Sirocca | ExpatWoman.com
 

Sirocca

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2016 - 13:38
Overuse of antibiotics will damage your kid's gut flora and possibly weaken the immune system. I would avoid if possible, and if not, look into using natural and manufactured probiotics. The gaps diet would also be very good but isn't easy to implement and quite a commitment.
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Latest post on 01 December 2015 - 17:46
I looked for them everywhere. Someone at Life Pharmacy told me there was a problem with the supplier. Best to aim for alternatives until it is resolved
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Latest post on 15 October 2015 - 20:38
Livelytrish, you seem really well informed. I would be interested in your take on why the US government is still paying billions to victims of vaccine injury, or perhaps why several countries including Denmark pulled out the Gardasil vaccine from their shelves? As far as I knew, vaccines, unlike normal drugs, were 100% safe, correct? I am just a parent who is trying to understand both sides of the debate.
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Latest post on 01 July 2015 - 11:57
I would do a recky first. The air quality here is not great (not sure how it compares with Beijing though), and a lot of kids get sick more often when coming over to Dubai. If your daughter needs a toxin free environment, a place where you live in a/c a good portion of the year is not the best. Just consider it carefully.
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Latest post on 22 November 2014 - 07:47
OP, I had the exact same experience as you. I was already a healthy eater and no history of GD. Ultimately I decided that the diet looked pretty safe and could do no harm, so I broadly followed it. Chances are you will be fine, but in case you are prone, it is best to err on the side caution. If you were to develop GD diabetes, it would be best to try the diet first before taking additional measures. As a result, at the end of the pregnancy, I had put on very little extra weight, yet my baby was a healthy size. Good luck whatever you decide to do.
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Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 21:30
The staring is very much a cultural thing and a matter of individual perception. If you are so sensitive that you can't ignore, or so attractive that you get stalked in malls (a bit suspicious about this one as I know several drop dead gorgeous ladies who never mentioned this level of harassment), then Dubai is not the place for you. But leave the poor lifeguards alone...
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Latest post on 20 June 2014 - 11:42
Does anyone else feel that the lifeguards just sit and stare at you as you swim in the pools? A few of my friends say the same thing, they go for a nice quiet morning swim and what do you get.........a staring life guard!!! I understand that they need to do their jobs BUT if they can see that a lady or man can swim can't they just read or fiddle or do something. I went swimmming this morning and the guys eyes were glued to me!!! horrible! same with my neighbor when she went yesterday and her 17 year old daughter. Does anyone know the name of the lifeguard company so we can have a word with the boss and he or she can educate them NOT to stare! what do you think ladies? I don't often comment but this is the dumbest thing I have ever read. Lifeguards are instructed to keep their eyes on swimmers at ALL times. God forbid something happens and they are busy reading, they would be shipped back to their home country without pay. I am very grateful for the lifeguards who have their eyes glued on my toddler whenever we go for a swim. If I need a quick trip to the loo, I am certain that another adult is on the ball. I also feel sorry for them sitting the whole day around mostly empty pools under 40C temps. Get over yourself and show some gratitude.
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Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 11:26
The rules of fasting (and eating in public) during Ramadan are interpreted differently depending on the country and the place. When it comes to young children, most wouldn't bat an eyelid if you were to feed or give them a drink in public. If you are organised enough, you can always find a discreet place in the mall. Only because most people (even non muslims) go through great lengths to avoid eating or drinking in public, and it is sensitive to not display food/drink, but honestly if it is not possible, I wouldn't fret about tending to my children's needs wherever I happen to be.
