10 Takes of our 1st Month

10 Quick Takes of Anabelle's first month:

1. We've discovered that Anabelle is an AMAZING traveler! This little girl is convincing us that we might be able to travel the world as a family. Anytime we're out she's either lulled to sleep by the movement of the car and carrier or wide-eyed and taking in the world.  Hmmmm... Europe and Lebanon could very easily be on the horizon for next year if we keep this up!

2. Anabelle was very patriotic on the 4th of July in sporting her nation's colors from head to toe. But...half way through the day it was...zzzZzzzZzzzZzzzz... :) Slept right through the fireworks outside our window. Guess we'll have to try again next year!

3. Last week Anabelle made her first appearance in mama's dreams! While a "baby" had been a reoccurring appearance in the dream sequence, last week was the first time a clearly characterized "Anabelle" took full stage in the unconscious. Pretty cool to see her personality, facial expressions, and minute details leaving a definite impression :)

4. Baby sneezes are the CUTEST thing on this earth! The "a-choo" followed by the sweetest coos of having accomplished a bodily feat truly melts our hearts!

5. San Francisco has been a wonderful place to enjoy this first month of life. Daily walks on the Embarcadero and piers breathe energy to an often sleep deprived mama. hahaha, and who wouldn't get a kick out of watching people running after work to catch a ferry boat home! It's a rather funny New York minute nautical scene.

6. Poop, urine, and spit-up: has officially stopped phasing mama and babba! Way to go little girl! A good diaper explosion is always worthy of a cheer.

7. Even though it was a little rough at the beginning- We totally got this feeding thing down now! Mama-Newborn, high-five!!! There is such a beauty in breastfeeding. Even on the days where I look around and feel like I didn't get anything done. That dirty diaper and sleeping baby remind me that my body has been working to sustain another human being! Pretty cool in my book :)

8. Last week we received our first REAL smile! That wide-awake, looking into your face kind of smile completely stops time! What a treasure a smile is. One of the most memorable ones was early in the morning as Karim was going to work and saying goodbye, Anabelle gave the biggest smile! It was as if she was giving him a little gift to carry for the rest of the day :)

9. I really hope that this first month hasn't stunted Anabelle's musical abilities! A bit sleep deprived and with 12+hrs of soothing and comforting....Mama's lullabies were never Grammy winning. If humming wasn't cutting it, mama usually resorted to the only songs she knew: church songs, and Christmas songs! So if you, Anabelle, ever have a craving for hot chocolate and Christmas shopping in June later in life....you know why!

10. We can't believe how much Anabelle's changed in just a 4 week period! Is this feeling of life blazing by going to characterize a majority of our parenting?! It appears to be a definite possibility,  and with that in mind we'll do our best to savor every bit of Anabelle's sweet looks, trusting embraces, cute sounds, and wide-eyed looks of discovery.  Anabelle, you remind us to see the world anew and always search for that playful and creative penmanship of God that He meaningfully designed each of us with. You also remind us that even after a long day, we are truly blessed to have had a good meal, be bundled up in our pajamas, have received good night kisses, and be falling asleep with the reassurance that those closest in our lives are blessed with a similar slumber. We know you'll bring this love to many in your lifetime and we will work as a team to share this joyful, beautiful light of peace with others. :)

We love you Anabelle! Happy 1st month!!!

Photos from, as you can guess: 4th of July weekend :)

View from our apartment as we wait for the fireworks...
we weren't sure if we would actually see anything!

Mateo's first fireworks show!