Friday, December 26, 2008

Morning has Broken

Good Morning... so this sister needs ur duaas and strength...incha'allah...

sharing this song with you. XOX

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

"To Do" list

1. Started your own blog (of course!! although too many to count)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland (twice)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumping
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight (who hasnt?)
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (of course!)
24. Built a snow fort (main occupation as child besides playing superheroes)
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied ( but spent it all on satisfying myself lol)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa (Got married there ! )
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkelling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class (it was ballet or karate as a kid)
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason (just for being his girl)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (never been able to, seriously!)
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter (over Niagara heee)
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy (carry it on all my travels)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (coxxys, tail bone.. birthing my son 14 yrs ago lol)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car(Van)
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life(my fathers..once..sadly not 2nd time)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby (on # 3)
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone (several)
99. Been stung by a bee (a wasp)

100. Read an entire book in one day

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Happy Eid to one and to ALL !! XOXO

Muslim Marriage - Ummah Films - Half Our Deen

Saturday, December 6, 2008

LMOTP - A Hard Days Fight S3E09





Saturday, November 29, 2008

21 weeks, Al hamdulilah



Salam alaykom from the pregnancy war zone !!!
hehe
I say that with a good humor ( or trying too lol)They say the second trimester is supposed to be less of an emotional roller coaster..but I don't feel it yet ! May Allah have mercy on my husband hehe.

So like the photo u see here is of the baby :). had it on Friday, Al hamdullilah.
was quite the day. phew.!!
first...Hubby dropped me and my 14 yr old son at the front door of the hospital. We went in while he would park and meet up with us. Too far for me to walk with this sore foot from the parking area. Anyhow... Nick and I were waiting...and waiting.. Hubby was taking so long.. called cell and he said..hunny.. I just had a little accident and the guy is insisting on waiting for police to make report for insurance.. I am so sorry....
I said oh dear... ok.. try to hurry and I will try to stall best I can....
So my 14 yr old gentleman...masha'allah...he took charge.. took mommy's purse for her.. and took me to sit down..and he checked me in...showed me changing room...then to the waiting room. Asked if I wanted him to go help Hubby or stay.. I said better stay..I don;t want you to miss seeing the baby too! We told the nurse what was going on and to try best to stall until hubby got there. Then about 1 min before they called my name he showed up al l. But he was so upset...Imagine..after 3 yrs... 1 waiting for me to make it to him and the other 2 married and waiting for him to arrive..now to finally have started our family and he has to miss the first ultrasound. But al hamdulillah.. Allah made it possible.
Baby moves a LOT...hard for the technician to get a picture of anything. hehee.. Masha'allah. My 14 yr old was amazed. I was looking at him and remembering not too long ago.. I was seeing him the same way for the first time. Isn't it amazing that he can be there now? Course..i started to cry lol.
My Daughter , 12 did not want to come. She said Babies in the tummy are gross. Ones outside are ok..but I think it's gross. Anyway, they only allowed me to have 2 ppl come along.
We were not able to tell the gender of baby much. Baby had the cord between legs AND the legs crossed. But the Tech had a few seconds of viewing time and said she did not see a penis... and if there was one. it would've shown. So most likely a girl. I wish I knew definitely.. cause I wanna start buying things !! lol Anyway.. gonna be a surprise whether we want it or not ehn?
The tech took all measurements. Which was not easy cause this baby is smart and doesn't seem to appreciate being poked and prodded hehe. Everything is there and proportioned correctly., heart beats great and brain is right size. So healthy baby al hamdullilah. That is really the most important. They spent a lot of time checking out the spine. Which kinda scared me a bit. but In the end the doc said everything is great.
Does anyone have any ideas about a lullaby for our new bundle?
I was thinking this song...


But would like to know if anyone has any islamic ones?
jazak'allah khair

Salsm for now!!

"You won't hear that at Jummah!" - Ummah Films

Friday, November 28, 2008

LMOTP - Mercy Dot Com S3E08






Monday, November 24, 2008

LMOTP - Sweet Sixteen S3E07





Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Standing alone...

Salam alaykom y'all.. Im back from the doc's. I gained 5 lbs..which is not too bad...Doc seemed pleased with it. SO I'm 19 weeks this week. Al hamdullilah. Doc won't give me time off work yet though.
IF she gives me time off.. that takes my mat leave time and I will only get 50% of salary. If the workman's comp decides I should be off, then they pay for it instead and I get 90%. No time taken off my maternity leave either. So I just gotta hang in there for that report to come in. Doc suggested that if they don;t make any changes that I call them and explain more. So I will Incha'allah.
lately I have been thinking about my past 2 pregnancies 14 and 12 yrs ago.....There is no way I can b pregnant and not have a husband to share in this..I would really really have a difficult time. in past the kid's Dad was truck driver and gone 6 days out of 7. I lived in a cabin/house..practically in the woods..and heated with wood. I seriously dunno how I got through that !! . Prob one big reason I left their Dad.
I/m older now.and need more emotional and physical support. So I post this video from native deen.
I am thanking Allah for making sure I am not alone this time. Sure I could do it alone..and be ok... but al hamdullilah , I am not. I have been a single Mom for too long. I feel blessed I am having this baby and being married and safe in a halal, Islamic marriage. Allahu akbar.


Sous le Vent.....

