dulichthegioimoi: Dubai mums

Picture People photoshoot

08:56

Party Props | Me & Riley GIVES BACK

21:37

Nicola Harrison : Pregnancy; the second time round.

20:26

Nicola Harrison : Art Teacher

Origin : Sheffield, England

Children : Mila 12months & bump; due January 2016

Living in Dubai : 3 years

Location of shoot : Nicola's home

How did you feel celebrating Mila's 1st birthday?

It was an amazing day, I was overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of everyone for coming to the party and celebrating the occasion. The thought of her turning 1 was bitter sweet, obviously it is a happy occasion but it also makes you realise how fast a year goes- I don’t want her to grow up too fast!

Which hospital did you choose to deliver Mila in & how was your experience there?

We used Medicare Hospital in Safa initially because it was close to where we were living at the time. Also because I had been there before for a different matter and was happy with the level of care I had received. Mila was an early surprise as she was born at 36 weeks gestation. My doctor was very reassuring throughout the whole experience, as were all of the staff on the delivery ward who were involved; making a highly emotional and anxious situation as smooth as possible. Now with my second pregnancy I am seeing the same doctor again, although now I have to travel further it’s worth it.

Has your ideal birthing plan changed from the first time round?

Definitely, the first time round I had a very fixed view of how I wanted everything to be and I was determined to have as natural a birth as possible. Having experienced child birth, I know things don’t go to exactly plan and the health of baby and mother are what matter the most, so I will definitely be more relaxed and less rigid about my expectations this time. Every woman is different but for me an Epidural was a life saver, but you never know I might not need it this time!

How has your second pregnancy compared to your first?

This time has been a different experience; the first time I was very lucky to have a smooth and sick-free pregnancy. This time round I've had some sickness, particularly at the beginning, and I've had some early contractions - so expecting another early baby! The second time is different emotionally too as I don’t have the same level of nervous excitement as I did the first time; I'm more relaxed as an experienced mother now. When I was expecting Mila I was reading all the books week by week and buying everything and anything you could possibly need for a baby but of course now we have it all and know it all (sort of) that bit of excitement is removed - although I can’t resist buying new clothes even though it’s another girl! Don’t get me wrong, I am so happy and blessed to be having another girl and extremely eager to meet her.

Is there anything you think you will do differently with your second daughter?

I think this time I wouldn’t be so worried about getting into a set routine so early, that caused a lot of undue stress with Mila. I will certainly be more chilled out and I won’t be running to the doctor straight away if the baby gets a sniffle. As Mila is still young, I’m still learning about being a mother so I’m sure there will be lots of things I will be able to do better with the second baby as Mila grows up and I learn from my mistakes.

Where is your favourite place in Dubai for a mummy & baby meet up?

When Mila was born I really enjoyed attending the Expat Woman coffee mornings as it was a great place to meet other mums and share some baby related stories. Now Mila is older I like to take her to soft play, one of our favourites is Fun city in Oasis Mall as its such good value and is never busy, plus you can have a coffee and chat afterwards or a wander around the shops, so something for the mums too.

How will you & your family be celebrating Christmas this year?

We had originally planned to go back to the UK but due to bump we won’t be travelling. We are planning to have some relaxing family time and hopefully some rest before baby no.2 arrives, unless she makes an early appearance. We will be brunching with some friends Christmas day at JBR outside in the sunshine. We have also planned to visit the ice bar in Times Square so we can get some wear out of our winter clothes, especially Mila’s cute Christmas jumper!

Mum to be : Marcel's maternity shoot

11:05

Maria Harrop-Peel : life, work & her two girls

09:41

Maria Harrop-Peel : Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

Origin : England

Children : 2 girls, Evie 5 years & Maiya 17 months

Living in Dubai : 4 years

Location of shoot : Al Barsha Park

What brought you to Dubai?

I have been in Dubai for almost 4 years now. I moved over with my husband and our 20 month old daughter to work as a full-time Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist.

And what does your job entail?

My background is in outpatients; treating lots of neck, back and joint pain as well as sporting injuries. I also specialize in women’s health, which I love. I think it’s important that women know how to look after themselves.

Can you tell us more about your role in Women’s Health?

