I’ve been meaning to do this for awhile now, but just never got around to it. Nabila (you still out there dear?) mentioned this on her blog some time back, and I agreed with her then that mommy bloggers writing letters to their little ones is just such a great idea. So here goes, my first attempt.

Dear ‘Umar,

This is Ibu’s first blog letter to you sayang… inshaAllah, the first of many.

You are 9 and a half months turning 10 months old now, and I have to say, this is a very eventful time in our lives. With all the new things that you are learning each and every day, your smartness and your mobility, and your lovely little personality emerging, Ibu now realise you are no longer a little baby, but slowly becoming little boy…

crawl

You have been so busy lately… so active. This month, you learnt to crawl. It didn’t seem very long ago when you hated being on your tummy and would cry because you could neither turn onto your back, nor hold your head up any longer. Now you chase Ibu around the house on all fours, tugging Ibu’s skirt asking to be carried. Cos while you are learning how to go further and further away from Ibu, you are also more clingy than usual. Ibu was puzzled at first, cos you have never been a clingy baby, always happy, always fearlessly exploring, until recently.

Then Ibu found out that you are now just learning how big the world can be, as you crawl around on all fours from the living room to the kitchen, looking behind the refrigerator, turning over dustbins. Ibu try to look at the world from your point of view, and realise it must be exciting, yet scary at the same time. So Ibu try to reassure you every time you come crawling back to Ibu… that its ok, go ahead, its safe.. I’m here watching out for you. Umar sayang, Ibu feel so proud at how you are growing so quickly and confidently, and Ibu hopes and prays that you will grow up always looking back and Ibu and Ayah for reassurance, and that we will always be here supporting and guiding your every step inshaAllah…

Umar on ladder

We also found out you love climbing stairs and ladders, much to everyone’s delight (which I am sure will be shortlived, cos soon you will learn what great fun the stairs at home bring, and we will all be scrambling to keep you away from it). The first time we allowed you to, you climbed an entire flight of stairs so quickly it looked like you were born with it. Maybe you will grow up climbing rock walls like Ayah, cos stairs are just too easy peasy for you ay?

You also started swimming lessons this month. Ayah and Ibu were not sure you would like it, but it turns out you loved every single minute of the class, and swimming is now the highlight of the week for our little family. Your eyes will light up as soon as you are in the water… and Ibu love watching you and Ayah sing and play and laugh together.

My baby Umar, after a whole day of busyness and activity, do you know what is your favourite winding down routine? Its also what Ibu love best about you and am cherishing every day because I know that this special thing we share has an expiry date. Our end of the day nursing and cuddling in bed. When I don’t have to worry about you exploring and getting into trouble, cos you are right there in my arms, calm, quiet, and so attentive. I love the way you look at Ibu when you nurse… the way your little fingers stray to Ibu’s neck, playing with the diamond pendant that Ayah gave to Ibu on our wedding day. I love the way your fingers reach up to touch Ibu’s mouth, nose and eyes… like you are trying to memorise every feature on Ibu’s face.

Oh Ibu have to get back to work now, cos lunch time is almost over. On a parting note, for this first letter, Ibu want you to know something… Having you has made Ibu and Ayah see life through a whole different perspective. The most important thing you have taught us is the value of time. If we didn’t have you, the months would’ve passed by without us even noticing it. It’ll be “just another year”, but having you is like having a human calendar. Ibu and Ayah sees days pass by with every new sound you learn to make… we notice weeks pass by every time we realise your clothes don’t fit any longer, and we feel months pass by with every tooth cutting its way out (yes you grew your first two little tooths this month!). You remind Ibu and Ayah that we are not getting any younger…

“Lose no time to do good deeds before you are caught up by one of seven calamities awaiting you: a starvation which may impair your wisdom; a prosperity which may mislead you; an ailment which may damage your health; an old age which may harm your senses; a sudden death; the Dajjal; or Doomsday, which is indeed the hardest and most bitter.” ~ Prophet Muhammad SAW (at-Tirmidhi, al-Baihaqi)

So my little darling… Thank you for the reminders. Every day, Ibu thank Allah for bringing you into our lives, and Ibu dua that Allah guides us through each of your developmental milestone, and celebrate each one with much gratefulness and prayer. When you learn how to pick up the little stars and squares of your shape sorter and put them through the right hole, Ibu will dua that you will match each problem of the ummah with a solution. When you climb those ladders and stairs, Ibu will dua that you will always strive to the top, to try your best in anything that you do, in the cause of Allah and His pleasure. When you learn to read your first word, Ibu will dua that you use your knowledge to improve the lives of the needy around you, economically, and spiritually… Ameen!

That’s all for now, counting down the hours till I see you again love!

P.S. Would you please just sleep a little bit more please? ;)