tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25825420270860091762024-03-20T02:36:56.522-07:00Me The MommyEverything MOMMY! What do you want to talk about? Baby weight? Jogging strollers? Vaccinations? Let's Talk!Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-24702762107349704652016-12-08T12:18:00.000-08:002016-12-08T12:33:14.193-08:00How I’ve Been: Not an Update or an Explanation: Just Some Words from My Heart<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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Thank You. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And I mean that. Over the past decade, I have met so many
people in so many different places who will always have a special place in my
heart. Whether it was the henna you painted on my skin to make me feel like a
queen, or the conversation we had over tea. Whether it was advice that I didn’t
even understand until years later, or a jewel you dropped on me right in the nick
of time that changed my life….<o:p></o:p></div>
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You taught me how to pray. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You served up a frozen pizza with some laughs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOELtj5ilffl-1znobjVZhAAlkqofbePkqOmWw-ZzseHY4LiTU0s6N5rlR9l5DEG_kuo0JxL69BMYx21Jl-65BF0xCbA8mPwmFtcSe98FVdboKF3JwXaRJwdipNaWI1TUfXSF5MPgjbkY/s1600/friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOELtj5ilffl-1znobjVZhAAlkqofbePkqOmWw-ZzseHY4LiTU0s6N5rlR9l5DEG_kuo0JxL69BMYx21Jl-65BF0xCbA8mPwmFtcSe98FVdboKF3JwXaRJwdipNaWI1TUfXSF5MPgjbkY/s320/friends.jpg" width="320" /></a>You cooked your famous curry made from scratch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You patted my pregnant belly and said a prayer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You asked me to teach you the Fatihah. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You taught me your language and I taught you mine. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You watched my children while I napped.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You taught my girls something that I could not. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You came to me, trusting me with your despair. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our children rolled around on the green masjid carpet and imitated
us in salat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our children played on the playground and we etched
the moment in our memories. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I wept on your shoulder and you never
revealed my pain to a soul.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We laughed hard and didn’t talk about deeper
things, because the joy was enough.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A hug <o:p></o:p></div>
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A kiss<o:p></o:p></div>
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A lingering handshake<o:p></o:p></div>
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That was all I needed at that time to make the connection to
You. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It seems like lately I have been MIA from my own life. When
you withdraw in the way I have, people reach out at first frequently, but over
time the texts and calls dwindle. I just wanted to let YOU (THE ALL OF YOU) know
that I am still here, still feeling your love. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve always been more of a visit-in-person friend, which is
why the memories of mommy-n-me’s and halaqas and quiet personal visits are most
fondly etched in my mind. Although I miss those times, I trust the old advice
of a dear sister who reminds me, “Everything we go through prepares us for the
next thing.” Right now, I am on the front lines, with schoolwork, mothering,
and being an active member of my family, especially my mom, who needs me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is okay. Just as my life has taken
turns in the past, I’m sure another turn is around the corner inshaAllah. I
pray Allah guides me and protects my family. Ameen. But for now, I’m just doing
what I do best, being me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for giving me what you had and taking from me what
I offered. The energy from our good times carry me when I am knee deep in my
studies, or facing some dilemma. Thank you for giving me the space I needed to
grow and rest and buckle down. Our friendship is not lost nor forgotten! See
you soon inshaAllah! <o:p></o:p></div>
Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-62733742441308346972014-06-29T08:38:00.005-07:002014-06-29T08:40:44.229-07:00TWINS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7BWhhfso9h6B8FfAeCVWVX7N2-woe1rMGrv4v3YhG45_ZcIQrU75gZzGFtjH6jdSF9I7rKKoCHdjLfdm49tW1G-b1ORB-kt4FEBnFpmoX_FCxkc01rQ_4LHSj22Ej7Tv4NsCRZw9AQE/s1600/1403926180127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7BWhhfso9h6B8FfAeCVWVX7N2-woe1rMGrv4v3YhG45_ZcIQrU75gZzGFtjH6jdSF9I7rKKoCHdjLfdm49tW1G-b1ORB-kt4FEBnFpmoX_FCxkc01rQ_4LHSj22Ej7Tv4NsCRZw9AQE/s1600/1403926180127.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Could it be that every time I get pregnant I return to
blogging? Well, the short answer is Yes! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When a woman is pregnant it’s like her whole life flashes
before her eyes. Lots of questions and fears and excitement culminate inside of
her. There are the life questions: What have I accomplished in all these years
I’ve been on Earth? Who am I? Have I lost my identity? Do I enjoy my life? Then
there are the mommy questions: Am I ready for this [again]? Do I have enough
love inside me to spread it among all these people? Have I failed the children
I already have? Is this physically possible? And then the spiritual questions:
Why did Allah choose me to have these children, at these ages, at this time in
my life? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I know you’re waiting for me to address the title. The
answer is Yes, TWINS! At my 20-week ultrasound the sonographer candidly
announced that the ultrasound would take twice as long because she had to evaluate
TWO babies. I almost choked on my own tongue. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I looked up at the monitor and sure enough there were two
little heads. And four arms and four legs and twenty fingers and toes. I was in
utter shock, yet I was completely elated. It was a secret childhood fantasy of
mine to have girl/boy twins. But in the fantasy those were my only children…
Hahaha, jokes on me! But seriously, I was happy, I couldn’t stop giggling and
saying “Are You Serious!?” Then I would say <i>Alhamdulillah</i>
and <i>Allahu Akbar</i> under my breath. I
knew this was a major blessing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So much to say… I don’t want to write a super-long blog, but
. . .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
like I said, there is just so much on my mind. For starters,
I’ll describe how I’m feeling right now at 27weeks 4days: heavy, uncomfortable,
tired, tight, stretched to the max, PAIN, foggy, unattractive, useless, and
tearful... and HOT! It’s okay, don’t rush me to the ER or the psyche ward! I don’t feel like
this all the time. Sometimes when I’m feeling really down, I will get an Angel
message. What is an angel message?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The little old pale woman with the white hair approached me
in the supermarket yesterday. I was in pain from my huge protruding heavy belly
and the blood was rushing out my brain, making the room spin. I was praying
just to make it out of the ACME on two feet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You are ready!” she exclaimed. Everyone has been saying
this to me lately. Even through my large draping dresses, people can see that
my belly is huge and low, this would usually indicate a woman in close to
birth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No.” I slowly shake my head and grin. “I’m only seven
months. I’m having twins” I prematurely chuckle because I’ve said this to so
many people lately that I’m anticipating her surprised reaction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Oh my! Two?” she uncurled two shaky wrinkled fingers to
affirm she heard correctly. When I nodded yes, she leaned in closely and told
me her story. She had two children by the time she was 40 years old and then
got pregnant again. She went into labor and delivered her child only to her the
most devastating words any mother can hear after giving birth. <i>Stillborn. </i>After the doctor sadly
reported the news, he looked her square in the eye and said, “You will have another
child.” Three months later she was with-child again and gave birth to her last
child, her first boy. After telling me this story she looked me in the eye and said,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“God is with you. Don’t
ever think he isn’t. I realize now that I wasn’t supposed to have my third
child with me. That child went straight to God. God is with you always. Everything
will be fine. God Bless YOU.” And she slowly pushed her cart down the dairy
aisle. And I wanted to cry. Thank You Allah. Thank you for the Angel message.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes these messages come from family and friends. Just
simple texts telling me I’m beautiful. How did you know I was feeling low? A
tight hug from my husband that lifts me out my seat, relieving my pain for
those few seconds. My children telling me I’m the best mom ever. How did they
know I was feeling like I was letting them down because I really can’t do much
these days? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Angel messages are how I describe those little and big signs
of divine affirmation, telling us everything really is okay. More than okay, our
lives, even our trials are divine and blessed. So be grateful! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear…”
(Qur’an, 2:286).<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-17837335858801592752012-10-31T21:51:00.000-07:002012-10-31T21:53:18.796-07:00Hit Me And I'll Hit You Back!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m going to say it right off: hitting is primitive. It is. I
think of the caveman hitting the woman over the head and dragging her to his
cave, claiming her as his own. I would think we as human beings would have
evolved to a point by now where we didn’t have to use physical violence to
prove our point. Some would argue that violence is a part of the human genome, and
to that I say, Prove it! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6HorfRqjrxdAjJ1Lf9-EEhLAsGK81CH45BQOpQf2pkTy26IN-6O9EW_7elygVn25H40EDi23TwQhYn6tDLgjnZFxmydhn0yJC80NXmI04-SGVkwWG9ceke5LVhmBpWhzPHqxnAEbeHk/s1600/kids+fighting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6HorfRqjrxdAjJ1Lf9-EEhLAsGK81CH45BQOpQf2pkTy26IN-6O9EW_7elygVn25H40EDi23TwQhYn6tDLgjnZFxmydhn0yJC80NXmI04-SGVkwWG9ceke5LVhmBpWhzPHqxnAEbeHk/s1600/kids+fighting.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As parents, we don’t
want to see our children picked on or pushed around, and we lack the knowledge
of any better solution so we say, “If so-and-so hits you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">first</i>, you hit them back.” The funny thing is I’ve seen parents
tell their child this when it was obvious to me and everyone else around that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">their </i>child was the aggressor. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It seems like today’s society is angrier and more violent
than any other. Teenage girls are making Youtube videos of other teenage girls
being beaten to a pulp by their peers. Sports stadium riots and beatings are on
the rise, with more occurrences than ever before. Call it lack of moral and
family values. Call it lack of religion and belief in sin and judgment. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Perhaps I’ll argue you about wars and world peace another
time. Let’s make it more personal for right now. I hear some parents who yell
at their boys – and girls – “If he hits you, you better hit him back!” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, I will confess that I even told this to Ruqi once
because I was distraught when she told me the boy in the red shirt was hitting
her at preschool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t raised with
this type of thinking, but I guess we all question our own upbringings, right? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My parents always taught NO HITTING. And guess what? I was
never in a fight, and I never got picked on. I think it was all about
confidence for me. My brother did not escape the punishment of unforgiving
children as easily. He was teased and picked on, and that is probably the fear
I have for my own children. But I now realize that there are other mechanisms
we can use as parents to get the best of both worlds: a child who is both
confident and non-violent. Talking to your children about conflict resolution
from a young age is key and also demonstrating it in the household. If mommy
and daddy and verbally/physically abusive or short-tempered, that is the lesson
being taught to the child.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The ethic code starts with us the parents. What will we
teach our children? As parents and caregivers we have the unique opportunity to
be the very first moral influence on these young minds. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What will you choose?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">P.S. I know what some of y’all are thinking: Is she saying a
child should sit there and get beat up, and not fight back? NO!! Not at all.