Attention... for non music listeners..this video is not for you :)

I just wanted to post this song. I'm not a big fan of french Canadian music but these two artists are an exception. Maybe I am biased because they come from where I come from. Maybe they grew up like me...and we all have same background, so can relate to each other. I dunno...

To me, it's a song about how even when you think things are not the same between a married couple, that it's false and it's about how we are always there for each other and not to forget it.

Enjoy.

Marriage Interviews & Dowry

Saturday, November 15, 2008

18 weeks al hamdullilah



Salam alaykom

Well, I have to say..I am too old to be working AND be pregnant at same time. Course it does not help that,. out of 3 secretaries running the place, I am the only one right now. Seriously I am physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. I really do not know how I am going to make it through this pregnancy with things like this.Afterward will be just as hard , because I will be recovering from surgery. C-section it is for sure...My husband expects to bring his mum from Morocco to help out...which sounds wonderful, but we cannot communicate... She cannot speak..french, english or even Arabic..only Moroccan or Berber.
I am starting to remember how difficult things were after having my , now 12 yr old, and having those staples like a zipper on my gut. Husband works 6 days a week and we have only been together 6 mths. We have not had time to bond as a couple..or work things out to make things go smoothly.

So ya..if you have not noticed by now..I'm scared.. really scared.
On top of this..husband wants to move... which means not have my brother living with us. We do need our own place..but stress of moving...not something I am looking forward too!!

I have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday...and will discuss this all with her. Incha'allah she will give me some time off or maybe put me on 4 day work week.. that would be a relief , just in that. Ultrasound... I am really anxious to have.but on a waiting list and prob wont be called until I'm 21 weeks along..and at last minute too ....wonders of the Canadian health system... but al hamdulilah..at least I don't have to pay out of my pocket.

So sned me some positive thoughts sisters...

Oh..and Little Mosque did not seem to play this week.. this happens sometimes. Incha'allah this coming week. :)
hang in there !!

Salams

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Ummah Films *Season 3* Improving Muslim Schools (in Chicago)

LMOTP - Let Prairie Dogs Lie S3E06






Saturday, November 1, 2008

LMOTP - Rules R Rules S3E05





Monday, October 27, 2008

Pink Hijab Day


Salam Alaykom .

I would like to bring some attention to Pink Hijab Day.
Incha'llah all will join., Please spread the word.!!

Wednesday, October 29th

Saturday, October 25, 2008

LMOTP - The Ties that Blind





Friday, October 17, 2008

LMOTP - A Funny Thing Happened on the Way S3E03





Tuesday, October 14, 2008

14 weeks al hamdullilah....




Salam alaykom.

OK..Finally I made it through the first Trimester !! At age 38, I think I deserve an award ;) Well, I am blessed, that's enough to be awarded ehn?
I took 2 weeks off for end of Ramadan and
Eid and ended up sleeping till noon each day. WHICH FELT SOOOOOOOOOOO darn GOOD!!.
This was my first Ramadan with my husband. It was a difficult one too, I might add. But Al hamdulilah. There are so many things for us to adjust to. We are making it work though..al hamdulilah.
I finally...FINALLY...went to the maasjid on Eid. This was the first time since my Shahada in 2004 :( Had a very Bad exp. there and ended up creating a bit of a phobia for me. We got to go with some Moroccan friends that live in our town that we just met. It was really nice. However, I expected the prayers and the Khutba to be longer. I was not impressed with the fact that all the ladies were more interested in what everyone was wearing rather than giving praise to Allah. I actually saw a co-worker there and that was really a blessing. I got to meet her family...and masha'allah they are so nice. Her elderly father put his hand on my forehead and made duaa for me... I was so touched and pleasantly surprised. Masha'allah. My husband had to get back to work so we went back home afterwards..but I felt good. Incha'allah next year,, I will have a more better idea on what to do to make Ramadan more beneficial and special. I was a bit sad that my kids did not want to go this year. All the years that we could not go, they wanted to and now this year...they decided against. I guess everything is a big adjustment for everyone. I pray next year, they will feel that their Mom is more comfortable and at ease and they will want to join. I plan on spending more time with Muslim families for them to get used to the difference... or maybe it will be more similar than they realize. Incha'allah. Eid Mubarak to everyone.. A little late but better than never ehn?

So I went back to work last week. ( I work as a medical secretary in a Children's Hospital.)and got a huge bad cold. Was horrible and I am still suffering. Can't take any meds. Just vick's, halls and lemon/honey tea..grrrrrrr
I am showing quite a bit now. Feeling a lot like the above picture. I gotta get a vaporizer.
So here is what happens at 14 weeks pregnant..
ur baby's growing:
This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.

In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.

LMOTP - Lord Of The Ring S3E02





Thursday, October 9, 2008

Birth order of children


What to wear
1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes.

Preparing for the Birth:
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don’t bother because you remember that last time, breathing didn’t do a thing.
3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your eighth month.

The Wardrobe:
1st baby: You pre -wash newborn’s clothes, colour-coordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby’s little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can’t they?

Worries:
1st baby: At the first sign of distress–a whimper, a frown–you pick up the baby
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your three-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.

The Dummy:
1st baby: If the dummy falls on the floor, you put it away until you can go home and wash and boil it.
2nd baby: When the dummy falls on the floor, you squirt it off with some juice from the baby’s bottle.
3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.

