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Hello.Again.Kitty

Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 22:04
Well, it's pretty obvious that these companies aren't doing deals out of the goodness of their hearts - it's either to get themselves known (as a new business needs to), to promote themselves if interest is flagging (why may it be flagging - who knows!) or to ensure a guaranteed upfront income (because not everyone who buys actually redeems - remember that one at Al Qasr that sold out at 660 deals @300-odd a pop?!) I like the deals and have taken up quite a few with no complaints, but it is still, as always, a case of buyer beware. Clearly they're not doing them out of the goodness of their hearts, but in the same respect Cobone/Nabit/Groupon etc should be a bit more responsible about companies they advertise for eg. There was a deal for 1/2 price Botox and a quick google showed that it had terrible reviews, one of which mentioned an incident where the police ended up closing down the clinic/stripping it of their license because they were not qualified to offer the services they offered.... And therein lies the grey area. Yes, they arguably should have a duty of care to vet or at least carry out some due diligence before promoting a deal, but at the same time, they are very clear in their T&Cs (Gonabit, that is - I don't use the others) that they are in no way responsible for the quality of the product sold/ service rendered.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 07 June 2011 - 19:53
Well, it's pretty obvious that these companies aren't doing deals out of the goodness of their hearts - it's either to get themselves known (as a new business needs to), to promote themselves if interest is flagging (why may it be flagging - who knows!) or to ensure a guaranteed upfront income (because not everyone who buys actually redeems - remember that one at Al Qasr that sold out at 660 deals @300-odd a pop?!) I like the deals and have taken up quite a few with no complaints, but it is still, as always, a case of buyer beware.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 22:36
The only thing he said he would prefer is if I delivered in a seated position on the bed rather than squatting or standing; personally, I'm ok with this. Just a quick comment - play it by ear as to how you deliver - even in the final throes. Your Dr may prefer x, y or z, but it's not them delivering - it's you and only you. They're only facilitating proceedings.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 06 June 2011 - 19:09
City is apparently one of the better places to give birth here and I'm sure you'd be in good hands... however, if you have the option of and are happy with the prospect of going back to the UK and giving birth in a lovely midwife-led centre, I would be packing my bags already! I went back to the UK to give birth and ended up with a home-birth. I have some friends who gave birth in the water and I think they thought it helped - it'll still be intense, but if you're relaxed and calm (ish), then that helps immensely. If I were to have another baby, I would be back in the UK again in a flash. I think, with a few exceptions, Dubai is about 30 years behind the UK in terms of childbirth philosophy, so if that's an important factor for you, then consider it. There's also the comparatively minor details of the great home-based after-care and support you get in the UK and the fact that bubs will be "on the system" with minimal faff.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 23:10
If she did these things one at a time i'd deal with it but everything seems to have changed at once! Wouldn't that be wonderful, if they scheduled all their little issues to never overlap! ;) You'll almost certainly find that it will take months, but as I said, it's a process [rolls eyes and heaves a big sigh'> and will pay-off... honestly! DD's still... herself... but amongst her class at nursery, even though she's one of the more vocal and opinionated ones, she's also one of the most emotionally aware.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 23:02
Plus I did have a giigle at this: 'At the very least, these chaps are selling fake goods without a trade license.' - erm so you can get a trade license to sell fake goods can you? I don't think so! Just because certain shops in Karama do it, doesn't make it legal! In fact the only difference between these chaps and Karama is they're selling out the back of a car. No different to your DVD lady then really. I was trying to join 2 issues there - lol - selling fake goods and selling without a license.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 22:59
oh, I don't know... it adds a sense of adventure to cooking! I've had some really interesting experiences with curry pastes in particular. The nutritional information is always a good one to cover up too...