Even the Qur’an states that violence is permissible once one is transgressed. I
am simply saying we as parents need to be examples of non-violence and peaceful
conflict resolution </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-73603755674003992932012-10-25T07:57:00.003-07:002012-10-25T07:57:43.932-07:00Making it Through<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisI1VDGXgjlGGde-Z03rjsUGUfV8ghtb4DDx5WOY3zKGNbsJHF7-kp5_7N8lzhu67KhhzD65-ULZ3-qzTyojohZGnPxLRMQZB5tehJGUcIs9AKEQZ7MCkxrggS_gD2l74kNdKdYHnhaXc/s1600/ruqisaja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisI1VDGXgjlGGde-Z03rjsUGUfV8ghtb4DDx5WOY3zKGNbsJHF7-kp5_7N8lzhu67KhhzD65-ULZ3-qzTyojohZGnPxLRMQZB5tehJGUcIs9AKEQZ7MCkxrggS_gD2l74kNdKdYHnhaXc/s320/ruqisaja.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before I became a mom, I had all these ideas of what kind of
mom I would be. No sugar before 3 years old. Won’t tolerate any whining. Keep
house clean and neat. Ha!! Don’t get me wrong, I am glad I set a lot of standards
because at least I have a mental goal of what type of mom I want to be.
However, I have also learned that being a mom many days it just about getting
through the day : Are they fed? Are they bathed? Are they still alive!? Do I
still have my sanity? Yes? Ok, the day was a success. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A great example of one of the expectations I set for myself
is homeschooling. I have not ruled it out by any means. However, now I think, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do I really want to spend 24 hours a day, 7
days a week with my children for the next 15-18 years? Really?</i> So I told
myself, “It will be great if you can homeschool, but it’s just fine if you don’t.
You are still a good mom.” If homeschooling will bring on more stress and
confusion than rewards, what’s the point? This goes with anything in our child-rearing.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes we look at other moms and other children and they
look like they are doing everything right and we are doing everything WRONG. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why is my kid running around during salat,
Sister so-and-so’s kids are good. They make salat quietly alongside the adults.
My kids are rolling around, pulling at my scarf. People must think we don’t
pray at home. We do! We do!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But what we don’t see is that Sister so-and-so is not
perfect and neither are her children. Every parent has problems and struggles,
perhaps maybe some more than others. Allah knows best! So, be a good Mom. Be a
good Dad. Do your best. Have standards. Don’t be hard on yourself. Don’t sacrifice
your mental and physical health. Ask Allah for patience and gratitude. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-1329977467260626542012-07-20T13:35:00.001-07:002012-07-20T13:36:52.000-07:00Ramadan for Mommies :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIkUFuJMMcxHmjsGccHSJYqKMao6BDdRM4CbDgJSohVU1j-4Nycl4NOZSJ-KgiAsftQiMaN5lUgmmH6f7qK3N697V7PN1aiRuIjk7o6qrY8BXhoXATX_iragUAJS5QPClTqXFnnPmo8U/s1600/adams+world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIkUFuJMMcxHmjsGccHSJYqKMao6BDdRM4CbDgJSohVU1j-4Nycl4NOZSJ-KgiAsftQiMaN5lUgmmH6f7qK3N697V7PN1aiRuIjk7o6qrY8BXhoXATX_iragUAJS5QPClTqXFnnPmo8U/s1600/adams+world.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Get Ready… Get Set… GO!!! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And we’re off! Ramadan is here! It is actually here! Aren’t
you excited? I know I am. I was very nervous at first because I have gone four
years without fasting because of being pregnant and nursing back-to-back. And
it’s not just the fasting. I felt kind of resentful because I knew I wouldn’t
be able to curl up with the Qur’an and other Islamic materials and just read
and relax throughout the day. I have a 1 year old and a 3 year old. There will
be no peace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So okay, then I thought- why not embrace the crazy
excitement that the kiddos bring into this whole thing? You know, the old
saying, “If you can’t beat them, join them!” I can’t lock myself in a closet
all Ramadan to read and pray and peacefully exist in serenity. It’s just not my
reality. And I certainly do not have a nanny. Therefore, I decided to get the
girls really involved. It’s a little more challenging when they are so young,
but that makes it even more fun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My first step was to arm myself with Islamic DVDs, books, CD
Roms, and craft ideas. I went to 52<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> street here in Philadelphia - where
I will be spending this Ramadan InshaAllah. Between 2 Islamic stores, I managed
to get a couple <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Adam’s World</i> DVD’s, a
great little book called, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Allah Made
This, </i>a cute pink hijab for Ruqi, and a replacement CD of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I Look I See</i> (which I play in the car
nonstop and they never get tired of it!). I also bought a DVD called: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A is for Asad </i>(Lion) which teaches the
Arabic Alphabet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you take nothing from this post at least take this: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Never underestimate your children! </b>Ruqi
is picking up on the concepts of Arabic and Ramadan so quickly and little Saja
dances to the songs and throws her hands up whenever she hears “Allahu Akbar!”
Children will learn what you allow them to learn and they are very adaptable.
They watch your every movement and listen to your every word. This Ramadan, let’s
be the best examples we can for our children and all the youth who are looking
to us for guidance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ramadan Mubarak!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-47711798872286119682012-05-27T23:22:00.002-07:002012-05-27T23:22:23.780-07:00Five Ways to Eat Healthier on a Poor Man’s Budget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFI3Ei53G7TnUOXSJsp94dHd5my0MNBVwRGuyL_aQ6OMoxYG6ImFxnS6yUdlSKUOdRTZoeKxsO3TgOyNqKfVJ_bDVH7h_5lZPXEcgjBhOI9-B_h7ki2Uvt4kDygeghMm8jpndOCAK5DY/s1600/eating+healthy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFI3Ei53G7TnUOXSJsp94dHd5my0MNBVwRGuyL_aQ6OMoxYG6ImFxnS6yUdlSKUOdRTZoeKxsO3TgOyNqKfVJ_bDVH7h_5lZPXEcgjBhOI9-B_h7ki2Uvt4kDygeghMm8jpndOCAK5DY/s1600/eating+healthy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I created this post because it
truly is hard to eat healthy on a limited income. Many Americans are
struggling, being underpaid or unemployed. Unfortunately, one of the first
cutbacks we tend to make is to our food budget. And it is even more unfortunate
that fruits and vegetables are much more costly than junkfood and processed
food. There is a value menu at every fast-food joint, but the healthy foods
tend to have consistent high price tags, turning them into a menu item for the
privileged.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But fear not! My parents raised me and my brother on split pea soup, lentils, salads, tofu, bean sprouts, and banana bread. We were poor growing up, but they didn't allow our budget to be a raodblock to our good health and well being. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Buy Beans… they’re Cheap, Healthy and Tasty. If
one variety gives you gas, try another, there are so many!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Buy your Produce Wholesale or at Produce Markets
where you can get deals like “1 bag of apples/ $1”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seasons + Staples = buy brown rice and whole
wheat noodles in bulk, and incorporate them in everyday meals. Experiment with
seasoning so it doesn’t get boring!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Healthy Potlucks Instead of Eating Out! Getting
together with friends can be a lot cheaper and lower in calories if you gather
at someone’s house and everybody contributes a fun healthy dish!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pack a Lunch… or Breakfast or Dinner or Snack!