Nappy changes:
1st baby: You change your baby’s nappies every hour, whether they need it or not.
2nd baby: You change their nappy every two to three hours, if needed.
3rd baby: You try to change their nappy before others start to complain about the smell or you see it sagging to their knees.

Activities:
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaner.

Going Out:
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home five times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.

At Home:
1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of every day watching to be sure your older child isn’t squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children.

Swallowing Coins (a favourite):
1st child: When first child swallows a coin, you rush the child to the hospital and demand x-rays
2nd child: When second child swallows a coin, you carefully watch for the coin to pass.
3rd child: When third child swallows a coin you deduct it from his allowance!

Can you relate to any of these ?

LMOTP - Amaar at the Bat S3E01





Sunday, September 14, 2008

10 weeks al hamdullilah


Mother:

You are still tired, and nauseated, hang on only a few more weeks for most of you! Your abdomen may begin to pooch out, but it will be more from bowel distension than the uterus. Your waistline is slowly disappearing! Remember to measure your waist and belly now! Comparing later can be a lot of fun!
Baby:

The baby now enters it's fetal period. The average size is approximately 27-35 mm crown to rump length (CRL), or 1.06-1.38 inches. S/he weighs in at 4 grams, or 4 paper clips. Tiny toes have formed. The eyes are largely open, but the eyelids are beginning to fuse, and will stay that way until 25-27 weeks. External genitalia is beginning to differentiate. External ears are completely formed, as well as the upper lip. The biggest accomplishment this week is the disappearance of the tail!
Also, your baby is breathing. This breathing activity is noticeable as he “breathes” Amniotic fluid. He is beginning to urinate as well.
Dad:

Is the reality of pregnancy setting in yet? Do you start worrying about things like how you'll afford groceries if she takes maternity leave? These are normal dad worries and legitimate. Make sure you sit down and rationalize your feelings prior to having the discussions with her. There are plenty of answers to your questions. Finding out now about both of your maternity/paternity leave policies will be helpful in determining what your family can handle.


Ok so now that you are all properly informed of baby growth...my personal aspect...

This, I believe has been the hardest week so far and I am totally physically and mentally exhausted.

Good thing is that Adil has 3 jobs on the go. Incha'allah soon he can devote himself to one,. but he has to put time in all three and be patient and wait for right time. He is really handling this great and I am so proud of him. I could never ask any better, masha'allah.

With Ramadan, even though I am not fasting... I have been preparing things for Adil, he really has no time and I know he is exhausted. YAYA, I know he is a big boy, but still I can't help to worry and tey my best to keep him fed properly. So I have been baking a lot and most of my evenings are cooking and laundry mixed in with maybe 30 mins of laying in front of TV for some distraction time. Been trying to read Quran....

Today, I checked some adds online for baby stuff and I think I have found a cradle....for 100 $, A baby swing for 50$ and a playpen with a mini changing table attached for 85$. Incha'allah can get those home this week. The all I need is a stroller/car seat ( seems they come as a pair these days, big change from 12 yrs ago !! lol) , A rocking chair(which I think I may be able to borrow from my foster-sister, incha'allah, will know next Sunday), A crib and baby bag. The will be jsut little things I will need..which I can sorta buy off and on incha'allah. But I will feel so much releif once I get some big items taken care of.

Work has been quite and ordeal. I am now doing the work of three. Al hamdullilah my boss has been helping me with the behaviour of the nurses ( they all want their clinics taken care of first, and sorry, but it's priority first grr) so I have had to sic the boss on them to set them in line. I really cannot handle the stress of a confrontation, I need to spend all my time concentraing on getting things set up properly for my 2 week vacation. Last week I took 2 days off and it all went to heck...grrr. the friend I thought about to come help out is too busy. So I truly do not know what to do. I do know one thing..It's not my problem, it's theirs. Sad note : Dr. Michael Davis the top respirologist and head of the respirolgy dept at the Montreal Children's passed away while I was off on those 2 days. He had been off for a month, he went on vacation to barbados..and passed away there from the heat. May Allah bless him for all he did for all the new borns and children that would never have survived without his care and devotion. He was a man to be reckoned with and got through the stupid red tape there often is when a child needed care. Even though he was older and a prominent MD, he always took the time to say hellp to everyone and make everyone feel like a valuable part of the team. He was a pleasure to work with.

Anwyay... other thant that...things are kewl. I'm deeply saddened and heartborken and about a dear freind who is going through a very difficult time right now. I just feel helpless, but I have been keeping her and her wonderful kids in my prayers.

Salams for now.. time for a nap again lol





-

Sunday, September 7, 2008

9 Weeks, Al hamdullilah




Salam aleikum Incha'allah this posting finds you all well,. and in high Iman.

