First Fall illness...mine, not the girls'

Well, it's taken me a while to get you guys updated on what's been going on here lately, but I've bought myself a few days of R&R compliments of a nasty bug I've caught which quickly progressed into an asthma exaccerbation. So, here I am at home on a ton of meds (Sorry, Adam) and trying to get back on my feet.

The last few weeks have been a frenzy of activity here, between service people coming over for repairs and inspectors checking out the work done in the nursery, to keeping up with the girls' daily activities (and my TWO Girl Scout troops!). We've also had a few days off of school due to several Jewish holidays, and we took full advantage by visiting Johnston Park (which we haven't done since the girls were a LOT younger). We've also made our last trip of the season to Sesame Place for their Halloween Spooktacular (along with our neighbors) and that was a lot of fun. And of course, October means that both Leena and I celebrated another birthday. I am...hmmmm...let me see, officially in my late 30's (ok, NOT 39, but close enough), and Leena turned 7! We celebrated my birthday at the Rainforest Cafe again this year (can you tell that the girls love that place???) and then my sister cut a cake and make a fabulous dinner the next day at her place. Leena lucked out with both a family dinner at a fun restaurant called Gabriel's Fountain as well as a friend party at a local bookstore themed after her newest idol--Hanna Montana! Needless to say, I've been a little run down and very exhausted with all the activity, so I guess I can officially say that it looks like this 3rd trimester is kicking my butt!

I am officially 31w3d today (check out my latest update picture at just about 30 weeks) and excited that we have made it this far without much trouble. That's not to say I haven't been driving Mohammed and my OB crazy with my irrational fears, but physically, it's been smooth sailing...well, until a couple of days ago and my current illness, that is...but thankfully, Adam seems to be taking it like a champ. Although I think the steroids I was given yesterday knocked him down a little, he's back to his jumpy and kicky ways today. And people...WE HAVE A DATE! My OB finally scheduled my "elective" C/S for December 3rd, at 6pm--yup, that's PM, as in evening. Barring any delays, looks like we'll get to meet Adam that night...even if I'll have to starve the entire day to get there-LOL!

The girls are doing well in school. I love how well bribery...uh, I mean, motivation works for Yasmeen. Mohammed promised her a Nintendo DS at the end of the school year if she could maintain straight A's (and maybe the leeway of one B) and she's stepped up to the challenge. That doens't mean she's SELF motivated, just yet, but with a little push from us, and some daily guidance, she's been aceing the 3rd grade so far. On the flip side, Leena doens't need much motivation from us at all--that girl LOVES schoolwork!

So right now, Mohammed is over at the school in Leena's class taking my place at her "Fall Fest" event in class. Due to this nasty bug, Mohammed kindly offered to sub for me and run the door hanger activity for the class. I was bummed I couldn't go, but right now, my health has to come first. Leena was graciously understanding this morning when I mentioned the possibility that I might have to miss it. Thanks, Mohammed, for stepping up for me, as always. You are one GREAT daddy (and hubby)!!!

Ok, well I guess I'm off rest a while before the girls get home. I'll be sure to update this blog soon as we get closer to the big day...until later,

Janet

Let Autumn Begin...

Amazing how quickly the weather changes once school is in session. We have been having highs in just the 70s, with lows dipping into the mid 50s. Thank goodness, though...because lately, I'm becoming pretty intolerant of heat. I don't even use a blanket at night, while Mohammed snuggles in a thick hoodie (with the hood on!) and a comforter. I guess I owe my temperature regulation to hormones these days. Speaking of which, the pregnancy is progressing well. We had our follow up ultrasound at 24 weeks and Adam is looking perfect. He's growing and weighs almost 2 pounds already. I still can't believe that in just about 3 short months, he will make his appearance (God willing of course). He's also finally making himself known to me (and to everyone on the outside world that lays a hand on my tummy)on a daily basis with kicks and jabs that are actually making my tummy move! It's really odd, I've gotta say, but so reassuring that things are coming along as they are meant to be. On a related note, fatigue is finally setting in again. Seems with the start of school, I've been running around a lot more and find that my eyes are literally closing if I sit still for more than a few minutes. It doesn't help that when I CAN finally go to bed, I'm totally wired. I guess it's just nature's way of training you for the sleepless nights ahead (although I don't think that's very fair!!!).

Earlier this month, Mohammed and I celebrated our TENTH anniversary. Hard to believe we've been married that long and together even longer than that. We spent the day with our girls (it was the day before school started) and talked about our plans for the future and the many upcoming changes that are in store this year. I joked that maybe for our 15th we could finally take that Mediterranean cruise we've been wanting to go on...but for now, we've got a great family, a new house, and a new baby on the way to celebrate...and there is nothing better than that!

