DubaiCat | ExpatWoman.com
 

DubaiCat

DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 21:10
That's not like you - are you OK? I have wine if you need :D.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 20:16
Was it something Vermont? If so I think we've had them at the door a couple of times over the past few years. They have no details of what it is they're fundraising for and want cash up front. Call me a skinflint but that's not the way they should be going about it!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 20:11
My letdown always felt like electric shocks down my boobs. Not nice, not un-nice, but definitely verging on painful. I tried to comfort myself with the thought that DS was getting a good gobful of milk!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 20:10
Yeah, try to smuggle a banana into Oz and you'll find yourself locked up with a grade one all over before you can say monkey! But feel free to import baby milk in boxes :D. We've encountered some right jobsworths at security over the years but the best was Mum's experience with LHR last year. OK, so she had a cabin bag full of bacon and sausages, but the guy says to her, "You can't take that, it'll smell the aircraft"! Er, OK mate. Whatever you say.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 20:07
There's also the Edinburgh Post-Natal Depression Scale, which is probably similar to the one meals suggested. I did the EPNDS one a while ago and also scored 20 :(. I went to Dr Smylie at the Dubai London Clinic in Festival City and she was very understanding. She referred me to Sabina Christensen at the Jumeirah branch but I haven't been to see her yet as I'm starting to feel better. Just one question for you - are you getting enough sleep? I'm by no means my normal, happy self yet but now DS is sleeping better I feel like a whole new person. I'm sure some of the way I've been feeling is due to PND but a huge chunk of it was utter exhaustion.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 20:03
Maybe it's only the UK that asks you to sample? We've been asked to sample half of the formula and jars we've had with us on all our flights involving UK customs. I had four cartons on one flight and tried to tell the guy that once I'd opened them they'd be useless within a short space of time without refrigeration, but he wasn't having any of it, then when we had jars at Christmas I had to open and taste two of the four I had in my bag. Cold baby puree at 6am? Nice!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 19:16
Do me a favour - post tomorrow and tell me you did Day 2 with much enthusiasm :D. I think I'm going to need a firm nudge!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 18:40
xxxx will get you straight to the desk at BHX - I know it's not Manchester but you've got more chance of getting someone who will be able to help you there than by calling them here (and I can't find the MAN number). I know her name will be on the passenger manifest if she's on the flight but I can't remember if they'll give out that info to you, sorry. Hope you get it sorted. Edited to remove number (but if you need it back again let me know). <em>edited by DubaiCat on 01/02/2011</em>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 18:08
I think I heard her say you do each level until you feel ready to move up to the next one but I'm not sure. I was planning to do level one for ten days, level two for ten days then level three for ten days - would that work? I have a feeling I'm going to hurt tomorrow too.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 18:08
Are we getting thunderstorms?!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 14:53
I. Am. So. UNFIT. Just did first day of level one. I surprised myself with the push-ups but something hurt in my back when I did the bicycle crunch things. I feel so good I did it!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 13:02
I think it depends on the airline. To book for just me on EK I had to book and pay with my credit card, but we just booked for me to go home on BA and I booked it on expedia.com and paid with DH's credit card.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 08:59
Trainers and gym gear at the ready. I'm off to the Fairy Godmother meeting (when DS gets his butt out of his cot) and then when he goes down for his lunchtime nap I am SHREDDING. Thanks for the inspiration, Cyclone T.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 08:52
Do you mean you're fed up of people asking when your child's going to nursery, as if they just assume she is and you'd be mad not to send her? If so, I do see what you mean. There's a real 'pack' mentality here in that there are 'cult' things to do/things to have/people to see and if you don't do them/have them/see them, people ask when you're going to! Maybe it's part of the insecurity of being an expat, I don't know, but I do feel there's a lot of 'keeping up with the Joneses' as a parent in Dubai. As long as you're happy with your child's development, there's no problem. If you think your child might benefit, send her. It's nobody's business but your own and don't feel bad either way.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 01 February 2011 - 08:47
My sister did this with my niece a couple of years ago. I'll ask her but I'll need to wait till she gets up - the UK is four hours behind. I'll be back later on :).