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Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 13:15
There are only a few around (some building have a few "villas" at the base) and I've hardly ever seen any come up for rent. The Marina's lovely - well, I like it. Beyond that, I'm not sure what info you're looking for.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 12:38
To answer in order: - picky eating. Yup, my DD was/is the same. I just plough on regardless, so if she decides that she won't eat something, she'll go without. Try and start giving your DD reasonable choices - so a choice of 2 puddings, say, so that she feels as if she's got what she wanted, but it's on your terms! - sleeping. Gar - it's peaks and troughs, isn't it?! If it doesn't bother you, then there's no harm in rolling with it. She's shown you she can self-soothe, it's just that at this point in time, she doesn't want to. I'm sure there's a developmental explanation for it too! - biting etc. When their verbal communication is limited, but they're starting to feel more complex emotions, they can sometimes "get physical". DD did it when she was... yes, 2! Try to understand what she's trying to say. It sounds as if she's trying to be affectionate, so if/when she bites, say "No, no biting. If you want to say you love me, give me a cuddle!" or "No, no biting. If you want to say "Come and play with me", say "Come mummy [or whatever she's capable of saying'>!" and then tell her to say sorry for biting you. This will fall on deaf ears probably for the next 6 months, but stick at it, because it's part of a process and will serve you in good stead. DD would hit or push when she wanted to be left alone, so our little spiel was "No, no hitting. If you want him to go away, say "Go away please"". Also reinforcing why they're saying sorry is really, really useful, because it gets them thinking more about what was amiss in their behaviour, instead of just lobbing a random "sorry" over their shoulder. You won't get much actual remorse, but it's a start. DD (now a few months off 4) is now very good about saying sorry and knows exactly why she has to!
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 16:54
just a thought - have you asked your DH how he envisions the birth and his role within it? You never know, he may have really strong feelings about this special time and may have a really convincing argument - more than just "i don't want my mother-in-law interfering". I think it's relatively easy to forget that the fathers are an important part of the whole business, and some - not all - want to take as active a role as possible within the whole process.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 21:22
However, if its just your husband, somehow women in labor r conditioned not to get overly stressed if men show signs of stress... DH didn't look stressed - he just looked quite pale and concerned. Seriously though, I wasn't really in the frame of mind to study his face!
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 20:48
No the key words are.......remember where you are, and take appropriate extra care. The assumption that any facility in the region will be run according to UK elfin safety standards is dangerous. There's extra care and extra care though. Now having read the original thread, the most worrying thing for me would be the over-crowding. Yup, random people, stairs, even open doors (though naughty), I can mitigate, but in the event of a fire, in an over-crowded centre, it would be horrendous. It's pretty well-known that even people who know the fire drill for their environment off by heart can panic in the event of a fire - that's why all doors leading to the outside should open outwards, because people will surge and push, even if there's a big "pull" sign. Actually, a fire in an overcrowded soft play-centre literally doesn't bear thinking about. Feedback and discussion with their management are the only means for this to change. If/when you go, ask them about their policies on whatever aspect you feel strongly about. Ask a random member of staff what the fire drill is or if they're first-aid trained. THEN leave detailed written feedback. Every time, if necessary.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 20:15
I agree with many of your points, troublebubble. The said issues would not stop me from taking my kids to MM... indeed - even in soft play areas int eh Uk, where it is highly regulated, no-one would just plonk their toddler in there and go off to have a quiet coffee. I'm going to have to read that thread now!
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 19:12
My son's 2 at the end of the month (?!!!!) and we're just having a tea party at home. You really don't need all the bells and whistles, just some nice snacks, some treats, a few decorations and some playmates. At 3, DD was still a bit distracted for proper party games, but you could do something fun like dressing up or build a makeshift den or play a big game of hide-and-seek or sardines (like hide-and-seek in reverse, where one person hides and when another finds them, they have to cram into the same hiding place!)
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Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 19:05
[url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Caketastic-Dubai/111813822218118?ref=hnav'>Caketastic[/url'> is based in the Marina, near to the JLT metro stop.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 18:24
confusion aside, it makes a real mockery of the legal system here. I really with Dubai would realise that and take action... I don't mind what action, but it really should be one law for everyone.
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Latest post on 02 June 2011 - 18:18
It's important to have people you trust around you as support, and they should also be people who know when to back off and leave you to it and who aren't going to fuss around asking you stupid questions. Labour isn't a spectator sport, after all. I had DH with me both times and first time round, bless him, his support was limited to passing me some water as soon as I yelled for it and taking it away a split second after I hissed "away!". He felt pretty helpless in all of it, to be honest. But, having people you trust around you will help you to remain calm and relaxed, which are key ingredients in an easy and uncomplicated labour.
