4/26 Friday Vibes 🌺جمعة مباركة #mysharif . . #mysonshine #myson #sharif #abudhabikids #uae #uaebloggers #abudhabiblogger #uaemombloggers #relaxtime #chillvibes #ilovethisboy #summervibes #fridayvibes #جمعة #سوداني #سوداني_وافتخر #سوداني_فيالإمارات #بلوقر #بلوقرز #ابوظبي #letsgo
✈️🤍✨ ماما، إنتي وين #MySharif was suspicious that I did not really go to the UK. So he keeps on doing random checks on me by dropping zoom links to see the environment around me to confirm that I indeed went there. Sometimes I feel like our children raise us, and it is not us raising them. . If I would have said: “I’m going to Sudan for the weekend”, or “I’m going to the border of Sudan and Egypt”. He would not mind or even check on me. But, “I’m going to the UK to see your dad”. He was like “this is high level sus”. I guess my children equate traveling as emergencies - in a sense, I was burnt out, sad, and needed a break. I needed time to plan our lives and talk to my partner who, because of our immensely busy lives, never get to talk about life without interruptions. . #cambridgeshire #cambridge #abudhabimombloggers #abudhabimoms #abudhabilife #travelingtheworld #travelingwithoutkids #cambridgemuslimcollege #abdallahrothman #may
#MySharif | Ain’t no mountain high enough 🏔️ ⛰️ . . . #شريفنا_الغالي #abudhabi #soulbeachsaadiyatisland #saadiyat #saadiyatisland #abudhabilife #abudhabiinstagram
UK 🇬🇧 •7/14• We lost Sharif in Granchester • This time we could not find him for much longer. A beautiful afternoon drinking tea at an orchard was full of anxiety . He escaped the back gate of the orchard into the village and walked quiet far (to a pub ; last place we would look). A beautiful woman realized he looked odd walking around alone not bothered holding a phone. He couldn’t tell her where his parents were or was interested in answering her questions. So she called the Cambridge police. We eventually found him safe when we started expanding our search outside the orchard . Alhamdulilah he did not decide to cross the street that had cars traveling on both directions or decided to jump into the many water ways chasing a duck or something. After all was calm and we had to wait forever to meet the police to verify we were his parents we made friends with the lady who found him walking to the pub: check this out - she is an immunologist and manages a project with NYUAD’s Research institute’s Dr. Raghib Ali (who I know). What a small world. For Sharif, dude, I’m not sure I want to leave the house with him ever again! He wasn’t even bothered that we lost him, he was more bothered that he had my phone and it was locked and he didn’t know the password. Uff. . . . #mysharif #adventures #yaAllah #granchester #expatfamily #expatlife #expatmum #expatkids #abudhabibloggers #abudhabiblogger #uaemombloggers #sudanese #american #parenting #freerangekids #cambridge #cambridgeshire #ukmoms #ukmummyblogger #abudhabimoms #abudhabikids #speechdelayed #breakmysoul #biracialkids #blackmuslimahexcellence #turban #sudanese #american #uksummer
💙sharoofi #abudhabi #uae #saadiyat #travelgram #seetheworld #mysharif
#Togetherness at @societyuae 💖💐 I love my mini tribe ✨💫 . . There is nothing more bittersweet than watching our three grow up. We have these moments of pride mixed with sorrow as we watch each one of them become more independent and separate from us. . We did treasure the moments when they were little (minus the dark patches of health issues). The sentiment of treasuring these fleeting moments struck me the other day: Sharif is now more independent (more active and determined), Fatima and Wafaa wanting to do everything with friends. I sometimes do not know if I want to cry or beam with pride. . Here’s to more years of beautiful chaos with our family of five more moments of bittersweet realizations. More moments of pride and sorrow. . . #mysharif #societyuae #mamshaalsaadiyat #alsaadiyat #abudhabilife #abudhabiinstagram #abudhabiblogger #abudhabikids #abudhabimoms #momsguideabudhabi #abudhabireview #uaemombloggers #turbanstyle #blackmuslimahexcellence #blackgirlmagic #biracialfamily #expatfamily
Sonshine Language ☀️ Before he uttered his first words, we spoke . The language of eyes . I read, volumes upon volumes, in the language of eyes. 💞 . Your eyes smiled, said I’m scared, sometimes agreed, fearless at times, worried rarely, permeated joy, had a spark of curiosity or at time disapproved. Your eyes loved . Immensely . . . #mysharif #speechandlanguage #speechtherapy #speechdelay #mysonshine #sonshine #abudhabikids #abudhabimom #abudhabimoms #uaemombloggers #expatmom #turbanstyle #blackmuslimahexcellence #blacklove #livethelittlethings #stillmoments #ilovehim
The little things - الأشياء البسيطة 💕🌱 . . A simple quiet environment to catch up with a friend. Had to keep this one entertained for the two hours we were there. . . @alkalime_uae #alkalime #alkalimeyoungliving #mamshaalsaadiyat #saadiyatisland #saadiyat #uaemoms #mysharif #saadiyatliving #mysonshine #mysharif #honestlymothering #cupishalffull #givingfromtheheart #abudhabikids #abudhabifamily #blackmuslimahexcellence #abudhabilife #abudhabimoms #blackboyjoy #biracialkids #multiracialfamily #multiracialkids #abudhabiblogger #expatmom #expatfamily #celebratelife #sudanese #livethelittlethings #positiveenergy #goodvibesonly
Amore #felizcumpleaños #friendsforever #loveyou #mysharif
#BeatTheHeatUAE /// Workshops at the @louvreabudhabi 💗 . . The Louvre is quiet... not busy ... with lots of space for social distancing to happen. We were a bit down a few weekends ago so I planned a day for the family to go to the Louvre and to participate in their amazing #MakeandPlay workshop; which we loved a lot! . This workshop is going on until June 30th. Fun activities at the museum inspired by their museum artworks. Timings: 11.30am | 2.30pm | 4.30pm - (2 hours per session). You get your own table and space for 50 AED. All the materials are provided and museum educators are there throughout the experience to support. . Create your very own flipbook, a helmet, a mask, a costume, or a paper horse, in four activity stations available with materials. . Make a day out of the louvre. Tour the museum, have lunch with a sea view, then do the workshop & take your art Home. . 💗🙌🏾 Summer recommendations and the #beattheheatuae hashtag is officially launched. Follow my account and this hashtag for ideas of things to do. Also share with others your ideas by using that hashtag. . #summerplans #mysharif #abudhabilife #abudhabikids #dubaikids #sharjahkids #uaemombloggers #louvreabudhabi #louvremuseum #abudhabitourism #abudhabimoms #expatmoms #traveltheworld
#ifthesewallscouldtalk /// حالنا بنطّق حجر “Don’t be sad, just be happy” 🥺💞💔🙏🏽✨ . . I cannot hide from #MySharif , I kept him close. He would read my face because his hearing wasn’t that great for the first three years of his life . He reads my eyes, he reads my face, more than what I say. . I gave the girls a talk that made them feel settled. He was just studying my face and was moved enough to construct sentences to describe what he’s feeling & thinking. . For those of you who have been on my account for long you do know that Sharif recently started speaking and to me this was a moment of awe and pain. I was proud of him at so many different levels but it gave me the push needed to keep going and not unravel. Not yet. . Just be happy - if only it was this simple habibi . But, superhuman powers & emotions come out for the children. We will be okay. . . #dontbesad #justbehappy #makemoremagic #myeverydaymagic #myeverything #babyboy #speechtherapy #speechpathology #speechtherapist #saadiyatliving #culturalliving #saadiyatisland #saadiyat #wellnessjourney #healinghearts #sadnessinsideout #hopeforthebest #abudhabikids #abudhabiblogger #abudhabibloggers #abudhabimoms #expatfamily #expatkids #goodlife #sparkjoy
#morningslikethese /// People who are there for #mysharif ✨💞💫🍃 . . Anyone who remembers my #hyperemisisgravidarum pregnancy , emotional distressed third trimester and Costochondritis during the last month of my pregnancy - would understand that this journey started well before the diagnosis and therapy. #MySharif came with his challenges , I started a new job when he was 45 days old and I was not allowed to even stagger the hours or build up my full time hours in my first “week” of work with a newborn. I forgot pieces of my pump a couple of times and I almost lost my breast milk at 3 months, but built it back up after combining 36 advices from moms in “this” platform. . Terrible pregnancy, new job, stressful to arrange care for Sharif while I was working, then came the constant ear infections and the hospital stays, then the surgeries . I lost interest in anything, including people, and my once thriving and loved side hustle @momsguide #momxuae #readingtreeuae #mymitc amongst many more things I loved. . This journey started years before that initial public plea to help me find a school for him after 5 rejections and my realizations that all his developmental communication and social issues aren’t going to solve themselves and I need to do the surgeries and fix the sleep apnea then spend the next 4 years hammering away to reshape this experience. . Today I build a community of amazing therapists and trained myself and everyone around me to be able to support sharif. I went from Abu Dhabi to Dubai to London and back to Abu Dhabi. In the next few months I’ll share with you bits and pieces of this story. It is far from over , but we are getting there. . Here’s to one of the most amazing speech therapist out there - one that understands how to make therapy fun . I am so glad I went to the @danatalemarat_ #morethanwords talk with @rasha.badawi85 , we were with her since that day. Love her! . . #henowspeaks #speechandlanguagetherapy #speechpathology #speechtherapist #speechtherapyideas #speechdelaykids #speechdelay #communicationdisorders
