Hello.Again.Kitty | ExpatWoman.com
 

Hello.Again.Kitty

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Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 16:50
do I even dare ask what the film rating was?!
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Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 16:45
There is another advantage of giving birth in the UK, that not many folks think of. It has to do with passports and future generations. If you give birth in Dubai, your baby gets his passport by descent. If in UK he gets it in his own right. This can have repercussions for future generations if your kids become wandering expats too. For example If your child doesn't live in the UK much and then has their children outside the UK, there may be issues. Perhaps this isn't a problem for your family, but I have heard of folks accidentally rendering their kids stateless over these kinds of things. I don't want to start a whole new topic - but it does bear thinking about. I guess there is that too, but at the end of the day, *if* expat children come to find it a problem, then they would probably be big enough to deal with it. None of us can tell whether a British passport would be such a desirable item in 25/50/75 years' time as it apparently is currently. It's also arguably the case that a 3rd generation expat Brit who has never contributed to the UK and doesn't intend to possibly shouldn't get a British passport by right, as you'd hope that they'd have integrated into their welcoming culture... but yes, a different debate.
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Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 16:09
eat healthily... and drink! It may be that your body is confusing thirst for hunger signals (apparently it's very common!).
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Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 16:05
it's the toughest decision in the world and one where you must just follow your gut feel. Deep down you know what's right for you and yes, it is a balance. I chose to go back to the UK for all the reasons you listed, plus DS was due end of June, so 2 under 2 on my own in the height of a Dubai summer?! No, don't think so. I was so glad we decided to because the birth was everything I wanted and the aftercare was spot-on. It was really tough being away from DH, but he had 3 weeks around the birth with us. I also find the fact that both my children are on the radar, so to speak, a huge comfort. Follow your heart and do what feels right for you.
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Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 15:54
My wise old MiL said that the best way to get a baby to take the bottle - if they were being "difficult" about it, was for the mum to hand over the task to someone else and basically not be around at feeding time. If mum's doing the bottle and bubs is used to her getting lurvely warm milky cuddles, then of course bubs is going to refuse! DD actually never took to a bottle. We just used the TT sippy cups for water at mealtimes. You could always try a straw though - children of all ages seem to want to drink anything through a straw!
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Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 15:46
I gave birth 8 hours after my second sweep. No spotting after the first, 5 days earlier. I'd actually call in to the hospital tomorrow if it hasn't stopped. Go in straight away if you think bubs has stopped/ slowed down moving, if you feel any further pain or feel damp down below - sometimes you waters can "go" in drips and you hardly notice.
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Latest post on 17 June 2011 - 15:40
In no particular order (or preference) in the Marina, there are: - Jebel Ali/ Marina Village (JBR Bahar) - Kidville (JBR Rimal) - Raffles (Marina Walk) - *Can't remember the name* in JLT (Cluster C or E maybe?) and there could also be one in JBR Sadaf, but I'm not sure... not Fun&Play though, because that's more a creche.
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 18:30
I couldn't do without mine, especially as my P&T is the doubles version. I always get amazed looks at how quickly and easily such a big buggy can fit into such a [relatively'> small bag! Mine doesn't come with wheels though (haven't seen that version), but is designed so that you can leave the back wheels on the buggy to wheel it around (it's best to take the wheels off and pack them in the bag for the flight)... although quite why you'd want to wheel the buggy around packed up and not with kids in it, I don't know! I think I got mine from Kiddicare in the UK... worked out at about £50.
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 09:06
it could just be your ligaments and skin and stuff stretching, but I'm no Dr. If it ramps up a notch, or you get any spotting, period-pain type cramps, baby stops moving or anything else that "just doesn't feel right", go to your hospital to get checked out, regardless of whether you see your own Dr or not. All the best!
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 08:56
Well Scoobie-Doo IS a rubbish cartoon. Half the stuff on kid's TV here makes me want to gouge my eyes out with toothpicks and my brain turn to mush... so we don't watch it. I'm sure it's not the end of the world if your children don't watch televised drivel.
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 08:46
I wouldn't - especially if you've had trouble getting her to latch and it still isn't quite there yet. My gut feel is that if she's waking in the night, you should just feed her - she's so young, it will do no harm at all (nothing but good, in fact)... she's not crying for a dummy because she doesn't know dummies exist. I don't know how many times she may be waking at night, but I think my two would wake anything between 4-6 times in the 19h-7h period in the first few weeks. Yes, it's tough, but after 6 weeks, they do start dropping. You could, however, introduce a toy for her to snuggle with. DS was a very sucky baby and took to sucking the arms of his toy at about 8 weeks old.
