First Year in New Orleans
September 5, 2024
I didn’t think I’d be so emotional writing this but here I am, recapping our first year back in New Orleans. In case you’re new here, let me give you some background. My husband completed his surgical residency training in New Orleans. We lived here 2014-2018. Laila was all of 4 months when we moved here. I had Mikayl here in the winter of 2016. We then moved to Omaha, NE, for Salim’s fellowship in minimally invasive & bariatric surgery, before moving for his first attending job in beautiful Southern Illinois, where we lived for 4 years.
This move to New Orleans was very sudden; it came at a time when Salim and I were wanting to put our roots down for the sake of the kids and where we wanted to be. Rural Illinois was comfortable and gave us most of what we needed. And then the job offer to move back came. I think we thought about it for a day and said let’s do it. Did I mention I was 7 months pregnant?
Saying Goodbye to Carbondale
Leaving Carbondale was very hard for me for many reasons. At the time of the move, I was 6 weeks postpartum with a velcro baby. Carbondale is where I started my Instagram journey of content creation. It was the first time Salim and I became home owners. It’s the home we had during the lockdown years of Covid; the place where I found my joy of hosting and cooking. My kids learnt to bike on the streets. I loved the smallness of the town. “One of each” – one ice cream shop, one burger joint, one bowling alley… I loved being in a small town. My sister would joke that anytime I heard an ambulance I was trying to guess who’s house had the emergency. In our neighborhood, we all knew each other- and were a community. So yes, leaving a quiet small town was very hard. I still remember closing my front door for the last time, and it makes me emotional to this day.
We drove to New Orleans over the course of two days, Salim with Mikayl and Archie, and me with Laila and Imaan. Hands down, one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Imaan hated her car seat; she was also nursing so frequent stops needed to be made. We finally made it to our new home – which mind you I hadn’t seen in person with being 7 months pregnant and all. An hour after walking in and looking at all the boxes and all our furniture everywhere, I had my best friend walk in with coffee and a hug. And it was all I needed after that long drive. Later that evening it rained so hard there were people outside with canoes. We learnt that it hadn’t rained all summer till that evening. I took it as a sign of God’s blessings.
Adjusting to Life in New Orleans
We got the kids enrolled in school, interviewed a nanny for Imaan (who is the love of my life) and began the hectic routine of big town living. It definitely helped that we had lived here before, but let me tell you the biggest adjustment I’ve had to make since moving back is the driving. Oh. My. It’s a lot. Salim took a month off before starting work, so that was really nice to have him home with me while we set things up, put up our paintings, and spent some quality time taking in all the changes. My biggest concern, what kept me up at night was the kids. Laila and Mikayl didn’t initially take to the moving news well. They were both leaving behind equal memories of having a neighborhood full of friends, their school, their best friends. I know this feeling all too well, being a child of a military family. So my main focus was getting the kids settled – into school and into their new environment. All the while simultaneously adjusting to my new environment, which was being a caregiver to a 2 month old. But God works in mysterious ways. Within a few days of moving, my paternal aunt (phoppi) came to visit us. And having her as my first guest in this home was amazing. The kids needed it. I needed it- my body had crashed after the move- and to have her watch the kids, hold Imaan, laugh with me, say her namaz in every corner of the house – it was a gift.
And speaking of guests, we have had people visiting us every month ever since we moved. Be it they were coming to stay, or just passing through the city. We had hardly experienced this where we previously lived as it was just so remote for anyone to visit us. Having friends and family come in and out of our home has been a joy; this has been a kind of hosting I wasn’t used to. I would say the most special guests we have entertained this year was my family. My parents had never been to America in the 13 years I have lived here. And it was very emotional for me when they came down and spent a month with us. It actually marked the first time my whole family was together in one room in 13 years. I will never take our time together for granted; being far away from them is something my mind has gotten used to, but my heart never will.
It was always my dream to have a pool in my home, and so earlier this year we put a cute little cocktail pool in our backyard and have loved having it. From birthday parties, cook outs, family pool day, or simply saying at 7 pm – should we go sit in the pool? It has been the best decision and we have certainly made wonderful memories. Archie hates it though.
A Year of Growth
One year on, the kids are in their Thriving Season. Laila has made it to 5th grade and is on the school swim team, Mikayl is in grade 2 and has joined choir. Imaan mashAllah has turned 1, and I can’t believe that she’s walking. She is as my mom calls it “The Ruling Party” of the house. Salim is loving work and I love that for him. I’ve supported him with everything during the course of his career, and there’s a very special sense of pride I feel seeing him so happy and content. Archie misses his old neighborhood a lot as there’s not a lot of garden space for him here. But he’s a champion and is happy (when Salim’s around).
