DubaiCat | ExpatWoman.com
 

DubaiCat

DubaiCat
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Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 17:22
I'm nearly 18 weeks and was asked at the door of the aircraft and again when I reached my seat last weekend. I thought to myself, "Yep, here I go again, I look like a beached whale". So much for second pregnancies and lovely neat little bumps! Hmmmph. I will be travelling again at 22 weeks then 29 weeks and will be arming myself with every letter I can get hold of.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 10:24
I have no advice - we're not at that age yet - but I so hope you manage to get something sorted. It's awful feeling like you're losing control and don't know what to do to stop it :(.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 09:44
[ Those are our reasons for not using the cry it out method. What are yours? I'm sorry, but where did I say we'd used Cry-It-Out?
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 20:49
At 7 months, my DS was waking anywhere up to 10 or 15 times a night. I was almost incapable of caring for him alone during the day, I was so sleep-deprived. He had a great diet of solids along with being BF and was top of the charts for his weight. We saw Cecile who advised that he didn't need feeding 10 to 15 times a night. He was waking because I'd taught him he needed me and a pair of boobs to go back to sleep. We did three days of sleep training according to Cecile's advice. He was down to one dream feed and one night feed after these three days, dropped the night feed himself a few days after that, and dropped the dream feed by himself at 10 months. During this time, he maintained his curve on the charts and was - and still is - thriving. Never once did he show any signs of malnutrition or starvation. Nor did he up his intake of solids or BM during the day once he wasn't being fed at night. I'm pretty sure I didn't once put him at risk in order for me to get a good night's sleep and now I'm not suffering horrendous PND as a result of sleep deprivation, I'm also pretty sure I'm doing a better job as a mother. I will be following Cecile's advice when #2 arrives in November, and I don't think I'll need to question the 'long-term effects of her sleep training' (all three days of it in our case). To the OP, DS was on three small meals a day at 7 months with four or five milk feeds on top of that. His dreamfeed was formula and I gradually switched all other feeds to formula over the space of a week or so. We started him on solids at around 17 or 18 weeks on the advice of his paediatrician, and he took to it straight away. I was really worried about stopping the night feedings, as obviously when he was on BM only I didn't know how much he was taking, but I knew he drained each breast at each feeding and was gaining weight brilliantly so he was clearly getting enough. It's hard to have confidence in what you're doing when you don't have meters to show consumption on your boobs! Good luck and I hope you find a routine that works for you soon. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 18/06/2011</em>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 16:22
Oh, and do you have room in your case for some macaroon bars?! :D
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 16:21
Lightweight cardigans for summer - it gets freezing in the malls and in the cinema! - and normal jumpers or cardigans for the winter. I know it's a hot country but I do get cold in winter, especially walking the dogs at night! Things really do seem to get ruined quickly here so bring lots of whatever you choose. I lived in vest tops and shorts before I got pregnant and ruined my figure, and now (pregnant again!) I live in baggy t-shirts and shorts so I stock up on these when I go home. Things with short sleeves are handy in case you end up popping into the shops while you're out, or just keep a cardigan or shawl in the car. I know many people totally ignore the dress code but I hate that awkward feeling you get when you know you're inappropriately dressed, and your car will always break down or you'll have a bump when you're out in spaghetti straps and short shorts :D!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 16:15
I am frantically trying to finish a story while DS naps upstairs and DH has just left for Saudi. The house looks like a hurricane has been through it, as we're meant to move on Tuesday, but I can't carry on with the packing until this d*mn story is finished. Do I need wine? Yes. As soon as DS is asleep this evening the cork shall be popped. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 18/06/2011</em>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 16:12
Wishing you the best of luck. I remember interviewing some of the doctors when the law changed and they were as frustrated as their patients but of course, had their hands tied. Fingers crossed and lots of baby dust to you.x
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 16:10
If it's still available I'd love to take a look. harpersdxb at gmail dot com. Thanks!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 13:14
DS is just waking up so I can't write much but I just wanted to say I feel for you. I think we totally underestimate the effect having a child has on us, and we expect everything to be back to normal after a year but it often isn't. Are you under stress at all? I was starting to feel like the PND had gone, but a week of stress here in the UK (I panic DS is going to wake Mum up if he cries in the night and end up going to him which leads to him waking up more and I don't get any rest) and I've been having bad days just like I used to. Feeling like you're not 'you' any more is just horrible. Did you work full-time before you had your son? Maybe the total change in lifestyle is also affecting you - I know it's been almost a year but I'm sure it all takes time to sink in. Must dash but hugs to you and I hope you get something sorted. Perhaps a quick chat with Dr Smylie or Dr Christensen would help?
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 13:10
I chucked up for ten days - with associated 'situation critical' loo visits - and stopped last Saturday, but I clearly brought it home to the UK with me as my niece started barfing a day or so later, then my dad, then my sister, then my nephew. Mum, brother and BIL escaped it. DH also suffered terribly with aches, pains, shivers, aches, sore bits, aches, shivers, aches and all sorts (but curiously no vomiting or diarrhoea, and his only lasted about 8 hours whereas everyone else had it for days).
