Danya Zoha

Eid al-Fitar

2008-10-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

It is getting so hard to take pictures of her anymore she just does not sit still.

Visiting slash bossing around her cousin before leaving.

We celebrated Eid al-Fitar which comes after the month of fasting for Ramadan. Its a day of food, praying and respect..... enter Danya. She was so hyper and excited at the Mosque running around playing screaming, treading dangerously close to a time out. All in all she REALLY enjoyed the day.

Girly girl

2008-09-07T22:44:00.000-07:00

Danya is the biggest girly girl, she loves to wear dresses, necklaces, bracelets, purses, and my high heels.

Puppy Love

2008-09-07T22:32:00.001-07:00

I LOVE Raja's expression here

As Danya is getting older she and Raja can actually play together. She bosses him around and makes him sit and play with her toys, its just the cutest.

Southern Visit

2008-08-05T17:53:00.001-07:00

Picking peaches on a scorching hot day, what were we thinking, at least the kids had fun.

Lots of the time was spent having fun with water, Danya's expression here is so true to life.

The museum had a mini grocery store, all the shelves and carts were toddler size. At the end they got to check out and get a receipt - very clever!
We were in Memphis and Arkansas for a while. Danya and her cousin Haaris are really playing together now, its just so special. Here they are the Memphis Children's Museum, great place!

An Update

2008-07-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

Playing with her pots and pans that she pretends to cook a meal in.
This dress was given to her by her friend Aubrey Cate, I adore the color!

We are the sort of people that bought an SLR camera and didn't really learn how to use all of its features, at first. Once we we got into researching and educating ourselves we realized that if we spent (percentage wise) a little more money we could really get something great. We promptly returned the one we original one and then Nadeem went to Europe for work again, we had family staying with us, then the three of us were traveling and we never got around to ordering our step up. So I have been forcing myself lately to take pictures with the old crummy one until the new one arrives in couple of weeks, yeaaaa its on its way!

Sesame Street Live

2008-05-13T17:13:00.000-07:00

All smiles before heading out.
It was impossible to get her and the characters at the same time as she would not look away for even a second to take a picture.
Eyes glued to the stage during a tense moment with Elmo.We recently went to see Sesame Street Live with Danya. She had a blast dancing and pointing out all the characters, not to mention watching to all the other kids there. We were not sure if she was old enough to enjoy it but we were so glad we went and baby girl had such a good time.

Birthday in Disneyland

2008-04-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

Danya's best friend Ryan and his mom went with us and it was amazing how much fun they had together.

In Minnie's house where she just had to sit on all the furniture.

For Danya's birthday we were is Disneyland over the weekend. Danya the explorer loved it, she said hi to all the characters, enjoyed the rides and loved to see all the other kids having fun. Here she is with Daddy taking a boat ride to see all the princess castles.

Strep throat = Bad Vacation

2008-04-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

Two days after getting back from Arkansas, the three of us left for beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The morning of the flight Danya started to run a slight fever, naively, we thought we will just take it easy there and everything will be OK. Unfortunately, her fever got worse and the crankiness got a lot worse. She had no other symptoms but was not up for anything, which is unusual because she is a great traveler and loves adventure. So we thought it best to head home, we were only there one day. We got no pictures, no souvenirs, but would highly recommend the place, it was gorgeous (the parts we saw from our hotel windows). Monday we found out she has Strep and she is recovering nicely, thanks to the antibiotics. Ahhh, the lessons you learn as a parent…..

Family Time

2008-04-02T12:19:00.001-07:00

We went to the Little Rock Zoo on a very cold day but still managed to ride the carousal and see all the animals.
Here is Harris, my other sister's adorable little boy sitting in his ride, for the moment.
We went for walks on the Arkansas River bridge which the kiddies loved. It was hard to keep them in their strollers. On the way back they got to walk and take some pictures. This is Danya and I with my younger sister Aisha.

We just returned from a couple of wonderful weeks in Arkansas. It was so great to spend time with family and just relax. We went to Way (not sure of the spelling) Mountain where there is a beautiful field full of daffodils. At first Danya tried to eat them until she figured out that they taste bad.

Playing in the snow

2008-03-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

Playing with beach toys.
One of Nadeem's co-worker's adorable baby boy. She was such a mother hen with baby Brady. She insisted on giving him his paci and fussed over him.... no little brother or sister for Danya for a couple of years.

Inner tubing on the kiddie slope.
We were in mountains of California for Nadeem's company's annual ski trip. Danya had fun sledding and playing in the snow but next year we going to be on the real slopes for her first lessons, so excited to be able to ski as a family.

Poser

2008-02-27T11:51:00.001-08:00

When you tell her to be quite she says Shhhhh!

