A Special Announcement (With Photos!)
The first ever pictures of Baby Luke (not Hale … the hospital had my old records!)
I’m thrilled to announce that my husband Paul and I are expecting our first baby.
We had our 12 week scan yesterday, and the baby is doing just fine. Our due date is February 21st, 2013.
This will be the first grandchild for our parents, and the first great-grandchild for all but one of our grandparents. As you can imagine, there’s a lot of excitement in the family!
You might have noticed that I’ve not been quite so present as usual recently: I’ve not been posting much here on Aliventures, I’ve been slow to respond to emails, and I’ve not been tweeting or hanging out on Facebook much. The early weeks of the pregnancy went smoothly, but I was feeling very tired for a good three or four weeks, and prioritised getting as much rest as possible.
Now that we’re into the second trimester, I’m feeling a great deal better, and you can expect to see me around a bit more. 🙂
As well as telling you the good news, I want to keep you in the loop on what will be staying the same and what will be changing:
Aliventures and Writers’ Huddle
I’m refocusing my business a little, so that I have more time to focus on bigger, long-term projects like ebooks and Writers’ Huddle. This isn’t just a baby-related decision … but the pregnancy has been a good prompt for me to get on with making changes.
I’ll be continuing to blog here on Aliventures, though I’ll be taking a break in the early part of 2013. The same goes for the newsletter.
I’m 100% committed to continuing to run Writers’ Huddle, and I’ll ensure there’s someone on hand from Feb – April 2013 to keep things moving smoothly and to handle any technical support.
Because of the baby, though, the next Huddle opening will be in October 2012, and I won’t be reopening again the doors again until summer 2013.
Coaching
I won’t be coaching any more. I’ve already said a fond farewell to several clients (if you’re one of them, I’ll be contacting you personally over the next couple of days, now that I can explain the “why”!) and I’m not taking any new clients.
I’ve very much enjoyed being a writing coach, and I’ve been lucky to have so many wonderful clients. The coaching has always been a smallish part of my business, though, and it’s obviously not something I can easily carry on with when I have a small child.
I’m delighted to be able to finally share this with you (it’s been hard keeping it a secret for the past two months!) Rest assured that I won’t be turning Aliventures into a parenting blog… and I hope you’ll forgive this post for being a little off-topic. 😉
About
I’m Ali Luke, and I live in Leeds in the UK with my husband and two children.
Aliventures is where I help you master the art, craft and business of writing.
Start Here
If you're new, welcome! These posts are good ones to start with:
Can You Call Yourself a “Writer” if You’re Not Currently Writing?
The Three Stages of Editing (and Nine Handy Do-it-Yourself Tips)
My Novels
My contemporary fantasy trilogy is available from Amazon. The books follow on from one another, so read Lycopolis first.
You can buy them all from Amazon, or read them FREE in Kindle Unlimited.
HI LITTLE GUY! or girl. XD
this is wonderful! congrats! so this is why you’ve been a bit slow with emails…O.O great gosh.
Thank you! Yeah, we won’t know gender for a couple of months yet. 🙂
Congratulations Ali! That’s very, very cool. 🙂
Charlotta’s last blog post ..023 Refuse to Choose? The Problem of Having Too Many Business Ideas [Podcast]
Thanks, Charlotta!
Hello Ali !
Congratulations and all the best for this new ali-mummy-venture.
MarieBo
MarieBo’s last blog post ..Kindle News – Le best-seller à portée de clic
Thank you! 🙂 We’re very much looking forward to the adventure of parenthood!
Congratulations! Not only is this wonderful news, but it’s very nice to see a successful writer putting her family first. Too many of us (myself included) can forget what’s really important in life when we love our jobs.
Marcy Kennedy’s last blog post ..Why Every Couple Should Play Video Games Together
Thanks, Marcy! I absolutely love my writing … but Paul and I have known pretty much since we started dating that one day, we were going to want a family — and that we’d want to make that a priority in our lives.
Congratulations! Take care of yourself and the baby.
Thanks, Farhan — and will do!
Congratulations Ali, what lovely news.
Thanks, Karen!
