Green-ish | ExpatWoman.com
 

Green-ish

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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 12:22
I know you're looking for a pedal-less bike, but check this out. http://www.thegyrobike.com/category-s/93.htm We have a like-a-bike from Wolfi's but I completely wish I had bought this instead. Wow...clever idea. You made a good choice with the like-a-bike too though. My son started on one and, when he was ready, transitioned to a slightly too big pedal bike in literally 30 minutes. No training wheels ever and he has a really good sense of balance because he had to balance the 'balance bike' on his own from day 1. His success was so impressive that we are very happy we invested in the second like-a-bike for our daughter (s). :)
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 16:15
Is Wolfi's getting more in? We bought one there for my daughter...paid an arm and a leg for it but it's fantastic quality and will be fine for the younger one to use when it's her turn. The first balance bike we bought 3 yrs ago from Imaginarium in Wafi. It was also expensive and not as good quality as the one from Wolfi, but it did the job well and survived my boisterous boy.
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 08:51
I always used to turn the hot water heaters off and use the taps in reverse...hot tap when you need cool water and the 'cold' tap for a steaming hot shower. :D
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 08:50
DU...hands down... I spoke to their call floor managers and recommended pls change ur contact cntre name to DON'T instead of DU..which sounds like DO , coz u guys are no where near it! similar run between call centre and tech guys who are MORE DAFT than any one... spoke to 4 people, repeated stories... broadband and land line fault.... took 4 days to resolve!!! rant over.... this wasn't the first experience...am so waiting for Etisalat to come to New dubai, may be some sort of competition will make them up their standards...... Lol...when there was talk of a competitor for Etisalat starting up, we all hoped the arrival of Du would make [u'>them[/u'> improve their service. It didn't. ;)
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Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 12:23
Sorry, UK Marmite also vile. Not as bad as that NZ muck (sorry aroha!), but vile nonetheless. ;) Crumpets with cheese AND marmite?? Ewwwww. The only acceptable "mite" and cheese is a cheesy-mite scroll from the bakery. :D Dare I bring Promite into the discussion? Ah the childhood heartburn memories...
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 16:28
Ummmm, with apologies for both coming back to this in a very tardy manner and for going a titch off topic... Crumpets and marmite? What is WRONG with you people??? It's crumpets and honey you poor, confused, cold climate people. Clearly your taste buds have been desensitised by years of frosty weather. :D
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Latest post on 25 May 2011 - 12:14
Vegemite!! That vile, bitter, sticky mess called marmite should be banned internationally! :D <em>edited by Green-ish on 25/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 06:30
In my incredibly non-scientific research on one wee bubba, I swear it works!! First two teeth the necklace had gone MIA thanks to big sister and Charlotte suffered terribly with all of the textbook symptoms. Next round of teething the necklace was back in place and she got four teeth in a few days with significantly less suffering. I like to think it was the necklace. :D
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 18:13
They all appear to have flat feet for a considerable amount of time. ... LOL...I still have flat feet! My enormous, flat paddles and I get on just fine. :D
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 18:09
Is she genuinely fearful or is she pushing boundaries? I know when each of my older ones (now the ripe old ages of 5 and 4 ;) ) were three that's when the really difficult behaviour started. Anytime they didn't want to do something, the tantrums came on with a vengance. Maybe really focus on her needs before you want her to do something. By that I mean, make sure she has everything she *needs* to be content at the time you ask it of her. Make sure she's not tired, that she's not hungry, that she's under no time pressure, that she doesn't have people she doesn't know in her personal space etc etc. Also be sure that you are relaxed and have time to do things slowly. Everything takes forever to get done with a 3 yr old. ;) Until you feel things are improving you could try making small games out of each task. Have a laugh with her or sing a song with her while she brushes her hair. Take her in the pool on her own and sit on the step playing gentle spashing games until she feels more confident...maybe even just sitting on the edge with feet dangling in at first. On medicine...unless it was a life threatening situation, I'd forget the medicine rather than pin a child down with three adults. That would be a frightening experience for a confident, healthy child, let alone one who's unwell.
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 17:54
Yes, you have to be very careful with them. They like to change your service behind you back, without consent, to end up charging you more. I honestly don't know how a business can get away with the things they do, its horrible. Oh yes! They change your service contract without consent then charge a ridiculously high fee to cancel said unwanted contract when you want to leave the country. THEN, after paying ridiculous exit fee for contract we never agreed to, we STILL get bills from them for continuing 'service' 8 MONTHS AFTER LEAVING THE COUNTRY!!