My Sonshine ☀️// 💕 Talk to me. Tell me 💖💖💖 . I started making it work for us. This whole remote learning. The flexibility in achieving our daily rhythms and the amount of therapy sessions he gets per week sky rocketed. I have his school inclusion assistant (who has an OT degree) help prepare activities. He daily plays outdoors and runs in the beach. . Routine, very limited screen time, vitamin supplements, daily vitamin D through sunlight, therapy, lots of love and interacting & playing with him like any 5 year old boy is helping us just reach his targets. I’m not in a hurry for him to write or read or count backwards from 20. I’m in a hurry for him to tell me about his dreams and thoughts. I’m in a hurry for him to feel heard and understood. I’m in a hurry for him to feel grounded. The rest is extra to me. . Mama loves you. Mama cracked your codes. Mama finally cracked your codes. Mama is on top of the world. . #love #speechdelay #developmemtdelays #saadiyatliving #passionatelife #parentingwithlove #attachmentparenting #mysonshine #mysharif #honestlymothering #cupishalffull #givingfromtheheart #abudhabikids #abudhabifamily #blackmuslimahexcellence #abudhabilife #abudhabimoms #blackboyjoy #biracialkids #multiracialfamily #multiracialkids #abudhabiblogger #expatmom #expatfamily #celebratelife #sudanese #livethelittlethings #positiveenergy #goodvibesonly
#ChildhoodMemories // @abdeze My husband when he was Sharif’s age 🥺♥️💕 . . Mama Tanya @houseboatseli found the photo of my husband when he was about #MySharif ‘s age. Absolutely adorable. . Does he look like Sharif ? Thoughts. . . #myhusbandasakid #likefatherlikeson #fatherandson #goodmorningpost #blondehair #babyboy #sharif #multiracialfamily #multiracialkids #abudhabiblogger #expatmom #expatfamily #celebratelife #sudanese #american #livethelittlethings #positiveenergy #goodvibesonly #memoriesforlife #blastfromthepast
#Motherhood // My skill is to listen to heartbeats and my job is to regulate hearts. Motherhood is just a different kind of heart doctor. . Photo: We just embarked on a journey. Sharif was quiet. I wanted to double check his heartbeat pace to make sure he wasn’t scared. . . #motherhood #mysonshine #mysharif #honestlymothering #cupishalffull #givingfromtheheart #abudhabikids #abudhabifamily #exhaustedmama #exhaustedmommy #blackmuslimahexcellence #abudhabilife #abudhabimoms #blackboyjoy #biracialkids #multiracialfamily #multiracialkids #abudhabiblogger #expatmom #expatfamily #celebratelife #sudanese #livethelittlethings #positiveenergy #goodvibesonly
#Sonshine // Rising Son ☀️ ☁️ ♥️ . . This year is about #Mysharif, my sonshine. You will notice that I wear a delicate golden necklace and bracelet with a shining gem. It looks like a shining sun. I bought this when I started Sharif’s journey in 2019. I never take it off. It reminds me of my sonshine. I always told myself, when Sharif turns seven years old I want to look at him and say to myself, I did my best. . Speech Delay is challenging. Especially if the progress isn’t your standard upward curve. It’s more like an unconventional upward zigzag. Remote learning & COVID-19 precautions don’t make it any better. . Sharif is two years away from what I believe a cross road between being a little boy and a big boy. I want to give him the best start to big boyhood. Sharif taught me many things and the main one is that it’ll all fall into place and come together gradually. . Here’s to a year that I’ll exert double and triple the efforts. Here’s to a year of new beginnings and lots of learning. A year of patience and sacrifices. I’m sure my social life is the first to suffer. So if you’re a friend showing up in my place, neighborhood or beach might be the best way to reconnect between all the therapy sessions. In 2022, I want to look at my rising sonshine and feel like all this effort got us somewhere. . If you’re on any journey where you’re trying to move up this upward zigzag chart and need help with resources or guidance let me know. Many moms will tell you - I always make time for a new mom in this journey needing listening ear or a hand. . #changesoflife #mysonshine #saadiyatliving #passionatelife #parentingwithlove #attachmentparenting #mysonshine #honestlymothering #cupishalffull #givingfromtheheart #abudhabikids #abudhabifamily #blackmuslimahexcellence #abudhabilife #abudhabimoms #blackboyjoy #biracialkids #multiracialfamily #multiracialkids #abudhabiblogger #expatmom #expatfamily #celebratelife #sudanese #livethelittlethings #positiveenergy #goodvibesonly
Winter Break /// Daddy & Children 💕 . Ice cream, toys, and emotional stability is at an all time high. . . #holidays #wintervibes #winterwonderland #winterinabudhabi #winterinuae #beautifulchaos #magicalmoments #childhoodmemories #mysonshine #mysharif #honestlymothering #abudhabikids #abudhabifamily #exhaustedmama #exhaustedmommy #blackmuslimahexcellence #abudhabilife #abudhabimoms #blackboyjoy #biracialkids #multiracialfamily #multiracialkids #abudhabiblogger #expatmom #expatfamily #celebratelife #sudanese #livethelittlethings #positiveenergy #goodvibesonly
#MiddleChild /// The Joy of our Family ♥️🎉🎊 . “Wafaa, can you find a way to bring sharif back to the table?” . Daddy is here for the next few weeks we will be trying to see a bit more of the UAE outside the walls of our apartment. Leaving the house terrifies me because sharif still doesn’t remember all the pandemic laws. He might push a button with his elbow (we clap) and next time with all his ten fingers (we scream). . But, we can always rely on extra eyes and hands - that would be his bestie Wafaa. She knows him well . I love that dynamic. . . #wintervibes #winterwonderland #winterinabudhabi #winterinuae #beautifulchaos #magicalmoments #childhoodmemories #mysonshine #mysharif #honestlymothering #abudhabikids #abudhabifamily #exhaustedmama #exhaustedmommy #blackmuslimahexcellence #abudhabilife #abudhabimoms #blackboyjoy #biracialkids #multiracialfamily #multiracialkids #abudhabiblogger #expatmom #expatfamily #celebratelife #sudanese #livethelittlethings #positiveenergy #goodvibesonly
Seasons of Life 💐♥️☀️الحياة و تقلباتها 🌦 . . The process of dissolving our identity and dissolving our plans is scary. We try to hang on to any piece of our past identity form. We try to hang on to words, items, people and thoughts. We refuse to dissolve into a human liquid form, a human pool. We are left temporarily formless, we are left temporarily fluid. We tell ourselves, “it’s just a phase”, “we will go back to normal soon”. Back to our old selves, we reminisce. But, that’s not the way forward. . In the process of growing into a more beautiful human. We dissolve. We dissolve our identities, and sometimes relationships and interests and even plans. It feels like we’re falling apart, but we are falling into place. It feels like death and the demise of who we used be, but it wasn’t death it was life. It was life we were feeling - we should celebrate feeling life. . . #changesoflife #mysonshine #saadiyatliving #passionatelife #parentingwithlove #attachmentparenting #mysonshine #mysharif #honestlymothering #cupishalffull #givingfromtheheart #abudhabikids #abudhabifamily #exhaustedmama #exhaustedmommy #blackmuslimahexcellence #abudhabilife #abudhabimoms #blackboyjoy #biracialkids #multiracialfamily #multiracialkids #abudhabiblogger #expatmom #expatfamily #celebratelife #sudanese #livethelittlethings #positiveenergy #goodvibesonly
Good Moments, Memories Created 💗✨✨ . Despite me talking about planning your days and adopting daily rhythms. The best moments are the ones we didn’t plan. The moments that threw off our rhythm. . Such beautiful people and I cannot wait to see what @omartartoob has in his creative mind. Counting down to the release. The sweetest thing Omar said before leaving he says “Really Esraa, I’ve been to many homes. Your family vibe is very special. Really special.” Looks at me seriously “I’m not just saying that, I mean it”. . Allah sometimes sends you reasons to come up from your underwater dive. To the surface. To float and keep swimming. He sends you reasons through sparks of light. Through good people with messages. His signs are everywhere. Stay afloat, keep swimming. . . #thecrew #omartartoob @elmastabatv #elmastabatv #theabudhabiexperience #abudhabilife #abudhabiblogger #saadiyatisland #saadiyatliving #abudhabilife #blackgirlmagic #multiracialfamily #biracialkids #sudanesemoms #sudanesekids #sudanesefamily #blackfamilygoals #blackfamilylove #abudhabibest #blackmuslim #blackmuslimahexcellence #sonshine #mysharif #expatmom #expatmum #expatfamily #abudhabiblogger #abudhabimoms #uaemombloggers #goodvibes #spontaneous
