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Hello.Again.Kitty

Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 10:34
Yep def no ham, Hehe - I can't get over this! We're not given the "no ham" advice in the UK at all for listeria, just no soft cheeses, unpasteurised stuff and then no pate or liver products for the vit A content (and then the usual list of shell-fish, sushi, alcohol...). Funnily enough, pre-packed salads aren't on the list, even though I think I read somewhere that most cases of listeria in the UK in recent years were due to salad and not cheese, milk... or ham. In fact, I think there have only been a handful of cases in the last 20 years and none of them involving pregnant women. I was chatting to a French friend when I was first pg about the "banned" list and about whether or not it was an over-reaction and she smiled and said "could you imagine if they banned pregnant women from eating camenbert and brie in France?! Never going to happen!" [by the way, those soft cheeses are now made with pasteurised milk'>
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 10:22
Buy her a walker and let her enjoy the freedom!! There are arguments for and against, 1st child i didn't have one as I was worried about the impact it might have on her gait etc, second child got one and it was fab, no problems or issues with walkinng or gait 'Happy Baby = Happy Mummy' Apparently the sit-in walkers are the single highest cause of accidents for children... and my Red Book (issued by the UK government) had actually gone so far as to say they "aren't recommended"... doesn't mean to say they're not still on sale or that your child is doomed if you use one though. There's also the issue of hip and back problems. Shelly - yes, it's tough on your back, but hey, this is a big thing for her and as her confidence grows, she'll need you less. Can she actually balance on her own or is she literally hanging off you when she walks? If she can balance, maybe get her a really sturdy push-along? <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 21/08/2011</em>
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 21 August 2011 - 00:41
How should I be supporting her head? Shes in her bouncer (doesnt have a pillow etc in it) or her gym (which is flat) or in our arms. When you're holding her, just let your hand take about 40% of the weight of her head to the back. If her muscles are weak, it's simply too much to expect her to hold her head up completely on her own, even if, by the book, she should be... she's just not doing things by the book. When she's doing tummy time, don't try to support her head at all, just angle her tummy platform so that she doesn't have to crane up, but can just look forward naturally. If it's only for a minute every hour or two, that's fine! Carry on having professional progress check-ups, just in case her leg-thing becomes more of an issue. If you have her in any kind of stand-up bouncer (where their feet touch the floor), adjust it so that both feet touch flat... although until she can support her head, don't put her in one.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 11:05
I'm so pleased with what you've posted, Exile - it sounds as if you're nearly there! It must be so hard to be a toddler sometimes, but I'm sure that in a couple of days they won't be asking for a bottle, will be eating better and will be far happier (and calmer) during the day because they'll be getting enough sleep. I obviously don't want to count chickens before they're hatched, but it seems to be one of those little changes that will make a huge difference on so many levels... and that's worth persevering with, so well done!
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 21:23
I am currently exprssing 120ml 4 - 5 times a day. . Not being funny, but that sounds like an impressive amount tbh! Good on you for your dedication and yes, you're right, gosh, if your body can't do more, then it's still bloomin' good (says the woman who never managed to get more than 100ml out on a good day). Have you got a hospital-grade pump? Maybe that would help you too. Pumps are never as efficient as bubs... you haven't gone in to why you've chosen to exclusively express (not that you need to), but plenty of us on here can give tips to get direct breastfeeding going again if that is an option you'd consider. If you do have the time to go down this route, I'm sure it'd make your life easier. My 2 are 21 months apart too and I have absolutely no idea how you find time to pump!
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 20:06
that's an unusual recommendation! No ham?! We were told to avoid pate and the like (so liver sausage, etc...) because liver in particular contains large amounts of vitamin A (I think) which can be harmful to certain points of bub's development. Aside from that would be the ever-present risk of food poisoning, but as long as you take the usual precautions and steer clear of anything that you feel isn't right (instinct to the rescue!), then I'm sure you'll be fine.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 19:58
breach of contract on the LL's part = you have no contract. Demand your cheques back and move out.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 11:54
y do have a chest xray looking for tb. in the past it was only the worker that required it now everyone has to have it done, they have tighten up the rules regarding tb recently. Yeah, I had to have a chest x-ray for my residence visa in Dubai... or would have done, had I not been pregnant!