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Latest post on 01 June 2011 - 23:52
[url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Caketastic-Dubai/111813822218118?ref=hnav'>Caketastic[/url'> is also worth a try, but she's pretty booked up for June already.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 13:26
My hotmail was hacked a couple of years ago and has never really recovered. It's now been taken over from incoming spam. The problem is aggravated by some emails being sent to all recipients as copies and not blind copies. This means that if one of the random copied-in people gets hacked, then your address is suddenly on their contacts list, even though you've probably never met them.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 19:06
Pregnancy isn't a disease, so the less prodding and poking, the better really. Always ask what such-and-such an exam is meant to achieve. Here's ([url=http://www.tommys.org/page.aspx?pid=383'>copied[/url'>) a summary of miscarriage risk. As you'll see, it's sadly really quite common. ------- [i'>Last updated Feb 2011. Planned review date: Feb 2012[/i'> [b'>Miscarriage statistics [/b'> It is extremely difficult to obtain accurate statistics on miscarriage for several reasons, the main one being that the majority of miscarriages occur before the mother realises she is pregnant. If these unrecognised miscarriages are included, it is estimated that 40–60% of pregnancies ends in miscarriage.1 However, even if we restrict the figures to recognised pregnancies, the miscarriage rate is difficult to determine because many remain unreported. The following statistics are our best estimates based on the most reliable sources available. They may well be underestimates. [b'>Incidence of miscarriage [/b'> 1 in 4 women who get pregnant will experience a miscarriage.2 At least 15% of all pregnancies ends in a miscarriage.2,3 [b'>Relative risk of miscarriage4[/b'> First pregnancy: 5% Last pregnancy a live birth: 5% All previous pregnancies resulted in live birth: 4% Last pregnancy miscarried: 19% All previous pregnancies miscarriaged: 24% [b'>Risk of miscarriage at various ages5[/b'> Age: 12-19 years Miscarriage Risk: 11% Age: 20-24 years Miscarriage Risk: 9% Age: 25-29 years Miscarriage Risk: 10% Age: 30-34 years Miscarriage Risk: 12% Age: 35-39 years Miscarriage Risk: 20% Age: 40-44 years Miscarriage Risk: 41% Age: 45 or more Miscarriage Risk: 75% [b'>Repeated miscarriage[/b'> Around 1 women in 100 has recurrent miscarriages at some point (three or more miscarriages). This is three times the incidence expected by chance, although for some people it may be just that.6 There are many possible causes, yet often the miscarriages remain unexplained. In such cases, there is still a 75% chance that, with the benefit of supportive care, a successful pregnancy can be achieved in the future.7 [b'>Sources:[/b'> 1. Kallen B. The Epidemiology of Human Reproduction. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 1988. 2. Warburton W, Fraser FC. Spontaneous Abortion Risks in Man: Data from Reproductive Histories Collected in a Medical Genetics Unit. American Journal of Human Genetics 1964;16(1):1–25. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1932458/pdf/ajhg00547-0015.pdf) 3. NHS Direct Wales Encyclopaedia. Miscarriage. (http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/m/article/miscarriage/) 4. Regan L, et al. Influence of past reproductive performance on risk of spontaneous abortion. BMJ 1989;299:541–5. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1837397) 5. Nybo Anderson A, et al. Maternal age and fetal loss: population based register linkage study. BMJ 2000; 320(7251):1708–12. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC27416) 6. RCOG. Couples with Recurrent Miscarriage: What the RCOG Guideline Means for You. London: RCOG, 2004. (http://www.rcog.org.uk/files/rcog-corp/uploaded-files/PICouplesWithRecurrentMiscarriages2004.pdf) 7. Clifford K, et al. Future pregnancy outcome in unexplained recurrent first trimester miscarriage. Human Reproduction 1997;12(2):387–9. ----------------------
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 18:54
At 7 months, DS (who had a healthy appetite for solids too) was down to morning, evening and then 3 night-time feeds (grr)... so no BM at all (or anythign else apart from water) during the day. I just let him get on with it and this continued until he dropped all his night feeds at 11 months, at which point he was on morning and evening BM only and would have carried on like that for ever... until I weaning him at 13 months. Do whatever feels right - babies change and tbh, you seem completely in tune with what she needs.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 21:13
Lol HAK :D I tried not to hold him under for too long ;) rofl! :-D
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Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 21:10
well, unless he's siphoning up the air like a whale shark does water, I think not! It could be that he took in a bit too much pool water though. <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 28/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 20:57
Honestly this is news to me. I thought all c-sections were done under general by routine. This means I have an option? kiwispiers and others who had non-general anaesthetic c-sections in Dubai may I ask which hospitals you delivered in? But yes, the first was an emergency c-sec so that could be why it was general anaesthesia. Gosh yes - it's now considered a last resort in the UK! They generally only do them in the case of a "crash c-section", where the life of mum or bubs is in immediate danger, and they have to knock the mum out and get bubs out within minutes. Everyone I know who've had c-sections, here and in the UK - have had spinals. Friends here went to Medcare and City, respectively... or was it American?
