Iman's Trip Back to Kelantan

It's been quite a while since our last trip back to Kelantan. Raya Haji way back in December 2007! Iman was really excited about going back to Kelantan! When Mummy picked Iman up early from school on Wednesday before Labour Day holiday, Iman excitedly told Kakak Sharmini, the helper in Young Ambassadors, "Iman nak balik kampung! Kelantan! Jauh!" Iman was even more excited to see K.Aisyah, her cousin, was in the car waiting to go back to Kelantan with us.

Iman didn't sleep at all during the first leg of the journey! She was watching one VCD after another in the journey to Gua Musang.

After the stop in Gua Musang for dinner with Cik Na and Ayah Nan who was in another car, Iman moved to sit with Mummy at the front seat and somehow managed to catch some sleep. It was a long 1 and 1/2 hour for Mummy to have Iman sleeping on Mummy's lap!

Iman was so excited when we arrived in Kota Bharu! Luckily Aqilah and Amelia actually got up to play with Iman for a while. Iman was so caught up being the youngest of the pack that Iman refused to put on the pampers because she was embarrased that Aqilah and Amelia would know that Iman still wears pampers to go to bed. And Iman is only 3 years and 4 months old!! Plenty of time to grow up.. but being the youngest Iman wanted to appear older than her age! Ha..ha..ha..

Iman only came to be at about 12:30 a.m. that night!

Update from Teacher Aza

Being a very concerned mother, Mummy called Teacher Aza this afternoon to check what has actually transpired between Iman and Teacher Aza about not allowing Iman to wear shorts and skirts.

According to Teacher Aza, she told everybody that they can't wear shorts or skirts on Thursdays and Fridays because they are going to play outside in the playground. They have to wear long pants on those days. Somehow Iman has misunderstood the message and thought that Teacher Aza meant that she can't wear shorts or skirts at all!

When Teacher Aza found out about the misunderstanding, Teacher Aza said that she would correct the statement with the kids. Mummy are glad that these whole misunderstanding is finally over! Mummy hope that Iman will be okay about wearing skirts and shorts again... especially at home! She should wear shorts at home while she's still a little girl. Mummy will make sure that Iman understands about Aurat when it is the right time to teach her that... And Mummy will make sure Iman will wear tudung when Iman is ready to do so! Not just because Mummy want Iman to do it. Mummy will make sure Mummy teach Iman the right values. May Allah show Mummy the right path in parenting.. Amiin...

Meanwhile, Mummy will remind Iman how to be a good Khalifah.

3 years 4 months old today

Iman is another month older... Having only Iman, Mummy made a point of remembering Iman's birthday monthly, not just yearly like the other mums. Lucky you, Iman! Hope Iman will know how lucky Iman has been all these time... and remember to be grateful whenever Iman gets upset with Mummy and Ayah later on.

When Mummy was getting Iman ready this morning to go to Pavillion, Mummy initially put on a red skirt on Iman. Suddenly Iman said "Teacher Aza said no short skirt!" and started to remove the skirt and looking for a pants to wear. Mummy was not sure whether it is really true that Teacher Aza said that. Mummy planned to call or sms Teacher Aza and ask about it.

This evening when Mummy was getting Iman ready to visit Mummy's cousin who just gave birth to a new baby boy, Iman refused to wait a skirt again. In fact Iman cried when Mummy asked Iman to wear her Minnie Mouse sleeveless with sphagetti string strap. Iman said, "Seksilah baju ni Mummy."

To Mummy a 3-year-old should not be discouraged from wearing anything short or sleeveless because they are just to young to be taught about aurat. Mummy always felt that kids should be allowed to try wear anything they want to so that they will not grow up feeling so confined in their dressing that when they are older, they felt like they have been deprived and once got the freedom, would become worse than those kids that had more freedom.

On the other hand maybe it is good to teach your kids about it when they are still young. Mummy really don't know..

Oh Gosh.. all these are making Mummy felt very confused. Mummy hope that what Mummy is doing in parenting is good enough to give a good foundation for Iman's growth. May Allah guide Mummy in being a good Muslim mum.

Iman @ Skali's Futsal

Iman and Ayah followed Mummy to Skali's Futsal on Sat 26 Mac 2008. We went at 11:00+ so that we didn't have to wait too long to see the final.

