tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50636377319912248902024-02-19T04:17:41.994-08:00Fabulous Muslim MamaRantings and ravings of a homebirthing, babywearing, cloth diapering, homeschooling, and otherwise rather crunchy Fabulous Muslim MamaUmm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063637731991224890.post-66109865376195757312010-07-14T11:55:00.001-07:002010-07-14T12:34:11.797-07:00No Mammogram for YOU!I went for an annual "check up" at the ob/gyn yesterday. Truly, I think it is a waste of time being that I am otherwise healthy, child-bearing, breastfeeding, and monogamous! I mean, really, what is there to screen for? Not to mention the fact that I am not a believer in most of what obstetrical medicine stands for - I birth my babies at home, for God's sake. <br /><br />But,I have a loving and well-meaning husband who happens to be an MD and who wants to see all his little ducks in a row before we leave for Saudi Arabia. <br /><br />So, at his behest, I go. The PA I saw, <a href="http://www.fwmg.org/medical-providers/providers/sheri-hyatt-pa/">Sheri Hyatt</a>, was great. She made me feel comfortable, or as comfortable as one can be in that position, and was very friendly and pleasant. <br /><br />But then came the history. . . this is always the hard part for me. <br />As she reads over the forms I've filled out, Sheri says "oh, so sorry to hear about your mom." Yes, mom passed away 12 years ago at the age of 45 of breast cancer. So then comes the big question: "At what age was she diagnosed?" <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />She was 33 at her first diagnosis, just 3 years older than I am today. I still remember clearly the day that she found out. SubhanAllah. . . the memory just flashed into my mind as I am writing this note. I was the age that my oldest son is now when my mother sat me down in the living room to tell me the news. My poor mom. A single mother fighting to raise her two daughters and fighting cancer. May she get justice in the afterlife for all the hardship she endured in this one. </span><br /><br />So, protocol for a first mammogram for a woman who has a first degree relative (mother, sister) diagnosed with breast cancer is to start mammogram screening 10 years before the age that the relative was diagnosed. That would make me 7 years LATE for my first mammogram. So, Ms. Hyatt kindly writes me a referral for a mammogram AND a breast ultrasound because it is notoriously difficult to read a mammogram of a lactating breast (and, yes, I am still breastfeeding - will it ever stop?). <br /><br />But now comes the tricky part. I call this morning to make an appointment for these procedures to be done before we leave (all duckies in a row, you know?). And am told that I cannot have EITHER procedure done! Ha! <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">No Mammogram for YOU, missy!</span> <br />The kind woman who answered the phone at the lab simply tells me, "We do not do mammograms on breastfeeding women". <br />"Oh, okay," I tell her, "That's why the doctor has also ordered a breast ultrasound. So we'll just schedule that one only for now." <br />"Okay, then, what is the diagnosis?" she asks.<br />"Diagnosis? I just told you that this was for screening only. "<br />"Insurance will not cover breast ultrasound without diagnosis. So, what is the problem you are having with your breasts?"<br />"Nothing! They are working just fine, but I would really like to be screened for breast cancer seeing as how my mother, who eventually died of the disease, was diagnosed at 33." <br />"Sorry, we don't do mammograms for women who are breastfeeding."<br /><br />So.... <span style="font-style: italic;">no mammogram for ME!!</span><br /><br />Really, it's okay. Allah is the best of helpers, and it is to Him I turn seeking protection for the diseases and evils of this world and punishment in the next. But, Jeez, what a screwy system we have here! There must be a better way.<br />It's like the poor patient of my husband's who couldn't come in for her follow-up visit because they can't afford the co-pay their insurance charges. . . Ah, but more on that for another day.Umm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063637731991224890.post-88693378100654730972010-06-12T10:21:00.000-07:002010-06-12T22:21:22.952-07:00NY Times - Veiling in AmericaI was interviewed for this article, and I think it came out well.<br />I hope everyone will check it out.<br />Front Page, Style Section, Sunday NYT.