Sharif, This is for Daddy 🌊 🏊🏾♂️💗🙏🏽 . . Learning to solo parent. I find myself using daddy as a bargaining tool. An inspiration. Everytime we try to do activities he used to do with his dad he would refuse. Now I tell him “Let’s practice swimming so you can show daddy when he’s back”. From totally refusing the beach and pool now a small reminder that we are staying brave for daddy - is what’s keeping us a float. . These past two days the house felt a bit more empty, like my heart, like my promises to the children. It coincides with how busy Abdallah is there and the gaps of hours or days between our communication. . For daddy, we will keep afloat. Until next month. . . #floating #keepingafloat #myhearthurts #singleparenting #soloparenting #longdistancerelationship #longdistancelove #saadiyatisland #saadiyatliving #abudhabilife #abudhabibest #blackmuslim #blackmuslimahexcellence #multiracialfamily #biracialkids #sonshine #mysharif #expatmom #expatmum #expatfamily #abudhabiblogger #abudhabimoms #uaemombloggers #goodvibes
Walking Away 🌤👣🌊✨🌿 . . I feel like I over-did the whole keeping our home quiet & kids very clean. I noticed these past few weeks how much Sharif prefers calm & quiet environments. To the point where he is ready to walk away from any noise/crowds. He cannot do loud music in play areas. He would say “too loud”. Loves calm music anywhere and doesn’t like multiple people talking at once with a loud voice. He also, loves cleanliness he asks if I could please help “Sharif smell good!” Loves showers and baths. . That also extends to Fatima. She is very irritated by her siblings sounds loves drawing quietly and loves taking multiple showers a day. عقبال وفاء . . Routines help me stay sane. Keeping the house quiet is much easier (and noticeable) in our current smaller space. I am wondering if after we come out of this COVID-19 locked-down world, would I have created mini monsters. Would I be working on undoing this obsession with “calm” and “clean” environments. Would I regret it? . Anyone else notice their children during this year becoming a bit less tolerant to noise, crowds, sights & sounds? . *puts down phone, turns on zen music* . . #sensitive #overwhelmed #lovescalmness #calmness #zen #mysharif #mysonshine #abudhabikids #mysonshine #shineforever #myson #livetheroadlovethejourney #livingthelittlethings #abudhabiblogger #believeinyourself #abudhabikids #abudhabikidsactivities #homeschoollife #sudaneseamerican #blackboymagic #blackboyjoy #amplifymelanatedvoices #amplifyblackvoices #blackmuslimahexcellence #blackmuslims #expatfamily #expatlife #expatblogger #abudhabiblogger #positivevibes #happinessisachoice #ماشاءالله #ابني_حبيبي
I know my priorities ✨💐🌤 👑 . . My children are my priority. I am exhausted each day but it is a different kind of exhaustion. A “heart-full” exhaustion. I have been in a place where I was exhausted each day but empty. This is a very different feeling. Same body tirednsss, same headaches, same tears, but — my heart does not feel the same. . Once you tune into your heart you will know what is “the real deal”. Then you will stop fearing to give and give and give. When it is nurturing your heart and giving you immense joy, you will be less likely to be truly depleted. . I used to say I am giving from an empty vessel or going on E(empty). But, the reality is that feeling of heart-full-ness is what keeps on giving. It is my secret stash of E(energy). It is my secret stash that is unseen and beneath. That is what keeps me going. . If you will be exhausted anyway mama - then, be heart-full exhausted. . . #passionatelife #parentingwithlove #attachmentparenting #mysonshine #mysharif #honestlymothering #cupishalffull #givingfromtheheart #abudhabikids #abudhabifamily #exhaustedmama #exhaustedmommy #blackmuslimahexcellence #abudhabilife #abudhabimoms #blackboyjoy #biracialkids #multiracialfamily #multiracialkids #abudhabiblogger #expatmom #expatfamily #celebratelife #sudanese #livethelittlethings #positiveenergy #goodvibesonly
Happy Birthday #MySharif 💗🎈💐 . . I am in love. To the little boy who stole my heart. Who made me realize the strength I have within. To the boy who took me on an unexpected journey of breaking down walls built. To the boy who truly made me understand the true meaning of connection beyond words. . I am here. I am present. I am more conscious. I am less fearful of loving wholeheartedly. Because of you. . Wishing my baby boy a beautiful birthday and an awesome year ahead. . . #mysonshine #sonshine #ilovemyson #happybirthday #fiveyearsoldtoday #5yearsold #hesgrowinguptoofast #abudhabikids #abudhabifamily #abudhabilife #abudhabimoms #blackboymagic #blackboyjoy #biracialkids #multiracialfamily #multiracialkids #abudhabiblogger #expatmom #expatfamily #celebratelife #livethelittlethings #positiveenergy #goodvibesonly
Soaking in the Rays of the Mighty Majestic Sun ☀️✨🤍 . . I woke up all mixed up with my feelings. Sad? I glanced and saw Wafaa absolutely basking in the glow of the sun. I might have teared up a little. Are these tears? I thought... Will I be able to balance and stabilize the house to create this space where the children feel safe, positive and loved? Without him physically here. . In our household, a sun will set in a few days. It will slumber. It will dream of shining in blue Abu Dhabi skies. But, the sun will rise again. It always does. Blessed are the skies. Blessed are we with this temporary and seasonal and rhythmic sunsets. . Good Morning World. Who else here feels like their children are raising them? . . #goodmorninglove #goodmorningbeautiful #wafafi #wafaatima #mysharif #sunrise #sudaneseamerican #sudanesebritish #emirati #abudhabikids #abudhabikidsactivities #momlife #momswithcameras #candidchildhood #childhoodunpluggeduae #mixedbabies #biracialkids #biracialfamily #raiseyourvibration #amplifymelanatedvoices #blackmuslimahexcellence #blackmuslims #abudhabiblogger #expatfamily #expatmom #expatmum #expatkids #saadiyatliving #saadiyatisland
COVID-19: Devine Intervention for #MySharif ☀️🤍✨💐 . . We often talk about how terrible this year is, honestly it was, but it was also great. It was the thing that was needed for Sharif to come out of his shell. I cannot recollect anything from 2019. A ball of mess. airports, non stop traveling, loud events, ...c h a o s. Illnesses, finding a school, husbands last year of phd, and well tons of figuring out best therapy places for Sharif. Some of you watched that ball of mess in real-time. . It was also a year where I would leave the house at 7 am and come strolling in at 7 pm. Where Sharif’s broken spirit would greet me before I even made it to the house. At times I would find him outside the house with the nanny just waiting for me. Then I would have maximum 2 hours before he went to bed. In these 2 hours I try to pack in a nutritious meal, a calming warm bath, and a story from a far far away kingdom. In these 2 hours I would be doing compressions, icing, a bruised bleeding mothers heart. That was why I overdid the weekends and why I overdid the holidays. I overdosed on anything that would make the heart feel better. . Here we are in 2020. Here is Sharif looking straight at me all there and connected. He matured. He feels heard. He feels loved. He is crossing over from a toddler to a boy. Despite his speech not being all there, and once in a while his noticing that kids don’t understand him so he tends to do his own thing instead of keep trying—- despite that —- he’s alllllllllllllllll here. . In 2020 decided that I will stay still for a year. I’ll not move overseas. I’ll not live 40 minutes from work and school. I’ll not have a big space to maintain. I’ll live a simpler life so I can focus on a complex love. I’ll sing a simpler tune in this symphony of life. Sand on little hands and feet, salt on hair, and natural light. . 2020 despite its heartaches, was clear Devine intervention for Sharif. For that, I am thankful. For that, I am grateful. . . (📸 @tattoosandtacos ) . #devineintervention #youresodevine #mysonshine #shineforever #livetheroadlovethejourney #mysonshine #shineforever #amplifymelanatedvoices #blackboymagic #blackboyjoy #abudhabikids
#MySharif are you ready? I’ll be loving you through it all✨🌈☀️ . . No matter where you go. I love you. No matter what you do. I love you. No matter how many words you know. You know these three - “I love you”-. No matter how many tears you flow. I love you. . A transition is coming up soon. You will be going back to a semi-normal environment. You will make new friends. You will play. We are in the midst of a pandemic, but mommy is confident things will be okay. Your sister has been going to school for weeks seamlessly (Alhamdulilah). It’s now your turn darling. . I will be there to hold your hand through it all. Forever. I will be there to cheer you on. Forever. I will be there to hold you tight. Forever. I will be here long after they are all gone. Forever. . I got an email last night that your school’s gates will be open to receive your year group. You’ve been assigned a bubble of little friends. We will take it a day at a time and will continue to enjoy home learning. But, we know that interacting with little friends is very necessary for you. So go off my darling and be. . “Wishing Sharif lots of luck this week! انشاء الله He can do it!” . (📸: @tattoosandtacos “follow this UAE based photographer). . . #mysonshine #shineforever #myson #letstryagain #livetheroadlovethejourney #livingthelittlethings #simplepleasures #loveyourself #believeinyourself #abudhabikids #abudhabikidsactivities #homeschoollife #backtoschool2020 #sudanese #american #sudaneseamerican #blackboymagic #blackboyjoy #amplifymelanatedvoices #blackmuslimahexcellence #blackmuslims #expatfamily #expatlife #expatblogger #abudhabiblogger #positivevibes #happinessisachoice
