Baby Girl Arslan 💝

Note from Maria and Yusuf:

"More than gifts, we hope to surround our little Miss Arslan with something even more meaningful: connection. If you feel called, we’d wholeheartedly LaVa for you to share a small piece of yourself with her—a favorite family recipe, a story, photograph, prayer, tradition, life lesson, cultural custom, memory, song, book, or even a handwritten note for her to enjoy one day when she’s older. As the first grandchild in the Arslan family, our hope is that she grows up with a strong sense of where she comes from and the beautiful people who helped shape her story long before she arrived. We would especially love for her to learn about the traditions, values, language, faith, and the many beautiful cultural customs of her Turkish heritage, while also celebrating the many other backgrounds and experiences represented by the people who love her. Should anyone wish to contribute toward future opportunities for her to stay connected to her roots—whether through language, travel, family visits, cultural experiences, or future educational opportunities… they will all be deeply treasured and cherished! Most of all, we hope she grows up knowing she belongs to something bigger than herself: a family that spans generations, countries, stories, and traditions, all connected by love and faith! One day, when she asks where she came from, our hope is that we’ll be able to offer her a small collection of some specially curated sorties and unique cultural hand-me-downs for her to be able to begin growing her ‘ancestral library’ of sorts and start building her own dedicated edition in the development of her many layers of beauty and melting pot blessings… all in aiming to set a strong intention in showing her the people who loved her before they even met her. This is about leaving something meaningful behind for her 🛐 As family and friends help welcome her into the world, we’d love to gather stories, traditions, blessings, and memories she can carry with her throughout life—as that’s what essentially symbolizes Kırk Çıkarma… being welcomed into community, and ultimately becoming closer to the spirit of traditional gifting!"

Note from Maria and Yusuf:

"Love and Aloha spreading across generations to nurture her #Roots&Wings to uphold the honor and legacy of her cultural enrichment… building a collection of her inheritance, and hoping to give her the gift of having a little time capsule that’s curated in the form of a sentimental and spiritual ‘love letter’ from her very own village, as a tribute for her to have and keep forever… all with the mind to eventually hand it down to her own family which she’ll make for herself someday, to continue carrying on the deep family bond 🤗 As the first grandchild in the Arslan family, we hope she grows up knowing not only where she lives, but where she comes from. That she understands the traditions of her Turkish heritage, the values passed down through generations, and the beautiful people on both sides of the world who have been cheering her on since before she took her very first breath. Should anyone wish to contribute toward future opportunities for her to learn the language, explore her heritage, visit loved ones in Turkey, or stay connected to her roots, those gifts will be cherished as well. But most of all, we’d love for her to inherit something even more valuable: A piece of your heart 💕 Guests are welcome to share a blessing, story, tradition, recipe, prayer, or piece of wisdom for baby girl—our own modern version of surrounding her with love, protection, and with the best of wishes from all dear to her, near or far… she already holds such a special place in her heart for each and every soul which makes up the impressively wide reach of her multi latitude and longitudes that shes so unbelievably fortunate in calling you, Ohana 🧿🤲🏼 🎶 (Ninniler) Turkish lullabies are called ninni. Grandmothers often sing traditional lullabies that have been passed down through generations. So instead of just asking only for money or favors, our hope is for all who desire to be close with her, could possibly contribute: ✨ A family recipe ✨ A prayer ✨ A lullaby ✨ A photograph ✨ A story ✨ A tradition ✨ A blessing In literally creating a cultural keepsake box for not just her, but future family and the generations to come !"

Note from Maria and Yusuf:

"Maşallah, Little Miss Arslan!! Help us create a living collection of stories, traditions, memories, blessings, and experiences for her ✝️ In Turkish culture, babies are often welcomed with blessings, protection, prayers, and the love of family. As little Miss Arslan begins her journey, we’d love to collect stories, traditions, recipes, memories, wisdom, and well-wishes from the people who love her most. One day, these treasures will help her understand not only who she is, but where she comes from. This first born grandbaby is truly a bit of everyones’ little girl… as she is already receiving so many wonderful things, but one of the greatest gifts we can give her isn’t something that fits in a nursery. It’s belonging. If you feel called, we’d love for you to contribute something uniquely you. A favorite family recipe. A childhood memory. A photograph. A blessing or prayer. A letter she’ll read when she’s older. A cultural tradition. A life lesson. A favorite book. A song. A story from Turkey. A story from Kansas. A story from wherever your roots first began. Anything that reflects the people, places, traditions, faith, and experiences that have helped shape who you are. Our hope is to create a collection of treasures she can return to throughout her life—a reminder that she comes from a family rich in stories, resilience, laughter, faith, culture, and love 🧑‍🧑‍🧒"