Hadi, Lua & Layli

Layli turns 1 Year Old!!

2009-02-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

Look who turned 1 year old!!

On January 23rd Layli turned 1 year old. It's so hard to beleive it's been a year already. It seems like just a few days back we were bringing her home from the hospital in the middle of a snow storm and feeding her with a syringe. It's gone by so fast. But it has been amazing and we are so excited about watching her grow and change.

We decided to have a party for Layli and invited all her little friends. We sort of forgot that with her little friends would come all of their parents (of course, they were invited too!) and the party became pretty large pretty quickly. But it went great, and I think everyone had a good time. We did anyway.

Some of Layli's guests.....

Her cousin, Rumi

Her friend's Damien,

Rylan,

Zoe

Time for Birthday Cake!! We sung happy birthday and then the older kids helped to blow out the candles.

Layli enjoyed her cake but didn't make the mess we were hoping for. We wanted to get the famous 1st birthday cake all over the face shot. No such luck.

Now it's time to open presents. Yeah!! Layli was very interested in tearing the wrapping paper. She enjoyed all her gifts....Thanks everyone!!

Damien and Layli with their Dads!

Layli at 11 Months

2009-01-17T14:35:00.000-08:00

Layli is Eleven Months!!

I can hardly believe she will be one year old in a week. Where has the time gone?? She's doing great. Growing quickly and doing/saying new things daily.

We found an awesome deal on a ball pit and are so excited for Layli to play in it. She loves balls!

She loves to sort/move things from one basket to another (or just out and onto the floor). She's so much help when folding laundry.

You can tell that she's concentrating when she's sticking her tongue out.

Layli at 10 Months

2009-01-15T21:25:00.001-08:00

Wow, Ten Months Old!!

Layli is becoming more and more comfortable on her feet. She is becoming more confident and independent, not stuck to mom and dad quite as much as she was when she first learned to walk.

Layli loves spaghetti

My parents came to visit and brought their dog, Buddy. Our neice, Rumi, loved to go inside his kennel and play around.

Grandpa reading to Layli

Layli at 9 Months

2009-01-15T20:09:00.000-08:00

Nine Months Old

Time is going by so quickly. Layli is growing like a weed and changing everyday. Her little personality is coming out more and more. In her ninth month Layli learned all kinds of new things including how to walk and how to clap her hands. She also got her third tooth!

This was before she started walking on her own. She was still crawling, pulling herself up to stand and walking holding on to things. She would let go and try to stand on her own as well.

I had to put this one in here because this is how she would often sit. She'd sit on one leg folded underneath her with the other one up. It was really cute.

She figured out that she could take a few small steps after letting go of whatever she was holding. She would also stand up in the middle of the room.

Right before she started walking unaided, she would grab our fingers and pull us around so she could practice.

Back and forth and back and forth!

We went to visit our friends, the Eady's, in Cedar Rapids. Bahia (below) and Layli took a little ride on a car merry-go-round. Layli didn't quite know what to think but Bahia really loved it.

Unfortunately, I don't have photos of her when she really started walking on her own, only video.

Family Camping Trip

2009-01-15T19:42:00.000-08:00

The Great Outdoors!!!

When Layli was 8 months old we went on our second camping trip. Layli was big enough this time to crawl around and stand up holding on to things. She loved playing in the tent and around the campground. It was difficult to keep her from playing in the dirt!

Dad's 60th Birthday!

2008-11-23T20:41:00.000-08:00

SURPRISE!!

On Sept. 21, 2008 Lua's father turned 60. Because it was a "big" birthday, we decided we'd throw him a few surprises. All the kids, and their kids, flew/drove in Friday and early Saturday morning. Dad went to work Saturday morning as usual and when he got home, Mom asked him to go and get something from their bedroom (where we were all hiding) for her. The look of awe on his face was priceless, I'll never forget it. He was overjoyed. But that wasn't all.....that afternoon we got him out of the house for a game of golf with the boys and the ladies proceeded to get ready for the surprise party planned for that evening. He was totally clueless and just as shocked to see all his family and friends waiting for him when he arrived home. It was a wonderful weekend. Here are a few of the photos of the party.

The remainder of the weekend we sent together as a family.

All the current grandkids on the couch! ...one more is on the way!!!!