S.k #mydairy #onemilionaudition #foryoupage #sk #apniyari #sksksksk #mybrokenheart #mysharif #followforfollowback #newpost #trending #instagood
SUNSETS 🌅🤍✨✨ . We fell into some sort of rhythm. A different kind of pace. A different kind of rhythm. A healthier one. A simpler one. . I try to daily take #mysharif and #wafaatima out to our new shared backyard & run up and down the shoreline. A shared backyard where the heavens leans in to kiss the earth. Where the sun & sky blends in with the turquoise blue sea. A hue that is so warm and familiar. Everyday is a new adventure and everyday we meet beautiful souls. . 📸: Sharif kept photobombing a gorgeous sunset photoshoot. That landed him a free photoshoot. Thank you Robert! @tattoosandtacos . #askandyoushallreceive #photographer #lovelife #liveyourbestlife #positivevibes #parentingwin #spreadlove #mysonshine #blabkboyjoy #celebratethesmallstuff #livetheroadlovethejourney #childhoodmemories abudhabikids #expatfamily #abudhabiblogger #momsofinstagram #abudhabikids #abudhabikidsactivities #abudhabimoms #abudhabifamily #expatmom #expatmum #expatfamily #expatlife #saadiyat #positivity #sabr #saadiyatliving
FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL 🤍✨✨ . This week was a nice ease into the school year. I tried to keep his schedule as close as possible to real school. Dressing in his uniform. Joining the google meets. Lunch time from a lunchbox. The whole nine yards. Even extra games to review last years curriculum. . As much as I think being in school is best, we benefitted from being home by having more speech therapy. His therapist is on high demand so when schools opened the morning slots opened back up. A total ✨Silver lining✨. So, we’ve been blessed. . At the end of the day, a loving home, and calming routine, good diet, therapy and lots of play will get us through these early years. . Congratulations to #mySharif on a FABULOUS first week of school. الله يحفظك حبيبي . . #blessed #speechdelay #speechtherapy #fs1 #redshirtingkindergarten #dailyrhythm #loveheals #abudhabilife #abudhabiinstagram #mysonshine #blackboymagic #blackboyjoy #biracialbabies #mybabyboyforever #abudhabikids #expatfamily #abudhabiblogger #momsofinstagram #livetheroadlovethejourney #saadiyat #positivity #sabr
EXHAUSTED // 🤍 . . Do I have it in me to persevere. Stay positive. Stay positive. Maybe, something will change. . People are out buying lunchboxes and colorful pencils. I am here totally anxious about what will the year bring and if I made the right decision. Wondering if at the end of the day, #mysharif will be told to leave school. . All the pieces aren’t clear. I am praying praying praying for an angel teacher to take my child under her wings (again). An advocate and a protector (again). It is a very difficult and lonely journey. . I really appreciate @childrenshousemontessori they were his number one advocates. He lived his best days in that school. I was heard. We were seen. Embraced. Loved. So whole. I’m now spit out in the real world. Spreadsheets and targets. So broken. . I’m tired. Normally, when we think about being tired, we think of physical reasons: lack of sleep, intense exercise, or long days of physical labor. We don’t think of tired being high intense emotions that depletes you. . Accepting where we are. Embracing the hurt. Moving on to put out best foot forward. . If you are in this journey, I’m here to listen. I’m always here to listen. . الرضا.. لاشك هو بابُ الله الأعظم، وجنة الدنيا، والراحة في اختيار الله عز وجل، بلا جزعٍ ولا وجع.. وعلنا أن نعلم أن جنة العباد في الدنيا هي الرضا؛ فبالرضا تكون السعادة والراحة، والسكينة والأمان. . . #acceptance #sen #advocatingforchildren #imtired #imexhausted #speechlanguagepathologist #speechpathology #speechandlanguagetherapy #reversiblehearingloss #ent #myson #mysonshine #abudhabischool #adek #abudhabilife #uae #abudhabikids #abudhabimoms #expatmom #expatfamily #homeschooling
#Surprise 📦! Alhamdulilah I found it! Dreame vs. Dyson🤍🤍🤍 . I am so joyful this evening! It’s exactly how I imagined it to be! I am obsessed with cleaning these days and I might have watched hundreds of YouTube reviews before I ended up knowing what’s best for our floor, family budget and style. The winner was the Dreame V9 or V10. It costs under AED 700 (the V9 design is AED 570!). This vacuum is a fierce competitor to the Dyson which costs about AED 2,000. . The quality & finishing between the two is the same. The Dyson specs leads a bit and the price of the Dreame prevails by a long shot (you save more than AED 1,100) . ▫️I loved how the Dreame V10 was “Apple-like” white and sleek to match our home gadgets. I’m not sure I love the purple, red & grey of the Dyson, but I would have lived with it. I used to own a bright colored Dyson before. ▫️At normal setting battery-life (60 minutes) is the same. It is a smaller space so all I need is around 20 minutes. ▫️The suction power, depending on design, either the same or better than older versions of Dyson (which is what I was looking into to make up for price difference). . I honestly was not ready to invest into a Dyson. Budget wise and what if I changed my mind it’s a steep price for someone moody like me. We used to own a Dyson before we moved here. We loved it but back in the day the Dyson was like a cannon ball. It’s much lighter now I’m sure. So, I made sure I got a lightweight! Dreame V10 (1.5 kg) is lighter weight than the new Dyson V11 (3.05 kg). . I am super excited I feel like I found a very very amazing deal! After 6 months with a busted vacuum this is such a breath of fresh air. . If you’re looking for a third option similar to Dreame and more compact research: Roidmi X20 that thing can mop too! . #mindfulshopping #mindfulspending #dreamev10 #xiaomi #xiaomivacuum @amazonae #amazondeals #cordlessvacuum #homecleaning #homecleaningproducts #النظافة_من_الإيمان #gratitudeattitude #conciousliving #debtfreejourney #mysharif #summertime #beachlife #mamshaalsaadiyat #mamsha #saadiyat #saadiyatisland #startingover #abudhabilife #familyof5 #abudhabifamily #abudhabikids #abudhabiblogger #uaemombloggers
#HomeSweetHome /// Positive Energy 🤍🎊💕 . At sunrise, tea & coffee are brewing and you hear soulful rhythms to uplift souls. At sunset, after our evening walks, the three are put to sleep and you hear beautiful recitations of al baqara playing. . I love everything about this space. It is literally like a nest. I care for it like it’s owned by my father. I got to know every single corner, every door handle, and every small screw. Because it is all there in one place. The energy of the space is easily manageable in one place. Even the children despite the transition shock are easy to manage. There’s a #dailyrhythm and flow to the day. Yesterday, after we walked in from the afternoon walk sharif took off his shoes, walked straight to the bathroom washed his hands and proceeded to his night routines. Abdallah and I had a moment of joy. . It will take us weeks to find a place for everything and let go of more things. I would say 30% of the things here will go. We just truly want to keep pieces that will bring joy, tell a story, and not over crowd our space. For example: This piano is the piano that was used for decades in Al Tawam hospital to uplift spirits of those in the waiting reception. It has a very uplifting feel. We love it. . It’s a journey. It’s a story. Here’s to many more years of simplicity. . . #sitalshai #sitalshay #tealover #coffeelover #sudanesedecor #everydaysudan #khartoum #omdurman #abudhabiblogger #saadiyatbeach #newwaysofseeing #gratitudeattitude #conciousliving #debtfreejourney #mysharif #summertime #beachlife #mamshaalsaadiyat #mamsha #saadiyat #saadiyatisland #startingover #abudhabilife #familyof5 #abudhabifamily #abudhabikids #abudhabiblogger #uaemombloggers
#letthembelittle // Is this (M)-Style? ما تتعقّدوا من المحل الجديد دا🌴🌊☀️ . I noticed everything Fatima & Wafaa wear here they say to me “mom is this M(name of compound) style”. I almost feel like it’s causing this interesting invisible pressure. I pause and say, “yea. That’s fine”. I ask of them the same thing I asked of them before - take care of hair, dress well, wear shoes when you go out. Somehow, now these asks are heard/felt differently. . Maybe, this place feels like the places we went to for staycations or when we ventured out of our nest in KCA? Maybe, the line of the indoor / outdoor shifted? Our outdoor there was still indoors. In the KCA villa #MySharif used to walk around without a top, or pants at times in our front yard. I could run out with a cup of tea dressed in Einstein hair. Fatima barefooted with splatters of baking batter on her t-shirt would climb the teepee or show up at the neighbors. Now, the balcony is outdoors outdoors. The house itself (until we install curtains) is outdoors outdoors. People can see your well lit indoors indoors. The compound is outdoors outdoors. You see random people driving up and running to the coast in full beach gear, only to be turned around by security a few minutes later. You’d wave at them hello & with your expression say “yup! we want to do that too, but soon insha’Allah”. . So, this week my goal is to bring back confidence & warmth. I just want to express to them - “We are here now and you are cute and I think the world of you. Don’t worry about if this is (M)-style. There is no such thing. Who made these rules. Be your self. Kind. Polite. Wear sandals or boots and lets go!” . Home sweet home my darlings. I will make this downsize a memorable experience and guide you to carry it in the most uplifting light. . . #beyoutiful #beyourself #beconfident #loveyoutothemoonandback #startingover #familylove #newbeginnings #abudhabimoms #newwaysofseeing #gratitudeattitude #conciousliving #debtfreejourney #summertime #beachlife #mamshaalsaadiyat #saadiyat #saadiyatisland #startingover #abudhabilife #familyof5 #abudhabifamily #abudhabikids #abudhabiblogger #uaemombloggers #sudanese #american #السعديات #ابوظبي
