Holidays

Yes, it's been too long since my last post. Sorry to all my peeps, but it's been a little hectic here. Sumaya and I went to California for Thanksgiving and had a wonderful time but both came home a little sick. It took her a while to get back to her normal schedule, so we were all a little sleep deprived. She's also been very clingy, so I don't have time to do everything I would like - like my blog!

I was very anxious about flying with Sumaya - and by myself - but was fortunate to sit in first class on the way there. Wow, a lot different than 'the back of the plane'. Everyone was very nice and helpful and made the trip very smooth for us.

Savana was very happy to see her cousin and they shared babies and held hands on the way home in the car. It was very cute.

As soon as we got home Savana wanted to hold cousin Sumaya.

Thanksgiving morning. Time for beauty shop...no one does hair as well as Auntie Leslie!

Time to hold cousin Sumaya again.

 Grama got the girls matching outfits and pjs.

I really want to hold cousin Sumaya while walking, but she weighs almost as much as I do, so mommy will help.

Sumaya, Uncle D and Savana

Laurie & Sumaya

Breakfast!

Having fun in cousin Savana's swing in the back yard

Ready to go have breakfast with Kelly then go visit Mary, Izzy and Robert

 

 At grampa and grammy b's on Saturday. Got to meet Sam and Penny.

Fun with grampa

On the big dog

 Had a really nice Thanksgiving dinner and a fun visit.

We're thankful we got to go to California again to visit family and that Daren and Brenda got to meet Sumaya. We had a lot of fun and laughs. Hopefully we'll get to do it again this year...yes, it's already next year!

 

After liking cousin Savana's, I got Sumaya her own puppy and she loves it.

Daddy was being silly..

Blew up some balloons for Emad's birthday. She was NOT going to part with this one!

Ready for the party. Wanted to wear the red sparkly shoes but they didn't fit. : (

 Went for a yummy dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory and then came home for candy cane pie.

In my new coveralls from grama. Came with a cute little gingy in the front pocket.

Ready to go for a walk with mom. Got my new boots from Grammy B on. It's a little cold outside but no snow. We've only had a handful of days that it's snowed this winter but the snow is always gone within a day because the temperature goes up.

At the mall last weeend.

 Sumaya is crazy when we go out. She loves being out and around people.

She stands holding on to furniture. I think she'll be walking soon.

All went well at her 9 month check up 2 weeks ago. She's 24.7 lbs and 30.5 in tall. Her doctor said she is very healthy. She's a very good eater - likes anything we give her - but her favorite is sweet potatoes and also yogurt. She can wave hi and bye and can say mama, dada and understands a few words. We're teaching her both English and Arabic. When you ask her where the cat is in Arabic, she will look for Charlie. We think she's going to be very smart.

We're looking for a car for Emad...something reliable but not very expensive, just to get him to work and back. We are also looking for part-time daycare. Emad occasionally has the opportunity to work during the day and I sometimes need to stay a little later at work.

Overall, everything is going well and we're all happy and healthy. I will try to be more regular on the blogging!

xo

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!