It was good to be there to support Suka Skali activities but because the blower was not working, being inside was like being in the sauna. Iman's face was turning red.

We decided to let Iman and Shaun (E-Peng's son) play outside for a while before the quarter final games started. Uncle AFU's team was one of the teams who were going to play for the quarter finals.




When the game started again, Aunty Shiek quickly called Mummy to come back inside. There we were cheering for Uncle AFU's team and his team won the Futsal Tournament this time!! It was worthwhile to wait.

The funny thing was that during the final game, eventhough it was so hot, Iman was already sound asleep on Ayah's shoulder! Iman is really an amazing kid!! As long as she is tired, she can sleep anywhere, anytime in any condition. Great!! But pity Ayah having to carry Iman on his shoulder all throughout the last final game! Thanks Ayah! You are a great Ayah!!

Iman want brown hair pun...

Mummy came back from the salon with burgandy colour in Mummy's hair in replacement of the grey/white hair. The previous henna treatment Mummy did has been washed off that left Mummy's hair looking like an old woman! Mummy badly needed another henna treatment. When Aunty Ona wanted to go to the salon, Mummy quickly took the opportunity to show Aunty Ona where Mummy's regular salon is and at the same time replenish the henna on Mummy's hair.

Mummy asked Iman whether Iman likes Mummy's hair. Iman said "Yes, Iman like Mummy's hair. Iman want brown hair pun.. Like Mummy!" Panically Mummy explained that Iman can only has brown hair when Iman has white hair like Mummy's. For a moment Iman was quite confused and not very happy with Mummy's answer. Then finally Iman accepted it.

Luckily Ayah told Iman that Iman's hair is already brown.. not black like Ayah's or Mummy's. Looking into the mirror, Iman realised that since Iman's hair is quite brown, it is already like Mummy's hair now.. Iman now happily declared that both girls - Mummy and Iman have brown hair.. not black like the boy - Ayah!! Ha..ha..ha..

The Caring Iman

Mummy was not well last Sunday night. Suddenly Mummy had a horrible headache. Ayah put some ice in a small towel so that Mummy could use the ice pack to cool down the bad headache. When Iman saw Mummy doing that, Iman quickly came over to help Mummy with the ice pack. Mummy was quite upset when Iman did that because Mummy didn't want Iman to drop the ice pack and wet the bedroom floor. At the same time Mummy didn't want to discourage Iman from being a caring person Iman has been showing lately. So, Mummy let Iman helped Mummy with the ice pack for a while.

Iman suddenly realised that she needed to give Mummy some 'ubat'. She ran to the kitchen, and just grabbed a plastic containing some pills in it. The so-called medicine counter at our house is actually quite high up, but Iman's motivation to help Mummy has helped her grabbed the medication that Iman hoped to cure Mummy. Then she took an empty plastic cup and went out of the room to get water for Mummy. Mummy heard the commotion between Iman and Ayah. Apparently Iman went to the bathroom and scooped water from the pail to give Mummy water to drink with the pills. Luckily Ayah saw that and helped Iman to get proper drinking water from the kitchen. Iman came into the bedroom with the cup of water and asked Mummy to drink the water.

It was all so sweet. Mummy really really touched with Iman's caring trait and Mummy prayed very hard that Iman would continue to be as caring as she is now. Ayah told Mummy that Mummy don't need to worry because Mummy already have someone who would take care of Mummy in Mummy's old days... Mummy really hope so...

Mummy hope that Mummy have given Iman all the right traits and values for Iman to continue to be the caring person every mothers wish for in their children.

Cool! Awesome!

Mummy was surprised when Iman suddenly said "Cool! Awesome!" when Iman saw the stuff Mummy brought back for Iman from Toys R Us sale last week! It was being utilized at the appropriate time and situation! Mummy just didn't know where Iman got such expressions!

Somehow Mummy seriously believe that those expressions came from the TV shows Iman always watch on Channel 613 - PHDC (Playhouse Disney Channel) on Astro. Iman's vocabulary is growing so fast lately. The good thing is Iman's BM's vocabulary is growing too. Despite wanting her English to be good, Mummy don't want Iman's BM to be impacted by too much emphasis on English. Iman's language ability at this age is balanced and Mummy and Ayah are very very glad and proud of.

