wants.

I have bought a small broom and a duster for Z, she loves dusting around and cleaning the house with the two. I think she is a cleanliness freak like her dad.

Z has a chalk board and she loves scribbling on it with her chalks. She also has so much fun finger painting.

Z loves to talk and she can spend hours, if you are ready to sit and listen to what she says that is.

Leave her in the sand pit and see her get dirty in the matter of minutes.

Most of all Z loves getting/giving lots of kisses and huggies to ‘people she knows’. If you are a stranger to Z, meeting her for the 1st time… don’t even try to hug her. She will shriek the loudest shriek.

So, now we have stopped spending a lot on Z’s toys so much. We have also started donating her toys, which she has outgrown or has never touched.

I just wish I had realized it earlier and saved a lot of money we have already spent on her toys. I guess better late than never.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!

6 years of friendship
6 years of belief in each other
6 years of standing besides each other
6 years of spreading happiness in each others life
6 years of turning partners from friends and parents from partners
6 years of loving each other more with each passing day
6 years of spending life’s best moments with each other
6 years of hoping the best is yet to come
6 years of working hard and lazing around
6 years of promises that we know we want to keep
6 beautiful years of togetherness
6 amazing years of wishing that we will grow old together



You have been my support, my best critic, my better half. You (sort of) fill the void my AJ left… I can’t say this about you, but I have been BLESSED to have Faizan as my husband… as a best friend for life. I do not know if I have been a good wife, but I know you love me a lot…
Happy Anniversary Sweetheart. Love You!

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Our Potty Training Story!

Well, there is no story really. When Z was born the thing I was petrified of was potty training… no… not her sleep schedule, sleepless nights, her picky eating, her tantrums, her admission, nothing scared me as much as Potty Training. I had heard so many opinions and so many horror stories that I was scared. I did not want to hurry.

Zoe was in her diapers till 2.5 years, I didn’t put much effort in potty training.No, I wasn’t being lazy (that’s one thing I’m not) I was just waiting for the right time. And one day I realized Z has started showing all signs of being ready. I followed this list on Babycenter. I soon knew she was ready… I told her a story… I made it up. About how big girls and boys should use potty in the bathroom. I told her if we keep on doing potty and pee-pee in diapers it smells bad and germs will make her bummy red. She said “OK Momma”… from that day I left her diaper free except at night or when we go out for a long time.

She sits on the big potty in the bathroom and tell momma like a good girl when she wants to go poo or pee. I’m not saying all parents will have the same story, all I’m trying to say is wait till your little one is ready.

Friday, September 27, 2013

My Little Ms. Z

Zoe is growing and how… She now holds a complete conversation with us which we mostly understand. Well, 90% of the time we do. She scolds us, corrects us, explains things, tells us stories, laughs at her own jokes and is capable of crying at the drop of a hat. More than anything she does, she doesn’t stop surprising me every single day.

She is not even 3, we still have 2 months to go, but my Ms. Z is a person with a heart & mind of her own. I try to let her be that mostly, and I love seeing her evolve into a new person each day. She is so much like the both of us, she has got my looks, her dad’s determination, she has taken up speaking non-stop from me and her taste in food is just like her daddy. She loves her books like the both of us. Yet, Z is so different… she is a very social person, unlike me or Fizzy, she believes in showing she loves you unlike the both of us. And her famous ‘Nose Twitch’ is not found in Fizz or me. There are so many things that make her ‘Z’.


 

I love the special bond that Z and I have developed and this becomes all the more special as days pass. She might be her dad’s darling, but she is also her momma’s girl. She sees me busy in work, and she comes to me, gives me a kiss on my cheek and says “I love you Momo”. That and many other things she does, melts my heart…. but before I’m able to control my emotions and am able to say anything… she has gone. Doing something else, with equal amount of enthusiasm…

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Eid, Birthday and I-Day Update

So Ramzaan's over and so is eid and my birthday. I have been trying to take out time to write but have been really busy courtesy MLCB and Tale in a Mail. Eid was celebrated in Z's school on Thursday, the kids were suppose to wear something traditional. Which was a task to say the least. She didn't want to wear her kurta - churidaar... eventually after a lot of convincing on my part and crying on Zoe's... I won. Here is what ma'am looked like when she went to school to celebrate Id.



The next day she wore a pretty pretty dress, and she loved the tu-tu (ish) skirt.


My birthday was a sad story this year. Though it did start with a BANG. Celebrating MLCB’s 1 year and cake cutting… all our plans went down the drain, coz Faizan had to work late and we couldn’t go out anywhere.


Zoe’s school celebrated Independence day today and ma’am was dressed up in churidaar Kurta yet again. The difference was, today we didn’t have any kind of tantrums in the morning. So I guess now she knows, if she wears what mamma says she will get lots of compliments :) . And both Momma and Z will be happy.



