Jameel is here!

February 5, 2011 ~
Jameel Kehbila Ashu arrived at 2:53pm today. We were delighted, as you can imagine! He came in at 7Ibs and 20 inches. He was an easy baby and has been really sweet ever since (he sleeps well). I know...that's just for now:) Jayron, who is now 18 months old, took one long look at Jameel when we got home on Sunday evening and said: "Now what?" Seriously! We just laughed. And then when he saw all the attention Jameel was receiving, Jayron gave him another look, thumb in mouth, as if to say: "Whoever you are, I hope you aren't staying for too long". Hahahhaaa! It will be fun! But by the next day, Monday, Jayron was pretty happy to see Jameel. See pics below.

Jayron is growing! 16 months? When?!

December 10, 2010 ~

Yep, the little champ is 16 months old! I tell you - he's growing fast and can't wait to talk. Half of the time he babbles his delightful baby gibberish, but he has his favorite words - "daddy", "car", "away, away" as we drive to his sitter's house, "di boy" for "good boy", are amongst them:)

He's usually laughing a bunch, but this was a cold, cold day. He really wanted to go out though:) And below, he can't wait to walk in mommy's shoes!:)

Taste of Africa, Set #1

November 2010 ~

It was a blast. Our dynamic African Students Association on the University of Arkansas's Fayetteville campus did a fabulous job. There was so much food and variety that the over 350 guests could not eat it all. The performances were excellent and everyone left there with big satisfactory smile on his/her face. Go ASO!

Taste of Africa, Set 2

Vacation in California

Santa Ana, California - 4-9, Sept, 2010

We had been planning this vacation for about 6 months. We were going to visit my dear childhood friend, Sahar Frooghi, and her hubby, Navid. Although we talk all the time, she and I hadn't seen each other for 6 years since we parted in Haifa, Israel. They were excellent hosts and we had a great, great time. It was our first time in California. The beautiful plantain and coconut palms, the beautiful hills contrasting here and there with barren sections struck by fires, the beautiful buildings and cars, and beautiful weather, makes it a land of contrast. It was quite beautiful.

The first picture there is one of a special brand of cypress I had only seen before in Israel. I was used to seeing it, particularly, around the Baha'i holy shrines, and so it was fascinating to find them here in California in Sahar's neighborhood.

Sahar and Jayron immediately bonded and went everywhere together. We also met Sahar and Navid's cats, with their varying temperaments. Very interesting brood. It was a fun holiday. The next four entries cover the Calfornia trip as well.

California #2

California Vacation trip - Sept 4-9, 2010 ~

At Newport beach. There was a fog in the beginning, which eventually lifted, but the water was still chilly. You'll notice in our expressions as our feet touched the waves:) It was fun. It was Jayron's first time on the sand. Then as he adjusted to it all, he really began enjoying himself.