So here is my weekly update...I was really exhausted mentally and physically from spending 2 days visiting the ER. Thanks to God, I had taken a few days vacation and only worked on Thursday and Friday. However.. there is nobody to replace me and not to sound full of myself, but what I do, there is nobody else that can do. Therefore, when I got back, My desk was stacked full, all the Clinics I had arranged..something had gone wrong and I had to work hard to fix it all, only ending up to have 2 patients that were not supposed to come in..came in...I felt so bad..I know how it is to be a mom and take time out to spend a day at the hospital...Al hamdullilah the nurse is a good one and she is very cool and took care of them and we were able to at least make their trip for a reason. But I feel horrible.. was nueromuscular patients To add on it all I was alone. Usually there are 5 secretaries ( busy ones) 1- administrative, 1- private secretary to the head of department MD, 1- me, head of organising and running all clinics, 1- to answer phones, do mail, book appointments for patients that are actually in the department for shirt term problems and the last one is a file clerk that comes in 2 days a week to file results into our patient's charts . I am the only one that showed up on both days !! Ya.. I am blessed with the capability to prioritize and organize and I am able to handle it all and get through the day. But..sisters... I am not 24 anymore.. when I sued to work 12 hour days...without any break...and handle all kinds of stress. Those days are so over !! I am exhausted. It really sucks for the hubby too..cause he gets home for iftar, tired and thirsty and hungry and wifey is in pissy mood and don't wanna be touched and gets emotional over the slightest thing...Inchaallah he is rewarded for his patience and understanding. So I told them at work that they had better find a solution and quick. They said , well we have no one and do you have any idea or suggestions. I said no..not for me to have.. for them !! I'm not the manager there !! so like once again..I am being forced to take responsibility and do other's jobs. FINE.. so brain stormed last night and I have a few. Starting on Monday , I'm going to ask around for someone who is on availability to maybe come in part time or on call....and eventually work for my mat leave. Would take a few months for them to learn even a bit of what I do. In fact , I do have someone in mind. I'm going to email her tonight incha'allah...I actually just sent hr an email. Before I forget !! lol happens a lot lately.
So... other than this stress... I am feeling much better. less nausea...eating more often and less quantity. Also eating right away when I get up. An empty stomach is a sick one ! lol
face broke out a bit... grrrr... and it's been really hot this week..like 31 degrees. I HATE hot weather..I am a canadian girl and I love the cold... I admit. My Fav season is Fall, cause its cool and sunny..bright colours...smells beautiful too. ( reminds me I gotta change my blog page to smth more appropriate ). Ben having a lot of different cravings. Nothing in particular, but when I want it.. it has to be THAT. Examples being.. other night at like 1 am was up dreaming about a hamburger... not just any..a MacDonald's one !! ( no..I did not go for it al hamdullilah...no halal MacDonald's around here !! ) and tonight it's gotta be lasagna.
Kids started school, so at least they are occupied. They actually managed to keep a lot of things from last year and school supplies , I did not have to buy much al hamdulilah. They are learning. I plan to get them some things in October incha'allah. They have been wonderful and helping me out tons. I am really proud of them and love them so very much. Especially my son. He knows how to take care of Mommy.Bless him.

Ina few days, it's going to be our 2 year wedding anniversary. Have NO IDEA how to spend it. We have no and no money to go anywhere or do anything.
Good news is that Adil somehow has managed to get 3 jobs going at once. Incha'allah he can pull it off. We gotta start buying things for baby !! so cook... appliance repair man and mail man...oh lala ...masha'allah
So that my news for now... I will now put some info on how things are with baby at 9 weeks...internet is amazing, did not have this when I was pregnant with Nick and Sarah hehee. Oh and I will post some pictures of Sarah doing a photo shoot while she was at arthritis camp this summer. looked like whole lotta fun!

Salamz... sooo here we go..

By the tenth week of pregnancy, you may find yourself riding pregnancy's emotional roller coaster, feeling moody one day and joyful the next. Disturbing as this is to some women who pride themselves on being in control, what you're going through is normal and will probably continue throughout your pregnancy. Up-and-down emotions are partly caused by raging hormones.

fetal development at 9 weeksAt week's end, your fetus measures approximately 0.9 inches / 2.3 centimetres long. In both shape and size, it resembles a peapod and weighs less than a tenth of an ounce / 2 grams. The eyelids are fused and won't open until week 27. The wrists are more developed, ankles have formed, and the fingers and toes are clearly visible. Arms are growing longer and bend at the elbows. By week's end, the inner workings of the ears are complete. Though you can't yet identify the sex of the fetus by ultrasound, its genitals have begun to form. By now the placenta has developed enough to support most of the critical job of producing hormones.

You will soon need to make decisions about prenatal screening, and we have a complete guide to prenatal tests. If you're over 35 or have a family history of genetic illness, you may want to consider a chorionic villus sampling (CVS), a prenatal test usually carried out between ten and 12 weeks that screens for birth defects and abnormalities.

Personal Note...at first, I was not even going to consider an amnio...but I am still looking into it, there is more about it than i thought. , I will update about that at a later date.

An increased circulating level of these pregnancy hormones is also partly responsible for the magnification of the complex emotions, which you, as a pregnant woman, already have to deal with. The joy of simply being pregnant may be enough to move you to tears. Anxiety regarding how you feel about yourself and the way your body is changing is normal, as are concerns about your health and the health of your developing fetus.

However, overreaction to these, and even simple issues, can be problematic. You may frequently become tearful and find it difficult, or even impossible, to give a reason for your behavior. Recognize that this can be unsettling for your husband too, possibly causing him feelings of confusion and inadequacy. If he feels unable to handle your tears, he may withdraw and ignore the problem, which you may perceive as unloving and non-supportive. Understanding that your behavior is normal will make it far easier for your partner to accept, and may help him be more supportive.