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 11:10
yeah I know what you meant but with them being in the same room I dont want to make a fuss in the room so as not to wake the other one up so will take her out into the lounge but make sure it's not too bright!! BTW so far the cups this is disaterous, instead of drinking from them, they're pouring from one cup into the other and into the plates, just playing with them but still begging for milk!! I'm telling them no more bottles but there is fierce resistance so far! lol - oh dear! For the cups, tell them they're not to be played with and remove them if they continue. You'd do the same if they were up-ending their plate time and time again, wouldn't you? It'll sink in. Don't give in or let them have any slack. Cups are for drinking from and bottles don't exist any more. ;) My two are also in the same room... I moved my youngest to a big bed a few weeks back so 2 uncontained pre-schoolers are terrible at bedtime!
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 11:03
nope you do not get retested for TB when you renew your UAE visa! Do you not? Hmm... that's surprising! So no medical or x-ray? I've got mine coming up in December. Sorry for thinking/stating the contrary... I'm genuinely surprised! Hmm... but I've heard people mention that their maids needed a medical for their visa renewal? Ach, whatever... there's no rhyme or reason to things here sometimes! <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 19/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 11:00
thanks HAK, your suggestion about the naughty wall is a good one, I may make sure I do it in the dark, so it's not at all stimulating or exciting!! I don't remember that being my suggestion! I have a "Boring Corner" for daytime antics, but don't use it at night because my main aim is to get them to say *in* their room, not give them an excuse to get out! Mine was the cups. :cool:
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 10:58
There were a few chaps doing the Yogilates classes at Core Direction. Yoga is good in that it goes at your own pace and you can push it as far as you want, so there's nothing sissy about it. You can be perfectly manly lifting yourself off the ground with your arms or holding a perfect pose... just don't keel over with cramp! Tell him only sissies wooss out and avoid going to class because they're afraid of how they may look! <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 19/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 10:51
If its part of the recommended national schedule for UAE, then it is fair to say it has been "strongly recommended" for those living there regardless of what a UK Dr has said. Each country makes up their schedule based on perceived risks. I doubt Tb would be recommended as a "travel" vaccine in general for tourists though since its a disease spread usually by prolonged contact situations. Travel advice aside, if the actual risk of contracting it is similar or less than when you live in the UK, and it's no longer recommended for most of the UK population, then pure logic dictates that it's not needed for living in Dubai. Of course, if you have someone living with you who is from a high-risk country, then your own personal risk becomes higher, but it could be argued that just as a tourist is unlikely to contract it whilst on holiday (because it's spread by prolonged contact), a person who's been proved clear on his/her visa is unlikely to pick it up on his/her holiday home (and besides, you have to have the medical done again on all your visa renewals don't you, so that's every 3 years?). I just think my kids are just as unlikely to catch it from a cashier at Al Maya than on a day-trip to London. I think, as always, it's about keeping a level head about this emotive subject, looking at your own circumstances and taking it from there. I'm a great advocate of vaccination, but will not pump my kids full of chemicals and nasties if I do not deem it necessary... but that's just me.
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 10:17
Hi there, have twins as well, what worked for us was to slowly reduce bottle time switching to cup, to the point there was only one bottle feed at night before bed. The OP's twins are 3 though, so strictly speaking beyond needing bottles! Exile - really well done! The Tough Mummy at night will mean that you're a happier mummy during the day, which everyone will soon learn is a far nicer experience! I'm sure your girls will love their new cups - big up any reference they may make to being a big girl now (so if they say something like "look mummy, I'm a big girl now - I've done a drawing all by myself" you can say something like "Wow, that's wonderful - you are [i'>such[/i'> a big girl, and you've even got a big girl cup too!") Just maybe have in the back of your mind that once they clock that the naughty wall involved getting out of bed, they *may* decide that's a great way to get your attention at night... they may not, but they might do, so just watch out for any funny business! Seems to have done the trick so far though and that's super! Carry on the good job and look forward to some restful nights!
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 01:27
its not required but strongly recommend you have it, No it's not though. I don't know how long you've been in the UAE, but the demographic and heath circumstances may well have changed in that time. It's not a vaccine that's even positively recommended (as in an optional requirement) to visit the UAE - believe me, I asked the professionals here in the UK. It's just not. If my memory serves me right, their exact words were "no, you don't need it". Can't get much clearer than that! BUT, as Kiwispiers says, if you take into account your own personal circumstances and weigh up the risks of action vs inaction, then you may want to make that call.
