It's hard being a super mixed kid

When do band-aids stop being so cool?

2012-01-11T03:08:00.003-05:00

Another wonderment lost within childhood...cool band-aids making it all better. Why does being a adult mean life can't be fun?

Happy New Year

2012-01-11T03:07:00.003-05:00

The new year is great to celebrate with someone who has no concept of time.

Everyone Calm Down

2011-12-29T12:01:00.004-05:00

I know some of these pictures might shock some of our religious relatives (the diverse set that we have). But here's Bilal celebrating and embracing human kind by participating in some religious traditions. He is not endorsing or condoning any religion or practice; he is only learning tolerance...are we all okay here?

The Crystal Ball of Mess

2011-12-26T08:52:00.001-05:00

Yes, children and imagination. So wonderful. So messy.

Starting Traditions with My Family

2011-12-23T18:23:00.003-05:00

For some reason, I think it's really healthy of me to watch the NYC Marathon. I have enjoyed watching it for years, and now I can start this tradition with Bilal. What a great son-and-mother experience to look forward to year after year!

Yes, he hated it.

Reincarnation

2011-12-23T18:20:00.002-05:00

Here's Bilal with the son of my childhood friend. Yes, this is what we looked like when we were their age. Yes, the bananas in this picture are funny.

A Series of Firsts

2011-12-23T18:16:00.003-05:00

Here's Bilal at his first movie. I think because Sadie is with him that this is also his first date. Sigh. They grow up so fast.

Quest for Baby Workout Tape Continues

2011-12-23T18:12:00.003-05:00

Bilal is a sophisticated child laborer. He teaches yoga.

What Pakistanis Do

2011-12-23T18:10:00.001-05:00

Bilal still hasn't fully embraced his Pakistani side

Skipping Bath Time

2011-11-11T07:52:00.003-05:00

In lieu of a bath tonight, we found yet another great use for the dustbuster.

Yeah, they're moody

2011-11-04T19:58:00.002-04:00

Every now and then Bilal will bless you with a kiss, but in most cases he won't.

From Don Juan to Uncle to Punching Bag

2011-11-04T19:56:00.001-04:00

Ah, how time changes you.

Muwahahaha....these apples will make you regular!

2011-10-30T16:24:00.003-04:00

Yes, we are still eating apples from the visit to the orchard.

The Playground Workout

2011-10-24T21:17:00.005-04:00

I'm going to start a new workout regime that mimics playground antics. But I'll be sure to charge a ton and pretend that you can't do it for free. Nobody copy my idea.

The Non-fake Fakers

2011-10-24T21:14:00.002-04:00

Even when kids fake laugh, they're still being genuine.

The Baby and The Damage Done

2011-10-09T21:05:00.001-04:00

Sleeping in the big kid bed means Bilal's free to destroy whatever he wants while the parents think he's fast asleep.

So something you do during this phase of your life

2011-10-03T21:11:00.005-04:00

Yep, nothing marks parenthood like a day picking apples.

"I love mommy. I love my train."

2011-09-07T20:24:00.003-04:00

Uncle Faisal bought his only nephew a train set. He will be happy to hear that Bilal proclaimed the other day: "I love mommy. I love my train."

The Stars at Night are Taxidermed Deep in the Heart of in Texas

2011-09-07T20:16:00.004-04:00

The family hit the road to visit Nana in Texas before he underwent bypass surgery. All went well and the parents scarified many Texas wildlife in his honor.

Playground Dynamics Changed Forever

2011-08-21T12:23:00.004-04:00

This is one of those posts that will have two different interpretations based on whether or not you have a kid.
But this is a picture of Bilal, on a swing (big boy swing), by himself. A huge milestone in terms of playground dynamics. On one hand, he doesn't need me anymore. On another, I can now bring a book to read when we're here.

Tickles, Ice Cream, and Cuteness

2011-08-15T22:07:00.005-04:00

Our annual trip to Florida is complete. Aside from a spontaneous funeral (guess there are no other kind), Bilal got his fill of indulgence. Being cute is his vice.

He'll Stick to Beaches the Movie

2011-08-15T22:03:00.001-04:00

Josh says he hates beaches because of the sun. But really it's because the experience differs vastly among the family members.

The Future is Old

2011-08-15T21:48:00.004-04:00

I'm sure when Bilal is old enough to update his own blog, blogs will be dead and he will be riding around on his jet pack asking if astronauts are in the same category as cobblers, train conductors and milk men.