Congratulations ! ^^
Thanks, Pwassonne!
Omg Ali! Congratulations! 😀
First pregnancies are always so special – even when they don’t feel like it 🙂
I’d say enjoy the coming months and make them as special as you can. I won’t tell you to sleep while you can before you won’t have the choice because I’d rather be up enjoying every minute than sleep. At least that’s how I spent my time when I was expecting Z.
Congratulations once again. So happy for you!
Samar’s last blog post ..5 Reasons Freelancers Accept Low-Paying Work And How To Break Free Of Them
Thanks so much, Samar! After a few weeks of sleeping for about 12 hours a day, I’m sort of relieved to be up and about and full of energy again… but I’m definitely planning to take things easy as the due date gets closer. 🙂
It definitely feels like a special time. I keep being taken aback yet again when I remember there’s a human being growing inside me … still can’t quite get my head round that!
Considering it’s been 10 months and I STILL can’t wrap my mind around the fact that I have a husband, I can totally understand the “OMG I have a human growing inside of me!?” moments! 😀
LycoRogue’s last blog post ..Yeah…. About that writing….
What happy news, Ali! My best wishes for a happy, safe pregnancy, and I know all your followers will understand whatever changes you need to make to accommodate this important addition to your life.
Elizabeth Cottrell’s last blog post ..Are handwritten notes part of your regular business correspondence?
Thank you, Elizabeth! I’m very grateful to have such a wonderful and supportive community here on Aliventures. 🙂
Congrats! Our first grandchild was the “first” on both sides of the family — prepare for lots of pampering! I’m very happy for you and your family. I look forward to your updates. Blessings…
Cathy Baker’s last blog post ..Oh, The Things We Do For Love
Thank you! Yes, it’s exciting being first — my mum, in particular, is absolutely thrilled.
Oh Ali,
congrats! I’m so happy for you!!!!! You’re a super woman very inspirational human being!
Happy happy days for both of us!!!!
warm regards
aurora’s last blog post ..Celebrating raw day
Thank you very much! 🙂
Congratulations, young lady!
And give my regards to the proud father as well! I know they often get left out in all the excitement. I can understand how your life will certainly change. My daughter just had my first granddaughter and things have certainly changed around here.
Mary and I wish you all the best in your “new endeavor” together. Take care of yourself, eat right, take walks, look both ways before crossing the street and love each other. Your little one will feel it all. (gosh, I sound like such a father, don’t I).
Love from our family . . . to yours,
Steve Maurer
Steve Maurer’s last blog post ..What Your Writer Needs to Know
Thanks so much, Steve! (And Paul says thanks too!) I hope you’re having a wonderful time being a grandfather. 🙂
I’ve definitely been more motivated to eat sensibly and to take things easy since finding out about the baby … and yes, I’m taking care near traffic too! It’s definitely put life into a new perspective. 🙂
Lots of love to your family as well; hope everyone is doing brilliantly.
Wow, that’s great news! Congratulations!
Thanks, Corianne!
What delightful news! Congratulations to you both!
Gretchen Knapp
Thanks, Gretchen!
Wow Ali, that is such awesome news! Congratulations!! So very happy for you!
Thanks, Ricardo!
Ali,
Wonderful news! Congratulations….I’m so very happy for you!
-Faun
Thanks, Faun!
Great news! Congratulations to you both. Exciting times ahead.
Thanks, Maria! Yes, we’re ready for a whole new adventure… 🙂
WOO! Congrats, Ali!! That’s so wonderful!! Big big love to you and the wee one!! <3 <3 <3
Kyeli’s last blog post ..Do you have a hankering for some guidance?
Thanks so much, Kyeli! 😀 And I’m afraid this means I probably won’t see you and Pace (or anyone else in the US…) for a good while now… sending love back to you. xx
I think we can all forgive you for going “off topic” in order to deliver this news! Super congratulations to you both and enjoy this new chapter in your life…. (I know, I know… but I couldn’t resist the pun!).
Such a cool way to let your fans/readers/online buddies know!
LycoRogue’s last blog post ..Yeah…. About that writing….