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Latest post on 20 May 2014 - 11:15
I don't think it comes down to culture, nationality or education at all. Most westerners I know and certainly in my family will still 'smack' if a child misbehaves. We used to get a 'whack' with a wooden spoon - never did us any harm. The sheer lack of discipline of children these days is why we have a teenage 'thug' culture with youths who have zero respect for authority. It is well established that slapping/hitting/etc are not constructive parenting techniques, no matter how many generations came through with these techniques and lived to tell the tale. The problem with today's youth is that most parents are reasonably aware that physical punishments are not effective/cultural no nos/banned by law etc however often these parents haven't been taught good parenting alternatives. So we have a situation where little action is perceived as better to physical punishment. And the results reinforce the view of some that corporal punishment works. Parents need to educate themselves or be shown which other methods work well, and only then will we able to put this debate to rest. As to whether hitting children is acceptable but not adults, well, I can't believe some people are still able to defend this point of view.
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Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 21:30
The OP has been very fair with her husband. He is the one trying to stretch the agreement to suit his ambitions. What about hers? Does being a wife and mother entail negating her own aspirations for the good of the family forever? Why isn 't he the one being made to account for his side of the deal? I am amazed at some of the views expressed here. OP, you are right to want to flee Dubai. It is the new Stepford circa 1950. Run!
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Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 21:21
I would tell the new owner you were not given the proper notice (12 months, notarised etc) and therefore will not be moving out. He will need to lodge a case against you at the Rent Committee who will most likely take a very dim view to this vacating 'agreement' you were tricked into signing. Make sure you keep the email showing the old LL lied about her relative moving in. We had a similar situation and won our case as proper notice had not been served. Our new LL was actually quite understanding.
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Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 21:14
Would love to watch it but don't want to get another dvd set. Is it available online?
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Latest post on 10 February 2014 - 10:50
We were in a similar situation. Got asked to leave a few months before the end of the contract, no registered notarised notice ever came through. We logged a case at the rent committee. At the hearing the landlord came up with a new contract with different terms. The judge looked at it and we won the case. At the hearing, there were at least 10 people in a similar situation as us. The LL was asked to reimburse the RC 3.5% fee. Make sure you have everything documented and translated into arabic, and have faith in the legal process. The judge really has seen it all. It is a lot of hassle but less than finding a new more expensive place, paying the moving costs, agency fees etc
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Latest post on 03 February 2014 - 12:08
Ladies, I have recently employed a maid. Until we establish trust, I need a system to keep track of cash and small change in my wallet or elsewhere. It might seem like a silly question but I didn't carry much cash until we moved to Dubai and obviously now I need to carry a bit more. Do you have any tips? I must admit I am a little disorganised and tend to shove things in my wallet. Thanks very much.
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Latest post on 09 January 2014 - 11:51
You are right GE, you should be able to pay monthly by automatic bank transfer. That would require more background checks on tenants and an easy way to resolve disputes, like a small claims tribunal. Companies could even offer to go guarantor for employees who were paying monthly; if they are not willing to take a risk for their employees it's understandable that a landlord would not want to risk it either. Property is a long term investment but you see on here people being delighted about reports of the Palm sinking and saying the build quality is so bad and houses won't last more than 10 years but still they want to live here for a while so someone is taking a risk to put their money down. The other thing is mortgage interest rates here are artificially high compared other parts of the world. If an investor is borrowing, the rate of return has to be higher than the local interest rates. Sure thing ARancher, however, ultimately it boils down to 2 things: people need a roof over their head, and a roof that is affordable. Salaries are not going up so how do you suggest tenants pay for the risks investors are taking? At some stage, people will walk away from this madness. How easy will it be to find tenants?
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Latest post on 24 December 2013 - 08:59
Do you know where I can find these? TIA. <em>edited by Sirocca on 24/12/2013</em>
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Latest post on 23 December 2013 - 09:47
I hear the plight of landlords like A Rancher who feel the current rules are not allowing Lls to charge the market rates, however in Dubai as we know, too many Lls take no responsibility whatsoever for their properties and yet try to milk their tenants for all they can. Nowhere in the developed world do tenants have to pay for maintenance, repairs, enhancements (!), new curtains, kitchen appliances, or shell out a whole year worth rent, thereby losing any leverage to address the above mentioned. They don't have to pay agency fees, lose their deposits 90% of the time or move house the very minute the market swings against them. Obviously there are exceptions but they are so rare in Dubai. I agree that as a LL the eviction rules, rental increase etc are so restrictive that it is hard to enjoy any up swing, however to ease on these rules, the Lls should also lobby for a fairer system for all, and yes that includes the tenants. The way things are going (low wages and inflated rents) we are heading for another 'correction' , so brace yourselves folks.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 December 2013 - 11:49
KenzaB, hope your interviews go well today. You deserve it. I have followed this thread and I have nothing but deep respect for you. Great attitude, strength of mind. You will be fine.