( Incha'allah is all I can say about that !! )

Pets de Soeurs ( Nun's farts lol) ~ Quebecois version






Pets De Soeurs

Dough

3c Flour
2tb Baking powder
1ts -Salt
1ts Sugar
0.5c Lard
½ to ¾ cups Milk

Filling

2tb Butter; softened
1c Brown sugar
1ts Cinnamon
1c –Water

Sift the dry ingredients together. Blend in the lard to form a coarse mixture. Gradually add the milk until a soft dough is formed. Roll the dough until it is fairly thin, although it should be thicker than a regular pie crust. Butter the dough with soft butter, cover with 1/4 inch of brown sugar and sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll the dough up like a jelly roll and slice into circles about 1/2 inch thick. Pour water into a casserole dish. Put the sliced dough into the casserole and bake at 375F for about 30 minutes or until the pets de soeur are golden brown.

Pudding Chomeur



Pouding Chomeur ( Poor man's Pudding)


yummy....

on popular request, an English version Image

Cake

1 1/2 cup of flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk


Maple Sauce

1 cup maple syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup boiling water
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla extract ( halal of course Image)


Instructions;

preheat oven to 325 degrees farenheit

Sift flour and baking powder together ina bowl. Put aside

In a bowl, whip butter and sugar together. then gradually add milk and flour into the mixture alternatly.

Pour mixture into a 13x9 inch pan( greased). put aside

In a pot put all ingredients for the sause and bring to boil for 2 minutes then pour over the mixture. DO NOT MIX.

Bake in oven @ 325 degrees fareneit for 45 mins Image

* best served with vanilla ice cream when it's still hot.

7 weeks and 5days exactly....



Salam alaykom....This was a blog I did last Monday, September 1st.

Well sisters, I have not been feeling too great past few days and this am had some spotting and sharp pains , so I went off to the ER.

This is the result !!! Baby is great, al hamdullilah. We saw the heart beat fast and strong,Masha'allah.

I guess I have some sort of infection some place. Have a high white blood count. Spotting has stopped and pains are very rare. I'm tired but can't seem to settle down. Probably because of being so excited to see the baby hehehe. I have a follow up blood test tomorrow am.

So keep us in your duaas pls. Not only this , but we are facing a few .lets call them "tests" at the moment. Guess it's normal considering everything. Incha'allah.

now off to try to nap again hehehe.

Salams !!

8 Weeks Alhamdullilah.....

Your baby has a face! Your baby's features are becoming more obvious, as his lips, tongue and nostrils, as well as the buds for 20 baby teeth are already present. The back muscles are growing along the spinal column, and his or her reproductive organs have started to form and soon will become either testes or ovaries. The arms and legs are growing and elbows and knees appear as well. The fingers and toes are starting to show but are still webbed. Your baby is about 8 - 11 mm or 0.31 - 0.43 inches in length.

The process of ossification (hardening of the bones) begins as the bones of the fingers and toes have already reached the first joint. Your baby is already getting smarter as his brain continues to develop and grow. Your baby is starting to show signs of reflex activity - an automatic response to certain types of stimuli Connecting you and your baby, the umbilical cord with all its blood vessels, is starting to function. In fact, what will be your baby's intestine is forming in the umbilical cord as well. An ultrasound done this week would show your baby's fluttering heart and reflex movements.

Mood swings: A lot of women can feel moody or anxious during this time of the pregnancy. You might have conflicting emotions about your pregnancy, or your may be exhausted from weeks of flu-like symptoms. Your rampaging hormones exacerbate these emotions. Try to relax and communicate with your partner concerning any worries you have.

Good news here lol :

if you have been extra moody lately, that may start to subside this week, as the placenta is beginning to take responsibility for your baby’s hormone production

Pregnancy symptoms
that you may experience during this time include:
  • Acne
  • Increase in hormones
  • Tender, swollen breasts
  • Tummy pooch
  • Nausea
  • Extreme fatigue.
(NO KIDDDINNGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!! )


A video I found that was closest to my first time seeing this blessed child. masha'allah. ( yes I am bawling my eyes out right now lol )


So ya... how am I feeling? I am over -emotional, extremely tired...mooody..low -energy... however nausea is not as bad.. but I can't do sunnah prayers.. jsut too much. Been compensating with dkhir beads... not been fasting... kinda relieved and saddene by this. I really wanted to share fasting with my husband for the first time this year. I ahve been with him for iftar and making him treats though I spent a few days home this week..and I love it. i wish I could be a stay at home mom , Inchaallah one day.

Adil is majorly stressed, with good reason. He has a lot to handle and get used to and fast. Poor guy.. keep him in ur duaas ok? may allah give him sabr



In Honour of my 2nd Wedding Anniversary


May Allah guide us and keep us strong to achieve these things, Amine.

With all my love and devotion, Anisah


Marriage in Islam

by Shahina Siddiqui

"And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in peace and tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): Verily in that are signs for those who reflect" (Quran 30:21).

"O Humans revere your Guardian Lord, Who created you from a single person created of like nature its mate, and from this scattered (like seeds) countless men and women. Reverence Allah through Whom you claim your mutual rights" (Quran 4:1).

The above verses of the Quran lay out the framework as to what are the basis, the objectives and the goal of marriage in Islam. In the ultimate Wisdom of Allah we are first told that both partners man and woman are created from the same source. That this should be paid attention to as it is one of His signs.

The fact that we come from the same soul signifies our equality as humans, when the essence of our creation is the same, the argument of who is better or greater is redundant. To stress on this fact and then to talk about marriage in the same verse is of great significance for those of us who are in the field of marriage counseling.

