An expat mother is going through postpartum recovery and the ridiculous 10-day paternity leave is almost over.  The paper work in registering the birth certificate, issuing a passport and residence visa of your baby can add much burden on the already stressful sleep deprived days following the arrival of your little one.

Fortunately, my husband was able to take extra days off so he managed to take care of the documents on his own. However, if you have limited time and would like to focus on your little one instead of running around to get this done, good news is, there is a company in Dubai that can process this for you, hassle-free. A friend of ours who used their services recommended it to us.

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

This week had been an avalanche of deadlines. One after the other, as though foreseen, I'm pleased that the baby shower took place a few weeks ago when I was more up and able. Dear friends, Shela and Joy whose baby showers were featured here, threw me a heartwarming party. Here are the photos..

One Friday afternoon at 3PM, after all the decorations are set, I was excited and happy to witness the combined efforts of all of our friends and my creative uncle pulled together. With Shela's event planning creativity and expertise, Joy's handiwork, Lito's photography skills, Wrap and May's culinary prowess, we were able to pull off a DIY party.

E-vite created by Shela / Party Favors : Custom Teddy Bear Cookie and TWG Tea

To Dubaians, there are limited services for baby shower gift registry in the UAE.  Good news, major branches of Mothercare offer them and we chose the huge store inside Debenhams at Mall of the Emirates.

Bubblies and Pink Lemonade / Fruit platter fondue / Prizes for the games

{Photos by Lito Flestado}