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Latest post on 09 December 2013 - 11:14
Go for it, both excellent, although two very different genres. If you enjoyed The Bridge, you might also like Those who kill.
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Latest post on 05 December 2013 - 17:42
Kenza, so sorry to hear all about your troubles. Your desire to keep your family together is understandable, however sometimes you need to take a step back to lick your wounds, get back on your feet and come back stronger. Dubai is not the place to be in financial difficulty. Unless your husband has a rock solid plan to get you guys back on track, you need to regain control and protect your children from this situation. In many respects, Belgium is not a bad place to retreat and get back on your feet. You will have access to a lot of help for you and your family if you are nationals. Dubai is a lot less forgiving. Take a good look at your prospects here, try and understand how your husband is planning on getting you out of this pickle (and if his ideas are realistic- remember you need to work as a team), give yourself a set amount of time, and if not succesful, go home and start over again. You can do it.
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Latest post on 04 December 2013 - 11:00
Yes, would love to know who was advertising!
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Latest post on 27 November 2013 - 21:29
Turkeys voting for Christmas...
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Latest post on 27 November 2013 - 10:33
Best advice is to actually join some Baby groups on Facebook where you can ask real mums anything and everything. A book is great but it is a one way street and it's not like you can ask questions if your baby doesn't conform to what the book suggests. I am a member of about 7 or 8 and if I have any queries at all I post them there where other mums can reassure me if something is normal or whatever. You can also post on here but I find the response a lot less and also a lot slower. Definitely, great way to tap into real world wisdom. I still disagree that books should be avoided. It depends on your learning style: I found books gave me a bit of a starting point, so long as you choose what works for you and don't follow them like gospel.
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Latest post on 27 November 2013 - 10:18
Whilst I agree that they are usually very prescriptive and therefore not particularly sensitive to your baby's needs and quirks, as a new mum I did find a few useful tips here and there which saved the day (call me dumb if I couldn't always guess what my baby really needed). I would recommend the Baby Whisperer as it offered the most flexible approach to caring for your baby. A lot of people will say: Read it and then forget about it. You will pick up a few good tips and tailor them to your baby and your situation.
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Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 10:46
I agree you should give them a simple recipe at the interview and let them get on with it. You will be surprised by the amount of ladies who say they can cook but look at you blankly when you give them the recipe. Having said this, you should also consider the amount of time you can realistically dedicate to train them up. Be it cleaning or cooking, you will need to spend time showing them the way around your kitchen and your house. It is the only way you will be happy with their help.
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Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 10:41
Fake it till you make it, she says. [b'>She bought a faux Chanel watch and tried waving her wrist as she spoke[/b'>: Sure enough, people’s eyes left her face and followed it, because plump watches are Dubai’s answer to cleavage[b'>. She owns no car but finds that if she takes her mother’s Mercedes and places the key on the table during meetings[/b'>, people assume she’s well beyond starting up — which is, she figures, how you start up in Dubai. . I used to think such things were urban legends until i met people who actually behave like that and treat you condescendingly if your car and watch is not the right type. And where you live. When we first came, we lived in apartment and didn't have a full time maid. Lots of school mums commented on that and the play dates increased once we moved to a villa, really! Now it makes sense ARancher! We downsized to an apartment and the playdates stopped dead! Better upgrade fast lol
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Latest post on 26 November 2013 - 10:18
OP, your concern shows you care about her very much, however, reading through your posts, I was wondering how it would translate with a different spin. What if your DD's mum went out with her friends a few times over the summer holidays, just because she had her for several weeks, which does not mean she wanted to put her social life completely on hold. What if she was forced to work by her boss last minute over Christmas and thought it might be nice for the grandparents to also have quality time with them (they are family too after all), what if the bedwetting is just the consequence of being somewhere new? Your financial contribution is the result of your decision to move. You need to see the big picture here and be creative when it comes to celebrating Christmas together on a different day. If your DD hated it that much, even at 9, she would express her anxiety somehow. Let her reconnect with her mum over the holidays. If you are concerned about her safety and well being when in the UK, you need to gather hard evidence and go about it rationally. But in the meantime, love and let love.
