Masters

A few extra shots from my Iphone and mom's camera from Dawn's visit and Mother's Day in the Arboretum.

Today Tayeb became the youngest person to receive a Masters in Economics from BU (I heard rumors that a ten month old got his degree from Harvard last year, but I think his family donated one of the medical school buildings)

Here's Bibi on the megatron which induced the entire audience to "awe", all except Iman of course, who will expect Amine to get his PhD just so she will have a shot at participating next time.  We were lucky to have a nice crowd of family and friends who were able to come to Amine's graduation today including his sister Hanane all the way from Paris.

Asmaa and Yasmine

Yasmine, Hanane and Asmaa

Yasmine and Adnane

Katie, Sylvie and Hanane

These two clips show the infectious laughing of Iman and Tayeb.  I think it was from an interview on Actor's Studio that someone said their favorite sound was their child's laughter.  My answer would have been the sound of a crushed can kicked across the pavement or the

 lapping sound of tires on Rome's cobblestone streets until I heard Iman's giggle... it definitely tops my first two answers, love it.

Is it me, or does Bibi suddenly look like a toddler in these next two pictures?  A little boy has replaced my baby.

And last but not least, the Babies B rocking out to some Moroccan tunes.

Lilacs and Lilywhites give off a gentle scent

My favorite book to read to the kids, "In a Blue Room" gives me the title for this post.  Today we were in the Arboretum for Lilac Sunday and Mother's Day.  We went for brunch and then strolled through the Arboretum meeting up with Nick, Mike and Lisa, and Beau.  The babies took turns with cat naps and dog watching while the parents took in a perfect spring day.  I especially enjoyed sitting on the grassy banks with many other families.  Too often we stroll through the Arboretum without "copping a squat".  Today made me realize we need to stop and smell the lilacs and enjoy some picnics in our extended backyard.  The kids had their first experience walking on their own  in the crowds... Bibi was easily distracted, Iman kept up with our pace and Sylvie took off on her own sending Beau chasing after her on several occasions.  The only thing I would change is the use of sunblock, how after 36 years it hasn't gotten through my thick skull that I am a white girl, I don't know. 

Bibi "climbing" a tree

Sylvie enjoys a dip

kisses

Iman of the trees

I love their expressions... I definitely caught them in the act... what act I don't know

Mom and son

Mom and goofball son

Uncle Nick and flower child Bibi

Miss Thang

Trouble with a capital T

Baba and Iman

Sunny days... everything is A.O.K.

It was a perfect weekend in Boston, sunny and in the 80's, so we spent both days outside.  We went for a hike through the woods on Saturday and today we took a nice long stroll through the Arboretum.  Beau, Katie and Sylvie came over for a visit in the afternoon and the girls Christened the pool in our backyard.

mmm sun

Iman "milking" the water

Bibi explores yet another tight spot

Iman and I hiking through the woods

Sylvie had a blast in the pool

As promised some daytime walking that's a bit easier on the eyes.

lights, camera, action

I don't know if it's the artist/photographer in me, but lately I seem to only take photos when there is great natural light striking my subjects (Iman and Tayeb, obviously).  Next thing you know I will only be showing black and white images.  I think this is a gut reaction to my very disappointing dream the other day about grocery shopping.  I can't imagine my life has become so domesticated that I am grocery shopping in my dream... what happened to international spy mystery woman?  Anyway, until I carve out some me time for an art class, the kids and the blog will have to do for creative outlet.

OK, this shot is included to ask the question... is there baby hair gel and where can we get our hands on it?  Of course I have never used "product" for my own hair, so we may need some help.

Unlike photos, I take video whenever the kids are doing something new or cute and all my mad photography skills obviously do not translate to videography.  Last time I took video sideways, this time it's entirely too dark, but the kids seem to dig walking around after dinner.  Iman actually looks like she is breaking into a sprint in a few of these.  Hopefully, she will repeat this in the daytime so it might be seen a little better.

Unsolicited walking

  The babies had their one year well baby exams and we proceeded to leave their "stats" printouts at the docs office.  If memory serves, Tayeb was 20 lbs 11 oz and Iman was maybe 17.5 lbs?  I can't remember, it was a whole week ago.  I know we were told to try and bulk Iman up a bit.  I think the fact that they have both almost tripled their birth weight in one year is impressive, but I guess it doesn't work like that.  The babies and I are ready for spring, every day I look outside waiting for the sun and warmth, for a day that begs us to go outside and play.  Until then here are a few shots of the babes hanging in the living room.

Lions and tigers and bears oh my!

Checking out the backyard for kitties and squirrels.

Iman manages to hold four of these "gears" in one hand and then spends a half hour trying to repeat the feat.  I think she is going to be stubborn like her mama.

I love the innocent look away as she dives her entire fist into her snack trap in search of more goldfish.
This little top is tricky, requiring a quick turn to get it to light up and sing, both babes are trying to figure it out.

A friend of ours heard how much Iman enjoys texting on her daddy's blackberry.  He works in I.T. and was nice enough to bestow the babes with blackberrys... (or would it be blackberries like the fruit?) of their very own.  Of course Iman needs to hold both of them, somehow with two babies you need three of really great toys so Bibi still has at least one.

The whole family taking a lazy Saturday morning nap.

We took a trip up to my old stomping grounds in NH, it turned out to be a beautiful day and we enjoyed a nice walk through the wilderness.  It makes me look forward to hiking and camping with babes this summer, is that nuts?  Can we camp with babies?

 

The Babies B, jammin' while they eat

And the "piece de resistence", Iman started to do some unsolicited walking over the weekend.

Not to be left behind, Bibi saw his sister and decided to follow suit today.  Please ignore mommy brain videographer.  I am so used to taking pictures vertically and seem to forget that videos don't rotate so easily, so turn your heads and enjoy.

Today I called Bibi "Captain Hectic", I just love this clip of him getting that booty in the air and then his walk with reckless abandon... that's my boy!