Friday, September 28, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
The Things I Said I Wouldn't Do
One of the most interesting things about motherhood is discovering just how little you know about yourself. I had this whole child rearing thing figured out---until I had a child. One of my biggest pet peeves with the baby industry was their tendency to design baby boy clothes that looked like grown men clothes. I ranted and raved about how uncomfortable a pair of jeans or khakis had to be on the delicate skin of a newborn. I vowed that if I ever had a little boy, I'd dress him exclusively in onsesies and snap-front baby footie outfits until he was at least one.
I admit that I am a sucker for the preppie look. I had many a joyful day putting Khalid blazers, polos, flat front pants, and sweaters. The only problem is that Khalid prefers to dress himself...go figure. I reluctantly agreed to stop bringing home "surprises" for him, but deep down, I sill miss the thrill of making the perfect man-fit.
Fast forward two years, and along comes Zayd. I know I said I wouldn't put him in little man outfits, but then I stepped foot into Baby Gap. The cuteness of some of their pieces got the best of me. Most days Zayd looks like this:
But, from now on, Zayd might look something like this---from time to time:
I'm going to just put it out there. Zayd is a way better mannaquin than Khalid will ever be. He doesn't complain about how things fit, or question my selections. He does get a little testy about things going over his head, but that's just a little drawback in the whole scheme of thing, Admittadely, he does also have a tendency to spit up, poo, and pee on some of his clothing items; Khalid, on the other hand, never did this. Zayd makes up for this with his pleasant personality and willingness to try new things.
I honestly think Zayd likes his man clothes. Ahen I put this outfit on, he seemes to get real serious, and even stayed propped on the couch a little longer than normal before falling over. I'm thinking maybe he can dress up for jummah. I'm also excited about Zayd's first Eid. I think he and Khalid should be twins. I haven't really figured out how to sell this idea to hubby yet, but I'm working on it.
I admit that I am a sucker for the preppie look. I had many a joyful day putting Khalid blazers, polos, flat front pants, and sweaters. The only problem is that Khalid prefers to dress himself...go figure. I reluctantly agreed to stop bringing home "surprises" for him, but deep down, I sill miss the thrill of making the perfect man-fit.
Fast forward two years, and along comes Zayd. I know I said I wouldn't put him in little man outfits, but then I stepped foot into Baby Gap. The cuteness of some of their pieces got the best of me. Most days Zayd looks like this:
But, from now on, Zayd might look something like this---from time to time:
I'm going to just put it out there. Zayd is a way better mannaquin than Khalid will ever be. He doesn't complain about how things fit, or question my selections. He does get a little testy about things going over his head, but that's just a little drawback in the whole scheme of thing, Admittadely, he does also have a tendency to spit up, poo, and pee on some of his clothing items; Khalid, on the other hand, never did this. Zayd makes up for this with his pleasant personality and willingness to try new things.
I honestly think Zayd likes his man clothes. Ahen I put this outfit on, he seemes to get real serious, and even stayed propped on the couch a little longer than normal before falling over. I'm thinking maybe he can dress up for jummah. I'm also excited about Zayd's first Eid. I think he and Khalid should be twins. I haven't really figured out how to sell this idea to hubby yet, but I'm working on it.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
One Month
I can't believe that my baby boy is one month old. It seems as if we brought him home only yesterday. It's hard to believe how someone so little can make such a great impact on my life within a short period of time. I wake up looking forward to each day with him.
Zayd is literally growing before our eyes. He loves to hold his head up and look around his surroundings. He's also discovered how to clasp his hands together. This seems to be something that he really enjoys. He has several different types of cries now--some of them very loud. He seems to really enjoy bath time, and of course nursing. He also likes taking naps in his swing.
My child is also really filling out. His checks are fat and his little thighs are solid. I'm really trying to get him on some type of feeding schedule, but as of now, he pretty much just eats whenever he wants to. He is literally busting out of his newborn onsesis.
My favorite time of the day with Zayd is in the early morning. I love bringing him in the bed with us for a cuddle and nurse session. He enjoys looking out the window and catching the early morning sun rays. I love to watch him move his arms and legs in the light.
Zayd is literally growing before our eyes. He loves to hold his head up and look around his surroundings. He's also discovered how to clasp his hands together. This seems to be something that he really enjoys. He has several different types of cries now--some of them very loud. He seems to really enjoy bath time, and of course nursing. He also likes taking naps in his swing.
