Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Super Bulldog Weekend
I had a magical weekend visiting family and friends in Mississippi. Bert was at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) conference presenting his research, so I took the opportunity to have a visit with my parents before our son arrives.
This past weekend was Super Bulldog Weekend at Mississippi State University, so I had the chance to visit with several dear friends. I am pictured above with one of these special people, Haley. She and I were sorority sisters. And Haley - if you really don't want to be on the blog, let me know. :)
Saturday, I was exactly 30 weeks pregnant. This photograph is taken in my parent's backyard. Also, this is the day we finally decided on our son's name! We are not telling just yet. :)
And here I am with my cousin Sam. He is wearing his new sports glasses for baseball season.The best part of the weekend was just the time I had with my parents. Being with them, not in a hospital setting, was wonderful. I got to be someone else's little baby all weekend before mine gets here. What a blessing to have such incredible parents. The walks, the talks, the meals. I'll never forget it.
This little boy is so incredibly lucky to have the best grandparents in the world already.
This little boy is so incredibly lucky to have the best grandparents in the world already.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
3rd Trimester and Bert's 35th
Saturday, I officially entered the 3rd trimester at 28 weeks. It poured most of the day, but we had time for a few photos while the gorgeous azaleas are still in full bloom. My parents even dropped by for a visit on their way home from Baltimore. My mother looks wonderful, and I am thrilled for how much she has improved. Thank you all for your prayers.
And Saturday night, we celebrated Bert's 35th birthday! His birthday was actually Tuesday, and I decided that this year, he would have a proper birthday party before the little guy arrives.The theme of the party was "Bert's Favorite Things" and we grilled chicken tenders, had several different kinds of chips and candy, Caesar salad, red velvet cake, Harry Connick Jr. on the radio and a giant Transformers balloon in the living room. Such a fun event, and we felt so blessed to have a house full to share in the occasion.
Such a fun weekend.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Surviving Brain Surgery
October was a difficult month. Lots of emotions. I found out I was pregnant at the same time (hello, hormone craziness) that I found out my mother needed brain surgery.Since then, she and my dad toured many hospitals, trying to find out exactly what was wrong and what could be done. After a whirlwind Thanksgiving Break where they drove across the country, my parents selected Johns Hopkins Hospital to remove the meningioma in my mother's skull. You could see the tumor protruding on her face, and the main worry was if it penetrated into the brain and/or her optic nerve.
And, of course, there was the 5% chance it was cancer.
This week, we all traveled to Baltimore for the big day. Wednesday morning came all too quickly, as well as too slowly. We wanted the tumor out so, so badly, but the 8-hour surgery was a huge, HUGE deal.
Praise God, the tumor was benign, and it did not penetrate into her brain or optic nerve. The tumor penetrated muscle, bone and the outermost layer of the brain - but did not penetrate the inner layer of the brain or the brain itself. The tumor was cleanly removed.
She is now recovering very well. Exhaustion is tough, but considering she just came through major surgery, she is doing incredibly well.
I will be eternally grateful to the head of neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, as well as an incredibly talented reconstructive surgeon, for doing such an incredible job with my mother. Doctors make all the difference.
I just love my mother so much that the word "love" seems inadequate. I need her. My existence is tied in so much with hers.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Baby Shower
I had the loveliest baby shower this Saturday! It was such a treat. I am pictured with the hostesses and my mama above. There were around 20 people there to spread the love...I was genuinely overwhelmed.
25 weeks...15 weeks to go! So much to do. But at least I know for sure this baby boy is coming into a world full of people that love him so much already.
Monday, February 07, 2011
Remembering Blanca
On January 26, this world lost a very special person, Bert's grandmother Blanca. Not much was said about her life itself during her service, so for her memory and for Bert, I thought I would say it here.Born Blanca Rosa Gonzales in Cuba, Grandma was an artist at heart. She was an art teacher before leaving Cuba and moving to the United States. Her brother lived in New York and was able to help move their family here before it became overtaken by Castro. She loved her siblings and was especially proud of her brother Pastor, who was a famous priest.
I treasure each painting she gave to me and Bert. Nearly every room in our house and even my office at work has her artwork proudly on display. My favorites are below:
She was an incredibly generous spirit. We rarely left her house without a painting in hand, although we often protested that we didn't want her walls to be empty. She must've known that her life was winding down to give us what she did.