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 20:50
At the risk of sounding like a complete twit, the cycle begins from the first day of the period - is that right?! So one and two weeks after that, I should use condoms? Sounding SO ignorant here I know!! I guess this may give some readers a laugh any way! hehe - such is the mystery of life! Yes, your cycle starts on the 1st day of your period, so if you're on a 28 day cycle, so you should ovulate around the 14th day (but it's not exact) and the egg hangs around for a few days before it gets bored and triggers the process of breaking down the womb's lining and expelling it in the form of your period. Sperm also lives for a few days, so the best thing is to be "careful" for 4 days before you ovulate and maybe 5 or 6 afterwards, but since you can't tell exactly when you're going to (unless you chart your temperatures) then it's best to be "careful" in the week running up and the week after.
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Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 18:29
I've been reading this board for some time now and I've read lots of negative comments about Cerazette. So now am just a bit scared to take anything and for now, would like to find out what 'normal' feels like! I think if I go on another bender with hormones my husband might disown me! Anybody just using condoms?! I know how you feel! I'm fed up to the back teeth of pumping myself full of hormones for years and years... and years to come, but DH isn't [currently'> prepared to contemplate his main option! If you want to go down alternative routes, you only need to use condoms for a week or two surrounding the middle of your cycle (to play really safe!). A friend successfully used the withdrawal method for years, combined with charting her temperature to work out when she was ovulating (and avoid!).
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Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 17:44
He told me it's the only estrogen-free pill . He's either being a bit lazy or doesn't know his stuff - there are many progesterone-only Pills on the market, it's just that Cerazette is one of the newest and most popular. I didn't get on with Cerazette (at all) and so my GP put me on Micronor instead, which is the same principle. GPs should have a big book or database with all the different medicines in it - mine certainly does - and should be able to choose one that is right for you.
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Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 16:27
As soon as they hand you your baby! I have a friend who was feeding her baby as they were sewing her up. Certainly don't delay. The first few days are crucial, both in terms of your baby learning to latch on properly and for your body to understand it needs to produce milk quick-smart. If you were to delay, you would need to start pumping to send the right signals to your body, otherwise it would conclude that your baby sadly did not need any milk and would shut up shop. As kiwispers says, your milk will "come in" within 2 or 3 days of having your baby, but your body *is* producing a highly concentrated "milk" (colostrum) in between time - it's highly calorific and packed full of antibodies, so you baby will be getting all the nutrition it needs. Trust your body to do what it needs to - it's built to nourish your baby - and boy will you know when your milk's in!
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Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 16:17
Why don't you just try a different brand of Pill? I remember having to try a couple before finding one that fitted (one gave me random dry skin, another made me feel really low!). All in all, I think I've been on about 5 different brands over the last 15 years.
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 15:47
We now have a P&T and the travel bag was one of the first things I got for it - I can flat-pack the entire thing in about 2 minutes and we've never had an issue with it. Isn't it funny as the first time you dismantle a pram fully you feel like you need a degree in engineering but after a while you could do it with your eyes closed... hehe - yes! The P&T double looks like a beast and everyone is astonished at how it comes apart and folds flat (well, 15cm) in about 5 moves. Still, soon we'll be at a point where we don't need the pushchair... although part of me likes it as a bit of a donkey!
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 15:36
Just thought I'd add, when I went back to work, albeit in the UK, my very caring boss said - look at what you earn, take off childcare, travel, new clothing and about 5% more for hassle factor, then see what would be left in your hand - is it worth going back for? yes, I worked out that at the end of the month, I'd have less than £200 to myself - not savings, just that left over after paying all my costs - and that was based on a full-time job in London (with commute), so out of the house for 12/13 hours a day. It's not just about the money though sometimes, you've got to also place a value on your quality of life and your family life. If it balances well, go for it, if it doesn't, don't.