My child is also really filling out. His checks are fat and his little thighs are solid. I'm really trying to get him on some type of feeding schedule, but as of now, he pretty much just eats whenever he wants to. He is literally busting out of his newborn onsesis.
My favorite time of the day with Zayd is in the early morning. I love bringing him in the bed with us for a cuddle and nurse session. He enjoys looking out the window and catching the early morning sun rays. I love to watch him move his arms and legs in the light.
Week 4
Admittedly I've slacked off on blogging this week. My absence wasn't intentional, it's just that Zayd has been keeping me a lot more busy. We had a wonderful, jam-packed, weekend with our dear friends Jeremiah, Kalia, and Baby Adam. They drove up to see us from Blacksburg, Virginia. Akeila turned one over the weekend, so we put together an impromptu iftar/birthday gathering. My good friend and classmate Brianna also came over with her adorable daughter Arden. Adam and Arden are only 5 days apart, so we all got a taste of what twins would be like.
Insha'Allah, I'll go more in to depth about how it felt to finally be in the "Mommy Crew" with my friends. We spent the majority of the night laughing at the kids. Zayd slept through most of the festivities as usual.
Here are some pictures.
Insha'Allah, I'll go more in to depth about how it felt to finally be in the "Mommy Crew" with my friends. We spent the majority of the night laughing at the kids. Zayd slept through most of the festivities as usual.
Here are some pictures.
Friday, September 14, 2007
G-Dad
My daddy sent Zayd the cutest card and signed it "G-Dad." I had to laugh at that, because I've never heard of a grandfather referred to as such. I guess he thinks it sounds cool or something.
My daddy turned 70 in July, and I was very happy to give him his first grandchild a month later. I think 70 years is long enough to wait for a grandchild. It goes to show you that patience pays off.
From early on in my pregnancy, I envisioned what it would be like to hand my child over to father for the first time. Thoughts of that day helped me get through some of the not-so-great things about pregnancy.
Zayd met his grandfather for the first time three days after he was born. The two had a 2AM introduction in my home after my dad's long flight from California. After ordering my dad to wash his hands, I placed a wide awake Zayd in his arms.
Zayd has brought about so many priceless moments in his short life time, but seeing the smile that he brought to my daddy's face had to be on my Top 5 list. I pray that Zayd and his G-Dad create many memories together.
My daddy turned 70 in July, and I was very happy to give him his first grandchild a month later. I think 70 years is long enough to wait for a grandchild. It goes to show you that patience pays off.
From early on in my pregnancy, I envisioned what it would be like to hand my child over to father for the first time. Thoughts of that day helped me get through some of the not-so-great things about pregnancy.
Zayd met his grandfather for the first time three days after he was born. The two had a 2AM introduction in my home after my dad's long flight from California. After ordering my dad to wash his hands, I placed a wide awake Zayd in his arms.
Zayd has brought about so many priceless moments in his short life time, but seeing the smile that he brought to my daddy's face had to be on my Top 5 list. I pray that Zayd and his G-Dad create many memories together.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Moby Wrap
I'm in no way trying to endorse certain baby products, but my Moby Wrap is truly a life saver. I ordered it online after observing a woman in my belly dancing class complete the whole class with her infant tied to her in the wrap. I spent weeks obsessing over which color I would order before deciding on the turquoise. When the wrap came in the mail, I spent the next few days reading the manual in anticipation of using it. I couldn't really get a good feel for its use due to my pregnant belly.
I think I put Zayd in the wrap for the first time when he was a week old. He immediately calmed down from crying once I got him all secure. Now the wrap is a daily staple, especially when it comes to me preparing dinner. Most of the time Zayd falls asleep shortly after he gets in.
Here is a photo of us headed outside for a short walk to go visit my friend Anna and her new baby. Zayd really likes it when I wrap him in a way where his legs can hang out.
I think I put Zayd in the wrap for the first time when he was a week old. He immediately calmed down from crying once I got him all secure. Now the wrap is a daily staple, especially when it comes to me preparing dinner. Most of the time Zayd falls asleep shortly after he gets in.
Here is a photo of us headed outside for a short walk to go visit my friend Anna and her new baby. Zayd really likes it when I wrap him in a way where his legs can hang out.