Bert's grandmother and his grandfather were married over 60 years. Grandma was 91 when she passed. Each year on her birthday, she would thank God for blessing her with another year. Grandma and Grandpa showed me love from the moment I joined Bert's family. With open arms they greeted me. I pray that God blesses them both richly for that. I could never thank them enough for what they were - familia, as Bert's grandfather called it. Family in every sense.
From Grandma, I learned how to play dominoes. Although her English became more broken over the years, I could still make out enough of what she said to carry on a conversation. And even when Alzheimer's took over and she could do little more than smile, kindness still radiated from her being.
Like I said, she was an artist. And she was a lady. With an artist's soul, she painted not only beautiful portraits, but she left everything in her life a little better than she found it. Including me. And boy, oh boy, did she love her Albert Manuel. Her favorite. My favorite too.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Let It Snow
If you live up North, you'll wonder what all the fuss is about. But here in the South, snow is a huge deal! And in my town in Georgia, we got a whopping 8.5 inches of the stuff! In fact, I was out of work Monday-Thursday. Everything turned to ice, but the roads are finally mostly clear.I learned that I would be just fine hanging out, being independently wealthy. I think I could handle it. I loved my snow days, and I never got an ounce of cabin fever. I think that's because I needed rest, I am a bit of a homebody and I had plenty of work to keep me busy. Anyway, below are some snapshots from our fun in the snow.
Bert measured the snow Monday morning.
We live just a street over from really cute shops, restaurants, etc. This is a picture I snapped on the way to get hot chocolates at our neighborhood coffee shop.
Bert and me, all bundled up in front of our house.
Matty was mesmerized by the snow.Thursday, January 06, 2011
Deep Breaths
Thanks so much for all the encouraging comments on my previous post. They weren't just helpful - they had such an impact on me. Thank you for helping me chill out.And I promise this will not become a blog solely about pregnancy and babies. But, hey, it is a huge deal in my life right now! :)
So, what else has been going on? Well, the holidays were great. As always, too short. Time with the family in Mississippi was rejuvenating and I had lots of time with my niece, Olivia, as well as time with a slew of other cousins.
Oh yeah - I'm totally the favorite cousin. :)
And then, one of my best friends had a precious baby boy, Levi, on New Year's Day. Lots of babies all around!
Expecting one of my own makes me feel weird about posting pictures of others' babies, so I shall refrain from that. I wouldn't want a bunch of photos of my child on the interwebs. Just sayin'.
Here's to 2011!
Monday, October 11, 2010
10.10.10
Olivia is one! Pictured above with my sister, Sara.
I love being Aunt Nisa! Olivia's dad, Tim, is in the background.
So nice to visit with my parents!
My main men - Daddy and Bert.Bert and I traveled a couple of hours away yesterday afternoon for my niece, Olivia's, 1st birthday party! Sara thought of EVERYTHING! The party was a fall/princess theme with pink and orange. It was just beautiful. Sara made the most delicious soup, faux pigs-in-a-blanket (beef smokies), trail mix, spinach dip and pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing. She had caramel apples for everyone to take home too.
It was so much fun just being with family and celebrating!
And as a side note, there was much more hair drama after my last post. I ended up having to get 2 more inches chopped to make it look like a decent haircut. Two inches in the back that is (to get rid of my pseudo mullet). Three haircuts and five inches later, I will never let anyone besides Page (the best hairdresser ever) touch my hair. Sheesh. Thank goodness she fixed it.
It was so much fun just being with family and celebrating!
And as a side note, there was much more hair drama after my last post. I ended up having to get 2 more inches chopped to make it look like a decent haircut. Two inches in the back that is (to get rid of my pseudo mullet). Three haircuts and five inches later, I will never let anyone besides Page (the best hairdresser ever) touch my hair. Sheesh. Thank goodness she fixed it.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Happy Birthday, Sara!
Happy Birthday to my baby sister! Even thought she is 27 years old today, in my heart, she will always be 6 years old playing Barbie Swimming Pool with me.Last night, Bert and I laughed for a good 15 minutes about one of Sara's original poems from elementary school. Here's our favorite part:
Blue, orange - what's the difference?
I think colors need a reference.
I love this.
Circa 1984...I love this picture of us.I love you, Sara, and hope that you have a wonderful day! I will always be your big sister and I will always look out for you. Happy, happy birthday.
And us today...with her precious baby girl.Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Happy 30th Birthday To ME!
