It’s that time of the year once again. Time to cut your cake, blow out the candles and open lots of gifts. In fact, now that you’e started to understand the business of cakes and gifts on birthdays, you’ve most definitely been looking forward to your fourth birthday. And it’s surely going to be a roar-some one.

‘Two’ many changes

There are two massive changes you’ve experienced this year, with the first one being starting school. School was such a massive step, and you found it difficult to settle down at first. I did too, leaving you teary eyed every morning was not easy for the both of us, but your teachers reassured me you had a wonderful time at school. It’s true, you did. You came home telling us stories of your friends- Yusuf and Hashim, enjoyed your snacks that I packed in your lunch box and your teachers shared photos of you doing fun class activities. Watching you participate on your first School Sports Day was such a proud moment for mummy and papa, and we cheered you loudly. You also went on your first class trip in the school bus!

The other big change was moving to England on a one way ticket. I worried about how you would adapt everything new. New people, and a new way of life, but I was wrong to worry. You have settled in very easily, Alhamdullilah. And not just to a new country, but a new home too. Together with your sister you’ve decided to have your rooms decorated with dinosaurs and space theme. Strangely, it works! You love having your toys everywhere, most of what we managed to cargo from Dubai. You are very possessive of your belongings, which is cute. You even sleep the entire night in your big boy bed now, although come back for morning cuddles in mummy-papa’s room. And it’s the best!

Experiences this year

You may be too little to remember the different experiences you’ve had this year, so let me tell you all about them. In August, you went to India for the first time, and thoroughly enjoyed it. You let yourself loose at the Dahanu beach, enjoyed the wind in your hair as you rode on motorcycles and         experienced the rush of the local trains. You stayed at the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, and visited the iconic landmarks around Mumbai.

September was a visit to the Cat Cafe, where you didn’t hesitate for a single moment trying to feed the cats. October, you were mesmerised witnessing your first water circus, Fontana, and the dirt bikes zooming so close to us in the tent was your favourite part. November was a fun staycation at Fujairah, and you didn’t want to leave the beach. December was busy with a trip to the Warner Brothers theme park, Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, 2nd December fireworks at Blue waters beach, Christmas office party at Meydan Racecourse, Museum of the Future on Sheikh Zayed Road and trips to Global Village.

January began with the NYE fireworks at the iconic Burj Khalifa! The following months were a whirlwind with packing up your belongings for the big country move, but not to forget ending our Dubai memories with a trip to La Perle. 

What are you like

You are kind, and funny. You love animals, a side that has been influenced by your sister. You and your sister continue building a beautiful bond. You continue enjoying jumping off the sofa, chairs and bed, every time challenging yourself to do something more daring. (Erm..why?) You enjoy exploring the outdoors, running out in the wild, collecting sticks and stones. You are observant of your surroundings, know the different tastes and flavours of food, love singing to English songs and watching Netflix cartoons. You still having trouble saying your ‘r’s’, which sound like ‘l’s’, and we all laugh about it. You are an early riser and love waking us up with a ‘cock-a-doodle-do’ .

A new year

As you begin your fourth year, mummy and papa can’t wait to see what’s in store. The new friends you will make, the more stories you will share with us and honestly, the mischief you’ll get up to. We wish you a happy birthday, and a life time full of happiness, love, good health and success.

Happy Birthday Azu,

Love Mummy & Papa

If you enjoyed reading this open letter to my son, you will also enjoy reading the letters from his previous birthdays : first birthday, second birthday and third birthday. You may also enjoy reading the letters I have written to my daughter, Azmu, on her fourth birthday from a few years ago.

For more from our journey, feel free to check out my instagram page.