That's My Boy

2011-08-15T21:38:00.004-04:00

If genetics are an indicator of likelihood of things, then Bilal definitely got his love of mangoes from his mother (along with a primal need to devour them). We also learned on our recent trip to Florida that he got his hatred of beaches from his dad.

2011-08-07T11:45:00.003-04:00

I accidentally added this effect on my camera phone and didn't know how to turn it off (of course). Even though the effect was called "blue tint," it should be called "a glimpse into his teenage years where he'll be hating you every day."

"How was your weekend?"

2011-08-07T11:38:00.004-04:00

The most annoying question to ask parents of a toddler is "How was your weekend?"

Judging by these pictures, how do you think it was?

Same place, Different Baby - Part 3

2011-08-07T11:30:00.005-04:00

We use Aunty Nicole's hammock as our growth chart. Yep, he's growing.

The Next Best Thing to Being Rich

2011-07-29T20:35:00.004-04:00

Certainly the next best thing to being rich is having rich friends. Thanks Uncles David and Adam for allowing us to enjoy your country home.

How he'll feel every Monday

2011-07-22T20:25:00.002-04:00

He's not working yet, but he'll experience this feeling again very soon. Every Monday. The only difference is that in the future pooping in his pants won't instantly improve his mood.

How do we go from hot cuteness to hot messes?

2011-07-22T20:20:00.002-04:00

Underwear backwards and inside out. Friends made out of plastic molds. And yet you're the happiest person on the planet. This is what being a kid is all about. Fast forward 18 years, and within the same scenario, you're perceived as a hot mess.

Why we can't leave New York

2011-07-22T20:16:00.001-04:00

The beauty of living in New York: You get on a boat not knowing where you'll end up and serendipitously arrive in the magical place of Governor's Island.

2011-07-22T20:14:00.001-04:00

Mommy decided to take over hair styling duties and wanted to see if Bilal could move beyond the Dominican barber salon in Sunset park. So she decided to upgrade to the Wal-mart salon in Texas. The verdict? Stick with what works. Viva Dominican Barbers!

Writing his memoirs

2011-07-16T11:29:00.002-04:00

When Bilal heard that Bristol Palin came out with a book, he knew he could write a better one.

Baby in Disguise

2011-06-26T05:48:00.001-04:00

Bilal is looking to cross the border with no hassles.

Move Over, Liberace

2011-06-14T22:02:00.002-04:00

Would I rather have a child who was prodigious or flamboyant? You know the answer.

Screw strollers

2011-06-12T19:12:00.002-04:00

Bilal was never a fan of the stroller. He's building a bike and welcoming freedom.

Laughter is the best medicine

2011-06-07T22:28:00.000-04:00

If only I could remember the joke he told me

Conan auditions

2011-06-05T19:21:00.006-04:00

This is the original screenshot from the 1982 version of Conan the Barbarian. When Bilal heard they were doing a remake, he put together an audition tape. Sadly he was not chosen to reprise the role. I think he was robbed, you be the judge.

The New Coke Campaign

2011-06-05T18:28:00.004-04:00

Bilal could sell anything with these pictures. Coke, AC Units, Life Insurance. The product doesn't matter; only hope sells.

Visiting Nani

2011-06-05T18:24:00.002-04:00

Bilal wants to visit his Nani in Texas. If only he knew how seriously we contemplated the feasibility of hiding a baby in a carry on.

Goodbye diapers; Hello wedgies

2011-06-05T18:21:00.004-04:00

Bilal underwent a potty training boot camp that had him diaperless in three days. The manual, however, did not provide guidance on how to deal with wedgies.

Date night

2011-06-04T11:21:00.002-04:00

Dad here. This is Bilal enjoying his lemonade at the local burger joint with me. I've come to the sad realization that in the last year I've been on more dates with my 2 year old than with my wife, way more.

Water works

2011-06-04T11:15:00.002-04:00

Bilal always has fun at the kid's museum. What you can't see on the other side of his face is his HUGE black eye. His Nani doesn't want that picture posted.

Like a Caged Animal

2011-04-11T20:50:00.001-04:00

Although I think zoos are a cruel place for animals, I guess it's worth it if it means it can entertain a toddler all day.