The shift in this attitude of equality of genders as human beings cause a imbalance in marital relation ship that leads to dysfunctional marriage. When ever one party considers themselves superior or above the law there is a shift in the balance of power that may lead to misuse or abuse of power as the less valuable partner is seen as an easy prey. Many marital difficulties are based on or caused by control and rule stratagem.

By stressing on the equality of all humans men or women and making it the basis of marriage, Allah in His infinite wisdom has laid the ground rules for establishing peace, as well as the assigning of different roles to husband and wife as functional strategy rather than a question of competence as humans.

Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has stated that: "men and women are twin halves of each other" (Bukhari). This Hadith also brings home the fact that men and women are created from single source. Furthermore, by using the analogy of twin half the Prophet has underlined the reciprocal nature and the interdependent nature of men and women's relationship.

The objective and the goal of marriage in Islam according to the above Quranic verse is to enable us to dwell in peace and tranquility. It is important for us to reflect on these words and their significance in the Islamic frame of reference.

In order to have peace certain condition must be met. These prerequisites to peace are Justice, Fairness, Equity, Equality, and fulfillment of mutual rights. Therefore any injustice whether it is oppression, or persecution, cannot be tolerated if there is to be peace in Muslim homes.

In the domestic realm oppression is manifested when the process of Shura (consultation) is compromised, neglected or ignored. When one partner (in most cases the husband) makes unilateral decisions and applies dictatorial style of leadership, peace is compromised. Persecution is present when there is any form of domestic abuse being perpetrated.

Tranquility on the other hand is a state of being which is achieved when peace has been established. Tranquility is compromised when there is tension, stress and anger. It is a mistake to take tranquility to mean perpetual state of bliss. Since being Muslims does not make us immune to tragedies and catastrophes.

In fact Allah tells us in the Quran that we will be tried (2:155,57). What a state of tranquility does is to empower us to handle life's difficult moments with our spouses as obedient servants of Allah. Allah in His infinite Mercy also provides us with the tools by which we can achieve this state of peace and tranquility.

The second principle besides Shura on which the Islamic family life is based is Mercy (Rehma), and in this verse Allah is telling us that He has placed mercy between spouses. We are therefore inclined by our very nature to have mercy for our spouses. Mercy is manifested through compassion, forgiveness, caring and humility.

It is obvious that these are all ingredients that make for a successful partnership. Marriage in Islam is above all a partnership based on equality of partners and specification of roles. Lack of mercy in a marriage or a family renders it in Islamic terms dysfunctional.

Allah further states that He has also placed in addition to mercy, love between spouses. It should however be noted that Islamic concept of love is different from the more commonly understood romantic love so valued in the Western cultures.

The basic difference is that love between man and woman in the Islamic context can only be realized and expressed in a legal marriage. In order to develop a healthy avenue for the expression of love between man and woman and to provide security so that such a loving relationship can flourish, it is necessary to give it the protection of Shariah (Islamic law).

Marital love in Islam inculcates the following:

Faith: The love Muslim spouses have for each other is for the sake of Allah that is to gain His pleasure. It is from Allah that we claim our mutual rights (Quran 4:1) and it is to Allah that we are accountable for our behavior as husbands and wives.

It sustains: Love is not to consume but to sustain. Allah expresses His love for us by providing sustenance. To love in Islam is to sustain our loved one physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually, to the best of our ability (to sustain materially is the husbands duty, however if the wife wishes she can also contribute)

Accepts: To love someone is to accept them for who they are. It is selfishness to try and mould someone as we wish them to be. True love does not attempt to crush individuality or control personal differences, but is magnanimous and secure to accommodate differences.

Challenges: Love challenges us to be all we can, it encourages us to tap into our talents and takes pride in our achievements. To enable our loved one to realize their potential is the most rewarding experience.

Merciful: Mercy compels us to love and love compels us to have mercy. In the Islamic context the two are synonymous. The attribute Allah chose to be the supreme for Himself is that He is the most Merciful. This attribute of Rehman (the Merciful) is mentioned 170 times in the Quran, bringing home the significance for believers to be merciful. Mercy in practical application means to have and show compassion and to be charitable.

Forgiving: Love is never too proud to seek forgiveness or too stingy to forgive. It is willing to let go of hurt and letdowns. Forgiveness allows us the opportunity to improve and correct our selves.

Respect: To love is to respect and value the person their contributions and their opinions. Respect does not allow us to take for granted our loved ones or to ignore their input. How we interact with our spouses reflects whether we respect them or not.

Confidentiality: Trust is the most essential ingredient of love. When trust is betrayed and confidentiality compromised, love loses its soul.

Caring: Love fosters a deep fondness that dictates caring and sharing in all that we do. The needs of our loved ones take precedence over our own.

Kindness: The Seerah (biography) of our beloved Prophet is rich with examples of acts of kindness, he showed towards his family and particularly his wives. Even when his patience was tried, he was never unkind in word or deed. To love is to be kind.

Grows: Marital love is not static it grows and flourishes with each day of marital life. It requires work and commitment, and is nourished through faith when we are thankful and appreciative of Allah blessings.

Enhances: Love enhances our image and beautifies our world. It provides emotional security and physical well being.

Selflessness: Love gives unconditionally and protects dutifully.

