I took this photo the other day on my phone. It was dusk, I had just woken from a late afternoon nap, and this was what I saw as I opened my eyes. I lay there and watched the scene as the sun set behind the curtain, it was one of the most beautiful impromptu nature performances I’d seen in quite some time.
…………………………………………
There is something else I want to share. Something rather wonderful. Many of you have noticed that I’ve been absent from the airwaves over the past few months. I’ve been very ill, but for the very loveliest of reasons: I’m pregnant.
I’m now 5 months along. Indeed it’s an incredibly wonderful surprise, something I’ve only ever dreamed of, not truly believing I would actually experience it, but always hoping. On the flip side, it’s been an incredibly rough ride. Unfortunately due to the severity and consistency of my symptoms I had to cancel my work commitments, shoots, book events, and travel which included the fabulous workshop in Canada. Blogging, emailing, and anything of the sort, has also been out of my reach. At first I was confused, anxious, and worried but my doctor informed me there is a small percentage of women who experience intense symptoms throughout the entire pregnancy. In my life I’d never met anyone who had experienced the symptoms to this extent, so it was a shock to me. But the good news is that over the past few weeks I’ve been having some moments of reprieve from the symptoms, so lets hope those moments turn into days, and maybe even weeks.
Aside from all that, it is pure magic. I am now experiencing lots of movement, and when I rest, I rest knowing – and feeling – there is a life growing inside me, I am mesmerized. Romain and I are both so happy, and I couldn’t be more nurtured, I feel blessed, regardless of the difficulties.
Thank you for all your lovely, caring emails and comments over the past few months, I apologise for not being able to respond to all. Although I can’t commit to much else at this stage (i.e. consistent blogging or normal work schedule), I strive for it every day. In the meantime, your continual support in my work, my books, and my photography is beyond words, I’m so looking forward to getting back into the thick of it – for now, it’s one new adventure at a time.
xx
Oh Pia…that is such wonderful news. You are truly in for the ride of your life! Motherhood is such a wonderful, intense, amazing journey.
Rest up now, while you can…because once that little bundle is born, these sleepy days will be a long ago memory!
I am so very happy for you!
October 8th, 2011 | #
Wow, what wonderful, joyous news! A huge hug and congratulations to you and Romain!
October 8th, 2011 | #
oh, that is the most amazing news. congratulations. eat and drink ginger….it’s the only thing that got me through. really wonderful news.
October 8th, 2011 | #
Delurking to say congratulations! As one who never had the easiest of pregnancies I completely understand your absence here – and as I look at my three children I can tell you that all the sickness and discomfort is completely worth it.
October 8th, 2011 | #
Awwww, a HUGE congrats to you and Romain!
October 8th, 2011 | #
How wonderful! I wish you and your new one nothing but health and happiness these next few months.
xx
October 8th, 2011 | #
This is such wonderful news! I’m so incredibly happy for you, Pia. May the rest of your pregnancy be smooth sailing! xo
October 8th, 2011 | #
So happy for you! Wonderful news.
October 8th, 2011 | #
oh pia, i for one (of i am sure many) am so relieved! and happy! i was worried it was something completely different, and this is the best news ever! so excited for you.
and my best friend had very severe symptoms at the beginning of her pregnancy, and she is now the happy mum to a now 13 year old girl. just take very good care, and let others do lots of fetching for you!
yay! xo
October 8th, 2011 | #
How very lovely! Congratulations!!
October 8th, 2011 | #
Oh, Pia! Congratulations on this lovely news. I’m sorry to hear that you’re ill. My best friend had a very rough pregnancy as well, and I hope the symptoms cease shortly. Glad your little one is safe and healthy! My heart goes out to you on this new journey 🙂
October 8th, 2011 | #
That is so beautiful…and congratulations!!
October 8th, 2011 | #
Wonderful news. So happy for you both. 🙂
October 8th, 2011 | #
So happy for you! I adore your blog and your books, they are sublime. Hope you continue to feel better. -xo Allie
October 8th, 2011 | #
Congratulations darling girl!
How adorable your little one is going to be! I wonder when he / she will get it’s first camera!
I am sorry to hear you’ve been so ill throughout the pregnancy.
Love Sandwich
xoxo
October 8th, 2011 | #
such incredible news. hoping the second half is smoother!
