Hijabification

If for some reason, there is a brother reading this post, let this be a lesson to you:

Never, ever tell your pregnant wife you are bringing home fresh pizza, and then come home without it.

Ive got two words for a situation like this. Pine box, baby.

Pine.

Box.

As'salamu alaykum one and all.

If I don't go into labor this week, I will be induced Friday evening. Can you believe it? We cannot. Inshaallah it will be a smooth and sound process. We just want baby to be healthy.

I stopped working last Monday, and that gave me a nice opportunity to recover from the wicked case of bronchitis, as well as tie up some loose ends and get ready for baby. Nesting is complete. My husband can't stop smiling, as he is waiting patiently.

The past few days have been one of the most beautiful and peaceful periods in my life. It's been a time of reflection, supplication and expectation. Each prayer with my husband has become more precious, as I know that it will stop for a while after our son is born. I've never felt more IN love, in my life.

My husband and I decided to write letters for a keepsake book we have started for our baby. His is in Arabic, mine in English. I have always envied that my husband is multi lingual/literate. My husband wrote three pages, and read it to me last night when he came home from work at 3:00 am.

It was the most beautiful and emotionally raw/naked moment we have had in a long time. He bared his soul to his son, and when it became to much for him, he paused. The pauses, caused me flooding tears and immense joy. I never enjoyed hearing my husband's voice, so much, ever. His thoughts were humble, kind, educated, understanding, gentle and tender. I am still reeling. My GOD, I am incredibly blessed. What a beautiful gift. For that moment, time stood still, and I realized that we needed it.

When it was my turn to read my letter out loud, I couldn't. The tears were overwhelming, yet soothing. My husband just comforted me like never before. When I began reading, he became so quiet and still, he kept nodding his head, and then he began to cry.

Never in my life, do I recall such a beautiful moment in time. I know the best is yet to come, but this was one of those precious experiences that never leave a soul. My GOD, please know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart for it.

After we were done, he rested his head on my bosom and caressed my big belly in the dark. The most unusual bird, started singing alone- there were no others. That is when we realized it was time for fajr. The bird was singing and praising, and I didn't want it to stop. We prayed, reflected, then drifted off to the most peaceful sleep.

I never could have planned this.

Alhmdulillah wu shukru lillah for everything in this life and the next.

iMuslimah

Salaams to one and all. I haven't been blogging much, let alone writing in my own. I hope all is well with each and every one of you inshaallah.

Status: 2 weeks left inshaallah! Tired. No EXHAUSTED. Sinus infection w/ bronchitis. Can't sleep because I am congested and my asthma is TOTALLY aggravated. Heartburn. Weird dreams. Non-stop trips to the loo. Blood Glucose well controlled.

Alhamdulillah everything comes from GOD. I'm not really complaining lol. I just can't wait!

I envy my habib, his gentle soul, as he sleeps like an angel, ever so peacefully, not even remotely aware of the chaos that will ensue upon us. Mashaallah he has been even more helpful and supportive. He's been cooking, washing dishes, putting up with my nesting insanity, and he just bought me the niftiest new cell phone LOL. We match now. He appreciates the little things I manage to get done at this point. He tied my shoes for me the other day. He's been doing the laundry since Ive been told not to lift anything heavy (we have to go the laundromat-ugh). I just feel he is going the extra mile for me, so I can enjoy what is left of the pregnancy, since I just stopped working. I felt great up until this past weekend, I felt unstoppable-full of energy. Now I am sapped.

I did learn a neat trick yesterday. My mom told me that if I press my curtains while wet, the wrinkles will come out. What a difference wrinkle free window dressings make! I'm very proud of my efforts! I just had this horrific urge to take them down, wash and iron them. It was torturing me. Today, my task for today will be to leave a to-do list for my mom and sisters whilst I am giving birth! Can you imagine? I would never do that, but they are willing-

I hope that inshaallah while I am laboring, my mom/sisters just come into our house, and maybe do quick straightening up of our apartment, nothing major.......to make sure I am set for visitors. My biggest request is to have fresh bedding for baby and I when we get home. That is it really. Nice crisp linens after being in hospital sheets will feel glorious. I have asked them to put the bassinet together, and to wash all the bedding that comes with it, once I go into labor.

Bags are packed. Camera batteries are charged. Gray hairs to be colored tomorrow night inshaallah. Will exfoliate feet and legs tonight. Eyebrows/stray whiskers to meet their demise this evening. Will attempt, if not in labor this weekend, to make a few one dish meals and freeze them.