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 17:48
I'm in agreement with SQ and aroha on seeking further professional help...don't mess around with your back. Until you have a medical diagnosis, it's just too risky to try to sort it yourself. There's almost nothing worse than back pain. I hope you get some relief soon.
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 17:37
Could you send a *polite* little note to that PO box and see if your goods are returned? So much less hassle to avoid police involvement...
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 17:26
Hi meals! :D The one we were given for Charlotte also said not to let her sleep in it. I pinned my hopes on it helping her so when she was tiny I used to wrap it loosely around her ankle, inside her sleep-suit. :) She's 18 months now and wears it 24 hours a day. I regularly take it off check that it's all strong and intact.
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 17:17
Sorry Annabelle...you're right. I replied in a hurry and was not clear! :) If a child is genetically 'programmed' to have flat feet, standard, shoe-shop shoes (with arches or otherwise) are of little or no help and in fact may do more harm than good if they are not the perfect fit. Prescribed and custom made orthotics *can* correct or improve flat feet in cases where a good paed podiatrist thinks they are of benefit. Sorry I can't recommend anyone to see in Dubai. Maybe your GP or paed can?
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 15:02
My son will be 6 in July and since he turned 2 he has been the most fussy eater I can imagine. There are days he would not eat at all because yesterday's favourite food has become today's most disgusting. ;) It does drive me a little mad and every time I prepare yet another meal based on mince, I want to scream. :D As long as your son is like mine...healthy, growing, active, happy, sleeping etc etc...I honestly don't think there's anything to worry about. I always try to include something in every meal that I know he'll eat and if that's all he has in that meal, that's his choice. (eg tonight - butter chicken, veges and rice - he ate plain white rice). I operate on "choose your battles". If my son eats a reasonable variety of food over a week, I'm happy. He's only presented with healthy choices so he cannot fill up on cr*p. The odd dreadful meal or dreadful day or hunger strike no longer gets my blood pressure up. A paed once told me that food issues are often a wee power play for children because it's one thing they can control. Nothing to worry about as they're just doing what kids do and testing boundaries. My son is finally, slowly getting better and trying new foods (or old favourites!). The improvement has come since I stopped making it an issue. I serve food, he eats it or not and no discussion goes into it. ;)
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 14:20
From the tonnes of reading I've done on the subject, in-built arch support is NOT recommended for young walkers. Shoes must have flexibility through the arch so the foot can flex properly and build it's own muscle strength. Until children are walking well (16-18 months) bare feet is the best unless they are on stones or snow. ;) Unless there is a medically diagnosed developmental problem in the feet, shoes with flexible soles (flexing through the arch, not just at the ball of the foot), lots of toe room and correctly fitted width are the best for our little ones. Yes Greenish I was told by my pd that the best is fare feet for young children, but if you are predisposed to having flat feet, then the best way to avoid it is an arch inside the shoes, that is what I was told here in holland! of course i mean when kids go out not at home:))) As I understand it, if there's a genetic predisposition to "flat feet" then the child will have flat feet regardless of the shoes they wear. Bare feet and flexible soles (when they do wear shoes) give the best chance of the child's muscles and bones developing correctly. Poorly fitting shoes with 'arch support' can actually weaken the feet by not allowing natural development. Paed podiatrists/ortho's may recommend special, custom fitted inserts to support the arch or heel if the child is experiencing pain. <em>edited by Green-ish on 23/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 12:44
Very young babies love rhyming and repitition. There are loads of books in boardbook format that you could be reading to your baby. Go to Kinokuniya in Dubai Mall, they have a great selection. Have a look at Goodnight Moon, Guess How Much I Love You, Slinky Malinki, The Runaway Bunny et al. By the way, your baby won't care if you're talking gibberish to him, he just loves the soothing sound of your voice but I firmly believe that babies are never too young to be read to! Have fun. Hear! Hear! Big, bright, simple pictures; sing-songy words and Mummy's voice are all they need. For that matter, you could read the newspaper to a 6 month old and they'd love every minute of it. It's your voice and cuddle they need. :D
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 12:40
I do find pet shops here distress me somewhat. We had to alert a petshop in Mirdiff there was a dead rabbit, they didnt batter an eyelid. :( There's one thing I don't miss!!
