3 years left to still be in my 30s, insya Allah

I missed writing an entry on my birthday last year - and since I cannot recall what it was like last year, I thought I'd better write an entry this year. A birthday is a good day to reflect on the past - and it's easier to reflect when you have some previous notes rather than nothing at all...

I watched the first half of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai for maybe the 12th time last night but as it reached midnight I thought to myself that with just 3 more years to go before I reach the big 4-0, I might want to consider doing something more valuable than re-watching a Hindi movie on love and friendship - so I hit the bed. Ha ha. 

But having a 10-going-11 month old baby means one won't be getting a long uninterrupted sleep. And baby Aqil's sleep last night was full of interruptions. It took quite long for him to fall back to sleep last night - and I must thank Pak Ostad for being thoughtful enough to spend some time to coax baby Aqil back to sleep (which I must add, not a usual occurance but for which I am thankful anyway) after I was too tired to do iton my own.  

Alhamdulillah, I am thankful for all that is good in my life - family, friends, career and all.

I have four children now -  boys aged 7, 5, 3 and a baby who is going to turn 1 next month insya Allah. Four sweet boys who could be boisterous, energetic, over active kids who drive me nuts at times - but who during their tender moments just make my heart melt. Yes, we mothers are weak like that - we might yell, nag, scold - as part of the intention to teach, educate, discipline, coach, mentor - but our heart melt by little things like a rongak smile from a boy who's waiting for his new adult teeth to grow, or a baby smile with newly-formed 4 upper teeth and 2 lower teeth, or a tight hug from a five year old who had just recently been diagnosed as being in the Autism Spectrum Disorder and a 'Thank You Ibu" (instead of a "Thank You Abu")  from a still pelat three-year old. I am still trying to figure out how to be a 'good mother'. Not an easy task and still a 'work-in-progess'.. And I think it's going to be a lifelong 'work-in-progress' because new tips and tricks keep coming in as I keep growing up with the kids - and catering to their different needs and wants.  

  

I have a husband who is considerate enough to share the household chores now that we are maidless for a year. It didn't happen overnight - but slowly and gradually things started to change, alhamdulillah. Being maidless was really difficult the first few months when one still doesn't have the hang of it - but now we have gone through the routine for a year now, it's almost a blessing in disguise because for one I think it has helped hubby and I to bond better with the kids and with each other. I could usually rely on Pak Ostad to handle the laundry now - or at least, the washing and hanging the clothes to dry. (We continuously have mountains of clothes to be folded and ironed - but at least they are all clean). And I am really thankful that he is not a fussy eater. It's acceptable to have plain white rice, with some instant fried chicken or BBQ chicken that could be cooked using the Air Fryer plus a vegetable dish. I am still trying to be a good wife and I am glad to note that Pak Ostad too is trying to be a good husband and father to our children. After all, good relationships/marriages/families don't just happen - they take time, patience and commitment from all parties involved. All with Allah's blessings, of course. 

I am in a good office - with a really down-to-earth Big Boss that one can really look up to, and an understanding supervisor who allow me to take quite regular time-outs (now that Humaidi needs to go for his Occupational Therapy sessions, paediatric appointments, psychiatrist appointments.) Not to mention the occassional time-outs a typical mother with young children need - for visits to the clinic, meeting with the school teacher, this and that. But I am not worried to leave the office every now and then, because alhamdulillah, I have good subordinates who get along well with each other and work great as a team that I can rely on to produce results.

I am blessed with many good friends and relatives. And one of the best things about birthdays is the realisation that you are being remembered by those who genuinely like and love you. Which cause you to wear goofy grins all day long as you read all those incoming warm messages posted on your FB wall, or messages sent via phone or e-mail.

Thank you all. Thank you Allah. I seek Your forgiveness for all my sins and wrongdoings. I am only a 'dhaif' servant of yours, but you have given me so much in life that I could never thank you enough...
Subhanallah.
Alhamdulillah.
La ilaha illallah
Allahu akbar.