The girls are officially in the throes of elementary school. Yasmeen loves her teacher and thinks that 3rd grade is the most fun ever (even if we still have to struggle to get her to do her homework!), and Leena is adjusting beautiful to full days at school. It helps that she has 2 of her friends from the neighborhood in her class. Having them gone all day is actually not as productive for me as I thought. Seems like the hours fly by between errands and preparations for upcoming events--including BOTH Girl Scout troop meetings. This week alone I've had 1 GS parent meeting, 1 stamping class, and 1 Stampin' Up open house in my home within the span of 4 days. Next week is just as busy, and that doesn't even take into account trying to get preparations for the baby's room in order. Oh, and let's not forget that the girls have also both started dance classes again. Ah, the life of a "stay at home" mom!

Well, I guess that pretty much sums up all of the activity here since the month began. Hope the start to your Autumn is a good one!

Can't believe August is almost over...

Well, it's been a whirlwhind summer and I can't believe that in just 2 and a half short weeks the girls will be going back to school! We've been busy, but thankfully, not unbearably so. The girls and I just returned from several days of visiting our friends at their camper in Pennsylvania and we had a great time. We've also attended a local baseball game through Mohammed's job, and even got to see some cool fireworks after the game. Soon, though, we'll have to buckle down and get serious about bedtimes and back to school shopping! They've enjoyed the "freedom" of going to bed close to midnight many nights (and Mohammed and I have enjoyed having them get up waaaay past 9am each morning). We've also finally gotten them the Wii game console and they've been keeping busy playing Hannah Montana (Leena is a HM game whiz-she's finished the game twice already).

Well, we've also gotten some exciting news this month. We had our 20 week ultrasound and found out that we are having a BOY! Oh boy...we're having a boy!! I think Mohammed and I were in a little bit of shock for the 1st few days after knowing, but the girls are very excited and we are finally getting used to the idea that Mohammed won't be the only guy in the house in a few months! I also started to feel the baby move around in there and that's pretty amazing! Right now, it's just my little secret, since as hard as I've tried, Mohammed and the girls have yet to feel his acrobatics.

In light of the upcoming changes in our family, I've finally started tackling some of those older pictures I had hoped to scrapbook someday. I found a really cute one of Leena at just a year old and went all out with an ultra girly page for her before I start scrapbooking the pictures of our baby boy. I also found 2 pictures of our family when it was just Mohammed and I with Yasmeen and then another with the three of us plus Leena. So cool to compare...I just love this layout. I ran out of room on the front to tell the story behind the pictures, but I've attached it on the backside. Basically, it tells the story of the outfit that both girls are wearing in the pictures (the cute, green one)--a gift from my sister. Funny thing, too...aside from my usual pregnancy cravings of beef, I've started craving foods from my childhood. A sweet friend of mine was able to make me a batch of this Spanish pastry I'd been dying for, and then I had to have a certain roll from a certain bakery in Brooklyn, along with my childhood favorite onion rings in a bag. Go figure!!! I must be nostalgic or something...

Mohammed has also had some things going on in the firehouse. The company hosted a wetdown in honor of a new truck they purchased and we were all able to attend. The girls had a blast getting on the new truck for a quick look around and also especiallly loved getting soaked by the hose on one of the other trucks. More recently, Mohammed took a call for a structure fire in town where he served as pump operator for the 1st time--pretty cool if you ask me! I still can't believe he's been with the company for almost 4 years now.

Well, looks like that's all for now...keep posted once the girls are back in school! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

So Much News...

Well, it's mid July already and so much has been happening since my last post. The biggest news? Well, we are expecting once again and so far (at 17 weeks of this writing) things are going well. The baby looks good and although we've yet to find out the sex (believe me, we are hoping to know soon enough), all is going as it should and we are so, so grateful. My official due date is 12/21 of this year, but with my history, the OB is not taking any chances and delivering me early--about a month early to be exact! Here is a picture of our little one at just 11 weeks:


The school year ended well. Leena is on her way to 1st grade and Yasmeen will be entering 3rd grade in the Fall. Summer is now in full swing and the girls are doing great. We've gone to Sesame Place several times and have had numerous playdates and sprinkler socials. They are currently taking a week of Summer Enrichment run by our local schools and they are loving it! We've even gone to our old pool with our friends from The Glen and I've got to say, they are like fish in water.

