Dear Azmu,

Happy Birthday my dearest daughter! My mini-me, who looks more and more like my younger version, but with strong qualities from your dad. And yet, you also have some qualities that I’m not sure are from either of us, and they are entirely you. A unique personality.

You are smart, intelligent, beautiful and kind. You are active, restless and an adventurous soul. I love so much about you. You are empathetic, strong-willed and know how to express your feelings. You were never taught about how to fulfil the role of a sister, but the past year you’ve done such an excellent job at it. Watching you include your little brother in your imaginary play, outdoor play and bath time play is the sweetest thing ever. You are his biggest cheer leader and get equally excited seeing him pick up new tricks. You also are a reliable team player when I need you to keep him occupied. So far, there have been very few complaints about (and with) your brother and more giggles shared, which I hope will never change.

You may not be into Disney Princesses now, and still a very much Superheroes fan (thanks Dad!), but you certainly are into unicorns right now. You’ve watched every ‘My Little Pony’ episode on Netflix, purchased unicorn shoes and outfit for your birthday and asked me for a unicorn birthday cake. And I get excited about it!

This year we weren’t supposed to spend so much time together, because you started school. However, due to the COVID situation, and with online learning, we’ve ended up spending together each day from March onwards. I have loved having you at home, teaching you and watching you soak up all that new learning. Being at home we also picked up new activities, like Cosmic Yoga, online art classes over Zoom calls, Just Dance sessions, Tiktok (*facepalm*) and learning Arabic alphabets together. Together we’ve also done lots of crafting, cooking together and watching interesting series together like ‘Glow Up’ on Netflix.

What started as a trickle and now comes in as waves this year has been your curiosity and constant need to ask questions. You are curious about the world around you and also the world you see in movies. You ask about the fastest animals, about colour mixing, about Zombies and so much more. Stay curious and keep thinking outside the box. However, I’m sorry about limiting you to how many questions you can ask me before bed time, or telling you to ask your dad instead when we’re watching a movie together, but if I didn’t I just know you won’t stop asking! One thing I wish you’d stop asking is for a pet. You are always asking for a pet cat, dog or both and while I always postpone the idea of getting you one, I wish you’d let go of it. Girl, I’m just about managing to keep the house plants well and alive!

You are empathetic, and know how to express your feelings. You are well-mannered but also strong –willed at the same time. You are brimming with ideas and plans. You are generally shy, but sometimes surprise us with how confident you are around strangers.

You are very much a daddy’s girl, and always will be. He spoils you with your favourite foods, trips out together, cuddles and kisses. You love all the attention you get from him and know exactly how to convince him with your sweet eyes. However, I know you love and need your mummy just as much. Your nights won’t end without your cuddles from mummy before you go to bed. I love those warm cuddles you give me, your kisses and the way you say ‘I love you too’. And as much as I know you are growing up, you will always be our favourite little girl.

Happy 5^th Birthday Azmu.

Love, Mummy.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Khushboo | Mum Blogger DXB (@mumzynotebook) on Aug 27, 2020 at 12:52am PDT