October 8th, 2011 | #
OMG this is the BEST of news!!! So so happy for you and sorry you have not been well!
I had a similar pregnancy with Iggy and pretty much sat on my couch staring at a wall or living in the bathroom…..it was horrible…..but i would do it every day of my life for the lovely little man in my life today! this is wonderful wonderful news and i hope so much that you feel ok soon 🙂 The worse the pregnancy the better the baby….u will have a beautiful little human i am sure! so happy for you 🙂 xoxox
October 8th, 2011 | #
Oh, so incredibly wonderful! Congratulations Pia! I am so sorry you have been so ill but, so happy you are coming out of “the woods”. It is THE most beautiful journey in life, in my humble opinion and I wish you all the very best!
xo
Melissa
October 8th, 2011 | #
I am so happy to have visited your blog and read your lovely heartwarming post. I wish you the very best as your journey into Motherhood progresses and I do hope you feel better very soon! I am a new reader and am so intrigued by the beautiful space you have created here! It will be a true delight to receive glimpses into your new life becoming a Mother!
All the best!
Chrissy
October 8th, 2011 | #
Such wonderful news Pia! I am so sorry that you’ve been so sick with the bub but what a cause. I had a pretty rough time too for most of my pregnancy but as you’ve experienced, once you start getting those little kicks and hellos from deep within, it makes everything bearable. Rest and enjoy your quiet time – it won’t be around too much longer!
Louise x
October 8th, 2011 | #
Oh how exciting! Congratulations! I do hope you feel better and get tons of rest before the little one comes. 🙂
October 8th, 2011 | #
well then, isn’t THAT just the loveliest news! congratulations and hope the symptoms ebb enough for you to enjoy this loveliness even more 🙂
October 8th, 2011 | #
Congratulations to you both Pia…having a baby will outshine everything you have done so far……it is the tiniest thing you ever decide to put your whole life into and every moment will be more special than the last……
Where do you come from baby dear, out of the everywhere into the here, where did you get your eyes so blue, out of the sky when i came through………
October 8th, 2011 | #
Wonderful news. I hope you are feeling better. I had my little Hugo in London 5 weeks ago and I can’t describe how special it all is. It’s a tiring, sometimes scary, beautiful, amazing, loving experience and I find myself thanking whoever is out there for making me the luckiest person alive. Take care of yourself.
October 8th, 2011 | #
Pia that is such wonderful news – congratulations and hang in there – it does get better. Fifteen years later and I STILL miss Alexandra turning somersaults inside me – it is such an amazing feeling, and amazing time and it all passes so fast. Enjoy it and savour every minute. F x
October 8th, 2011 | #
Pia, I’m in the last days of pregnancy (kept awake by the not-so-tiny-anymore kicking feet 🙂 and have just read your post. Been wondering where and how you are… Sending you my very best wishes for this adventure!
October 8th, 2011 | #
thank you so much – as always, your comments have made my day, and I feel better already! xx
October 8th, 2011 | #
what a joy!!! not the symptoms of course, but the news!! i had also wondered if all was well as you hadnt been blogging etc., and i , like the others, am just delighted for you both. all that talent and beauty will still be there when you have more time over the next years – i hope your baby has some of your wonderful insight into beauty! from penny with very best wishes from queensland! xx
October 8th, 2011 | #
oh congratulations Pia! It must be an amazing time for you… aside from the full on symptoms! I guess everyone’s body is completely different, giving us different view points and experiences to anything & everything…But I do wish you a smoother ride for the last few months! congrats again x
October 8th, 2011 | #
Oh Pia, what lovely news, hope you feel better soon … XXX
October 8th, 2011 | #
Wow!! Congratulations Pia! I bet you are very excited 🙂 Hope you feel better soon xx
October 8th, 2011 | #
Hi Pia! Congratulations! That’s such exciting news. It’s awful to hear you’ve been so sick but I’m sure it will all be more than worth it in the end. Best of luck with it all! xx
October 8th, 2011 | #
so happy for you both, lovely lovely Pia, and inspired to hear you are gaining strength and I hope the symptoms ease with the coming days and weeks, congratulations
Jeska x
October 8th, 2011 | #
that is wonderful news. May the remainder of your pregnancy be trouble free. I loved being pregnant with each of my 3 children. A wondrous time. xx
October 8th, 2011 | #
Many congratulations to you and Romain! I’m sorry to hear you’ve been so sick with the pregnancy, a good friend of mine also experienced this and it did get better in the final months, so hopefully you will feel stronger soon! All the best.