Earlier this month, we hosted our first big shindig here at the new house. Well, heck, the first event for us EVER anywhere for that matter. We had our families and friends over for a BBQ and it was great fun. Now I've been bitten by the hosting bug and I want to do it again soon. Definitely before this baby comes! We've also enjoyed the local town fireworks for the 4th and even taken a trip to a farm with Aileen and her longtime friend, Gladys. It's been busy, but fun. Thank goodness the morning sickness is gone for now and I'm feeling somewhat energetic :-) Here are some more pictures to enjoy until the next post.

Hugs to all...

Spring is here...

Yes, we're finally getting into some warmer weather and I just love it! Seeing all the beautiful flowers and trees start to bloom in the new house is really breathtaking. We've got this gorgeous tree out front and we haven't yet decided if it's a dogwood or a cherry (can anyone clue us in?). Either way, it's a fantastic view and the girls have gotten into the spirit by having their first run in the sprinkler this month. Well, it's actually a lawn sprinkler, but, hey, it works! They've also hosted many hot tub playdates (waaayyyy more than Mom and Dad have been able too), learned to ride a 2-wheeler, and Leena even lost her first TOP tooth--gotta love that smile! Many changes this month, and many more to come, God Willing. Enjoy the gorgeous weather and let's hope that we don't get a Spring blizzard anytime soon...

All Moved In...

I can't believe that it has been nearly 3 months since my last post, but I have to defend myself and say that we have been very busy here at the Khashab household! After tying up the last of the loose ends at 51 Taurus Drive, we (finally) closed on our new house and have been hard at work putting things in order. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our new space and the girls have adjusted beautifully to their new neighborhood, home and school.

The new house is great. We have lots of room to spread out and I've even been accused of ignoring some visitors when they come knocking on the door because I can't hear the doorbell from upstairs! A big difference compared to our condo where I couldn't escape the noise in the house anywhere! We've just finished setting up the girls' rooms and they are loving their independence away from each other. They haven't done such a terrible job of keeping their rooms pretty neat, either (with a little prodding from us).

I have taken over the formal living room as my scrap space (that is, until we finish off that fabulously large basement in a few years). Although it seems like my supplies keep multiplying, I'm working hard to keep things under control ;-). And the best news of all--Mohammed has become quite the handyman since taking over this house. I'm so very, very impressed with the skills he has developed--including plumbing, carpentry and painting! He even took down our entire master closet and installed a custom set-up that I am proud to show off to anyone who walks through the door! Decorating is fun, too. At our last place, I somehow never got around to decorating much--maybe it's because when we moved in I had an infant and was already (unbeknowst to me) pregnant with Leena. It's different now, and I'm enjoying thinking up different decorating options and, YES, shopping for those neat touches that will make this house a home for us.

I hope those of you local to us will pay us a visit soon, as I've become quite the hostess. Well, technically, I've only hosted family and playdates so far, but I have GOALS, people! With a killer deck and a hot tub outside, the party is just waiting to begin.

Take care of yourselves, and enjoy a few pics of us during the move and after, too. Don't you just love our sleeping arrangements on our last night at the old house??!!! And how about that sunrise view from our NEW upstairs window?

Busy, Busy, Busy...

Happy New Year, everyone! We had a busy wrap-up to our year, including a trip down South to visit the grandparents in North Carolina. We had a really nice time and the girls loved visiting with their grandparents and playing with their cousins. Yasmeen was especially enthralled with little Devante-her 2 year old cousin. We took walks, made Gingerbread cookies, played, went to the Nutcracker Ballet, went to the movies, and even stopped by to visit Chuck-E-Cheese. Of course, for me, no trip would be complete without a stop at my now favorite scrapping store, Carolina Memories. Yep, I did some damage there, but it turns out they are going out of business :-( and everything was 30% off--Can't beat that!

We also received some good news while we were away...we finally SOLD OUR HOUSE! Yep, we received an offer and negotiated long distance, and when we got back we were in Attorney Review. We are officially under contract now with a closing date of March 15th, BUT...no house on the other end. We have looked and looked and nothing fits us just right. We have put 2 offers in already and lost both for one reason or another (mostly the contingency on our property closing). I'll tell ya, people aren't kidding when they say selling and buying a house are STRESSFUL! We saw some new places Sunday and also today, so at least there are some prospects! So, for now we are in limbo and trying hard to make life as normal as possible for the girls, all the while dealing with inspection reports and appraisals on our current home.

Well, here's to an amazing 2008. Let's hope the next time I check in there will be some good news!!!