A short meeting @ the playground with Nurin

Nurin's Mum smsed Mummy on Thursday telling Mummy that Nurin has been talking about Iman everyday. Nurin's Mum thought we should get together so that Nurin and Iman could play together for the while. Since they were planning to go back to their kampung for the weekend, the only suitable time to meet up would be on Friday evening.

Being a kind Mummy that understand the importance of friendships, Mummy organized Mummy's time so that Mummy could bring Iman to meet up with Nurin that Friday evening. We were there quite sometime before Nurin, Naim and their mum showed up.

Iman had quite a nice time running around in the indoor playground with Nurin. Mummy and Nurin's Mum, Kartina, also had a good time chatting while looking after the kids play. Mummy tried to take some pictures but somehow all the pictures turned blurry.. most probably because Mummy don't know how to capture moving objects. Mummy really need to learn how to handle the camera to capture moving objects as all the objects Mummy tried to take pictures tend to be moving objects. Ha..ha..ha..

But towards the end Iman started to cry when Nurin played roughly. Iman declared that she doesn't want to play with Nurin anymore. Mummy was quite worried that Nurin would be upset hearing Iman said that. Luckily Nurin is not a sensitive girl like Iman.. She kept on saying "nanti kita datang playground lagi, OK?" eventhough Iman kept saying "tak nak dah datang dengan Nurin!". Anyway, Mummy will not take Iman's declaration so seriously... being kids they change their minds very quickly and nothing is really kept in the heart.

Mummy and Nurin's mum are looking forward to another get together for Iman and Nurin.

Dilema of all Mums around the world

The other day, Mummy was getting ready for work while watching Oprah and the topic being discussed really caught Mummy's attention. She was talking about the dilema that most mums had to go through when they have a child. The show started off showing the anchorwoman of Good Morning America or something quit her job after 20 years for the sake of staying at home with her kids.

At the very moment, Mummy felt a tug on Mummy's heart, wanting to do the same so that Mummy can be around for Iman all the time. Mummy felt regretful for missing some of those moments especially all Iman's first! Like first crawl, first step, first word and so on. But then again, Mummy felt justified to continue to work so that Mummy can give Iman more in life - material things, best quality of education, Iman's future security to get education and to survive in case something bad happen to Mummy or Ayah or both of us at the same time.

Mummy felt being a working mum, the time spent with Iman become more precious. Mummy can be more patient to handle Iman as Mummy didn't feel so stressed having to handle Iman all day long as the stay-at-home mum. Mummy can spend more quality time with Iman after office hours compared to being at home all day with Iman.

But of course every now and then Mummy will get this feeling of wanting to be home with Iman a lot more... but having Mummy's own money to buy stuff for Iman and for the household most of the time would pacify Mummy.

As far as the working mums in Oprah is concerned, they feel that anybody can read for the kids but it is the Mummy that give love to the kids.. so the kids should not be deprived of love just because the mummies go to work. Even if the mums don't go to work, that doesn't mean that the kids get more love anyway. At least that's how Mummy feel.

When Oprah asked a grown up daughter of a working mum whether she felt deprived not having her mum around when she was growing up, she said she felt so much love! That gave Mummy a sense of security that Iman would feel the same. At least for now Mummy don't feel so bad being a working mum.

Here's the excerpt from the write-up in Oprah's website on Parenting

According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, the majority of full-time working moms as well as stay-at-home moms would like to trade in their current job status for a part-time position. Jean talks with Ellen Galinsky, president and co-founder of the Families and Work Institute, about the survey and the growing trend toward flexible work schedules for moms and dads.Women who want to work a part-time job may find less resistance from the job market than a decade ago, Ellen says.

"I think that companies are increasingly realizing that the talent in the labor force among women is not to be dismissed lightly," she says.Today, it's not just women who are interested in flexible work hours—Ellen says men are also seeking alternative work arrangements. "This generation of parents is more family-centric than baby boomers were," she says. "They are used to the kind of schedule that they may have had in college—particularly with flexibility where you work sometimes then you might come home and have dinner with your kids and then you work again."

The longtime debate over working moms and the upbringing of children is still hot, but Ellen says there is no evidence that shows children of full-time, part-time or stay-at-home moms turn out any different. "The kind of parent you are makes the biggest difference, not simply whether you are employed or whether you are not," she says.Ellen also says being stressed out from working long hours can affect your parenting, and in the end part-time or flextime jobs make sense for many parents. "We need to rethink simply the hours that we work—not like running a marathon, where you never stop, but more like weight lifting, where you take time for rest and recovery," she says.