Proper Training

2011-04-11T20:49:00.002-04:00

Bilal had so much sugar in Texas (thanks to Nani) that he had to jog it off.

Me Next!

2011-04-11T20:47:00.001-04:00

All aboard a magical train ride to no where!

The Magic of Bubbles

2011-04-11T20:45:00.001-04:00

Remember watching bubbles and hoping not a single one would pop. But, just like our childhood dreams, they always do.

Why Am I Saving So Much For College?

2011-03-31T09:54:00.001-04:00

This kid clearly has tremendous earning potential.

3 Seconds

2011-03-31T09:48:00.002-04:00

He found the mousse. This took 3 seconds to happen.

Man Down!

2011-03-31T09:47:00.000-04:00

I wish I could sleep like a baby.

Suburbia Dreams

2011-03-29T02:26:00.003-04:00

On our way to the Rainforest Cafe, also known as the Oh-God-What-Happened-to-my-life Cafe.

You're So Vain

2011-03-24T19:39:00.005-04:00

Babies are born narcissistic. It's amazing how many people don't grow out of that.

Born to Ride

2011-03-20T19:46:00.001-04:00

First the Radio Flyer Scooter. Next a request for a motorcycle. Sigh.

Looks Can be Deceiving

2011-03-19T19:36:00.003-04:00

Josh is lucky he looks like Bilal. Otherwise, he's a total child abductor in this picture.

All Praise the Play Doh

2011-03-13T15:52:00.003-04:00

Even though Play-Doh is recommended for kids ages 3 and up, we figured Bilal was precocious enough to try it out. What's the verdict? A dream (which is why this picture is hazy).

"Milk" by Calvin Klein

2011-03-13T15:47:00.002-04:00

Hair the Musical

2011-03-13T15:44:00.001-04:00

Fat Kid Destiny

2011-03-05T22:13:00.003-05:00

South Asians are really into destiny. In this case, it is Bilal's destiny is to be fat.

Big Stick Diplomacy

2011-03-05T22:11:00.001-05:00

Bilal can't read, yet he still loves the quote: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."

Adults Bore Me

2011-03-05T20:06:00.002-05:00

Sigh. Adult Conversation. I'm bored.

How did Mary Poppins do it?

2011-03-05T19:53:00.000-05:00

3 seconds after this picture was taken the wind picked him up like he was Mary Poppins.

Acting Grown Up

2011-02-05T14:57:00.002-05:00

Ft. Bilal

2011-02-02T19:51:00.002-05:00

He Looks More and More Like His Dad...

2011-02-01T19:59:00.003-05:00

Braces?

2011-01-28T22:36:00.001-05:00

My Little Sherpa

2011-01-28T22:34:00.002-05:00

Great Minds Watch TV Alike

2011-01-26T20:47:00.001-05:00

Kids Weekend (It's a blur)

2011-01-16T19:11:00.006-05:00

Another weekend devoted to the kids. Bilal and cousins allowed us adults to congregate at Grandma's house. These pics aren't blurry by accident. It really was all a blur.

The New Circle of Friends

2011-01-01T13:13:00.004-05:00

Having a baby changes everything. Especially the company you keep. Thanks Celeste and family for letting us enjoy New Year's with the family. All praise the playroom!!!!!

2011 - The year of the cupcake

2011-01-01T12:52:00.002-05:00

No, Bilal is not growing a hipster mustache. He wishes you a 2011 filled with cupcakes and chocolate.

The Big Zero Two

2010-12-19T19:28:00.003-05:00

Happy B-day, Lil' B.

And Here's the After

2010-12-19T19:24:00.001-05:00

Daddy and Baby, post-haircut.

Second Black President

2010-12-19T07:57:00.006-05:00

Bilal and Daddy both got matching faux hawks yesterday during their monthly visit to the Dominican barber shop. The cuts turned out so great, that the salon is adding their picture to the chart in the background (#44 in honor of Obama's number as President.)

Stayed tuned for the "after" shots.

The Next Installment of Speed

2010-12-19T07:50:00.005-05:00

A popular trend in Hollywood is to "re-make" classic films but cast minority actors in the lead roles. (Need I bring up films such as Guess Who.) Here's Bilal auditioning for the re-make of Speed. He better take his mama to his first red-carpet event.

Starting the College Fund

2010-12-12T18:28:00.001-05:00

Josh and Bilal practicing their subway act.