Thank you! 😀
When we told my Granny that we were going to put the baby scan photos on Facebook, she didn’t like the idea (“fancy showing your unborn baby to the world!”) But we thought everyone would like a peek — weird as it is to be showing you all the inside of my womb!
Congratulations from Louisiana! What wonderful news! I enjoy your blog and appreciate your writing encouragement. Judy Christie
Thanks so much, Judy! And thanks for reading. I’m hoping to be back into the swing of blog posts very soon…!
Congratulations Ali. I’m so happy for you and your family. Take care. 🙂
Thanks, Stephanie!
Hi Ali,
I really can feel the excitement in you as you wrote this post and respond to comments.
I really wish you the best as you step into another phase of your life… And please send my love to your baby… We can’t wait for February to see the baby…
Thanks so much, Kelvin! We’re very much looking forward to seeing the baby too — and we’ll be sure to post some pictures in February. 🙂
Congratulations Ali! Take good care of that precious little bundle, and of course yourself!
Laura Howard’s last blog post ..Out of the Box Promotion with Bethany Lopez
Thanks, Laura! I’ve been using the baby as a great excuse to have mid-day naps… 😉 (Have recovered my energy in the last couple of weeks, though.)
Congratulations, that’s wonderful news. So exciting!
Tat’s last blog post ..Grateful for warm home
Thanks, Tat!
Wow! This is a good news. Congrats Ali! 🙂
Launa’s last blog post ..[Short Review] Satsuki Sensei
Thanks, Launa!
Congratulations!!!! That’s such great news!
Rebecca Marble’s last blog post ..Review: Victims by Jonathan Kellerman
Thanks, Rebecca!
Congratulations!
I have not been around much myself but you have a much better reason.
Thanks! And I think we all need (and deserve) a break from time to time, whatever the reason. 🙂
Congratulations! When I read your email that you had big news, as I clicked through, I thought, “You had a baby? A baby on the way?” Yup! 🙂 Very happy for you.
Margaret Mary Myers’s last blog post ..Announcing the Winner of the Little Saint Therese Book!
Thanks! And well guessed, too. 🙂
Congratulations! I’m very happy for you and your family. Rest well and enjoy!
Thanks, Jeanna!
Greetings!
I was thinking, as I was clicking, “I bet….” and yup! I was right! 🙂 :>
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! 🙂 :>
So happy for you & yours! 🙂 :>
Birdy Diamond’s last blog post ..TwOOwls Art – Cooling Waters
Thanks so much, Birdy! And well guessed. 🙂 One or two of our friends and relatives had a little inkling of the news to come, too!
Hi Ali,
Congratulations and take care.
Rohi’s last blog post ..A Giant Step in the Right Direction
Thanks, Rohi!
Great news Ali, hope all goes well for you
Carole Lyden’s last blog post ..7 Strategies for Creating a Positive Mindset
Thanks, Carole!
Congratulations! That’s so awesome!
Adam Smith’s last blog post ..Living Too Safe
Thanks, Adam!
It’s a fantastic news. Congratulations!
Thanks, Anna!
Nice, very surprising for me 😀
I think you must think about opening a new blog for parenting tips and guidelines, it will rock 😛
Thanks Amir! And maybe there’ll be a new blog in the future… 🙂
Congratulations Ali! Being a parent is amazing and I wish you and your husband the best 🙂
David Kirba’s last blog post ..Quiet havens in Addis Ababa: My barber’s tiny shop in Piassa
Thanks, David! We’re very much looking forward to the adventure. 🙂
Congrats Ali! That’s wonderful news…
Thanks, Candice!
Congratulations! How wonderful.
Thanks, Priska!
Awww, congratulations Ali! Wonderful news!!
Icy Sedgwick’s last blog post ..[Guest Post] Carrie Clevenger on Blog Serials
Thanks, Icy!
Woah, congrats! Good luck with the remaining preggy months and enjoy becoming a mom 🙂
I don’t know what to add, so, cheers!