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/fashion/13veil.html?pagewanted=1&ref=style">Behind the Veil</a><br /><br /><br /></span>Umm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063637731991224890.post-5975038550519282552010-06-12T10:07:00.000-07:002010-06-12T10:08:00.642-07:00The Story of a Hippie Mom and an MD, and what they decided about VaccinationsOkay. . . so, what happened is this:<br />Once upon a time, one non-vaccinating home-birthing home-schooling hippie woman married an MD.. . . and that was the beginning. Now with each subsequent child the hippie mom pushed the vaccination compromise a bit further in her direction (delaying all vaccines with number one for about a year, only selectively<span class="text_exposed_hide">... <span class="text_exposed_link"><a onclick="'CSS.addClass($(">See More</a></span></span><span class="text_exposed_show"> vaccinating number two, and not vaccinating number three at all!). Everything was fine and good until the family found out they are moving to Saudi Arabia, where many of these eradicated diseases still exist. The MD put his foot down. "We must have this boy vaccinated before we move," he said. To which the hippie mom replied, "NOOOOO. . . I can't do it!" and cried big crocodile tears. To no avail. The MD had his mind made up. So the hippie mom, not fully ready to give in, began to do a full investigation. She read a couple of vaccination books (including The Vaccine Book, by Dr. Sears's son Dr. Sears) cover to cover, and finally came to the following decision.<br />Some vaccines are really really pointless (HepA, for example). Others are good for young children but virtually useless for the older child (HIB and Rotavirus, are two examples). But, two became clearly the stand-outs for useful vaccines that have proven efficacy, and diseases that are prevalent AND have high-mortality rates in the middle east.<br />So. . . drum roll please. . .<br />The baby of the hippie and the MD is getting vaccinated for Polio and DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis).<br /><br />And both the MD and the hippie mom can rest at peace.</span>Umm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063637731991224890.post-70310486509976517472010-04-30T21:41:00.001-07:002010-04-30T22:21:09.620-07:00Yes, I Am SeriousDear Speaks-Her-Mind-And-Runs,<br /><br />Running into you at the farmer's market last Wednesday was so unexpected - for both of us, I suppose. You hurled insult after insult at me in front of my young children, to all of which I calmly but firmly responded. I know that you were in a big hurry to leave, maybe because you didn't expect me to speak English when you decided to begin your barrage of verbal assaults, but left without giving me time to explain.<br /><br />Looking at my clothing and asking if I am "serious" is obviously not what you really meant to ask. I mean, look at me, do I look anything less than serious? I am serious. If I wasn't serious about my religion, and didn't hold it as close to my heart as I do, I certainly wouldn't be walking the streets of Fresno, California, covered head to toe. You see, to me, the way I dress is a symbol of who I am - a proud and strong Muslim woman. But, you didn't have time to hear me explain.<br /><br />Maybe what you meant to ask was <span style="font-style: italic;">why</span> I am dressed this way? Ah, now that is a question that I can actually answer. Muslim women cover their bodies and heads as an act of pure obedience to Allah, our creator - a symbol of piety, if you will. It is also a sign of the high place that women should hold in society - not lowered to the lewd and crude depths of objectivity. Much the same as Christian and Jewish women did up until the last hundred year or so - and some still do. Can you tell me what the blessed virgin Mary's hear looked like, or describe the shape of her hips? But, you didn't have time to hear me explain.<br /><br />You asked if I had ever heard of Jesus? Why, yes, actually, I have. The Qur'an talks extensively about Jesus and his blessed virgin mother, Mary, and of Jesus' singular message for mankind - to worship God and not associate partners with Him. Go and look for yourself in your Bible, and you will see. But, you didn't have time to hear me explain this either.<br /><br />You called me a crazy person. . . this one I'm not sure I can even address. Is it crazy to be passionate about the one thing in this life that will be there for you after you die - your faith? Is it crazy to openly express your faith in a "free country"? Or, is it crazy to randomly assault perfect strangers who are different from you? But, no, you didn't have time to hear me explain.<br /><br />Insult after insult you hurled at me, and my children are still asking what it was you wanted from us. . . so. . .what was it you wanted?<br />Did you need to get some grudge against Muslims off of your chest? Well, is your heart lighter today because of it?<br />Did you think that you could just make a comment and walk away because I wouldn't understand it anyways? Well, God, your Lord, hears you.<br />Did you think that I would be to passive and timid to answer you back? Well, God, your Lord, will hold you to account for every word that you utter. <br />Did you think that your crass attitude would cause me to open my heart to a personal savior? Try to look at Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) and his glorious example - he who would not even spurn the prostitute that his own followers wanted to expel from their meeting. What would Jesus do?<br /><br />Yes, truly, what <span style="font-style: italic;">would</span> Jesus do?Umm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063637731991224890.post-81930907310900667672010-04-30T21:37:00.000-07:002010-04-30T21:38:57.200-07:00Remember Allah is watching us<p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; line-height: normal;" align="left">I know, I know, it's cheesy. . . it's from an e-mail that has been floating around cyberspace for God knows how long, but it really struck a nerve with me tonight. . . maybe I need to hear it.