Dear Ammar,

My water broke while your dad and I were lying in bed scrolling through Instagram reels together.

Just before it happened, you gave me a few big movements inside my tummy, almost as if you were telling me, “I’m coming earthside soon.”

The moment my water broke, everything changed.

Daddy and I quickly packed our hospital bags and rushed to the hospital. In the emergency department, they assessed me and sent us to Birthing Suite 117. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the number because 7 has always been mummy’s favourite number. It felt like the stars were aligning somehow.

At that point, I was nervous about what was about to unfold, but also so excited to finally meet you.

What I didn’t know was that it would take another 22 hours before I could hold you in my arms.

Because of complications, the doctors decided to induce labour. They made it sound quick and manageable, but it was anything but easy. The pain became overwhelming. Hour after hour, I prayed to Allah to let me meet you safely.

Through every contraction, your daddy stood beside me holding my hand tightly, looking straight into my eyes so I would know I wasn’t alone. As the pain intensified, my grip around his hand became stronger and stronger.

There were four incredible midwives who took care of us during those 22 hours — Kate, Chloe, Rebecca, and a student midwife named Junida, who had followed me through my appointments and birth journey. Each one cared for us with so much heart and kindness. Before your arrival, mummy had already prepared little goodie bags and thank you cards for them because somehow I knew the people helping bring you into this world deserved to be appreciated.

Everyone kept telling me how strong I was and how well I was doing, but by the 22-hour mark, both you and mummy were exhausted. You had passed meconium inside my tummy because you were becoming distressed, and the pain had become unbearable for both of us.

That’s when daddy and I made the decision to meet you the fastest and safest way possible — through surgery.

While all of this was happening, your Dada Bhai and Dida were outside praying endlessly for you. Your Nano, Biba, Apiya, and so many others were waiting, worrying, and making dua for your safe arrival into this world.

Then they wheeled me into the operating theatre.

It was freezing cold inside. I remember shaking uncontrollably while they prepared everything around me. I could feel the touch and movement on my skin, though the anaesthesia protected me from pain. My heart was racing.

Daddy sat beside me the entire time.

At one point, I looked at him and realised this was the last moment we would ever exist as just the two of us. In a few seconds, our hearts were about to expand and make room for a whole new kind of love.

Then the doctor asked, “Are you ready to see your baby?”

For a moment, I felt completely numb from emotion. My heart was pounding as I nodded yes.

And then I saw you.

A tiny little boy who changed my world forever.

The little boy who made us go from two to three.

It was the most beautiful moment of my life.

The pain, fear, and exhaustion from the last 22 hours disappeared instantly. Suddenly, none of it mattered anymore because you were here.

Daddy and I both started crying the moment we saw you. We couldn’t believe we were finally holding our child in our arms. Daddy even got to cut your cord.

For a brief moment they took you away to check your vitals and make sure you were okay, and those few minutes felt endless to me. I already missed you before you had even fully left my sight.

Then you came back to us again.

Daddy and I held you close and cried together, overwhelmed by how much love we already felt for you.

Later, we were finally moved to the ward. Your dad and I kept looking at each other in disbelief that you were finally earthside with us. I desperately wanted daddy to stay the night, but hospital policy wouldn’t allow it.

I was nervous about caring for you alone that first night, but one of the ward midwives gently told me she would help look after you while I rested.

The moment everything truly became real was when I woke up from my sleep.

You were lying quietly beside me in your little cot, staring at me so peacefully, almost like a tiny guardian angel. No fussiness. No crying. Just your beautiful eyes looking at mummy.

I stayed there silently, taking you in, thanking Allah over and over for you.

Thank you, my precious boy, for the love and healing you brought into my life the moment I saw you.

And if I had to go through those 22 hours again and again just to meet you, I would choose you every single time.

Love, Mummy