Women’s Health Physiotherapy is an area of practice that focuses on a variety of issues including; pregnancy related pain, postnatal problems, incontinence work and pelvic pain to name a few. It’s not well known that physiotherapists work in this area; but understanding the pelvic floor muscles and how we can take care of the body following childbirth, or as we age, can really make a difference in the health and wellbeing of a woman. I really love what I do, it gives me great satisfaction knowing that I am able to help make a difference to someone’s quality of life.

Were you able to continue working full time after having your second daughter?

I had my second daughter here in Dubai 17 months ago; she’s an absolute joy! But juggling two children, school runs and a full time job was too much. So I have recently managed to join a lovely practice of dentists and doctors as a part time physiotherapist. I feel very lucky to have that flexibility, as it can be difficult to come by here in Dubai! It has also allowed me to set up my Forever Living business too, which is great for working around the children. I think trying to get the balance as a working mum in Dubai can be quite challenging at times. However, what I love about this place is that everyone is in the same boat and there is a strong network of helpful mums and groups you can join to get the support you need.

When you manage to get some time to yourself, what do you enjoy doing?

When I do get chance to have some me time, I really enjoy learning about the mind, body and energy link. Dubai is such a great place for meeting like-minded people and exploring alternative practices. I have just completed a Re-connective Healing Practitioner’s course, which was very interesting. During the winter & spring months we enjoy the parks and beaches together as a family. Dubai has such a great environment, full of opportunities to create new experiences!

What would you like to teach your daughters as they grow up?

Like any mum I’d love for my children to grow up into confident, happy women. I really do believe that teaching them how to look inwards, finding what makes them happy is important; I want them to learn to connect with whom they really are.

If you would like to contact Maria for more info on women’s health physiotherapy, you can do so on maz.harrop@gmail.com

Yasmeen Seif : life with twins

10:31

Yasmeen Seif : PR & Marketing Manager for a luxury shoe brand

Origin : Egyptian

Children : Twins, Lara & Talya 2 & ½ years old

Living in Dubai : 9 years

Location of shoot : A local play park on The Palm

Can you tell us a bit about your life prior to having Talya & Lara?

Well I really feel I’ve gotten to do most of what the city has to offer. I moved to Dubai prior to getting married and having the girls so I got to experience it all – the parties, the beaches, the restaurants, all of it! It was (and still is) a really amazing life to live in Dubai.

How did you feel when you first found out that you were expecting twins?

I was so completely shocked - I thought the doctor was an alien at that point. Twins do not run in either of our families, so to find out I was pregnant and that it was twins at the same time was very overwhelming. Once the shock settled in, my husband and I burst out laughing and couldn’t stop.

When did you stop working to go on maternity leave?

I had been working normally throughout most of my pregnancy until I was almost 28 weeks. I went for a visit to the doctor who immediately put me on emergency bed rest; I was feeling fine, but the weight of the girls was a lot of pressure and so I was told I had to be off my feet and take it slow for the rest of the pregnancy so I stopped working around that time.

How was your experience giving birth to your girls?

I had a planned c section at 37 weeks. My father in law was actually the one who delivered the girls, so it was a very smooth and comfortable process. I gave birth in Jordan as that is where my husband is from. I had so many people in the room with me though – my husband, my parents, my inlaws, uncles and more. I just tuned everyone out though and just kept to myself. At that moment I wasn’t scared of the delivery – I was just scared of becoming a mum!

Who was your support network in the first few months after Lara & Talya were born?

Thank God I had such a strong network. I had a lot of helping hands; from my own family, my husband’s family and my friends. I don't think I would have made it without them! It’s a very exhausting phase and I really wasn’t sure what to do. I may not have been vocal to say thank you to everyone, but I was very grateful.

When did you return to work after giving birth?

I returned back when the girls were 2 months old. I needed to go back to work for my own sanity. I say it all the time – stay at home mums have it much harder than working mums! I needed to escape and feel like myself again, work definitely gives me that time to be me.

And how did you feel adjusting back into working life?