When the camera comes out she strikes a pose and after the flash goes off she has to see how it turned out on the digital camera screen. We like these ones!

Daddy fixes my hair?

2008-02-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

Nadeem takes Danya to school once a week and he took these pictures in morning before going last week. I was shocked by lack of hair combing action... at least the hair pin made it in.

Phool

2008-02-27T11:26:00.001-08:00

Phool is Danya's first Urdu word! Phool which means flower is now pointed out everywhere. I had to fight to keep her away from my Valentine's flowers but she got to them one by one and slowly picked them apart often feeding the petals to Raja.

Party!

2008-02-09T12:21:00.000-08:00

I love cake!
I love pizza.

Gimmie that token!

Last weekend we went to Danya's friend Ryan's birthday party at Chuck E Cheese... I think thats how its spelled. At first Danya was in sensory overload but got over it real quick and really enjoyed herself. She is still not a fan of the moving rides but loved to dance with Chucky and play with the other kiddies.

Oldies

2008-02-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

Raja was safe in those days.

She was just learning to sit up.

I saw a baby the other day that reminded me so much of Danya. When I got home I pulled up old pictures that made me smile. Here she is at 5 months so undrama and untantrums. I can say, though, that I enjoy her so much more now and I am so greatful for all months she has been our baby, soon I will say that for the all the years....God willing!

Out of vacation mode

2008-01-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

The male camel, this drolly one's name was RAJA. The similarities were striking!

Feeding apples to the female camel. She thought they were so funny.

Pointing out the cows at the Heifer Project, we love this place!

On the way to the Heifer Project putting on her makeup to get ready.

Look Ma no hands going down the slide!

My sisters visited from Memphis and our two babies played in the park together.

Daddy spent one weekend with us in Arkansas.

So Danya and I have been in Arkansas for three weeks and it was fabulous, not to mention relaxing. We have been back for about a week and slowly getting back into a schedule. These are some pictures from Lake Maumelle near my parents house where Danya loved to feed the ducks and pet all the doggies. Here we are with my awsome Dad.

Eid!!

2007-12-20T14:05:00.000-08:00

She loved showing her outfit off to everyone at the mosque.

Today is Eid ul Adha, it is the Muslim holy day marking the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. Its a day to remember to make sacrifices and live with humility. We got all dressed up as a family and headed to our mosque for brunch and prayers. My sister sent Danya this gorgeous outfit, it was adorable. Holidays are so much more special as the three of us, we have so much to be thankful for!

Camera comes back to life

2007-12-12T23:00:00.000-08:00

Reading books is her absolute favorite thing to do. She pretends to read herself, it's so cute she makes the voice inflections so accurately but the only words she knows are doggie and fish.

The old camera had become Danya's toy and a couple days ago I noticed it turn on. After taking these test pics we figure it just completely dried out and started to work. Go figure that allowing a kid to play with something would fix it?!

Random Pictures

2007-11-28T09:07:00.001-08:00

My other cutie pie.

My sister and I riding the rides on top of the Stratosphere.

We had dinner one night at Maggiano's a great restaurant with a great view of LasVegas (not shown here ;).

Here she is with my mom.

My parents, little brother and sister visited us over the Thanksgiving week. We did lots of fun touristy stuff and thankfully they brought their own camera. Here is Danya with my sister Aisha.

Camera takes a bath.....

2007-11-15T14:22:00.000-08:00

Shortly after my sister left I was giving Danya a bath. While I was waiting for the tub to fill I went to grab her towel and I hear a clunk like something fell in the tub. Sure enough Danya got a hold of our camera and hurled it into the tub, little bubbles were floating out of it....so sad. We were in the market for a new one but this makes it a more pressing "to do". Does anyone have any recommendations for a good, small, easy to use camera. Amy, I really like your pictures what do you use?

Cousin Haaris visits!

2007-11-15T14:02:00.000-08:00

Hugging the dear just like she hugs Raja.
Danya loved this little deer.

We went to a petting zoo which was smelly but great. Danya calls all animals doggies and Haaris calls all animals elephants.

We went to the Shark Reef exhibit inside the Mandalay Bay casino. It was really hard to get a picture of the fishes and the people in front of them.

Nadeem had to go to Europe for 10 days for work and I could not imagine being by myself for that long so I asked my sister and her son Haaris to visit us. We had lots of fun carting the kiddos around and they had lots of fun with each other, especially in the mornings in their PJs. Haaris is the sweetest 16 month old and really tall like his parents.

Fun at the pumpkin patch

2007-10-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend we finally went to our local pumpkin "patch". Does it really count when there is a casino accross the street? Anyway, Danya had lots of fun and we got to take some nice pictures.

Ryan and Danya thinking about which ride they want to go on next......