This is what I packed, moms please tell me if anything is missing (2 day stay anticipated inshaallah):

1. toothpaste, floss, mouth wash
2. antiperspirant, favorite body wash and lotion
3. blow dryer, comb, brush, tweezer (for rogue sprouts), hair clip, rubber band.
4. make-up. I know.
5. ginormous sanitary napkins
6. pads for bra (in case I spring a leak), lanolin
7. stretchy nursing bras
8. 5 pairs bloomers
9. socks
10. giant terry robe that takes up half of bag, flip flops for shower
11. fluffy feminine slippers
12. 1 pair jammies that cover (for visitors), with easy access for baby.
13. al-amira hijab
14. outfit for baby, beanie cap, onesie, teeny socks, knitted sweater and blanket, baby comb
15. comfy nightgown to sleep/nurse in.
16. love letter for my habib. must remind husband how important he is to us, and that I could not do this without his gentle love and support.
17. give endless thanks and praise to Allah, always.

I *think* Ive got my bases covered. Maybe i should toss a book in there too, just in case.

Birth plan: I'm pretty flexible. I've had some serious discussions with my doctor who is totally awesome. We think alike. Pain meds: yes, epidural: undecided, probably no. Birthing coach: husband only. I do not want an audience. I do not want to see the birth. No mirrors! Low lights, quiet environment. Episiotomy: yes, please. I have no desire to be massaged or to tear. I feel so at peace with my plan AND my doctor. It's a good feeling. Ive thought a lot about my major choices, and hope inshaallah there are no complications. Should something arise, I feel safe knowing that my doctor is there for us.

May Allah protect us and keep us in his care, Ameen.

iMuslimah

Assalamu alaykum,


I've got about 6 weeks left before my little brownie arrives. "My Little Brownie" is a nickname that my husband assigned to our little boy in-progress; which is a tribute to his absolute favorite snack, the fudge brownie lol.

I guess I am nesting; I am starting to freak out about our apartment; I feel like everything needs to be thrown out and re-decorated and re-organized. I can't stay focused, and seem to get nothing accomplished because I get distracted easily, plus I am totally e x h a u s t e d.


Went for fetal monitoring today, and I am pleased to report that my little sunshine would not stay still long enough for my doctor to get good tracings! Eventually he settled down, and all is well alhamdulillah. His size is average, not big, not small, which just reassures me that I am taking good care of my health and the gestational diabetes.


My husband and I elected not to have a baby shower. My family was very disappointed, but the concept is foreign and odd to my husband (not that that matters lol), but more importantly, I find it hard to celebrate without having baby in my arms. It is just how I feel. Sure, I would have liked all that attention, and a mountain of useful baby gifts, but we are good. We've managed to get everything we need thus far. We will have a good support system with my family living in such close proximity, and that is a tremendous blessing (my husband's family is overseas).


Thank you Allah, for providing everything in due time, for the health care we are receiving, the roof over our heads, for the love of our families and friends, for our faith, our jobs, our full stomachs, and for this very special experience and for a loving and respectful marriage.

Lately I have been having wicked urges and cravings for things I wouldn't normally eat. A colossal vanilla ice cream sunade smothered with hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream, bananans, walnuts and rainbow sprinkles would make my heart sing, but first I would indulge in a huge greasy pizza covered with extra cheese.

This is not wise, nor is it possible. From day 1 of pregnancy, because I carry extra weight already, I was terrified of poisoning my baby with garbage, and I was afraid of developing Gestational Diabetes. Low and behold, three weeks ago, I failed my glucose tolerance test, and now have to monitor my blood glucose 5 times daily. My fingertips are sore, and I am a little frustrated that I can't give in to a single craving BUT I am happy to report that all my hard work and prevention tactics from the beginning of pregnancy have paid off! I had to adjust my diet very little, and I have not had a single abnormal fingerstick. I haven't gained an ounce thus far (and this OK for me as per my OB/GYN, it might not be ok for everyone). I do need to step up and be more active, and my doctor recommended walking.

Essentially the test that I failed demonstrated that I have the inability to process sugars, and if I do not watch my intake, there could be complications. Inshaallah the condition should resolve itself after delivery. Inshaallah I will remain good until the end. I do understand that this can change towards the end of pregnancy so I must continue to do my best and keep my faith strong that Allah (swt) will do what is best for my unborn baby and myself.

Complications that can arise if the sugars are not well controlled are: insulin therapy (sometimes even watching the diet is not enough), large babies, c-sections, and baby not being able to stabilize his own blood sugar after birth (thus being whisked away from me until he can- which can impede my ability to nurse him, and that kills me). G.D. also means that later in my life, I have a good chance of becoming non-insulin dependent diabetic...so if I get a handle on it now, it won't be a surprise, nor will I struggle with the lifestyle changes. I might even be able to prevent it!

My wish inshallah is to continue on this healthy path after he is born, so I may be an example for him as to how to nourish and care for the bodies Allah (swt) has loaned to us. I don't want him to have the same issues I've had with weight, and I want my husband and I to enjoy an active, outdoors lifestyle with our little miracle!

Time for lunch....

As'salamu alaykum