It’s been said over and over by every nutritionist- making your lunch at home
will save you both valuable money and calories. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">**Bonus Tip! Grow your own fruits and vegetables in your
yard, in pots in your kitchen, or at a community garden. The feeling of eating
your very own freshly grown food in amazing </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-66312627355018779222012-04-06T17:14:00.000-07:002012-04-06T17:14:20.967-07:00Getting back to me…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hired a sitter….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Going on runs like the old days…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Doing hair, well somewhat….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sitting down with a hot cup of tea… at least twice a day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Listening to music I enjoy whenever I get the chance…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanking God for ALL THE BLESSINGS….<o:p></o:p></span></div>Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-27282601516671745712012-03-21T23:17:00.000-07:002012-03-21T23:17:45.172-07:00See Ya Later Sucker! - Conquering the Thumb and other Toddler Habits<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsxmkH2ONAiA3QxEpYFU1hrTFIfGF-k7bjpOzzqxxeXeZJSKpZOu1wfXO1kCe5vA1OgktWJR0AiQePYKjePnQgfXuMq8l6IuXFAlio5w6PVAQ6ejYrIHd-AT3PHJ3rPfLjiGKZHN6Jcc/s1600/thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsxmkH2ONAiA3QxEpYFU1hrTFIfGF-k7bjpOzzqxxeXeZJSKpZOu1wfXO1kCe5vA1OgktWJR0AiQePYKjePnQgfXuMq8l6IuXFAlio5w6PVAQ6ejYrIHd-AT3PHJ3rPfLjiGKZHN6Jcc/s320/thumb.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It came out of nowhere! All of a sudden Ruqi’s thumb found
it’s way to her mouth. Not as a baby, but at the age of two and a half. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To say it came completely out of nowhere would be slightly
unfair to my darling little girl. In one year, she faced several major transitions:
relocation, put in daycare and then abruptly taken out, emotional ups and downs
of mommy’s pregnancy finally ending with the introduction of the “new baby” , weaned
off of breast, potty training, and let’s see, am I leaving anything out? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, needless to say, she went through a lot emotionally and
physically. With the new baby on board, I could not coddle her every time she
was upset and I could not always sing and rock her to sleep. As a baby, suckling the breast was her – and my-
answer to everything. Whether she was hungry, hurt, or saddened, suckling was
always her greatest comfort and medicine. Weaning her at twenty months when I
became pregnant was difficult to say the least. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In retrospect, I realize that breastfeeding her through
every emotional and physical strain as a baby set me up for our present
struggle: thumb-sucking. I hate it. The sound is like nails on a chalk board as
far as I’m concerned. The sight of it is not only unappealing, but attracts
looks and comments from other adults. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I must admit, when she first started sucking her thumb, I
was relieved. She was never a self-soother, but she had now become one out of necessity.
I was so busy with her baby sister, that it was a relief when she would suck
her thumb to sleep or to stop crying. I actually believe it was a blessing and
a mercy for the both of us. However, as most things during toddlerhood
eventually do, I believe it has run its course. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday I bought these really pretty Dora Band-Aids. With
an excited expression on my face I said, “Ruqi, look at your thumb! It has a
boo boo!” She inspected the red blister that has formed on top of her thumb
from vigorous sucking. “What do you
think we should do?” I desperately needed the band aide idea to come out of her
mouth, not mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dora Band Aide Mommy!” Thank God! I was so happy she agreed
to the bandaging of her little swollen red thumb. Before she could think too hard
about it, I wrapped the bandage around and snapped a pic. It worked pretty well
all day, but when nightfall came she cried for her thumb and I was too
exhausted to fight, so I removed the bandage. But tonight there was a breakthrough!
I put another bandage on– with her permission- and got her to sleep with no
sucking. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With every milestone usually exists the two steps forward,
one step back rule. In addition to our normal routine of prayer and story
books, I also had to sing to her, rub her back, and stroke her hair until she
dosed off. But that’s okay; she’s only 3 years old after all. And if keeping
her away from that thumb means I have to be a bit more nurturing, then perhaps
that is a good thing too.<o:p></o:p></div>Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-15764679112334537722012-03-11T18:56:00.000-07:002012-03-11T19:13:21.031-07:00INSANITY!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please chaeck all that apply:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue;">At times I feel:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>HOPELESS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>UNATTRACTIVE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>LONELY<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>OVERWHELMED<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>OVERWORKED<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>EXHAUSTED</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">At times I want to:</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>RUN AWAY<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>SCREAM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>CRY ALL DAY<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>SLEEP ALL DAY<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>HURT SOMETHING OR SOMEONE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span>GIVE UP</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Postpartum depression is REAL. Whether you’ve had a baby 10
weeks ago or ten years, you may be suffering. Even if you are not clinically
depressed, you have your moments, right? I know I do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll never forget getting in the car to go see a friend-
Ruki was 2 and Saji just 3 months- and I buckled them both in their car seats.
Saji wined in the beginning of the forty minute ride but eventually fell
asleep. Ruqi just occupied herself with looking out the window and I put on some
children’s Qur’an CD. I told myself, “Wow, I can do this. We’re good.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Foolishly, I expected the same peace on the ride home. I
buckled them in, and Saji wined a little, but no big deal, until… a scheech
comes from the back seat. It’s Ruqi.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s wrong honey?” as I try to look through the rear view
mirror to see her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She just screams and cries and screams and cries. By this
time Saji joins in with a full-fledge wailing- you know, the kind where they
turn all red in the face and can’t catch their breath. I’m on a narrow busy
street but I find a place to pull over and slither around the side of the car
to open the back door.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ruqi, are you okay? What’s wrong!?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Buggy! Buggy!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A bug! That little bug won’t hurt you!” I didn’t even see a
bug. I was angry she disturbed the peace over a tiny bug, but I tried to stay
calm as not to make matters worse. That’s when a miniature mosquito flew up
between her dangling feet and she lost it. There was no consoling her. Turning
to Saji, I regretted ever leaving the house; she was hyperventilating with
tears streaming down her flaming red cheeks. I didn’t want to take her out her
seat, because I knew I’d have to nurse her and at this point I just wanted to
get home and get out this car. So I got back in the front and just started
driving. I was trying to calm Ruqi down first by consoling her, then by giving
warnings, and finally I just ended up screaming at her to be quiet; and this is
all while steering with one hand and patting Saji’s chest with the other: NOT
SAFE!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiP0nW_cqC5BhxFaEw72b7bSHcoVGGg03r089n74db_kaaiQw9lBL5ENWZFL4XH1w2R8ZY8YYshZS3Ti4qMWh9tylKzbC6cbgSMnxVco-r0b1hQ8fyZsQuGqbg3KoknufQtbT3SvBIx8/s1600/insanity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiP0nW_cqC5BhxFaEw72b7bSHcoVGGg03r089n74db_kaaiQw9lBL5ENWZFL4XH1w2R8ZY8YYshZS3Ti4qMWh9tylKzbC6cbgSMnxVco-r0b1hQ8fyZsQuGqbg3KoknufQtbT3SvBIx8/s1600/insanity.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amidst all the madness some really bad thoughts came into my
head (Use your imagination). And then I felt guilty about the thoughts and then
I felt like a bad mom and then I wondered what my life would be like without
kids. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I got home I just wanted to pull the covers over my
head. But I couldn’t do that because I had these two little human beings that
depend on me for love, security, teaching, nourishment and guidance. What
happened to the times when I was only responsible for me, myself and I?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;">If you follow my blog, you know I LOVE being a mom, but
sometimes it's really TOUGH!</span> <span style="color: blue;">And we’re expected to be all things to all people,
sometimes with NO SUPPORT. This isn’t a rant, this is a message to all the
parents- involved Dads too – that it’s okay to be down and out sometimes. But
if you find that you are “down” ALL of the time… if you feel like you could
harm yourself or others… if “one good cry” is never enough… then please GET
HELP.</span><span style="color: red;"> It doesn’t mean that you are weak; it means that you are strong.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: yellow;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1571321819"><br /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1571321819"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">
Postpartum Depression: 1-800-PPD-MOMS<o:p></o:p></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1571321819"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">
NDMDA Depression Hotline – Support Group: 1-800-826-3632<o:p></o:p></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1571321819"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">
Crisis Help Line – For Any Kind of Crisis: 1-800-233-4357<o:p></o:p></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1571321819"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">
Suicide & Depression Crisis Line – Covenant House: 1-800-999-9999<o:p></o:p></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="color: yellow;"><a href="http://www.depression-test.net/depression-hotlines.html">http://www.depression-test.net/depression-hotlines.html</a></span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-49317082113736932362012-02-16T19:53:00.000-08:002012-02-16T19:54:32.915-08:00The Precious Life…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBq9zXSoGLVGgPe_PZWoo17gYcxkBQK2JSU7cY3BNF0rmc9j-rEg_oviVNdq3x2IExwdU6O_a0vWBZhBf9FGW8T1RSuA46mN5qKFWjMIMUtKPc2zqLY2AZ1z8Aab65Mqes_Ib4SobjVE/s1600/android+pics+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBq9zXSoGLVGgPe_PZWoo17gYcxkBQK2JSU7cY3BNF0rmc9j-rEg_oviVNdq3x2IExwdU6O_a0vWBZhBf9FGW8T1RSuA46mN5qKFWjMIMUtKPc2zqLY2AZ1z8Aab65Mqes_Ib4SobjVE/s320/android+pics+023.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ever touch your baby in the middle of the night just to see
if she is breathing? When we were new parents, at the first sign of sickness we
would call the pediatrician or even rush to the ER in complete fear of the
unknown. And we’re usually assured that it’s just a passing cold, and in time
it indeed passed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_KvBeHq0HD3q-jfmwzDhxEDvwVKcbE9bhcrsFZbqC1oSTd_liacvjc8EtkkX8HLNcINZljray3f8fwFjNEQ1YET-yWZZS7f5Sw60_IybEh-9JtK_PKXQXdbsmRmaVNwwEk8AuMaMonM/s1600/android+pics+085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_KvBeHq0HD3q-jfmwzDhxEDvwVKcbE9bhcrsFZbqC1oSTd_liacvjc8EtkkX8HLNcINZljray3f8fwFjNEQ1YET-yWZZS7f5Sw60_IybEh-9JtK_PKXQXdbsmRmaVNwwEk8AuMaMonM/s320/android+pics+085.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As parents, many of us take our children for granted. At the
playground last week, I met a mother of a young boy and she told me she doesn’t
get frustrated with her son as easily as most mothers because he was her
miracle baby after seven years of trying to get pregnant with no success. This
made me think: my children are not something I should ever view as a burden not
even for a second- not even when they’re writing on the walls or crying all
night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So my little one, Saji, has been a little under the weather
the past couple of days; nothing to panic about thank God, just a cold. But at
barely nine months, it is difficult for her to sleep and nurse with so much
congestion. I hate seeing her like this. But we must remember that sickness is a
purification. When you or a loved one is sick, it is a time to pray and reflect.