Nip, Tuck
Zayd got circumcised today. The whole experience wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be....Zayd might disagree with this statement. We took him back to the birthing center where he was born. It was our first time back since we had him. It made me smile to see the picture of us up on the New Arrival wall.
Zayd was very fussy because he wanted to eat. I was told not to feed him an hour before the procedure, so I spent my time in the lobby trying every trick in the book to get his mind off of milk. He settled for a rocking bounce accompanied by an impromptu made up song.
I originally planned to not be in the room during the procedure. Some how I ended up being the one to give him sugar water during the whole ordeal. For a second before the procedure, I really thought I was going to faint. The nurse asked me if I wanted to sit down, but I got it together on my own.
I think I was so freaked out about the procedure since I recently completed a book called 'Middlesex,' which was all about a boy raised as a girl due to a botched circumcision procedure. The thought of my baby boy losing such a vital piece of his anatomy sent chills down my spine. I was comforted by the fact that Zayd's procedure was taking place during the holy month of Ramadan. I figured since I was following Allah's commandment, all I could do was put my trust in Him.
The whole procedure lasted a total of 20 minutes. The sugar water finger helped a lot, but Zayd still cried. I won't go into the procedure in detail, but seeing a doctor cut your child's foreskin with a scalpel does leave a lasting impression. I'm happy that we got it over with.
Alhamdullilah, Zayd wasn't maimed and he seems to be healing well. We spent the rest of the day in the bed together nursing and resting. Zayd seems to be a little fussier than normal, but he hasn't exhibited signs that he's in excruciating pain. He spent the evening in his Moby Wrap while I prepared dinner. He seems to be comforted by being close to me. I wonder how he'll act tomorrow.
Zayd was very fussy because he wanted to eat. I was told not to feed him an hour before the procedure, so I spent my time in the lobby trying every trick in the book to get his mind off of milk. He settled for a rocking bounce accompanied by an impromptu made up song.
I originally planned to not be in the room during the procedure. Some how I ended up being the one to give him sugar water during the whole ordeal. For a second before the procedure, I really thought I was going to faint. The nurse asked me if I wanted to sit down, but I got it together on my own.
I think I was so freaked out about the procedure since I recently completed a book called 'Middlesex,' which was all about a boy raised as a girl due to a botched circumcision procedure. The thought of my baby boy losing such a vital piece of his anatomy sent chills down my spine. I was comforted by the fact that Zayd's procedure was taking place during the holy month of Ramadan. I figured since I was following Allah's commandment, all I could do was put my trust in Him.
The whole procedure lasted a total of 20 minutes. The sugar water finger helped a lot, but Zayd still cried. I won't go into the procedure in detail, but seeing a doctor cut your child's foreskin with a scalpel does leave a lasting impression. I'm happy that we got it over with.
Alhamdullilah, Zayd wasn't maimed and he seems to be healing well. We spent the rest of the day in the bed together nursing and resting. Zayd seems to be a little fussier than normal, but he hasn't exhibited signs that he's in excruciating pain. He spent the evening in his Moby Wrap while I prepared dinner. He seems to be comforted by being close to me. I wonder how he'll act tomorrow.
Ramadan Mubarak
Ramadan Mubarak!! It's really strange not fasting for Ramadan. Quite honestly, I can't remember when I didn't fast for Ramadan. Okay, I guess I have some random childhood memories, but overall, the greater portion of my life has consisted of fasting during this holy month. I was bummed out for a second until I received a post from a good e-friend on one of my baby boards. Here it is:
A hadeeth recorded by Al Tabarani:
Addressing Salamah (radhi Allaho anha), the nurse of his son Ibrahim (radhi Allaho anho), the Prophet (sal Allaho alaihi wa sallam) said:
"Does it not please any one of you that if she conceives by her husband and he is satisfied with her, she receives the reward of fasting and vigil for Allah's sake? And none of the dwellers of Heaven or Earth know about the coolness of her eyes (the reward) she will get for the labor pains she suffered.
When she delivers, not a mouthful of milk flows from her and not an instance of the child's suck, but that she receives for every suck and mouthful the reward of a good deed.
If she is kept awake by her child during the night she receives the reward of freeing seventy slaves for the sake of Allah."
The Prophet (sal Allaho alaihi wasallam) then said: "O Salamah, do you know which women are being referred to? Those who despite piety and
enjoying a respectable position obey their husbands and do not belittle them."