<br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; line-height: normal;" align="center"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;" >Remember</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;" > Allah is watching us</span></b><br /></p><br />Several years ago an Imaam moved to London . He often took the bus from his home to the downtown area. Some weeks after he arrived, he had occasion to ride the same bus.<br />When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him twenty pence too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, you better give the twenty pence back. It would be wrong to keep it. Then he thought, oh forget it, it's only twenty pence. Who would worry about this little amount?<br />Anyway, the bus company already gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from Almighty Allah and keep quite.<br />When his stop came, the Imaam paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the twenty pence back to the driver and said "Here, you gave me too much change.<br /><br />The driver with a smile replied "Aren't you the new Imaam in this area? I have been thinking lately about going to worship at your mosque.<br /><br />I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change." When the Imaam stepped off the bus, his knees became weak and soft. He had to grab the nearest light pole and held for support, and looked up to the heavens and cried "Oh Allah, I almost sold Islam for twenty pence!"<br /><br />Remember, we may never see the impact our actions have on people.<br /><br />Sometimes we are the only knowledge of <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1272688153_1">Quran</span> someone will read, or the only Islam a non-Muslim will see. What we need to provide, <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1272688153_2">Insha Allah</span> is an example for others to see. Be careful and be honest everyday, because you never know who is watching your actions and judging you as a Muslim.Umm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063637731991224890.post-8630551775363330642009-10-22T11:55:00.000-07:002009-10-22T12:29:24.296-07:00Feeling all Homeschooly!Well. . . alhamdulillah (praise to Allah) we have finally filed with the state of California, and we are now OFFICIAL HOMESCHOOLERS! Yikes!<br />So, what does that mean, practically for our family?<br />Absolutely NOTHING! Yeah, you read it. . . nothing! We are not only officially homeschoolers now, we are officially Unschoolers (well, in my mind at least it's official)!<br />I have always leaned towards <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unschooling">unschooling</a>, and the more and more I read, the more I think that maybe, just maybe, and by the will of Allah the Most High, this unschooling thing can actually work!<br />The kids are learning and doing "schooly" stuff all the time. They have been interested in outer space, space exploration, and the moon for some time now. So we found this great book about the moon (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jump-Into-Science-Steve-Tomecek/dp/1426302509">Moon, by Steve Tomecek</a>), and the kids absolutely devoured it! And there was a little science experiment at the end - I totally skipped over it assuming the kids wouldn't be interested. Well, turns out that's the key! (uschooling at work here) They found the experiment while perusing the book by themselves and <span style="font-style: italic;">begged</span> me to do it with them!<br />The experiment itself involved dropping pebbles into a plate of flour to see how craters are made. They did that for a while, and then turned it into an experiment about what water does to flour in different quantities. . . ultimately a huge mess, but a lot of good <span style="font-style: italic;">educational</span> fun!<br />And then, last night, while waiting for Sayf to get ready for story time and bedtime, Omar and I were sitting on the bed and he starts counting. He's never been as fast as his brother with numbers, and I'm okay with that; I'm not pushing him. So when he started counting, I thought maybe he'd get to 30 and then get distracted. Nope. . . on and on he went until he reached 100! And then (this is the best part) he turns and looks at me with his big doe-eyes and says, "Mama, now I can count to one-hundwed!" He was so proud of himself, and I couldn't have been prouder. Not really for counting, but for his taking the innitiative and doing it all on his own! Allahu Akbar!<br />These are the moments I couldn't miss for the world! As a friend of mine who recently started homeschooling 4 of her 5 babies put it so beautifully: <span style="font-style: italic;">"No job, no money, no outside time to myself while my children sit at a desk all day and are herded from room to room can compare with watching their 'lightbulb' moments"</span>.<br />I am such a lucky mommy to get to share this experience with my kids.<br />Alhamdulillah!Umm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063637731991224890.post-91667956346078916022009-06-06T21:01:00.001-07:002009-06-06T21:01:38.427-07:00Baba AliMasha'Allah. . . <br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p2Clk5lNUdQ&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p2Clk5lNUdQ&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>Umm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063637731991224890.post-40973091732064117002009-06-02T16:11:00.001-07:002009-06-02T16:16:50.725-07:00Selling my Pocket DiapersAnyone interested??
