Artsy fartsy!

So, one day I decided on a 'life changing experience and I decided to take up sewing lessons. SubhanAllah! If only I knew how exciting and therapeutic sewing can be, I'd have done it agessss ago! It's simply amazing how engrossed I can be.

This is what I did today..... A shopper bag! Iskandar and I will be doing some material shopping tomorrow Insha'Allah,  and I am ecstatic!  Many more 'projects' to come Insha'Allah.  Let's first start with Bismillah!!!! :))

Made and designed by yours truly. Alhamdulillah! 

Sending lots of positive vibes your way!

Allah is beautiful, Abah.

Yesterday,  Khairaldin randomly chat with Iskandar about Allah. And during their conversation he said, "Allah is beautiful Abah!" "Really, she's beautiful". SubhanAllah, when I heard that my heart was smiling so hard! Ya Allah, he remembers you!! It's amazing to hear those words from him.

He will be 3 next weekend Insha'Allah. As he slowly grow out of his innocence we can only du'a that Allah will continue to protect him and guide him through and through. Let's pray that this memory will remain in him that Allah is beautiful and there shouldn't be any doubt in him that this is the God he/we should be worshipping, Amin!! May he grow up to be a great Muslim!! Amin yarabbal alamin.

SAHM in Malaysia

Sigh. As much as I enjoy having maids around, I get offended when people ask me to ask the maid to change my child's diaper or to feed my child lunch. It's as if ayong I don't know how to do my 'job'. I don't tell you how to do your job as an accountant or anything now do I? So yes, being a Mother is a job to me! I feel the need to clean and feed my child with my own hand. Looking aftery children is a reward to me. Please don't take away the only luxury that I have. It's fun having an extra hand but there are things that I would prefer to do on my own. Maybe preparing the kids' clothes whilst I bathe them is helpful enough. Anyway, that's me ranting. I love my job so please let me be. Even if you see me with eyebags, just kmow I'm enjoying myself. I will ask for help if/when I need it. Alhamdulillah, I am coping. :)

Dear Blog,

I miss you way too much! I'm in Malaysia now and living the life ;). I just went thru my old entries and oh my! I miss writing and most importantly, READING!! I wanna go back to the UK where life is less hectic :)

But for now, I shall cherish this holiday till the end. I'm not sure when will I ever get he chance to go on another holiday!

Till we meet again dear blog.

Ps: I've deactivated my FB account. You should be honoured that I'm making you more useful and personal! Haha

Xoxo,

Iva

Public Display of Affection :))

Dearest Iskandar,

 

Credits

Please be aware that this entry was written after I have finished browsing 100s of Rainbow Cupcake recipes. My intention was to bake Rainbow Cupcakes for our Anniversary to show how much you mean to me. But since you are not a dessert person, I have decided to write a 'sweet' entry tasting just like a cupcake so you can taste the sweetness in our relationship. Because really, I don't wanna end up baking the cupcakes which will only end up in my already fat tummy! Just so you know, when eating cupcakes, people are more interested in the frosting so, I have personally chosen a cream cheese frosting for this 'non existence cupcake'. All I have to say is, expect a whole load of cheesy-ness in here. ;)

Alhamdulillah, we are in our 4th year marriage today!!! After all the hard work you went through during the solemnization (three times akad), it's all worth it as we are still going strong until today, Mahsa'Allah. Even during the 'akad' I knew you were not only winning my heart but also my parents'. Day after day you are only getting better at sucking up to them, I mean, making them love you more ;) Even though we've been together for four years, I feel that our journey has only just begun. THE journey to everlasting love! THE love that we've never seen it before. 

Sorry, I'm allowed to be cheesy and show the blog my love for you, right? ;) I want our kids to grow up and read these entries to always remind us and themselves what love should really mean!

Anyway, I know we say not to make a big deal out of birthdays, wedding anniversaries, couple anniversary or even reception anniversaries :) At least I know you don't. Haha As a lady, I still have that space in my mind to just remember all these unwanted facts! So it's just fair for me to give myself that peace of mind to "celebrate" it even though it's just through my blog. All you have to do is 'hear' me out, like you always do anyway! Hehehe

Iskandar, as the years go by, our relationship has somewhat bloomed into a whole different level. We don't feel the need to have random surprises/presents to make believe that we are indeed still IN love. We are blessed in so many different ways. We have had people not believing in us and not supporting us, but we stayed strong, for Allah's sake. Alhamdulillah, with the kids around, we are left astonished every single second. We will always turn to each other thinking "how in the world did we bring them up this way?". It's all with Allah's will, that's all that we know. We could never have done it all ourselves. Never ever!

Iskandar, we really have Allah to be thankful to for giving us another day closer to each other and most of all closer to HIM. I feel so thankful and blessed that Allah's given me lots of rain and shine throughout this relationship because without those rain and shine, you, My Rainbow would have never appeared. You are THE rainbow in my Cloud 9. Insha'Allah, if I continue to follow your lead, you will lead me and the kids to that pot of gold (Jannah/Heaven) where we all will be living happily ever after. That is all that matters to me! No amount of diamonds or material stuffs can ever buy us the happiness in Hereafter.

Alhamdulillah! Only Allah knows how thankful I am to always have you by my side w hen I am experiencing my happiest or saddest moments. I always pray that Allah will always guide us to the right path in this world as there's nothing more that I want than to live happily with you in the Hereafter. Our love means a lot more 'there' than when we are here. Let's pray that we will continue to share and help each other through this life for our ultimate goal, THE JANNAH.

I love you for the sake of Allah subhanahuwataala. Thank you for being a great partner and father to the kids.

 <3<3<3<3<3<3<3,

Your inseperable wife, Insha'Allah

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Why go FB hiatus?