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Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 12:15
Sounds like a good idea except if they want service charges paid before allowing a move as then tenants will suffer if the owner has any unpaid dues. Exactly. I can see many tenants handing over the cheques before realising service fees are unpaid. This idea that LLs will be forced to pay service fees when an NOC is denied does not make sense. By then, the LLs will be laughing all the way to the bank, and tenants will be stranded.
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Latest post on 25 November 2013 - 11:11
How deluded some of the comments are! "Dubai is one of the biggest / talked about cities on the Planet" Err it is - if you look from outside, it is a "hot" topic city and everyone know where it is and what Dubai is trying to achieve, have you ever heard of :- ??? Not always. I've been to plenty of places and many people still have no idea where it is. Plus, let's face it, it's usually in the press for all the wrong reasons. THAT'S what people tlak about. edited by FairyDust on 25/11/2013 Indeed, I know a few people who refuse to come here for these very reasons. The more media attention Dubai seeks, the more scrutiny it will face and the outcome might not be to its liking. Look at Qatar. Once the media are done with its labourers policy, stadium design etc, the World Cup will have become a bit of a bad joke.
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Latest post on 24 November 2013 - 17:38
Before I get shot down in flames, I want to say I can now see why LLs leave houses empty or just don't rent them out. Reading all the RERA threads and rental dispute threads, if you rent a property as a LL you cannot get the tenants out sometimes for years. You have to give a reason for evicting them with 12 months notice! In the UK, you can turf someone out with 1 months' notice either LL or tenant can terminate the contract and you don't have to give a reason. Imagine you have a 2nd property and lose your job and need to sell up - over here you're stuck with tenants who refuse to move and you can't shift the rent price up, only if it is 25% UNDER the market rate. What a minefield. The only way to make the rental market work for both tenant and LL is for the LL to pay the agency fees and for tenants to pay monthly. I would hate to be a LL here. No question, these rules are very constraining. As you say though, since LLs have no incentives to look after their tenants, they are the only measures which prevent tenants from being turfed out every 3 months from their homes and from having to pay removal costs, agency fees etcetc each time their lovely LL feels like it. I am hating being a tenant here. The sheer hassle of it is unbelievable.
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Latest post on 06 November 2013 - 20:02
Neamhai, I am so sorry to read about your ordeal, and I do admire you for the way you have managed to keep your little angel's memory alive within your family. I do think there is an important point which is that no matter which decade, women are still not properly informed during their antenatal appointments about their chances of ending up with a c section and why that might be the best thing. We are all fed tons of information about natural options and how to prepare, yet we do not psyche ourselves up for the possibility it might not go according to plan. No wonder many are caught offguard and end up feeling like a failure. A more balanced view would no doubt help mothers who go through EMCS cope better.
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Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 18:48
Wondering if anyone is facing the same issue: I am currently pregnant with my second and I am suffering from considerable swelling in my legs. They are fine when I get up but after a few hours they become unbearably swollen. I know wearing compression tights is recommended for this type of problem, but with the heat, I am wondering if that might not get too warm after a while? Any tips, recommended products that have helped you get through this? TIA!