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 12:38
You can bet your life the owner wants money for the animal. Absolutely disgusting!
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 12:32
Thanks Green-ish how's Ozzy land? :) DS is just over two years old and was advised to have 'proper' shoes to prevent flat feet .... Coming into winter and LOTS of rain so it's cool, green and gorgeous here! :D Flat feet are avoided by letting the foot work as it develops. If you think there is a problem, best to have a chat with a paed podiatrist. I believe current recommendations are for the child to be barefooted as much as possible for the first five years. :)
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Latest post on 23 May 2011 - 12:22
From the tonnes of reading I've done on the subject, in-built arch support is NOT recommended for young walkers. Shoes must have flexibility through the arch so the foot can flex properly and build it's own muscle strength. Until children are walking well (16-18 months) bare feet is the best unless they are on stones or snow. ;) Unless there is a medically diagnosed developmental problem in the feet, shoes with flexible soles (flexing through the arch, not just at the ball of the foot), lots of toe room and correctly fitted width are the best for our little ones.
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Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 15:48
I can't tell you anything about Pablosky as my children clearly have weird shaped feet. Nothing in the Pablosky range suits any of them. ECCO and Clarks are both excellent brands...expensive but they last well and I always found the Dubai staff actually seemed to know what they were doing. A rarity in customer service there! ;) As long as the shoe is a good fit for your child and age/stage appropriate, I don't think you can go wrong with either brand. How old is your child?
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Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 15:44
Here's the thing with birth...EVERYONE wants to share their stories, great births and otherwise. Try really hard over the coming months to appear like you're listening to the horror stories but let it all wash over you. Every single pregnancy and birth is unique so you will create your own birth story. My second birth was induced and when it all started happening was WAY more intense than I had expected. Long story short, the anaesthetist arrived and made sure I was 'comfortable' (LOL!) while he got everything ready. My contractions were long, intense and with no break in between. He said, "Right, I'll get this in after this next contraction." I shouted at him, "AFTER? THERE IS NO AFTER!! THEY NEVER END!!" He just smiled, gave me a pat on the back and said, "It's done. You'll feel a whole lot better in a couple of minutes." And I did. :D I didn't feel a thing. Just the relief when the meds started working. :) Fast foward to baby number three and I birthed her without any pain relief at all. Go in educated about your options and all of their pro's and con's. Go in with an open mind and be prepared for anything. Congratulations on your pregnancy and best wishes for the months ahead.
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Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 04:46
Well done sugarplum!! Here's to many happy years for Lucia and her new family.
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Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 04:43
Thanks for the suggestions. She tried water, but that would involve being on guard 24hrs a day. And the cats laughed at the pepper! She doesn't want to upset the neighbour, the cats belong to a teenage girl whose mom has just left them and she's hanging onto them for dear life. Was hoping someone would come up with something brilliant....oh well. No matter the circumstances, they are the girl's responsibility. Perhaps your friend could suggest the owner have an outdoor enclosure built for the cats? That way they can be outside but they are safe and not creating a public nuisance.
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Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 04:40
Oh Amalz! What an awful experience. Much love to you and your little ones. xx
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Latest post on 20 May 2011 - 15:20
*sigh* :( I'm feeling 'homesick' after reading this. Have an amazing day dairylea!
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Latest post on 20 May 2011 - 13:09
It's the ago old discussion that's been had a bazillion times before in here. Don't kid yourselves for a second though that it's only tourists who dress inappropriately. Plenty of residents who absolutely know better choose to wear their disrespect for all to see.
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Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 11:48
If children are restrained from the first time they travel in a car it becomes normal. Absolutely. They might cry if they don't like it but they'll cry a whole lot more - or not at all, which is probably worse - if they end up scraped across the tarmac in the middle of a shattered windscreen. ... 100% agree with this. My little one hates being strapped in at the moment and fights me every time. She's a big, strong, LOUD 18 month old who protests every single bloomin' time. Tough for her really. We don't go anywhere until everyone is strapped in.