Do you remember the time when Facebook had the word 'is' in its status update? Do you remember the time when 'giving drinks, poking,slapping etc etc' your friends on Facebook seems to be interesting? Do you remember the time when whatever you say on Facebook isn't being 'published' to all? Well I do and I miss those times.

I first joined FB when I was still in Uni, year 2008. That time it wasn't a big hit at all. Myspace was still the famous social networking site. Somewhere along the way everyone I know or used to know is on FB. I remember I had to explain to Iskandar what FB is all about. Since he's not into social networking websites, we decided to just share an account to add our family and friends. Until today, we are still sharing the same account. We don't find it a necessity to have separate accounts because I know his family and friends and he knows mine. Instead of adding on separate accounts we might as well do it on one. Sometimes people get confused as to who updates the status. Truth be told, Iskandar's only updated the status about once or twice, no joke!!

I'm so pleased that my husband doesn't care about this social networking because to me it's such a girl's thing. No doubt he still checks his friend's profile for updates which most of the time remains the same for monthss! Typical guys I tell ya! So he does go on FB once in awhile. I say FB is a girl's thing because majority of people who updates status on 'our' FB are girls. Almost 90% of the statuses are pure vanity and emotional outburst, I am definitely not kidding! Seeing these statuses made me look back at mine and think, is there really a necessity to share every single thing that I do?? I somehow felt embarrassed with most of my status updates and picture updates. It somehow just doesn't seem right to do it anymore. So that's why I took a break from FB, to reflect on myself and what I 'share' to the 'world'. 

The other thing that gets to me is how some status updates are pure lies! I say this because I know these people very much! Too much that when I read their status it will make me cringe and think, "why do you have to put on a façade on your status update/wall?!". It surely is saddening because people don't realise that what they write will one day be transcribed back to us. These words will be read back when we die. So, why pretend? The world that we are living in is temporary. Don't try to embarrass ourselves in the hereafter when everything is read back to us.

Facebook is evil to some point. No doubt it has its benefits and good points too! Sometimes, there are things that you are just not supposed to say out loud but you do. You don't know who you're hurting even if your intention was to just 'share'. I have decided that if I have nothing Islamic or family related to say, I will not share anything on my status updates. I don't share anything and everything about Islam, the things that I have never attempted to do in myself I will never share. Whenever I write these status updates I'm not bothered of how many 'likes' or 'comments' I get. I would rather people think about what is said on my status rather than just liking the status. I always have hopes that if people like my Islamic status they might act upon it. But Iskandar's told me to not put high hopes on that, because if Allah wants to give them 'hidayah' He will do no matter how obvious I have conveyed the message.

I always pray that Allah swt will always open our heart and mind to the right path. There's nothing worth talking about other than Allah and Islam. I have come to a point I can't speak to some people because of our differences in practising Islam. It's a shame, a true shame. But I never stopped praying that these people will get the hidayah from Allah swt.
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First day of Ramadhan 1431

Time is like a river,
You can never touch the same water in a flowing river twice,
The flow that has passed will never pass again,
Therefore make the best of the time that Allah has given us during this Blessed month, Insha'Allah
(Mom received this forwarded SMS and I think it's a real good one)

Alhamdulillah!! First day of Ramadhan went smooth sailing. Managed to do tadarus Al-Quran with Mom, Dad, Hubby and Nephew in spite of Khairaldin roaming around the room and bumping into things to distract all of us. But Alhamdulillah, he's such an understanding baby.

I planned to do as much good deeds this Ramadhan as I feel it's a waste not to take this opportunity given to us once a year. There are many ways one can choose to change and maximise oneself. First and foremost, try not to go beyond what our Imaan could handle. For example, if we hardly sit down and read the Quran regularly, try not to go to an extreme of wanting to khatam this Ramadhan. Not that you can't, but if you have family to care for, they will also need your attention, yes? So it could be rather stressful trying to entertain the family and at the same time trying to read the Quran. If you can, by all means go ahead. I for one read really slowly so it could take longer than a month for me to khatam.

So, here are a few things I would like to share with all of you that I have chosen to do this Ramadhan, Insha'Allah. May it be beneficial to everyone of you too, Insha'Allah.

1) To read the Al-Quran starting with the short surah
2) Read du'as in everything I do
3) Abstain from Facebook as much as I can

• "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should say [something] good, or he should keep silent." [Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah](will write an entry on this, Insha'Allah)

4) Eat sahur
5) Pray terawikh, at least 8 + 3 witir daily
6) Pray tahajud & hajat after Sahur
7) Eat reasonably during break fast
8) Try very very hard not to gossip

• "O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, for some suspicions are a sin. Do not spy on one another, nor backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, you would abhor it, [so similarly, avoid backbiting]. And fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful." Qur'an, [49:12]

9) Spend as much time with beloved family
10) Enjoy Ramadhan as much as I can

Insha'Allah, Ramadhan is just a starting point for me. If I am able to do all this during the month of Ramadhan, Insha'Allah it's possible to carry on even after that.

So, how was your Ramadhan? Do share on what you have planned this Ramadhan as Insha'Allah it would be beneficial for every one of us too. May we gain knowledge everyday of our life. Insha'Allah.

Ramadhan Mubarak.

Sleep time is me time!!

It's Khairaldin's afternoon nap time now. It's been a while since he looked for me whenever he wants to sleep. When he was a baby, he'd only fall asleep with me whilst breastfeeding. But now, to him, I am his play and fun time "friend". He refuses to go to sleep with me.

:'( I miss being his only one!!

I'm glad he's so much closer to Iskandar now though. He'd watch Sesame Street or Football clips with Iskandar, then he'll fall asleep after about 5 clips. Even though they didn't have a father-son bonding before, I'm glad that they have finally found something they can enjoy together.

