Pregnancy Journey


Before the little one pops out, I would like to share a fun maternity pictorial we did on my 34th week. Fun because the photographer and make up artist are dear friends.  Though not so comfy, because in reality, holding a pose with a watermelon sized tummy is painful on the back. :)


Photography by Lito and Shela Flestado
Makeup by:  Cristine Joy



I would like to summarize my pregnancy journey here. I have never really talked deeply about it. I drafted a few key words and expounded the experience. Here goes..
  • Unexpected.  This little bub took us by surprise at a time when we gave up the idea of having a baby after many years of trying while having considered adoption when we leave Dubai one day. More so, that when my husband and I saw the positive pregnancy test, we didn't believe it until the doctor confirmed it is true.
  • Easy first trimesterNo morning sickness and no weird cravings. Just felt sleepy and fatigued.
  • Surprise. We asked the doctor not to reveal the gender, so we still have no idea.  
  • Quiet.  Only the closest family, colleagues, selected few friends and you, blog readers, knew about it. No announcement was made elsewhere until a few weeks ago on my 9th month.  
  • Blissful second trimester.  It is true what they say, second trimester is the best part. I even got to travel to celebrate Christmas with family in France.  However, we had a scare when I had bleeding the day after I arrived home in Dubai from the airport.  I was rushed to the emergency room and was grateful and relieved everything was okay. It was caused by stress and fatigue of the long flight and long train journey. I think I will limit travels to shorter ones in case I do undergo pregnancy again.
  • Challenging Work and Pregnancy Balance.  I found the job of my dreams and all the overtime work and project deadlines were a bit of a challenge physically, especially during my last trimester. I did enjoy it though because it took my mind off the wait and grateful that my bosses and colleagues were very supportive and understanding.
  • Pregnaholic. I was given this nickname along with another pregnant colleague because we worked like we were not pregnant right till my 38th week. I enjoyed work so much I asked for another week to extend work even though my maternity leave was due.
  • Sugar-free (due to gestational diabetes). We have served sweets during my baby shower  but all I could do was enjoy the sweets vicariously through the guests as I can't have any. I'm following a strict diet monitoring my blood sugar everyday. So far so good.
  • Enjoying every kick.  I seize the experience of every kick, nudge and punch to the gut even at 3AM because my due date is right around the corner. 
  • Weight gain. Something that suddenly went beyond my control during the last few weeks. 
  • Waiting game:   I currently have a bigger belly than what is shown in these pictures and far more stretch marks. :)  I'm experimenting with organic red raspberry leaf tea. Let's see if it's true that it makes labor shorter. Yes, I am scared and worried.  My hubby tries to reassure me, "Many women survived this throughout many centuries so can you." Hmm.. 


I guess that sums it all up. I'm off to sip the tea now. 
Have a beautiful weekend!

Love & light,
Arni

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9 comments

  1. Arni, you look truly beautiful and have such a nice glow to you! I wish you all the best for the happy parents-to-be.

    I think the very thought of labour is scary but I'm sure you've prepared enough and get throught it. Hopefully quickly and with no complications.

    Have a lovely weekend you too x

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  2. Congratulations, I'm happy that you and your hubby will finally have your first baby. I am not a mother yet, but maybe someday I will be. I hope that when I do, I'd become as pretty as you during pregnancy. May you have a safe delivery, and can't wait to see your baby. Maybe I'd see him/her in your blog in the coming days.

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  3. oh my gosh you are beautiful! these pictures are so so very sweet. enjoy the time you have before you meet your new baby! xoxo

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  4. Awwww, this is adorable! Thanks so much for sharing the pics with us and we can't wait until baby gets here!

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  5. What an exciting journey. These photos are all so lovely too!

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  6. such pretty pictures and you're a pretty pregnant lady

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  7. The pictures are beautiful and you are lovely! You're very lucky to be carrying a baby. I hope my time will come again soon.

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  8. Beautiful! Such exciting time it must be. Wishing you and your hubby and baby all the best!! Love, Svenja X

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  9. These photos are so lovely. What wonderful memories to keep! (Sorry for the uncomfortable aspect of taking them though.)

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