It is a time to rest and rejuvenate the mind and body. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But most of all, it is a time to be thankful. </span>Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-91308006592636613642012-02-07T13:08:00.001-08:002012-02-07T13:17:11.448-08:00Breastfeeding in Public: An American Stigmatism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yD8e4WnyJr6FO8Xiao1EYhabis0-Gh5gZq9B-70pH0n50xcyIB2zzjuQdr92YMj2tFYHaFg4z7inkH8RK_YoSpvHMDIX1FqNitnioaB8LJmEVpizvDGeB8-5cX9I5oM4F-uLG1HHGyM/s1600/breastfeeding+public.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yD8e4WnyJr6FO8Xiao1EYhabis0-Gh5gZq9B-70pH0n50xcyIB2zzjuQdr92YMj2tFYHaFg4z7inkH8RK_YoSpvHMDIX1FqNitnioaB8LJmEVpizvDGeB8-5cX9I5oM4F-uLG1HHGyM/s320/breastfeeding+public.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I keep hearing stories about these “Disgusting”, “Outrageous”,
“Hippie” moms who are unapologetically breastfeeding their babies in malls,
restaurants, and supermarkets. And some of them have the nerve to do it
uncovered! Just baby suckling breast with no shame!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a society that claims to be “forward thinking” and “green”
and sensitive to the rights of its citizens, we should be ashamed. In a society
where it is the norm to see people kissing and fondling in public, where actresses
are called sexy for wearing next to nothing at award shows and bikini tops are
acceptable wardrobe for a night out with the girls, it is depressing that
breastfeeding moms are the ones met with outrage and disgust. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is just another indication that the portrayal of liberation
and freedom women have in American society is merely a political farce used to
make other countries feel inferior to American values. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do I breastfeed in public? Yes I do. Would you notice?
Probably not, because I always use my scarf or other garment as a cover. But does
not mean I would be outraged to see another women do it uncovered? No I would
not because I have seen much more outrageous things than a mother nourishing
her child in the open. And frankly, I’d probably be more happy to see another
mother who has embraced the best way to feed their child in a society who
pretends they support it, but in reality it is a deep seeded taboo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why is breastfeeding taboo in America? What is at the base
of American values? Capitolism. And corporations, like Enfamil and Good Start
have infiltrated the minds and hearts of American women, telling them their own
milk was not good enough for their offspring. And formula was better. So we
have not only bought into this rhetoric, making their pockets fat, but we have
sexualized and demonized breastfeeding and the people who do it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is not a blog about breastfeeding vs. formula. This is
a blog about how an entire society can be brainwashed into thinking that something
which is good and natural is something that is sick and inappropriate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-62875347665495476982011-12-13T17:51:00.000-08:002011-12-13T17:52:17.118-08:00The Yelling Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTchYF2C9aaoVBBn93h4s2l8s0OYEfNhMIDnm791B5Zi9Lmd-pUBSLToZlkmJC3NttVPxvJYW4SJb7qHzP7WJ7TMBtl3FTLXxKPTiuapamwqqxNa5oALaNxPdN66yoa16b2igjowItDro/s1600/screaming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTchYF2C9aaoVBBn93h4s2l8s0OYEfNhMIDnm791B5Zi9Lmd-pUBSLToZlkmJC3NttVPxvJYW4SJb7qHzP7WJ7TMBtl3FTLXxKPTiuapamwqqxNa5oALaNxPdN66yoa16b2igjowItDro/s1600/screaming.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hate it. No seriously, I hate it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Stop this!” “Stop that!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What are you doing?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Noooo!!!!!!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having a 6 month old and an almost 3 year old means that you
can’t always chase after your 3 year old and correct her/him when they are
going down the path towards destruction. So, what do we do? We yell! It’s
really not a pretty sight. When we see someone else doing it, we shake our
heads. Sometimes we remark, “Oh my God, WHY IS SHE YELLING LIKE THAT?”
Sometimes we look down our noses because at that particular moment our child is
being the picture perfect toddler: “Yes Mommy” “Please…Thank you…. Your
Welcome.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But when we’re the one in the spotlight, we either do one of
two things:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We attempt to mask our anger by doing the
gritting teeth whisper yell:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You better get your act together right now or else!” We
threaten in an awkward last-resort whisper, hoping our child will be
intimidated by the accompanied scowl. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">OR<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We just loose it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Get your butt up off the floor right now _____! Do you hear
me! Do you hear me!” We have really lost all reasoning by this point. At this
point we have completely lost control of our child and our emotions. Usually
this action makes everything much worse. Whatever was initially wrong with the
child will now be amplified. Rage is met with rage. And the whole ordeal is
both emotionally and physically distressing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, most yelling takes place in the home. This may seem
more appropriate than a public show of rage, but the home is supposed to be the
one place we can be at ease; our place of rest and recuperation after a
stressful day out. So, as a parent, when I yell in my home, I am creating a
hostile atmosphere.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I used to argue with my brother a lot from the ages of
10-14. He was older, but I was not intimidated by him, and did not accept the
concept of sonority when it came to anything. We would argue over silly things,
like what to watch on television. Sometimes we would be in a yelling match,
calling each other hurtful names, and I don’t even know how it all started.
Then my brother went to college and my yelling was retired. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">…Until now. Having a two year old has revived this ugly trait
from my past. I rarely even yell in my marriage because as an adult, I have
grown to hate confrontation. Yet as I sit here now and write this blog, my
voice is actually hoarse. I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t yell at my
daughter. It is sad and it is exhausting. Ruqi is a normal toddler, with lots
of energy, imagination and curiosity to explore everything within her reach. With
a baby on board, I do not have the time to calmly walk her through every moment
of her life, explaining what is right and what is wrong. It all started while I
was pregnant; battling sickness, fatigue, and all the emotional ups and downs
of pregnancy, my fuse was short. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other factor is that Ruqi shows that she understands so
much, so perhaps I confuse her understanding of certain things with actual
comprehension. For instance, I will see how gently she interacts with the baby,
so I trust her to play with her sister without hurting her. What a misjudgment
on my part! Most of the time she is gentle and soft and her sister adores her,
but then there are the times when she grabs Saji’s face in her hands and
squeezes and it all happens so fast that all I hear is Saji screeching for
help. So, of course I yell, and I yell loud. It’s to the point that Ruqi isn’t
even affected by my yelling anymore. So why do I do it? It obviously isn’t
working. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I bought Dr. Sears’s “The Dicipline Book” and it’s great. In
typical Dr. Sears fashion, the book is more about training parents than it is
about training children. So, I recommend it to anyone who might have a yelling
problem or any other roadblock in their parenting. And prayer, prayer always
works…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-80480216420951150432011-11-17T15:57:00.001-08:002011-11-17T16:12:30.660-08:00Day by Day, Moment by Moment<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiO0u4W_q7BrFwuk-Hxz6nJYQ_DNJkk7zFz1P77Co3n1BrAPxt6PH5UMGCDrG0hodrSIhVH4NPnV0PnGOgRxJ9KN3JmZouUuXio9GnQByFd9WPI9qR2qdSqStMX0rJUWz25za0pAM4x4w/s1600/one+day+at+a+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiO0u4W_q7BrFwuk-Hxz6nJYQ_DNJkk7zFz1P77Co3n1BrAPxt6PH5UMGCDrG0hodrSIhVH4NPnV0PnGOgRxJ9KN3JmZouUuXio9GnQByFd9WPI9qR2qdSqStMX0rJUWz25za0pAM4x4w/s200/one+day+at+a+time.jpg" width="197" /></a><br />
A Typical Week:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday- Wash Ruqi’s hair<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday- Clean bedroom, wash clothes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday- Visit Grandma<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday- Go to Children’s Museum<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday- Go to Masjid<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday- Attempt to make some calls<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday- Catch up on schoolwork<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps some of you could accomplish everything on this list
in one day and still have time to spare, and three years ago, I could have too.