Thank you! 😀 I’m kinda looking forward to growing a bump (I’m sure I’ll get tired of it before long though ;-))
Congrats Ali! This is is such a blessing and i for one also think that your business decision (like letting go of coaching and concentrating on writers Huddle is the right one!
Prime’s last blog post ..Q & A: Loes Van Mierlo on Spiritual Journeys
Thanks, Prime! It’s been tough to let go of the coaching (mostly because I felt bad telling my clients that I had to say goodbye) … but I want the Huddle to get as much of my time and attention as possible. Thanks for affirming my decision! 🙂
Nothing like baby news to get comments. Congrats, Ali. Couldn’t help but think of Michael Hyatt’s recent post when I read your wonderful news. God bless–Tom
TNeal’s last blog post ..When Did My Faith Become A Job That Sucks?
Thanks, Tom. 🙂 I was very excited about being mentioned on Michael Hyatt’s blog, too — just not quite as excited as I am about the baby!
Ali:
Congratulations. Thanks for sharing this news.
I hope all goes easily for you the next few months. I wish you and your husband success with the challenges of being new parents.
Thanks so much, Shlomo. We’re both feeling a tiny bit daunted, but we know we’ve got many wonderful supportive family members who will be there to help out. 🙂
Congratulations!
Lexus Luke’s last blog post ..How to Write Like Twain
Thanks, Lexus! (Hey, another Luke! I don’t think I’ve met anyone outside my husband’s family with the same surname before…) 🙂
Congrats! I am so happy for you! Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for you.
Stephen P Smith’s last blog post ..Sharing the Olympics in 2014, A Million Dollar Idea
Thanks, Stephen!
Oh, how precious! Being a mother is the greatest job on earth, and sometimes it is the toughest also. But to see your children turn out well because you took time to be a real mother who is there for them in tough times and good…there is no greater reward than that. Congratulations on your new Aliventure!
Thanks so much, Lois! My own mum has been a fantastic and constant support to me — I only hope I can manage the same for my own kids. 🙂
Congratulations, Ali! I’m 19 weeks pregnant myself so totally understand the drop in posts recently. My blog went pretty quiet for a while too. Hope your pregnancy progresses smoothly. 🙂
Congratulations to you too, Cally! And thank you. 🙂 I hope all’s going well for you too.
Congratulations, Ali…and Paul.
Exciting news for sure.
All the best.
Thanks, Tracy!
Congrats to you and Paul, Ali!! That is awesome news – so happy for you both! 🙂
Thanks so much, Lisa!
I’m so excited for you Ali,
I mean that. Having a baby is one of the most amazing things me and my wife have ever experienced. I’ll definitely be adding you to my prayer list and I hope your pregnancy is a smooth one. If you are registering anywhere please let me know as I would love to get something for your littlre guy or gal.
Best wishes to you and Paul.
Bridges
p.s. you’ll be tired, but a baby is the best reason to be deprived of sleep
Thanks so much, Bridges. And thanks for your prayers too — that’s so much appreciated. We haven’t really thought about registering anywhere for the baby (it’s not something that happens so much in the UK!) but I will let you know if we do. Thanks so much for thinking of us.
Luckily, I’m someone who naps easily during the daytime! Gonna do my best to sleep while baby is sleeping, in the early days. 🙂
Congratulations, Ali!! A lucky little boy. . .
Karen’s last blog post ..After The Rain
Thanks, Karen! We don’t know yet whether it’ll be a boy or a girl (Luke’s our surname … it confuses a lot of people…!) Hoping to find out in a couple of months’ time, though. 🙂
Blessings and health your way….. Awesome! And what an adventure this will be and will continue to be. More prizes, hidden treasure and special moments await you and Paul. My mom is now 84 and I’m the baby for her line of children, I turn 50 this December . And our adventures are still joyously delicious.
Thanks so much, Kristen! We’re both very much looking forward to the adventure of being parents. 🙂
Hey Ali,
I must congratulate you for this. Take good care of yourself in pregnancy time and I’ll be waiting for the cute pictures of baby boy with you after Feb 21st 2013.
