1yr 1 month - The Phone

I'm not sure how it happened but I am thinking it's from learning what we do. In his own way Arya has learned to get the phone and talk. Not really talk, per say, but rather talk to the person he is thinking of while holding the phone to his ear. It is the cutest thing. I wish this happened when the person was actually on the other line. Usually this happens when they are not. In this video he tries to talk to his baba then to his uncle (daee) or (doodao)



I thought this was a cute pose too...like what mommy?

Ali's Birthday 2009

We celebrated Ali's birthday yesterday at the restaurant. It was the best way we could see him and we thought it would be fun to share it with everyone else there. I got a ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins (thanks to their advertising 1000 times on tv) but it was very very yummy! Chocolate ice cream and cake with vanilla ice cream filling. mmmmmmmmm! Arya enjoyed it very much too. We gathered around in one of the booths near closing time and gobbled it down with some tea afterwards. For gifts Ali got a nice mirror for shaving in the shower and some dressy socks from my parents, a beautiful black briefcase with a lock from Kami & Tina and a couple shirts and shorts from me & arya. It was a short celebration but hopefully enjoyable to all. The employees got a piece of the cake too.

My Jibber Bee

It has been a while since my last post, so I have to apologize. We've been a bit busy and a lot has been going on. As some of you may know we opened a pizza place (Extreme Pizza) in folsom, ca. The grand opening is tomorrow so a lot of work was needed on Ali's part. We were there for moral support and to keep him company some of the days and other days just visiting. I have also been working and taking care of Arya.

Watching a movie while in the restaurant


He has been blurting out some of his own language lately. It's still jibberish to me but to him it seems to make good sense. For example when he doesn't want something or when he wants to be left alone or when he's had enough of a certain food I'm giving him. He has mastered the word "Na" or no. But the problem is he doesn't know how to say Yes so he says No even when he means yes. I can kind of tell when he wants it because his eyes brighten up instead of look away. Heheheh.

The look when he knows he's got me


Other interesting things he seems to be doing is really looking at me when I read to him and how my mouth makes certain sounds. He tries to lip the sounds but not really say them yet. Maybe it's still a bit difficult for some of them. But when I ask him about things I've mentioned over and over he seems to know what I'm talking about.

Hopefully I can teach him more and more every day.

A nice cold watermelon after lots of play on a hot day




Playing with toys

Papa's Birthday

Today was a memorable day filled with laughs, chasing Arya around, and gathering for Papa's birthday. We had some of the most delicious food Nana made and even got a chance to sit outside in the nice weather. Mother Nature has been gracious to us this year. Usually July is extremely hot this time of year. Lately it's been in the 80's low 90's.

Here are a few pics from our day.

Happy 4rth of July

The evening came late for fireworks this year. The show started after 9:30pm. But even so Arya seemed to be a bit scared of the noise and I didn't want him to go outside with all the sulfur smell so we tried to watch from the window and listen to the "BOOMs" from inside Kami's house. Jamil also stayed inside but he seemed to enjoy them from the window. Arya not so much either way. Prior to that we had a nice evening outside. The weather was gorgeous and the kids played. Unfortunately Arya got his first big booboo walking on the concrete and slipping and falling on his lip which ripped and bled and he also scraped his chin. Ugghhh...hopefully it won't be something I need to get used to. An icy helped make it all better with a bowl of watermelon. I feel like he truly ate more than I ever would! Sorry baby.
Hope everyone had a great weekend and 4th and many prayers for all those wishing for freedom.

Happy 1yr Birthday!

Today is Arya's Birthday. He is officially 1 yrs old.



I cannot believe it. It feels like it was just yesterday when we came home from the hospital. We celebrated at 11am which is around the same time he was born. Nana, Papa, Kami, Tina, Jamil came. Arya got some cute shoes and a really nice car from Kami & Tina which he absolutely loves and couldn't wait to get started riding!
All the pictures except the one below were taken a day earlier than his birthday since it was celebrated on the weekend.

Out to dinner - Old Speghetti Factory




and some beautiful clothes and books from Nana & Papa


I made Shrimp and marinara sauce along with turkey sandwiches for lunch.
And for dessert, banana / raspberry cupcakes. Arya seemed to like it, luckily.

Here are some more pictures from this week....

Playing with the cousins Jamil and Julia


Soccer Stanse


Arya and I at the water park (first time)




Trying on sunglasses on his own

Father's Day

This father's day weekend we spent it with my dad and we gathered around had lunch and enjoyed each other's company. Although Ali couldn't be with us because he was out of town, he was there in spirit and we were thinking of him every moment.
I'd like to dedicate today's post to all the amazing father's out there who have spent years of time, dedication, devotion and love for their kids and worked hard to make sure they have a happy and safe life. Thanks to all of you. May our kids learn from you and one day be as great as you are.

Arya and Papa


Arya and Mommy


Arya with Papa and Jamil