Truthful: Love is honesty without cruelty and loyalty without compromise.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

7 weeks....al hamdullilah


This week your baby has an amazing growth spurt. At the beginning of this week, your baby is approximately 4 to 5 mm and by the end of the week it has more than doubled to 11 to 13 mm! Your baby weights approximately 0.03 ounces. Most women are ready for the world to know they are pregnant. Even though you have not changed very much yet, it will come soon! You might have gained a small amount of weight by now, but it should only be a couple of pounds at this time. It is not unusual to lose a few pounds or remain the same though. Internally, cervical mucus is thickening and will form a plug in the cervical canal. The plug seals your cervix throughout the pregnancy and it will be expelled prior to delivery when your cervix begins to dilate.

Your baby's leg and arm buds are longer now and they have divided into segments where the hands and feet will be. The hands and feet also have an area where the fingers and toes will begin to form. At this point of your pregnancy, the heart is bulging from the body and it has divided into right and left chambers. The brain's hemispheres are continuing to grow and the air passages into the lungs are visible. Your baby's eyes are beginning to get pigment. The nose is developing and the beginning of the face can be seen. The baby's abdomen is developing quickly and the appendix and pancreas are already present. Your baby's digestive tract is beginning to form and the hindgut is present. The shape of the talk can still be seen, but it will fade in 3 or 4 weeks.



Even pregnant women get sick occasionally. You should not take any medications during pregnancy unless your doctor has approved them first. If a problem does not resolve or you need medication, your caregiver can give you advice on relief options that are safe during pregnancy. Take good care of yourself by eating nutritious foods, exercising lightly, drinking extra water and getting an adequate amount of rest.

Mood swings can be a pain in pregnancy. It could be hormones, or a touch of anxiety at the idea of all the coming responsibility.

The baby's limb buds are growing quickly, and they actually look more like arms and legs, with small separations which will become toes and fingers.

Embryo's hand development in week 7

Hands are developing at an amazing speed this week! Day 48

And this is the hand only 3 days later

Embryo's foot development in week 7 & 8

Your baby's feet are developing at an amazing speed as well. (Day 51)

And this is the foot in week 8 (Day 60)


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Salam Alaykom...
So this is where I am this week.
I feel like having a party after each week I am surviving.... having a baby at 38 yrs old, 12 years after the last one...is a HUGE difference. I have wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy much less energy..and much more tired..and this time I have morning sickness...when with Nick and Sarah..nothing. It's mostly in the evening , though....and I have learned to eat a little throughout the day. Trying to drink a lot more milk.
I sleep as much as possible but only get about 6 hours at night... this is not enough. so I try to catch up on weekends. When I get home from work , I lay down for an hour or so after prayers and shower. The kids have been away at their Dad's for the week, al hamdullilah. My brother has been making supper usually and Adil too.
cravings....not really..but when I want something I want it now lol.
I have been really emotional and short tempered too. This does not help with the relationship with hubby..unfortunelty...May Allah help us both with this. Aslo..it's been hard on Adil to see me sick and can't do much.I know this . Incha'allah he knows I appreciate his patience and realy proud of him as well. been calling him " big Daddy " lol
the fun part of this is that I have 4 close freinds pregnant too, and all of them same weeks as me !!! Imagine that !!
Sisters... you ahve no idea how long I have waited to have a baby...and its happening. Al hamdullilah. I am blessed.

now..off for a nap !!!
ma'salaama

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Honey, You're Pregnant ! Part Three

Honey, You're Pregnant!

Part 3: What's in a Name?

By Yasser Aboudouma

Writer, Civil Engineer - Egypt





* * *


Image
Husbands, you have reached the final stage of the pregnancy marathon! The last three months of pregnancy can be called the months of mass destruction. The pregnant wife will be fond of knowing the baby's gender; you too, of course. She will start shopping for the baby. She will have emotional "alterations" — in some cases, depression!

Month Seven (Boy/Girl)

Sure, the doctor can tell the baby's gender. It is common in Egypt that most families dream that the first baby is a boy, which means your wife will dream of that too

Wife: That doctor is really weird. She is telling us "may be a boy, may be a girl." What does she mean that the baby can be a girl? I want a baby boy, and all my friends and family are prepared for that. If we had gone to a male doctor from the beginning, he would have told us, easily, whether the baby is a girl or a boy.

Wife: Huh! I need to think about baby girl names. What you do think? Layla, Dalia, or Du`aa'? or let's call her after my close friend. You know, I want her name to be unique — something that combines Arab, Egyptian, Western, Islamic, and Pharaonic cultures all in one name!

Husband: (teasing her) Don't worry about the name. we'll give her the name "Saffron." I'll complete all the official paperwork before you leave the operation room after delivery.

Wife: WHAT? Saf … what? No, please. Let me choose her name. I want to name her after my mom, your mom, or your sister — just don't choose that name.

Of course, the name choice argument will give you some power to control her mood, but remember, don't use it too much ; otherwise, you will find yourself flying out of the window!


Month Eight (Clothes)

Various researches describe this month in different ways, but they all agree that the pregnant woman wants to buy the entire world for her baby. She will feel jealous if she knows or hears about other mothers buying something for their babies, and she will do her best to buy the same or better. You as a husband have to accept that and get prepared to spend your savings on it. Husbands, never ever dream of saying "no" or complaining if she asks for baby shopping.

Wife: My colleague came to work with her baby today, and the baby wore a very sweet, pretty outfit that made her look like a princess. In the evening, I'll go shopping.

Husband: OK! We can shop at the weekend.