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 01:19
I have heard many stories when the seller holds on, and then the buyer does not come back. In the meantime they rejected other potential buyers. Well, tbh, if the buyer wants it so badly, they have to act fast. A seller shouldn't hang on for a promise - first come, first served and all that. However, yes, if you hand over or accept a deposit, then do give/get a receipt and detail what you have put the deposit on (in detail)
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Latest post on 19 August 2011 - 01:15
Mothercare might - they do in the UK.
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Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 17:42
DD also had a bit of a flat head and hated tummy time with a passion... funnily enough I was talking to a friend about this just a couple of nights ago. Anyhow, if your daughter seems to have trouble being comfy looking one way, take her to a cranial osteopath (they're oh-so-gentle) and they will probably be able to help free up her ligaments or whatever tightness may be holding her back. After that, pop her to lie down on the other side of her head - even better if she can't currently move it about much on her own! carry on doing tummy time, even if it's for a few minutes and don't forget, tummy time doesn't need to be flat on the floor. You could try propping her up, on her tummy, on your lap, so that she can either rest her head on your knees or look up and over your legs. Once she's sitting more (which goes hand in hand with strengthening her neck muscles), the flat head-shape will often right itself... and you're lucky that she's a girl, because even if it doesn't completely, hair will! If it's really, really pronounced, talk to your paed about getting a special helmet. <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 18/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 17:30
this is what I posted in the other thread: ------- This is the [url=http://www.nhs.uk/Planners/vaccinations/Pages/childvaccines.aspx'>link[/url'> to NHS guidance on childhood immunisations ... and interestingly gives guidance on when/if the CP vaccine, BCG vaccine and others may be recommended I've also had a little look and the sites I've tried (NHS, Travel-turtle...) haven't mentioned needing the BCG for travel (even long-term travel) in Dubai . According to several sources, Dubai has amongst the lowest incidence of tuberculosis in the world [url=http://healthfirstmagazine.com/issue/current/article/news-in-brief1'>link[/url'> article // UAE stats per 100,000 - UK apparently registered 14.5/100,000 in 2010 [url=http://www.arabstats.org/country.asp?cid=21&ind=305'>link[/url'> // WHO comparison chart for 2009... [url=http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1195733837507'>link[/url'> nb, scroll down to the bottom! -------- The World Health Organisations conducts research and based on that, makes unbiased recommendations... unbiased because it is not affiliated with pharmaceutical companies or any other profit-making product (sometimes research is funded by a company that has an interest, so for example, I read that the research that found dummies to help prevent SIDS was funded by... yup, a company that makes dummies. Helpful, hey?!) Anyhow, lots of people say that here in Dubai you will mix with all sorts, who could be carriers (despite the fact that people who have TB don't get visas and are deported)... I guess some could slip through the net, but basically, the stats (the only unbiased info we can go on) suggest that you are more likely to pick it up in the UK than in Dubai... and it's no longer a routine vaccination for most people in the UK, so, well... that's how high they feel the risk is. <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 18/08/2011</em>
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 02:05
I was under the impression that it wasn't needed for Dubai. Many thanks You are correct - it's not needed, but the vaccination programme here includes it as routine, even though Dubai has one of the lowest TB rates in the world. There was another thread on it where I linked all the WHO information - the UK has a rate of 14.something per 100,000 and Dubai is 4.6. As always, it's your call. Neither of my two have had it, btw.
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 21:27
Another way to save.. If you from UK and planning a visit there before baby or you have someone coming over here, get all your baby stuff from there. Soo much cheaper, especially in the sales. Gosh yes! Whenever I'm back, I hoover up stocks like there's no tomorrow. Here in Dubai, the most decent wet wipes I've found are the Chubs ones (and amongst the cheapest at 15aed a pack - not counting the cheapie-cheapie ones that are rubbish)... in the UK, ooo, 4 packs for 18aed!