Sleeping on Abah's chest is much comfier than Mommy's now eh boy? Whatever it is, we will always pray that you'll be this dependent regardless of your age. We will try our best to be there for you like how Nana and DaddyTok has helped us through, until today. We'll be here for you love. As for now, sleep tight! :* mwahhhh!
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Pride and joy in life!

This is such a great reminder for all of us!

"O you who believe! Let not your riches or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. If any act thus, the loss is their own." [Surah Al-Munafiqun, verse 8]

I was just trying to minimise my status update about Khairaldin a few days ago, and the above ayat came up on one of the groups that I liked on Facebook. If you follow me on Facebook you'll see how my status would always always include Khairaldin's name. No doubt being a parent is such a joy in life! But sometimes, we take it for granted. I remember when after my confinement, I was really contemplating how to juggle being a Wife, Mom and Allah's servant all at the same time??! It's so impossible, so I thought. Alhamdulillah, eventually I've learnt how to actually satisfy our Creator and also my beloved family. I believe that if Allah comes first in our life, everything after that will come easily and naturally. I believe so because whenever I delay my prayers, I always feel as if there's something incomplete. As much as I want things to get done quicker, it gets even tougher. But once my prayers and duty to Allah has been managed, I feel everything is beyond my reach.

Yes, we as parents we do want great things for our kids in this life. We are proud to see their achievement in this life, no doubt! So we start to run errands for them, sending them to the best school or academic etc etc. Those are what make life hectic! The wants and needs for Dunya. It is good to want the best for our child, that's for sure. However, wouldn't it be such a waste of time, energy and effort when we've done all that but hereafter they are left with nothing at all? How are they going to 'face' the creator by saying that they've achieved so much in the 'life before' that can be counted as such good deeds for the 'life after'?

My parents have taught me a lot. They're not the kind that would send us to such superb tuition etc. But one thing for sure, they actually had a personal Ustaz for us so that we learn how to at least be a good Ummah, Insha'Allah. Before I had Khairaldin I always thought, "what a life I've got! Everyone is so rich and famous and I'm nowhere near." Alhamdulillah. Now I can see why my parents bring us up in such moderate life. We didn't get the chance to do our own shopping until we earned our own money. I can see that my parents have invested an awful LOT to bring us up to be a great Ummah. Now I know that they didn't bring us shopping because they used the money to get us private Ustaz to teach us the Quran. Alhamdulillah!!!! That means so much more to me now. At least I still remember the Ustaz that made me Khatam the Al-Quran. If those money were used for shopping instead, I bet I wouldn't even remember what I have bought with all that money!!

As much as I'm proud (I'll try and use this word loosely now) of my child(ren), I know there's only one thing that will make them appreciate us more, bringing them up as a great Ummah! I wouldn't want them to turn around and say, "Mom, why didn't you ever teach me about my religion??" Nauzubillahiminzalik. Having read that Ayat, it made me realise that Allah knew that we parents are going to turn up to be very boastful about our child and might forget him, so he's wrote this reminder down in the Holy book and I think it's best for us to share with all. Insha'Allah.
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Confessions of a Stay-At-Home-Mom (SAHM)

Getting the chance to be a SAHM is definitely the greatest gift in life. I have always been thankful for the chance given to me to see my li'l man grow. I'm not trying to be in-your-face-you-have-to-work and I don't kinda person! Every opportunity given to each one of us is definitely precious and meaningful.

At times, I do feel as if I'm missing something in this life. Like, something is still incomplete.

Khairaldin has only just turned one a few weeks ago. He's trying new things especially walking/stepping. I know some Mommies who might miss out on their child's development because they have no choice but to work (be it for financial stuff or contracts). To say I don't miss working is definitely not true. I have been working since I was 21 years old. I've met a few people along the way. Yes, I hate waking up in the morning and having to follow schedules that's why I chose to stay home until today. But sometimes, I feel that my mind is under stimulated. I don't have to do that much thinking because what's there to do? Changing diaper and breastfeeding Khairaldin is something I can do with my eyes half open! Literally. LOL! Having a job will make you think on your feet and you have to use up your brain neurons. It's fun, till certain extent!

Just like SAHM, there are certain things that are really interesting. Heck, everytime he's awake, we are always on a lookout. That's very interesting. But when he naps, that's utter boredom. I know he's only 1 and there's more to come. I guess when he is in the phase of wanting to talk, read etc, I'd find being a SAHM even more exciting. Because at that time, they tend to nap less. So more time to spend until it's proper bedtime.

I've decided that I wanna do something different with my life. I don't want a 9-5am job but at the same time I don't want a part-time 'cashier' sorta job that students in Uni would take up for their pocket money. I don't mind being a volunteer as long as I can go out and take a breather. I've always wanted to be in the community more. Like, Islamic parenting community. I know what I want but I make one too many excuses to just not budge!

Khairaldin is really good with routines. He wakes up and go to sleep on schedule. It's when he's in bed that my mind start to wander, what else can I do?

I've listed down things I wanted to do before I conceived Khairaldin but now it's not relevant. I don't have the same passion as I had before. There are new things in his and my life that I want to achieve. I am 25 years old and I think there's so much more to life than this. I'm not going after big ££££££ here, no. All I want is more knowledge so I can bring him up to be a better person and Ummah.

I am the type that would let my baby free and explore this world on his own but, when it comes to religion, I think that both Iskandar and I have to guide him through. I don't mind if his not an A++++ student as long as he enjoys this life his living. But fun stuff could lead to sin and that's why I want to teach him more about religion than actually teaching him 1+1=2. To be honest, my knowledge about Islam is so limited that I am not sure how to answer if he comes to me and ask questions. My Mom is the best when reasoning things out within Islamic laws, but who knows how long she'll be around to help me with educating my child? It's time for me to step up and out to gain more knowledge about Islam! I don't need expensive stuff to get through this life, all I need is to know that I'll be leaving behind an alim child(ren). Insha'Allah.