Danya loved the pony ride so much all you could see on her face was teeth and dimples the entire time. Nadeem said she is such a natural rider that she deserves her own horse. I sure I will have to remind him of this when she gets older.

Hanging out with our friend's son and daughter Ryan anad Kaitlyn who Danya adores.

Hanging with celebrities

2007-10-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

Danya and I had a dinner playdate with a couple of friends and and their adorable 7 month old babies. Molly the duck in the middle is going to be on episode of the show Scrubs this season. She was cast as J.D.'s new son's crush. She is so humble about her fame :)

Danya had to be kept at arm's length from the babies in their costume and she really thought they were animals and kept poking at them. It was a Halloween themed playdate.

Chilly day at the Lake

2007-10-08T13:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend we packed up the kiddos and headed out to Lake Mead for Nadeem's company's annual Lake trip. It was the first time in a long time I got to put warm clothes on Danya, she was so cuddleable in them.
Both babies catching some Zs on the drive up.

Raja getting yelled at by her highness.

It was way too cold to let her swim but we let her wade in for awhile.

Whose cuter? I can't decide....

2007-09-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

We had our first Kindermusik class today (inspiration Amy and Heather) and Danya loved it. I loved the long nap she had afterwards! When we got home she was being super nice to Raja like she wanted to tell him all about her fun experience it was too cute.

The Danya show

2007-09-19T15:30:00.001-07:00

Danya is so hyper and into everything now that we just sit back and watch the Danya show all day, its so much fun. She likes to take all of her favorite stuffed animals for walks in the stroller one by one.

She often finds things we did't even know we had like this Turkish hat.

Coolest thing

2007-09-05T14:19:00.001-07:00

While we in Chicago we visited this beautiful Hindu temple, it was one of the coolest things I have ever seen. These pictures don't do it justice, the walls were covered with such intricate carvings.

Me at the entrance to the temple.

Chicago

2007-09-05T14:02:00.001-07:00

We were in Chicago over the labor day weekend for a gathering of families who have adopted from Pakistan. Danya is a little young to interact with the other kids but we had a great time and look forward to staying connected with other families who have gone through the wonderful journey of adoption from Pakistan.

Nadeem and Danya playing in the park during the gathering.

Getting ready to go

2007-09-05T13:46:00.001-07:00

Daddy is so funny!

Danya loves my sunglasses I am now a pro at constantly cleaning the smudges off.

Before our flight Nadeem and Danya decide to have a photo session.

Danya, the seasoned traveler, in her own seat on the airplane.

California Dreamin'

2007-08-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

We were in Northern California over the weekend for another lovely wedding. The three of us had lots of fun enjoying the outdoors and spending time with great friends. On the flight home we decided that this is where we want Danya to grow up. So the current plan is that in 3 to 4 years we will call the Bay area home, hopefully :)

Outside in Arkansas

2007-08-07T22:58:00.001-07:00

Danya and I are in Arkansas relaxing with my family. We love the outdoors here and she is fascinated by all the trees. In Vegas we don't get the chance to take pictures with natural light and greenery so we took advantage.

Semi potty trained

2007-07-31T12:09:00.001-07:00

This picture does not match the title of this post but I don't think it is appropriate to post the actual picture I took that does match :) This was taken during our weekend hiking excursion and it does show how proud we are of our little girl who does not have any more potty diapers! It took a few days of failed attempts but then she got the hang of it and we are just so thrilled... funny how being parents changes one's ideas of thrilling.

Psychedelic dress

2007-07-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

The hair barrette only lasted a minute.

One of Nadeem's sisters made this dress for Danya. I thought the colors were kinda funky but she looked so cute and '60s in it.

Girly girl

2007-07-19T21:10:00.001-07:00

I cant really wear a watch anymore as it becomes a bracelet for Danya which eventually gets thrown around the house.
The walker in the background used to be hers now it is serving double duty for her visiting 9 month old cousin. I love to see her baby things out again.

Danya loves all jewelry. If anyone is wearing a necklace she likes she demands they take it off and she put it on. She also has a thing for purses.x

Love this dress

2007-07-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

I love this dress that I got for Danya to wear to another wedding we went to recently. I learned from our Philly trip that Pakistani clothes on a baby look cute but cause so much trouble for the baby and the parents. In this she was not fussy and I didn't have any trouble holding her.

Philly trip

2007-06-30T23:11:00.000-07:00

Family picture. Danya was so tired at this point we had to take what we could get as far as eye openness.
Danya and I stylin on wedding day.

Traditionally, a Pakistani wedding is three days long. On the first day the guests usually wear yellow or green. This is Danya and my sister's son Haris dressed and ready to party on day one.