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 22:30
Well I sure as heck ain't lovely and slim so that's my harem pants turned into my new dusters.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 22:27
Without wishing to be pedantic, AA doesn't 'need to be filmed' at an event. She organised the whole group and is co-ordinating the inaugural event tomorrow. If the cat needed to get to the vet tonight, she'd have done everything she could to get it to the vet. Likewise, she'd have organised getting it to the vet tomorrow if need be. Asking on here was probably off-the-cuff to see if anyone was free to help out and had no help been forthcoming, she'd have called a friend. There's no need to be so judgmental, especially when AA is giving up a lot of her time to set up something to benefit many of us here. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 31/01/2011</em>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 22:19
Come on , girls , I have NEVER seen anyone who looks good in them! The problem is that people only look in the mirror from the front! :-P That's my illusions shattered... :D
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 22:06
No you didn't. But then the view's great from all these pedestals, isn't it? <em>edited by DubaiCat on 31/01/2011</em>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 16:32
Hmmm... cabbage leaves stuffed down my bra? Gawd, I'm really going to be rocking the attractive look this weekend. Thanks for the tip :).
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 11:59
Get the Entertainer books - at least Fine Dining and Body - or log onto www.gonabit.com or www.cobone.com (I think that last one's right, you might want to Google just in case it's not .com). The Entertainer vouchers are usually buy-one-get-one-free and Gonabit and Cobone are discounts. Enjoy!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 11:56
If you're just feeding every other day already, then I'd imagine that your body would hardly notice if you stopped! Good! I hate that bursting feeling. I might just try some sage in my tea just to make sure...
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 11:52
Good point, H.A.K, and on reading it again that makes sense. I think I must have had my obtuse head on this morning. I'm so glad other DHs just don't get it either. I've often wondered if mine is just particularly thick in some ways, but I guess not. I'm also very glad there's been light at the end of the tunnel and you lot all have more than one baby so it must get better in the end! :D Edited because I had one too many full-stops in the abbreviation of H.A.K. I think I need to get out more. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 31/01/2011</em>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 09:42
My apologies, I can't remember exactly what your job is :( but is there a chance for you to freelance or consult from home? I used to be a journalist in my previous life and I'm lucky enough to be able to do pretty much my old job now but from home. OK, I don't do nearly as much as I used to and obviously don't earn as much, but I feel like I'm still a little bit of the person I used to be and I like it. I also like knowing I'm bringing money in - this sounds ridiculous to me even as I'm typing it, because I work far more hours now and far harder than I ever did in writing, but I've hated not earning money when I haven't been working. Whatever you decide, do what's best for you. DH can be a pain in the backside but every time he is, I remind him I'm doing the most important job ever in bringing up his son and he should be bl00dy grateful.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 09:36
designbabe, your post suggests AD doesn't give her DD enough love and attention and that's why she is demanding with feeding. And Appletiser, yours just sounds a little short and harsh. I'm sure both posts were written with the best of intentions but as Pomegranate says, we're all in need of support and kind words on here, especially when we're not coping. Nobody wants to admit they're not coping and I admire AD for her honesty, I really do. I've often had times recently when I've thought if others could hear me or see me they'd think I was the worst mother ever and that is no fun experience, I can tell you. Depression or no depression, it doesn't make you feel any less guilty. ETA: I just read your new post, designbabe, and I see what you mean now. My apologies. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 31/01/2011</em>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 31 January 2011 - 09:31
Just an extra aspect to consider if you are thinking of paying upfront and claiming back - make sure the insurance company will actually pay back 100% of the cost. I did this a few years ago with American Hospital as I wanted the same surgeon I'd seen previously and my insurance company said they'd pay 80%, which I was happy with, then when I claimed they would only give me 80% of their 'benchmark' figure for the surgery I had. I ended up paying 45k for the surgery and only got 23.5k back.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 23:35
You lost the last 4kgs? OK, that's it, the boobie bar is officially closed! :D I'm down to a feed every other day or thereabouts, and only a tiny feed. How long will it take before my body stops making milk or will I need to go through a few days of feeling sore and like I'm going to explode? And if I do need to do this, is it better to express a tiny bit or just leave them?
