Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium

After hearing many rave reviews, we decided to check out the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium during Riz's week off from work. Although we had already snagged memberships to the Botantical Gardens, Children's Museum and Aviary, we knew we would have to add the Zoo and Aquarium to our ever-growing list before even stepping foot inside.

I'm doing my best to pose for a darling mother-son photo, but Manu decides to keep it real and kick me in the face.

Manu spots a kitty. This is my "I'm smiling but I'm not sure I want you to be calling that kitty over here " face. Note the tension in my neck.

These two extra large kitties sure were amazing to watch but I was kinda nervous about their proximity to us .


Especially given that I could easily rest my arms on the fence that was supposed to keep us separated.


I'm usually not a fraidy cat (ha!) and I'm all about trying to recreate an open, natural habit, but it was lunch time. I also overheard someone say that they each eat about 10 pounds of food a day. Hmm. One twenty pound baby divided by two lions.... moving on.


This pretty kitty was behind a wall.


Too into his salmon lunch to even notice us.


Along with our furry friends there was of course the scaly, bumpy, creepy friends. This guy held so incredibly still I don't think Manu even noticed he was there.

Unfortunately, our camera's battery konked out on us by the time we made our way to the aquarium where we watched in awe as a pair of polar bears swim around and over us; twirling and turning sommersaults like they were light as can be. Super cool. Definitely have to make another trip back to capture that one.

Back at home, Manu was able to get up close and personal with a bear more his size (Thanks, Osman!).

Mmmmmango

If you know Manu, you know that he's very possessive when it comes to food. If it's in sight, it belongs to him. He's impatient too. There needs to be a constant stream of intake during mealtime. They only time he breaks is to guzzle his drink to cleanse his palette.
Last weekend, Grandpa Ejaz generously ( and I do mean generously because Grandpa Ejaz is also notorious for hoarding food) shared some juicy, ripe mangoes with Manu.

Of course he dove in without hesitation.

And then he spotted an onlooker (threat). "Hey you, over there! Yeah, I'm talking to you."

"I see you eyeing my mango!"

"Back off!"

"Don't mess."

Late Bloomers

I thought the irises I planted last fall would be a no-show this year. It seemed like they had already bloomed everywhere else. Turns out they were just taking their sweet time.

Tuesday

It's pouring here and it doesn't look like it's going to let up until the end of the week. Blah! I 'd much rather be watching the sunrise on top of Mt. Haleakala this morning.

We're thinking of going back to Hawaii this October sans baby. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is holding their annual meeting in Honolulu. That means the Riz's program will cover the majority of his expenses and I want in. I really want to go. I wonder if I wouldn't just be miserable without the little guy for an entire week. It's kinda a long time and just thinking about it makes me sad. Can I cure my blues with sunshine and powdery white sand?

I considered taking him along for about 30 seconds until I remembered what an undertaking it was getting to Maui for our honeymoon 6 years ago. Fly to Atlanta. Transfer. Fly to L.A. Transfer. Not so bad, so far but the little inset on the world map is deceiving. It appears that Hawaii would be a short flight from the coast of Cali; not so. That took another 7 hours. Assuming we all made it there in one piece there's also the 6 hour time difference to contend with. No, no and no.

I have a couple of months to mull it over and I'll be doing just that. I dunno. It could be nice...

XOXO

On Mothers' Day Morning Manu showered me with his hugs and slobbery open-mouth kisses.

It started off sweet enough


but then it turned into a game;


the "Bite Mommy's Face Off" game. My favorite.


That was enough for me, but he wasn't done yet. He decided that the couch needed some of his lovin too.

Goof ball.

Get Thee to a GAP

Gap is currently offering an EXTRA 40% off sale prices in-store which makes it the perfect time to stock up on spring and summer basics. We scored two bags full of great finds for next to nothing! Not sure how long this promotion will last, so RUN!

Sweet Zizas

Have you seen??? My crazy-talented Sis just started a blog of her own! Check out Sweet Zizas here. I must warn you, the chocolate content on this blog is not suitable for those who easily succumb to chewy ooey gooeyness.

Flying Solo

We're scheduled for our 12 month check-up this morning and this time I'm taking the Peanut by myself. Stinky shots. Wish us (me) luck.

If I Were a New Yorker

If I lived in the city, I'd being hitting up the Domino tag sale tomorrow. Although I'm still bummed about the closing of my favorite shelter mag, I'd feel a lot better if I could snatch up a a little piece of history. Items for sale are props from the magazine's photo shoots and range from $10-$400. I want.
Faheem, if you need a break from Step 1 studying, the address is 13 W 9th St. , Garden Apt. It's from 10-5pm but I'd get there super-early. Oh, and it's cash only. I'm just saying.

