8 months

It's been a while since my last post. A lot going on lately - and coming up...

Sumaya is growing sooooo quickly and already 8 months old now. She amazes us and makes us laugh every day. She sits up on her own and rolls everywhere. She loves to stand - not quite on her own yet - so I got her a walker last week. She's getting the hang of it and right now can just go backwards.

We are back volunteering at Ebenezer on Saturdays. The residents love her and Sumaya really loves being around people, so it's a win-win. As soon as we walk in the front door there are people all around that are excited to see her.

We moved a couple weeks ago down the hall to apartment 110. Sumaya now has her own bedroom, which is really nice for all of us. It's very quite where we are and our living room looks out to a big tree which the squirrels and birds love...Charlie is in heaven.

Congratulations Emad! He passed his driving test last week. I think I'm more excited since this means I no longer have to pick him up from work at 1am! 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep the past few days has been heavenly. We are looking for a cheap car for him to get to work and back in.

And the best for last...Sumaya and I are headed to California in 2 weeks for Thanksgiving! We will arrive on Wednesday and leave Sunday and are very excited. Unfortunately, Emad has to work and won't be coming with us. Can't wait to spend time with family and friends and for everyone to get to know Sumaya. I think the cousins will have the best time together. Sumaya loves kids and I hear Savana might love babies? 

We are matching...didn't realize it until after she was dressed.

We're all ready to travel to CA with our new stroller. Why didn't we get one of these umbrella strollers earlier? Much more convenient for quick trips or a short walk.

Lots of birds and squirrels, for Charlie's enjoyment, outside our new apartment. SuSu likes her doll from grama.

We saw these turkeys at General Mills on Saturday. And yes, Emad wanted to catch one.

Sumaya loves her new penguin.

...and her daddy even more!

xo

Apple Orchard

Sunday we went out to lunch. It was a beautiful day!

We especially enjoyed taking time to look at all the beautiful colors of leaves. I've decided Fall is my favorite season in Minnesota...sunny, with a little chill, apple picking, pumpkins and the leaves!

ms. serious

We spent the rest of the afternoon at Minnetonka Orchards and had a lot of fun.

There were llamas...

sheep...

 and goats...

People brought their dogs too, and Sumaya especially loved when they barked - she cracked up.

 Daddy and Sumaya went on the apple express. Clearly, Emad is the biggest on the ride and shortly after this picture was taken (and the camera battery died) there was a loud explosion. The 'big kid' popped the tire. They quickly changed out the cart and they were off once again.

Sumaya has become more interested in Charlie, but as you can see, the feeling is not mutual.  

I finally got Sumaya's crib all set up. It came missing a nut, but we got a replacement and it's ready to go. Don't worry, she can't really stand up yet...I stood her up and let go while daddy quicly took the picture. When she can stand on her own I will lower the mattress. : )

We're still waiting to hear if we are approved for the apartment down the hall. Cross your fingers!

6 months

Today was Sumaya's 6 month appointment. She is 20.6lbs and 27.5in long. She is very healthy and up-to-date on all her shots - including the flu shot.

 we tried on her snow suit that, sadly, will not fit her by the time the snow actually comes. i loved it and bought it before she was born. little did i know she would be wearing 18mo clothes by the time she was just 6mo old.

 we have fun on laundry day. we go down the hall to wash our clothes and she rides in the basket, on the warm clothes, on the way back.

 love my tunes.

 if you put me on my back i will roll over to my stomach. i also like to stand - can't quite do it on my own, but my legs are getting stronger every day!

 WHAT'S GOING ON HERE??

 my daddy puts me in the bumbo seat, sprays water on my hair, combs then brushes it...then mom puts this silly bow in my hair.

 our friend Marilou calls this picture 'toy central'.

Emad and I are having a lot of fun with Sumaya. She has quite a voice and "talks" a lot these days. She loves to roll from her back to her stomach and will roll and roll and roll all over the apartment. She's very strong and getting good at standing while holding on to something. We have a cute Halloween costume. She'll be a very cute 'lady'. We will also be moving at that time. Not certain where yet - although down the hall is a possibility. Will update everyone on our new address once we know. It will be nice for Sumaya to have her own room. We will be looking for a new bed and dresser for her too. xo
P.S. Our lease is up at the end of October. I've looked at a couple places and don't really like them. Last night we looked at a place not far from where we are now...just down the hall - and liked it! It's a large 2bd apartment with more closet space than we'll know what to do with. So, I'm pretty sure this is where we'll end up - and what a relief to not have to rent a moving truck and find people to help! We'd be able to start moving in the third week in October. If this all work out, our new address will just be a new apartment number...#110. Will keep you updated.

pierced ears

Sumaya got her ears pierced.

 at the mall...build-a-bear

 chillin' on the couch (looks like a swimsuit but it's just a onesie). it's very hot here in the summer.

thanks cousin savana for sending back the outfit i bought you! cute!

"thanks for my shirt papa and grammy b!"

picnic at minnehaha falls last weekend

with my daddy

minnehaha falls

 we both look (and feel) a little miserable...it was VERY hot and humid - and i got over 20 mosquito bites.

 dipping my feet in the water

the left foot 'accidentally' made it into the water

 overall, a nice day. glad to be outside enjoying a beautiful day with the family

Previous weekend at Coon Rapids Dam Park

 next to the Mississipi

 a lot of people fishing

 i like to eat anything...pears, peaches, prunes, apples, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, popsicles, juice - but mostly formula.

Sumaya is 5mo, almost 18lbs and wearing 12mo clothes. She is in the 95th percentile for her height and weight. She will be tall for sure - oh and has curly hair - just like her parents. We went to the doctor last week for tummy issues, but it seems to be better now with another formula switch. She is a lot of fun and very even-tempered. We have fun on the weekends exploring the different parks and lakes. 2 weeks ago we went to Coon Rapids Dam Park. It's right along the Mississippi River. Last weekend was Minnehaha Falls Park. Both parks are very pretty. For our Friday date yesterday, Sumaya and I went to the uptown art fair and saw a LOT of really cool art; photography, ceramics, paintings, woodwork, jewelry and more...