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 12:42
Himself has started shrieking at me if he doesn't get his own way quick-smart. We are in for some fun when we get back! :D
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 11 June 2011 - 16:59
Where is home? If it's the UK, it might make you feel better to know that where I am, it's just about to chuck it down with rain. The kids have been cooped up all week with the rain and a tummy bug that's doing the rounds, and it cost me fifty quid to fill up a hairdryer on wheels this morning. It's June and I'm so cold I have a blanket over my knees. I miss my family all the time when I'm in Dubai, but so far this week I have spent every night awake worrying DS is going to wake Mum, my brother is in the doghouse with Mum for not collecting the shopping she got him the other day, my sister is in the doghouse with Mum for bringing her kids over twice at the beginning of the week and letting them make too much noise and mess, and the in-laws have fallen out completely. Hope you feel better soon :).
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 11 June 2011 - 16:50
Nah, imported one of those a while ago. Sadly - capable as he is - he won't be able to pack us up and move us single-handed! :D
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 11 June 2011 - 16:49
Great, thanks. Any idea how long it should take to do the whole interior?
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 11 June 2011 - 16:45
Lovely, thanks - I'll pass the info onto DH. He has the task of getting it all arranged while I enjoy myself at Mum's in the UK :D.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 June 2011 - 22:01
That's great news! I had very high hCG levels with DS and our doctor thought it was twins, but it was just him in there making all the hormones :D. You never know, though - more excitement for your first scan!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 31 May 2011 - 10:23
My one-year-old eats everything in sight and there is no way I'd put him in any piece of clothing that has anything stuck to it that could come off. I don't care how powerful the bond is meant to be - he's a strong little b*gger and I wouldn't trust him not to bite things off. I just don't think it's worth the risk. Even if a crystal doesn't choke the baby, won't it be a little uncomfortable - to say the least - when it's eventually ejected the other end?!:\:
DubaiCat
2937
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 22:24
CanI ask where your house is and what the rent is? We are house-hunting at the moment.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 22:02
Thanks ladies just broke the news to the hubby and he's grinning from ear to ear! Will be doing a repeat hcg on Wednesday afternoon to check the viability... Ideally the hcg levels should increase steadily... Pls keep praying for me You told us before you told him?! Gotta love EW! :D I think hCG levels should double every two days in the beginning. From the Complete Pregnancy Guide online; The following chart is a general idea of the level of hcg at various points in early pregnancy: 3 weeks: 5 - 50 mIU/ml 4 weeks: 5 - 426 mIU/ml 5 weeks: 18 - 7,340 mIU/ml 6 weeks: 1,080 - 56,500 mIU/ml 7 - 8 weeks: 7, 650 - 229,000 mIU/ml 9 - 12 weeks: 25,700 - 288,000 mIU/ml 13 - 16 weeks: 13,300 - 254,000 mIU/ml 17 - 24 weeks: 4,060 - 165,400 mIU/ml 25 - 40 weeks: 3,640 - 117,000 mIU/ml
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 20:54
lol at dubaicat I think she's a lil excited ;) Fab news and congratulations xxx Blame the pregnancy hormones ;). I remember these feelings so clearly from first time round and I still get all teary about it. Still have the pregnancy tests too!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 20:50
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! That's brilliant news! 451 is a great number :D. So pleased for you!x ETA: I can stop staring at the page now and go get my kitchen cleaned up! <em>edited by DubaiCat on 30/05/2011</em>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 20:35
Well, going with current market rate at the mo - haven't started marketing it yet though, it's a gorge house AED 220k I bet it's beautiful but sadly out of my budget :(. Hope you find a nice tenant!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 20:07
No worries. I am going to miss it! Sob, sob... still, it's my own fault for getting pregnant again! :D
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 20:06
DS is one and covered me in projectile vomit this morning. Does that help?
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 19:59
Well will probably hear back from the clinic by the time I drive to a pharmacy or pick up one! They have assured me they will let me know before 8:45pm tonight! A friend has just told me the pharmacy in the Greens delivers. I have the number if you need!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 19:43
Of course not. 110k, which is definitely on the high end, but it has a pool and a bar in the garden and has been extended and modified. ETA: And it's in Springs 1. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 30/05/2011</em>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 19:35
I still have the test in the kitchen drawer. Can't leave the house as DH is away and the wee man's in bed but you're more than welcome to come and pick it up!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 18:52
Nine minutes and counting... do you think delaying bathtime to get the news is unfair on DS? :D
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 18:46
what is your budget? My Savannah type 9 with extra bed/study and pool etc is available from mid July :) Probably miles out of our budget but how much are you asking, if you don't mind saying? :D
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 18:05
YOU need therapy? No, that complete and utter nutjob needs therapy! I'd pour yourself a large one and plan how you're going to tell your brother you're fully booked forever.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 18:03
I shall keep my eyes peeled! Ours didn't even make it on to the real estate agent's listing page and was gone within four hours. I planned to rent it privately, and just called the agent to check prices, but she had someone interested straight away. Hope your new boss finds somewhere! Would he or she consider a three-bed? I might know of one of those coming up privately :).
