July 1, 2009 - Ayla's Aqeeqah and More

I'm back with more exciting news - including coverage of Ayla's Aqeeqah!

On Friday, June 26, preparati

ons for the Aqeeqah were in full swing. Every

one was focused on decor and food for the event. The cake - a mixture of chocolate and strawberry yellow cake - was to be baked by Poppy's co-worker's wife, Marge Talerico. The food - kabobs and chicken tikka - as previously noted, was to be catered by Bismillah Restaurant.

Mommy and I went to see a movie, The Proposal, leaving Ayla in Chacha Fu and Poppy's care. It was nice to spend time with Mommy as Fu and Poppy babysat Ayla.

Saturday was the big preparation day! Aunties Rahila and Valerie came around 2:30 PM to help us get ready for the Aqeeqah. Also, family friend Auntie Rehana came to help cook some delicious food. Other than the catered food, we had some delicious lamb and potatoes and vegetable and other sides. There was also great desert (ladoo brought from VA by Aunties Rahila and Valerie). The food the next day would also include fruit exquisitely cut by Poppy.

Later on that evening, while I was in the other room, Auntie Valerie also quickly decorated the dining room. It's amazing how quickly she transformed the room into a cute Aqeeqah-r

eady room. She's a natural!

I spoke to Auntie Rehana for a while and she was very, very excited to meet and play with Ayla. Aunties Rahila and Valerie were of course very happy to see her again. Ayla is indeed surrounded by loving family :)

Another big, big highlight of the day was Zaid coming back to Pittsburgh after his longest stay yet away from Ayla! Unfortunately, a Saturday morning meeting prevented Zaid from coming on Friday. Zaid's meeting turned out to be longer than expected and, traffic combined, to cause him to arrive at night around 8:30 PM. All week, Zaid told me how much he missed his little sweetie. He said he was very happy to have been busy in the evenings otherwise, it would have been tough for him going home early each evening only to miss Ayla not being there. And, Ayla missed him so much, missing his touch, his scent, and his voice. I also missed him sooo much too because I'm so happy these days to be spending time with our young and growing family :) Zaid and Ayla's reunion was sooo sweet.

On Sunday, June 28, we were all so excited about the upcoming evening. I made sure to convey my excitement on Facebook and received some generous responses. I had to make a quick run to Target that morning to get few beauty essentials. Then, I prepared my black, red, a

nd orange shalwar kameez and Ayla's cute, little pink and blue dress. Last but not least, before I got ready, Zaid and I decorated the family room (we were saved earlier as the Aunties and Mommy bought extra decor from Papermart!). Zaid, Fu, and I blew up balloons and then, Zaid and I put up the decorations. I was surprised because Zaid had some pretty good decor ideas. Not bad for a hubby!

Then, I got our baby ready. As usual, Ayla looked stunning in her dress. She truly looked like a little princess. It fit her nicely and she was ready for her debut for the Pittsburgh community. I looked at her lovingly and kept thinking to myself how lucky we were to have had Allah give her to us. I was anxious to present her to the community . I kept thinking about the Islamic significance of presenting a baby to others...

After getting her ready, I got ready with some time to spare. In the meantime, Ayla's handsome daddy went with Poppy to pick up the food from Bismillah restaurant. Before the guests came, I went around the house and took pictures of the decorations and the food. The cake f

or the event was beautiful (and delicious as we found out later!). It was a nice white frosting cake with the words "Ayla Yasmeen Sultan" and multi-colored flowers in frosting at top. The cake was half-yellow cake with strawberry filling and half-chocolate. It was a hit later!!

As the guests started arriving, they greeted us and were anxious to meet Ayla (especially the ladies!). Everyone came to see a glimpse of the newest member of the community. They had very nice things to say. They were also happy to see us after a long time. The uncles congratulated Zaid and then started doing what all Pakistani uncles do everywhere - discuss politics! The aunties, on the other hand, kept doting on Ayla all night. A lot of them commented on how it's been a while since they last held babies and I think this made some of them look forward to grandchildren :)

The dinner and cake, of course, were a hit. Before serving the cake, we took a few family pictures with the cake. It was nice and again, reminded me of the greatness of the moment. Mommy and Poppy certainly know how to throw a great party!!

Ayla spent a lot of the night being held and, she also had a couple of quick naps. Re

member, her beauty sleep is essential! No matter what she was doing though, Ayla was definitely happy and enjoying the spotlight - she always seems to have an eye for attention :)

The rest of the night was so enjoyable. We all talked, laughed, and I met some new people in addition to seeing old friends once again. The day was amazing - it only added to the continuous dream of having a daughter in our lives.

On Tuesday evening, Ayla, Zaid and I opened the presents given to us during the Aqeeqah. We received very nice gifts from this loving community and are very thankful. Ayla is looking forward to using her new gifts!

I will be back soon,

Saadia