It was the single moment we have both lived our lives for.
We are the super lucky parents God has chosen for this boy. Here is my open letter to him before his arrival. Warning… it gets really mushy beyond this point, but every sentiment is totally heartfelt. Bear with us.
My dear boy,
After bonding with you for over 9 months and trying to hold on to you until you were big and healthy enough to make outside of me. I am finally at the point of readiness.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our journey together so far. I remember the first time I heard your heart beat, though you were not even shaped like a person at 6 weeks gestation. It was at that moment that something connected inside your papa and me and it became very real.
I remember so many friends asking me if I was pregnant even before that point and my dear friend Lucy, who even dreamt about it. I got so many signs that it seemed for certain that God wanted me to know early this time so that I could be careful. Your angel sister, who this blog is dedicated to, watched over you every step of the way. The prayers of your papa, myself and the entire village that will raise you kept us focused on a positive outcome for you.
We knew you before you were created. Right now as I write this, I believe that God put your mama and papa together so that you would be brought to life. Your purpose on this earth was created long before us. We are vessels to guide you to your path to achieve the purpose God has placed you here for.
As this pregnancy draws to a close, I just want to thank you for enriching my life in so many ways. You made me feel things and depths that words are not sufficient to explain.
I am blessed to be called your mama.
I just want you to know that after all this time, all the scares, you are loved. My beautiful baby boy, you are loved, you are accepted, you are welcomed. I am ready.
Love,
Your Mama.
Baby “Jaja” Heron. Jaja- “God’s gift.”
AKA our Apprentice, or as we shorten in Jamaica, “Prento.”
Baby Cake: Courtesy of Executive Pastry Chef Christine and her Sous Chef Nadia and the Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah team. We extend our gratitude to the management and staff of the Waldorf Astoria and Hilton.
Our Birth Team: This whole experience was beautifully shaped by our wonderful Hypnobirthing instructor, Jasmine Collins and our darling doula Monika Maccioni-Meier of Anaya. Monika laboured with us all night and all day as we prepared to welcome our baby into this world. Her kind wisdom, soft touch facial reflexology, handmade lavender bath and present positive spirit kept us calm and focused and gave us the constant reassurance that all would work out for good.
Our unmedicated, natural birth turned into a medically necessary emergency C- Section due to complications but our lovely boy was ushered into this world with a blissfully peaceful birth fostered by a team of professionals who went beyond the call of duty and performed in a gentle and humane manner to make things as natural as possible. Every kind word, thought, look and touch truly made all the difference.
The Birth Village: We were blessed with Dr. Christian Jozsa, his nurse Angie, the midwifery team at Healthbay Polyclinic (Dru, Louise, Rachel) and receptionist Antonia; the midwifery team at City Hospital Dubai (June, Maryam, Linda, Donne); Anaesthesiologist Andrea and her nurse Regina; the Maternity nursing staff (Rezi, Jane and Amy, Chris), the Neonatal staff: Drs. Abdul Azeem and Khan and the nursing team (Emee, Sally, Joan and others).
Friends and Family: It seriously takes a village. Ours consisted of friends who went all out to provide a reliable support system for us the entire journey. Homes, car rides and hearts were extended when we needed them most, visits we orchestrated and picnics arranged. You know who you are and from the bottom of our hearts, we say “Thank you.”
As new parents, we are only now truly beginning to understand what comes with the title and are therefore humbled by the sacrificial love of our own parents. We looked forward to the calls of our parents and siblings. Much love.
Photos: All credits to Kari Alana and Chef Lij Heron.
Mel says
Congratulations to you both! The little guy is a cutie! All the best
Chef and Steward says
Muchas gracias!
Deittra says
I have been following your blog and impending arrival for some time. I would like to wish your Family and your beautiful son continued best and blessings! Your story has been an inspiration, as I too in starting to blog discovered that we have an impending arrival (too a son). We are enterring our 3rd trimester, and are beyond excited! Amazing experience thus far! Cooking has been a challenge, but I am looking forward to my return to the kitchen. I too am practicing Hypnobirthing and have found an amazing Doula, looking forward on this continuous journey.
Through your Food, Wisdom, and Life you continue to Inspire. Congratulations!
Chef and Steward says
Your comment is a very welcome surprise. Good luck with your blog and wishing you all the best for your delivery! I have still not returned to the kitchen per se except for an odd appearance but I too look forward to getting back into the swing of things.
imagesbytdashfield says
I was just thinking today about you all and now I get to see this beautiful little face. Congratulations! Can’t wait to see pictures of him in a teeny tiny little chef’s hat and apron 🙂
Chef and Steward says
So nice to see your face come up in the comments. LOL re: chef’s hat!
Kamaria says
Beautiful Kari! Much congrats to you hubby and Jaja 😀
Chef and Steward says
Thanks much dear!
Taitu says
What a touching and lionheart letter Kari! Much love to you Mama and to Daddy Lij.
Chef and Steward says
This was written early in the two-week labour period. Thanks much my sister.
Grandma Bunny says
Daddy Lij, Mummy Kari and Grand child #5 Elijah, I am awed by this international village. I love you all. Grandma Bunny
Chef and Steward says
Grandma Bunny! He is indeed born in an international circle of love, this blessed boy! Can’t wait for you to hold him 🙂
Abigail says
Hello there sweet angel baby Jaja!
Chef and Steward says
And hi there Abigail… 🙂
tastesbytiffney says
This is beautiful! I’m in tears. You have a beautiful baby
Chef and Steward says
Thanks… sincerely heartfelt.
MinnaH says
Congratulations dear. Congratulations to all family. Your letter to Elijah aka Jaja aka Prento was so touching. Enjoy these times, they are best.
Chef and Steward says
Thanks much Minna. He is such a joy to behold.
duodishes says
Sorry you were unable to follow through with the natural birth, but CONGRATS on a healthy baby!
Chef and Steward says
Nothing is more important than that! We are truly blessed.
Yvonne Chin Irving says
Kari, my love. Congratulations! You are beautiful,blessed and inspirational. Sending hugs to you and Chef and Baby Chef and Steward 🙂
Chef and Steward says
My sister, thanks ever so much. My life as I know it will never be the same.
Sandra says
I am so behind here forgive me. Your son is adorable and congratulations!
Chef and Steward says
Oh my Sandra it is so lovely to see you! We have been slow on posting over the last few months but are just now getting back in the swing. Thanks 🙂
Chef and Steward says
Thanks much
mediaimran says
Congratulations Kari and Chef.
Chef and Steward says
Gracias Imran.
Burna says
Beautiful Family
Chef and Steward says
Thanks