<br />I gotta get these out of here in the next 2 weeks so I can move!
<br /><div style="width:480px;text-align:right;"><embed width="480" height="360" src="http://static.photobucket.com/flash/rss_slideshow.swf?rssFeed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeed713.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fww133%2Fummsayf%2Ffeed.rss" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" /><a href="http://photobucket.com/redirect/album?showShareLB=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_geturs.gif" style="border:none;" /></a><a href="http://s713.photobucket.com/albums/ww133/ummsayf/" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/share/icons/embed/btn_viewall.gif" style="border:none;" /></a></div>Umm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063637731991224890.post-23081867141382571622009-05-04T14:44:00.000-07:002009-05-04T14:48:18.929-07:00FREE ABAYAT!!<span style="font-style:italic;">Masha'Allah! This is a project authored by a dear sister I have known for some time. May Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala reward her abundantly! Below is a letter from her explaining the project. Contact me if you would like more information, insha'Allah!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Surah: Al-Fatiha<br /><br />بسم الله الرّحمن الرّحيم<br /><br />In the Name of Allah the Beneficent, the<br />Merciful<br /><br />يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ<br />يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلابِيبِهِنَّ ذَلِكَ أَدْنَى أَنْ يُعْرَفْنَ فَلا<br />يُؤْذَيْنَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُوراً رَحِيماً<br /><br />O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful [Quran, Surat al-Ahzaab 33:59]<br /><br />A wonderful group of sisters from the Middle East have decided to give every Muslimah they possibly can a new abaya for free. May Allah grant them Jennatul Firdous, Ameen! I personally know the sister who organized it, and she told me to mention to all the sisters that your financial position doesn't matter. Rich or poor, you can still benefit from this opportunity, especially our new convert/revert sisters and sisters who live in places where Abayat are hard to find.<br /><br />All abayat are brand new, black, and simple/plain (no designs at ALL). Don't let your size discourage you from ordering. We have up to XXXL sizes and if you're petite, we can send you the smallest size available & you can go to a seamstress to sew it to your size.<br /><br />Al7amdulillah - the sisters have collected money to help cover the shipping/handling costs in order to ship the abayat to sisters. However, these funds are quite limited. Therefore, we humbly request that anyone who can afford to cover the cost of shipping kindly do so. This will enable other sisters, who can't financially afford it, to receive a free abaya as well.<br /><br />If you're interested in receiving a free abaya, please comment here or contact me. (I'll also give you her private email through PM to be able to contact her directly):<br /><br />-Name<br /><br />-Address<br /><br />-Desired Abaya Size (measure your bust/hip/height) -- the best thing would be to send your exact measurements, rather than small, medium, or large<br /><br />-Also, indicate if you'll pay for the shipping costs<br /><br />-OPTIONAL: Let us know about yourself! How you heard about us? Languages you know? Wear hijab? Niqab? Khimar? Marital situation? Mommy? New to Islam? This will enable us to send you extra items if they're available (books about Islam, marriage in Islam, hijabs, niqabs, etc.) This info is optional! You do NOT have to include it to get a free abaya.<br /><br />--Please supply your email address so I can directly contact you Inshallah (this makes it a lot easier on everyone!)<br /><br /><br />All we ask is two things. First, that you make dua for us. Second, if you benefit from this please email us so we can keep going. Your words & encouragement let us know to continue this project. If we don't get any replies or benefits, then we'll try to find something else to do for the sake of Allah that will help our sisters.<br /><br />------------------------------------------------<br /><br />The Fine Print:<br /><br />*We ask that you do NOT order these abayat for a profit! Fear Allah! If you are going to sell these abayas, please do NOT order because we do NOT approve this. Of course we can't track who does this<br />but Allah is Al-Baseer (The One who sees everything) & His punishment is worse than anything we can do so please fear Allah and do NOT abuse these sister's kindness!