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 15:08
You're lucky! On my second flight with my maxi cosi and they completely trashed it - Oh no! Did you get it wrapped? I once had the bugaboo wheel snapped off but i hadn't removed the wheel when i packed it. We now are pretty expert and dismantle it completely and put it in a special, padded bugaboo travel bag and have never had an issue since. Yeah, it was, but tbh, wrapping it in giant cling film isn't going to help much if it's lobbed into the hold and then other things lobbed on top of it! The buggy that got broken (twice) was the iCandy Apple and whilst, a lovely buggy, wasn't very practical for flying - we had to disassemble it all and then strap all the bits together. Still, that doesn't excuse the state it was in when it came round on the carousel! We now have a P&T and the travel bag was one of the first things I got for it - I can flat-pack the entire thing in about 2 minutes and we've never had an issue with it.
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 12:53
I've always put our carseats in the hold. Over 20 times and not once have they been damaged. You're lucky! On my second flight with my maxi cosi and they completely trashed it - properly staved in. They replaced it within a week, but even so, from then on, no car-seat goes in the hold!. Don't forget that they're like a crash helmet - as soon as it's had a knock (even if you drop it and it lands hard) then you're meant to replace them because they've been weakened (even if you can't see any obvious damage). I've lost count of the flights now, but yes, casualties have been 2 buggies (1 the safety bar had been snapped (must have taken some doing!) and then the 2nd was a complete write-off - they'd somehow managed to force the handlebar down so far as to wedge it between the wheels, and bent the back axles) and the car-seat. <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 26/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 12:23
they get you to randomly sample 50% of what food you bring, so for example, the formula, I'm guessing you'd bring it in those little doser pots, so they might get you to dip a finger in. It really sucks, because I saw a couple with teeny twin babies having to open half their vast stash of pre-made formula cartons - well, that was what they were being asked to do, but they were explaining that they'd then have to chuck it, as non-sterile, so there was some debate. I have to sip the kid's fresh milk from their cup and have had to open pots of babyfood in the past (always choose flavours you like!) In Europe it is completely illegal to travel without strapping any child under 11 into a carseat. If you are hiring a car or a taxi, and aren't bringing your own, ask them to provide one (check that it's properly secured though before driving off!). The infant ones are easy to transport (and come in handy as impromptu carriers!), so do so. We used to do this, but both of mine have grown out of it, so since we still have our car in the UK, it's all kitted out and FiL comes and collects us.
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 11:21
I soooo don't miss having periods! hehe - I worked out that I'd only had 1 proper period in slightly over 3 years! Bliss!
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 11:17
6 weeks old?! Easy peasy! Phone up the airline and ask for a bassinette seat - this will give you a carrycot style thing that clips onto the bulkhead so bubs can have a sleep nice and flat and you can relax. Emirates will let you take the buggy up to the plane doors, you then need to fold it flat and secure it and they'll chuck it in the hold (sometimes literally). If you have a sling/ baby bjorn, now is the time to use it! Changing is in the loo - there's a teensy, hard shelf that folds down. It's doable, but take a blanket of something that you can fold and put underneath the baby to make it more comfy. I'm never done formula, so don't know about it on the plane, but I do know that they can boil water and that you have to try 50% of all food/drink that you bring on board - even if they are in sealed containers like the ready-made formula. UK airports are especially vigilant about this,. Dubai less so. If you are taking your car-seat - DO NOT check it in. They don't take any care of them and any big knock will compromise its safety (and you don't want it failing in the case of an emergency, god forbid!). There's room for it in the overhead lockers. Please though, do think of the other passengers (especially those with children) and don't take everything but the kitchen sink on the flight with you. I was once on a flight where the couple brought in no fewer than 5 different big bags (for them and one child) and used up 2 full lockers, meaning that we (with 2 children) had to dot our stuff all over the place. Travel light - it's far, far easier! <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 26/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 23:06
I had my first 2 weeks after finishing bf my eldest and was pregnant 2 weeks after that (1yr PP)! hahahahaha! Second time around they came back while I was still BF because the pill was mucking me around - but I simply couldn't take any chances!