So, here it is - I am officially 30, and according to friends, officially "legit"! I have had a wonderful birthday so far. Friday night, we went out with friends for pizza followed by 80's music and dancing downtown. It was wonderful! And then Sunday, I was able to celebrate with my parents, sister Sara, her hubby and my precious niece Olivia. We were also able to celebrate Father's Day (I love you, Daddy) and Sara's birthday. And today I have been greeted with gardenias from my assistant, more birthday cards and tons of messages of Facebook.I feel loved.
When I think back from the decade spanning 20-29, I marvel at all the changes in my life. I earned bachelor's and master's degrees, got married and moved forth in my career. There were so many changes in my life. I am happy with the person I am today. It's one of the best birthday gifts I could have ever given myself: self-confidence. Not to mention I'm back down to my high school weight! How glad I am to be 30 rather than 20! :)
I am blessed. I am so grateful for my friends and family who have supported, loved and encouraged me. I would not be where I am today without the people in my life.
Special thanks to my mama...after all, she is the one who did all the work 30 years ago!
And below is a vintage throwback to my 2nd birthday:
Dear Two-Year Old Anisa,Be proud of who you are and where you come from. Life will have its ups and downs, but you just keep moving forward. You will find love and happiness in your life. Thank God for all He gives you. Love deeply. Remember that family comes first. Be happy.
Love,
Thirty-Year Old Anisa
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Family
We had a great time last weekend in Huntsville for my cousin Maryam's high school graduation party! It was wonderful to just spend time with family and roadtrip it with Bert...I LOVE time in the car with Bert. One of my fave things. A few photos are below...
Me and my man in black
Four generations of women! My grandmother, mom (holding her grandbaby!), cousin Sommer, me, my sister Sara and my aunt
Sisters!
My family! Me, Mama, Sara and her little one, Bert, Daddy and Sara's hubby TimLabels: family
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Summer in the Air
Well, summer is right around the corner, and like the kids in the school district where I work, I cannot wait! I am not a teacher (I do public relations), so I work all summer, but still...things are a little bit slower and I know that a vacation will happen at some point. I'm thinking Charleston.But in the meantime, I have taken tomorrow off and Bert and I are headed to Mississippi to celebrate my mom's birthday and Mother's Day. I am excited to get in a little family time and I absolutely love being in the car with Bert. There are no distractions and we just talk for hours. I am such a girly girl because that is my favorite.
And last weekend, I was able to spend with my sister and precious niece Olivia. We hiked, played with the baby, ate and played with the baby some more. It was wonderful to spend time with them while Bert was out of town at a conference. Yes, Olivia is a complete doll.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Remember to tell your mom what she means to you!
Labels: family
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Lovin' Livie
Olivia came to visit her Aunt Nisa last week! My iPhone died, so unfortunately, this is the only memento I have at the moment. Hopefully that will all be resolved on Saturday after I am forced to hand over a fat wad of cash for a new one since my warranty had just barely expired. But I digress.Anyway, last Tuesday, my little Livie showed up noonish. She is just luscious and in my opinion, looks like our family. :) I had lots of fun holding her (she sat up on her own!) and even learning to change a diaper. She loves her Aunt Nisa. I loved every second with her. And Olivia has good taste in music, as we all rocked out to "I Gotta Feeling" by the Blackeyed Peas. :)
Sara is such a wonderful mother...Olivia completely adores her. She gets lots of attention and love. Matty (the cat) tried to get in on the action too. Olivia was crying at one point while Sara was trying to feed her and Matty tried to get under the Hooter Hider. It was quite funny.
I loved spending time with my sister and niece! Come back soon!
Labels: family
Monday, January 04, 2010
Holiday Photo Wrap-Up
As promised, here are more pictures of my holiday break. Oh, I wish I could do it all over again!
Here are all the gifts at my parent's house! Love the little silver tree.
Me and my cousin Sommer - both rocking the legging look! Here we are posing with Ariana.
Aunt Nisa and her little Livie
3 Generations - Here is my sister, my mom and Olivia
Bert and Ariana - she had on the cutest purple sweater dress picked out by yours truly
Me and my Bert
We had a family lunch in Greenville, South Carolina. Here I am with my aunt and uncle.Oh, well - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday is right around the corner and we have a mountain getaway planned with friends. Just gotta hang on for two weeks. :)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Proud Aunt
I had a wonderful holiday with my family! More pictures will follow, but for now, here's a sampling of some of my favorites.
My niece, Olivia. Is she not so precious?!