Wife: Thank you, honey. I knew you would agree, so today I bought fancy brand-name clothes for her from that famous store. Our daughter must get the best!

Husband: I thought we were going to do the shopping together.

Wife: Don't worry. There's still a lot to buy. Hey, see this is a shampoo for the baby when she sleeps and that shampoo is for when she wakes up. These are diapers from the US, and this is a brush for her hair.

Husband: WHAT? Shampoo for what? How do you know that the baby wants to sleep or not to and how to decide ahead of time which shampoo to use? You might bathe her with shampoo used for waking up and then she will want to sleep… oh yes, then you'll wake her up quickly and give her a shower with the right shampoo?

Who told you that the baby will be born with hair; as I understand it, a lot of babies are born without any hair, so that hairbrush is useless. In addition, why did you buy diapers made in the US? What's wrong with the ones made in Egypt? It's just a diaper, not a fancy thing!

Wife: Arrrgh! Don't worry, babies know the right shampoo! She'll sense which is the correct one and then act accordingly; that's what's written on the bottle. And I got the US-made diapers because I want my daughter to feel unique. Anyway, I bought three towels for the baby, one to use after shower, the second to dry her as the first one will be wet, and the third to cover her the second we are sure she is properly dried. Also, I got her hair clips, skin cream — one for night and the other for the morning, three pair of shoes, socks, underwear, and four dresses.

Husband: Are you sure you're shopping for a baby, not a girl who is getting ready for marriage?! By the way, did you buy her a make-up box? There's something especially for babies. You have to run to buy it now, and don't forget the baby's teeth brush, too!

.

Wife: Oh my God! You're right, I really forgot that. I'll arrange with my mom and sister to go out with me to complete my shopping.

Wife: By the way, you have to be more careful; my close friend told me that anger and nervousness are not good for pregnancy. Today at the meeting, all my colleagues were perfectly behaved; once any one just thought about arguing with me, I told them that I was in the eighth month and the baby would be delivered prematurely if I argue! There were no arguments, and the meeting ended in 10 minutes!

Husband: I think you'll get fired soon.

Days pass slowly, and the pregnant wife returns home with many things she bought from different stores. The husband gets used to seeing his wife sitting on the floor and spreading all the baby's stuff around her to check, kiss, hug them and find out what is missing!

Month Nine

Husbands, congratulations! You're in the ninth month. You have waited eight months to reach that final month. You controlled your temper throughout, you worked and helped with the housework, And you are tired; you deserve some relaxation.

The pregnant wife knows that the time of her being spoiled will end; finally, she will be responsible for a baby, so she will start acting as poorly, trying to show you that she is weak and powerless. Do understand that she is worried about delivering her baby — it is her first time, and she knows virtually nothing about giving birth. So you will have to –be, even more, patient!

Wife: Honey, I feel sorry for you! The past eight months have been very hard for you. I rarely cooked and you stopped eating dinner, while your breakfast was just a cake; you lost 20 kg. I have to cook today. I'll make a surprise for you. I'll boil some eggs and prepare white cheese, but would you please prepare the salad for us?!

Husband: … .

Wife: Do you think I'll deliver the baby naturally or will there be a C-section? You know, most of my pregnant friends had a cesarean. Maybe my doctor will deliver it naturally as she is a female doctor.

Husband: Ah yep, but the doctor's gender doesn't affect the type of delivery.

Wife: Anyway, I prepared two suite cases for the baby and me.

A natural phenomenon: All pregnant women become nice and kind to their husbands just a few days before giving birth. So be careful, because that kindness will turn into Hell if you were at work while she starts labor.

Wife: OHHH, HELP! Mom, dFatherad, Brother, Sister, Uncles, Aunts, United Nations, Egyptian people, the Universe, … any one! Help me, I'm in pain.the baby!

Wife: (addressing her husband) Honey, I'm in pain, tell that doctor to give me any painkiller. I can't handle it any more. I feel weak. Promise me if anything happens to me, never ever get married again! Don't give our baby a stepmother. Please, promise me!

Husband: You'll be fine, and everything will be OK. It happens to all women; you're not the first one. Just a few minutes from now, and you'll hold in your arms a sweet baby girl.

Wife: Did you bring a video camera with you? Don't take any shots from my left-hand side; my right side is more photogenic! Choose good angles for the shots, I want to look pretty in the video. Take shots while I'm not screaming and before my face appears in the video screen, just tell me to smile.

Husband: We're recording the birth of our baby, not making a movie! You'll be in the operation room, and you won't care about anything of that sort.

Wife: Labor hurts. I'm crazy and stupid; I don't want to get pregnant again. This is the first and last time. If anyone had told me about that pain, I would've never thought about marriage.

A big scream from the pregnant woman calls for the baby to come out and get introduced into this world to join the mother's community.

Wife: Honey, what is the gender of the baby?

Husband: What? The baby is a girl. We knew that a long time ago.

Wife: Yipeeee… I thought the doctor would change her mind. Is she pretty?

He: (Teasing her) Who, the doctor? Yes, very.

Wife: No, silly! I mean the baby.

Husband: Oh! yes, she's very, very pretty.

Wife: OK, next time we'll have a baby boy. Now tell them I want to hold her.

Husband: (in amazement) Next time? You just said … You were … What happened? Women! Women! Women!

Husbands, don't worry. Pregnant women are all like that — in a state of confusion and amazement. And they will continue to be like that until the last second of their lives. Congratulations!