Suffice to say, I still wanna be a SAHM because I want to teach my child(ren) how perfect this religion actually is. And I know, before trying to teach, I myself have to know the beauty of this religion. Insha'Allah. I pray that Allah will give me the chance to learn and teach even if it's only to my child(ren). Ameen!!!
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Giveaways and Thank Yous!!

Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) said, the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu Alaihi Wassalam) is reported to have said, "Give presents to one another, for a present removes hatred." (Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud)

I'm sooooo excited to do this giveaway! I know the present ain't much but the thought of giving presents to people is just so much F.U.N!!!! I've been cracking my head thinking of what to give to this ONE lucky person and in the end I decided to give a 'his' and 'hers' keychain (click on picture to enlarge) + another gift for the baby. Reason I chose to give these presents is because:

1) 90% of my readers are either married with child(ren) or married. So it's fair to give something 'his' and 'hers'. Having said that, doesn't mean the other 10% can't take part in this giveaway. You can always give it to ur Mom or whoever, really. :) So, do join the fun!

2) The keychain was also the first 'cute' thing I saw when I thought of doing this giveaway.

3) I love shopping baby's stuff so I have to get something for the baby too. Again, if you don't have a child, you can always give it to your nephew, niece or cousins. :) By the way, I haven't bought the gift for the 'baby' because I need to know the age and sex of the baby. Then I can shop for something interesting.

See, I've always wanted to do a giveaway coz I appreciate every visit and comment I get from my friends, readers and silent readers. At first I wanted to do it when my counter marked 1000 visitors but before I know it, it's now about 2500 visitors and counting! I know, not much for some but for me, that's a lot! :) I decided to blog merely to jot down and share my experiences as a wife, mother and someone living far away from her 'born and bred' country. I want Khairaldin to read this blog when he's big enough to know how much FUN we've gone through having to raise him. Also not to forget, some stuff about our perfect & lovely religion-Islam. :) Since some of you find it enjoyable and leave such thoughtful comments I thought I MUST say THANK YOU and do a giveaway to show my appreciation. Seeing that I am a SAHM, I don't have a lot of money to buy each and every one of you appreciation gift :D. Hence this humble giveaway :) Guess this is the only way I can say THANKS a bunch you lovely people!!!!!!!

Anyway, enough with the sappy thoughts. Here's what and when you have to do it to get these gifts:

• What? Since this blog is a diary for Khairaldin so he can look back and see what Mommy's said about him, it would be lovely if you all can also jot some 'words or advices' for him so he can get to know Mommy's (virtual) friends when he can read and understand.
  
• When? Closing date is on the 26th June at 12:01am Malaysia time. So, get started lovies!!! ;)
• Who? It's open to ALL of you! The gift will be posted regarless of where you are.
• How is the lucky person being picked? I will be reading the entries and will choose the best 5 entries. Since it's 'words and advices' for Khairaldin, he will then randomly pick the name by himself!!!!! I'll video it for all of you to watch. Do leave me a valid e-mail address so I can contact you to let you know you're the winner!! :) I will also need it to know the baby's age and sex.
  

Ps: I'm gonna moderate the comments because I need your email addresses. Let me know if you're ok for me to publish your comments or not. :)

Heeeeeee, so excited to know the lucky person!!!

xoxox
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SIX HOURS FORTY FIVE MINUTES!

Wowweeee! If only this time last year I knew exactly what time I was going to give birth to Khairaldin, the wait would be less anxious. No? Hehehe But anyway, this time last year, I was transferred to the labour ward. This was when I first experiences 'laughing gas' and oh yeah, I did laugh and chat a lot with the student midwife! They were so kind to actually entertain my jumpy self. hehehe

Now, Khairaldin's sound asleep on his bed and I'm gonna watch the clock to see what time he'll wake up. Does he know that it's his birthday today? Hmmmm. :)

So, the month of June 2009 Status

laid eyes on each other 7 years ago, today. Instantly fell in love and still falling in love each and every second of their life. And who would've thought that we'd be bless with a child in the same month Insha'Allah. God works in mysterious way ;-) Happy

- loving the BRIGHT YELLOW crib!!!!!!!!! Our hard work paid off :-) Now just waiting for the li'l bub to "arrive". Insha'Allah. Prayers are very much appreciated. XX

have been feeling restless and upset for no apparent reason! Need to go out and get some fresh air. (rimasssssss!)

loves the Sunshine but need some HEAVY RAIN right about now! It's tooooooooo hot and we can't stand it :-(

is getting fussier at eating & not in the mood to eat her own cooking :-( anyone wanna invite us out for lunch/dinner this whole weekend? no rice please. kthx! ;-)

can live on fruits (inc. juices & smoothies) & vegs right about now! but forcing ourselves to eat just in case we've to go into labour. NEED TO BUILD THEM ENERGY!!!!!!!

haven't had rice for 2 days and it FEELS GOOD. Best thing is,it's not us doing the cooking & cleaning up :-) Can't get used to this. erk.

reality just kicked in that we won't be going anywhere this "Summer Hols"!! Maybe London would be the farthest for us :-( NO FUN! On the bright side, looking forward to our little Sunshine keeping us occupied all day AND night, Insha'Allah.

praying that today will be my last check up with the Midwife. "Please engage by now baby." :-)

baby's engaged!!!!!!!!! Could be anytime NOW or even later if baby is too clingy with Mommy. And baby's still got "plenty" of space to grow in tummy. Gotta eat loads to fill up the space. hehe We're so excited. Do pray for us. Amin.

will be attending a Cloth Diapering/Baby event tomorrow, our first ever! Hopefully they've got nice & cheap CDs. :-D :):):):):):):) <3<3<3<3<3<3<3

2 days to 1!!

