Thxgiving / Akash's post

After taking a two year sabbatical from the Amin blog, Akash came out of the wood-work to delivery his last posting by stating prophetically to Atl that “We comin. . . ” Very impressive Aku. Either way, look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Puja & Vinod

thanksgiving

Puja, Vinod, and most importantly Akash are in South Carolina visiting the parentals for Thanksgiving. On Friday we are heading out west soooooooo... look Atl, we comin, Akash is comin~!!!!!

Baby Shower Photos

Parth's mom coordinated a baby shower for us on 9/27/09. It was held at Bombay Cafe, one of my and Parth's favorite Indian restaurants. We had a great time and were happy to hang out with so many family and friends all in one place and prior to 12/4/09.

PS - Wearing a saree while being pregnant is not fun!


Copy and Paste each link into a new internet page/browser to view:

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Introducing: Aviana Rajan Owings

Hey everyone! It's been a while since I've updated - so I'd thought I'd send out a quick photo of Aviana at about 3 weeks. She's almost 5 weeks now, and has grown a ton! I just haven't had a chance to take any good photo's of her in the past two weeks - I'll get Justin on top of that.

1st I'd like to say CONGRATULATIONS to Neepa and Manish :) - I am super excited for the both of you and I can't wait till the new bundle of joy arrives.

Things so far with Avi have been good - she is a pretty good baby :) - not colicky and sleeps pretty well. I have to say though - I have a new found respect for all you mom's out there. This is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. Shaila - how the heck do you have FOUR children. I definitely need to have a conversation with you soon - I need to know your secret.

Thanks EVERYONE for the calls, gifts, support, etc. etc. I haven't gotten around to calling everyone back or even writing thank you card, but please know I feel extremely lucky to have such a supporting and loving family!

-Sonal

REPOST: BLOGGING TIPS

Hey all - I think it is time to reintroduce everyone on how to blog! I've been getting emails from various folks on things that they have been up to, things to add to the blog, etc. Unfortunately, I don't have time to keep up with everyone's posts - so please try to learn to post things yourself!That would be a great help to me, and get things posted timely. I love getting the emails on what you all have been up to, but with everything I'm doing at the moment, I just don't have the time to post things for you. Help with posting for birthdays, etc, would be GREATLY appreciated. I will definitely help if you have trouble posting, but I can't be the sole poster for this information any longer.

Below is the information from long ago on how to post:

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It's funny that I'm writing "tips" considering this is the first blog I've particpated on. If you "blog gurus" (i.e. Justin) have additional tips, please advise! My tips are very basic and will help with getting started.

To become listed as a "contributor" to this blog, you will need to log in with a username (email address) and password. I used my gmail account address and password, I'm not sure if you have to have a gmail address or if any email address works? Maybe someone else knows??

Once a contributor, your name will be listed on the right panel. You'll also be able to create new posts and make edits to other items on the right panel (e.g. Birthdays), but you'll need to be logged in to do so.

Once you log in, you can Post but clicking on the "Posting Tab" on the left hand side of the screen. From there, you have the option of "New Post" or "Edit Posts." Click on "New Post" and you should be able to see a box where you can type a message - just like any Word Processing program.

If you want to put in a picture into your post, there is a button along the top of the screen where you type your message right next to the abc check mark button. Click on that and follow the instructions to upload an image.

After you finish typing your message, click on "Publish Post" on the bottom left of the screen - it is an orange button.

OK - I hope this helps each of you post messages!!

Love,

Sonal

Family Updates?

I know everyone is busy, but please provide updates!! ;o)

+1 to the Count of Patel GIRLS!!!

YES, we are having a precious little GIRL!!! Parth and I found out the exciting news this past Tuesday. We were beyond anxious up until this point. Let the shopping begin!

Project AminOwings Blog!

Hey all,

I've started an "AminOwings" blog to update folks on the progress of baby AminOwings. I've linked to the site on the right as well if any of you are interested! http://www.aminowings.blogspot.com/

We've got a bit over 4 weeks before baby is supposed to arrive! We're very excited to introduce her to everyone!

Love,
Sonal

Happy Birthday Shaila!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAILA!!

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Shaila! Happy birthday to you!!!!!!!!

Hope you have a WONDERFUL day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIJU!!!

It's Niju's Birthday, today, June 8th! He sure is growing up fast, isn't he?! HA! This very young at heart boy in a grown man's body turned 34 today! You know you're never to old to share your age!! Happy birthday son, brother, husband, AND daddy of 2!!

"Charth" at 11 weeks

Just over 5 centimeters...a big jump from 8 weeks (2 centimeters).

This pic is one of the better shots that we got because "Charth" was moving so much from being curled up to doing all sorts of karate moves...already quite the athlete. ;o)

BTW, as of last weekend I officially entered my second trimester/week 14.

Arren N. Patel is here!!