We loved to have dance parties. "99 Red Balloons" was by far her favorite song.It was so nice to have time with my parents, sister, aunt, cousins, etc. And Olivia - well, she was the star of the show!
Hope that you had a wonderful time with your loved ones this holiday season.
Hope that you had a wonderful time with your loved ones this holiday season.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Destiny
I searched high and low for these gorgeous and most perfect boots above. I'll spare you the gory details, but between them being sold out online and not in my local Target or five other stores I called (that showed up as having them in stock), I was sad. Oh, and they are discontinued.But I am relentless.
You know how it is...I had already envisioned a bajillion outfits - all dependent on the glorious boots above. If only I had them, I would always have something cute to wear for a variety of occasions. I was on the verge of writing a post begging all my blog readers to scour their local Targets for the Mossimo Kady boot in cognac, size 7.5.
They had to be my destiny. I even bit the bullet and bought leggings a few weeks ago (recommend Hue brand sold at Belk's) and a fabulous tunic at Francesca's Collections. But, alas, how could I wear this without the boots above? And did I mention they were a mere $30?! Anything remotely close was in the $150+ range online.
I found my size in black at a store 20 miles from my house...but the black looked like plastic. However, they were a great fit, and that's what I really needed to know. I had already seen the ones I wanted, but in a size too small, so I knew the material was quality.
On a whim, I called the Asheville, NC target, as my sister lives in the area.
Cue overly dramatic music.
THEY HAD THEM!!!
Sara went and picked them up for me. Precious sister she is!
Next up: the perfect pair of skinny jeans. Don't worry; I'm not delusional - there is a difference in the kind of skinny jeans high school/college girls can wear and a woman near her 30s can wear (how am I near 30?!)...so I will make sure they are appropriate.
Don't you just love a happy ending?
Labels: family
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thankful
Got this great idea from LT'S blog.The ABCs of Thanksgiving
a.k.a. What I Am Thankful For:
a.k.a. What I Am Thankful For:
Abbu. This time last year was the last time I saw my grandfather. I am thankful for every single moment I had with him - 28 years of wonderful memories. A is also for Ammi, my grandmother. She is an inspiration.
Bert. My soul mate, my love. I still get excited that I GOT MARRIED over 5 years later.
Chocolate. How I love thee - especially Lindt.
DVR. When I am so exhausted and my brain can't take any more, there's nothing better than my Tuesday or Wednesday ritual of 90210, The Hills and The City.
Education. I am so thankful for my education. I was one of the crazy people who loved high school, and I am proud of my degrees from Mississippi State University and the University of Georgia.
Friends. I have great friends...from high school, college, DC and Georgia. Nothing like time with your girlfriends!
Getting away. Last weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains was so good for my soul.
Health. You know the saying...if you don't have health... And so, I am very grateful that I am a healthy person.
IPhone. I mean, I am still obsessed.
Job. I am crazy busy, but I really like my job. I have a great one doing public relations for a school district.
King-sized bed. OK, I don't have one - yet. But it is going to be me and Bert's Christmas and I can't wait!
Lulu Bird. This is a crazy nickname that my mom has for me - but that's how I know I am so loved. I am also a nickname-giver for those nearest and dearest to me.
Matty. Bad news: I feel my allergies have gotten worse. Good news: I still love Matty and am trying to make the sneezing stop by all means possible. I love my baby cat.
Nice place to live. Thank you, God.
Olivia. Love my precious new niece...and of course her mommy too!
Prayers answered...and sometimes those not. God is so good.
Quiet. I love the moments of sheer peace I get...in the middle of craziness, a little quiet is good for the soul.
Rain. I love rain!
Sommer and Sam. The coolest kids IN THE WORLD. Can't wait to see my cousins next week.
TD and Rani a.k.a. the parents. Words cannot do justice to the love I have for these people.
Undies. I mean, if you were having to pull at uncomfortable panties all day, how awful would that be? No thanks. Love the Body By Victoria.
Very color-coordinated closet. I recently did this and like it. I am thankful that I have warm (and cute) clothes to wear.
Wheels. Love my Honda CR-V. Still get excited about my ride, even though it's 3 years old.
Xtra good hair straightener. My fave is Jilbere. It's the best. I had the Chi and it didn't work as well as my Jilbere. Don't know how I would fix my hair without it!
Yummy food. I am thankful that I have food to eat...sometimes too much. :) But I am very grateful that I do not have to go hungry.