How time flies, before you know it, Khalid Khairaldin will be ONE year old Insha'Allah. This time last year, I was already at the hospital with slight contractions and show of blood. Was sent home seeing that it was only 2cm dilation but later when we got home contractions became more obvious. :) I can still remember EVERY single detail of it. It is something I have been waiting to experience. NATURAL BIRTH! Alhamdulillah.

But where were we on Facebook April and May last year? Here goes.....

April 2009 Facebook status

is not feeling well- nauseous and light headed!! :-( Gosh I feel like throwing up. Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!

-not sounding like a bulimic but all I need now is to make myself sick and I'd definitely feel better. But I haven't got the courage to do so :-(

just got back from the GP. Thanks to Kudin's car for the early morning "workout". My bi&triceps are visible now :-P

WOOHOOO! +- 80 days to go!!!!!!!!!!!! And baby's kicks & hiccups are getting more obvious by the hour. *Gulp* I enjoy being pregnant. :-D.

is starving! It's unreal. hahaha

can't be bothered to run errands! erghhhhhhhhhhh... but we HAVE to!

is loving the feel good factor after working out (read: Eliptical for 20 mins! that's a lot for a pregnant lady! Hahaha) ;-P

millies cookies, krispy kreme doughnuts, b&j choc fudge brownie, kitkat chunky, m&ms peanuts, to be continued. AGHHHHH! Why am I having sweet tooth like... NOW??????! Please don't give in, it's not good for "our" health.

feels sorry for Hubby whenever he can't experience baby's hyperactive kicks (read: the ones that are visible not touchable!) Wishing baby will be as hyperactive throughout this long weekend. :-)

planned to save up this month so no outings during the long weekend. Unfortch, we ended up on Ebay and spent quite a bit! Hahaha But it's ALL baby's stuff and at such a bargain, guess it's ok? :-D

:-) truly blessed.

gets easily annoyed with parents who act like they're their daughter/son's age (mainly teenagers and above)! Please it's pure disgusting. Act your freaking age for once!!!! Euwwwwwww!

such a brilliant weather! :-)

have been watching Ahmad Deedat's clips on Youtube and seriously, we can't get enough of him! He's superb in so many ways. Masha'Allah.

can't wait to try out Dunstan Baby Language! Anyone tried it before? Is it really that "easy"? haha

soooooooooooooooo sleeeeeeeeeppppppppppyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!! :-(

-apparently it's stretch mark! at 32 weeks? can't imagine how many marks to go! *joyjoy*

are on a mission this weekend. need to find Yellow paint for baby's crib. can't seem to find any baby-safe paints so far, argh!!!! help!!

almosttttttttttt there.

should refrain from making silly promises with herself like....walking to Oadby! hahahaha I CAN DO IT!!!! :-D

approx 7 weeks to go! gonna seriously enjoy this last few "direct contact" moments with the baby! but, definitely can't wait to wear proper jeans again! :-D

gonna have a really good night sleep after all the walking we did today! woot!

is holding on to Hubby's words- "Krispy Kreme this weekend!" No more walking weekend (Ok, that's my words hehe).

-5a.m and I'm already starving?????

thinks there's something wrong with her tummy. she's constantly starving! had breakfast, brunch, lunch... and still i'm hungry! :-S not gooodddddd.

May 2009 Facebook status

's back hurts sooooooooooooooo muchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

is STILL scooting around for Yellow paint, it has to be Organic & for woods!!!!!!!!!! I've 6 weeks to go Insha'Allah. Need them paints A.S.A.P! Any ideas where I can get it from?

6 days to our FIRST antenatal classes!!!!!!!!! Can't waiitttttttt :-D

is spring cleaning Kudin's room as we're "shifting" in there next month. Hahaha I wonder if I've enough time with the state it's in right now ;-P

are all ready to paint baby's crib tomorrow!!! But looks like the weather's not ready for our hard work haha.

can't wait to see the outcome on baby's crib!!!!!!!! yellow mellow :-D

is taking the day reallllllll slow today. everything hurts :-(

will be attending their FIRST antenatal class today and hopefully final THREE appointments with the Midwife. Woah! It is so happening, ain't it :-|

is blissfully excited to give birth rather than anxious! can't wait for the day to come, Insha'Allah :-)

is excited coz her in-laws will be here on the 20th June!!!!!!!!! Someone to look after us when baby arrives, Insha'Allah. :-D Couldn't ask for more.

+- 30 days to go!!! Wowweee!

is it normal to feel choked up AND guilty EVERYTIME hubby does something nice to you? Or is it just the "hormoneS" at 36 weeks pregs?

wants a really MOIST chocolate cake! Ok Gateau would do too.. for now.

-hubby's not feeling well :-( fever & nose bleed. is he feeling the labour pressure already. hmmmmm...

final Antenatal class from 7-9p.m. Looks like someone won't be watching the CL finals. awww, poor thing! Things we do for the li'l bub. :-)

is hoping this will be her final weekend rearranging stuffs around the house! need some rest....(not that I haven't been doing just that!) Insha'Allah tomorrow I will be getting the giveaway giftS! :) Remember to be "here" on the 16th of June to celebrate Khalid Khairaldin's FIRST birthday. Not only will Khairaldin be getting presents but you, my readers, could easily grab some gifts as well!!!!! :)

Surprise surprise!