Iman looking so grown up

Iman was just ready for school in her school uniform:

Iman's Obsession on Growing Up

Iman has been so obsessed with wanting to grow taller since the last few months. Last night was the most meaningful chat Mummy had with Iman about growing up. Mummy wanted to make sure Iman read about this in 8 or 9 years time. Mummy is sure that Iman would laugh knowing how obsessed Iman was about growing up when Iman was just 3!

Here's how the story goes.. Mummy had fed Iman rice with chicken soup just before Mummy and Ayah had our dinner. Mummy was in the kitchen finishing up clearing the dinner dishes. Iman frantically called Mummy to come to the bedroom. When Mummy arrived, Iman was standing on the bed looking into Mummy's vanity mirror. Iman had a very disturbed expression on her face.

The following is the conversation that went on between Mummy and Iman:

Iman: Look Mummy, Iman is still short!

Mummy: Of course lah.. Iman is only 3!

Iman: But Iman want to be taller... Iman want to grow up.

Mummy: Nanti Iman grow up lah..

Iman: Iman want to grow up!!

Mummy: Look at Arissa..

Iman: Arissa mana?

Mummy: Your cousin tu..

Iman: Oh?

Mummy: She is 6! Sapa taller? Arissa or Mummy?

Iman: Mummy

Mummy: See... she is 6 and she is shorter than Mummy! Iman is only 3, of course Iman is short.

Iman: But Iman want to grow up! (started to cry now..)

Mummy: (getting impatient) Why do u want to grow up?

Iman: Iman nak grow up so that Iman can help Mummy! Iman nak eat some more lah!

At this time, Mummy had tears in Mummy's eyes! For such a young kid, Iman have such a big heart! Mummy understood now what Iman's motivation to grow up is. Every time Iman wants to help Mummy wash the dishes or carry heavy things for Mummy, Mummy always said "Tak pelah Iman.. when Iman grow up, Iman can help Mummy." That's the reason pushing Iman wanting to grow up so much. Mummy don't know what to do anymore. Iman is just so matured for her age... Mummy thank Allah for giving Mummy such a great kid. Mummy hope Iman will continue wanting to help Mummy when Iman really grows up!

Iman @ Daniel's Birthday Party

Since Iman seemed to be so keen to go to her first invitation to a birthday party of her friend, Mummy thought the nice thing to do is to let her experience the party. Iman was looking forward to it so much that since Saturday Iman was already looking into her cupboard for a nice dress to wear to the party. Mummy had to kept reminding Iman that the party was going to be on Sunday!

The party was scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. Sunday and we only left for the party at about 5:20 p.m. Ayah being such an 'on-time' freak, was already tensed up because we would not be arriving on time for the party. Somehow, being on-time is not all the time a great virtue when the birthday boy and his family were not even there in McDonald Titiwangsa when we arrived. Apparently there was another party that didn't end on time, so Daniel's party had to be pushed to 6 pm. Of course since we didn't know, we tried to be there by 5:30! We ended up having to find a place to sit down for a while waiting for the birthday boy and family to arrive.

Took some pictures of Iman wearing her new dress while waiting for the party.



The party eventually got started even later than 6 p.m. and there were only Azura (and her mum and siblings) and Johan (with his mum and grandma) from Iman's class that came to the party. Don't know what happen to the others. Probably they had something more enjoyable and important to do.

When the food was finally served, we didn't get there fast enough that we ended up not getting anything. Luckily Iman got her Happy Meal! We had to wait for a while before we got our chicken burger. Then when Mummy went to get the chilly sauce for Ayah, Mummy was too late! No chilly sauce! What luck.. Mummy didn't take any pictures after the party has started. Iman didn't seemed to be that close to Daniel anyway.

Then we had to leave by 7:15 p.m. because Ayah had a business dinner to attend, before the cake was brought out and the candles blown. Iman said "Daniel tak de cake and candle to blow!" and we just didn't explain to her that we had to leave early. Just let Iman think that there was no cake for Daniel. He..he..he...