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Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 23:02
Mine are 21 months apart and I think the last time I picked up a fun book and read more than a few pages was back in March! "Me" time only really happens when the children are in bed, so they're packed off at 19h. Well, when DH comes home, they often get packed off with him to put to bed, but when I'm at home alone with them, it's 19h on the dot! DH is also fab with them and if I ask reeeeeeeeally nicely, he'll take them out for the whole day, but then again, it's nice at the weekend to share the load! I agree with Shaf - my life is insane. I guess I'm guilty of adding to the insanity a little bit, but still, it's non-stop. I can't wait until DS starts nursery in Sept - it'll be the first time I've had regular, reliable time to do what I want in 4 years! I'll hardly know what to do with myself... well, I will. The final year of my MA is what I'll be doing - but still... uninterrupted! Wow!
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Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 18:38
I know this sounds harsh, but try not to obsess about the numbers. The more you stress, the more difficult it is to conceive (it's all hormonal after all). I have a good few friends with pcos and/or bad endometriosis and some of their stories of fluke conceptions are nothing short of amazing. If I were in your shoes, I think I might carry on taking the meds, but stop doing all the tests, step back, relax and enjoy the process! It is meant to be fun, after all.
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Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 15:07
DH and I would love to be trying for our first right now but our financial situation is making us think long and hard about it! Our hearts are telling us just to go for it, but our heads are telling us to wait. It seems like everyone we know are getting pregnant at the moment apart from us. :( Don't pass the moment by - you'll never be prepared, never have "enough money", but that shouldn't stop you (my dad's wise words!). You'll do it anyway and you'll cope. Besides, as I'm sure you've realised, many, many people don't get pregnant as soon as they decide they're ready.
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Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 12:44
Tell me, out of pure interest (and awe!) - for those who have lots of children - how do you do it?! I mean, in terms of car, holidays, schooling - do you work or plan to go back to work? Would you choose to have so many children if home help weren't readily available? Do you rely heavily on family to support you? Just really curious - I come from a family of 2 children, so that's my ideal (I think) and I'm having difficulty getting my head around having more - not that I am, btw! My body's saying "do it", but my head's saying "what [i'>on earth[/i'> are you thinking of, woman?!"
Hello.Again.Kitty
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 11:57
Thanks a lot Hello Again Kitty (By the way my daughter would love your name!!!!). It was reassuring. I was actually told that the terrible 2 are stretching to the terrible 2 & 3. I am just praying that there are no extensions to 4. I am taking it one day at a time and one tantrum at a time. Let us do what we can and hope for the best! Thanks again hehe - my most beloved DD started her terrible twos at 13 months old and we've only noticed a real change in her in the last couple of months, so at 3.5! I went through phases of wondering if there was something wrong with her, but in hindsight it's just a case of stepping back and taking the "softly, softly catchy monkey" approach - little steps forward (and some back) to gauge where they are in their development and to guide them towards it by a tricky mix of encouragement and discipline.
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 11:35
I just switch to whatever time it is in the country we're in. The time difference between the UK and here is quite good in that it's the space between meals - so dinner time (17h) for us become lunchtime (13h) in the UK, so their bodies are still telling them they're hungry at an appropriate time, iyswim. You need to be a bit flexible, of course, and be ready for a few snacks or tweak the meal on the earlier side of normal, but apart from that, it's no different. Let her nap when she needs to - you'll have to play it by ear a bit, but you'll find she keeps to more or less the same routine. The day of travel will be all over the place though - guaranteed! As I said, I have far more trouble with the sun rising and setting because they're used to the 12h (approx) of sunshine here, day in, day out and aren't used to it still being "daytime" at 22h!
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 11:18
A whopping 130g weight gain!!! :) I'll take what I can get... Will continue the weekly weighs and we'll be seeing the pead in just over two weeks anyway for 6 month needles. Thanks for your support for a super-paranoid mummy that constantly looks for things to worry about! :) yay!
