All the BEST for Christmas......... xoxo

Home Sweet Home

A couple of weeks ago I went back to New Jersey to attend a friends wedding. Luckily, I was able to see my mom, brother and sister inlaw, who are expecting! I am so excited to be an Auntie. We also spent a lovely time with my in-laws whom we haven't seen since last year. Marley met his Great Grandma -Nana Kenney and our new neice Asha for the first time. We even squeezed in a short vist with his Great Grandpa Cannonier, Auntie Irene & Uncle Riley. We were only back for a week and really had no time to do any major visiting, but me and my best friend Kim manage to get together for a family dinner. She is my oldest friend. I've know her since......I think the second grade, and no matter how long we are apart .....we continue are conversations as if it were yesterday. It's surreal to share the experience of motherhood with a childhood friend, but that's life moving on I suppose. I cannot believe it's been 10 years since I moved to California. But some things really make Jersey(East Coast) feel like home. It's true what they say "its where the heart is". I really am thankful and grateful for my family and friends.

NINE MONTHS.....time fly's

HALLOWEEN 2009~ Z-French

I think I have reached my first big milestone being a Mom. This week Marley has made 9 nine months! He has been alive on the outside as log as he has been living in my womb. He is such an incredible baby. He is discovering, loving, laughing, and banging on any instrument he can get his hands on.

Marley is now coping with his 3rd tooth. He has been self soothing to himself by chewing on his fingers, teething bisquits, toys, etc. And I have been trying to comfort him in his teething pain by nursing or giving him homeopathic teething tablets. Sometimes, I feel so horrible that he has to endure this pain, but like I said he has been a champ.

Marley has been slowly falling in to a regular schedule with his naps, eating, nursing and sleeping time. I just really just try to be in tune with him and trust my natural instincts. The schedule changes every once in awhile due to teething, which causes fevers and diarrhea. When I see that he is tired, I try to take the opportunity to lull him to sleep. When he has his burst of energy I try to keep him entertained, by broadcasting everything we see, sing songs, play instruments for new sounds, look at picture books, and take lots of walks.

My favorite thing about Marley is his sense of humor. He is so funny! He loves to laugh and he is extremely ticklish! Loves kisses and enjoys cuddling with me. I love it. The day he no longer wants to cuddle with Mommy .....will be a Dark day for me. Which brings me to the why I wanted to write this blog. I am being totally melodramatic about this but I see his stage of a baby slipping. Just when I feel like I am getting really good at being a Mommy for this infant, he is already prying away from my arms in the quest for the freedom of walking on his own two feet and grabbing his spoon away to feed himself with his own two hands. He melts my heart everyday and we are having the time of my lives.

PHOTOS: This year we dressed up as a family. We were Z-French! We had fun and Marley wore his mustach well.

Great Grandpa & Marley

Last week I was so moved to watch my grandfather and my son meet for the second time this year and for the first time my Auntie Irene in Queens, NY. There was a moment I found myself watching admiration. I could not help but go through the list wonderful memories with my grandparents. They showed us so much love and affection. They always made me feel important, loved, and special. I really wish my grandmother Ruby was alive to meet Marley, she would have loved him so much. I met my grandmother for the first time when I was about 6 months as well. And as a grew into my adulthood she was one of my greatest female influences in my life. I miss her dearly and love her with all of my heart. I am just so blessed to still have my grandfather here with us. He was so thrilled. You should have seen the smile on his face and the pep in his calm demeanor! I cannot even explain it. I just know that he was so happy in his heart and tickled inside to see Marley. This is a moment I will hold dear in my heart. The little girl that used to sleep over Grandma and Grandpa's house. Where hey use to drag us everywhere from church, to the zoo, shopping, Coney Island, etc. Every Sunday was spent having family dinner. Every greeting began with the rhertorical question "Do you know how much Grandma and Grandpa loves you?They attended my high school and college graduation, Grandpa participated in my wedding, and now sharing my new family. I am so blessed and I thank God for that opportunity.

So Much to Tell!!!

I know.......I have been pretty awful with the blogging, but I promise to be better. I don't know where the time goes. The baby and hubby are fast asleep so I am going to take this me time, even though I probably should follow suit. Oh well I will just regret it in the morning and let live! :)

So, about two weeks ago I set out for a job to NYC. It was my first performance job since I had the baby and it felt so good, to be working again. We rehearsed for 2 weeks and flew to JFK and stay in the Lower East Side @The Cooper Hotel for two whirlwind days! My little Marley accompanied me on the trip and he was so awesome. I love how easy he is .........how he just rolls with the punches. While I was working my brother and sister in law watched him and he enjoyed their company. I am so thankful for our family's. I love them. And thank you to our favourite family The Lanes! Thank you Francine & Girls for the long weekend! I could not have done this with out you!

Anyways, on this job. I performed with the artist Kanye West.

We did a one night concert for this watch company called G-Shock at Cipriani's in downtown. We had a great time, we rocked the show and got to wear Herve' Leger bathing suit! Along with black body paint and jabbawocki mask! Beautifly Scary!!!!

That's an exciting thing for a girl who loves fashion. But even more unbelievable to me.....having a baby 6months ago, would I ever think I would be wearing one! hahha

On this trip, I was not the only mama traveling with her infant! There was two of us, and it was awesome. I have to give it up to all the mama's, baby mama's, etc. Working and being a mommy is a tough thing, but it can be done with great support. There was a couple of bumps on this job. ...Unfortunately, there are business women who do not like women with children. I KNOW! Go figure. The men on the job were so accepting and supportive of us being new moms and we didn't even have our children on location. Some things I will never understand. However, I am back, recharged and proud that I rocked on!!!!

The Best Treat!!!

                 This is my favorite picture of Marley, captured by Mahmondylla!

This past week we had the pleasure of having my in-laws....Marley's grandparents (The Bests'), lovingly known as Mahmondylla and Babu visit us in Los Angeles. Marley turned 7 weeks on Saturday and he has already had a tremendous growth spurt and a huge leap in his development.  He started to lock eyes and smile. He is mimicking sounds and having a full on conversations. He is discovering his hands, feet and tongue. He is just an amazing baby boy. And it was such a joy to watch him with his grandparents, he was so alert and seem to be doing something new everyday. All four of us would sometimes find ourselves just staring at him. Watching him smile in his sleep and sometimes he would  have a dream and just start chuckling....and I mean a very hearty belly laugh in his sleep. It is scary. :) What could he be dreaming about? 

Anyways, as a new parent, I am always grateful for the advice and help of experienced parents. I am appreciative of the extra hands, especially when it gave Ahmed and I a couple of evenings to sneak out for a couple of hours, or take a shower, or take a nap! And most importantly ......not to make this about me, but thank you for helping me. And thank you for all the love you showered our family with. We love you.

I forgot to mention this......before in-laws visited, my sister in-law came out to see Marley. It was such a sweet visit. Thank you Dunia. Marley digs his Auntie. :)