-------
Ya Allah, your mercy is mind blowing.
A hadeeth recorded by Al Tabarani:
Addressing Salamah (radhi Allaho anha), the nurse of his son Ibrahim (radhi Allaho anho), the Prophet (sal Allaho alaihi wa sallam) said:
"Does it not please any one of you that if she conceives by her husband and he is satisfied with her, she receives the reward of fasting and vigil for Allah's sake? And none of the dwellers of Heaven or Earth know about the coolness of her eyes (the reward) she will get for the labor pains she suffered.
When she delivers, not a mouthful of milk flows from her and not an instance of the child's suck, but that she receives for every suck and mouthful the reward of a good deed.
If she is kept awake by her child during the night she receives the reward of freeing seventy slaves for the sake of Allah."
The Prophet (sal Allaho alaihi wasallam) then said: "O Salamah, do you know which women are being referred to? Those who despite piety and
enjoying a respectable position obey their husbands and do not belittle them."
-------
Ya Allah, your mercy is mind blowing.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Grattitude
I was a little late with Zayd's afternoon feeding. Hubby and I had dentist appointments today that ran a little longer than I expected. Zayd slept through both appointments, then immediately proceeded to scream like a banshee on the ride home. I tired to hold his hand, stroke his hair, and talk to him to no avail. Of course it seemed like we caught every red light ever created on our ride home. By the time we got home I was literally untying my shirt in the doorway to feed my hungry baby. I don't even know how to describe the emotion that arises from hearing your baby scream from hunger.
So, I get Zayd all attached on and there is peace in my world. I notice that he is really chugging it down, but I decide to leave him alone since he seems so content. I finally detach him and sit him up to burp. Zayd looks at me with this drunken euphoria then throws up all over both of us. He then proceeds to bend over face first in his "creation" in a deep content slumber. Strange as it seems, the moment was kind of touching for me. Ahh, the joys of motherhood.
So, I get Zayd all attached on and there is peace in my world. I notice that he is really chugging it down, but I decide to leave him alone since he seems so content. I finally detach him and sit him up to burp. Zayd looks at me with this drunken euphoria then throws up all over both of us. He then proceeds to bend over face first in his "creation" in a deep content slumber. Strange as it seems, the moment was kind of touching for me. Ahh, the joys of motherhood.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Zayd's First Play Date
Zayd's first play date was with the adorable Akeila, daughter of Jene and Ishmael. Akeila has on of the most agreeable personalities out of all the kids that I know. Although she isn't even one yet, she is one of my favorite chill buddies. I was very excited for her to meet my son.
Zayd wanted to make a good first impression, so he wore his fly Polo onsie, given to him by Auntie Kalia, Uncle Jeremiah, and Baby Adam. We also attempted to comb his hair, but it pretty much looked the same afterwards. He has wildchild hair like his mommy.
I totally think that Zayd and Akeila bonded. It is true that Zayd slept during most of the visit, but I really think he enjoyed her company. See for yourself.
Zayd wanted to make a good first impression, so he wore his fly Polo onsie, given to him by Auntie Kalia, Uncle Jeremiah, and Baby Adam. We also attempted to comb his hair, but it pretty much looked the same afterwards. He has wildchild hair like his mommy.
I totally think that Zayd and Akeila bonded. It is true that Zayd slept during most of the visit, but I really think he enjoyed her company. See for yourself.
Two Steps Past Crazy
I really feel like Zayd was some how trained in the art of psychological warfare. I haven't been able to get a decent night's sleep since he's been born. The funny thing is that he doesn't technically wake up much during the night, he just moans, grunts, and wails.
Being the neurotic first-time mother that I am, I: A)Now sleep with a light on; and B) Position Zayd between us rather then have him in his co-sleeper. Yes, I've already broken every rule I promised I wouldn't break, but the noises freak me out!! I was tempted to video tape him last night, but I was too delerious to actually get up and get the camera. It's to the point that I dread bedtime.
Some of Zayd's signature moves include:
1. Hollering in sleep, followed by hands up in what looks like a Holy Ghost move, followed by a loud fart and complete silence.
2. Soft, sad, moaning as if longing for his motherland or something.
3. Grunts and leg movements.
4. Strange breathing sounds.
5. A different type of moan--sounds more desperate.
6. A heart-wrenching wail.
This is all done while his eyes are closed and he is technically sleep. I feel like I spend the greater portion of my night trying to burp him to help him get through whatever it is that he seems to go through every night. It's like sleeping next to someone who is fighting in the Matrix.