Ehsan Ullah’s last blog post ..Build Online Stores In Minutes Using IzzoNet
Thanks so much, Ehsan. 🙂 We don’t know yet if the baby’s a boy or a girl (we’re calling him/her “Baby Luke” because our surname is Luke!) but will hopefully find out at our next scan.
what your heart says? The baby’s a boy or a girl?
I thought you want baby boy that is why I said baby boy 🙂
Ehsan Ullah’s last blog post ..Starting a Blog – How To Start a Blog Guide
I don’t know if you’re into this much sharing, but my friend Kristen shared a photo every week on facebook https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2259880747027.2127243.1548663129&type=3
Stephen P Smith’s last blog post ..Higher Education Bubble Update
That might be a bit much for me…! But it’s a nice idea, might take some photos to keep for the future at least. 🙂
Congratulations and best wishes!
Diane Mclaughlin’s last blog post ..To My Mom For Mother’s Day
Thanks, Diane!
Congratulations!
Thanks!
Ali, I’m so happy for you and your husband and your families. Our first daughter was born on February 21, 1979. Her first child (also a daughter) was born a month ago on July 14, 2012.
Thanks so much, Barbara. I hope your daughter and granddaughter are both doing well. 🙂
congrats ALi
that’s really Good news :)))))) i wish you the best:))
farouk’s last blog post ..Imagined ugliness treatment (body Dysmorphic disorder)
Thanks Farouk!
So beautiful – Congratulations!
Coach Donna Laree. Ward’s last blog post ..Business Action Steps
Thanks Donna!
Congrats Ali! That’s awesome news. Having a baby is a big change and it’s smart to start taking the steps now to be ready.
All the best,
Peter
Peter Clemens’s last blog post ..How to Make Space for Happiness: Fire Your Friends
Thanks Peter! Yeah, we figure the sooner we start getting things prepared and organised, the smoother everything will go…
Congrats ali love the outline anythig post i live by it .
Thanks Jackie — and really glad the “outline anything” post has been helpful for you too. 🙂
Congratulations Ali to you and Paul! Scan pictures are so wonderful and help you get to know the bundle before the arrival. Blog all you want about baby topics, you can never get too much baby! My boys are now both 18 and 21 and I’m looking forward to the day I can be a grandma (though not too quickly) I’m still enjoying playing mum with them both at home.
Really excited for you.
Blessings,
Amanda
Amanda’s last blog post ..No Excuses Giveaway – The Final Hours!
Thanks so much, Amanda! We’re ever so excited too … and I’m sure I won’t be able to resist sneaking in an update or two about the baby, as things progress.
When Paul was 18 and starting university, his mum told him in no uncertain terms that she wasn’t ready to be a grandmother just yet. Ten years on, she’s thrilled about the news, of course. 🙂
Congratulations Ali! 🙂
I wish you all the best. 🙂
Slavko Desik’s last blog post ..The Importance Of Goal Setting
Thanks, Slavko!
Congratulations! How wonderful to be expecting your first child. I am happy for you and your whole family, and it would be fine with me if you added a few parenting updates now and again. 😉
Thanks Gerty! And I’m sure I’ll be updating the blog with a bit of baby-related news from time to time… 🙂
Congratulations! It is a joy to know that you are having an additional member to your wonderful family!
Thanks Kent! We’re very pleased. 🙂
Huge congrats!!!! So exciting. 😀
Sonia G Medeiros’s last blog post ..Satisfying Your Creative Urges
Thanks Sonia! Yeah, we’re pretty excited. 😀
So, if I had been doing a better job of keeping up with the blog I would not have been surprised by the newsletter announcement. Congratulations to you both (again). I agree that a life change of this magnitude is the perfect time to re-evaluate; it helps to focus on what is really important in one’s life. I wish you and your (growing) family all the best and look forward to sharing in the excitement!
Thanks so much, Ken! I’ll definitely be blogging a little about the journey. 🙂
Congrats Ali! Hopefully he or she is born with your writing talent!
All the best.
Zac’s last blog post ..The One Key Thing That You Must Excel At To Succeed In The Workplace
Thanks Zac! And yeah, hope so — maybe I can hand Aliventures over in a few years… 😉