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Latest post on 05 November 2013 - 10:40
Hi WID, I went through a similar course of events, and ended up with an emergency C section just like you. Prior to that, I had prepared as much as I could: yoga, swimming, acupuncture, hypnobirthing and more. Yet when I eventually held my baby, the only thing I could think of was how lucky we were to have a healthy baby and how things could have gone horribly wrong had it not been for the intervention from the Doctors. As Perkynana says, you went through both types of labour, that is no mean feat. Enjoy your precious daughter and don't dwell on this. You did great and you are now the incredibly lucky mother of a gorgeous daughter. No one will judge you for having an EMCS, I promise.
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Latest post on 03 November 2013 - 20:27
I had terrible reflux with my first and what used to help a bit was to drink warm water with a few spoonfuls of apple cider vinegar. It helped a bit. Totally sympathise with your situation but like everything else, it is finite and it will pass :-)
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Latest post on 03 November 2013 - 20:16
.... but will Eastern Expats be in a position/want to pay the rentals that Western Expats are being forced to pay? Hurry up new projects on to the market, hopefully that will make a difference .... however I think the rental price on these will also be way above what they are actually worth! Time to ship out for lots of us I think ..... it's been a blast, but I won't be put to ransom (edited for poor spelling!) edited by cymraes on 03/11/2013 Western or Eastern educated, experienced professionals will rightly expect to have a decent standard of living. Dubai will lose out in expertise if these professionals decide there are better places to work. Right now, if Dubai is to meet its targets, it needs to remain attractive to this particular type of workforce. Cash rich individuals and labourers will not be sufficient to execute the master plan.
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Latest post on 03 November 2013 - 20:08
With contract renewals, do they happen automatically if no one gave any notice of leave by the 90 day period? Or would the tenant need to officially notify the LL that they want to stay? My understanding was that it is automatic if neither party says otherwise.
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Latest post on 30 October 2013 - 10:38
Sunlight, did you see a professional who explained what this means in plain English? I am not professional, but this looks to me like you might have sciatica (bulging disc with acute pain down one leg is a symptom). I would make an appointment with an ostheopath and go from there. Good luck.
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Latest post on 21 October 2013 - 11:01
For immediate treatment, I strongly recommend seeing a good ostheopath. Beverley Palmer at Keith Nicholl surgery on Beach Road is excellent. For general hygiene and to keep your back in good health, a combination of regular pilates and yoga sessions are the best. Pilates give you a strong core, which supports your back, and yoga help with alignment and posture. I have a chronic back condition and it always flares up when I skip the yoga and pilates.
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Latest post on 15 October 2013 - 11:59
The Christmas carols at the RAH are wonderful. I believe there is an event specifically for kids. Much recommended!
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Latest post on 03 October 2013 - 09:39
There is a book club around the Marina area. Check out Dubai Marina Book Club on FB. I think they meet 1x a month.
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Latest post on 02 October 2013 - 11:24
Looking at the source of this piece, I would say the lady is being controversial for the fun of it (+ a handsome fee), and everyone is falling for it. Live and let live.
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Latest post on 30 September 2013 - 11:22
FairyDust, you are right, many people have their children on the cusp of being 40. Infertility issues are still very prevalent though. If this lady wants to wait, she might well find out that a) after 5 years her hubbie is still not ready, and then she would have to go and fint the other 'One' to procreate with (not exactly instantaneous), b) one of them is not able to have kids. As everyone says, if he doesn't want children, chances are he will not change his mind. She should only stay if her love for him is greater than her desire to have kids. Counselling might help. Otherwise: Move on.
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Latest post on 29 September 2013 - 21:37
I agree with everything the previous posters said, although I do know of a couple in which the husband was refusing for years (he already had 2 kids from his previous marriage) and who eventually agreed to have a kid after his wife threatened to leave. Now they are blissfully happy with a baby boy. In this situation though, I think 5 years is waaaayyy too long simply because once they are ready to try, it might be too late. I know of plenty of couples who are unfortunately in this situation. She should leave and start afresh with someone who wants the same things. <em>edited by Sirocca on 29/09/2013</em>
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Latest post on 26 September 2013 - 23:48
If Dubai wins the bid, it should probably expect a similar kind of scrutiny Qatar is under at the moment: http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/26/qatar-migrant-labour-abuse Is it ready for this kind of attention?