Z is not yet completely comfortable with School, coz she doesn’t mingle with everyone. She doesn’t cry and all though… So I just hope she does fine :) In this picture she is seen playing with her favorite pink tower :)


Sunday, August 4, 2013

Moments that Help this Mom Remain Sane!!!


I keep on saying, keep on mentioning how Fizz and Z bond. There bond remind me of my relationship with my A.J. Its only now I realize she loves me as much as she does her Fizz... Yes, I had my doubts and I always felt am I doing something wrong. Then I realized it was just one of those mommy guilt trips I had been on. Z obviously needs me as much, and she loves me a lot. I just had to say it out LOUD to myself and I'm doing it right here... right now. This post is more for myself than for anyone else.

There are times when Z just has to be with her mommy and she needs no one else. And frankly speaking, I need these moments to keep me sane, and these moments happen magically at times when I feel unsure about myself as a mum.

Whenever Z gets hurt she needs me and just me. Fizz, even if he is there right in front of her does not matter... she just wants to rush to mommy and hug me. The moment I hug her, she stops crying in seconds... like magic.

When she goes to school, she wants me to accompany her to school. The school is a 5 minutes drive from our house and she wants both me and Fizz there, when we drop and pick her up. The other day, I wasn't feeling to good and while we picked her up. I was sitting in the car and Fizz went to pick her up... the moment she saw Fizz, she said "Momma, where is momma Fizzy?" and she kept looking for me till the time she saw me sitting in the car right in front of her, her face said it all. 

Saturdays are days when I go out to work, I reach home around 5.30 in the evening. Today I asked my maid to help me take my stuff up from the auto as I reached home. I went to the nearby shop to pick something up. She saw my maid enter the house and she was expecting me. She kept on crying and looking for me till the time I entered the house.

Obviously she needs me most when she wants to listen to her stories or do her artwork.

These moments are moments I live for as a mum... rest of the time its just Fizz-Z bond.

Z Speaks – 1

**Disclaimer - This post is meant to keep a track of Z's developments online. If you think I'm showing off (or whatever) please do not read further. 

Happy Reading!

I didn't expect Zoe to start speaking in full sentences and have a conversation with us with absolute ease before she turns 3. I'm happy, seeing she is taking a lot of her traits from her mum.

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She is into pretend play big time now a days. And her only partner in crime is her Barney (stuffed toy) ... Not that Barney contributes but he is always there with my little girl. :-(
See the pictures below????


 

She was speaking to Barney in this, and saying “Barney, Why are you crying? Don’t cry. Kya Hua…What append (happened)?. You are a Good Baby. Chot Lagaya??? (Did you get hurt?)… Awwwwwwwwwwwww. Come little baby (Zoe) will give you a kissie.” She comes to me and says “Mommie Barney Kissie. Barney Chot Laga… Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww”

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We sat down for our iftaar and she kept on saying “Mommy Toeesa, I want Toeesa.” I didn’t understand I kept on ignoring her, she got up picked a bottle of RoohAfza and said…. “Mommy this please, Toeesa”

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She brought her school bag and makes Barney wear it, then she says “OK Barney lets see… Tiffin. What do you want Tiffin?”… “Bicitti (Biscuit), kishmish, newdles, sawich?” “Take water bottle Barney let’s go”

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I cant believe this girl is so obsessed with her books. I have separate books for Zoe n MLCB. I picked her gruffalo n kept it in my shelf by mistake. She immediately came took her book and said "this is baby's book mamma. Please keep it back"

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Wednesday, July 24, 2013

On A Playdate we Go!

Zoe had her 1st playdate yesterday. Yes, a 2.5 year old girl hadn't been to a playdate till the 22nd of July 2013. Blame it on her anti-social super busy mom. I think I've taken a lot on my platter... :-P but that we will discuss later.

This was organized, thanks to Paddy a fellow Bangalore mum of the love Anuttara. Padmini is leaving Bangalore for a few months and we had to catch up, I wanted more people to come, hence we did spread the word. Thanks to Bangalore rains only Shweta, Padmini and me could make it to the venue with our daughters in tow. Zoe made 2 brand new friends (Laasya and Anuttara) though she had met the both of them before but yesterday the 3 of them had a blast. The moms did the talking, and the kids did the running around and shouting on top of their voice.

I liked the place we chose, we picked this extremely kid friendly Bistro in Koramangala called Claytopia, and thankfully didn't opt for a mall. After the kids were done with eating and running around, all three of them with their mommies painted ceramic butterflies...

Missed having Sumita and Shreya there... but I know they are sending their love all the way from Canada :-D ... (we got to do it again when all 4 of us are in town).

Now I will let the pictures do the talking as I listen to Zoe non-stop chatter about her new found friends.




Wild Karnataka – Experience

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