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">But times have changed. I have two children under the age of three now.</span> Over
the past six months, I have spent a lot of time worrying, rushing, complaining,
and regretting because it seems like I can’t ever get a thing done. And when I
do get something done- a simple task- it takes a whole day of more. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you don’t understand what I’m talking about, I’ll tell
you hour-by-hour how this past Monday went:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">5am</span> – wake up and lay in bed wondering why I am awake. I
feel two sets of legs resting on my legs. I am a mommy sandwich, smushed
between a toddler and a very large 6 month old, and I don’t dare move an inch
for fear of waking anyone up and disturbing the early morning peace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">5:45am</span> – I realize it is time for the morning prayer, and
since I am still awake, I really have no excuse for skipping out on it. So, I
slither from between the two sleeping beauties and make my way down the hall to
the bathroom, not looking back. I preform the ritual cleansing, feeling the
refreshing splash of water on my face and into my mouth and nostrils. As soon
as I was started to take in a very deep breath, I hear a whimper, then covers
rustling, then a screeching cry. I run down the hall scooping up little Saja
into my arms, and a sudden feeling of overwhelming responsibility blankets over
my initial excitement about performing the early morning prayer in peace. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">6:15 am</span> – After suckling, baby Saja is now asleep, yet with
a heightened awareness of her physical connection to me. I try to set her down,
and she cringes and whimpers. The longer I wait, the more the sun begins to
creep up, so I settle to just pray sitting, while cradling my baby girl.
Afterwards, I lay in the bed awake. I glanced over at my 2 year old who was
playing in her sister’s baby powder with their 4 year old cousin the day
before. Even after washing her hair, it was evident the powder had dried out
her hair so much that it was brittle and the strands were tangling and locking
together. It was evident I had to do something about this hair dilemma, but dreaded
doing anything to Ruqi’s hair because she is tender headed and screams and
cries and runs away the minute I confront her tightly coiled afro.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Okay, so you’re thinking, it’s not even daylight yet; tell
this story a little faster! I’m sorry, but this is my life. I’ll just stick to
the main parts from now on…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The point of the story is that it took a WHOLE day just to
do Ruqi’s hair. Actually, two days, if you count the first time I washed it the
day before. Just making meals, pampering and feeding the baby, and entertaining
the children takes up the majority of my day. In between all that - I have
finally figured out -that I can really only get one major task completed a day-
if I’m fortunate! On Monday, it was washing, deep conditioning, moisturizing,
and braiding little Ruqi’s hair. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">I have finally come to peace with the fact that caring for
the babies is a JOB and it is MY JOB.</span> I have a wonderful husband, but that’s beside
the point. I used to value myself on how many things I could get accomplished a
day that don’t concern my children. For instance, doing schoolwork, going
grocery shopping, writing a blog, making any income to contribute to the home,
making important phone calls, ...ect.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It would upset me if Saja had a fussy day and needed to be
held and fed LITERALLY all day, therefore not even allowing me to perform the
simplest household task, like doing the laundry or preparing dinner. I wouldn’t
be upset with her, but I’d be upset and disappointed with myself for not being
able to multitask well enough to get everything on my agenda taken care of. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">From now on I’m taking a stand! A stand against myself, for
myself. I’m taking a stand against a society that makes women feel as though
they have to juggle children + home + work + school + marriage and pull it all
off with perfection. That’s madness! I am making a resolution:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b>1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></b><b>Take 1 day at a time. </b>Whatever I can do
today, I will. I will plan, but if plans fall apart, it’s okay.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b>2.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></b><b>Take 1 moment at a time. </b>Whoever said
multitasking was a good thing? Do 1 thing at a time and do it well.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b>3.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></b><b>Be Present</b>. Cherish every moment. I
will not take 1 moment for granted, and I will not have regrets.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b>4.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></b><b>Be Happy</b>. I will enjoy my life and
enjoy my children. A happy mommy = A Happy Home.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b>5.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></b><b>Remember the Power of God</b>. I am not
capable of doing all things, but GOD is. So pray, and ask for strength and
forgiveness and guidance. <b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Life is a journey with ups and downs and turnarounds. As a
mother, it’s all the harder to feel like your happiness and peace of mind
matter in the scheme of things.</span> But believe me, it matters. Just writing this
post - knowing my children will be waking from their nap soon and there was a
ton of “important” things I should have been doing – has uplifted my spirit. Do
something today, no matter how small, to uplift yours. <o:p></o:p></div>Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-11652093891516222082011-09-04T05:51:00.000-07:002011-11-17T22:56:08.975-08:00A Great Grandfather<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV_dKdRCnXxYBhSLOX_xT8a9uN-3WteKsAdORQ3aK7teVzaNHcWBJM5VhNeHdJymoktld_b4-CUJRbq8goSw_nm_mv5HiTnVyLvnmb7RThcTMMmEIft_rgyMICVOnv2C9-5ZzcZ5EEdk/s1600/pop+pop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV_dKdRCnXxYBhSLOX_xT8a9uN-3WteKsAdORQ3aK7teVzaNHcWBJM5VhNeHdJymoktld_b4-CUJRbq8goSw_nm_mv5HiTnVyLvnmb7RThcTMMmEIft_rgyMICVOnv2C9-5ZzcZ5EEdk/s320/pop+pop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
What can I say? I have a great father! And Saji and Ruqi have a great grandfather! We (Nana, Pop-pop, Ruki, Saja and myself) took a weekend trip to Ocean City, NJ and we had a blast. I was busy caring for 11 week old Saja most of the time, and didnt really have the physical or mental capacity to care for her 2 year sister. But my parents made up for what I lacked. I feel so blessed to have parents that are so loving and caring for their children and grandchildren.<br />
<br />
Growing up, we were always short on cash, but never short on love. When many families were going to Disney World, we were going on much less expensive camping trips in the Pocono Mountains. The four of us would pile into a two person tent. And as much as I griped and complained, it was ingrained into me that family was about time spent and not about money spent. We were poor in money, but rich in values and love. I pray that I can pass on these values to my children.<br />
<br />Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-25699346256321483602011-08-26T20:40:00.000-07:002011-08-26T20:40:38.546-07:00Amazon for Stay-At-Home Moms<script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/ads.js"></script><br />
<br />
Guess what's new? I'm now a mommy of two! It's wonderful and exhausting and fulfilling and EXHAUSTING! But at the end of the day, all I can do is thank God for my two healthy beautiful girls! So I gave you a list of products that helped me get through my pregnancy, so now I will give you a list of items that have helped me get through my first three months postpartum.<br />
<br />
While pregnant, I had a vision of throwing my new baby girl in a sling and just carrying on my life as normal. But I quickly leaned mommies run on their baby's schedules, NOT the other way around. And that was fine at first, but then I started needing stuff: clothes, baby gadgets, baby gear, phone accessories, books, and many gifts for other people. <br />
<br />
If I drag baby #2 out the door, it's usually for some type of recreational activity for baby #1 or the grocery store (only because I have no other choice). So, the most useful and convinient means I have found for purchasing my needs and wants was through internet shopping. And the most frequented website on my list is <a href="www.amazon.com">Amazon.com</a> simply because of the one-stop-shop convenience and the "free super-saver shipping" which many items on their website qualify for. <br />