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 08:38
take her to the DR to make sure it's nothing nasty... I'm not a huge fan of rushing to the DR, but a chesty cough in such a little one? Best to get it checked.
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Latest post on 16 June 2011 - 08:35
What can you say? Everyone's different! My Red Book has a calculation to give the "adult height potential", so you could give that a go - it actually gives a fairly wide range of potential height and is hardly an exact science, but hey. So. Add mum's height and dad's height together and divide by 2. For a boy, add 7cm to this figure, for a girl, subtract 7cm. This is the "mid-parent corrected height" (MCH). Have a look on the growth chart (the one that takes them up to 20 years) and mark on it where the MCH falls. The target centile range will be the MCH +/- 8.5cm.
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Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 15:39
I am associating my panic attacks with being in Dubai.. It's also very normal to feel vulnerable and feel the need to be supported. Are you quite new to Dubai? You mentioned you felt very isolated and I can completely feel for you. I got pg with my second a week after arriving here and felt very, very low with all the upheaval, hormones and isolation. I ended up going back to the UK to give birth. I was told that people who tend to get depressed are often those who are used to being strong and coping with almost anything, but circumstances sometimes tip the balance and leave us free-wheeling, where we feel that "everything" is out of control. That's why life-changing experiences (happy or sad) can tip the balance. Try to work out what it is that seem key to your feelings, discuss it (ad infinitum if necessary) and try to work out a Plan with your husband - you may need him to actually make the decision and action it (sometimes a depressed person can't actually make any decisions for themselves - for the moment). The good thing with situation-based depression is that once you resolve the trigger (if you can, that is), then it goes away.
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Latest post on 15 June 2011 - 11:27
There is currently an urgent need in Dubai for EBM to help a baby in NICU. Please see the facebook page if you can help. http://www.facebook.com/HM4HBUAE xx I just logged on to post this very same thing!
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 21:44
it's only been 10 days! Cut yourself some slack, please! A miscarriage isn't just a medical fact, it's also highly emotional because it is still the loss of a life - and you need time to grieve for all the hope and possibilities that weren't quite to be this time around. I still occasionally think about my mc which happened nearly 4 years ago. Thankfully, I've now got 2 lovely (mostly) children to take my mind off it, but sometimes, I do wonder about the what-ifs. I also discovered no heart-beat at 8 weeks. The one thing that consoles me is had that child been born, I would have never had the joy of my DD or my DS - I dare say I would have had 2 children, but they would have been completely different. Let yourself grieve in any way and for however long you feel necessary. It's a healing process and nothing to be ashamed of. I'd actually go so far as to say that it's a deeper and more personal thing that grieving for a known relative who's died - at least with a relative, you know them as a person, know what kind of life they had and can be at peace... with a baby, it a whole world of potential and mystery.
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Latest post on 14 June 2011 - 09:05
there are loads of threads for birthday cake makers - do a quick search and you'll get a list of about a dozen!
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Latest post on 13 June 2011 - 18:52
not least that your next employer will be asking for references from your previous and it'll be suspect to say the least if you can't give that.
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Latest post on 13 June 2011 - 18:50
hmm... that'd be FS2, so "proper" primary. Most nurseries I know do FS1 only. Sorry to not be of more help.
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Latest post on 13 June 2011 - 17:51
Yes, DesertRose1958, I see what you mean. I'm 1m75 and 63kg so all good on the weight/height ratio front but that said, even if I was podgy, would it give the shop staff license to comment on my eating habits? I think not. No it wouldn't give them license but I think how a person takes these sort of comments depends a lot on how they feel about themselves. So a person who has it in their head that they shouldnt be eating donuts in the morning cos they are 12 kilos overweight as it is, will more then likely be very prickly when anyone around them mentions food - even when its done innocently and under different circumstances. Just ignore them because it really is just a cultural thing. It doesnt make it right, it just makes it a reality. Only to a certain extent though - if a person was commenting without fail every single day on my menu options I'd get miffed - not because I doubted my choices but because they really need to stop it already and move on/ get a life! "Haven't you got anything better to do?" also springs to mind as a a retort.