Of course there is guilt that goes hand in hand with it: I always feel like I don't spend enough time with my girls, but I knew it was important for me as I’ve always been someone who works. In my own selfish way, I didn’t feel ready to give that up. I also grew up in a household where my own parents both worked so this is the norm for me. I adjusted as well as I could have for the situation and now that the girls just started nursery, it has really helped with the guilt factor: I feel like they are in an engaging environment and having fun while away from me.

What’s life like now that Lara & Talya are 2 & ½ years old?

They make me laugh on a daily basis. They are hilarious and it’s also really amazing to watch the interaction between them as twins and as sisters. I didn’t have a sister growing up so it’s pretty cool to see that relationship grow in front of me. Their personalities are nothing like us; they are very strong willed. I do have some days where I just melt down; it can be overwhelming and I have found out some things about me that I don't like – the yelling, the frustration from my side etc, but I guess that is normal as a mum. I do always watch them with the biggest smile on my face though; I (usually!) think they’re so cute and funny!

What sort of things do you enjoy doing together as a family?

They are happiest when they are outside of the house: at the pool, the beach etc. So we try and spend as much time engaging them in outdoor activities; they aren’t very picky about what the activity is, as long as its outdoors!

Is being a mother of twins anything like you thought it would be?

Ha! Who would have a description of what being a mother of twins is like?! I had no clue what to expect, and I still have no idea what’s going to happen each day. It’s my only experience though, so I take it with immense gratitude. It’s a bit crazy in my life these days, but I wouldn’t have it any other way J

Rachael Clarke : life with 2 under 3

23:58

Rachael Clarke

Origin : St. Albans Hertfordshire, England

Children : Two boys; Hayden, 2 years old & Harisson, 6 months old

Living in Dubai : 4 years

Location of shoot : Creek Park

What brought you to Dubai?

My husband; we meet back in the UK 6 years ago while he was working in the UAE. I used to come out to visit him here, then after we got married I moved out.

Can you tell us a bit about your work life?

Back in the UK I worked as a beautician & also in events/promotional work. I carried that on when I moved over to Dubai & now have a small beauty business, that I run from home.

Did you give birth to your sons here in Dubai?

No, I had both of my sons back in the UK so I could be close to my family.

How did your eldest son react when he first met your youngest son?

My eldest son, Hayden, got so excited when he first came to the hospital to meet Harisson; he had brought him a present & we also gave Hayden a present "from the new baby" - so he instantly liked him!

How did you feel when they first met?

I was worried that he would feel jealous and maybe pushed out, but he has never shown any signs of that and is actually very protective over him! It's beautiful watching them together, Hayden passes Harisson toys and sings to him or makes funny faces and noises to make him laugh; he's a fantastic big brother and I'm so proud of him.

What's a typical day like for you?

My husband leaves for work at about 6am, so I'm up around that time getting the boys ready for the day. My youngest, now 6 months, is yet to sleep through the night and my eldest has the energy of a class full of children; so my days are pretty tiring, but always fun! We swim, we paint, we play and now the weather is cooling down we go to the park at around 4pm, where Hayden can ride his bike.
Then we'll head home and I'll start the evening routine of dinner, bath, story time and bed.

Is there anything that you did with your first child, that you'll do differently the second time round?

I feel like I'm not as in a rush to see my second grow up: with Hayden I was so excited to get him crawling, sitting up, standing, walking etc but with Harrison I'm in no rush at all. I'm just enjoying him being a baby.

Which 3 values in life would you like to teach your children?

Honesty, respect, and determination.

What do you find is the most challenging thing about having 2 children under the age of 3?
The most challenging thing about having two children under 3, is definitely lack of sleep! It's really hard to be energetic with Hayden after being up numerous times in the night with a new baby. I also feel I have no time for myself anymore, I can't even remember the last time I dried my hair; it now lives in a bun on the top of my head!

And what do you enjoy the most about it?

Their smiles and laughter make it all worth it. Hayden is now 2 & it's such a fun age, and Harrison is such a happy, smiley baby so I'm a very lucky mummy.

Whereabouts in Dubai would you go for a family day out?

We love going to Creek park, JBR beach; the splash park down there is great fun! We're always in the pool at home too and like to have bbq's on the weekends.