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 22:45
Will's record was nine days with no poo. But when he did eventually poo, boy, did he poo. Thankfully his dad arrived in the UK that morning.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 22:43
Easyjet's website says you can't BF on take-off and landing but it doesn't say anything about having to face forward. I fed DS on take-off and landing both flights over Christmas, though, and even when the crew walked past they didn't say anything. I don't remember any such rule from when I worked for EK. But I do remember several crew members who seemed to make up their own rules and try to apply them so I'd have to go and smooth things over!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 30 January 2011 - 12:52
wow! i dint even kno u cud take them onboard.. never ever seen one in a plane and i travel a lot. And usually have a squirming child on me, or he doesnt want to sit on me during take off and landing! Or he is sleeping on me! So where are these plane approved stickers usually? The ones I've seen have a little aircraft symbol - like you see on the road signs for the airport - somewhere on the safety sticker. I spoke to a friend at home about this the other day, though, and her car seat doesn't have the symbol but says on the website that it is airline approved. I can't for the life of me remember the brand.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 22:12
JeansWest has a few maxi dresses at the moment that might work. I looked like I was wearing a tent in mine but I was comfy :D. Having said that, I did rush home as soon as I could to change into my PJs.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 22:02
I felt totally frumpy and unattractive when I was pregnant - not like I'd envisaged at all! I gave up trying to look pretty after a while. I found comfy linen combats in H&M and Next, tops in Destination Maternity and H&M and the best pair of shorts in Destination Maternity. Then as soon as I had DS (well, as soon as I squeezed into pre-baby things) I stuffed the whole lot in a bag and hid it under the bed. Debenhams had a few bits as well. If you don't want to buy maternity clothes, look for tops that are empire-line or with a tie under the bust and go up a couple of sizes. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 29/01/2011</em>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 16:53
So pleased you're both OK after his dramatic entrance! Enjoy him when he's so teeny he fits in your hands :). And have a sniff for me - I love the smell of baby :D.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 16:51
It's not red or hot and doesn't seem painful, although he is being a bit grumpy - but that could be teeth or chicken pox brewing. I wish I could read his mind! Thanks, I'll pop him back to the dr tomorrow morning just to be sure.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 10:54
DS had his vaccinations last Sunday. He developed a large lump on one leg, which looked bruised for a while, and it's still there now. Is this normal?
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 10:52
If you want to meet for coffee I'm happy to explain what we did to see if it would work for you.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 07:53
I think it might be the newest addition to my vocabulary. It's the perfect description of how I'm feeling :D.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 07:47
I know that at least 37 people have the dvd so get ready for the [b'>February Shred Head Thread [/b'>:) Yes. I need someone keeping me on the straight and narrow! My incentive - apart from feeling a million times better about myself - is a whole new wardrobe so that should keep me focused.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 07:45
Pardon the interruption but did you really say 'hormotional'? I love it!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 07:43
I'll get muffins for you but I'm starting my 30-day Shred! :D
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 07:42
Congratulations! And sorry to hear you're feeling rough. There's nothing quite like it, so put your feet up, get your DH to wait on you hand and foot and milk it :D. You'll be fine to go to the gynae at DLC if that's where you're happy to go for now. You basically have two options for delivery - a hospital-based obstetrician or one based out of a community clinic who delivers at a selected hospital. Once you've had the blood tests to confirm your pregnancy (and maybe a scan or two - they like to do that here and it's reassuring) you can look at choosing an obstetrician and hospital. Good luck!
