The Day My Son Turned 3

My dearest son Zareef,

Today at 0820 hrs, you have reached a new milestone in life. It's the day you turned 3. I can still remember the day I felt the contractions on your expected due date, 12/10/02. Your daddy and I were really happy but at the same time quite nervous and scared that you were about to be borned into this unknown world anytime soon. But after a laborious, tiring, painful, 3 failed attempts of epidural, and a failed ventouse of 30 hrs, you finally made a grand appearance with the help of a pair of forceps.

Since then, I have always marvelled at how fast you grew. You were always spot on on all the markers that I religiously read and follow in babycenter.com and any books that I can get my hands on. You started teething at 5 months, crawling at 6, standing up and holding on to furnitures to move at 9 and walked just a week before your first birthday. By then, you were unstoppable in the physical and mental department. You grew your full set of teeth by 1.5 years and still hanging on to me for milk. Unfortunately, I had to wean you off when you were 2 because your set of teeth were too painful for me to handle.

I was so proud of you then and I am still proud of you now for your amazing achievements, your ability to put words together, your quick wit and resoucefulness in outwitting your daddy and I and your heart of gold that is able to love us unconditionally even after having to undergo a round of mummy scolding you like a mad woman.

You complete our world. Without a doubt, your presence has changed us from young foolish couples to ahemmm... responsible loving parents. Your daddy and I would lay the world at your feet even if we have to beg, borrow and steal. There is nothing that we wouldn't do for your happiness and safety. If it were up to me, I would never let you venture out into the cruel evil but wonderful world. But, I want you to grow up and experience what life has to offer you be it sweet or bitter.

It really has been a pleasure having you around for the past 3 years and I look forward to having you around for a very long time. Please just remember that your daddy and I love you very, very much.

Love you till the power of infinity...

Mummy & Daddy.

Rachel and Justine preparing Zareef's mock birthday cake. I wasn't allowed to bring in a cake in fear of the other children having allergic reaction to any of the cake's content.

His classmates sang "Happy Birthday" while Zareef watches the candles gleefully.

Zareef handing out Maltesers to his classmates.

Our gift to Zareef. His all time favorite, a truck load of cars and an aeroplane to boot.

Happy Birthday my darling! I pray that you'll have more wonderful birthdays to come and that you'll grow to be a good son and a faithful Muslim.