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Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 11:46
floppy - yes, the law should be introduced and I fervently hope that it shall be introduced soon. How can a law be introduced to enforce car seats in cars when local are being actively encouraged to have 5+ children? the two are not compatible. While it is ideal, it is not realistic. Business oppotunity! Some one should make special carseats that have 4 or 5 slots and fit into the back row of the car:) Let them squeeze but it saves their lives! http://www.multimac.co.uk/home :)
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Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 11:31
i have a steam mop - i bought one for my mum originally but so good i bought one myself too - took my housemaid a little while to get the hang of using something different but it's great - no buying floor cleaner or mop heads - kills 98% of bacteria, etc. and only uses water. Can buy in Carrefour, Sharaf DG, etc. Well recommend it edited by happyindubai on 18/05/2011 Whats the brand? and do you plug it in? I hear so much about steam mops; which ones the best one? Again :( '..........I hear so much about steam mops; which ones the best one?......' I had one and found it to be average at best. I also have quite a few friends with a steam mop in the cupboard, never again to see the light of day.
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Latest post on 19 May 2011 - 03:19
OK...we rented a house near Arezzo. We loved it so much we stayed there two years in a row. :D The owners were trying to sell it though and I no longer see it listed so it may no longer be available. We found it on holiday-rentals.co.uk The earlier you book, the greater choice you'll have. A bit 'Captain Obvious' ;) but there are good deals to be had by booking early. The good places get snapped up then everyone else seems to jack up the prices once there's only a few left. Having a villa with a pool was perfect. We could do everything in our own time, have the odd 'day off' from sight-seeing and it was so EASY having our own space for the children to play. Dinner on the terrace then a walk through the woods every evening to pick wild strawberries for desert. Heaven on Earth. We found the Arezzo area FABULOUS. I've now spent a total of five weeks there and have barely scratched the surface of what there is to see and do. Italians adore children and are oh so welcoming. All kids love pizza, pasta and gelati so food is never an issue! My children Gosh...I could go on for hours. If you want to know anything else, please just ask.
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Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 14:36
Hi Tru Blu....sorry I missed this. It's dinner, bath, bed time madness here so I'll come back and answer soon. xx hope you "accidently" slap a wet towel around your DH head as you go past.. he may get the hint and help!! Lol...you saw that thread? :D It would have to be a mighty long towel as he's back at work, about 3500km away! I'll be sure to slap him upside the head next time he's home. ;)
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Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 11:49
ENJO! ENJO! ENJO! I know I sound like a walking advertisement for ENJO every time a cleaning thread comes up. Lol. I bought an ENJO kit from Jo in Dubai almost five years ago and I still use everything from that original kit. It all still works so it's been worth every dirham. Nothing cleans floors like the ENJO floorcleaner and all you need is a few squirts of water on the fibre. No chemicals, not even vinegar. Hands down the easiest and fastest way to CLEAN floors. :D Here's the website in case you don't know what ENJO is ;) and the local distributor is so very helpful. http://www.enjodubai.com/
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Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 11:21
Thanks ladies. I was considering the sleep clinic, however AH is known to be too steeply priced. Wondering if there are any other options in Dubai. DH is overweight and quit smoking about 2 years ago. Also on medications for Diabetes, Hypertension and Cholesterol. Just might explain the need for this to be sorted out on immediate basis. Any more inputs from anyone else? "Immediate"!! You're right there. I saw a program last week which talked about the vastly increased risk of death due to stroke in overweight men who have sleep apnoea AND blood pressure issues. I'm not being dramatic when I say every time he goes to sleep, it could be for the last time. Frightening, frightening condition that can be easily managed with medical help. Good luck finding help for him soon.
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Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 11:14
Hi Tru Blu....sorry I missed this. It's dinner, bath, bed time madness here so I'll come back and answer soon. xx
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Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 06:54
My husband gets up from the dinner table (usually 6pm ish), goes to sit at the computer and downloads music. I get up from the dinner table (usually 6pm ish), put the three children in the bath, find their pj's, organise childrens' clothes for school & daycare the next day, clear the dishes from the table, dress the children, read to the children, put the children in bed, go back to the kitchen to stack the dishwasher, wipe the benches down, clean the dinner table, sweep and mop the floors and finally pack lunches for the next day. As I snap the last lunchbox lid on (usually 8.30pm ish)... ...'D'H looks up from the freakin' computer and asks, "Can I do anything to help?"
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Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 14:17
I'm trying to make the same decision. I like the idea of quick meals from a pressure cooker. I'm told modern pressure cookers are far superior to the ones previous generations risked blowing up the kitchen with every time they used them. ;) However, I keep hearing how wonderful slow cookers are but I just can't see myself getting three kids fed, dressed and organised for school/daycare and myself ready for work (when I start again) AND getting a meal semi-prepared at some hideous hour of the morning.