Motherhood // My Son-Shine ☀️ . I dream about sitting in peace. Free from expectations & noise. Adult time to hear myself think. Selfcare & Selflove - mantra. . You dream about feeling peace right between my arms. Free from worries. Quiet to hear my hear my heart beat. I’m loved - mantra. . #Mysharif you will not always fit perfectly in my arms. This is my special time with you. I made the decision that for now and especially through your early years I will be your safe haven. I made the decision especially for this stage of transitions to be there. That is why I cut down my life responsibilities. . My list next year looks like this: (1) Family first, then (2) work that stimulates me and grows me but most of all facilitates & supports my—— “family first” priority. . (📸: Second day in the apartment, he only wanted mommy). . #imlucky #mysonshine #myson #mysonismyworld #mysonmyson #newbeginnings #lovingyou #childhoodmemories #attachmentparenting #motheringittogether #abudhabimothers #abudhabifamily #abudhabimoms #uaemoms #expatfamily #expatlife #expatmom #abudhabikids #abudhabiblogger #abudhabibloggers #uaemombloggers #expatliving #saadiyat #saadiyatisland #uae #quarantinelife #mamshaalsaadiyat #mamsha #dailyrhythms
#MovingOn // Not Yet 🤍💓🤍 . You think you moved on when you made the decision, but life whispered “not yet”. You think you moved on when you threw away your souvenirs, t-shirts, and mismatched earrings, but life whispered “not yet”. You think you moved on when you got a moving company to haul all that’s left and you hovered over them to make sure they didn’t forget the pillow your grandfather slept on, but life whispered “not yet”. . Here we are now. Exhausted. WiFi-less. Supposed to be working but only connected to the world through a bit of smart phone data. Clearing up our old place, finding a home for things we cared about & cherished. In between worlds — life whispered “soon, you will be moving on”. . The reality of our “new beginning” is that it is still in progress. It wasn’t as straightforward as turning a page. . . (📸 @anastasiaaldaeva ) . #soonitwillallmakesense #lovingfamily #sentimentalvalue #movingontobetterthings #simplicityparenting #simplicityliving #simplelifestyle #jumpship #momandson #blackboyjoy #sudanese #mysharif #american #sudaneseamerican #4thofjulyweekend #movinghouse #abudhabikids #abudhabimoms #uaemombloggers #expatlife #expatmom #expatliving #exhausted
#NewBeginnings /// *Simple Living* ❤️ . Covid-19 lockdowns gave us time to re-think our life. Nights of anxiety of unknowns. A day in that space feels like a week. It became evident that we lead a highly active, not economical and super stressful lifestyle. We were just always doing things and always running around. Errands, parties, and tons of travel. So we decided to pay off our loans and start over- reset. . During the past couple of months we realized that we can’t buy happiness for our children, but we can try to practice daily gratitude by just cutting out the stressful fluff. Maybe next year I’ll write a post on “How Downsizing and Living Simple Has Transformed My Life” or a “ How Downsizing isn’t the Solution for a Family of Five”. . One box per person. Our photos, some books, plants and essentials. Less stimulation. Less “stuff” to tend to. Less space to clean. Less clutter and expired shampoo and lotion bottles. Letting go of the birds chirping and mango tree. Leaving behind the teepee. . Packing the car with us. The crew that grew close together through Covid-19. Moving to a space that literally has us committed to staying closer together. It’s bittersweet. As I’m typing this I hear Wafaa crying. Yesterday it was Fatima. This afternoon Sharif. Tomorrow it might be me. . Tomorrow is our big moving day. An apartment five minutes from work & school. A stone throw away from Abu Dhabi’s majestic turquoise waters. . Send us your positive prayers for this new chapter. It’s going to take me a while to slow down and get used to this new pace. . #simplicityparenting #debtfreeliving #simplelife #startingover #familylove #newbeginnings #newwaysofseeing #gratitudeattitude #conciousliving #debtfreejourney #mysharif #summertime #beachlife #mamshaalsaadiyat #mamsha #saadiyat #saadiyatisland #startingover #abudhabilife #familyof5 #abudhabifamily #abudhabikids #abudhabiblogger #uaemombloggers #sudanese #american
#BlueForSudan /// Sounds of Sudan 💓✊🏾♥️ . June 3rd, 2019 - The last day of Ramadan where hundreds of Sudanese were massacred at dawn. In their peaceful sittings. The best and brightest of our nation. Today we say شهدائنا ما ماتو، عايشين مع الثوار. Dear Child, One day you will grow up to know that you come from two nations. Both deeply wounded. You might feel hurt. You might feel lost. But, please mama... when you feel that, can you please close your eyes and go within. Do you hear the sounds of safety and comfort? Sounds of home. Do you imagine yourself drinking tea with a spoon, safe with your family, listening to uplifting sounds in beautiful Abu Dhabi? . Dear Child, you are mighty, you are beautiful. You are safe. You are free. Your lands will always await you. Always celebrate you. Come home. . . #sudanmassacre #sudanrevolts #sudanese_video #june3rd2019 #peacefulprotest #peaceandlove #knowwhoyouare #youarefree #youaremighty #youareloved #mysharif #fatooshi #madeehsudani #مديح_سوداني #شاي_بلبن #شاي #كرك
• #ramadan2020 • // No Where To Go 💓💓💓 . The great quarantine is the best thing that has ever happened to #MySharif . Both Fatima & Wafaa had a lot of family time growing up. Wafaa, had the most mommy and me time growing up. I stayed home for four and half years with her. Took her (and teddy) everywhere with me. Sharif got a grand total of 45 calendar days with me before I went back to work. Between nurseries and caregivers he saw us in evening and in our busy weekends (or super busy vacations). . Now, Here we are. All of us. All the time. Everyday. All day. He is healed from all the damages caused by the glorified busy-ness and separation from the source of his foundation. He is healed, I am healed, we are healed. . What a blessing. Sharifi, will you remember this? Will your heart and spirit remember us? . . #busyness #healingquarantine #quarantinestories #quarantineparenting #alhamdulillahforeverything❤️ #alhamdulillah #gratitudeattitude #ramadankids #quarantineramadan #expatfamily #expatliving #sudanese #americanmuslim #islamicpsychology #islamicparenting #blackmuslimahexcellence #expatmom #ihyaloveofdeen #muslimmom #muslimblogger #ramadanmubarak #ramadan_nights #ramadandecorations #رمضان_كريم #رمضان2020 #رمضان_يجمعنا #رمضان_2020
• #ramadan2020 [Day 4] 4/27 💗“Kid-Friendly & Modern - Responsibility” . . It’s supposed to feel magical, mysterious, deeply nurturing, and exciting. It’s supposed to feel like it’s nurturing your soul. So, I keep it kid-friendly & kid-centered. . When a person grows up in an environment where they are not shown by their role models “healthy love”. When they grow up there is a good chance they will struggle with love relationships or believe true love doesn’t exist. They’ll be the first to blurt out stuff like “these are Hollywood fairytales” or “thats fake love”. There’s a small percentage that awaken and re-learn how to love. . Just like that, I reflected on my experiences and why I didn’t seem to be in constant conflict with Islam. I think to myself what if spirituality was presented to me in a dry or traumatizing manner as a child by my role models. I would think just like the example above I would think that what my role model showcased is the truth ... I might have rejected not only the role models ways - but reject it all. Reject it despite this might be grounding or soul nurturing for me as a person. I might have been the first to blurt out “yea that does nothing for me” or “man that doesn’t exist”. There’s a small percentage that I might re-learn to connect with it, with ease. Releasing my role model voices, my Islamic teacher in 2 grade’s voice, my society’s voice... re-learning how beautiful it is when these dry non-tolerant voices quiet down. . Faith is supposed to be fit for the modern times. It’s supposed to bring humans together. It’s supposed to make your heart flutter deeply. It’s supposed to make you more tolerant and more kind. Supposed to expand not constrict your chest—- anything short from that.... you’d need to explore & dig deep to liberate yourself. . . #itikaftent #ramadan #ramadanquarantinelife #ramadankids #quarantineramadan #expatfamily #expatliving #sudanese #islamicpsychology #islamicparenting #blackmuslimahexcellence #expatmom #ihyaloveofdeen #mysharif #wafaatima #fatooshi #wafafi #muslimmom #muslimblogger #modestfashion #ramadanmubarak #diversity #ramadan_nights #ramadantent #رمضان_كريم #رمضان2020 #رمضان_يجمعنا #رمضان_2020
