16 weeks

Last weekend Emad and I went to the Minnesota History Center and really enjoyed it.

There were a lot of neat exhibits including a mock storm shelter where Emad could get an idea of what it would be like during a tornado.

A view of downtown St. Paul from outside

Monday I had an ultrasound and met with the perinatologist. Because of my heart condition, my ob wanted to make sure all is ok with the baby's heart - and everything is fine so far.

Right now, baby is 7oz.

She couldn't determine the sex this time but my 20 week ultrasound is on 11/8 and hopefully they'll be able to tell us then. After meeting with the perinatologist I had a cardiology appointment and he said he doesn't forsee any problems with my heart during pregnancy. He also said sometimes the condition improves during pregnancy.

Yesterday I went for my 16 week appointment (I'm actually 17 weeks as of Thursday) with the nurse practitioner. She listened to the baby's heart and said it sounds great. I've only gained 1 pound so far (lost 3 between 8 & 12 weeks with the severe nausea). I've had excessively itchy skin this past month (that actually wakes me at night) so she ordered some bloodwork to check for a condition that can occur with the gallbladder during pregnancy. She will call next week and let me know the results. I will also return in 2 weeks so my doctor can check it.

That's all the updates for now. My 20 week ultrasound is 11/8 and I'll meet with the perinatologist afterwards again to discuss the baby's progress.

p.s. Charlie is really liking his new roommate - thank goodness!

another fun weekend

Saturday we went to visit Elsie and then went to a middle eastern market and were happy to find some bread similar to what Emad's mom makes. He came here with a huge bag of bread but it's gone and he so enjoys it. Afterwards we went to the Sculpture Garden near downtown Minneapolis.

It was a beautiful day but a little chilly.

After the garden we drove around and admired the changing colors of the leaves

We also made a trip to the library to get free passes to the Minnesota Zoo, which is where we went the next day.

more camels in Minnesota??

this goat really took a liking to my purse

Overall, another fun weekend. Can't wait for Friday!

I'm feeling a little better these days. The nausea isn't so bad and some of my energy has returned, thank goodness! Next appointment is an ultrasound on 10/18.

on this day

Yesterday we were officially married here in the U.S. by Judge Karasov at the government center in downtown Minneapolis. We both really liked her, she was very nice.

First thing she asked for was the camera. One of the witness also took pictures during the ceremony.

Judge Karasov said a few words, then we said our vows, exchanged rings and were done! Hooray! No big celebration, just homemade pizza for dinner.

Thanks much to friends and family for all your support over the past several months. Emad and I are just so happy to finally be together.

Next we will file paperwork to adjust his status and to be able to work. He's antsy sitting in the apartment with Charlie all day (can't blame him) although, they do look like they're having fun!

12 weeks

Monday, 9/20, Emad and I went to my 12 week ob appointment. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat - very exciting! Everything is going fine with my pregnancy, bloodwork came back with no problems. I did lose a few pounds but the doctor said I should be feeling well within a week or two and will regain my appetite. Next appointment is 10/18 with perinatal. They want to check mine and the baby's heart since I have a very mild genetic heart condition. It's just precautionary and no problems are expected. On 11/8 is the ultrasound and we will find out the sex of the baby.

Emad and I have been having a lot of fun exploring the area since his arrival. First stop on Saturday was the Mall of America

Como Zoo on Sunday

then a drive through St. Paul, along the Mississippi River. It was a beautiful day.

Emad has been taking my bicycle out during the day and exploring St. Louis Park. He noticed a few frog things around the apartment and surprised me with this one day (which he let go after showing me)

Saturday we went to visit my friend Elsie (she's 91!). I introduced her to Emad and she held his hand the whole time. She told him he didn't look Egyptian and we've been laughing about that ever since. We had a torta at the Uptown Market Square and he loved it. Yum! After that we walked along the Mississippi in downtown Minneapolis

Sunday we went to an apple orchard. We fed some goats

we were surprised to see a camel (no, I didn't ride it)

and walked through the orchards

(we may have eaten an apple or two)

I'm happy to report that Emad seems to really like it here. He's enjoyed the food so far too!

Up next, we're going to the chapel. Ok, maybe not a chapel, but the Minneapolis Government center, to officially be married here in the U.S.

finally...

Emad will arrive tomorrow morning and I can't wait. Everything is ready for him. We shall see how he adjusts and likes it here. He's never seen snow before - and it won't be long before it's here. "I guess I'll freeze," is what he said when I tried to explain how cold it gets here. A lot of new and different experiences and I'm excited to share them with him. I'll keep you posted on all our upcoming adventures...12 week ob appointment on Monday.

egypt part III

My most recent trip to Egypt was this past July. Since I was working a temporary job it would have to be a short trip. I stayed only one week. I knew Egypt was hot during the summer months, but wow, it's especially hot when you're wearing long sleeves and have your head covered. I recommended we venture out at night and sleep during the day. We spent some time with Emad's family, which is always fun. One evening we all went to the beach and the guys went swimming. That was a great time. The Mediterranean is so clean and warm. It's wonderful.

The main purpose for this trip was the long awaited visa interview at the US Embassy in Cairo. After preparing some last minute paperwork, we were ready - leaving at 3am to arrive by 7:30am. After providing paperwork to different people within the embassy, we finally met with the consular - the one who would make the big decision. She asked me a few questions and then had me wait while she interviewed Emad. After a while she called me back and said, "Mabrook," or, "Congratulations." What a relief. After months and months of paperwork and waiting, we finally had the answer we wanted. We now had to wait, once again, for 3 weeks for processing and then they would send his passport/visa to him.

A few days later it was time for me to leave...already! The night before I left we walked through this air conditioned (thank goodness) mall and then had a delicious dinner at an outdoor cafe.

Everything was falling into place...

coming to america!

Emad will be here next Thursday! We're thrilled! I'm so happy he'll be here for my next ob appointment on 9/20. All is well with my pregnancy (week 11) so far. I'm hoping the nausea and exhaustion subside soon so I can resume my daily walking while the weather is still good - and hooray, I'll have someone to walk with!