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 07:38
I am happy :). I know when I had to feed him to settle him in the UK I hated feeling like I was forced to do it, and I was beginning to resent it, so it must be awful to still be doing that so far down the line. I hope you find a way to wean her off soon if that's what you want.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 00:08
Now there's a plus side I am enthusiastic about! :D
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 29 January 2011 - 00:02
A mirror is really helpful so that you'll be able to see LO in the rear facing seat. You'll be fine. :) Definitely - Babyshop and Mothercare have them. And plumie, you'll be fine. Start small. Drive round to my house :D. xx
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 28 January 2011 - 23:56
Thanks all :). There have been a few more tears, especially when I think of the first time he looked up at me and smiled while he was feeding :(, but I know we're doing the right thing so I just have to carry on. I don't want to be feeding him forever! And like AnonDubai says, I am lucky he's taking the bottle and I have the choice to stop. Off to find something else to distract me... I made a bucketload of baby spaghetti bolognese earlier :D.
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Latest post on 28 January 2011 - 21:30
We decided against doing the lot ourselves completely, as we need someone to keep an eye when we are not here You can pay me a property management fee and I'll do it :D.
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 23:49
Sometimes the only thing telling you it's airline approved is a tiny little plane symbol somewhere on the seat, maybe on the safety sticker. It can be hard to find if it's even there at all. From memory we had several stage 0 (that's the one for new babies, right?!) ones on board with Emirates and my sister has taken a Maxi-Cosi stage 1 on with Air France. She had to battle with ground staff and crew at every stage, though. Oh, and they wouldn't let her put the seat in the middle of the row - it had to go in the window seat. ETA: I'm not sure how many car seats are actually airline approved and what airlines ask for them to be. We used to at EK but maybe not now? <em>edited by DubaiCat on 27/01/2011</em>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 23:33
Oh, wheels... I should just sterilise the pram wheels and let him play with them! Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try and organise myself some me-time to go to the shops over the weekend :).
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 23:13
Yes, yes, yes. I have to run up and do his dream feed but I'll post when I'm done. I do. I don't know why or how, when my sister has three and copes admirably, but I'm worn out at the end of the day. I guess it doesn't help that he still stirs in the night and is currently waking up between five and six every morning (and it definitely doesn't help that he only just slept through the night a week ago and he's eight months old), but come his bedtime I'm bushed and have no energy to do anything. I have been diagnosed with PND but I'm pretty sure the bulk of this is sheer exhaustion, from disturbed sleep for so long and only two or three hours at a stretch. I find some days OK and some days I could just cry! I'm usually OK as long as everything goes right, but add a tiny bit of stress or something going pear-shaped and I find it difficult to cope. Feeding DS is one of the most challenging things at the moment, as he has the attention span of a gnat, and as he's just become mobile I feel like I can't leave him even for a second. So unless he's having a nap, I can't do anything for myself. He even has to come into the loo with me! DH and I haven't been out together since he was born either. I've only been out alone at night three or four times, and not many more times than that in the day. I think there's a lot to be said for having a balance between your life as a mum and your life as your own person and I haven't found that balance yet. I'm sure when I do I'll be happier and our lives will be easier. But as you say, I love him and I enjoy him so the rest will come. Hope you feel better soon and if you are worried about depression, talk it through with a doctor you trust. I've found that many people don't want to talk about PND - and DHs are sometimes the worst at understanding it - so you often feel embarrassed and awkward. Don't - it's an illness and nothing that's your fault. My doctor said my PND is highly influenced by hormones and exhaustion so you might find, if you're the same, once you attend to those issues you'll start feeling better. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 27/01/2011</em>
DubaiCat
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Latest post on 27 January 2011 - 23:10
If you pay for a seat for your infant, then you can have it on a seat. If you don't pay for a seat, then just ask the crew if you can take it onboard in case the seat next to you is free (or ask if there are other spare seats you could move to). Depending on the size of the car seat, it may fit in a wardrobe or overhead locker if you can't have it on the seat and don't want it in the hold. In both cases, in order to be used in a seat the car seat needs to have an 'airline approved/compatible' sticker on it or other proof it's been tested as suitable to fit in an aircraft seat. From the distant memory of my time as crew so feel free to correct me if this is no longer applicable! :D.
 
 
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