Carrie Mitchell | The Joinery Shop

01:16

Carrie Mitchell : Founder of The Joinery Shop

Origin : Edinburgh, Scotland

Children : 6 month old daughter Isla

Living in Dubai : 8 years

Location of shoot : The Palace Hotel & Souk Al Bahar

Can you tell us about your business?

The Joinery Shop is an independent gift and homeware boutique: specialising in custom-made signboards, human-sized height rulers and re-loving old furniture. We are committed to finding, crafting or creating the quirkiest and quaintest of gift items which bring charm and character into the home. We participate weekly at the Ripe Food and Craft Market* as well as through other Pop-Ups in Dubai and will soon be opening a studio space in Al Barsha. Follow our facebook page: The Joinery Shop Dubai to keep posted about developments!

What inspired you to start The Joinery Shop?

My husband and I had just moved into our first home together and having always lived in furnished places prior neither of us even owned a toaster so we had to start from scratch. I found it difficult to find furniture that wasn’t mass produced, laminate or vastly overpriced so sourced ours from second hand shops and facebook groups. It was thrilling finding tired dated furniture and re-loving it and I also took a lot of joy in creating signboards and frames from salvaged pieces of wood that I sourced: the items I created gave our home character and points of interest and everyone who has come into our home has always complimented it on the ‘homely’ ambience. I am proud that I have put our stamp on a rented property and not just filled it with bland mass produced pieces. We are moving house this week as we’ve outgrown our home but instead of buying new furniture for our new space I’ve been busy repainting our existing items.

When did you launch The Joinery Shop?

I launched The Joinery Shop in April 2014 and left my full time teaching job in July 2014 to focus on it.

What has been the most challenging thing about becoming a new mum & running your own business?

Until Isla arrived I did everything from marketing and PR, booking and staffing events, sourcing and ordering the stock, managing accounts, creating new products, managing social media accounts, making custom orders and reloving furniture: I’m now beginning to identify areas where I can delegate and have a few passionate and creative ladies who are coming on board to relove the furniture, make custom items like chalkboards and staff the markets stalls and pop-ups. I think the most challenging thing is finding the time and achieving a balance: having your own company isn’t dissimilar to having a baby; you want to be involved in all aspects of its development and you can never truly ‘switch off’. There’s a lot of work behind the scenes and it is difficult to juggle the two, I’m just trying to take it all one day at a time.

And the most rewarding?

I love what I do and I am so grateful by how well received my little business is by people in the UAE: the response from customers when they see their vision of a custom made board brought to life or furniture makeover is amazing and always humbling! It’s also lovely when mums at playgroups mention The Joinery Shop or when strangers on Facebook recommend it to a group - Dubai is a small pond and word of mouth spreads quickly!

What advice would you give to other new mums looking to start their own business in the UAE?

If you have a passion or an idea and a bit of entrepreneurial drive then go for it! Test the water and start off at a market like ARTE or Expat Woman where you can promote and sell your items legally under their umbrella, licensing fees here cost a fortune so if you can operate at these places then take full advantage!

What do you enjoy the most about living in Dubai?

The lifestyle! I was at a Mum and Babies coffee morning the other day and it was in these stunning surroundings with an amazing spread, a la carte dining, goodie bags and toys available for the little ones to play with: in Scotland you’d be lucky to get a coffee in a greasy spoon for a free event like that! Straight after we wandered over to Dubai Mall where you have this giant aquarium, stunning fountains, ice rink…the list goes on. The UAE has an abundance of quite incredible sights and experiences!

Where’s your favourite place to eat out in Dubai?

Ooh that’s a tough one! I was never a foodie before moving here but the quality and variety of food as well as the ‘wow’ factor of many restaurants here have really opened a whole new world to a palette that was accustomed to deep fried pizzas every Thursday night (an Edinburgh ). I guess I’d go for Eggspectation in JBR because breakfast is my favourite meal. It has a lively, casual atmosphere, beautiful beach front location and the most delicious menu: you can have breakfast at any time of the day!

What do you miss about life in Scotland?

The banter and the Scottish accent (my husband is a Londoner so I don’t get the pleasure of hearing it at home)

Where do you see yourself & The Joinery Shop in 5 years?

Hopefully both will still be going strong!