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Latest post on 26 September 2013 - 09:28
Wow, BubbleCreek, that's a really constructive comment. How long did it take you to find this? Because were you come from (wherever that is), everyone is a shining model of virtue, right? Or perhaps they don't have the Daily Mail to help you in feeling holier than thou? This aside, I think covering shoulders and knees is not exactly a major hardship? In Rome, do as the Romans prescribe. After all, you Ladies came here of your own free will? And before I am accused of being a hardliner, I am just as passionate about not wearing the niqab in European countries. If you don't like it, you know what to do.
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Latest post on 24 September 2013 - 22:51
It is so sweet what you are describing about your DH. He sounds like a very involved dad. However if you have different views on how she sleeps, CIO etc, he needs to follow through and put up with the fallout, not you. That may make him realise there has to be a better way. Regarding food, let her choose what she prefers. Remember, food should not become a battle ground. If she likes mash for now, let her have it. You will be surprised what happens when she starts noticing what her friends are eating and want to copy them. Regarding her development, do not worry until it is time to worry. It is obviously hard not to if you see other babies achieving earlier but if you look closer, they are all good at different things and eventually it all levels off. Pick one or 2 issues that you really cannot back down on, let her grow at her own pace and let him have the kind of relationship he wants with her, they are so little for such a short period and once that is over, you will wish you could do it all over.
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Latest post on 24 September 2013 - 16:33
I felt it an hour ago. The lights in my apartment started swinging like crazy. 7.8 earthquake in Pakistan
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Latest post on 24 September 2013 - 07:24
So sorry to hear your DD had another seizure: the fact that she started medication will hopefully help Re your question I am reasonably new here but I will try to share what my immediate considerations might be. Your basic needs should be met no problem here. There are enough good professionals that can look after your daughter and her treatment will most certainly be reimbursed. Check your insurance to make sure it is covering existing conditions and that it will reimburse most of your Dr, tests and medication costs. Most medicines can be found here but a good idea to check as well and to make sure you stock up on a good supply from the start as pharmacies sometimes run out out of the blue. i am not sure what the protocol is with anti epileptics but the last thing you want is for the pharmacies to run out on you. This said, I would also think about making sure your DD's condition is stabilised with this drug as you are at the beginning of the road and sometimes it takes a few attempts before someone finds the right drug (effectiveness, side effects, etc). The last thing you want is to be dealing with this stress when you are in the process moving. Stress is a huge trigger for seizures, and your DD might be anxious about the move, new school etc that might have an adverse effect. It is a very personal decision as it depends on how manageable her condition is and your ability to cope. Do you have a lot of support from family and friends back home? Would you prefer to be near your husband at the moment? If you feel you might want support from external organisations, you are probably better off back home as I just have not see anything round here for us lot. Luckily you don't need to worry about driving license etc, In short, your basic needs should be catered for and your DD will have access to good professionals, drugs etc it is the rest I would give myself time for. I do not have experience as a parent though so others might have different views. One thing I would suggest prior to you leaving is to sign yourself up for a good first aid course for children. Knowing what to do in the event of a seizures is always a good thing and gives you a little more control. I hope everything goes well :-)
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Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 11:19
How I long to having a Pret a Manger in every Mall! Sorry to tell you but It is NEVER going to happen, they and Greggs have already advised that they will not open up in the Middle Eastern market Hmm, ok, thanks, I can move on with my life now :-) It is interesting though that there is very little choice for quick, reasonably healthy food options that don't require sitting down.
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Latest post on 22 September 2013 - 09:30
Indeed, good for job creation but insufficient as an incentive for LLs to look after their tenants.