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 21:20
Hahaha, thanks! When I posted this I did wonder 'how long is a piece of string?' but I just wanted to get a general idea. I am with you in that the day to day can be as much or as little as you make it, but OH is the one who needs convincing, he seems to think a baby will drag us into financial ruin! Well, my dad once said (before DH and I were even married) that there's no ideal time to have a baby, you're never prepared and you never have enough money, but that won't stop you and you'll cope just fine. The only really non-negotiable bit is the actual birth really. Budget up to 35k for that (private c-section), but as for the rest, you can easily just play it by ear. I bought my children's cot on Dubizzle for 200aed and although first time around I did go for the colour-coordinated nursery set (including deluxe change mat... /sigh), by the time I had my second, I'd realised that a towel on the bed does the trick just as well. Think of it this way: a/ people who actually have no money and few worldly goods still manage to have children and b/ as long as bubs is safe, loved and fed, you can pick up the accessories along the way... oh, and c/ you'll find friends and family will be incredibly generous in rather surprising ways - I've just found out one of my best friends is expecting her first and since I'm not planning on another, I'm giving her, well, everything short of a cot and a buggy!)
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 21:08
She then also threw in that we also must be aware that she intends to put the villa on the market for sale and we would have to move in three months anyway if and when it sold!!!! Wish her good luck in selling the property!
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 19:06
strictly speaking, unless you have a "non-renewable" contract (so written non-renewable in the terms) then you are entitled to stay in the property at the same rent as agreed in the contract. There is nothing forcing you to leave on the end of tenancy date (that is, if you want to dig your heels in on this matter)... just inform the LL of this fact and that, due to her unwillingness to negotiate, you will pay in monthly cheques at the contract rate. If, however, she would like to formally renew for a full year at the current rate, then she can look forward to fewer cheques. Just make sure you keep your rent payments up to date. RERA will cost you 5% of your rent (doesn't everything?!). One thing is for sure though, her financial sob story is nothing to do with you... she maybe ought to have looked at the maths before signing on the dotted line! <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 16/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 19:01
Thanks JoyceB. I did wonder. But it's hardly madly PC not to expect non-British Brownies/Guides not to promise to do their 'duty' to a foreign head of state, is it? The alterations seem perfectly logical to me! It would be as arbitrary as me promising to do my duty to Russia and President Medvedev ... Indeed - just as I wouldn't be overly happy about DD having to pledge allegiance to a foreign head of state or deity! I like the new phrasing better, actually.
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 18:40
Hi Ladies, Thanks for the replies.... No she has not been unwell and is teethin a bit, she hasn't got her molars yet. Sometimes I try and sit with her and eat my lunch and other times like last nights dinner I was just feeding her alone. She is still eating but its fruit, yoghurts etc.. cant seem to get her to eat her daily carbs.. the day starts off very well, she will eat her breakfast no bother which is usually weetabix/fruit, readybreak/fruit, museli etc, mid morning snack is also fine but then lunchtime comes and its a complete no no.. Do i continue trying to feed her the food I had been or should I be trying different things all the time in the hope that some of this will go down.. I have tried putting potatoe, veg, chicken etc all on a wee plate to see if this will help but most of it ends up on the floor and I just know she has not ate enough for a lunch/dinner.. Yesterday I made pasta and a cheese sauce for lunch, tried feeding her she ate a few mouthfuls then it was mouth shut, for dinner I tried sweet potato diced and sweetcorn.. again wud not eat the sweet potato and picked out the bits of corn... not what i would call a dinner.. Any ideas on where to go from here.. Am i being too fussy? Its only stressful because there was a time she would have eaten everything in front of her and looked for more... Thanks again A bit of lateral thinking... is she also trying to change her nap times or has she recently dropped one? It could be that her body clock is a bit out and that's throwing her mealtimes too. I also think that when it comes to food, even though it's hard not to worry, try not to stress about it. It shouldn't become a battleground or a rather traumatic time with Mummy fussing about the place getting all wound up. COntinue trying to eat with her - it's a great example to set - but if she doesn't eat, she'll eat next time, or the time after that. Also try not to compensate by giving extra snacks because that'll just switch her mealtimes (and mess up her bodyclock) even more.