On This Day

It's fun to look back and see what we were doing at this time last year. Thanks to Picasa, our photos organized by date and time which makes doing that a cinch! On this day in 2008:

Good Morning, Son

The faces he greets me with after his morning nap:

Greek

Tonight's dinner recipe comes from Gourmet and The Best of Fine Cooking. It's one of my favorite combinations for the warm summer months (They're coming. I can feel it!).

Grilled Pita With Greek Salad
Gourmet | May 2007

Contrasting textures — crunchy salad and creamy chickpeas spread over freshly grilled pita — make this vegetarian meal something truly special. Yield: Makes 4 servings Active Time: 10 min Total Time: 10 min Ingredients 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled 1 small garlic clove, forced through a garlic press 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus additional oil for brushing 1 (19-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 tablespoon water 4 (6- to 8-inch) pocketless pita rounds 10 ounces Italian mixed salad (8 cups) 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (1/4 pound), halved 1 small cucumber, peeled if desired, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced crosswise 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved lengthwise 1/3 cup crumbled French or Greek feta (2 ounces) Special equipment: a well-seasoned large (2-burner) ridged grill pan (preferably cast-iron) Preparation Whisk together lemon juice, oregano, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, then add oil and whisk dressing until combined well. Purée 1 1/4 cups chickpeas, water, and 1/4 cup dressing in a food processor until almost smooth. Heat grill pan over high heat until smoking and lightly brush with oil, then grill pitas, 2 at a time, turning over once, until grill marks appear, about 2 minutes total per batch. Transfer to plates. Add salad greens, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, cheese, and remaining chickpeas to remaining dressing in bowl and toss to coat well. Spread some chickpea purée on each pita, then mound salad on top.

Spiced Yogurt Kebabs
Fine Cooking | Fall 2004

Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 cup plain yogurt
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic -- minced
2 scallions -- thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro -- coarsely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional)
1 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes
1 teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves -- cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
lemon wedges -- for serving

Directions:
Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, scallions, cilantro, coriander, cumin, ginger, allspice, turmeric (if using), chile flakes, salt, and pepper in a nonreactive dish or in a zip-top plastic bag. Toss the chicken in the marinade and allow it to marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes. (If you want to marinate it for longer--up to 6 hours is fine--refrigerate the chicken.)

Heat the broiler with the rack as close to the heat source as possible, or heat a gas grill, covered, to high. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers.

Broil or grill the kebabs, turning once, until golden on both sides and cooked through but still succulent, about 10 minutes total. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges, if you like.

It's My Party

Arman's First Birthday Part Two: Clubbin'

We decided to make the first party an intimate affair; just immediate family and close friends for a birthday luncheon at the Elmira Country Club.

We're so blessed to have the best family and friends who traveled to join us for the afternoon.

The Birthday Boy and his Aunt Medina

Soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. DuBois with Dad

I don't know how my parents did it. Look how many we are!

Aziza, Faheem and Sameena. Aren't they snazzy pants?

The gorgeous Trimarchi Family. Aunt S, Uncle Jeff and our favorite cousins!

The Buffalo Crew (and honorary uncle and aunts) Dennis, Teresa and Shortie.


Totally feeling the love from Mr. and Mrs. Piazza. They spent the entire day driving, just to see us.

Lovely Aunt Aziza fills our tummies with the most delicious treats. She pulled out all the stops for this occasion. She's so talented and ambitious. When I told her I wanted to do a cookie buffet for the favors, she was giddy. When I asked her for the names of the cookies so that I could make the labels for the jars, she sent me the following list:
"1. Buttery Pecan Cookies 2. Chocolate-dipped Orange Cookies 3. French
Chocolate Macaroons 4. Lemon Zest Shortbread 5. Brazilian Coffee Cookies"
Seriously? I told her those sounded really difficult and maybe she should consider chocolate chip, sugar, peanut butter. She said: "Have some faith". So I did. After all, it's Aziza.

This is what she delivered:French-chocolate macaroons


Beautiful and delicious!

Of course she also made the birthday cupcakes. We took her tried and true strawberries and cream cake recipe and modified it a bit. The result: vanilla cupcakes filled with strawberries topped with freshly whipped cream and fondant ladybugs. Yum!


We arranged them on the "cupcake tower" that Riz joyfully built without questioning or hesitation. False. Actually, I had to promise that this was THE cupcake tower that we'd continue to bring out year after year, birthday after birthday.


While I did my best to arrange the party around his schedule, I knew we would ultimately run into Manu's afternoon nap-time. He handled it like a champ and Uncle Faheem's shoulder provided the perfect resting spot until he caught a second wind.


They say you shouldn't make a big deal about a baby's first birthday because they won't remember a thing, but I'm glad it's documented. In the future, I'll show him these pictures as proof of my love when he decides that he hates me or wishes so and so's mom was his mom too. God, I'm not looking forward to that. For now, he's still my little baby and I'm wrapped around his tiny, chubby finger. I'd do absolutely anything for him (including being his horsey while he uses my pony-tail as reigns) and I'll continue to make a big deal whether he remembers or not.