I am planning a very FIRST giveaway on my blog for the 16th of June, to celebrate Khairaldin's first birthday!!!! Stay tuned to find out how you AND your baby can win/grab something from Khairaldin and family. ;)

Continuing the countdown (5 days to gooooo!) Btw, I'm not sure how I could actually missed a day! LOL!

March 2009 status:

is disappointed she can't go for "the walk" she'd longed for!!!!! Rain rain go away for a bit please.. :-(

can't believe it's still freezing cold in March! She can't fit into any of her Winter jacket. Please let the Sun shine. :-D

went for "the pregnancy walk". Expects to be massaged and definitely not walk anymore for the next 24 hrs. HAHAHA :-D Bliss.

is having sleepless/restless nights already!!!! Tummy's getting bigger by the hour.

is craving for Froot Loops cereals! I can't believe they don't sell it in the UK! And on EBay it costs almost GBP15. RIDICULOUS!!!!

100 days to go, Insha'Allah!!!!!!!!! WOAH!

's belly now measures 36 INCHES!!!!!!!!!!! +- 14 weeks to go. WOWWEEEE!

is up waiting for post to arrive. Can't wait to get ALL of the baby's parcel. Slowly building the nest for baby :-))

-lovely lovely weather! We're going for a walk round the neighbourhood. :-)

woke up at 7:30a.m. just to have breakfast and now going back to sleep till hubby gets home! :-D

are addicted to the Waterbirth clips on Youtube! We're definitely giving it a go for this baby, Insha'Allah :-) Hope we will be able to do so.

has got to refrain herself from watching CSI(s), Law & Order(s) and all other crime stories bcoz she's been having nightmares of her being kidnapped etc etc :-(

is so bored and she decided to spring clean part of the house. Haishh.

is amazingly knackered!!!!!!!!!!! i'm off to bed, again!

So so so, be here on the 16th of June so that you can win some goodies! Ok, it's not really 'winning' as it won't be a competition. More like, to grab some goodies! :) See ya tomorrow, Insha'Allah.

Countdown to Khalid Khairaldin's FIRST birthday!

Insha'Allah in seven days time, my baby boy will enter toddlerhood. :) I can't believe how much he's grown! Alhamdulillah I managed to be with him 24-7 since the day he was born. To see him from a very dependant baby up to his independent self, such an awwwww moment! All thanks to Allah for the life he's given me. I would not trade it for anything else.

Anyway, to welcome his FIRST birthday, I am going to post my Facebook status whilst I was pregnant for the next few days. It's just for me to ponder on how much my life has changed ever since I got him. Sometimes I forget that he never existed in my life until just recently.

So, lets start with January 2009 status:
(by the way, I didn't remember all these. It was an app of FB)

don't wanna get out of bed but baby's STARVING!!!!!!!! *snuggles*

is doing some research on cloth diapering. There's too manyyy cute diapers to choose from! Any Mommies out there can point me to the right direction? :-)

are contemplating on whether or not to know the baby's sex! Hmmmm... craves for sugarcane drink. Oh no! reckons Hubby's getting all the pregnancy symptoms. Throwing up every now and then, that can't be right ;-( can't believe she's half way through the pregnancy and still haven't bought a SINGLE baby stuff!!!!!!! Arghhh. The technical part is too complicated!!!!! shopping for baby's stuff sooooooooooooonnnnn! insha'Allah Can't waiiiiittttt. :-D February 2009 status: -when emotional takes control, I refuse to eat. (Chocs doesn't count! haha) cant wait to see the baby again!!!!!! Few more days to go!!!! (Even though it's just a scan, we're super excited!) is excited for no reason! hehehe :-D Hormones I tell you, hormones! can start deleting stuff on the baby to buy list! Colour theme: YELLOW!!!!! Can't wait to get baby's crib and paint it YELLOW! woot wooots! :-D feels so healthy! Haven't done "proper" housework for agesssss. But should really slow down as her back's hurting :-( is starving but don't know what to eat! Wish I've got cravings like Hubby at least I know what I SHOULD eat. hmmph can't wait to see their baby!!!!! Wonder what other tricks he/she's got to show Mommy & Abah! ;-) is glad that the Sonographer didn't ask whether we wanted to know baby's sex or not! If not,We woulda changed our mind.As of now, still UNKNOWN! :-D Soz guys! is recuperating mentally. Thanks for the well wishes. It happened for a reason. :-) is a full time housewife & soon to be mother..........starting next week. :-) was one of the many made redundant this week. Looking on the bright side, it is blessing in disguise :-) is looking forward to her "days off" so she can start researching on baby stuff. :-) can't seem to sleep when Hubby goes off to work. Hmmm. Miss him dearly even though he's away for only 4hrs a day! 's room now smell of baby stuff! Thanks to the Jaguars for the hamper. :-) is loving all the cloth diaper prints! It's sooooo cute! We're spoilt with choices. Arrgh! can now settle down and enjoy the weekendsssss!..... at least for the next 6 months! is in her 3rd trimester!!!!!!!!!!!!! Excited & scared at the same time. :-|

Looking back, I'm so glad how I took everything so positively during my pregnancy days as it really reflects on Khairaldin now. :)

Alhamdulillah.

Choices in life...

Credits: Google.com

Everyday in our life we ought to make a choice. From the moment we wake up we've already made a choice by choosing to wake up. Then it comes to whether we should shower, what clothes to wear etc etc. It's impossible to not choose at all in a day. Making a choice in our everyday life give us the feeling of ownership. After all, the word in itself means 'power, right and liberty'. Before making a decision one should have a plan in order to make it work. Prophet (peace be upon him) once said "there is no intelligence like planning." Of course when you have made a decision and feel the ownership, you would feel that you've accomplished something without having to listen to anyone else.