<br /><br />*If you decide to pay shipping, this will be done by reimbursing us with a cashier's check, money order, or cash for the amount of $12 (twelve dollars) AFTER you have received the abaya.<br /><br />* Right now we are only able to ship to North America but if you are anywhere else in<br />the world, reply back & we'll see what we can do.<br /><br />*We accept no returns! If the abaya doesnt fit you, pass it along to a sister whom it does.<br /><br />***Last note*** This started as a small project with 5 extra Abayat to be donated. Alhamdulillah, 30 new abayat have been made and delivered around the US so far. Inshallah with more of a demand, the project will grow and many more Abayat will be given for free! So please send your requests, and we will do our best to meet the demand!<br /><br />Let's help our fellow sisters in Islam dress appropriately! Spread this message!<br /><br />Jazaki Allah Kheir everyone!<br />Peace :)Umm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063637731991224890.post-8544499578983750922009-03-01T16:46:00.000-08:002009-03-01T16:47:28.052-08:0025 random thoughts1. I am so happy to be a Muslim, Alhamdulillah(Thank God)<br />2. Althought I am overwhelmed at the awesome responsibility at times, I love my 3 boys.<br />3. My husband is the best partner for me in this world - I could never have imagined how much I could love him.<br />4. Facebook is so good for keeping in touch with old and new friends.<br />5. Facebook is also a great time waster!<br />6. I should be doing something else right now, in fact.<br />7. My baby sister has grown into an amazing woman, whom I admire and respect more and more all the time.<br />8. I love to sew, and feel like it makes me closer to my dear mother, who passed so many years ago.<br />9. I can never find enough time to keep up with my hobbies and reading.<br />10. I love public libraries -whether its quiet time for myself in there rummaging through random books (a rarity these days) or storytime with the kiddos!<br />11. My husband is from Morocco, and I can't wait to live there some day.<br />12. Why do I have such huge children? . . . hmmmm.<br />13. I wish more Muslim women would breastfeed through 2 years. Hope I can help some of them to meet that goal.<br />14. I am a hippie under my hijab! <br />15. I am so blessed to be a full-time mother and CEO of my family. :)<br />16. Allah has sent me such wonderful friends! Alhamdulillah.<br />17. I want to create a perfect cloth diaper . . .working on the pattern in my head day and night these days.<br />18. I hope to instill healthy eating habits in my kids for life.<br />19. Homeschooling is a hard and overwhelming task - and my kid's only in Kindegarden! HAHA!<br />20. May Allah help me to be a good mother, and make my children of His righteous servants. AMEEN!!!<br />21. May He help all of the Muslims all over the world - AMEEN!!!<br />22. So tired of cleaning up potty accidents. . . ugh!<br />23. Isn't there anything I can do to make there be more hours in the day?<br />24. I love the 2 hours I have to myself and with hubby after the kids go to bed! I wouldn't trade it for sleeping in in the morning - ever!<br />25. I love the tiny house we are living in - especially my garden in the back - and will have trouble leaving it when we move this summer. :(Umm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063637731991224890.post-21262696144876589862009-02-19T13:38:00.001-08:002009-02-19T13:38:40.638-08:00Love Your Wife as Prophet Mohammed Loved His<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/q3kH6zv2s0U&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/q3kH6zv2s0U&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Umm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063637731991224890.post-53036870554874727342009-02-04T15:34:00.000-08:002009-02-04T16:14:40.263-08:00To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate. . .What to do, what to do?<br /><br />I have really been up and down the vaccination debate, and I just can't make a decision about what to do for dear baby boy #3.<br /><br />With my first baby, I vaccinated, but delayed everything by about 6 months. I also opted to forgo the chicken pox vaccine <em>(it just seems ridiculous - more later)</em>, but my baby was given it without my consent by a "well intending" doctor.<br /><br />With #2, I did the same thing, but this time he really didn't get the Chicken Pox vaccine, and now these two are finished with their vaccinations until boosters in a couple of years, insha'Allah.<br />But, now we come to the question of baby A and what to do this time around. See, my research has evolved about vaccines. I always was on the fence about them and have never been really 100% convinced of their usefulness. There are all kinds of reports about the declining incidence of diseases regardless of vaccination rates of the populations; many times it is simply advances in general hygiene that have lead to the declining rates of disease. Polio is a great example, as is whooping cough, the latter of which declined similarly in the UK as in the US in the same years, when the UK was not yet vaccinating! So. . . at least there is some doubt in my mind.