• #ramadan2020 [Day Two] 4/25 💗“Quarantining = Expat Ramadan Experience every year” . . The month of quarantining your(self) نفسك. Stillness & tranquility. The type of quarantining I experienced prior to this Holy month was very strange & unfamiliar. The type of quarantining I am experiencing now is my normal every year pace. I finally feel like this is familiar. . We used to prayed Taraweeh at home. We used to camp out at our tent each night. Very very very few Iftars. No extended family (the exist experience). Just our tiny lovely family. We used to, and now... we still do. It’s our norm this time of the year. . May this sense of normalcy last a little longer. This feeling of familiar. Coziness. Safety. Certainty. We are isolated each year this month. It was beautiful. It is beautiful. . . #itikaftent #ramadan #ramadanquarantinelife #ramadankids #quarantineramadan #expatfamily #expatliving #sudanese #islamicpsychology #islamicparenting #blackmuslimahexcellence #expatmom #ihyaloveofdeen #mysharif #wafaatima #fatooshi #wafafi #muslimmom #muslimblogger #modestfashion #ramadanmubarak #diversity #ramadan_nights #ramadantent #رمضان_كريم #رمضان2020 #رمضان_يجمعنا #رمضان_2020
• #ramadan2020 [Day One] 4/24 💗“Protected & Loved” . . She wrapped a beautiful turquoise scarf. Knowing she wanted to enter a zone. She picked up her beautiful new Holy book. She looked at each page carefully. Totally in love with the colorful pages. . It took me a few minutes to realize she was actually not reading. I remembered that unlike her sister, she cannot read this beautifully drawn calligraphy. She can barely recognizes Arabic letters. Yet, there she sat. Quietly. Carefully flipping through the pages. . Instead of coming up with an unattainable goal of having her read the whole Holy book. I always go for the experience. I always try to explain it in their language (which fits their personality). I turned to her and said: . “Wafaa, remember how you sometimes wake up in the middle of the night needing a little bit more light in your room?” . “yes mommy.” . “well, this magical book has light, I brought you and Fatima and Sharif one so you could place it in a shelf next to your bed for some extra light. annndd so you could enjoy looking through its colorful pages by day, and sleep cozy under its light by night.” . Wafaa smiled. She was excited. I could feel that the burden of her thinking that she needs to read, memorize or understand it in Arabic faded. It was replaced with the understanding that all she needs to do is - connect to the light (which comes naturally to her). . This is how I aim to raise my angels. Connection through heart and through light. The rest will come. Love supersedes it all. Love is the base of it all, so I will ground them with love first.... then the rest will come one day. ✨ . . #readingquran #ramadan #ramadanquarantinelife #ramadankids #quarantineramadan #expatfamily #expatliving #sudanese #blackmuslimahexcellence #expatmom #ihyaloveofdeen #mysharif #wafaatima #fatooshi #wafafi #muslimmom #muslimblogger #modestfashion #ramadanmubarak #diversity #ramadan_nights #ramadantent #itikaftent #رمضان_كريم #رمضان2020 #رمضان_يجمعنا #رمضان_2020
#Ramadan2020 /// True Spirit of Ramadan ✨💓🌙 . At some point in time, we experienced a feeling that there is something much greater than the world we see. Whether this feeling is inspired by a mystery of scientific research, the awe-inspiring view from a majestic mountaintop in Bulgaria, or the magical energy experienced in connecting with other humans. These moments are humbling. These moments are grounding. These feelings, moments and experiences formed the foundation of our family’s notion of spirituality. It’s driven by a deep heart-centered feeling. . One of the most beautiful aspects of spirituality is that it can be experienced differently by different people. For some people, spirituality is beautiful intertwined into a heavenly spiritual practice (ex: praying, meditation, quran, or fasting). Others seek out a more self designed connection with their spiritual side by engaging in activities such as yoga, spending time in nature or creative expression. Some, like us, it’s a combination of all the tools created for us to grow and flow. . Regardless of how you experience being present, connected, and aligned - What’s important is to recognize that it is not about the destination. It’s about your journey. . Please join us on our most beloved journey. Our most beloved month of the year. As we observe the very month that makes us feel present, connected & aligned. . Wishing you a wholesome Ramadan Kareem, from our family to yours. . . #ramadan #ramadanquarantine #ramadanquarantinelife #quarantineramadan #expatfamily #expatliving #sudanese #blackmuslimahexcellence #expatmom #ihyaloveofdeen #mysharif #wafaatima #fatooshi #wafafi #muslimmom #muslimblogger #modestfashion #ramadanmubarak #mixedbabies #mixedfamily #diversity #bwwm #ramadan_nights #ramadantent #itikaftent #رمضان_كريم #رمضان2020 #رمضان_يجمعنا #رمضان_2020
💔💗💫 Warmth & Love 💔💗💫 . While humans across the world are unleashing their creativity and developing new talents. We are unleashing perseverance. Unleashing patience. We are bracing for a pretty rough month ahead. . Whenever we pass by a rough patch, a طريق صحراوي, my mama always told me “ Good things will eventually always happen to good people.” I’m holding on to that candle. . (P.S. I was sitting journaling and noticed the silence that filled the room. Then I noticed the warmth that filled the room. Even #mysharif was playing and paused to notice the warmth and love). . اللهم إنّي أعوذ بك من الهمّ والحزن، والعجز والكسل، والبخل والجبن، وضلع الدّين، وغلبة الرّجال. . #thistooshallpass #expatfamily #crisis #patienceisavirtue #staygrounded #familyiseverything #abudhabikids #abudhabimoms #uaemombloggers #abudhabiblogger #لا_تشلون_هم #humansofjoy #flattenthecurve #covid19familyschedule #covid19homeschooling #covid19homeschool #coronahomeschool #quarantineandchill #quarantine #fromabudhabitotheworld #خليك_بالبيت #خللك_بالبيت #مخيم_كورونا #ملتزمون_ياوطن
#MySharif Always Smells So Good 💗💗💗💗 شروفي دائماً عبيره جميل. . This is absolutely, honest to God - realness. Sharoofi absolutely has a distinct aroma. This known aroma that is loved by my hubby and I, his teachers & beyond is - Cotton Touch. I tried many different brands over the years (including different Johnsons products), but nothing does it like Cotton Touch for me. It’s my most favorite baby smell! . It is very gentle (which I like) and contains real cotton. Very mild and is great for Sharif’s sensitive skin. I honestly tried different natural brands and either I don’t like the smell as much or he breaks out. . The Cotton Touch scent is genius honestly, it is distinct but mild and not overpowering -- best thing about it is that it lasts a long time. I always have a bottle of Cotton Touch lotion in the car to rub it on sharif’s legs and neck before dropping him off to school. . Love it! Next time you’re in a grocery store just pick it up to smell it. You’ll know exactly what mild scent I’m talking about. . Have you smelled it before? . #BeautifulScent #mybabyboy #bonding #cottontouch #Mymotherhood #JohnsonsAmbassadors #ChooseGentle @Johnsonsbabyarabia
Finding inspirations everywhere... Come see how Sharif turned inspiration to beautiful handbags! @shophq . . . . . . #sharif #sharif1827 #brightcolors #wearableart #fashionstyle #fashionaccessories #botd #itbag #designersofinstagram #designlover #embellishement #designdetails #styleguide #accessories #fashionpicoftheday #fashiongoals #womensfashion #mysharif #bagofinstagram designerofinstagram #spring2020 #springishere #likenoother #leatherhandbag #lifeofdesigner #satchel #leatheraccessories #streetfashion #leathergoods #butterflies #handpainted
Last weekend, we did the Dubai thing. In Burjaman mall (@itsburjuman ), third floor tucked away from the crowds is a mini adventure zone called @theedgeadventures . It’s a great place to bring the kids to play and split duties with another adult to go run errands in the mall. . Currently they opened the zip line, obstacle course, interactive climbing wall, and the ninja obstacle course. They are opening up more spaces for the shorties like #mysharif (he could do the climbing wall & ninja course). . Save this space because in a couple of months you’ll be looking for new indoor places to visit with the kids to keep them entertained (follow: #beattheheatuae ) . By the way side note, despite the place being fun and new and exciting... I don’t think it was the place that left an imprint in my heart and memory... it was definetly the staff. Especially the manager Olive (what a cutie!). I naturally remember people more than things. Thank you kind people and we will be back for hugs! . . #kindnessrocks #agegracefully #funwithmom #adventuretime #burjaman #burjumanmall #rememberwhoyouare #celebratelife #livethelittlethings #abudhabimoms #abudhabiblogger #worththedrive #expatlife #expatmom
