Sunshine :)

"Heaven and earth seem to merge, far away, on the horizon.

But don't forget that where they really meet is in your heart as a child of God."

-St. Josemaría Escrivá-

She's here! She's here! She's REALLY here!!! :) Welcome to the Chehade family our beautiful Anabelle!

Wheewh* Let me tell you...What a completely life changing experience this has all been. Every ounce of energy was poured into those final days which welcomed our sweet girl!!! Even when I start to think of the blood, sweat, and tears that went into those days... it's soooo easy to state with conviction that I would relive every moment of difficulty or pain a million times over for the little piece of heaven which we hold in our arms today. Having her with us reminds us, time and time again, that even though the world is so ready to try to prove otherwise: strength, hope, and an all encompassing love -truly lie in the "small" treasures among us. I am constantly humbled when I catch the beautiful glimpse of God's image in something so small, perfect, and powerful.

Anabelle, 5 days old :)

Even though I attempted to envision the day of Anabelle's birth- all premeditated, preparation was tossed out the window as we entered the final stretch of our delivery "days". Having been in prelabor for 4 days, and active labor at home for 7 hours before hospital admission (with super strong contractions coming one after the other, I was dialating sooo slowly) the sentiment of waiting and patience was something God must have REALLY wanted us to practice! Karim was my rock and amazing support in this all (Especially in the moments where I was telling him: "I can't do this! I want a C-Section!" hahaha, Fortunately, somehow he convinced me otherwise!). While so much of  the birth experience remains a blur now- what I have been able to hold onto is the reminder that God is always with us (And...you can surprise yourself with just how much you can do!) We were blessed with amazing nurses and a truly memorable and loving midwife. One of my greatest motivations was hearing Anabelle's heart on the monitor. It reminded me that her beating heart had been with me for months and in just a few moments I would begin the journey of discovering her heart in a new way. When she was finally born our midwife immediately placed her on my chest and stomach. It was something unexpected and incredible! Anabelle was so wiggly and the way she moved mirrored the exact movements that I had felt from the active girl inside the womb. hahaha, I immediately thought: "Hey! I know you!!!!" What an amazing first bonding experience :)

This little girl loves playing with her hands!

Our first night home also unfolded differently from what we had envisioned. The day we were discharged from the hospital was also the day that a horrible rampage occurred in the Santa Monica area. With the shootings and Obama's visit in town- we decided to avoid the area and spent the night at Karim's parents. Even though it was something unanticipated- it turned out to be beautiful as we were able to share the extra time with our family and also receive some help. It was also a lesson of detachment for me. Having prepared playrooms for many hospitals, I had always daydreamed of preparing a nursery for our first child. With the pending move to San Francisco and the limited space in our Santa Monica apartment- I had offered up my desire for a nursery and instead did my best in preparing a little space in our bedroom that our Anabelle could have as her own. Even though it was simple, I tried my best to make it something beautiful for that first "coming home" experience. Guess, God thought I could take it a step further and let's just say she had a VERY simple "manger" for the coming home experience. Having looked for something that could mimic a firm crib mattress, Anabelle spent her first night on an overturned sofa cushion in a little makeshift nursery area. hahaha, With the first-time parent jitters- I discovered that it would have made no difference if she had spent the night in the most beautiful nursery in the world or on her overturned sofa cushion! Both Karim and I were so attentive to her breathing, little smiles and grimaces, and tiny squeak of a cry that signaled diaper changes or feedings. Never would I have thought that I could worry so much over such little things! Welcoming the morning sunshine was something truly memorable. I remember holding her in my arms and looking over at Karim and thinking: "Wow! We're really do it! We're keeping our child alive!" hahaha, What a feeling of accomplishment! The morning sunshine never felt sweeter :)

Today, Anabelle celebrates her 3rd week birthday :) Everyday brings it's new difficulties to learn from but more so the chance to marvel at discovering all of the amazing gifts that Anabelle has to offer our new family.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers these past months! What an adventure this has been!

With great love,

Teresita y Anabelle :)

I haven't been very good at using my DSLR these days, but I'll include some photos that Karim and I took with our phones. I hope to have a little photo shoot with her soon!!! :)

The day active labor started! She's a' comin'! 

First bath...."Ahhhhhh! What are you doing to me!?"

Our "champagne" celebratory meal at the hospital :) 

Karim studying for finals while we were at the hospital! 

Anabelle's first bed! hahaha, oh what a humble manger we brought her to! 

I could eat these feet alllll day! 

Her first mass :) Saying "Hi" to her friend Jesus! :) 

The TX Abuelos got to meet her! :) 

We made it to San Francisco! 

And this is why San Francisco is an awesome city!!! :) 

What we do best! Cuddle...

....and kung fu! Everyone needs some good kung fu in their life ;)