October 8th, 2011 | #
Congratulations Pia, and so pleased you are being looked after well. Hope you feel better in the rest of your pregnancy x
October 8th, 2011 | #
Hearty congratulations to you and Romain, this is such wonderful news! I hope that the pregnancy continues to grow easier for you and that your symptoms quieten down, so you can get some rest and reprieve before the big arrival. Wishing you both well on your journey into parenthood, it will be a wonderful one 🙂
October 8th, 2011 | #
Pia, congratulations! What wonderful news! I’m very happy for you and Romain. Sorry to hear you’ve been so unwell as a result though. My sister was very sick during both her pregnancies, but all was well in the end and her boys have grown to be strapping lads. Hope the next months offer you some reprieve, so you are able to enjoy this wonderful experience all the more. <3
October 8th, 2011 | #
Your photo is beautiful. I love how you can capture such instances in everyday life, and create them into something so magical…
Regarding your surprising news, Congratulations, Pia!
October 8th, 2011 | #
Dear Pia,
there was something in the wind…
Its the naturally next level… (I didn’t only look at your wonderful pics in your book, I’ve read it!)
What a great journey!
All the best for you (both).
Congrats,
Ariane
October 8th, 2011 | #
What wonderful news (not the feeling sick part…) Congratulations!
October 8th, 2011 | #
Many congratulations! I do hope you start to feel better soon, so you can really enjoy your pregnancy.
October 8th, 2011 | #
Oh Pia. You are going to be the most transcendentally wonderful, loving, genuine mother. I am so thrilled for that little baby to have ended up with you and Romain.
October 8th, 2011 | #
What wonderful news, very happy for you and full of sympathy for what have been some miserable months. Soon it will be a memory and you’ll have a whole new person to contend with instead! It is an amazing experience, motherhood. I wish you all the best. x
October 8th, 2011 | #
Oh I’m so happy for you! Congratulations!
October 8th, 2011 | #
Your grace under all circumstances constantly inspires me. Thanks for sharing at what is such a private and intimate time. Wishing you a safe and happy journey into motherhood (and fatherhood!) x
October 8th, 2011 | #
Congratulations Pia, and what a journey it is 🙂 I’m almost the same time along as you (4.5 months), and when you were absent from your blog etc for such a long while, I wondered if it might be because you were busy putting energy into a little being! Its such a huge thing, and so special – congratulations again 🙂
October 9th, 2011 | #
Congratulations on the wonderful news…what a joy to bring a new being into the world…you are so blessed and a blessing to so many others…be well and enjoy
October 9th, 2011 | #
Have just spent 3 weeks in Paris with kids aged 8 and 5 who were enthralled so never fear – your travelling days are not over – just for a year or so! Morning sickness in its various guises I swear is worse than any kind of exhaustion post-baby so don’t worry – you will feel better afterwards though everyone will be telling you how hard a newborn is – not compared to pregnancy!
October 9th, 2011 | #
As you can see (by the sheer multitude of comments) how excited we all are to hear from you. Would you believe me if I told you that I had my suspicions? I’m sorry to hear about your symptoms though, but glad to hear they may be slowly dissipating. What a blessed and lucky and fortunate little life this will be. To have a Mum who sees the way you do and has such a fervour for all the beauty & adventures life has to offer. Congratulations! Rest up, drink tea (raw ginger & fresh bay leaves – steeped in hot water – saved me during my also rough nine months) and allow this wonderful, enigmatic ride to transport you all the way into bootie, blankie heaven! 🙂
October 9th, 2011 | #
Oh! Congrats and good luck 🙂 I’m sitting on the other side of the fence with my 12week old sleeping next to me. It really is a Some Kind of (Awesome) Adventure. Too exciting!!
October 9th, 2011 | #
Congratulations. I hope the pregnancy roller coaster slows down a little and gives you time to enjoy this time. Bless. New adventures are on the way.
October 9th, 2011 | #
What wonderful news Pia, congratulations! enjoy every minute you are blessed.
October 9th, 2011 | #
Thousands of congratulations!! Enjoy the next stage of your life !