So that's Iman's first birthday party invitation experience. Somehow Iman was not as excited being there as her anticipation for the party. Iman fall asleep in the car and continued to sleep for about half hour, then woke up and started to play with the toys in the party pack. That's the end of our Sunday...

Mummy, can Mummy send Iman to McDonald tonight?

Mummy went to fetch Iman at Young Ambassadors on Friday at about 5:50 p.m. Iman was still playing with some friends - Arissa, Muhammad Iman and a few other boys. The conversation between Iman and Mummy as Mummy approached the gate:

Iman: Mummy, today is Daniel's birthday!

Mummy: Oh yeah?! I see! (In Mummy's heart Mummy was happy that Iman is such a social and thoughtful and very aware person)

Iman: Mummy, can you send Iman to McDonald tonight?

Mummy: What?!

Iman: Mummy, can Mummy send Iman to McDonald tonight?

Mummy: Why?

Iman: Daniel punya birthday!

Mummy: Who told you to go to McDonald?

Iman: Teacher Aza said ada party, kena pakai nice dress!

Mummy: Are you sure Teacher Aza said that?!

Mummy told Zara, Muhammad Iman's mum about what Iman just said... Zara said "She thought she is 14? That we should just drop them at McDonald?". Mummy wanted to laugh and at the same time Mummy felt sad that Iman is growing up so fast!

While Mummy was struggling with Iman's bags and stuff, Iman quickly took out from her school bag an invitation card from Daniel's parents. Apparently it is true that there is going to be a birthday party for Daniel in McDonald but not that night.

Pheww!! Mummy was glad Iman showed Mummy the invitation card. For a moment there Mummy was worried that Iman is now capable of creating imaginery stories. So Mummy told Iman that we will ask Ayah whether we can go for the party. Iman was quite happy to know that.

Iman State of Emotion 10 April 2008

This morning Iman was not really in good mood. She refused to be shampooed when Ayah helped to bath her and was not really behaving well. Somehow watching Jojo Circus while dressing up to get ready for school, Iman's mood changed slightly for the better. But when Ayah called Iman to leave for school, she started to get into foul mood again. First she said she wanted to wear her pink slipper but then realised that since she was wearing blue school t-shirt with blue pants, the pink slipper will not be matching she said "tapi tak sama..." So Mummy asked Iman to wear her blue sandal which at first she was ok with it but then decided that she doesn't like that sandal. It was so complex! The pink one is not matching, but she doesn't like blue! which will match her dresssing. Ayah got angry and just walked to the car. Iman was worried "why Ayah go sorang-sorang?" she asked. So she quickly just asked Mummy to put on a pink sandal eventhough it was not matching. And walked down 2 floors by herself to Ayah's car after giving Mummy a hug and salam.

Some days can be very tough to get Iman to school.. some other days could be just a breeze! Oh well... that's life with a 3-year-old... Anyway, Mummy love Iman very very much!! Mummy hope Iman will never doubt that, especially whenever Mummy lose Mummy's temper. He..he..he...

Iman's New Trick

Eversince our last picnic trip with Nurin, Iman has been looking forward to go for another picnic trip. Mummy told Iman that we can only go for picnic when it is holiday, which to Mummy are Saturdays and Sundays.

On Monday evening after her school Iman declared : "Teacher Aza said tomorrow is a holiday. School close! So we can go for picnic with Nurin!" Mummy couldn't help it but laughed with her new trick. She really wanted to go for the picnic again!

Everyday since then Iman kept on insisting that now is school holiday, so she doesn't need to go to school. All that she can think of now is having picnic with Nurin...

Iman's Favourite Activity

Other than watching cartoon on Astro and cartoons on DVDs, Iman's favourite activity is 'reading' or getting Mummy to read book after book after book...

Iman in her Princess pyjama

Mummy bought a new Princess pyjama from Pasar Tani a few weeks back. Iman looked like a grown girl wearing the new pyjama, but refused to stand up when Mummy wanted to take photo of Iman wearing that new pyjama. So, Mummy had to just take pictures of Iman from any angle.. He..he..he..

Iman and her latest Photography Images

Iman's talent for photography is getting better and better. Here are some of the output of her photography sessions.

Iman Comot!

