For several months we have been very naughty. We feel like naughty twins sharing something totally precious. We could have announced what were up to earlier, but wanted to treasure it a little longer. You see when life throws you something really huge, sometimes you just have to pull back and acknowledge it. But we have been absent for good reason.
We are expecting our firstborn.
Initially, it was impossible to keep blogging about food regularly when it was such a touchy subject. Heightened sensitivity made staying in the same house as a cooking stove unbearable and even thinking about food a rather queasy experience. But still, we managed to post a few posts and I, The Steward even managed to maintain my food column with the Khaleej Times because I have a super editor who understood when I needed my deadline pushed back until the 11th hour.
Little by little we called friends and family individually to share the news. We disclosed to those who we could in person and made the announcement as personal as we could. But alas, there are only two of us, and while we have tried, we have only touched the surface. Especially with my rather humungous family. Last week we threw a same-day impromptu gender reveal party and were overwhelmed with the support our friends showed us from all over the UAE. Our little bundle due late August already has an extended family far away from our homeland.
When life showers you blessings, you sit quietly in the rain. We both had huge changes going on at the same time. We got pregnant the moment we both quit our full time jobs, then we had to move to Ras Al Khaimah, then The Chef had to start a new job, and we had to grapple with this amazing life change. There is a new life growing. We needed to sit in reverence of the beauty of the gift of creation.
We are Chef and Steward and we are having a baby BOY!
Thanks to my photography partner Yuliya for snapping these photos for us. You can find her amazing work at Cleo Photography.
Sanura of MyLifeRunsOnFood.coma says
Congratulations! Cheers to a healthy and happy family!!! Much love!
Sanura of MyLifeRunsOnFood.com says
Congratulations! Cheers to a happy and healthy baby! Much Love to your family! xoxo
Mistylove says
Congratulations! So happy for you! Love your blog, too!
Kibret says
Congratulations cuz, I wish you both a happy, healthy baby.
dina says
Congrats Kari and Lij!!! All the best through this amazing journey! Bless you both!!
imagesbytdashfield says
Congratulations!!!! So the blog will have to soon be Chef, Steward and apprentice? 🙂
Deittra says
Congratulations and Continued Blessings! Thank you for When life showers you blessings, you sit quietly in the rain. What a beautiful way to look forward! Health and Happiness, always!
Lyn @LovelyPantry says
Big congratulations to Chef & Steward! Baby Chef is gonna be such a blessing to you both! Such wonderful news. I’m happy for you two. This is going to be an exciting journey!!! 🙂 August is the BEST month EVER. 😉
Lovely Pantry says
Big congratulations to Chef & Steward! Baby Chef is gonna be such a blessing to you both! Such wonderful news. I’m happy for you two. This is going to be an exciting journey!!! August is the BEST month EVER.
Jehancancook says
Congratulations to the both of you, parenthood is such a blessing!
I Live in a Frying Pan says
Congratulations Chef and Steward!! So, so happy to hear the news! Wishing you both excellent health and all my wishes 🙂
Sarah Allenby says
Congratulations !! And thank you for sharing this lovely news with us all – feel so privileged to hear the news and share in your happiness Xoxo
Sandra says
Woo hoo I am so happy for you guys!! The gigantic smiles on your faces is priceless. Enjoy your baby’s journey into the world and soak up every moment. You are truly blessed.
Allie @ The Nutritional Epiphany says
Congratulations!!!! I wonder if your little one is going to be a chef 🙂
Marcella Andre says
This is the best news ever!! So happy for you “twinnie”
Paulita says
Wonderful news Kari wuhuuuuu congratulations to you both andlove to the bump
mynappytales says
Congratulations! Sending prayers, hugs and lotsa love from us 🙂
ginger and scotch says
Congrats Kari and Lij – great news!
Sally says
What a glorious joyful post – great news…..congratulations 🙂
Orvin Thompson says
Congratulations from Nicky and I, we cant wait to meet your little bundle of Joy
Ellie at Emerald Pie says
Congratulations! Great news. Looking forward to hearing mo about the “little Chef”!!
Corve DaCosta says
Congratulations Kari and Lij.
More reasons to see you soon
Corve
serenityh says
Congrats! Hope things go well!
gottagetbaked says
Awww, congratulations! What fabulous news! Can’t wait to meet the little “sous chef” to be joining you soon.
Yvonne says
Soooooo happy for you both. Sending hugs… Yvonne
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Hooray! So happy for you. A big congrats!
duodishes says
Huge congrats to you both! Juggling so many big life changes is a personal thing, so take your time and enjoy it. You have a world full of changes on the way. 🙂
The Farmers Wife says
Oh my goodness you guys!!!!!! I am SOOOO happy for you!! Babies are such a blessing, and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your pregnancy and can’t wait to see baby pictures!!! 🙂
Mike Martinez says
Congrats!
Kadian says
Congratulations Kari and Lij! Such great news.
Enjoy your journey with your little bundle in tow.
KarmaFree Cooking says
congratulations!!!!! such a blessing!!!!
Devina Divecha says
Just saw this … congratulations! Really happy for you two 🙂
Kemi says
Congrats Kari & Lij!! Fantastic news – welcome to parenthood you two!! 😉
Chef and Steward says
Thanks much Kemi! Can’t believe it ourselves!