Introducing ZuZu...

I'm excited to introduce you guys to the little person who has stolen my heart  - baby Suzanne aka "zuzu".  I've held off on showing her online for a lot of reasons, but one of them was that I wanted people to see her face to face for the first time versus them seeing a picture of her online.  With social media being the way so many of us communicate I felt like I'd be doing her an injustice if I simply uploaded her picture online and said "Here she is!  Our baby girl!"  I wanted to see peoples reactions when they first saw her.  I wanted them to see her in the flesh.  Witness her feisty yet amazingly sweet persona first hand.  I think a false sense of security comes with interacting with others via social media.  A lot of times we'll "stalk" one another (with good intentions!) - yet never leave a comment checking up on them or even to say hi.  In our minds we know they're okay, and we think about them constantly, but in reality they have no proof of any of that.  So basically, I wanted to make sure that she saw all of that.  That she heard all of the beautiful comments that were directed towards her and she felt the love all around her.

And with that I say happy Monday morning and heres to a wonderful week!

xo

Time Management

shirt : jcrew  | vest : old navy | denim: target | shoes: zara | purse : valentino | sunnies : f21

Before having a baby I was always on the go.  I always had a mile long mental to do list that I never got done.  A lot of it was things that didn't have to get done, just things I generally wanted to do.  Kind of like a bucket list of sorts- except I wanted to finish them before bedtime instead of before I died.  I like the extra time crunch.   So on my days off I'd plan on you know clean a little, cook dinner, bake something I've been dying to bake, blog a little, maybe venture out of the house and get some fresh air.  I just like to stay active and do stuff.  Now, with a newborn, I'm sitting around more than ever.  My to-do list is a faraway thought and basically I feel like I've won the lottery if the baby sleeps more than 3 hours.  I take my hats off to those of you who find the time to work and be mommy.  How do you do it?! I know it's too early to start a routine, but I'm craving some sort of stability where I can actually find a way to get things done.  I'd love to hear about your experiences!

Guest Post : Natalie Merrillyn

Today I've got one of my favorite bloggers filling in for me while I spend time with my sweet little one.  You probably already know the gorgeous Natalie of the blog Natalie Merrillyn so no introductions needed.  I'm always inspired by Natalie's cool sense of style and decor and I can't wait to hear all about her upcoming London adventures!  Sweet, gorgeous, and stylish?  Definitely girl crush material!

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Hello Habibi readers! I'm Natalie from Natalie Merrillyn and I'm thrilled to be filling in for Nuha today! Since Nuha is a new mama, I wanted to post a little stylish mom inspiration {though I'm sure Nuha won't need any help on the stylish front -- I have no doubt she will be one of the most stylish moms out there!} I love these pictures for fashion inspiration -- easy pieces that are easy to get around in are a must. 

jacket | tee | lipstick | bag | pants | sling | flats

Congratulations on your precious little one, Nuha! 

xoxo

images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

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See, didn't I tell you she's awesome?  Definitely a girl after my own heart!

:: Welcome Baby ::

Exactly one week ago Alaa and I welcomed our sweet baby girl into this world.  This past week has been life changing to say the least.  The baby and I are trying our best to adapt to our new lives - and to get as much sleep as we can (successful on her part, unsuccessful on mine).  

I'll be back soon with a couple of guest posts.  Thank you to those of you who sent well-wishes!

:: XOXO ::

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 (gold, silver) / 5 (gardenia bonsai, calamondin plant)/ 6 (flats, wedge) / 7 (critter collection, dylans brownie batter candy bar) / 8

Come Valentine's Day I'll be sure to have the greatest gift of all - a sweet newborn baby.  But I wouldn't mind seeing one or two of these things come my way either.  They're almost all investment pieces - with the exception of the chocolate, but I won't tell if you don't.

Polished in Pink

I know that Pantone dubbed emerald as the color of 2013, but I can't help but hold a special place in my heart for pink.