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 18:29
hehe - put it this way, once you have one, what choice do you have? If you want cheap, breastfeed, use cloth nappies or supermarket-brand nappies, use a damp flannel instead of wet-wipes and when the time comes make all your own baby food. Use only second-hand clothes and furniture. Cut out all the fancy things that quite frankly babies really don't need (matching nursery set?!) and rely on others to give bubs all the toys it'll need (which is actually true). It's very much a case of how long's a piece of string. Some people (me) go for a rather streamlined approach, others go for the whole kit and kaboodle. Second-hand clothes, for example, you can pick up a huge bag full for less than 50aed or you could go to Baby Cacharel and spend 600aed on a designer babygrow (maybe slight exaggeration, but not far off!)... baby monitors, you could go for, er, your own ears (free) or a super video-screen one for about 400aed. Anyhow, coming back to the subject, I can't honestly place a price on the day-to-day costs because it all just got mixed in with our normal shopping. There are a lot of upfront costs to set up the nursery and get the kit (and give birth here!) but the only running costs for the first 6 months are nappies and wet-wipes (which both depend on how often you need to change bubs)... you'll find you'll be given a lot of clothes, so manage people so that you get a range of sizes and not just 70 newborn items. As for medical costs, again, if your baby needs medical attention, then you have to give it... it's not really something you can budget. Some clinics do Well-Baby drop-ins and I think vaccinations are about 600aed a pop (haven't done any in Dubai - I do them in the UK). I've only once had to take my now 2-year-old son to the Dr, but DD makes regular trips to A&E! <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 16/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 16:50
I found Banana Boat to be the nicest to apply (no greasy residue, etc), but now that they're a bit older, I use my own sun-screen (still factor 30 or 50) which is the clear Nivea spray - spray, no rubbing, just let it dry, then 10 minutes later reapply a second coat.
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 15:09
Forget natural remedies, they take too long and have unwanted side effects. Try a drug called Motilium - it works very well and it works quickly. I don't know if you need a prescription. My supply did not respond to demand with no rhyme or reason (medical or otherwise), so don't listen to people telling you that your body will just sort it out if you really do have a supply issue. X L oh ffs! [sorry for my French'> There doesn't need to be a diagnosed medical reason for anything - some do, some don't - and you really don't need a doctor to tell you if it is or isn't. But hey, isn't it great that there's a pill for everything - just like in Alice in Wonderland! Anyhow, we all seem to be going off on one... what would be helpful would be if the OP could get back and say if she thinks she's got a supply issue (and in which case, what exactly is going on) or if she's not yet bf-ing and just assuming that she won't have enough milk. If it's the former, there are lots of tips we can give to help out, rather than just telling her to go pop some pills.
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 13:08
On that basis, it's amazing the whole of Greece doesn't have permanent stomach upsets ;) well, there is that... and the fact the whole human race hasn't died off due to undercooked, stored-at-room-temperature meat, but hey, 'Elf and Safety is here to protect us! ;)
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 12:45
Hello there, Please can anyone give me advise on where to buy blackthorn berry elixir and blackcurrent Rehidrat sachets from? I want to make some jungle juice to increase my milk supply while breastfeeding. Thanks so much! I can't really help on where to get these things, but really... you (and most people) don't actually need to start taking supplements or concoctions to increase their milk supply. 95%-98% of bf mums have no issues with supply at all... naturally. Just feed completely on demand and your supply will increase or decrease to suit your baby.
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 12:41
let me phrase it this way, 24 hours divided by 2 adults is 12 hours of your children care for each one of you ;) . if he has a job well that's good but from 7 a.m till 7 p.m. your work is done, he is on his own (not because he has to, but because you KNOW that he wants to share in the process of raising them!!) if you will wake up at night you should have your time during the day. hehe - I was thinking about this just now... and how things would change if we treated our SAHM role as a 9h-17h job... apart from the fact it isn't a 9h-17h job. It's be quite fun to calculate how much time you/ we spend in our job and so next time DH flops on the sofa after a hard day's work, you can say something like "gosh, yeah, next time you work a 13 hour shift at the office, give me a shout" or "glad you feel you can knock off early, I've still got 5 hours to go"... Seriously though, it's not really comparable, but your DH needs to realise that home stuff should be shared. He should be playing just as active a role in bringing up his kids (and that includes the not-so fun stuff) as you do... after all, he played an equal role in creating them!
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 11:28
Thanks HAK, will try to get some sippy cups soon! To be completely honest, don't go for sippy cups (especially the non-spill ones) because it'll be too similar to bottles. Go for a normal, open cup/mug/plastic glass. Big it up as a Big Girl thing and that they will be drinking just like Mummy does... I'm sure they'll be fine!