<br />
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<br />
Okay, I will quickly explain to you all this list. I bought the Leapfrog and Preschoolprep DVDs for my two-year-old. They are educational and entertaining! My phone charger broke but I didn't have time to stand in line and pay $30 for a replacement. Would you believe me if I told you I got this set of three chargers (USB, wall charger, car charger) for under $2! You don't believe me? Check it out for yourself. I must admit, they are not the quality of the charger directly from samsung (instead of fully charging my dead phone in under 3 hours, it takes about 5 hours), but I am very pleased for the cheap price. <br />
<br />
The power drill was a Fathers Day gift for my wonderful father who helped me so much with keeping baby #2 busy while I was nursing baby #2 or just getting some overdue rest!<br />
<br />
I ordered the nipple butter because my soar nipples wear cracking, but unfortunately I didn't get it expressed shipped, so by the time I recieved the all-natural cocoa based butter, my nipples were already healed. However, it came in really great handy when I discoved baby #2 had excema and the Earth Mama nipple butter softened my newborns little rough patches :)<br />
<br />
The Summer Infant Carseat complete body support coushin was just what I needed to keep my little one snug in her carseat and it allowed me to put her in the double stroller at 3 months without the carseat (Perhaps it also helped that she's a monster baby lol).<br />
<br />
<i>Three Cups of Tea </i> is a great read when you need the escape the realities of momydom. Being a mom of two under three can become very overwhelming at times, but internet shopping has made my road just tad more smoother to travel. <br />
<br />
I have also purchased items like <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sesame-Street-Elmo-Toddler-Bed/16922919">bedding </a>and my <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Baby-Trend-Double-Sit-N-Stand-Green-Tea/-/A-11997339?reco=Rec_pdp_11997339_ClickCP_Adjacency">double stroller </a>from <a href="http://www.target.com">target.com</a> and <a href="http://www.walmart.com">walmart.com.</a> Catch them when they are having deals and FREE SHIPPING!Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-66558293510708234752011-04-07T16:53:00.000-07:002011-04-07T16:53:24.000-07:00HELP!! Should I Let the Dentist put my Two Year Old Under General Anesthesia?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtR9nYjWhJFDcDGa1GIiIr3mZx2_n25yEqMt1-wBLB6NsPrcJCmAzu9bJxwsv2U8Vp6svK9C8czEUlQcwvyHOGAal_GUC7JVNxRI_trNkEmPzJM4SYhtJAA5aXwF1ZmtkwVxEgugBpc5g/s1600/tooth.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtR9nYjWhJFDcDGa1GIiIr3mZx2_n25yEqMt1-wBLB6NsPrcJCmAzu9bJxwsv2U8Vp6svK9C8czEUlQcwvyHOGAal_GUC7JVNxRI_trNkEmPzJM4SYhtJAA5aXwF1ZmtkwVxEgugBpc5g/s320/tooth.bmp" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Okay, I really need some insight on this one...<br />
<br />
My two year old daughter, you know Ruki :), went to her first dentist appointment today. Despite our daily brushings, she had two cavities in her molars. One is small, and the other is huge. The dentist said my toddler needed to be put to sleep - general anesthesia - to get a filling on one tooth and a filling and a crown on the other. <br />
<br />
I almost cried right there in the dentist office. I must be a horrible mother, right? Well, actually from what I've been reading on the web, it might have been the extensive night nursing we did for almost two years that contributed to it, who knows? What I do know, is that she has a huge cavity and it would probably be irresponsible of me to just let it sit until her baby teeth fall out naturally. Only being two, that might be five years from now!<br />
<br />
But general anesthesia?? That seems so intense for her little body. If she needed surgery for major illness, obviously it would be a no-brainer, but for dental work? I've done some internet research about nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and <a href="http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Oral-and-Dental-Health-at-Any-Age/Infants-and-Children/Toddler-Child-Transitional-Care/article/Sedation-Techniques.cvsp">conscious anesthesia</a>, but many articles say for her age, general anesthesia might be best. Her dentist gave me a stack of paperwork and waivers to sign before I get the procedure done. A waiver has to be signed by her pediatrician also. If its so safe, whats with all the waivers??<br />
<br />
Has anyone had an experience similar to this? I will continue my research and ask her pediatrician, but I need some moral support, suggestions, anything you can offer! May God guide us on the righteous path!<br />
<br />
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentist - <a href="http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/anesthesia.asp">click here to see what they say about general anesthesia</a>Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-57089430494589402572011-03-17T17:50:00.000-07:002011-03-17T17:50:53.977-07:00Surviving the 2nd PregnancyYES! I'm pregnant... AGAIN! I know, it's wrong to disappear for 9 months and come back 8 months pregnant! Believe me, though, I've been busy. You know, the usual, going to school, tending after baby #1, who is actually a giant sized toddler now, but insist on everyone calling her BABY lol. This post is about how I have managed to come this far, with the mercy of God, and still be somewhat sane and enjoying life.<br />
<br />
I should probably be getting paid for a blog like this, because I am clearly promoting a bunch of products, but unfortunately I'm volunteering the advertisements because these items truly have helped me survive over the past 32 weeks!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iIHLYico2FoX0_-xzVcdPZlSyEFlaUVqs5bvqBwtURY_R6vzPEokEyhcxKConTgkf9xu-lCNDuHLHilX-dbuDzALHpHs7B17jMxfqauZ6gQ2TfW7utKRMATVqGwO4FAwG-9C0MEt6as/s1600/Nike_Tailwind_2010_Women_Black_Pink_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iIHLYico2FoX0_-xzVcdPZlSyEFlaUVqs5bvqBwtURY_R6vzPEokEyhcxKConTgkf9xu-lCNDuHLHilX-dbuDzALHpHs7B17jMxfqauZ6gQ2TfW7utKRMATVqGwO4FAwG-9C0MEt6as/s320/Nike_Tailwind_2010_Women_Black_Pink_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Comfy, yet stylish, Pink and Black Nike Air. I broke down and spent $100 at the local Lady's Footlocker, but I found them on sale on this <a href="http://www.lunarsale.com/nike-air-max-tailwind-2010-women-black-pink-p-874.html">site</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbCsu7lcOXCVdWZu7BaIEiUGnFBvf78k5BEp8fWnKlTc5RXpZIw1E28cmxTIoy47EsOH7GfEzeQ6KoyI7PBYE1KdPL6JpFwAwE2kdc6ZmyVkttPBU9j2If_pjTO4SdSpagZFxPCBWkC8/s1600/bio+oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbCsu7lcOXCVdWZu7BaIEiUGnFBvf78k5BEp8fWnKlTc5RXpZIw1E28cmxTIoy47EsOH7GfEzeQ6KoyI7PBYE1KdPL6JpFwAwE2kdc6ZmyVkttPBU9j2If_pjTO4SdSpagZFxPCBWkC8/s1600/bio+oil.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.bio-oil.com/">Bio-Oil</a>- feels good to rub on the growing baby belly, plus fades old stretch marks and prevents new ones! I also use Burt's Bees Tummy Butter just cause it feels good and makes my skin soft as a baby:)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1Q6Mkzu-JiasoFoQ2ch2QK2W4dUZOx-j-Ayu_T_F2LYz0LOYJ2YzgtiqQsEOAhPPF2ALyh-CaCPNq6q3ebb9vEkcKIa2eojhqeJFtNbfpxJZqgtxqvBMjcTfPkhiI5OP72B3N8vwQC0/s1600/merona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1Q6Mkzu-JiasoFoQ2ch2QK2W4dUZOx-j-Ayu_T_F2LYz0LOYJ2YzgtiqQsEOAhPPF2ALyh-CaCPNq6q3ebb9vEkcKIa2eojhqeJFtNbfpxJZqgtxqvBMjcTfPkhiI5OP72B3N8vwQC0/s320/merona.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Merona Wrap-Around Wool Maternity Coat. I knew in November that my belly was growing fast and I had to invest in a maternity coat. But luckily for me, I found a great one without too much investing, paying $59.99 on <a href="http://target.com/">Target.com</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGO-lhSREZEbxbFC0DmGVQkBoeYNeFmCb6U66Xs4wfFGbZvAyneD6QAYZCNClntJLXaofNDKYQoF-tMu9K_L8IUXvzsrWLrxYRSOw3eEHdSr4yEYzryCZPdEq9t2B1VoTu7f1i8lZSxlc/s1600/black+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGO-lhSREZEbxbFC0DmGVQkBoeYNeFmCb6U66Xs4wfFGbZvAyneD6QAYZCNClntJLXaofNDKYQoF-tMu9K_L8IUXvzsrWLrxYRSOw3eEHdSr4yEYzryCZPdEq9t2B1VoTu7f1i8lZSxlc/s1600/black+tea.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Tea. Chamomile to unwind and Black tea to stay awake. A pregnant body is going to do what it wants, but at least the teas made me stop and take a deep breath, bringing some peace to a hectic, sleepy, insomnia-filled pregnancy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFCHm2-JvRF6PhY-CwHxQFyhJCcJ5KZ7xZcP1XxAzf8NVor-__DuVWN72IKNDB1J79v8fUnTtv_mHfSFUe_I6gre5J_wPWvImCgRUI5MZISH6UitdbC7HgElc9JaCYuGd5R2XToHIqf0/s1600/prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFCHm2-JvRF6PhY-CwHxQFyhJCcJ5KZ7xZcP1XxAzf8NVor-__DuVWN72IKNDB1J79v8fUnTtv_mHfSFUe_I6gre5J_wPWvImCgRUI5MZISH6UitdbC7HgElc9JaCYuGd5R2XToHIqf0/s1600/prayer.jpg" /></a></div><br />