<br /><br />However, do I go all the way to the other extreme and believe that all vaccines are harmful and that it is a huge corporate conspiracy to dumb us down and make money at the same time??? Not really. I guess I stand somewhere in the middle. . .<br />scratching my head wondering what in the world to do about it!<br />Ya Allah...<br /><br />Honestly, if it weren't for the fact that my husband is in the medical field (and, therefore, thoroughly convinced of the usefulness and necessity of childhood vaccination) AND the fact that we do travel to third-world countries where the incidence of SCARY childhood diseases is much higher than in the US and the sanitation poorer <em>(more on this later)</em>, I probably wouldn't vaccinate for <em>anything at all!</em><br /><br />While I know that many medical advances are nothing short of a great blessing from our Lord, I believe that medicine has gone too far in many areas - Obstetrics has taken over Midwifery, for example, when it should have remained reserved for those few special cases where it was the only way to save a mother and baby. And, in the area of vaccination, I do believe we have gone too far as well. Chicken Pox is a great example of my belief - why in the world are we now vaccinating for this disease? I remember when everyone understood that the best immunity to this disease, and the only immunity to last a lifetime, came from catching it and suffering through. Complications from Chicken Pox are rare; it is not something we are hoping to eradicate; and so instead of the fast burning (and possibly immune strengthening) disease of chicken pox, we are getting all of the risks associated with vaccines, PLUS, we are now ending up with adolescents (who are less likely to be up on their booster shots) getting more serious cases of the disease when their immunity wears off, and, worse yet, getting cases of shingles, a much more serious disease.<br /><br />And so it is with other diseases that we commonly vaccinate for - like MMR. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, are all diseases that rarely develop serious complications, yet the risks from the vaccinations are great. Not to mention the doubt of the efficacy of the vaccine itself.<br /><br />So . . . what to do?<br />Foremost and ultimately, I depend on Allah, the most high. I know that whatever befalls my children, be it diseases I haven't vaccinated for, or complications from the vaccines themselves, has been decreed by Allah. May He protect us and all of the world's children - Ameen.<br />But, for now, a decision has to be made.<br />I could probably forgo most vaccinations - possibly even convince my hubby as well - but which ones do I deem necessary? We are planning to travel this summer, and I don't want to expose baby A to something that he wouldn't normally be exposed to here, or in a place with better sanitation. But, I also want to avoid as many vaccines as possible.<br /><br />Please comment, sisters. Let me know what you all have done with your own children. . . what have you discovered amid all of the conflicting information out there?Umm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063637731991224890.post-8339282654352550772009-02-04T15:25:00.000-08:002009-02-04T15:34:38.247-08:00Changing our Beliefs<em>"The path of least resistance and least trouble is a mental rut already made. It requires troublesome work to undertake the alternation of old beliefs. Self-conceit often regards it as a sign of weakness to admit that a belief to which we have once committed ourselves is wrong. We get so identified with an idea that it is literally a "pet" notion and we rise to its defense and stop our eyes and ears to anything different": <strong>John Dewey</strong></em><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>How true!!</em></strong>Umm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063637731991224890.post-48328255854117033342009-01-26T11:04:00.000-08:002009-01-26T11:31:47.687-08:00Happy Baby, Guilty Mommy<div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Okay, so I finally have a baby who sleeps well in his swing, sleeps long stretches at night, loooooves to have his diaper changed (instead of screaming through it each time), and is generally happy and not very needy, and guess what?</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><em><strong>I'm stressing out about it!</strong></em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I know, you'd think I'd lost my mind (almost anyways), but really, I keep thinking:</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><em>Is A getting enough love?</em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><em>Am I as attached to him as I was with my other two boys who demanded I carry them almost constantly and hated their swings and bouncy chairs?</em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><em>Shouldn't I be carrying him more?</em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I know, I'm nuts! I should just be grateful (and I am - Thank God!), but I can't help but worry a bit.