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 11:06
Oh but the poor dear wants to have a nap in the afternoon after work as he's so tired after a late night!! (insert cynical face here). thanks HAK, more good advice. About the bottles, do I try ditching them now? should I throw them out and abolish them altogether? I'm sure it's a re-visit to baby-dom for them, it's comforting for them, but like you say, enough is enough. Should I implement this now or leave it till we arrive in Australia? Dont know!! Thanks for the ideas, i really must get some play dough. What's groovy moves? All good ideas, I'm feeling so down I'm finding it hard to interact with them at the moment, I'm leaving them with the tv alot :( awww! I have a great way of dealing with DH when I've had a shocker of a day and he wants to lie down for a nap - I send the kids in to play in his bedroom. It's great. Ok, sometimes I whisper for them to bounce on the bed too. I'd do the bottle thing today to be honest. Pop to the shops and get the girls to choose some pretty plastic mugs/ cups/ glasses and you never know, they might even be more than happy to comply. I think they may well be re-visiting babydom because they are bored, and you're bored too, so it's a bit of a cycle - I know when I'm bored of the sight of my kids, I ignore them, so they play up to get my attention and it just goes downhill from there. Groovy Moves is from a UK kiddies programme called Show Me Show Me and is basically musical statues - play music and everyone dances, stop the music and everyone stops and holds their pose. First one to move and it's over! OH and don't worry about using the telly. Some people can play with kids for hours and hours, but I can't. I really do get bored of it, so instead will set up activities, leave them to it and alternate with a bit of telly when they're done. There can be a lot of guilt involved, but try not to let it get to you. Make the telly work for you - having it on in the background isn't any good for the kids because whatever's on just washes over them, so they stop focussing on it. Sooo, if there's nothing on, or they're not watching it, turn it off! Make sure everything that's shown is age-appropriate - you can't really expect them to be rivetted to adult day-time TV and a lot of the music videos just... hmmm... too much bumpin' and grinding and too many gangstas! <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 16/08/2011</em>
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 10:59
So the municipality checks at the souk - how about where the food is prepared before it arrives there? no... but you have to consider that whatever is sold there is made in the person's own kitchen - the same one that they cook their own meals in. Also, the people who offer their own produce do it for the love of their craft and so will take extra care - if they wanted to make their fortune by it, they would have opened a shop and they certainly aren't a low-paid worker who has very little care for the end product. With hot food, however, I can see the issue - and it's not production hygiene, but what happens through transport and storage, because you can't easily ensure that it stays hot enough throughout the process to stop bacteria forming. Not even the seller can, unless they have invested in some decent kit. Heck, even some of the supermarkets fall down on temperature controlled transport and storage and we've all experienced the effects of something that was heated up, cooled, heated up again, kept luke warm for hours...
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 10:48
I was a Brownie too! Basically it's good wholesome fun based around learning skills, being helpful and considerate and enjoying the great outdoors. It's also where the term "Brownie Points" comes from (we used to earn "brownie points" for doing something good but could get them deducted when we were naughty - very useful for husbands too! I can't remember ever being able to cash them in for anything, but they just did a monthly tally)
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 10:44
Oh gosh - I'm only dealing with my two 6 days a week and finding it tough and I'm not fasting either, so I really feel for you! Tough times call for tough action. Sit your hubby down and tell him like it is: it's not about him or his outings, it's about you and [i'>his [/i'>children. You have advised him that they need extra stimulation and that you need a break and so he, as the head of the family, need to stump up the cash. Alternatively, if he doesn't, then when he comes back from work, just go out in a tag-team styleee. If he wants a happy wife (= a happy family) then he's going to have to put some effort into it. It's in the small print! As for your girls, the night-time milk thing has basically got to stop. Give it to them in a cup (they're more than old enough for a cup) and if they're thirsty, they'll drink it, but if they're in it to re-live their baby stage, they'll pass on it. During the night, if they wake at unsocial-o'clock, just lead them back to bed, tell them it's night-time so they need to sleep and walk away. Again, they're old enough to understand... and to do as they're told (on a good day). My DD loves her milk too, but she never gets any at night. Tough love. As for during the day, free, imaginative play is the way forward (basically, you leaving them to it). I don't knwo what you've got at home, but PlayDoh managed to keep my 3 year old and her friend amused for a couple of hours on a regular basis. Jigsaws, junk modelling (with old cereal boxes, kitchen towel rolls, etc... play on what they like, so for example, get them to make a house for their dolls)... and alternate with telly. Yes, the One-Eyed Childminder rocks! If they're getting boisterous and want to let off steam, rather than climb on you, you could get them to jump on lilipads (cushions on the floor), work out and perform a show (singing, dancing, gymnastics!), play hide and seek, Groovy Moves (musical statues) or "Stop!..... Carry On!" where they run around like maniacs but have to stop and stand silently until you say "carry on" (which for comedy value can be after any amount of time - thanks Mark & Lard!) I hope this gives you some ideas. Really your husband is the key to all this. <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 16/08/2011</em>
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 01:30
And I have to say this, I've eaten some of the baked goodies at previous ARTE soukhs and have never fallen ill... in fact, I know few others who have also eaten there without any issues. There'd have to be something really, really horrid going on if you were to get food poisoning from cakes or preserves - just in the very nature of the things, nothing really can be "off" and if say, it's a cream cake and it hasn't been stored properly, it'll look terrible, so you won't want to eat it!