Of course by about 6AM he decides to sleep soundly while the rest of us are ready to start a new day. I know I should be sleeping right now since he is sleeping, but of course I'm at that beyond-tired-I-need-to-be-up-doing-something stage. This mostly consist of sending random early morning emails that I type with one hand while holding a sleeping baby. I really don't see how my poor husband functions.
I am grateful that Zayd doesn't scream or cry. I guess if I had the heart to put him in his own room, my problem would be solved. The noises just sound so strange that I feel like I need to both be there and be able to see him. This has to be some evolutionary adaptation to ensure that he isn't left alone for too long. Okay, I am going back to bed.
Of course Zayd will sleep forever like this:
Being the neurotic first-time mother that I am, I: A)Now sleep with a light on; and B) Position Zayd between us rather then have him in his co-sleeper. Yes, I've already broken every rule I promised I wouldn't break, but the noises freak me out!! I was tempted to video tape him last night, but I was too delerious to actually get up and get the camera. It's to the point that I dread bedtime.
Some of Zayd's signature moves include:
1. Hollering in sleep, followed by hands up in what looks like a Holy Ghost move, followed by a loud fart and complete silence.
2. Soft, sad, moaning as if longing for his motherland or something.
3. Grunts and leg movements.
4. Strange breathing sounds.
5. A different type of moan--sounds more desperate.
6. A heart-wrenching wail.
This is all done while his eyes are closed and he is technically sleep. I feel like I spend the greater portion of my night trying to burp him to help him get through whatever it is that he seems to go through every night. It's like sleeping next to someone who is fighting in the Matrix.
Of course by about 6AM he decides to sleep soundly while the rest of us are ready to start a new day. I know I should be sleeping right now since he is sleeping, but of course I'm at that beyond-tired-I-need-to-be-up-doing-something stage. This mostly consist of sending random early morning emails that I type with one hand while holding a sleeping baby. I really don't see how my poor husband functions.
I am grateful that Zayd doesn't scream or cry. I guess if I had the heart to put him in his own room, my problem would be solved. The noises just sound so strange that I feel like I need to both be there and be able to see him. This has to be some evolutionary adaptation to ensure that he isn't left alone for too long. Okay, I am going back to bed.
Of course Zayd will sleep forever like this:
Monday, September 10, 2007
First Doctor's Appointment
Since Zayd was born in a birth center, we had to sign a form promising to to take him to a pediatrician within 72 hours of his birth. He was born on Monday, and we didn't get in for an appointment until Thursday, so I guess we technically broke the rule. My friend Kesha reccomended her pediatrician, Dr. Clark, to us. Since Kesha raved about her, and her office was close to or house, Khalid and I decided to go with her. Khalid and I instantly liked Dr. Clark. She took the time to answer all of our questions, and you could tell that she has a genuine love for her profession.
Aside from peeing on the scale and hollering bloody murder during the blood drawing, Zayd seemed to have an okay time on his first outing. Alhamdullilah, he received a clean bill of health.
Week 1 and 2
Zayd meets the family... well some of it.
Nisa and Zayd aka "Auntie's Baby"
Uncle Ismael and Zayd
Zayd mostly slept and nursed during the first week. I remember it was a task trying to get a picture of him with his eyes open. We all commented on how little he seemed to cry. Week two was pretty much the same, except he became a more vigorous nurser and had longer periods of alertness. We both enjoyed laying on the couch and hanging out with the family. Zayd is looking forward to meeting his other set of grandparents, his two other uncles, his other aunt, and his only cousin. We laughed at the fact that he only has one cousin. Insha'Allah that will change over time.
Nisa and Zayd aka "Auntie's Baby"
Uncle Ismael and Zayd
Finally a Grandma!!!
Finally a Grandpa!!
Zayd mostly slept and nursed during the first week. I remember it was a task trying to get a picture of him with his eyes open. We all commented on how little he seemed to cry. Week two was pretty much the same, except he became a more vigorous nurser and had longer periods of alertness. We both enjoyed laying on the couch and hanging out with the family. Zayd is looking forward to meeting his other set of grandparents, his two other uncles, his other aunt, and his only cousin. We laughed at the fact that he only has one cousin. Insha'Allah that will change over time.
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