That Mama: Waheeba Esri

Another of Dubai’s very inspiring mamas and her gorgeous kiddo!

We’re huge fans of the mummy blogger community in our desert city – and Waheeba Esri is definitely up there on our list. The author behind the super cute Dubai Mother blog, Waheeba chats to us about her daily routine, the importance of mama/hubby teamwork and her huge love for her little boy Adam.

Can you talk us through your career pre and post baby?

I use to work in HR in a media company in Media City. Previous to that I worked in a recruitment firm in HR as well. Even though I studied Hotel Management, it was something I didn’t see myself having a career in. I enjoyed the HR side of it more, whether it was doing payroll or handling recruitment; it was something I loved doing. Maybe it was my mother’s influence. She is in HR as well.

After having Adam, I couldn’t get myself to go back to work. I was like an obsessed stalker refusing to let go! I love spending time with my son and I am thankful that I’m lucky enough to be able to stay home with him and not have to go back to work.

How do you balance your blog and motherhood?

I normally do my posts when Adam’s asleep at night or napping during the day. With my Mompreneurs & Women In Business interviews, I schedule meeting the beautiful women according to my mum & hubby’s schedule. My husband is a businessman and travels often but when he is in Dubai he spends more time at home which is excellent for me so I get more done then.

A few times I take Adam with me. For instance when I went to meet Jumana from Happy Box, I took Adam with me. I love going out with Adam so I try to have him with me whenever possible. It makes it easier.

How do you save time? What are your organisational tips and tricks?

Working together! My husband and I are a great team. By helping each other, we save more time. Having my mother around is amazing too, it lets us to a lot more while she takes care of Adam. Being organised helps a lot as well. Try to have a sort of routine.

Do you have any tips for aspiring “Bloggers” in Dubai?

Write about what you’re going through rather than what everyone else is doing. It’s much easier when you are writing things you can relate too and love.

Favourite activity with your kid in Dubai?

Morning walks around the compound. We use to do mummy & me yoga as well which was excellent as Adam got to mingle with other kids which he loves!

Favourite kid-friendly restaurants in Dubai?

We’ve been to a few restaurants like PF Changs, Kaleidoscope Atlantis, etc with Adam and we found it great. I honestly think it’s more to do with how you deal with being there. With us, we always make sure we have Adam’s favorite toys, his teether, meals and Gracie lou on his pad; that keeps him happy and entertained. One thing we try to avoid though is restaurants that are too noisy with loud music etc

Favourite family-friendly holiday spot?

We haven’t traveled with Adam yet, but once we do I’ll let you know 🙂

Do you have any tips for keeping the romance alive in your relationship?

Date nights. We always make sure we have nights where we go out and have a good time. We also do gateways on some weekends. Whether its lunch or dinner, you should always make time for each other and enjoy.

Favourite date-night restaurants?

We don’t really have a place I would say is our favorite. When we lived in Marina, we loved walking across to JBR and going to Hilton, Meydan Beach, Sheraton etc. They all have lovely restaurants. My husband and I are the kind of people who would still have a great time even if we were on a mountain. We enjoy each other’s company a lot so wherever we are.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a parent?

“You do what’s best for your child.” And that’s so true. You get so many people telling you what to do or what you’re doing is not right. Never doubt yourself! Out of all things I am, I know I am a great mother and my husband is an amazing father so in the end we always do what we know is best for Adam.

Give us your essential new mama advice that might never occur to other women.

Don’t stress so much!! And never doubt yourself. As a new mother I was always stressing about anything and everything, now when I look back I see it was for nothing. Take it easy and don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re doing a great job!

As a mama I wish I were better at…

Cooking. I need some serious cooking classes! I am absolutely terrible at that.

My most humbling mama moment was…

Holding my baby for the first time and realizing nothing else compares. Things I once found important seemed insignificant. I was holding a part of me in my arms and it was the most beautiful moment in my life.

One thing I won’t sacrifice as a mama is…

My time with Adam. My baby comes first. My husband and I always base our plans around him. There’s nothing more important to us than our time with Adam.

I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about…

My son! I worry too much so I’m always up in the middle of the night, every night I think! My husband and mum joke about me having to see a therapist.

Even when my children have families of their own, I’ll still…

Stalk them!

My favourite moment of the day is…

Playing with Adam and feeding him! He has the funniest expressions and mumbles words out of this world. I think he speaks French.

I always feel saner after…

Long night’s sleep and a hot shower. Sometimes venting out to hubby about whatever’s annoying me helps too.

I wish I had more time for…

Exercising!

Bedtime is always smoother when…

Adam sleeps without throwing any tantrums.

These absolutely gorgeous photos were snapped by Natalie Robinson of Natalie Robinson Photography.