Truthfully, I'm not much a nail polish girl, but for the past few months I keep leaning towards a light pink hue (think blush tones) whenever I do paint my nails.  I'm thinking about getting a shellac manicure in a shade similar to the OPI color before I deliver.  I've never done shellac, but have heard great reviews of it.  I'm just ready for a little pampering :-)

The Nursery Files : Artwork for the Babe

1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Can I let you guys in on a "little" secret?  We haven't bought a single thing for the nursery yet.  You know that crazy mama that is in freakish nesting mode?  Well, I've decided to become the head of that cult.  Alaa is in the process of turning the attic into a guest bedroom so that we can make the guest bedroom the babes room - and ummm I need it done like ASAP.  I'm pretty sure  I'm his worst client yet.  Pregnant wife standing over your shoulder while you work - in your own home -  no bueno.   If I wasn't so nervous the nursery isn't going to be done in time I'd kinda feel bad for him.  Since we don't have the new room ready, the guest bedroom has stayed put for the time being.  Hopefully, this weekend I'll order the crib and figure something out for fabrics and such.  I've pretty much got what I want in mind , it's just I haven't bit the bullet and bought anything yet.  I know that I want a gallery wall in the nursery.  I'm hoping it'll be a mixture of whimsy and fun to keep her inspired.  

Truth be told, I'm just looking for any excuse to put these pieces in my home.

Je Veux... a rocking horse

Source: flickr.com via Nuha on Pinterest

This weekend I was out with Alaa when I stumbled upon a vintage rocking horse.  Unfortunately, the one I saw wasn't for sale - dangitt!  Now, I can't get the image of a cute little wooden horse out of my head.  I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a local Craigslist posting that I could DIY.  I'm thinking it'd be cute to throw a little modern spin on it.  Make it black and white, but not in a zebra way.  Let's hope that I find one soon!

<< The nursery files >>

I've pretty much got a good idea of what I want the nursery to look like.  Something feminine, but not too pink..whimsical, but not too childish..and something that she can grow in.  Plus, I want to enjoy it, since I'm sure I'll be spending a good deal of time there. So while I keep the exact idea under wraps, I think this collage gives you a good idea of where I'm headed.  We're planning on using our current guest bedroom as the nursery, which means that Alaa has to turn one of our attics into the new guest bedroom.  Two rooms to complete in less than six months! Yikes!  I'm hoping to have both rooms completed by the time our little girl gets here.  I want to enjoy our first moments as a trio without Alaa hammering away upstairs.  I can't wait to get to work!!

But, I'd love to know what you're nursery essentials are (furniture wise).  Do you think gliders/ rocking chairs are a must?  They're pretty pricey - and it's hard to find cute ones!

:: pink + leo ::

top : unknown (similar)  |  pants: gap  | heels : f21,old (similar)  | tote: zara | scarf: love culture, old (similar)  | watch : michael kors  | lipstick : ysl

Happy Monday pretties!  How was your weekend?  Every week I'm anxiously awaiting the weekend so that I can catch up on a million things ( the house, baking, painting, blogging!) and then suddenly it's Sunday night and I've barely scratched anything off of my to- do list.  I always say this - but I need to start waking up at 6 a.m. so that I can be more productive.  As I'm typing this I'm laughing at myself - aren't I supposed to be enjoying my sleep now while I can?! I'm already starting to worry how I'll be able to juggle work, home, marriage, and a baby.  It won't be easy, but I'm so lucky to have Alaa and my family here to help me.  As much as I'm enjoying pregnancy right now, I cannot wait to meet our little girl!  Eeek! I can barely wrap my mind around the thought that Alaa and I will have a mini-me.  Blessed and thankful are definitely understatements.

and just because he hasn't made an appearance on the blog in a long time...here's my habibi 

It's a.....

Source: farm8.staticflickr.com via Nuha on Pinterest

girl!!  

...and she already has a fur jacket too...

:: XX or XY ::

Today we have our 18 week ultrasound and it's a big one.  Hopefully, we'll find out if we'll be welcoming a little dude or dudette into this world - just typing that out gives me the chills!!  I'm super excited yet so nervous at the same time!  I guess having another peek at the baby and finally being able to call it a "he" or "she" kind of makes it all the more real.  This is crazy!

So do you think we'll be having one of these:

Source: onlywishing.tumblr.com via Nuha on Pinterest

 or these:

Source: weheartit.com via Nuha on Pinterest

I have a slight guess, but I refuse to say just yet.   My other hunch is that the babe will be a little secretive  and not give us any peeks - keepin' us on our toes! Either way, all I truly want is a healthy, good hearted child.  

That would definitely be the gift of a lifetime.

:: Surprise ::

Yep.  

We've got a bun in the oven that's set to be ready on February 4th, 2013.

We cannot  wait to meet you little one.