Zzzzzzzzzzzs (I am with Laura on this one!). I LOVE sleep and have got to have it. Lots of it. Every morning when I wake up, my first thought is, "I can't wait to go back to sleep tonight!"
There's lots more, but this is a start. The substantial and the silly. Really made me stop and take stock.
Bert. My soul mate, my love. I still get excited that I GOT MARRIED over 5 years later.
Chocolate. How I love thee - especially Lindt.
DVR. When I am so exhausted and my brain can't take any more, there's nothing better than my Tuesday or Wednesday ritual of 90210, The Hills and The City.
Education. I am so thankful for my education. I was one of the crazy people who loved high school, and I am proud of my degrees from Mississippi State University and the University of Georgia.
Friends. I have great friends...from high school, college, DC and Georgia. Nothing like time with your girlfriends!
Getting away. Last weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains was so good for my soul.
Health. You know the saying...if you don't have health... And so, I am very grateful that I am a healthy person.
IPhone. I mean, I am still obsessed.
Job. I am crazy busy, but I really like my job. I have a great one doing public relations for a school district.
King-sized bed. OK, I don't have one - yet. But it is going to be me and Bert's Christmas and I can't wait!
Lulu Bird. This is a crazy nickname that my mom has for me - but that's how I know I am so loved. I am also a nickname-giver for those nearest and dearest to me.
Matty. Bad news: I feel my allergies have gotten worse. Good news: I still love Matty and am trying to make the sneezing stop by all means possible. I love my baby cat.
Nice place to live. Thank you, God.
Olivia. Love my precious new niece...and of course her mommy too!
Prayers answered...and sometimes those not. God is so good.
Quiet. I love the moments of sheer peace I get...in the middle of craziness, a little quiet is good for the soul.
Rain. I love rain!
Sommer and Sam. The coolest kids IN THE WORLD. Can't wait to see my cousins next week.
TD and Rani a.k.a. the parents. Words cannot do justice to the love I have for these people.
Undies. I mean, if you were having to pull at uncomfortable panties all day, how awful would that be? No thanks. Love the Body By Victoria.
Very color-coordinated closet. I recently did this and like it. I am thankful that I have warm (and cute) clothes to wear.
Wheels. Love my Honda CR-V. Still get excited about my ride, even though it's 3 years old.
Xtra good hair straightener. My fave is Jilbere. It's the best. I had the Chi and it didn't work as well as my Jilbere. Don't know how I would fix my hair without it!
Yummy food. I am thankful that I have food to eat...sometimes too much. :) But I am very grateful that I do not have to go hungry.
Zzzzzzzzzzzs (I am with Laura on this one!). I LOVE sleep and have got to have it. Lots of it. Every morning when I wake up, my first thought is, "I can't wait to go back to sleep tonight!"
There's lots more, but this is a start. The substantial and the silly. Really made me stop and take stock.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Olivia
She's here! My niece, Olivia Amy L___, arrived at 5:20 p.m. on Saturday, October 10 at 7 lbs. 1 oz. and 18.5 inches long. She is a doll with a head full of dark hair just like her Mama! Mama and baby are doing very well and they expect to be released from the hospital this morning.Olivia is a name they really liked, and Amy is a family name in Sara's husband Tim's family that has been passed down for at least 4 generations. Olivia is beyond precious.
I'm finally officially Aunt Nisa!
Labels: family
Monday, September 21, 2009
Eid Weekend
Bert and I had a wonderful Eid weekend together. As most of my regular readers know, Eid is the Islamic celebration after the month of Ramadan (fasting).
I must say, this is one of the best Eids I have ever had. We went to Atlanta Saturday so I could find a new outfit, and I was so happy to find something in my favorite color - hot pink! We then ate dinner with my cousins, Omer and Naima, who we were visiting to celebrate Chaand Raat. Literally "Night of the Moon," it is a celebration that takes place in the Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi cultures the night before Eid. The significance of the moon sighting is that is how you know that the next day is Eid, as it is all based on the lunar calendar.
We heard a wonderful sermon the next morning for the special Eid prayer. I wish "people" would know what we really preach. Some of the sermon's major themes were about respecting your spouse, spending time with your children, understanding the importance of community, and remembering what's really important all year through - not just during holy times.
After the sermon, we had brunch at my great-aunt and great-uncle's house. It was so nice to be with family. We came home late in the afternoon and got ready for the week. And even though it's Monday, I feel energized and happy today, as I had a fantastic weekend. I had a weekend celebrating faith and family - and really, what's more important than that?