October 9th, 2011 | #
Pia I’ve been wondering why you’ve been so quite. What a fantastic reason you have. Take care and try to enjoy this time as much as you can. Everything you experience is nature’s way of preparing you for what lies ahead. Congratulations to you both!
October 9th, 2011 | #
What a wonderful news! I can remember our talk about motherhood so well during our lunch in Amsterdam. I was pregnant and now my sweet boy is almost 2! It is such a miracle. This feeling of love is so big. I wish you all the best and I hope you feel better soon.
October 9th, 2011 | #
that’s wonderful pia! gefeliciteerd!
October 9th, 2011 | #
Pia~it’s such wonderful news that you are expecting! I was so hoping to meet you at the workshop here in Vancouver, but am so relieved that you have something beautiful to look forward to at the end of all this discomfort. My thoughts are with you!
October 9th, 2011 | #
Pia, this is wonderful news (well, except for the sickness – that’s not wonderful)! I had suspected a pregnancy, and I’m very glad it is so! You’ve been missed in this space, and I look forward to a time when you feel up to returning! But I hope you can enjoy this time – I had my first child last year and it’s amazing how much more colourful the world seems after a child arrives in your life 🙂 May the force be with you, and congrats to you and Romain!
October 10th, 2011 | #
So wonderful! Congratulations Pia! I am so happy you are having moments where you’re feeling a bit better. Enjoy this amazing journey xxx
October 10th, 2011 | #
geweldig!
October 10th, 2011 | #
That’s wonderful news! Congratulations Pia! I suspected something was going on, hoping it wasn’t something bad. I’m wishing the coming months will be much easier for you, take good care of yourself! With love.
October 10th, 2011 | #
Congratulations! A wonderful new chapter of your life has begun! Check out and take care of yourself. You’re not missiing antyhing and we’ll all be here when you get back. Motherhood is a blessing and you and Romain will be wonderful parents. Cheers!
October 10th, 2011 | #
I was worried about you and am so glad to read that you are better now and pregnant!!Congrats to you two(three).
Lots of love from Amsterdam
October 10th, 2011 | #
Congrats, Pia! What wonderful news. I hope you are feeling more like yourself soon!
October 10th, 2011 | #
Hi Pia, that’s some news, congratulations! He or she will be very lucky to have a mom with such a beautiful infectious love for all the small wonders in the world!
October 10th, 2011 | #
congratulations pia –
so excited for you both.
loads of london love!
sianxxx
October 11th, 2011 | #
Pia,
Congratulations to both of you! Hang in there and everything will be okay 🙂
Norlin
October 11th, 2011 | #
What wonderful news.I am so happy for you! The road ahead is full of love and wonder beyond imagine! I’m sorry the beginning of your journey has been rough waters.
October 11th, 2011 | #
Wow Congratulazioni Pia! I was wondering wy
you were not blogging, having a baby is the most
adventure thing that can happen, is a bless!
enjoi your pregnancy even if is not the best.
love from Milano
Beba e Leone
October 11th, 2011 | #
Congrats Pia! That’s lovely news. Sorry to hear you have had some difficult times health wise- it’s very stressful when you are worried about two. Glad to hear it’s getting smoother and best of luck for the everything. Lots of good wishes from Max, Toby and I from Amsterdam.
October 11th, 2011 | #
Wonderful for you. I also had strong symptoms for the first 4 months (at least) 3 different times and 3 beautiful daughters! Rest rest rest and eat whatever you crave 🙂 all the best to you ~ Robyn
October 12th, 2011 | #
Congratulations!! That is awesome news!
October 13th, 2011 | #
Dear Pia,
Lovely lovely news, very happy for both of you, your blogging is sorely missed but now we know it’s for a good cause, here’s hoping you feel better and better
all the best
liz from Paris
October 13th, 2011 | #
Wonderful news, dear Pia! You and Romain must be over the moon! Am so thrilled for you both. Really hope your symptoms subside and the remainder of the pregnancy is smooth sailing. xx
October 14th, 2011 | #
OHHHHH, I am VERY new to your site, compliments of Heidi Swanson, but your news is just wonderful! I’m a nurse-midwife and will be thinking of you and yours over the next few months.
Rest and enjoy!