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 23:48
If it's for September, have a look at [url=http://www.facebook.com/pages/Caketastic-Dubai/111813822218118'>Caketastic[/url'> and contact her with your requirements.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 20:50
Which is why LL's don't care if you don't want to pay. They know someone else WILL pay, and usually that someone else comes along right away Only if the property in question is sought-after in some way. Plenty of run-of-the-mill Springs villas sitting empty because the LL is asking too high a rent, and there's no real shortage of reasonably-priced Springs villas to choose from. And once you get onto apartments, the oversupply is just colossal. edited by edna.welthorpe on 15/08/2011 But that is just it.... appartments are the ones where I'm not finding the LL to budge at all. Not talking about the over the top luxurious ones... just the general ones like those in JBR, some Marinas, TECOM area.... those LLs are just stuck with high prices, and I can't imagine why. And I've noticed that some of those rentals had come down marginaly, but are upish again. Why? I can't fathom that one either. One LL in my building prefered to leave his apt empty, rather than reduce the rent by 10k... it was empty for 8 weeks before someone accepted, so ironically, he lost about 16k in missed rental during that time. I actually think that LLs of apts really didn't think of the maintenance charges when they bought in the general frenzy and so now, if they actually do the right thing and pay those charges, they have to keep the rentals up. I think I heard that the charges in JBR were about 30k, so if you think about it, a year's rental of 75k really doesn't bring in that much. Not that I'm at all sympathetic - they were laughing all the way to the bank when those same 2-beds were going for 220k, so maybe they shouldn't have blown all the cash.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 18:25
I am due in September and would like to shop for some snacks / drinks now to be prepared. Any ideas for healthy snacks for my husband and I whilst I'm in hospital? I would rather bring some along so we are not heading to the candy machine for unhealthy snacks or in case we are stuck in the birthing room for a long time. Would rather be prepared. cereal bars and water. With a bit of luck you won't have time to debate the menu options, but some high-energy, inoffensive snacks (flapjacks and the like to release energy slowly) would be a good choice.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 18:22
ARTE's license only covers baked/ preserved goods (basically nothing that needs to be sold hot). Apparently the gvmt did a spot check last year at one of the events and closed one stall down.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 11:57
light exercise should be fine, I'm sure - maybe not Bootcamp! Good luck!
