Dear Beta

Baby M turned 5 yesterday... and I think I'll start calling him Big Boy M because Mashallah, he's all grown up. For the first time, he was actually excited for his birthday and for the entire week preceding his big day, he'd wake up in the morning and the first thing he'd ask is, "Is it my birthday yet?" The night before, I decorated the house with red and blue lanterns and he got a little surprise on the morning of his birthday :)

We celebrated with Nano and Nana Abbu who made it back from the US just in time to have some of their first grandson's birthday cake and we've planned a Paw Patrol themed party for all the school friends on the following weekend Inshalah.

So, my thoughts as your mother...

You've really blossomed over the past 5 years and my love for you only grows stronger. You're much taller now and developing a big boy physique. You're smart and witty and I love your sense of humor/sarcasm (even though you're rather cheeky at times!). I love how you never give up when you're negotiating for something (a new toy, cake for lunch or delaying bedtime) and I hope some day, you'll be negotiating for more important things. You've always been quick to learn new things and I admire that in you... In many ways, you remind me of me when I was small... You're particular about your possessions, clean, tidy and organized and very accommodating most of the time. You're also quite patient with your little brother and nothing warms my heart more than to see you both playing together peacefully. You love reading and your current favorites are The Magic Faraway Tree and The Second Green Goblin Book. Mashalah, you started reading fluently at age 4, 100% self taught... You're good about finishing your homework and you've recently learned how to bathe all by yourself.

My darling beta (pyarzee munna, sinto pinto rio tinto or Musti as your friends call you), I love you with all my heart. May Allah bless you and guide you to become a good Muslim and human being. May you be kind and compassionate, intelligent and accomplished, humble and generous, honest and hardworking. May you and your brother always be close and enjoy a good relationship and be there for one another. May you always be content and enjoy life. And I pray that I can be the best of mothers to my children and be a good role model for them Inshallah. 

Goodbye Karachi

After a much-needed two-year stretch in Karachi, our family will be relocating to Islamabad Inshalah. I have mixed feelings about the move... On the one hand, change is good, it allows one to grow and the kids will get a chance to explore the great outdoors (something you can't really do in Karachi). I may also have better job prospects in Isloo. BUT, I'm going to miss having my parents living 5 minutes away having my back all the time :-(

As a mom of an almost 5 year old and a 2 year old, I can attest to the fact that Grandmothers are indispensable for a mother's sanity. Whenever one of the kids or I fell sick, Ammi was there to sit with the boys, send home-made food and remind me to take time off for myself. Abbu and Ammi were always available to pick and drop the kids from school if I couldn't make it and the only time I managed to attend meetings was when the kids were at Nano's house... I'm getting teary-eyed as I type but it's true. My parents have been my biggest support to date and I can't thank them enough for all they've done for me...

On the marriage front, Mr. F and I have had some lows and highs but I'd like to think we've finally reached a point where we can talk to each other in a civilized manner about almost anything. I've tried really hard to be strong and create a warm and loving environment for the kids. I want to have a strong marriage so that the kids will have a secure childhood and with a lot of prayers and support, things seem to be much calmer on the home front. Alhamdulilah.

I was really lucky to have good domestic help: Sakina Aunty (a 60-year old Amma type nanny for E) and Driver M who has been very reliable over the past two years. I will miss them both dearly and I'm sure the kids will too.

I'll also miss living 2 minutes away from Khadda Market. The fruit and sabzi walla, chicken center, salon, drycleaners, French Bakery, Dossani's, Ami's, MEAT ONE, OPTP, Red Apple, Chatkharay and the TCS Center have all made my life so much easier in the last two years. I love my comfort zone... sigh.  

The prospect of packing up and moving yet again seems rather daunting but I guess I'm something of an expert now? This will be our 6th move in seven years and hopefully I'll be a lot more efficient at deciding what to keep, what to discard and what to buy... Hoping to get everything done in time for Ramadan!