When I first moved to Saudi, I had the intention of blogging frequently. I wanted to show people what life here was really like- no more stereotypes that everyone here is uneducated and lives in a tent, that everyone is a terrorist, that all women are just miserable baby makers. I wanted people in the west to be enlightened that people here are, well, just that. People. Like you and me.

But life got in the way. I was busy with work. I met an amazing man and got married. I got a different job. We had a daughter. Life got in the way.

I started blogging a bit more, but once again life got in the way.

Picture this- it’s Ramadan 2019. I’m more tired than usual. When I break my fast, I don’t feel the need to eat, but I can’t drink enough water. Something is off, but I can’t quite place my finger on it. I was pregnant. Fast forward several long, grueling months later, and I’m a mom again.

Welcome to life, baby Diyala. We love you.

Feb. 5th, 2020

Salaam,

KC