We had a great time at my cousin's wedding in Philly. Danya was mostly smiles but would get very tired at the end of the day from all the running around. This picture was taken while she was still full of energy and in comfortable clothes.

Langa

2007-06-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

My mother had this beautiful Langa (formal Pakistani outfit) made for Danya to wear at my cousin's wedding in Philadelphia. We are leaving tomorrow and I thought I would have Danya do a practice run before I pack it in case she could not handle it and needed just a plain dress as a back up. I thought she did well and she looked so cute, like she was floating in it. I didn't put the top on for fear she would drop something on it.

Practice walking in a langa

2007-06-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

Walking video

2007-06-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

Poor Raja

2007-06-13T12:38:00.001-07:00

This is Danya's 100 lb. teddy bear named Raja. We got him about a year and a half before Danya and he has adjusted so well to her being around... even though she has a tendency to torture him.
She was insisting that he wear her old pony tail holders.

She waits until my back is turned and then always offers him whatever she is eating.

Adoption is finalized!

2007-06-11T11:47:00.001-07:00

Today Danya's adoption was finalized by the US courts.

Pakistan only grants guardianship so we had to have follow up visits by our social worker and then had to file for adoption here in Nevada. We are so excited to not have to deal with any more adoption paperwork. We are so blessed today!

Walking, finally

2007-06-09T08:25:00.001-07:00

She makes the funniest concentration faces.

Its hard to get walking shots. I am really going to have to figure out how to upload video.

Danya finally started walking on her own! She had been walking just across the room if we called out to her now she is chasing the dog, running into rooms and closing the door... keeping us on our toes.

Swimming

2007-06-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

Lounging poolside.
Time to re-apply the sun screen.

She splashed and kicked liked she had been doing this all her life.

This weekend Danya had her first swimming experience. She had a blast we had a hard time taking her home she loved being in the water so much.

Helmet head

2007-06-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

She is scheduled to stop wearing it next week and it has made great improvements. She now has an almost perfectly round noggin.
Danya has had to wear this helmet for the past two months because of the way she slept her head was getting too flat in the back. She really didn't mind it but it was the reason we had to get her hair cut short.

When her hair was long

2007-06-06T11:27:00.001-07:00

The crawling pro.
Danya and I at a birthday party.

She is such a little poser.

I miss her pigtails.

Danya's first Little Rock visit

2007-06-06T10:12:00.000-07:00

My sister, Wardah, holding her baby boy Haaris who is 4 months old in this picture. Next to her is my youngest sister Aisha.

My wonderful beautiful mama holding Danya. She is so happy to be a grandmother.

First time sitting up

2007-06-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

This was the first time Danya was able to sit up for more then just a few seconds, we were so excited. She was a few days shy of 5 months old.

My time in Pakistan

2007-06-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

August 1, 2005 -Last day in Pakistan. After three months it is finally time to go home.

The amazing Mrs. Edhi, myself and Danya. As Nadeem is taking this picture she whispers in my ear that Danya looks just like her Dad.

Nadeem visits us for a few weeks in mid June. I was so bummed when we were not able to fly back with him but we had alot more paperwork to do.

Getting bigger. Danya loved to play in this little toy.

My wonderful sister in law and I enjoying a scorching hot day in the park with Danya.

The day after I arrived in Pakistan. Danya was a week and a half old. She was sooooo tiny but I just loved to hold her.

First Pictures

2007-06-05T16:44:00.001-07:00

This was the first time we laid eyes on our beautiful princess. I remember feeling infinitely thankful that God chose us to be her parents.

A Bit of History

2007-06-05T16:42:00.001-07:00

August 2005 - We are all set up to adopt from a country called Azerbaijan. After lots of research and filling out of forms our initial application is accepted and we begin the mountain of paperwork.
As things begin to move forward my heart is still not at peace with the idea that we will not be able to adopt from Pakistan. We had concluded this based on a few phone calls and some research done by my father when he was visiting Pakistan a few months ago.

October 2005 – A massive earthquake hits Pakistan. So much devastation.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9626146/
This is my country and something in my heart is begging me to look into adoption from Pakistan again.
During some research online I find an online group of people dedicated to adoption from Pakistan. I post my situation and receive great feedback answers to my question… its just what we needed. After a few days of thinking about and praying about our decision we call up our initial agency and tell them we would like to withdraw from the Azerbaijan program.

November 2005 – My wonderful father in law takes our application to the Edhi foundation. Please read more about them by clicking on the following links:
http://www.edhifoundation.com/edhi-foundation-services.asp
http://www.feminist.com/news/vaw33.html

April 18th 2005 – Our phone rings at 2:00 AM, its my father in law saying that the Edhi foundation has a little girl for us. We name her Danya which means gift of God and Zoha which means light.