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 11:53
Definitely don't attempt to do it yourself! Pest control or some countries use the fire services to do it. They will spray it with a powder that blocks up the wasps' noses and makes them drowsy and then after a while, will dig the nest out (if it's in the ground) and bag it up to take away, spraying the area with more powder to catch the escapees. My parents had a massive one (about 75cm in diameter and 40cm deep) removed that was in the ground. The guys came during the day and the wasps never returned... but you do need to have all the nest removed.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 15 August 2011 - 00:48
When average villas in the Springs are renting for 275k in one cheque again, call me. Otherwise, this really isn't a story. There will always be LLs who want to try their luck, and properties in sought-after areas will always attract a premium of some sort, but we need to be clear that rentals, just like property prices, are absolutely [b'>nowhere near[/b'> the pre-crash insanity, and indeed rentals are still dropping in many areas. Pre-crash was a landlord's fantasy market. It's never coming back, and the current market bears no resemblance to it. edited by edna.welthorpe on 14/08/2011 Absolutely, but as you said, 2008 was pure insanity and brought a whole new definition to "extortionate", but now prices are just "overpriced". It's pointless comparing to 2008 because virtually anything would be "a good deal" in comparison, but my 2 bed (smallish) apartment is still twice the price of a 2 bed flat in a nice part of the UK. Even so, I'm looking at a 15k increase in rent this coming renewal, if our LL decides to follow the Dubizzle trend. That's 15k for no extra services compared to, er, what we're getting now and tbh, 15k that would be far happier in my own pocket.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 22:58
I've noticed that too - no sign of the usual Ramadan slump
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 19:19
Babylons, it sounds as if you're a great friend! Be firm with her (but kind and gentle) in that you shouldn't take "no" for an answer. Walk in, put the kettle on, make her a cuppa and let her enjoy it while you care for the baby. If bubs is asleep, tell her to go out - it doesn't matter where (mani/pedi is a good start!) and what state she's in. She'll probably protest, but be firm and reassure her that you will call her if you need to, but this is time for her to enjoy by herself. If she's really hesitant, suggest she just goes out for 30 minutes... and as for you, if bubs is awake, plug in your iPlayer and dance with him. Anything you do to relieve some of the pressure will be helpful - cooking, cleaning, hanging the washing out, walking around with bubs - but in reality time to relax is the most priceless gift you can offer her. Whatever you do, make sure you leave the place as tidy, if not tidier than when you arrived... so if you're bringing a meal, at the end, clear it all away and do the washing-up/ set the dishwasher going. I also agree with Suzy on the water front. MiL gave DD some water when she was a couple of days old to help stave off the jaundice (the idea being it helps flush out the liver), but it shouldn't be prolonged and certainly shouldn't replace a milk feed (which it would do for a young baby). I'm not sure if her Drs are addressing this, but jaundice can also be treated with UV rays under medical supervision. Chin up to the both of you - it's a really tough time for the new mum and those who support her, but as baby grows up, these issues will fade and one day she'll be considering having another little bundle of... fun?
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 14 August 2011 - 19:00
It sounds like she's in a building... Anyhow, if you hear scrabbling at the front door and don't want to answer, just give it a quick kick - the sharp "bang" will be enough to get anyone to back off.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 17:14
He's going down between 7 and 7.30 but yes I will try and move it a bit earlier tonight, around 6.30-7 if we can. In terms of the 3 reasons I think the 2nd two are part of the issue - definitely uncomfortable being unswaddled so will go back to swaddling....not too hot or cold I think but definitely tired! And he does obviously need reassurance too... thanks so much for all the suggestions and support - I really appreciate it and pray tonight is a better night. x the tiredness is unfortunately a self-fulfilling prophesy. Some babies (like my DS) work like clockwork and if you miss the nap/bed slot, you just know you're going to get it in the neck later. I also found that sometimes if nothing's apparently wrong with the actual problem period, rewind and see if there should be tweaks made in the run-up. DD would be incredibly and increasingly grouchy from about 16h30 until bedtime (19h), where she wouldn't settle easily, even after a lovely bedtime routine. She was having solids by then and I would give her her dinner at 18h because if DH rushed home, we could at least have dinner all together... one day we were round the in-laws, who eat at 17h... DD ate, loved it, was happy, played until bedtime, we did the normal routine and she fell asleep pretty much immediately. It'd never crossed my mind that her dinnertime was "wrong" and that once she'd got grumpy because she was hungry, the tiredness compounded it. Should have known really... I'm ridiculously short-tempered when I'm hungry and the apple never falls far from the tree!
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 15:25
dont think it's medical, he shows no signs of being in pain and also we had a check up last week and all was well. I have tried holding him at night in bed which often works but even when I lay him down on my bed he still can jerk himself awake so I'm not sure it makes a huge difference. But hey I'm willing to try anything at this point. I don't know if offering the boob will help, he doesn't nuzzle in for food he just seems desperate to sleep :( I do think having him unswaddled has made things worse the last few days so we will see how he goes tonight back in the swaddle. He is in now having a nap swaddled and just hit the hour mark 10 mins ago... Have you tried moving his bedtime forward by 30 minutes? It could be that simple...
 
 
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