Ever since I gave birth to Khairaldin I have been the decision maker on how to bring him up. I was the one who chose to cloth diped him, babywear him and last but obviously not least, breastfeed him till he's 2 years old, Insha'Allah. Obviously, I consult Iskandar first to make sure he's okay with the decisions I make. Before I consult him, I prefer to list the pros and cons to him so that he can see my point of view. This has worked well for us. We make the choices and feel great when it's all accomplished. If we make a decision and feel rather unhappy about it, that's maybe because we don't own the choice. So we abandoned it.

Anyway, I chose to blog fairly recently only because I wanted to share my experience as a newly Mom and Wife. As you can see my entries are mostly about parenting and relationship. So when I write, it's all from my personal experiences and thoughts. Viewers could either like it or hate it, for all I care. However, when I write my entries, never have I had the intention to sound cocky, high up and everything negative. I always write with a POSITIVE energy and mindset. Like all my entries, I would like it to relate to Islam in such a way because it is difficult to get info on Islamic parenting and relationship on the web. Since internet is THE form of communication nowadays, I thought I might as well write something so that people can read up on it. There is also a Hadith from Al-Bukhari: Prophet (peace be upon him) stated "Convey from me, even if it be one ayah." and also another from At-Tirmidhi: "Whoever points in the direction of goodness shall be (in reward) like those who act upon it." Speaking of which, I was really grateful to know that some people looked up a few keywords on google about Islamic parenting and they ended up on my blog. Alhamdulillah. I'm really glad to know that and it only makes me wanna read more and blog about it. Insha'Allah, I will continue to do just that :)

Back to my point, my entries are all meant to be positive, unless it's a personal rant which I go through once in a blue moon. And obviously I won't relate anything Islamic to my rants! Haha It's ok, you'll know when I'm ranting because I'll let you know before hand to not waste your time reading it. Of course being a writer or blogger you can't expect everyone to like your entry. You'd be incredibly great writer if you can win everyone's heart. I have always been ready for criticism, because I'm not a qualified writer. However, when people have the rare idea about me trying to show off about my life, that's just ridiculous! I think when you read a blog, you have to set a mindset to it since you can't hear how it's being delivered. Even if the writer writes it in a positive way and you seem to have a negative mindset, that's just you not the writer. Some people might think that I am bragging about getting the chance to breastfeed my child till he's 11 months and counting. Personally, it's a choice! If you feel a negative energy from my writing all I can say is that, you had a choice and you definitely did not own up to your choice. That is why you feel everything everyone else do is wrong!

I for one do not follow the norm. So, that might even get some people's panties twisted because I chose to be different. My point is, you have a choice in this life you live in, if you choose to do something, make sure you own up to it! You can know that you are not owning up to your choices when you have a defensive attitude about people who do things differently to you. Don't ever judge someone for the choices they make but in fact, try to know why they make the choices in the first place. If you really can't grasp their idea, don't comment on it!

So, keep reading if you want to but do it with a positive mind and heart. :)

Wedding customs & Non-Islamic traditions!

Assalamualaikum my dear readers :)

This year seems to be the year of getting hitched for most of my friends and Iskandar's friends and also some family members. It's a shame we couldn't attend any of the weddings. I LOVE weddings, in case you didn't know ;) But I've only attended a handful of weddings and mostly it's from immediate or close relatives. Being in the UK restricts us from attending some of our close friends big day. I had to miss my own best friend's wedding. Sad sad :( I've now accepted the fact that I am only able to attend 'virtual' weddings. LOL! So if that's the case, then I am ok with it :)

Anyway, Khairaldin's been 'clearing' up our books that we have 'put aside' thinking we won't need it for a long long time. While he was clearing up, I saw a book that my Mom got fairly recently. It's called 'Wedding Customs & Non-Islamic Traditions'. I've read this book before, but it was way after my wedding :( It is such a good book to read if you are ready (or not so ready) to get married.

I know a few people who thinks wedding is a burden. I can't agree more! Wedding receptionS ARE a burden! And guess what, this is self-imposed by ourselves and not our religion- Islam! Most of our friends are not married because of the high expectations on wedding ceremonies. To hold an extravagant ceremony is only an exhibition of one's wealth. Impressing people during a wedding ceremony is a MUST. So we have to incur unwanted costs to make the wedding a 'memorable' one. After all, people who hold simple weddings are labelled as poor or miserly. Isn't that right?

Hosting wedding ceremony is a pressure! You not only get pressure from direct family members but also from social pressure, even from those who are not married! They either want you to hold a wedding that is against Shari'ah or simply an unislamic wedding. I've been through it. However, reading this book has made me realised that these people have personal vested interests. They want you to host such a wedding so it's easier for them to host the same type in the future. After all, you did it, so why can't they? This is only a way of Shaytan trying to say that 'if everybody is doing it, it can't be bad!' Have you not felt that way before? If majority of people are doing it, you'd feel less guilty. After all norm is normal.

Allah (SWT) have made our religion easy for us. A religion where it will fit anyone and everyone (poor, rich, disabled, abled etc etc). HE has always been fair in everything HE planned for us to live with. Why do we have to make life so complicated? Here's an excerpt narrated by Abu Dawud: Anas (RA)reports that Prophet (peace be upon him) said "Do not place hardships upon yourselves, otherwise Allah will put hardships upon you. Any nation that chose hardship was put into hardship by Allah."

So make like easier. Marriage is not a ritual but an act of 'Ibadah. It is a contract between the groom and the bride, with the bride's guardian, two male witnesses and a Mahr. There should also be a public celebration (walimah) open to all to let others know of the marriage. Somewhere along the way, we have made it difficult by getting into debts to do an extravagant wedding that only take into acount the tradition. Nikah ceremony has remained intact but sadly, this is the event with the least number of attendees. It's truly a shame!!!