How do you style your #Sharif ? Dress up or dress down you are sure to stand out in the crowd! . . . . . . #sharif #sharif1827 #brightcolors #wearableart #fashionstyle #fashionaccessories #botd #itbag #designlover #embellishement #designdetails #styleguide #accessories #fashionpicoftheday #fashiongoals #womensfashion #mysharif #bagofinstagram designerofinstagram #spring2020 #springishere #likenoother #leatherhandbag #lifeofdesigner #satchel #leatheraccessories #streetfashion #leathergoods #timelessfashion #standout
Friendship & Human Connection Knows No Language (Or Speech) 💕✨ماشاء الله، الصداقة و الانتماء لا يعرفان حدود اللغة، او اللهجة أو حدود صيغة الحديث . . When the parents are just kind and laid back, and their child reflects their beauty - It’s a beautiful alignment. Blessed to come across these beautiful families. . #MySharif is exploring diverse settings of play. He had a playdate with Mohammed, Omar and Ward. . Yesterday, P came over again. See, both #MySharif & P love imaginative play. One minute they’re in a jungle, next minute on they climbed on top of an iceberg... oh and watch out for that lava between the couches! Yesterday they went on a bear hunt & pretended to be two adults grocery shopping for the house. Thank you P for making my son smile. It’s been a rough week for us here with Speech therapy (I think we pushed him too hard), having a break of connection that doesn’t required working hard to communicate thoughts was what his soul needed. . This weekend I’ll let you be. I don’t care to correct you. I don’t care if you string single words into a sentence. Let’s just play. . . #mashallah #roughweek #sharpop #speechtherapy #speechpathology #speechlanguagepathologist #speechandlanguage #stuttering #friendship #abudhabikids #abudhabimoms #expatlife #expatfamily #expatblogger #expatmom #expattoddlers #abudhabiblogger #uaemombloggers #sudanese #australian #livethelittlethings
A post Valentine treat for yourself or your loved ones. What is better than an awesome #Sharifhandbags ? Catch Sharif @shophq tonight at 12am, 7am, 1pm EST on 2/20.❤️💋❤️ . . . . . . #sharif #sharif1827 #brightcolors #wearableart #fashionstyle #fashionaccessories #botd #itbag #designersofinstagram #designlover #embellishement #designdetails #styleguide #accessories #fashionpicoftheday #fashiongoals #womensfashion #mysharif #bagofinstagram #spring2020 #likenoother #leatherhandbag #lifeofdesigner #satchel #leatheraccessories #streetfashion #leathergoods #lionshead #lionknocker
Tag someone who loves butterflies🦋🦋🦋. . . . . . . #sharif #sharif1827 #brightcolors #wearableart #fashionstyle #fashionaccessories #botd #itbag #designersofinstagram #designlover #embellishement #designdetails #styleguide #accessories #fashionpicoftheday #fashiongoals #womensfashion #mysharif #bagofinstagram designerofinstagram #spring2020 #springishere #likenoother #leatherhandbag #lifeofdesigner #satchel #leatheraccessories #streetfashion #leathergoods #butterflies #handpainted
Dress up or dress down? Accessories that will complete the look. . . . . . . #sharif #sharif1827 #brightcolors #wearableart #fashionstyle #fashionaccessories #botd #itbag #designersofinstagram #designlover #embellishement #designdetails #styleguide #accessories #fashionpicoftheday #fashiongoals #womensfashion #mysharif #bagofinstagram designerofinstagram #spring2020 #springishere #likenoother #leatherhandbag #lifeofdesigner #pouch #leatheraccessories #streetfashion #leathergoods #snakeprint
Don't let #mondayblue get you down. Accessorize with fun bright colors to cheer you up! #mondaymotivation . . . . . . #sharif #sharif1827 #brightcolors #wearableart #fashionstyle #fashionaccessories #botd #itbag #designersofinstagram #designlover #embellishement #designdetails #styleguide #accessories #fashionpicoftheday #fashiongoals #womensfashion #mysharif #bagofinstagram designerofinstagram #spring2020 #springishere #likenoother #leatherhandbag #lifeofdesigner #pouch #leatheraccessories #streetfashion #leathergoods
Small yet mighty. Our popular Lion's Gate crossbody is coming back with more colors to choose from. Available @shophq . . . . . . #sharif #sharif1827 #statementpiece #wearableart #fashionstyle #fashionaccessories #botd #itbag #designersofinstagram #designlover #embellishement #designdetails #styleguide #accessories #fashionpicoftheday #fashiongoals #womensfashion #mysharif #bagofinstagram designerofinstagram #spring2020 #crossbody #springishere #likenoother #leatherhandbag #lifeofdesigner #lionsgate #lionknocker #leatheraccessories #streetfashion #leathergoods
Sneak Peek to our new Spring Collection! Who doesn't love butterflies? Beautiful & Colorful! Soon available @shophq . . . . . . #sharif #sharif1827 #handpainted #wearableart #fashionstyle #fashionaccessories #botd #itbag #designersofinstagram #designlover #embellishement #designdetails #styleguide #accessories #fashionpicoftheday #fashiongoals #womensfashion #mysharif #bagofinstagram designerofinstagram #spring2020 #drawstring #springishere #likenoother #leatherhandbag #lifeofdesigner #beastmode #butterflies #leatheraccessories #streetfashion #leathergoods
You made me dare the universe, dare the world. You made me the cheetah I am today ♥️💕#🇸🇩 خليتني أتحدّى الدنيا، أتحدّى العالم و أصبر. خليتني روحي مثل الفهد. يا دنيتي. . . This very particular week last year #mysharif started his first Speech & Language therapy session. It was the beginning of a very tough journey where it was only us who saw him for who he is becoming today. . Rising like the Sun. The way my son carries himself, his smiles, his confidence, his opinions are here to stay. Not only for me behind closed doors and behind cameras..but for the rest of humanity. . Hey world, I present to you my son. Closing the gap. Closing a chapter. . (📸 @abdeze from this morning’s drop-off. It’s international day. Abdallah dressed sharif like how he does when we go to Rufa’a in Sudan). . . #sudanese #sudani #cranleighabudhabi #cranleighschool #saadiyatisland #cranleigh #sudaneseamerican #blueforsudan #everydaysudan #blackmuslimahexcellence #blackgirlmagic #abudhabimoms #abudhabiblogger #abudhabibloggers #abudhabikids #dubaimoms #expatfamily #expatkids #abudhabilife #سوداني #سوداني_وافتخر #قادرية #أبوظبي #السعديات #ابني #انا_غير #كرانلي #كرانلي_أبوظبي
Friendships ♥️💕💗 #NothingButLove . . Most parents of toddlers or little kids totally forget that communication isn’t always about “words” & “grammar”. You could totally communicate with a few words and through play. Synergy. . Sharif made friends, but this one right here (Miss P) is a special one. She understands him as much as I understand his words. Her mom also is a super awesome woman who is so sweet. She isn’t one of these “omg let me hand select only children that are older and more advanced than my child so they could benefit from them”. Because, life isn’t all about taking advantage of others or scripting the lives of our children for our own agendas (masked as our kids agenda and we are only helping them achieve it). . Miss P’s mommy is just all about the heart-to-heart connection. She like me values good friendships. . We live in a multicultural country and your child might tomorrow like a French, Indian, Jordanian, Namibian, or Bolivian child. They might not speak the same language, but they can still be friends and communicate. . #MySharif is blessed this year. I am thankful the play dates we had last term and these ones. . . #blessedbeyondmeasure #speechandlanguage #communicationskills #playdatesarethebest #hisfriend #sharpop #cranleighabudhabi #abudhabikids #uaekids #abudhabimoms #abudhabiexpats #expatfamily #choosegentle #abudhabilife #momsofinstagram #hearttoheart #childhoodmemories #childhoodeveryday #loveofmylife
SHARE A QUOTE FOR THIS PARENTING MOMENT! 💕💗💕💗💕🛁. . They’re only little once. This moment of @abdeze and #mysharif is one of my most cherished father-son photos. . I love reading quotes, couldn’t find one for this! Share with me on the comment section below a quote that describes these gentle parenting moments. . Giveaway alert 🚨 For a chance to win a Johnson’s “choose gentle” Love basket with TONS OF PRODUCTS. You’ll be set for a few months! Here’s another crazy thing about the giveaway. I WILL DELIVER IT TO YOU. Here are the simple steps: 1- A quote (make sure to add the name of the author of the quote. Even if the author is you or anonymous) 2- tag a cherished gentle parenting moment with the following tag #choosegentle 3 - tag an inspiring parent 💗 💗💗💗💗💗 Deadline: January 31, 2020 #johnsonsambassadors @johnsonsbabyarabia #choosegentle #giveawayalert
“Daunt you love it?” @dauntbooks 🇬🇧 . . One of my most favorite bookstores. It’s so special. The children’s books section and the three floors of books from all over the globe neatly stacked. It looks and feels just like what a modern (yet traditional) bookstore should look/feel like. . #mysharif was feeling like home revisiting the places we visited daily last summer. . #marylebone #marylebonehighstreet #dauntbooks #dauntbookshop #readersofinstagram #london🇬🇧 #londonbookshops #abudhabiblogger #uaebloggers #abudhabiinstagram #celebrategoodtimes #abudhabiexpats #expatlife #expatmom #expatfamily #abudhabiblogger #uaemombloggers #uaebloggers
The holiday is here, so are our new collections, check them out on @shophq for a quick peek. Exciting new color and prints.