We went to HQ to visit Nenek and Tok Ayah. Mummy decided to buy J Co Donuts to bring to Nenek and Tok Ayah for tea, so Mummy had join the bandwagon of people queueing up for J Co Donuts too.. It was ok since Iman was sleeping in her stroller and Ayah had find a seat to rest with Iman while waiting for Mummy to queue up and buy those donuts.

It was worth it! The donuts were good! Nenek likes it better than the Big Apple donuts. Somehow Mummy been introducing Nenek to all sorts of donuts lately.

Iman had a nice time licking the chocolate on the donuts without eating the donut itself. The comot faces of Iman....

Iman and Family in Pavilion

We were in Pavillion on Sunday after the picnic with Nurin. Some pictures taken there..

Picnic With Nurin

On Sunday Mummy and Nurin's Mummy decided to have a picnic together so that Iman and Nurin can have some time to play together, now that the two of you are no longer going to the same school. Iman was reluctant to wake up early at the beginning, but when Mummy reminded Iman that we were going for a picnic with Nurin, Iman happily told Mummy that Iman was ready to take her bath.

Then Iman told Mummy "U have to bring food, Mummy! We are going for a picnic. Understand?" Mummy and Ayah couldn't help laughing when we heard Iman said that! So Mummy showed Iman all the food that Mummy had prepared for us to bring for our picnic.

Iman went with Mummy and we left Ayah to rest at home. When we arrived at the playground at about 8:45 a.m., Nurin and her family were already there. Nurin was cycling her bicycle while Naim, Nurin's younger brother was already running around, and Nurin's Papa had to chase after him.

Mummy and Nurin's Mummy sat down on the bench and started to chat while watching the kids playing in the playground. There were not that many people that day. According to Aunty Kartina, usually there were more people. Maybe because it rained the last few days, the ground area was muddy, so it was not too conducive for playing in the playground that day. Iman kept on going into the mud and Mummy was screaming at Iman every now and again to avoid the muddy area and just to walk on the concrete floor. Iman said "Oh OK!" everytime Mummy told Iman that.. but being a 3 year old, Iman kept on going into the mud!! Luckily Iman wore a snickers so the feet didn't get dirty! Just the snickers! Nurin's feet was all muddy and Nurin's Mum had to wash them!

Iman was so much more matured than Nurin that Iman just couldn't understand why Nurin was running around and not wanting to sit with her. Iman told Mummy "Nurin tak nak kawan Iman.. dia lari-lari.." Mummy wanted to laugh when Mummy heard that! Iman just couldn't comprehend that kids normally just want to run around.. Iman probably want to just sit down with Nurin and eat the fish biscuits together. Oh Gosh! What have Mummy done to Iman?! Mummy should let Iman be a kid.. and stay a kid for a long long while.. So, Mummy told Iman to just run and play with Nurin.. Just go! Don't sit with Mummy and expect Nurin to come and sit with us.. Then Iman started to run around with Nurin too and they had a nice time playing slide, and swing together.

In fact Iman tried to run after Nurin, but didn't get very far and start to run back towards Mummy...It was quite funny to see Iman that way.. so matured for her age!

We had a great time (even for Nurin's Mum and Mummy to be able to chat) and promised each other that we will have other picnics next time. We left about 10 a.m. and Iman told Mummy that Iman was happy to see Nurin! Mummy promised Iman that we will have more picnic sessions next time.

Iman's Pictures Taken Using Ayah's iPhone

We were in Mid Valley and Ayah took some of these pictures using his iPhone:

Nurin's Last Day in Young Ambassadors

Yesterday was Nurin's (Iman's bestfriend) last day in Young Ambassadors. Nurin's mum organized Nurin's birthday party cum farewell party in Young Ambassadors eventhough Nurin's birthday is some time in April.

When Mummy arrived home Iman showed Mummy all the things she got in her party pack that Nurin gave. Iman told Mummy that Nurin is not going to Young Ambassadors anymore. When Mummy asked Iman how did Iman know about it, Iman told Mummy that Teacher Aza told them. Not bad.. Iman listens well in school and she always gets the message conveyed to her.

Mummy is rather worried about Iman missing Nurin as they have been bestfriends since Jan 2007! Mummy and Nurin's mum have been making plans to keep the friendship going for both of them and both of us eventhough they are no longer in the same school. We've made plan to bring them for picnic to the park one of the weekends. We hope that it will help to get them to continue being friends.