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Latest post on 09 May 2011 - 04:46
Do you know anyone in Mirdif who has a maid? If so, that maid could put the word out in her network and you might find someone happy to work temporarily in JLT and be very happy to go back to Mirdif. Or maybe some of te Mirdif ladies here could ask any maids they know if someone is looking for a job?
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 14:22
Ratio in AW was one to one for high risk babies; two babies per nurse for 'regular' NICU; four babies to one nurse in the satellite room where they move before discharge. (again, late 2009)
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 13:04
Thanks Green-ish! I'll make an appointment to visit the Head of ANC as soon as possible and also request a tour. we are still a bit confused though, tell me, if I make it past 36 weeks, would you recommend I still go to Al Wasl? or should I go to Medcare with my previous Doctor? I was very happy with her! I know a lot of mums say Alwasl is better because of the NICU, but if I'm full term..won't any hospital do? How is the NICU at medcare any ideas?? I've already added myself to multiplied uae for support :) rumis...I'm not in Dubai anymore and I only have experience of NICU at Al Wasl so I'm not the best person to recommend one way or the other for you. I do know that my daughter, born Nov '09 at AW, was diagnosed very quickly with a potentially life threatening blood infection and the care she received in the AW NICU unit was faultless. Perhaps start your own thread asking for recent NICU experiences at the two hospitals?
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 12:55
Funny that edna's original question of dubious intellectual merit has run to three pages! :D
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 07:59
Italy, France and Spain...but I'd want two weeks in each. ;)
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 07:58
I thought expats were only allowed to register two 'personal' cars each. This is what we were told when we were trying to sell one car and buy another. My husband checked with RTA and Dubai police to see if we could buy the new car before selling the old one and they both said max two per residence visa. (This was over a year ago though!)
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 07:56
Because EW is the thinking womans google? Because it's much more personal to have a wee conversation and a 'good morning' with your fellow EW'ers rather than a wham bam with google? Because EW is quicker than google? Because everything you read on google is 'right'? Because one persons stupid question is anothers problem that can be helped? Because the world got too impersonal and cut off from society when we learned to inter webby everything? Because what use would EW be if we all took your splendid advice andjustfuckinggoogledit? Hear! Hear aroha!
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 06:58
'they'are called test icles lol...same as human males lol...woman have va ginas not something called 'down there'lol (while pointing lol) LOL!!!
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 06:57
Fingers crossed here too!! :D
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 06:51
SO brilliant!!! Let's get this information out there ladies!!!
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 06:49
OK now i'm nervous. I was seeing a doctor at medicentre but she told me to register at AlWasl and preferably have the delivery there too (twins) as I had started bleeding around week 12. I am 24 weeks now and seeing Dr. Maria (Absolutely love her). Have you guys had your delivery already? i'mm due in August. I wanted to know what to expect when I go there..what to pack with me, what questions to keep in mind...will my husband be able to stay with me all night if I were in a private room?? I won't be able to handle twins on my own!! Congratulations on your pregnancy rumis! :) From all of the women I have talked to (MANY!) AW is brilliant for high risk pregnancies and special cases like twins. I suspect I got less favourable treatment because I was palmed off to inexperienced OB's due to my relatively 'normal', healthy pregnancy. Pack comfortable PJ's and clothes for yourself and growsuits/onesies for the babies. Maternity pads for you, nappies for babies. If you have a preferred baby bathwash, take that as they use all Johnoson's products at the hospital. (I cannot speak highly enough of Mustela milky bath oil). Between now and delivery, write down any questions and birth/aftercare preferences you think of. Make sure your husband knows where this list is and understands it so he can speak for you if needed. I strongly suggest making an appointment with the Head of Antenatal care as soon as you can and talk to her about the current policy on booking private rooms, rules for husbands during delivery etc. These 'rules' change all the time and are applied in interesting, random ways. If you know what you're entitled too, you and your husband know what to expect. It's also handy to be able to call on the head of ANC once you're in there if you need her. :) Your husband can be with you only in certain stages of delivery so also check that with the head of ANC. Unless things have changed, he cannot stay overnight even in a private room but you will not be alone. The nursing staff on the wards are amazing!!! ...and you very soon will be able to look after twins on your own...lots of twin mummies do. ;) There are a few support groups around for mummies of twins and more so maybe find one that suits you and start meeting other twin mums before your precious babies are born? Best wishes to you. :D