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 16:45
CP, I think DubaiCat may mean this thread: http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=149266 That's the one! Sorry, I just re-read it and it probably won't help :(.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 16:44
I can't see anything that sunshine has posted that suggests her, anyone else? DubaiCat are you the landlord or the tenant? ;) We own it and have just agreed to rent it out as we need more space.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 16:43
I just got the orange box from the pharmacy :). Thankfully this is nowhere near as bad as food poisoning - hope you recovered quickly!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 16:37
7pm seems like hours away and I'm not you! I'd be climbing the walls if I was. Fingers crossed! Just an aside... can you think of anything that could have affected the first half of your cycle, such a stress or illness? Generally the second half of your cycle will remain the same length, whatever happens (within a day, anyway) but the first half of your cycle can be affected by external factors, delaying ovulation. I once thought I was six days late and was utterly convinced I was pregnant, although three tests came back negative. When I started looking into cycles and charting temperatures to work my own out, I realised my period wasn't late - ovulation was. Still disappointing, but at least I saved myself a fair bit more disappointment once I knew when I was really 'late'. Just something to think about, but I am so hoping you won't need to think about it :D.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 13:46
Hmm. Best get the BP monitor out then! It was a bit high last few times I had it checked but OK yesterday. Thanks so much, jillp. I'll stock up on Sprite just in case.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 13:42
And when DH is working away till Wednesday :(. I'll check when I get to the pharmacist and see what they say. I don't see why not, but then again I can't remember much about what I can and can't have from first time round! I think I'm still in denial ;). Thanks, much appreciated.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 13:02
I'm sure someone else said theirs would be vacant soon - but I can't remember what thread! I just signed contracts for ours last night :(.
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 12:05
I have thought it odd that people seem to go there to eat without having children. The food's OK, but not great enough that I'd want to be in there eating with all the kids running around! I'm more concerned about the lack of safety standards, as others have said. I know they have addressed some of the issues, but time and time again the staff allow bigger children into the toddlers' area and I find myself having to stop DS from being trampled/knocked flying/jumped on by a five-year-old. I do understand it's hard for the staff when they have pushy parents insisting their older kids are allowed to stay in there, but it's not on. I have also shut the gate at the top of the stairs several times when children are unsupervised in the corridor.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 19:25
I have met people who say they still receive child benefit into their UK accounts for children who live here with them, yes.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 17:04
This cleaning agency has been coming for about a month now and has never been stopped, and the previous cleaning agency weren't ever stopped. I know if you have work done - as in building work or landscaping - you need the permit but seriously, for a weekly clean?!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 12:41
Er, no, I'm not 'leaving him in there screaming' or indefinitely - sorry, I should have been clearer. He has his food and then he's out of there, but he gets bored quite quickly and wants out before he has a full tummy. I'm always with him when he eats, and don't clear up until he's out of the chair and back playing. He does communicate when he's done - by shouting at me - but as he wants to carry on eating once he's out of the chair, he's clearly not done with his meal. I don't want him to not eat enough, but equally I don't want him to learn it's OK to do this now then confuse him when he's a bit bigger by insisting he eats a full meal at the table (i.e. in his chair).
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 12:29
Circular?! We haven't had a circular. But then, according to Emaar, we aren't the owners - the previous owners are. We haven't paid our service fees because they can't provide us with an invoice, because we keep giving them a copy of our title deed and they keep losing it, and they keep calling us to pay our service fees and then falter when we ask for an invoice. Berks.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 11:17
Oh, shame! I would volunteer to drop it off anyway but DS is having an 'I hate the car' phase at the moment so we are trying to minimise distance travelled! ClearBlue do a test you can take four days before your period is due. Fingers crossed for you! And keep us posted :D.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 11:06
If your work is anywhere in between Springs and Oasis Centre I'm happy to drop it off! I know exactly how you feel.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 11:02
I have a test in the kitchen if you're anywhere near Springs. Going out when DS wakes up if you need me to drop it off :D.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 10:59
Thanks ladies :). It does really matter to me - I know everyone picks their battles but when I was small we all learned to stay at the table until we were excused and seriously, mealtimes at home with my nephew are a nightmare. He gets to pick where he sits, other people have to move if he wants to sit next to someone in particular, he just gets down and bogs off when he feels like it, then he comes back and expects to be fed a mouthful of whatever he fancies when he fancies it! This is not going to happen in my house! :D Is a year old too small to try and get him into good habits, though? Good idea re the booster chair at the table. Then we can eat together and hopefully that'll keep him entertained.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 10:54
Dubai Cat- I just went to boots and picked up the fertility diary/ thermometer kit. Thanks for the helpful information. :) Great! You're most welcome. If you have any questions just post on here.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 10:38
Apparently there is an ice factory on SZR that does them. I asked this a while ago - maybe last year? - and someone said you can get them delivered from this place. I never tried it out in the end because someone else said it didn't work!
 
 
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