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 11:14
FO, what you describe there sounds actually pretty normal to be honest, so I'm not entirely sure if they are proper, deep-rooted fears, but rather (sad to say) normal 3 year old behaviour. The Drs incident is another thing completely though, and I'm pretty sure that if she's had an early traumatic experience, then it's going to resonate. maybe either find the loveliest paediatrician that she can bond with and sway her round, or get some advice on how to empower her to cope. The swimming pool sounds like it's just a bit unknown - not all kids jump right in, but need to build confidence. Maybe find a baby pool that is nice and shallow so she can paddle in it without fear of sinking. Tantrums - sounds like you're doing all the right things. Don't be embarrassed to do the same technique in public if it works for you. Almost everyone with children has had to deal with tantrums at some stage and those that haven't had kids will do! Shopping and clothes - yes. Try to involve her more. Give her the important task of holding the shopping list or ask her to fetch/ help choose certain items. DD also used to throw wobblies when I chose her clothes, so now I give her a choice and let her decide - what harm is there in it?! - and the clothes-related tantrums have stopped. They're at an age where they want and need to assert their independence, but it's up to us to decide where the boundaries are and to help them along the way. I think you're doing fine - your last post reassured me loads! <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 24/05/2011</em>
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 10:59
I realise that I probably should have worded that a little better (the culture issue) Its actually his family and immediate family who are quite blunt with each other, rather than their whole race. They dont seem to be very careful in the way that they deal with each other, and he grew up developing quite a hard skin as a result. Nevertherless, my family are also hard work and like to heckle each other, take the p!ss, and actually quick to yell and fight, and that bothered me too which is why I left home so early. Ugh ! What a bl99dy mess. (If I say too much my real Id (afraid some of you know me from my 'other EW id') will be revealed and I feel quite embarrassed about it all.) (edited to say that Yes we are still from very different cultures and countries as well) edited by glot on 24/05/2011 Don't worry about the whys and wherefores - it's about you and him, not backgrounds, previous relationships, family or whatever else may have shaped your personalities - it's about you, as you are now and him, as he is now and whether or not you want to carry on in this way, as you are (because you can't expect people to change) for the next 10, 20, 50 years. Don't feel bad about it. These are all life lessons and we meet lots of weird and/or wonderful people along the way. We grow stronger by the experience.
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 10:53
Jebel Ali has a very poor customer service now. It was better two years ago. There is a female doctor in the morning very rude. The pediatrician is also not good. Is there a different Jebel Ali hospital, or is it the same as The Cedars? We've been to The Cedars on several occasions and were very happy with the care for our children (they both manage a couple of A&E trips each year!).
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 09:48
we now go to Jebel Ali / Cedars for A&E and they've always been good.
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 09:38
But am I making excuses for him? I feel rotten and mainly very concerned for how this could intensify in the future. Yes, you are making excuses for him. Please don't. If he hasn't yet got his head around "normal social interaction" then it's probably not going to happen. As for what will happen in the future, I can tell you this - most relationships have a wobble after the first child, even the strongest and most respectful. Having children will show the cracks in your relationship, even the hairline ones, and it takes a lot of mutual respect, understanding and sympathy to get through it. If he's saying he finds you less attractive now, I'm sorry to say he's going to probably be pushing you away with a bargepole once you have a baby in tow. He'll blame you and the baby and will cut you even more when you're at your most vulnerable. If you're not 100% sure, don't do it. You wouldn't buy a house if you knew it wasn't structurally sound, even if you loved it to bits? If you need more time and want to try and address the issues, then just postpone and work on the relationship, but don't do it now, with this much doubt in your heart.
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 09:04
Oh :-( Looks like Mum has some sort of Munchausen Syndrome - if that makes sense? I'm afraid to say I think Mum lied to the papers and got daughter to go along with it. Speechless. There's still something deeply wrong with this whole story and/or the mum if she decided to tag along with this abhorrent tale just for fun (and money)... I mean, did she not even imagine where this would lead her family? It's hardly harmless. I 100% didn't say it was harmless - I think it's horrific. And no matter what has or hasn't happened it shows horrific standards of journalism/ sensationalism too. I agree with you! Point is, she's obviously coming out with the "truth" now because the bit of fun backfired, but I think it's a good thing that social services have stepped in, because even as a joke, it's a very sick one to make your daughter the brunt of. Sensationalist journalism always has been around and is a load of drivel - "My cat grew another head!" and all that. BUT to essentially pretend (allegedly) you're abusing your child is, well... never going to end well.
 
 
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