Family Photo

Layli at 7 Months

2008-11-23T20:05:00.000-08:00

Fun, funny and so darn cute!
At least we think so

Crib Play

Munch time!

Relax, read some books, etc, etc....

Layli at 6 months

2008-11-23T18:56:00.001-08:00

Layli's 6 Months Old!!

Time for a bath and then to bed. Tomorrow Layli's 6 months old. We can hardly believe it, she's growing so fast.

Layli's Six Month Birthday!!!!!!

Just hanging out one afternoon...

"Please excuse my snotty nose, I have a cold"

In Layli's 6th month, she accomplished soo much. She first started rocking on all fours, then crawling on her tummy, then pulling herself up to a standing position. Shortly after that, she was crawling on all fours and her tummy and going from crawling to sitting!! There's no stopping her now!

What color are those big beautiful eyes? And are they going to stay that way?

Family Reunion

2008-08-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

Reunion in Estes Park, CO

In July of 2008, we had a huge Maggiore Family reunion in Estes Park, Colorado. It was wonderful to see everyone in the family, many of whom we haven't seen for several years. Our immediate family came out a few days early to have our own little reunion before the larger family arrived. Here are a few photos of our time together.

Anisa (Nick and Becky's daughter)

Ethan (Nick and Becky's son)

Story time with Uncle Nick

Oldest cousin with youngest (for now)

We went for a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rumi (Gino and Khadijih's daughter) checking out a chipmunk

Sayler (Ian's daughter) on a fallen tree

Anisa and Sayler

Mom and Dad

Rumi with her rocks

Layli with her daddy

Layli with her Mama

Gino

Sayler was having a blast climbing the boulders

Becky with Ethan

Grandpa and Grandma with all their grandchildren

Layli at 5 Months

2008-07-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

Some cute ones of Layli in her 5th month!!

Sitting up like a champ!

Dreaming in her stroller

Not too happy

"Yeah, I got rolls. So, what's it to ya?"

Yummy toes

Malks-Jjumba Family Visit!!

2008-07-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

We're So Lucky

We were lucky enough to have a few more of our very close friends (family really) come to visit us from Canada. Jjumba is an old friend from our service in Haifa, Israel. It's been several years since we've been together and this was the first time we were able to meet his beautiful wife, Lara....great job Jjumba-she's amazing!

We had a lovely time just hanging out, playing games & enjoying everyone's company.

Jjumba & Lara

Layli had a wonderful time playing with Aunty Lara.

We also spent some time checking out area attractions. One afternoon we headed to The Cave of the Mounds. Here's a group photo in the cave.

Jjumba and Lara in the cave.

We were also privileged enough to be able to visit the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, IL. This was really great because it was the first visit to the Temple for Jjumba, Lara, and Layli.

Layli totally adored Uncle Jjumba.

Layli's First Food!

2008-07-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

Yum Yum!

Every time we sat down to eat, Layli would sit and watch our every bite. She'd follow the food from our plate to our mouth and back to our plate again. Hadi had given her a drink of water from his cup and from then on every time we had a glass of water she'd reach for it. She had also started to not sleep quite as well. So we decided it was time to try solid food. On June 16, just under Layli's 5 month mark, we gave her her first bite of "solid" food.....rice cereal.

Although she didn't give one of those really funny faces most babies seem to give, she wasn't quite sure what to think at first.

Let's try another bite.

Since she loved drinking from glasses, and was having a hard time with the spoon, her dad thought it was a good idea to try to have her "drink" her cereal.

Not bad....

"Arrggg, give me some more, Mama!!"

"Thanks, Ma."

Success!!!

Her first feeding was awesome and she continues to eat great!

Mato Family Visit

2008-06-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

Good Times

We're so excited to have our very close friends (family really), Jafred and Christina Mato, visit us with their beautiful baby boy, Fazal, who is 8 months old.

First, we just relaxed and let the kids get used to one another and the new faces.

Jafred with the kidos

There's the little man, Fazal.

Not sure what they're looking at, but it must be interesting.

Ahh, now they're getting more comfortable.

Visit to the Zoo!!!

Sunday was a perfect day to visit the zoo. We, together with Khadijih, Rumi, and our good friend, Michael, took a little trip to the local zoo.

Now they're good friends! As to be expected, of course.

Our good friend, Michael.