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Latest post on 13 June 2011 - 16:02
Cultural my a**e! They know what they are saying. An insult is an insult. Do you think they would like it if you said it to them? Absolutely. Cultural sensitivity goes both ways.
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Latest post on 13 June 2011 - 15:58
Hi eu-sweetheart, This is appalling if this is in fact correct. I don't know specifics of how you would go about this and whether or not your plight will make a difference but you could start perhaps by contacting The World Health Organisation (WHO) or The United Nations (UN) for opinions on this matter. I agree with you 100%, this is utterly disgusting and shame on these people for allowing this to happen. Goodluck with this, keep us posted. SH Well, There is the Safety First initiative from the Dubai Government... although whether or not the company would be regulated by them for a job outside the UAE, I don't know. As for why - you've answered it all - these men are paid a pittance, don't ask questions and in fact, no one asks questions... there's no accountability. Another route may be to try and find out the shipping company (keep it to yourself) and contact them in whichever country they're based - with a bit of luck, the company will be registered in a country that does hold people to account on such matters.
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Latest post on 13 June 2011 - 14:51
yeah, that would drive me to distraction too... I think I'd probably vocalise the STFU in my head to "I'd appreciate it if you could keep your comments to yourself. I don't want to hear them"
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Latest post on 13 June 2011 - 00:01
yup, I agree it sounds really dodgy, but few places are as hot on health & safety as the UK, where, if asbestos is involved in a demolitions, the area has to be sealed off, the chaps in protective clothing and the nasty stuff sealed up and disposed of in a special way. BUT even in the UK, there are builders who will just rip it out on the quiet and chuck it in normal waste... so here... or on a ship?! Who's looking? Shocking attitude, I know.
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 20:20
tbh, a fast-food burger is just as unhealthy for an adult as for a child/ baby - think of the fat, salt, additives... I wouldn't feed myself a MacDonald's, let alone my children, but then again, that's based on what I consider to be good for me, normal and healthy. In fact, my "poor" kids don't get to eat sweets or crisps either, apart from at birthday parties! At the end of the day, they eat what I eat - same principle as for the burger-eating families - it's just that I've made different, educated decisions. Good old Daily Mail though - can't beat a bit of sensationalist journalism to poke fun at the less educated.
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 20:12
@ Hello.Kitty.Again & Chocs1, I am already starting to find humor in this all and your comments made me laugh :D! Yes, I gave them the keys, just so that I can show, in case I have to go back to RERA, that I kept my side of the contract... if they don't return my deposit (what they promised to do today to me and to the agent - I KNOW - NEVER TRUST ANYONE'S WORDS IN DUBAI ;)) I will just go to RERA tomorrow. I still have that valid court order that showcases the fact that they OWE me money, plus I can then tell them that they didn't return my deposit either even though I have vacated the apartment...... Ach, lady - bless you and your faith in humanity! In all honesty, I am interested in whether or not RERA actually have any enforcement powers - which I doubt - because they will certainly be put to the test here. I've got a horrid feeling that they haven't actually got any power beyond the fear of undetermined consequence and that the LL will let them whistle for the money.
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 19:23
Thanks clairehdp. That's what I was told before I filed my case, but unfortunately I was not one of these lucky people who succeeded in RERA. I didn't loose my case and everybody was polite, but they just couldn't solve my problems. I have today met the LL and and agent and they inspected the apartment and I gave them the keys etc. We agreed that I will get my RERA money and deposit tomorrow, when I can show them my final bill from Empower. Yes... I'm still thinking about going to RERA if they don't pay the full amount. After I receive the payment from them, I might just visit RERA quickly and show them the check that I have received, if it doesn't cover all the court ordered fees. I still don't understand how they even dare to suggest that they don't pay it all to me? What could they possibly be thinking? you handed them the keys without the deposit in exchange?! [slaps forehead'> I really, really hope they contact you tomorrow... although they now have no reason to do so. You have nothing to bargain with.
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 17:49
We went to Horizon at the Amwaj Rotana on Friday and it was really nice. The food was lovely and fresh, the service really attentive and it was bustling (probably due to the Gonabit vouchers!). There were a couple of Hen dos/ birthday parties there too.
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 11:17
I know several woman who had their first in their mid-40s. Especially in the UK, they'll have the extra attention due to their age and added risk...