As for me, it’s been an emotional year. I’ve been exhausted and I also gave myself zero attention. Not on purpose, it’s just that it’s hard when you make a move like this. As a mom and as a wife, we are the pillars of support and strength. And some days, this pillar feels like she’s going to crumble. I sometimes look at myself in the mirror and see someone who’s 10 lbs heavier and say what happened. I’ll tell you what happened. It was my body adding layers of inflammation to protect and preserve itself. I was under immense amount of stress and sleeplessness. And my body refused to lose the weight. So about 2 months ago, I prioritized starting to get active. I knew it was now or never – the work I will do now will set the foundation for the future. We’ll talk more about this in another blog post. But long story short, I am so grateful for this last year and what its taught me. I so am grateful to my friends who’ve taken us in as if we never left. I love being a part of the kids school and showing up for all their events. I love how Salim and I continue to prioritize the kids and spending our time with them wherever we can while still trying to make time for each other.
A year has flown by and while I sit here typing this, Imaan is trying to build a block tower in front of me. Time stands still for no one. Soon she will also go off to school and I’ll be sitting in the quiet of my home. Change is hard, and change takes time to adjust to. Very rare occasions where one has made a big life decision and immediately it makes sense. So that’s what I’m doing. Who knows what the future has in store. Allah as been very kind to me and mine. And whereas I do still miss the quietness of my old town, I do love this part of life where there’s so much to do, and I get to do it with those I love the most in the whole world. Alhamdulillah.
Phew, if you made it this far. Congratulations.
I want to take a minute and write out how I am so grateful for my community over on instagram. My mom said this to me right before we moved: “you have this entire group of people who are rooting for you, are with you, praying for you – and who you are inspiring to be like, lets do this thing”- and boy she was right; in my darkest moments, my toughest times, my most sleep deprived state, I have received support and love from you all. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for it, so please accept a giant virtual squeeze and know that you are in my duas.
Until next time, putting a few photos up of our first year in Nola.
45 Comments
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Mahnaz Dadi
Dearest Mariam,
Wow!! Wow!!
Love the website, your message made me cry. You are an inspiration to so many of us. May you always be blessed. -
Sobia
Loved it, Marium! 🥹❤️ Thanks for sharing your beautiful story with us❤️
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Erum
Wow !!! You never loos a chance to amaze us you are an incredible beautiful person and sharing your stories recipes. Makes its so beautiful. You are one of my daily routines and now my family knows. Who Merium Hosein is 🙂
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Afreen Khan
I always message you on Instagram but you never reply. I absolutely enjoy watching your stories on IG. They make me laugh when I’m feeling under the weather . You’re an inspiration Marium🥰Please please do a blog post on how you organise your clothes (specially those who have limited space)
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Hira Sohail
Ufff Marium!!! Been your fan ever since I have started following you and now this… I’m so happy.. tears in my eyes.. so happy to see you growing MashAllah. Loving the website. And this is a small token of love. We love your content and your Jannies and Jaanus are here for your support. Love Ju!!!!
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Nafisa
Congratulations Marium. Loved the write up .You have a way with words and have encapsulated the year beautifully. You truly are an inspiration. Looking forward to all that this corner has to offer .
PS – And omg Can’t get over the pics of little Maani. Had forgotten she used to be so small . That was the Cherry on the cake . -
Ayusha
You are amazing Marium. I recently started following you and fell in love. And you write so well. Keep inspiring. Keep smiling. Much love.
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Zunera Nadeem
Although I was with you in this whole time being ur follower but still reading that journey all together was superb… More power to you girl so proud of you and thank you so much for all ur recepies treasure at one place
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M
Amazing work Marium! Super happy and proud of you! Can’t wait to see this grow ❤️
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Eisha
Just beautiful 💕
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Aisha
Such a beautiful note! Life has a funny way of circling back,forcing us to confront our challenges and emerging stronger because of it. Sending lots love to you and your family.
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Royala
Amazing! I love it. The year in pictures is best as you can see how all the children have grown. I love the colour combinations and layout. Congratulations lady you did it.
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Emmza
So proud of you 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 miss you beta
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Tarikat
This is absolutely beautiful. I laughed and shed some tears in between. I hope this new season of your life is just as beautiful.
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Anuche
Just want to say that I absolutely love the person that you are- you are motivating so many people around you to just ‘be’ when nothing is working out for you and sometimes to be a better person. I love your energy 🤍
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Noreen
Amazing website really looking forward to trying out more of your recipes .. all the ones I have tried so far have been great! 🧿
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Maliha
So glad to see ur website!! ❤️ ur the great!!
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Kinza
Loved every bit of it!❤️
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Aliya
This is incredible… I felt like I was reading a letter from a friend… I have followed you for long have inspired me in many ways specially your and Beena relationship and your parenting that is incredible…
Lots of love and prayers for you and a big virtual japphi
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Sally
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing … love the way you write.
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saadia
literal aansu in my eyes while reading this, lots of duos and best wishes always <3
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Farzana
Wow!!! This website was totally worth the wait. Love everything about it. So easy to navigate. Clean, crisp look. Bravo!!!
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Maria
Omg Marium!! This is such a beautiful write up! I have been following since quite a few years now! Sometimes all the ups and downs you have shared throughout these years have felt like my own!! You are surely a person with a very good heart and may Allah always keep you protected with your loved ones!!