PRAYER - last, but certainly not least! Taking some time out a few times a day to be quiet and offer worship to the Creator is a must! When life seems to be escaping me, and I feel confused and overwhelmed, I just thank God that I am living and breathing and have people that love and care for me! I thank God for my little ones and for their health. Pregnancy can be a very stressful time, but it's important to appreciate the little things- the kicks and wiggles, even the sickness is a sign that a life is growing inside you!Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-52954063780664604342010-12-12T04:53:00.000-08:002010-12-12T05:18:40.289-08:00St. Jude Children's Hospital<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPwWmAx2784GOhsq77DDsW-uMah4LJ8eenqZboQWKKHxgDD0nKPCNpEc2UfpRnz65fKT_LSO2WusAYPJqVJlZ4OAtLFA6Dg6wxBY1UPJrVkFxPAJXe3bPp49-H5DXjcxrx4ri26TolOc/s1600/St.+Jude%2527s+Donate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPwWmAx2784GOhsq77DDsW-uMah4LJ8eenqZboQWKKHxgDD0nKPCNpEc2UfpRnz65fKT_LSO2WusAYPJqVJlZ4OAtLFA6Dg6wxBY1UPJrVkFxPAJXe3bPp49-H5DXjcxrx4ri26TolOc/s400/St.+Jude%2527s+Donate.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549783261914215506" /></a><br />So I woke up around five-o-clock this morning wedged in between my toddler and a cold wall. I had to go the bathroom, but I did not want to leave the comfort of my warm bed. As I paused for a moment, the raspy sound of an old woman's voice came drifting from the television I had forgot to turn off before I fell into my deep slumber. <br /><br />Squinting my eyes, I looked on the screen and saw a three year old boy named Reagan. He was diagnosed with childhood leukemia and passed away eleven months after being admitted to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I began to feel very sad. I looked over at my little one, sleeping so soundly, with not a care in the world. Then I thought, "That could be my child in that hospital. That could be Ruki." <br /><br />And the tears came flowing down my tired face.<br /><br />I imagined myself being some billionaire philanthropist and giving St. Jude's, or any other children's hospital, a million dollars or more. But I am not a philanthropist, I am just a writer. So, today I am writing to urge everyone to <a href="http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f87d4c2a71fca210VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD">donate</a> your dollars and your prayers to sick and needy children wherever they may be. Don't wait for a tragedy to happen to you or someone you love to start caring. Care now. Give now.Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-15533657651606883792010-11-04T11:54:00.000-07:002010-11-04T12:10:41.350-07:00I let her cry herself to sleep...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDujvkyujQ6yN5ayWY_rsAV3t93C7f7fDp1eTS4wb-UhwpIE8kcDkkXGBQlzP-uHdmCIlwe4GYA4gJqeOImlEWrAE0sy032-hiZDSIEOYOwZA7-aXVv68TAo8VwpwyGMXIfDaQvRbukw/s1600/ruki+sleep.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDujvkyujQ6yN5ayWY_rsAV3t93C7f7fDp1eTS4wb-UhwpIE8kcDkkXGBQlzP-uHdmCIlwe4GYA4gJqeOImlEWrAE0sy032-hiZDSIEOYOwZA7-aXVv68TAo8VwpwyGMXIfDaQvRbukw/s400/ruki+sleep.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535774051682439346" /></a><br />... for the first time! Ruki never slept in her own room or even a crib, and she is breastfed and I'm always home with her... but enough was enough! I finally weaned her about 3 weeks ago. Thank God, she has been doing great! But I feel like it is time I start putting my foot down for her sake and for my sanity. <br /><br />She has been going to daycare for the past couple weeks to enable me to focus on my schoolwork. She only goes 3 days a week, but I have seen vast improvements in some aspects of her conduct. For instance, the child who could not sleep without her mommy by her side, lays down and sleeps for 2 hours every day she is at the daycare. This made me think, hmmm? What am I doing wrong? Why is it so hard to get her down for a nap at home? <br /><br />It all started with the mug I had just finished eating my vegetable soup out of: "Ruki, don't touch the mug!" But it was too late, before I knew it my favorite mug was shattered to pieces on the floor. It was 1:30pm, an hour after I tried to get her the lay down and go to sleep. I lost it.<br /><br />I'm usually very much a push over, and Ruki knows it. I told that child to lay down and I meant it. I was stern and unrelenting. She threw a tantrum, she threw pillows off the couch, she screamed at the top of her lungs, and for a last burst of protest, she took off her diaper and threw it as far as she could. <br /><br />As hard as it was, I just ignored her. I had never done that before. In her 22 months of life, I was always at her beckoning call. While I don't regret my "attachment" form of parenting, I realize that was it time for me to "man-up".Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-84176394440950675512010-10-24T05:38:00.000-07:002010-10-24T06:52:25.849-07:00Update! Update!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUprFY1dPr8QDqEKs1gWImBJbHtZWzlI5De9cbYUtK2YL5BA16lPhvMi8XMpjmb3s0YEmz3QkWihDmzU_06LjAEb6vN8M35q9JELFYGlMNWoUHuLaBL0p3PPKrxAf-nkcuPgbwhaIJAY/s1600/Ruki2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUprFY1dPr8QDqEKs1gWImBJbHtZWzlI5De9cbYUtK2YL5BA16lPhvMi8XMpjmb3s0YEmz3QkWihDmzU_06LjAEb6vN8M35q9JELFYGlMNWoUHuLaBL0p3PPKrxAf-nkcuPgbwhaIJAY/s400/Ruki2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531610072530635010" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nHVVCGhTO2vB0WwbEDteFGobtyp4LUtMcUSTI_Vgj5_vUdlpUgi4uowH89mcM71JSa8oIpDo4eFdVlPM3vJqBCorIRQchuI0-DDkZYLfIzCDEavYspWMExHbs3m-Yc6Pu2hvgDhk9JQ/s1600/ruki1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nHVVCGhTO2vB0WwbEDteFGobtyp4LUtMcUSTI_Vgj5_vUdlpUgi4uowH89mcM71JSa8oIpDo4eFdVlPM3vJqBCorIRQchuI0-DDkZYLfIzCDEavYspWMExHbs3m-Yc6Pu2hvgDhk9JQ/s400/ruki1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531610069746811602" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndMa5O9ZJ5ml9443jWidZZrxyidepc3rsvpDVmbWe-lWKjT10wpfJMpjhr5eBF_eL_uxYMO9DFsGvP92hPKGZDJmh2dSk9YLfuUXtPluH6HaXYEc3B39JCoxN8dmCcXXG0JeCcds76NA/s1600/Ruki+hay.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndMa5O9ZJ5ml9443jWidZZrxyidepc3rsvpDVmbWe-lWKjT10wpfJMpjhr5eBF_eL_uxYMO9DFsGvP92hPKGZDJmh2dSk9YLfuUXtPluH6HaXYEc3B39JCoxN8dmCcXXG0JeCcds76NA/s400/Ruki+hay.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531610069552128994" /></a><br />Hey! Hey! Change the baby- I mean toddler, marinate the salmon, check email, check classes, feed Ruki, clean food off Ruki, attempt to do assignments for school, take shower?, brush teeth, try to teach Ruki to brush her teeth correctly, tell Ruki to sit on potty, look for weekend children activities, call exterminator, call cable guy, hmmm what else? And that's just the list for this morning!<br /><br />So yes I have been busy! Unfortunately some of my friends and family have been moved to the back burner- I don't return many calls these days. But I must say its cool to know I have the kind of friends who are very loving and understanding- Thank God! <br /><br />Between school, Ruki, and traveling to Philly things have been quite hectic. I'm enjoying being close to my family. Yesterday we went on a fun hayride and pumpkin patch! Ruqayyah was throwing hay on "Pop-Pop". This morning Ruki preferred the yogurt to the oatmeal, so the oatmeal became more of an art project, Smooches!Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-41856905907817292032010-07-22T12:24:00.000-07:002010-07-22T12:52:48.955-07:00Bouncing Baby to Healthy Toddler<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNdx6cNBNva4NOBNawtpy89sgjBXOYFxddk5W-FSC7Y9iibilVsMpOryV-ITmCZPk7nzrwMEorUiSx5u4bQHLRadr4ycjskonfos9JIibBlaXH3DlLjcbxYYzuyqlNjwB3rs3h1W9IaU/s1600/IMG00323.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNdx6cNBNva4NOBNawtpy89sgjBXOYFxddk5W-FSC7Y9iibilVsMpOryV-ITmCZPk7nzrwMEorUiSx5u4bQHLRadr4ycjskonfos9JIibBlaXH3DlLjcbxYYzuyqlNjwB3rs3h1W9IaU/s400/IMG00323.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496820958054442578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzGIa89kAzh2-N0SsglHF2EYumJkal2IbNLq8jBMY7qcs9sNsK4XzYqvSvNswCiuycnskp3e2uDcty_8J-xotxWezQWhbj8iNnOBhvSVpNRJvPU1GRpOBQt9JpPJxKH78qpol6a-v3GQ/s1600/IMG00279.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzGIa89kAzh2-N0SsglHF2EYumJkal2IbNLq8jBMY7qcs9sNsK4XzYqvSvNswCiuycnskp3e2uDcty_8J-xotxWezQWhbj8iNnOBhvSVpNRJvPU1GRpOBQt9JpPJxKH78qpol6a-v3GQ/s400/IMG00279.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496820624584167794" /></a><br />The past 6 months have ben a cpmplete whirlwind! Here's the update- I'm still breastfeeding. Ruki has 13 teeth (OUCH! just kidding). She is the size of a 2 year old and has the shoe size of a 3 year old! And I couldn't feel more blessed! My baby says lots of words (NO!, baby, eww dirty!, Mommy, DaDa, NaNa, Pop-Pop, HOT, ect...)and is healthy: THIS IS WHAT I PRAYED FOR: a healthy child. I never cared about my baby's gender, skin color, hair texture, or stature. While I was pregnant I just prayed for God to have mercy on me and give me a healthy baby. Thank YOU Allah!Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-40037576063676651302010-02-09T22:00:00.000-08:002010-02-09T22:23:24.521-08:00Giving my Breastfed Baby Formula...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW55yGoa3SfNfhNGqw1JufFgOU0fnkDE02qme8y-iqF8uBAAtz8zqiBtunIR1Q1pDoJlXuCTLC8Pi5oxxgkwZhhYMWF69X19nZBZN1M3UdyPuvLFMTOhDwI9lS0D-MwTerKQuaWuRf67o/s1600-h/phone+pics+025.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW55yGoa3SfNfhNGqw1JufFgOU0fnkDE02qme8y-iqF8uBAAtz8zqiBtunIR1Q1pDoJlXuCTLC8Pi5oxxgkwZhhYMWF69X19nZBZN1M3UdyPuvLFMTOhDwI9lS0D-MwTerKQuaWuRf67o/s400/phone+pics+025.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436496577741866610" /></a><br />I should have just named this blog entry- LOL! I really thought I was going to give my 13 month old formula after being strictly breastfed since birth! HA! This experiment went totally wrong. You might be asking Why? Why now? The move actually came from the desperation to get caught up on my schoolwork. <br /><br />I always hear about how formula fed babies sleep soundly through the night from an early age. I read on askdrsears.com that phenomena is due to the hard to digest milk curdles that form in the babies stomach. I am a stay-at-home mom, who co-sleeps with her baby, so I was never pressed to have bay Ruki sleep all the way through the night... until now. <br /><br />Ruki is at a stage in her life were she is chronically teething and suffers from extreme nighttime hunger and separation anxiety! She nurses off and on the entire night, usually without fully awaking. However, if I try to sneak downstairs to get some housework or schoolwork done, and she rolls over to nurse, she awakens and wails until I return. <br /><br />So basically, tonight I was at wits end and opened a free sample Enfamil sent me in the mail. First I put the strange white mixture in a bottle. The bottle entertained her for about 20 minutes- she chewed on the nipple, then she found out that if she jerked the bottle violently, the white liquid would shoot out in spurts. Then it just made her angry, so she hurled the undrinken bottle through the baby gate into the kitchen and started to cry. <br /><br />Relentless in my efforts, I transferred the formula into her sippy cup. Well, this just made her plain MAD! She threw the cup down after one sip with disgust and anguish written all over her face. I insulted her intelligence. I insulted her gourmet taste. She will not be fooled! <br /><br />So I sat on the couch and breastfed my little angel to sleep and instead of getting right to my schoolwork, I am blogging about my little princess.Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-15565121467737582062010-01-18T17:35:00.000-08:002010-01-18T18:16:40.839-08:00So I'm Starting School...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIN3wT9uli8Fv4Ckll2ulhfE8548bZZeNRGYIjwym0VyEV3r9m9x-JRTL6WiShgubahCmfsLI8leXVX1K5JptaOHQar8CiVW93GdxrfNJI-5fGn98sA49r9wgCyfDuTGhwoFw-Hlk6mBE/s1600-h/back+to+school.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 123px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIN3wT9uli8Fv4Ckll2ulhfE8548bZZeNRGYIjwym0VyEV3r9m9x-JRTL6WiShgubahCmfsLI8leXVX1K5JptaOHQar8CiVW93GdxrfNJI-5fGn98sA49r9wgCyfDuTGhwoFw-Hlk6mBE/s400/back+to+school.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428269119418248018" /></a><br />So I'm starting school tomorrow, and I feel... anxious. I'm really excited, but at the same time, I am unsure that I have the capacity to do well in two Internet classes, because I was always the type that benefited from hands-on education. Taking on Internet classes, along with my other full time job (you know, the Mommy stuff) is just slightly daunting. <br /><br />God has been really great to me, because he has shown me many great examples of stay-at-home mothers who also go to school. Some of them have outside help, like in-laws or parents or other relatives that help them with the children. I do not have these wonderful people in my locale as of right now. <br /><br />However, I told myself I would stop finding excuses not to go, and just take the semester on like a charging bull. I recognise that it is a major blessing from Allah to be in a position where I can attend school in the first place. <br /><br />I took two classes while I was pregnant, and had been looking forward to going back ever since. I declared my major: Journalism. I thought about World Affairs and Creative Writing majors also, but I think I need to just have faith in my abilities as a journalist since that is what lites my flame. <br /><br />Pray for Me!!Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-74196094178885935272010-01-08T19:22:00.000-08:002010-01-08T20:01:24.433-08:00Phenomenal WomanThis poem written and narrated by none other than famed poet Maya Angelou is dedicated to all the beautiful sisters holding down families, households, careers, or maybe just themselves. I just wanted to let you all know that you ARE intelligent and beautiful and worthy of being loved and appreciated. YOU ARE PHENOMENAL!<br /><br />Phenomenal Womanby Maya Angelou <br /><br />Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. <br />I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size <br />But when I start to tell them, <br />They think I’m telling lies. <br />I say, <br />It’s in the reach of my arms, <br />The span of my hips, <br />The stride of my step, <br />The curl of my lips. <br />I’m a woman <br />Phenomenally. <br />Phenomenal woman, <br />That’s me. <br /><br /><br />I walk into a room <br />Just as cool as you please, <br />And to a man, <br />The fellows stand or <br />Fall down on their knees. <br />Then they swarm around me, <br />A hive of honey bees. <br />I say, <br />It’s the fire in my eyes, <br />And the flash of my teeth, <br />The swing in my waist, <br />And the joy in my feet. <br />I’m a woman <br />Phenomenally. <br /><br /><br />Phenomenal woman, <br />That’s me. <br /><br /><br />Men themselves have wondered <br />What they see in me. <br />They try so much <br />But they can’t touch <br />My inner mystery. <br />When I try to show them, <br />They say they still can’t see. <br />I say, <br />It’s in the arch of my back, <br />The sun of my smile, <br />The ride of my breasts, <br />The grace of my style. <br />I’m a woman <br />Phenomenally. <br />Phenomenal woman, <br />That’s me. <br /><br /><br />Now you understand <br />Just why my head’s not bowed. <br />I don’t shout or jump about <br />Or have to talk real loud. <br />When you see me passing, <br />It ought to make you proud. <br />I say, <br />It’s in the click of my heels, <br />The bend of my hair, <br />the palm of my hand, <br />The need for my care. <br />’Cause I’m a woman <br />Phenomenally. <br />Phenomenal woman, <br />That’s me.<br /><br />Maya Angelou, “Phenomenal Woman” from And Still I Rise. Copyright © 1978 by Maya Angelou.<br /><br />Source: The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou (Random House, Inc., 1994)Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2582542027086009176.post-87839610939538121572009-12-29T09:30:00.000-08:002009-12-29T09:59:36.688-08:00Nights and Weekends<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_KcUMUpRaP1fRtb0sG9sEixsTn3FpIhWtbe9396Djb_8I_FJmZ6qvxI73THBfavvLSwtatrRJN7YPrSoj8751fC0cm5n8uVWpnXvLDCrfTFZt3YkLPEd2qUgNRkwXUC98XxZhq64nig/s1600-h/philly+in+philly012.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_KcUMUpRaP1fRtb0sG9sEixsTn3FpIhWtbe9396Djb_8I_FJmZ6qvxI73THBfavvLSwtatrRJN7YPrSoj8751fC0cm5n8uVWpnXvLDCrfTFZt3YkLPEd2qUgNRkwXUC98XxZhq64nig/s400/philly+in+philly012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420719299896849042" /></a><br />Stay-at-home Mom, Housewife, Homemaker; taking on the responsibilities of the children and household: FULL TIME. <br /><br />That's right, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As much as I had heard that being a stay-at-home mom would be a full time job, I always thought of full time as most Americans do- 40 hours a week. Anything else would clearly be considered overtime.<br /><br />What if this gig was a traditional 40 hour a week, Monday thru Friday occupation? No late night nursings- No babies in the bed at all for that matter. No 5am or 6am wake-up cries. No washing the dishes or doing laundry in the middle of the night because there just wasn't enough time during the day. <br /><br />Breakfast would have to be at 9:15, because I wouldn't get to work until 9 am. Dinner would be prepared and served by 4 pm, so I can clean up and clock out by 5 pm. <br /><br />Well, we can all dream can't we? <br /><br />I am so fortunate to be at home with my little one, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Sure in a perfect world I'd have maid service at my disposal so I wouldn't have to sweat the small stuff. However, in this imperfect world, I have a perfect little angel who will be 1 soon and a great husband who puts a roof over our heads and food in our bellies. So I ask myself, what could be more perfect than that?Muslim Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07107093885607042903noreply@blogger.com2