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 11:14
Stovetop, I have a pot from the UK with green, yellow, blue and orange, I think, all separate, that I won't be able to use before July. Email me on hello.kittydxb at gmail.com --- just to say that it is relatively easy to make your own (there aren't any here beyond the hundreds and thousands and the Barbie selection boxes). Mix up icing sugar with an egg white into a decently thick paste. Add the colour(s) of your choice and mix well. Pipe into fine lines on a baking sheet (lots and lots of them and the finer the line, the better) - leave to dry 24h and then smash the lines up! Yay! <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 12/06/2011</em>
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 11:12
I am so done with these people!!!!! How dare they!!!!!!!???? I will now go and settle my final bills and get something from Empower, and after that I will decide what to do, since I will know better where I stand. I really don't know what to do? Can I really go to the police and say what? That I have a court order and he refuses to pay and tries to bargain? Tricky one. If you force him to pay all the fees, he could dock from your deposit... Still, the court order isn't up for negotiation. He's lucky to only have to pay 50%!
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 10:30
Of course there are also those landlords who thought they could become instant millionaires by purchasing property and got frustrated when that didnt materialize and so try to squeeze every dirham out of their tenants hehe - yes. I have so little sympathy for any LL here (sorry, lovely LLs!). When we first arrived, we got shafted big time, then had a nice, honest LL who was upfront about having spent all the money from the single rent cheque 6 months into the contract, so couldn't reimburse us when we wanted to leave early... and our current one is a decent chap, but our - sorry, his - agents asked us to "take pity on him" when asked to replace the washing machine because rents had dropped so much! /rofl/ Yeah, I'll pity them because they didn't read the small print and factor in maintenance charges and rent drop when the dollar signs were flashing in their eyes at the prospect of 200k for a 2 bed!
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 10:24
If he refuses to meet me today, I will for sure go back to RERA tomorrow and PRAY they will help me! I just want this nightmare to end! Will keep you posted on how things go today.! Just be business-like about it. Waiting to see what the LL does puts you on the back foot. Call Rera today so that you can make informed comments and if they are willing to accept the keys, contact the LL and say something along the lines of "As per our contract, I am vacating the property today. I am happy to meet today and exchange the keys for the full deposit cheque and outstanding Rera fees. If you are unable to do so today, the keys will be lodged with Rera, where you will be able to collect them in exchange for all the monies due." But yes, if LLs here were bound by the same rules as in the UK, for example, they wouldn't know what'd hit them!
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 09:45
My deposit is 5000 AED and in addition to that he owes me almost 5000 AED in RERA costs (so its 10K). And if I don't vacate today, he will for sure slap me with that 2000 AED fine. The contract is registered in RERA, since I had to file a case against him before... Good idea. If he refuses to take the keys, I will go to RERA tomorrow morning and tell them about this. I actually went to RERA again a few weeks ago since I knew there will be trouble and they told me to just come back and ask for help if I need it. Maybe I can give them my keys and tell the LL to collect them from there. Great thinking Hello.Again.Kitty! I have sent him pictures about the empty apartment, and I have informed the agents as well, but nobody replies my emails. Why do we tenants even pay these agents money when they do nothing to help us? And what is it with these people who want to harm others intentionally??? well, if your deposit is only 2000k, then you may as well write off getting it back (which it sounds like you'd have to regardless). Aside from that, there's very little way he could enforce his overstay fine. I don't know if your contract has been lodged with Rera, but it may be a good idea to inform them that you've vacated as per contract and ask them what you can do with the keys in the absence of the LL taking them. Maybe they'll say to hand the keys over to them and the LL will have to come and collect at his leisure. Take photos of the property as you leave it (detailed ones, not happy snaps) too. Basically, you need to be rid of the keys and need to have some kind of proof you've left. Oh gosh - that's a lot of money riding on it! I think a lot of LLs here just see the deposit as a little end of contract bonus for them and agents - ooo, don't get me started! The whole discrepancy about how the tenants have to pay but it's the agents and LLs who benefit is mad. I think a talk with Rera is in order again. I wonder if it'd be possible to give them the keys and get them to not hand them back over or accept a a new contract for that property until your deposit and 5k fees have been paid back? I don't know if they'd be able to take such an active role, but it's worth talking about - how else can they/you enforce the payment decisions?! It's time LLs changed their mindset. 2 can play at being difficult if so pushed.
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 09:33
my mum was on 20-40 a day for nearly 30 years and was adamant she didn't want to quit... but then she was faced with a long-haul flight and decided that was It. She stopped and hasn't had even one since. I think she used patches, but sometimes found they'd fallen off at some point during the day! I think it is down to will-power - you don't like them and really don't need them and have proved to yourself that you can stop for a week, so you can beat the addiction. What's stronger - you or a stick of dried leaves?