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">You have to know, of course, that attachement parenting in general, and specifically baby wearing have been two of my passions as a mother. I believe to the core of my being that responding to our infants needs is not only good for baby, but best for Mom, too. Not to mention the entire family, and thus the communtiy which is built up of families! Attachment parenting is basically the philosophy that by being attached to their mothers and/or caregivers as much as possible at a young age, infants will thrive and develop their own sense of autonomy later in life - and ultimately be more independent children and adults. <em>(for more information about attachement parenting see <a href="http://www.askdrsears.com/">http://www.askdrsears.com/</a>, one among many great sites on the subject)</em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Much of what has been written about "attachment parenting" has been written by non-muslims from a very secular (and thus, by definition, anti-Islamic) perspective. I have read the bulk of the most popular books out there on the subject, and that, combined with my humble knowledge of our beutiful and perfect religion of Islam, has lead me to believe that not only is this the best way to raise my children, but that it is the most Islamic way as well. Our beloved Prophet, may God's peace and blessings be upon him, was himself nothing but kind and gentle to children. I always have in my mind that famous hadeeth wherein he allowed his beloved grandsons Hassan and Housain to play on his back while he was in prostration. In <em>sujud</em>!! In the most intimate position and place a person can be in - when he is closest to his lord - our Prophet, peace be upon him, allowed these two boys to play on his back. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">There are many other examples of such an attitude toward children, especially in their earliest years, that lead me to conclude that responding to our children with love is from the most natural ways of being and parenting.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">But back to my point . . . </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">So I look over and see my sweet 2-month-old baby peacefully looking at the world around him from the seat of his swing, and I think . . . <em>oh, no, he's alone. I'm not attached!</em> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Of course, I know I am attached. . .</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I love him; I know him well; I feel as though he is a part of me and I respond to his every need just as I did with my two older boys. I even wear him the majority of the time (he is on my back fast asleep as I type this).</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">But somehow, I feel guilty that he is so happy without me. . . </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295686930748724898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikPZG3sKlJQ5tHvzFeRGVbvVh7fw-UgdzLfMnlp9kRzWsTSC6IlPP7Vo-AvLuStcMmOjF9gbX9LJ022UjKUerCykbWKV_Q4NVaplnwKHRKhfIbIUPzajp-8xXFmvt_JU_09JaoxdEysF1/s320/first+smiles.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><strong><em>Am I crazy?</em></strong> </p>Umm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063637731991224890.post-74959786778904964912009-01-20T10:25:00.000-08:002009-01-20T10:48:52.590-08:00Fabulous. . . getting started.<div>Assalaamu Ala man it Taba'il Huda</div><div>Peace be upon those who follow true guidance.</div><div>Well, here goes. . .I would just love to get this blog going with something wonderfully inspiring. . . but waiting for inspiration is too hard, so we'll just start with some pics of the boys.</div><div> </div><div>This one is A's first close-up. . . gotta love the chubb!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfK1I71Cl5n3mZHTZtl578JB3CEN-MqeDAYf-_t-HUmIw3WYfwtZIEfs5rwoATz-m7YzCiHC2PrBDOPOyn2hG8-9tJe65halrkoLi1Gy16My822LfvSQA4HfWiMstmEoLU7P99Ao5kMbg/s1600-h/Ahmed's+close-up2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293444563343446546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfK1I71Cl5n3mZHTZtl578JB3CEN-MqeDAYf-_t-HUmIw3WYfwtZIEfs5rwoATz-m7YzCiHC2PrBDOPOyn2hG8-9tJe65halrkoLi1Gy16My822LfvSQA4HfWiMstmEoLU7P99Ao5kMbg/s320/Ahmed's+close-up2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>Next is S (my 5 1/2 year old) holding the baby in the sling. . .they learn from Mommy! :)</p><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293446565133062290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BEGtLAFcp5p1WQs7dIDamRQH29VvDNcyGZmB0P9qPj_pJ3W55AyEsTWmb0pt9kCVaVt2de5s0DGaK4EYwUv9x_NvYMuhayk9nmtg4fdd8kZ4klYiLjrSHorzw6edCwo6xdWIb0Cqkoo2/s320/Sayf+and+Ahmed+in+Sling+sitting+e-.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p>This one is O (my 3-year-old) loving the baby! </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293447839688881890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcycPwhxw7aWnKGE-0DOix4fX1DPArIkQprJUgAKyVeIW8EAXHbHndiKl43DXxdU5venORklyAGKh_C1EEM3x-oJyJM4OY_Tari2iZObk_lTXH18GcvqdNgynZL_O1rvMrYXZI6QpzJYz/s320/omar+and+ahmed+e-.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>It's all baby these days! Masha'Allah.</p>Umm Sayfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08528412509402066442noreply@blogger.com1