Hello Fam - As you all may know by now, "Baby Boy #2" was born on Thursday, May 21st. He decided to surprise us and come a day prior to Reshma's scheduled C-section. He was born at 6lbs 7 oz and 21 inches (I think). Reshma was discharged after a 2-night stay at St. Mary's Hospital (where Nathan, Puj, and I were also born, fyi!). Reshma is a soldier and is doing well. She has been up on her feet and handling business as usual. Niju spends a lot more time taking care of Nathan now that Mom and Baby #2 need a lot of quality time and are living on the first floor, while Niju and Nathan sleep on the 2nd. While there a some strong contenders in terms of name options, they have yet to confirm a name. I'm think we'll have a name before the weekend. I've taken several pictures, but have yet to upload. I will certainly post as soon as I upload.

Baby #2 had lots of visitors over the weekend - Akash Kaka, Arun Dada, Neepa Foi, Manish Fua, Roopal Foi, Sonal Foi, Justin Fua, and Parth Fua. Lucky baby!!!

Nathan update: At this point, Nathan isn't too phased by the baby. He'll say "brother" and run away. He is continuing to expand his vocab, and I'm quite jealous to say that he is able to fully say "Akash Kaka" and has yet to spit out the word "Foi". I would think Foi would be a lot easier?!? Until he can Foi, I imagine he'll continue to call me "Ba", lovely.

6/8 Update -As you can see he now has a name - Arren. Pronounced "Are-in"

Vijay Gets his BLACKBELT!

Congrats to Vijay for getting his blackbelt last night! What an amazing accomplishment!!

HELLO STRANGERS!

First of all - let me say CONGRATS to Neil and Samir! I'm super excited for the both you. Neil - I hope you aren't a stranger now that you will be in Atlanta AND at Emory. Now there are three of us Amin's at Emory - we're taking over. Samir - you're going to LOVE DC. It's a great city AND you should know that you will be super close to Kavina and Neilam :) - You know they'll show you a good time.

Everyone else - HELLLLOO. It's been a long time since we've gotten any updates from folks on what is going on. So PLEASE post so we can try to be in touch better.

My life update: Justin and I are very close to purchasing a house - we have closing scheduled for the end of April. We're super excited, and hope to one day be able to furnish the house :). I think once we move our stuff in (all of it has been in storage for about 1 1/2 year now) and get the baby's room ready, I'll feel a bit more settled. I'm a nervous wreck as of late (poor Justin), b/c I've been feeling like we're soo unprepared for the arrival of "project aminowings". We are going on a trip to Jamaica for our "babymoon" in the beginning of May and then we're heading to Detroit for my cousin Sheetal's wedding memorial day weekend. I'm VERY excited about the wedding, but also VERY excited that Niju and Reshma's new baby will also be born that SAME weekend !!!! I can't wait to meet him.

A bunch of you have been asking for photo's of me preggo - unfortunately I DOUBT that will happen any time soon :). BUT, rest assurred - I am growing pretty HUGE as the days go by; Roopal is shocked to see the transformation :). Dad is just giddy with excitement which is great. I'm only 22 weeks and have gained a lofty 16 lbs! All mostly in my midsection. It feels like I'm holding a balloon in my belly.

OK - enough about my life - tell me how you all are doing! I've heard that all the kids are growing so quickly and are all so smart!! I'd love photo's and updates whenever you get the chance.

Love,
Sonal

Match Day!

Just wanted to inform the Famo of Samir's and mine's Match Day Results:

Sam:
Intern Year: UPMC in Pittsburgh
Radiology Residency: George Washington in D.C.

Hova:
Intern Year: Emory in ATL
Radiology Residency: Emory in ATL

Match day was a blast; I will try to post up some pics when I get the chance. Hope all is well and come visit me (and most of the Amin Famo) in ATL. HOLLA!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DHIREN!!

The youngest nephew of the bunch turned ONE on February 8th!

Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to DHIREN
Happy Birthday to You!!

Sugat, Smita, and Divya - how did you celebrate for Dhiren? Do you have a picture you'd like to post?

Pic of Baby Amin-Owings

Ok - so I had an ultrasound done yesterday and thought I'd share :). Baby is about 5.5 inches long and is healthy so far! Due date is approx Aug. 7th!

THIRTY AND...ONE

Yes, this is a birthday shout out to myself...and Nathan! We both hit milestones this year - the big 3-0 and the lil ONE!

Parth and I celebrated a fabulous weekend at the W Midtown, Atlanta. Parth did a wonderful job planning out all the bells and whistles to making my birthday special. On Monday, the day of my birthday (5th), I celebrated with fam - Roopal, Sonal, and Justin. What better company is there than family?!

Parth and I flew up to help celebrate my fellow capricorn's/nephew's birthday. Nathan had a football themed extravaganza! Niju set-up a moonwalk in the basement that all the kids enjoyed. Nathan showed off his dance moves and endless "touchdowns" throughout the night.

Sonal and Justin: EXPECTING!!

Sonal is prego!
Girl or boy, what will grow?!!

Will she begin to eat like an Amin?
Or stay athletic and slender, growing hungry and mean…
Pickles and ice cream, please.

Monkey or Opie?
Cute with curly hair and big eyes:
blue, green or brown?
Quiet and calm or hyper and burpy?
Full of personality and charm, that’s a guarantee.

Congratulations to the mommy-and-daddy-to-be!