Keeping Up with the Lamantias

2010-12-12T10:54:00.004-05:00

Finally, we managed to visit Mike and Carla and their twin 3-year olds: Andy and Stevie. It was a toy paradise for Bilal, who not only made friends with the twins, but with the baby daddy too.

"No Night Night!"

2010-12-11T08:34:00.002-05:00

Famous last words.

Stylin'

2010-12-11T08:33:00.002-05:00

Self-composed Outfit

His First Ear Infection

2010-12-05T19:30:00.002-05:00

Bilal has his first ear infection this weekend. He's been just a joy.

Need a laugh?

2010-12-03T23:40:00.002-05:00

Boyz II Bubblez

2010-11-27T17:02:00.003-05:00

Real Brooklyn men play with Bubblez.

The Best Saturday of My Life

2010-11-27T16:55:00.004-05:00

Just when I start to doubt God's existence, something like this happens. Both my men, asleep, on a Saturday morning. I could do whatever I wanted. Amen.

Real Thug Luvin'

2010-11-23T06:35:00.003-05:00

Bilal showing everyone in Brooklyn who's the original thug: Pirates.

Thug Loving

2010-11-17T06:13:00.003-05:00

Jersey = Red Lobster

2010-11-15T12:43:00.001-05:00

This is how things become ingrained in childhood. Moving forward, Bilal will always associate visits to his grandmother with cheese biscuits.

How to Raise a Bully

2010-11-15T12:40:00.003-05:00

As much as I wanted to help Bilal get his car back, I wanted him to learn the realities of playground antics.

The Dog Used His Metrocard

2010-11-15T12:38:00.001-05:00

Next stop: Playground

Bilal is Moving to Williamsburg

2010-11-11T19:22:00.000-05:00

This is how they dress kids in Bangladesh

2010-11-11T19:18:00.001-05:00

Oh, is it Halloween?

2010-10-31T20:59:00.002-04:00

This is Bilal's Sunday outfit.

Same Place, Different Baby

2010-10-22T07:26:00.003-04:00

Deja Vue

First Real Haircut

2010-10-10T17:22:00.005-04:00

Bilal had his first paid haircut this weekend. After an analysis of his racial breakdown, we ascertained that a Dominican barber shop in Sunset Park was the best bet. We were right.

Future Ghandi

2010-10-09T08:12:00.002-04:00

Will there be another Ghandi?

Ohhhhkaaaay

2010-09-22T07:20:00.002-04:00

Okay, I admit I did this to the boy. I should be picking on someone my own size, but I would probably get my butt kicked if I did so. With Bilal, his love is unconditional (as long as he gets to eat come of the cake too).

How did Mother Teresa Get Paid?

2010-09-19T08:53:00.002-04:00

In our continued quest to collect foreign aid, here is Bilal earning some dollars for college.

He Loves Purple Rain

2010-09-19T08:51:00.004-04:00

I don't know if Bilal has seen a Prince video yet, but he is somehow channeling him here.

The Gift of Consumerism

2010-09-12T14:12:00.004-04:00

Bilal spent some time with family yesterday as a belated Eid celebration. He also got his first taste of merchandising--a Tickle Me Elmo! Looks like Elmo is laughing all the way to the bank right now.

The Life of a Brooklyn Obama Baby

2010-09-06T14:11:00.003-04:00

A lot of people ask us why we choose to raise our child in Brooklyn (for now). Where else in the world can a kid grow up with such a multitude of experiences at his fingertips? By the time he's five, he would have tried wasabi, become a museum snob, seen a legend on Broadway, and become an extra on the set of Law and Order. He'll put a many of bucket lists to shame.

Here's Bilal appreciating the blood, sweat, and tears of American (immigrant) Laborers on Labor Day...throwing rocks into the Hudson from the foot of the Manhattan Bridge with a clear view of the downtown skyline.

Baptismal Crashers

2010-09-05T16:33:00.003-04:00

Somehow the rents weaseled their way into Oliver's Baptism...to be more specific, they showed up for the after-party (with buffet). Thanks, Kate and Evan, for letting us in.

Of course, this pic showed the one time Oliver cried. The kid is chill. The parents are doing a bunch of stuff right.

Top of the Roc

2010-09-04T19:43:00.004-04:00

Bilal is so much cooler than you. He's been attending rooftop parties since he was a baby.