With a little help from Mom, Rumi had a good time feeding the goats.

Khadijih and Rumi.

Layli bird

Daddy with his little ducky.

Mama with her baby bird.

BBQ

We finished the day off with a Bar-B-Que over at Gino and Khadijih's house.
We couldn't end the evening without a few group photos.

The whole gang.

from left to right...Chen, Michael, Zach, Khadijih, Gino, Lua, Justin & Rumi, Christina, Hadi & Layli, Jafred & Fazal

The Papas

The Mamas

Yaganagi's & Mato's

Last, but definitely NOT least......The Babies!!!

Grandma's Here!!

2008-06-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

Grandma's Back!!!

We are so lucky to have Grandma come to visit us again. Here Grandma's playing with Layli, who is now 4 months old and starting to do many more fun things. She is reaching for things and can almost roll over on purpose.

Grandma's playing with both granddaughters here in Madison, Layli and Rumi (now 13 months).

Watch out, this one's going to be a handful!

Get 'em all excited just before bed with a good tickle attack!

Then attempt to calm them down with a story......

Yeah, Right!!

Trip to Iowa

2008-05-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hanging out with the Eady Family!

Bahia and Layli chillin while their parents prepare lunch. We're certain these two will be great friends, and cause plenty of mischief together.

Don't ya just want to squeeze her, what a face!

This is one of my personal favorites. What a cutie. Of course, I'm biased, but come on, how can you argue?

Time to enjoy that afternoon sun!!

Our good friend, Leila, with her beautiful daughter, Bahia.

We decided to take the girls on a little trip to visit a German Colony in Amana, Iowa. Nice, cute little place (and still functioning) to spend an afternoon. This was the first time Layli got to be outside for a considerable amount of time. Spring was finally on its way!

Layli at Two Months

2008-04-05T12:38:00.001-07:00

Layli Joon

We're working on building our muscles with...

Tummy Time!!!

"Please no more tummy time!!"

and sitting time!!

What do ya think? Does she take after Daddy?

Playing Angel

2008-03-21T14:43:00.001-07:00

Play Gym Fun!!!

Just a few smiley shots of Layli happily playing under her play gym.
And by playing I mean laying down smiling and cooing.

In the past few weeks she has really become more aware of her surroundings.
She's always checking out what's going on all around.

Although she has been smiling since birth,
she is now actually smiling in reaction to people and the things around her.

She also loves to talk and to be talked to!!

Sleeping Angel

2008-03-21T14:36:00.001-07:00

Sweet Dreams My Little Angel

These photos were just too cute to not share.

Layli's first few weeks

2008-02-29T15:39:00.000-08:00

Just a Glimpse

Mama and Layli just chillin'

Happy Valentine's Day...Grandma bought her her first v-day outfit

Her and Daddy love to take naps together

Someone's having a good dream

Hanging out under her play gym, soaking in the sun

Our first Ayyam-i-Ha as a family
Happy Ayyam-i-Ha!!!

Pinky Pals!

A few of the many friends/family who have come to visit Layli

Michael Vestlie came to the hospital to visit Layli. This is the first newborn he has ever held......Good Job Micky Moo!!

Her cousin Rumi is a regular!

Our good friends Leila, Nuri and their daughter, Bahia, came to visit when Layli was just over a week old.
We're certain Layli and Bahia will be good friends!

A friend of the family, Keith Kester, came to visit when she was just over 4 weeks.

Two becomes Three!!

2008-02-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

WELCOME LAYLI

On Wednesday January 23, 2008 Layli Hadi Yaganagi was born to the very proud parents of Lua and Hadi Yaganagi! She was a whoppin 8 pounds and 20 inches long.

The first face Layli saw while being brought into this world was her father's, Hadi.

Shortly after, the whole family was brought together.

We were very happy that Grandpa and Grandma (on Lua's side) were there for the birth of their 5th grandchild. And we can't wait for Layli to meet Grandpa and Grandma and Hadi's side.

We feel very lucky to have Lua's brother, Gino, his wife, Khadijih, and their daughter, Rumi living here in Madison as well. It's so nice to have family in the same city.

Here's..... Doi Gino

Doi and Aunty Khadijih

Doi, Aunty and cousin Rumi

Our 1st few days home

Some of the faces she makes are too cute/funny not to share.