If I could re-do my wedding, I would try and do it as Islamic as possible. However, that ship has sailed and this is only a mere reminder for my brothers and sisters in Islam. Let us change and start a new wedding reception as Prophet (peace be upon him) said "Most blessings is in matrimony which is simple and free from trouble." Also Prophet (peace be upon him said) "He who chooses for himself or herself the mode of a people (customs and rites) will be regarded as them."

We pray to Almighty Allah this entry (and followups) will become a source of inspiration to conduct weddings in accordance with the Quran and Sharia'h. AMIN!!!

Ps: I will write a follow up entry on the significant of engagement and wedding rings, wedding dress, the tiara, wedding cake & cutting cake and flowers in the Christian belief. We follow other rituals but sometime we do it blindly. Time to open our eyes and think for ourselves. Insha'Allah, I will not delay these entries.

Still learning even at 9 months old :)

Motherhood is an ongoing education. Don't matter how experienced you are, you might not know everything about each and every baby. It's all about testing one thing to another that would fit comfortably with your child's expectation. Only your baby knows what he or she wants, no one else can tell them otherwise. So, "listen" to their cry.

Ever since Khairaldin started solids, he only have about 2 long sessions of bf. I was so worried because I didn't know if he was having enough milk. I started his solids with cerelac then rice porridge with potatoes, carrots, chicken/fish and some other random veges which I blend it all together. His portion of food was filled with almost all the vitamins and nutrients needed at his age. So, I think that's may be why he didn't need that much milk. I see no point of expressing any milk since he doesn't drink from bottle.
Three months later (at 9 months old), he retaliates when I feed him his 'normal' food. He will shut his mouth real tight or just scream his lungs out! It's very very depressing to see him acting that way. He was once the baby who would open his mouth to anything put on his lips. But not anymore. Before the food gets near his mouth, he was already shutting it real tight and dodging it!

So, I started reading and asking around (Facebook status) on how to feed him. Almost everyone recommended to let him feed himself. It worked well. He liked how he can touch and feel his own food. I gave him roast potatoes, carrots and some chicken. Although it's working well on him I became even more worried because I don't know if he's eating enough or not. I can feel that he's losing weight but I'm not sure whether that's from crawling or learning how to walk or the lack of food consumed.

Since he started eating on his own, he's been having more bf than usual. Say about 5-6 a day. He's also having smaller portions of food but more frequent. Before, it was just 3 meals a day now it's 5 meals a day. I don't mind him having more bf because I know that I still have milk. I can feel my breast 'filling up' when he bfs. I'm really glad, Alhamdulillah, to still have enough milk for him.

What gets to me is, he bites!!! He now has 2 bottom teeth. Since my letdown is slower than before, he decides to bite is so it'll come out faster hehehe. Am I complaining, no, not at all!! I just let him off my breast for a while if he bites, then let him back on. I'm still determined to carry on this breastfeeding journey regardless of what others think. My baby can drink from me until he decides he doesn't want anymore. After all, now I know he wants milk because he'd come crawling to my breast (surprisingly just the right breast) and try to lift my shirt up. Too cute!

My advise is, if any of you is going through such a stage, let the baby decide on their own. At 6 months old onwards, babies know what they want. They can think and tell you whether they want food/water/milk. Listen to the baby. Don't ever force food into their mouth if they don't want to. Try some other things. Once they know how to cry, trust me, they'll start crying for no reason at all. If possible, don't let the baby cry out. Ever. Ever. :)
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Malaysian citizen, soon..

We will be in London on Sunday & Monday! This is probably our 3rd time going to London this year and it's only March! I hope this will be the end, at least for this year. But apparently one of Iskandar's friend is coming over in May or June. Blegh. I never liked London as it's really a hectic city. Everyone's in a rush, somehow. I hate how we've to walk from one place to the other. The only thing I look forward to is, Iskandar wearing Khairaldin all day! Heheh He's never worn Khairaldin because when we tried once he just ended up screaming (Khairaldin that is). So both of them became restless. Today, Iskandar put him in the SSC and he was jumping away! That's a good sign. Insha'Allah. He's too heavy for me to carry all day. For an hour or 2, I'm ok but not all day. :) Obviously push chair is not even an option when you are in London!!! Going up and down the tube station? Torture! :D

Anyway, after 9 months, we are finally registering Khairaldin as a Malaysian citizen. We'll also be doing his passport since we are planning to go back to Malaysia Insha'Allah this year. So better get it sorted straight away while we are there. We're so excited to see his first passport picture! I still have my first passport picture and I was smiling away when the picture was taken. I thought u're not supposed to smile when taking passport picture or is that not true? I hope he'll be okay with other people taking his picture furthermore it'll be first thing in the morning!! Uh-oh!

So, this will be my last blog for this week. Willl be back on Tuesday. Insha'Allah. Oh having said that, I'll be busy baby sitting my brother's kids starting next week. Might blog about that when I'm free. As for now, have a great weekend all! :)
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Sleep

I love taking picture of Khairaldin when he's asleep. He looks so angelic and ahhhh, just make me wanna hug him real tight!

He's now officially slept on his own bed. But I definitely miss having him in between us. :( He's bed is just next to mine but it's just not the same. When he's sleeping next to me, he loves to come realllllll close. I love it! So I make it a must that he sleeps with us on the bed during his morning/afternoon nap.

My boy has grown so much! He's taking most of the space on our bed that's why we don't let him sleep in between us at night. Or else, we'll wake up with sore back and neck. But the few hours we get is more than enough to overcome our 'missing' him period :)

Enjoy the pics!

Ps: will update about the contraception 'story' soon. Just need to get my facts right :)
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