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 09:18
well, if your deposit is only 2000k, then you may as well write off getting it back (which it sounds like you'd have to regardless). Aside from that, there's very little way he could enforce his overstay fine. I don't know if your contract has been lodged with Rera, but it may be a good idea to inform them that you've vacated as per contract and ask them what you can do with the keys in the absence of the LL taking them. Maybe they'll say to hand the keys over to them and the LL will have to come and collect at his leisure. Take photos of the property as you leave it (detailed ones, not happy snaps) too. Basically, you need to be rid of the keys and need to have some kind of proof you've left.
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 22:28
no... basically, no. They're not designed to function or last beyond a day, or rather one application and removal. I've worn the 18 month soft, monthlies and dailies over the past 23 years, so kind of know how far you can push! Aside from the cleaning issues (they're not designed to be cleaned), they will become less comfortable more quickly. My old monthlies felt stronger and less disposable, but I switched to dailies after getting a series of nasty eye infections and haven't looked back since (geddit?! haha!). They do what they do. If you want contacts that last longer, look to monthlies. BUT out here, in these kind of temperatures, you have to be very careful about how you clean and store them.
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 20:22
Hello Kitty: Unfortunately, not going to SG is not an option for us. I've already left my job to look after DD so now DH is the sole breadwinner of the family. The SG move was not exactly optional for us, if you consider the other option being no job at all. He's been putting off the move for over six months now, and was pretty much given an ultimatum. He's been travelling back and forth because management has already asked him to move the role there despite not relocating there ourselves. Even if he did stay at home with me, there's not much he can do. Unfortunately, there's an art to dreamfeeding an orally averse baby. So far, only myself and the night nurse have gotten the hang of it. There's no way that DH would be able to relieve me so it really does not make sense for him to stay at home with us. Plus, in some ways I think SG will be good for us. The healthcare system is far more superior to that of Dubai. There is a specialist women's and children's hospital in SG with a dedicated feeding clinic that deals with these kinds of disorders. I'm hoping that DD will be old enough to be eligible. It's just that I know that the initial move will be very very difficult with all the upheaval involved. In balance, that does sound better from the healthcare perspective. When I said DH should be there to help, I meant to help [i'>you[/i'> and to support [i'>you[/i'>! Sure, he can't necessarily feed bubs, but there are many, many other ways and tbh, just having a close-knit family unit is the best you can get. There are ways and means to facilitate the move - even paying a relocation agent, which may be a necessary thing to take some of the weight off your shoulders. I think, actually, you and your health (both mental and physical) are the kingpin of all your family - you've resolved that your DD2 will need help where ever she is, but it's [i'>you[/i'> who will make it happen so it's up to your and your DH to make [i'>your[/i'> life happier and easier so that you can concentrate on the important things.
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 18:38
I stand corrected, Hello Kitty - I've never seen such a thing! no, nor had I! Still not quite sure what to make of it either... :)
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 17:55
"you can get a sort of 5 point harness that then is attached to a normal car seat-belt. It wouldn't be legal in the UK or Europe, but is an American thing (apparently) and is arguably better than nothing in taxis." Just a note - this is not "an American thing". If your friend bought a 5 point harness that is attached only to a seat belt (not a full car seat or booster seat) then they bought a racing harness used by adult car racers. They are not meant to be worn as safety belts for kids and are not legal for children. Hmm... an adult would have had real trouble fitting into what I saw! hang on, I'll try to find a link... google google google... [url=http://www.safeandsecurebaby.com/ride-safer-travel-vest-by-safe-traffic-system-inc.html'>There[/url'> you go. Not exactly the one my friend has, but you see what it's like. By the way, I'm not endorsing them - for me the safest way is in an appropriate car seat!
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 17:38
I'm going to go out on a bit of a limb here and basically suggest that you and your husband need to get together and forge a plan that works - neither of you could have planned for your youngest to come early and have these issues, but she did and she does. My gut feel is that Singapore isn't the answer - even if it means your DH giving up his job (and yes, anything is possible and everyone has a choice). You can't be expected to field all of this and still come out happy and sane. Your DH needs to be able to focus and support you in all of this and be around for your eldest. You need to be in a situation where you feel as confident and as comfortable as possible. All you've said, and the move is simply too much for one person to take on. You're truly amazing to be doing what you do, but not superhuman! What does your DH think about all this?