“Play with them for 7, teach them for 7, befriend them for 7”. On the slide with #mysharif connecting with my son in the language that makes the most sense to him right now: #play. I’ve got plenty of teaching time with my two girls, I enjoy this #playtime while I can. #fatherhood
Friendships & Childhood Memories 🎈 #playdates . This is rare. This was Sharif’s third playdate - ever. We do go to birthdays, or he tags along with his sisters when they get invited places. But, he has no friends his age. I tried to build a community for him, but I can’t seem to do a good job at it. . When a beautiful soul asked casually if sharif could please come over for a playdate with her son. I think I paused for a minute: “ #mysharif ? You actually requested only my sharif?”. . While it is common for others to go on playdates and hangout with family and have that type of social childhoods. Sharif comes home early from school, is with his nanny who takes him on walks or watches him play in the yard. He is without friends and family for most of his day, which translates into most of his life. While with his speech delay he needs the opposite as one speech therapist said “oh he’ll be fine, just expose him to play with children his age!”. Voila! As if that was sooo easy to do. Everyone is busy and has their routines. I work. I’m not sure what or how. When you look beyond the amazing glittery luxurious experience you will see the cracks. Heart cracks. This is the non-glamorous side of the amazing expat experience. . Since the day I arrived in this country— the only people who opened their homes and hearts were the local community (both from here or born & raised here). Surprisingly it wasn’t the American or expat community. It is as if they are aware of this journey. As if they could see the cracks. الغربة صعبة. You often hear mending statements that heal the cracks like “this home is your home الدار دارك" . Do you know what yesterday meant to me, to him, to us? It meant the world. Just a play date where he runs side by side Mansoori. Learning to play, live, laugh, and socialize. I wanted to document this, because this was a special day for a beloved and because it mended a cracked mother’s heart and because الدار لازم تبقى دار والقلب لازم ينشرح و الطفولة لازم تبقى مليئة بالذكريات الجميلة . . الله يحفظ أختً لي ادخلت السرور في قلب شريفي. . (📸: @lalgergawi ) . . #childhoodmemories #iacceptyou #expatfamily #lonelytogether
Bedtime Facial Massage 💗 #bondingtime . Here is a small window into our world at night. Right before he closes his eyes (when he’s realllllly sleepy) and after our bedtime story I learned different techniques to massage his cheeks, lips and facial muscles. . The Therapeutic Speech Massage (TSM) was developed by Dr. Elena Dyakova in 2003 as an intervention for speech therapy. While we might understand #mysharif , many strangers still cannot decode most of his words. This oral-facial and speech muscles enhanced his pronunciation. . While this might be helpful for upto very severe cases. I try everything evidence-based out there that is logical and has visible impact. I believe in the “why not try it” approach to anything natural out there to help make his speech better regardless of progress. I want to enhance it until he’s fully caught up (doesn’t need to repeat himself or have me translate his sentences to strangers). . For now, this is our bedtime routine and for right now, I love hearing him giggle and drift off to al barzakh relaxed and happy at night. . . If you have questions about TSM or need help learning it. I’m here for you. . . #therapeuticmassage #bondingwithbaby #parenting #sudanese #american #monsterpjs #bedtimeroutine #workingmomlife #workingmomstyle #workingmoms #workingmom #abudhabimoms #abudhabiblogger #abudhabibloggers #uaemombloggers #abudhabilife #abudhabischools #choices #uae #uaebloggers #uaelife #speechtherapy #speechpathologist #speechdelay #speechtherapyideas #speechandlanguage
Our Souls Grew More Radient and our Hearts Grew Closer Together. 🌱💗 #specialmoments . It was not planned. I removed you from the familiar. We discovered who we both are... when we are outside of the familiar. Together. I discovered aspects of my heart that I wasn’t aware of. You discovered aspects of your courage and depth that you weren’t aware of. Trusting strangers and our intuitions. We are infinitely changed together. These special moments will only be known to you... and me. . November 2019: Both Sharif and I made our first Umrah together. It was great team work. Many special moments. . What a special journey. . I fell in love with many. Including a renewed falling in love with my sharif. . . #umrahwithkids #theinvitation #solotravel #momsofinstagram #ihyaloveofdeen #mysharif #uaemombloggers #abudhabidhabiblogger #uae #expatmom #expatlife #expatliving #motherhood #love #inspiration #livethelittlethings #myeverydaymagic #abudhabiblogger #abudhabimom #uae #الأمارات #أبوظبي
Sonshine ☀️ . I see beauty in his eyes. I see heaven. I see London rainy days and prayers as I walk up and down Devonshire. I see nights of cuddles; bodies burning high with fever and lullaby’s sung low. I see living room furniture turned into forts, laughter and love. I see a single red balloon, a small hand holding it tight, a head resting on my chest sleeping. A single red balloon floating freely on the Ajman clear skies. I see tears shed alone, a silhouette sitting on a hospital bed waiting for good news. I hear good news. I live good weeks beyond those grey days. I see light. Finally. I see the sun, a never setting warm morning sunshine. I see you my sonshine. I love you, your warmth, your shine. . . #fouryearsold #myfouryearold #mysonshine #mysunshine #barefoot #mysharif #sharoofi #parentingtips #childhoodmemories #superheroes #sudanese #american #iwillalwaysloveyou #abudhabilife #sudanese #american #uaemombloggers #abudhabidhabiblogger #uae #expatmom #expatlife #expatliving #motherhood #love #inspiration #livethelittlethings #myeverydaymagic #abudhabiblogger #abudhabimom #uae #الأمارات #أبوظبي
🔥Look up & around. There is your answers. . When I come home defeated from my career growth trajectory. When I come home tired and just done. When I just feel like “what did I do for the past ten years”. When I walk one step forward and two steps back. When I recognize that I did not take opportunities served to me on golden platters due to fear or my huge value of loyalty (to entities I’m sure that could replace me in a second and don’t reciprocate). When I daydream about far away tea farms, then get snapped back into reality with an LSAT book on my lap. I wonder if I’m doing it wrong. I get a bit confused. . Then I look up. . I look up and look around and realize that I am blessed in so many other ways. . Then the rush of thoughts dissolve. The questions that were the tip of my dilemma iceberg melt away. Then I get into a state of calmness. A state of istighfar for being ungrateful. Followed by a state of gratitude. Then I get into a state of acceptance of where I am. . I would not replace this with anything. Not a doctorate degree. Not a big title. Not an interesting experience. This is what lasts. Everything else is temporary unless it grows you and contributes back to your family or being a great working mom role model. . This short clip will take you with me to one of these moments I looked up and was like—- Esraa, look at this! This is in and of itself a form of mercy and love. . If you’re one of these fabulous moms torn between the career driven with a fiery academic spirit and building a positive family culture (DM me, tag your friends, let’s chat). . وقليلٌ من عباديّ شكور. . #movingonquotes #gratitude #perfectionistproblems #workingmom #lsat #mysharif #alhamdulillah #loyaltyiseverything #desert #expatlife #expatfamily #alhamdulillah #familytradition #sudanese #american #iwillalwaysloveyou #abudhabilife #uaemombloggers #abudhabidhabiblogger #uae #expatmom #expatliving #motherhood #workingmom #livethelittlethings #myeverydaymagic #abudhabiblogger #abudhabimom #uae #الأمارات #أبوظبي
The creativity is in the design. Each #Sharif1827 bag is designed with heart and soul by Sharif. With inspiration from his travels around the world and his experience in the industry for 30 years, Sharif handbags are truly one of a kind. . . . . . . #sharif #sharif1827 #handbagdesign #luxuryhandbags #fashionstyle #fashionaccessories #pursedesign #itbag #designersofinstagram #designlover #newyorkdesigner #ootd #nycfashion #nycstyle #designdetails #styleguide #accessories #fashionpicoftheday #fashiongoals #womensfashion #botd #mysharif #motivationmonday #leatherhandbag #lifeofdesigner #handbagdesigner #mondaycommute #workit #powerthrough
The 8/8/8 rule ✨💕 . 8 hours x 3 parts of day = 24 hours. If I sleep for 8 hours, work for 8 hours and bond for 8 hours my life feels balanced. . I hope (and kind of!believe) that bonding with children for a block of at least one hour daily is healing. . I hope (and kind of believe) that family traditions leave an impression on children making them feel safe and cared for by their family. No matter how small the tradition is. Movies on the weekend cuddling on the couch or a scoop of ice cream after Jumuah prayers or a bedtime story. . Our capacities are different. Our styles are different. But, there’s only 24 hours in a day and that’s the same for all of us. Build in these consistent traditions & build in these screen free playful times. Look them in the eye and create these real connections and real memories. . . #letsplay #nothingbutlove #workingmomlife #workingmom #mysharif #wecanbuildit #sudanese #american #iwillalwaysloveyou #abudhabilife #curlynaturalhair #uaemombloggers #abudhabidhabiblogger #uae #expatmom #expatlife #expatliving #motherhood #love #inspiration #livethelittlethings #myeverydaymagic #abudhabiblogger #abudhabimom #uae #الأمارات #أبوظبي
• AM I HAPPY OR SAD ?• . 2016 I wrote a quick email to work saying I’ll be taking time off to care for a dependent. To care for #mysharif . I cared and worried a lot and carried it all within. Three surgeries, eight hospitalizations, endless doctor visits and lots of therapy here and abroad. . 2017 I was vague and careful not to share my worries or story with others because relatively my struggles were masked by my other blessings. Because it is not that big of a deal to some. I mean does he “only” have a speech delay? What else does he have? . 2018 Do you know how much “your” experiences, remedies, recommendations, and prayers helped me. I felt like sharing everything that worked because “you” like me might be searching for a lead, a clue, a direction. I became more okay with sharing. . 2019 this journey is coming to an end. I can see it. I saw it this week. I am happy. I am sad. I don’t know what to feel.... but I will allow myself to feel at peace that I really did all that I can do and what I was able to do was good enough. . . . #mysonismyworld #mysonshine #myson❤️ #healingvibrations #healingjourney #healinglight #yearsoflove #toddlersofinstagram #abudhabiblogger #abudhabimoms #uaemombloggers #abudhabikids
Simple yet powerful. . . . . . . #sharif #sharif1827 #happymonday #luxuryhandbags #hieroglyphics #fashionstyle #fashionaccessories #botd #itbag #designersofinstagram #designlover #embellishement #designdetails #styleguide #accessories #fashionpicoftheday #fashiongoals #womensfashion #mysharif #bagofinstagram designerofinstagram #smallyetmighty #crossbody #wearableart #likenoother #leatherhandbag #lifeofdesigner #handbagdesigner #leatheraccessories #streetfashion #leathergoods
Small bag makes Big statement. . . . . . . #sharif #sharif1827 #sassysaturday #luxuryhandbags #statement #fashionstyle #fashionaccessories #botd #itbag #designersofinstagram #designlover #embellishement #designdetails #styleguide #accessories #fashionpicoftheday #fashiongoals #womensfashion #mysharif #bagofinstagram designerofinstagram #crossbody #wearableart #likenoother #leatherhandbag #colorblock #handbagdesigner #leatheraccessories #streetfashion #leathergoods #weekendvibe
Unleash your inner beast😂 . . . . . #sharif #sharif1827 #luxuryhandbags #hieroglyphics #fashionstyle #fashionaccessories #botd #itbag #designersofinstagram #designlover #embellishement #designdetails #styleguide #accessories #fashionpicoftheday #fashiongoals #womensfashion #mysharif #bagofinstagram designerofinstagram #softandslouchy #drawstring #wearableart #likenoother #leatherhandbag #lifeofdesigner #beastmode #innerbeast #leatheraccessories #streetfashion #leathergoods