Susan
October 14th, 2011 | #
Gefeliciteerd! I was wondering where you were! I have a wonderful 4 month old baby and had the worse pregnancy ever – sick and nauseous all the time… But I had the most wonderful water birth at home. All the best to you and Romain – and rest, rest, rest!
October 15th, 2011 | #
Beautiful exciting news Pia!! Huge Congratulations to you both. Here’s hoping the sickness abates soon. (That part is no fun – but the prize at the end is worth everything we go through for it :))
x
Megan
October 17th, 2011 | #
yea for you! congratulations…what a lucky little babe it will be to have such wonderfully creative & loving parents…all the best to you!
October 17th, 2011 | #
Congratulations!!! I was one of those very disappointed when you cancelled a book tour, but it’s lovely to know that the reason was one of such joy. Wishing you all the best with the rest of your pregnancy.
October 18th, 2011 | #
oh! congratulations! how absolutely wonderful! I’m sorry to hear it’s been such a difficult period, though. Take all the time you need to rest and hopefully it will abate soon. best to you!
October 18th, 2011 | #
Congratulations Pia! I noticed you were hiding! My baby sat the HSC today, there have been so many wonderful creative adventures along the way I am sure you will enjoy it. Good luck and hope the sickness passes soon :)Suzi
October 18th, 2011 | #
my warmest congratulations pia – i’m so glad to hear that the reason for your absence is such a happy one. i hope you’ll feel better soon!
October 19th, 2011 | #
you are able to find beauty and gratefulness in the most common places and that makes you the strongest! congratulations and take some rest… away from us! x
October 24th, 2011 | #
such wonderful news for you to share and you shall see that motherhood will be your finest work!
looking back through posts I have missed, you’re reminding me to slow down, let the moments happen and be joyful for them. i am taking a break, too, and looking forward to hearing myself once again. congratulations to all ‘three’ of you;)
October 26th, 2011 | #
Pia, I’m so happy to hear your news — you are going to make one incredible mama and I’m sure your baby will have the coolest pick of handmade finds around. Your post really touched me as I just had my baby girl Juniper 4 months ago, and my pregnancy was so similar to how yours sounds. I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been going through such a tough time! I had morning sickness to a level that no one else I knew had — the doctors didn’t have any real solutions and I was just unable to function until around 21 weeks when I started to have hours and then finally days of relief. I know how hard it can be on you mentally and physically to go through that — I had a really hard go of it and hated not being able to work or so much as open my refrigerator without feeling sick. Be kind to your body and follow its cues. Sounds like you’re already doing that 🙂 Congrats again — such happy news! All the hard moments are so worth it — it’s really the most amazing feeling in the world to be a mama.
October 27th, 2011 | #
Oh Pia – that’s the loveliest news! Congrats to you and Romain! Having a child is an amazing journey. Brace yourself for the most profound experience!
P.S. I too was very ill throughout my pregnancies and the only thing that seemed to help was rest, rest and more rest! Hope it passes for you soon xxx
October 30th, 2011 | #
oh, such sweet news. forgive my late well wishes, but now that i’m home and i’ve followed the links from your recent tweet i now know what you mean by “waddle”. congratulations! i hope you’re feeling much better these days. take good care! xxx
November 1st, 2011 | #
Beautiful news, Pia! Congratulations! xxox
November 1st, 2011 | #
wow congratulations! i can only say that being a mum is a learning experience, it’s one tough job but when you see them grow bigger and bigger, it’s incredible and rewarding.
Oh and I do feel your “pain”! I had severe nausea from 12 weeks until two weeks before I gave birth. I couldn’t go out to restaurants, well basically anywhere without wanting to throw up! But my boy turned out to be healthy and beautiful…so there’s a upside to this nausea. take care!
November 1st, 2011 | #
congratulations pia & french boy! hope you feel better as time goes by. you’re going to be a beautiful mom. xo, c
November 1st, 2011 | #
What lovely news to come back to! You and French Boy are going to be awesome parents. I hope you feel a little bit better every day. xx
November 8th, 2011 | #
oh, what joyful, happy news, pia! even if the road has been rocky. hopefully, you’re through the worst and it’ll only get better from here. you’ve been missed. xox
November 18th, 2011 | #
congratulations 🙂
November 23rd, 2011 | #
Pia ~ lovely news for you that you’ll have a new little one to welcome to the world in the new year! A whole other chapter of the heart…
December 15th, 2011 | #