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 13:01
H&M, definitely. Next also do nice kids clothes.
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 12:53
you need to balance up what's right for you and what's right for your daughter... and completely disregard what's "the norm" here. My 2 are 21 months apart and I started DD at childcare when she was 19 months so that I could have some time to myself and later time with just my newborn. I made sure she was in a great environment (with a childminder in the UK, so only with another couple of children maximum) but the focus was primarily to get her doing some fun stuff and me having some relaxing time instead of us all driving each other up the wall with a bored toddler and sleep-deprived mum! She started nursery proper here at 3 years old and slotted right in with no problems. The focus was then more on her development than my "spare" time. DS will be starting nursery in Sept at 2yrs 3 months because at home, he just simply doesn't currently get to do the range of activities that he should - I can't seem to find the time or the energy, so am handing that task over to the specialists, having found a nursery that I really am happy with.
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 11:53
I've just seen ur message as I was writing! And where do u get this 5points harness please? better than nothing I suppose. Unfortunately, I don't know what it's called and haven't got one - although I have a friend who had one shipped from the US. Sorry to not be of more help!
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 11:50
We spent a week in HK when DD was 2.5 and DS 9 months - it was lovely, but NOT buggy-friendly. I found we were quite limited by it - couldn't get on the metro because there were 2 flights of steps to get to the lift, couldn't get on the tram, nor the bus, and the overhead walkways were lovely, but only had steps or escalators to get up. Don't let that put you off though - just take appropriate child transport, so a really lightweight stroller! We had a double P&T...
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 11:46
you can get a sort of 5 point harness that then is attached to a normal car seat-belt. It wouldn't be legal in the UK or Europe, but is an American thing (apparently) and is arguably better than nothing in taxis. I avoid taking taxis with my two, but if I have to, I still strap them in, but pass the chest part of the belt behind them, so that they only have a lap belt, so to speak. It's by no means ideal and I'm loathe to do it (hence why I look for alternative means of transport), but it's marginally better imo than having them loose. Our proper car-seats aren't very portable (esp not 2!). When they were very small and still fitted in the capsule, I took that, but the number of times I was told off because I refused to close the door until the seat was correctly fitted was incredible - especially at Mall queues.
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Latest post on 08 June 2011 - 11:03
oh this has just make me check the cupboards.... eurgh! flour full of weevils!! I feel ill, I've made muffins recently as well.... do you think they're harmful? DD had some... eeeek!! I don't think they're actually harmful (I admit to rinsing them out of the risotto rice), but then I found an unsealed bag of mixed nuts and raisins right at the back of my cupboard at the top and nearly heaved (and that takes a lot!) - it was crawling and because it had a transparent window, I could see inside. They'd basically laid their eggs in the raisins and you could see all the larvae growing, plus all the detritus that little beings make. The rest of the rice was in the bin, out and down the chute with a flash, along with some infiltrated basmati rice and The Bag. I've been decanting my [local'> flour into a clip container for a while now, and find that there are occasionally some hopefuls lurking under the first flap of the original packaging, but they've never actually got in, and none hatch out of the flour when it's in my sealed box. They never seem interested in sugar, just starchy things and I haven't ever seen any in my spices, but may now look a bit harder (although I do have cloves in my spice cupboard). Little blighters. The joys of living in thr tropics! <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 08/06/2011</em>
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 22:40
We just clean out the kitchen cupboards every week, and I avoid buying anything local, i.e. local flour, local rice, etc. as that is what appears to bring in those horrid weavils. Thanks for the cloves tip. Will try it out! yes, I do too, but it's a pain in the neck, especially as they seem to like the expensive stuff - I had to chuck 750g of arborio rice because there were dozens of the blighters in it - AND it was meant to be sealed! I think I'll make up some little clove bags - you know, like the lavender ones grannies have in their underwear drawer!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 22:35
Rather than "sucking it up" and hopingit will go away, how about a good old fashioned up front, face to face conversation (I know men ren't good at these things), along the lines of " can we book some time to sit down and clarify our roles as there seems to be some blurring going on".........no?? /like
1861
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 22:08
Someone on here previously said that cloves kep them away! ooo - now that's the kind of thing I like! Thanks! I've found out the hard way that corn-flour kills them instantly, but it could get a bit messy!