Happy Muslim Mama: April 2012

After weeks of sickness and exhaustion and two trips to emergency, my scan finally came round this week. After much trepidation, nearly throwing up in the waiting room and expecting the worst, the scan showed a perfectly healthy 11-week old baby bouncing around like a little mad man (or woman). The consultant said it was the most movement she had ever seen in a scan. So it seems I am expecting after all, and a very bouncy baby at that!I would not normally let people know so early (I don’t normally show until 6 or 7 months), but it has been so obvious that something is wrong by my strange eating habits, pasty colour and my habit of putting my head on my desk every now and again and just sighing, that I have told close friends and family and my managers earlier than I otherwise would have.In a way I don’t mind. I fully expect this to be my last pregnancy as there is no way I am going through this miserable sickness again (although I know these are just words because I fully accept that only Allah SWT decides when any life begins or ends). Insh’Allah, I am going to indulge in all of the things I like (currently tart strawberries, mango and orange Calypo ice lollies), I am going to do all of the things I didn’t know to do before with my children (lots of Quran recitation in the house I think).I am going to stop trying to be so bloody-minded and give myself a break – lots of rest, lots of lying down and staying out of the kitchen when cooking smells make me sick. I am going to let the house get a little messy and I have promised myself I will call in sick when I feel too sick to work rather than forcing myself to go in as I used to. I am telling myself that I am not just being kind to myself, but to the little acrobat too.Thank you to all of the sisters who posted ideas to help with nausea. The ice-pop/lollies work like a dream, as does grazing and lying very still.

I am so grateful for the long Easter weekend off work. Today has been a good day and I am catching up with the four loads of laundry, dishes and piles of books and toys everywhere. Insh’Allah, hopefully there will be some time to play (blog, write, journal, cards and beads – 0kay maybe getting a little carried away there). As always, please remember me in your dua’s.