Pictures are all so lovable and each speaks a story of its own and depicting simply love ❤️
Hamesha khush rahain!!
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Nikhat Emaan Qureshi
Congratulations Marium!
The website looks fabulous, totally worth the wait!
This is such a wholesome post and so well written. There’s not only a witty charm but an instant connect in your words. I can’t wait to keep coming back to get more of your humour as well as your positivity!
Lots of love and prayers for barakah your way! -
Saba
Mariam apa Love your website and your blog is so emotional. This is my first time ever to comment on someone’s blog post this is your magic 💕 i learn so much from your everyday🫶🏻
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_anniewanders
I’ve been a fan since the early time pf your blog, feels like the struggles, the breaks, the tough days, the good ones all made sense. Your journey is an inspiration Mariam, your humour a good laugh for so many, just like you said we have been supportive to you honestly for myself, there were days when just listening to your stories made me laugh, days where I would not know what to make & your recipes were there. You deserve the world, this website is amazing and so are you. Congratulations, my inspiration. Makes me so emotional & happy to read this. Lots of love & duas your way.
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Yalnaz Baig
I am out of works to tell you how proud I am of you!!!!! ♥️
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Nicole
Wow, wow, wow! You are such an inspiration. I was aware of some of these events but to read what was occurring all at one time and to watch you handle things with such grace…WOW. Your smile, your kindness and your energy are infectious and inspiring.
I firmly believe you have met for a reason and I love you. -
Nayab Hasaan
Congratulations Marium! Love the website. So refreshing!
Also the blog made me so emotional . You’re so resilient. Thank you for motivating and inspiring so many of us every single day. Lots of duas! -
Nimrah
Congratulations 🎊 You are Lovely inside out, YOU & your cooking talent/ikhlaq/family….how you come across online & your vibe…simply inspiring …mashAllah 🥰 Lots of love & duas from California ✨
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Amal
Congratulations Marium!!! Seeing this makes me sosososos happy! Allah tallah hamesha aapko aise hi khush rakhe jaise aap abhi iss website ki launch pe hain. Ameen! Love u and lots of duas! 🩷
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Mahwish Jafar
Amazing website, wish you all the best, May ALLAH TALLAH always be with you Ameen
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Nosheen butt
Just Wow and many congratulations 🎉👏
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Ashu
Wow.. While reading all I was like em reading a novel.. U told ur journey in beautifull way.. In lob with u.. Hugs..
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Ayaina Ishfaq
Dear Marium
Aslam Alikum,
With lots of love and depth of my heart many congratulations on ur this and every success which are In Shaa Allah ahead in ur life, I really really likes ur every recommendation ur Recipes, ur chit chat, ur Asian dresses infact every thing related to u. In Shaa Allah will learn so many other things from ur this website as well. I’m from Pakistan and so many of my friends are right now in US and I always make them laugh that I know much more about US as compare to u ppl….and recommended ur insta page to them for guidance.
There is a lot for writing here but let me end with this that u deserve this love because u struggled💖. -
Mara
You should be proud of yourself coming this far Marium !! Well done with this website 👏🏽 and all the best for the future 🤍 your content is one of the genuine and original.
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Sadia Malik
Congratulations,My dear Murium,
As I always says this that I am still in learning my life but you put helping drops everytime I see your stories.
Thank you so much for this amazing website with your perfect recipes.
Loads of duwas ✨💐💖 -
Bushra
You are a wonderful woman, Mariam! I have never seen anyone on instagram like you. I aspire to be like you someday.
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Areeba
I loved reading every bit of it. The amount of blood, sweat and tears you have put in this website is showing beautifully. Feels so good to be a little closer to you
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sarah
My goodness I’m bawling reading this post, Marium you are so eloquent with words. Ma Shaa Allah. I pray you and your family continue thriving, I pray that your followers can give you the strength and comfort in the times you need it the most. Looking forward to more posts and Jummah vibes!! love you!
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Madeha
I have been following you for a long time and reading it all took me down the memory lane. Incredible journey you have come a long way. Super proud of your accomplishments and love the website. May you thrive you more and more. May Allah keep you and your family in His special possession and shower you with all His blessings.
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Wajiha Ahmed
Mashallah Mashallah. ♥️Evil eyes off. Its best start of your new journey. Highly appreciate your hardwork, courage, and kindness. You’r a light of hope for many many people, who are helpless and depressed, facing problems struggling and try to cope with those problems. Stay blessed. Stay happy. ♥️
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Noreen
Ma sha Allah Marium—your message made me cry. I feel sooo proud to be part of your insta community because knowing you has given me a sense of relatability and belonging. I LOVE the website and I can’t wait to use it all the time!! Mubarak dost!! ♥️
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YamaS
This was lovely to read. You inspire me so much. Love the new website. Much love ❤️
Sarah
The website looks amazing and a what a beautiful way to start it off by writing such a heartfelt piece on your first year in New Orleans ! Such grace and strength and humour 🙂