Hello.Again.Kitty | ExpatWoman.com
 

Hello.Again.Kitty

Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 10:17
Thank you for the thoughtful replies. HAK - it is nice to hear the experience from someone who grew up as an expat. The good and not-so-good. Would you be able to explain Dark Side a bit more, or is it enough for now? Don't want to pry, but would like more information if that's ok. I've thought about it a lot and it's all basically to do with dealing with the unknown. I remember in the run up to The Move, I felt like I was on the edge of a black hole - my current life was complete normal and everything after The Move was unknown, a blank canvas. I knew my childhood friends would carry on doing what we'd always done, but that I would be left out, alone, somewhere else. We arrived in our new home and not only had I got to somehow insert myself into a group of children who'd known eachother from Adam, but doing so without being able to communicate properly. Anyhow, speaking to the other Brit girl, it turned out we all felt kind of set adrift - not belonging to the culture we were in, but no longer part of our own. For a teen, it's so important "fit in". She was deeply unhappy and turned to rebellion. I don't know what became of her. I still have what can only be described as panic attacks when I face the unknown, but then, me being me, I snap out of them and get on with it. My brother deals with it differently and can't actually make a decision that would lead him onto an unknown path, he literally grinds to a halt until the moment when the decision is made for him. We're both, otherwise intelligent, capable and successful people.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 09:15
Children are adaptable, but not [i'>that [/i'>adaptable. They need to feel that they fit in, belong and have the time to develop a close set of friends that will see them good, so to speak. Being the new kid on the block is hard at the best of times, but can turn horribly wrong if it's either badly timed (for the child), there's a huge cultural and linguistic difference or if, quite simply they have anything short of a thick skin and rock-solid confidence. Here in Dubai, of course, it's all a bit fake expat because the overwhelming majority of the population is expat. My family moved abroad when we were tweens into a community where there were no other foreigners. We integrated really well, but I'd be lying if I said it hadn't left some not-so-great side effects. There was another British girl my age about 75km away who didn't fare so well. This is not to say that it's not a great experience overall, because it is, but it will create issues. Your children won't necessarily be able to communicate them to you, or will feel that they can't, because you're pepping it up so much as such a wonderful thing. They will be afraid, out of their depth, isolated and lonely - sure, they'll have you, their parents, but that's not the same as proper friends their age that they've grown up with. I firmly believe that my various times abroad have made me into a better person, but there is a Dark Side that surfaces in certain circumstances.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 20:34
It's all fair and reasonable- the respect thing. But...check the name of the site: it's EXPAT WOMAN. You're not in the UK now. Let it get under your skin, or try to move on and adapt. Don't be shocked and focus on what you judge as substandard or inferior behaviors. The best thing for everyone out there is to protect your child (or more yourself probably) and remain gracious. Or you give wherever you're from a bad name. Food for thought. when did I ever suggest it was substandard or inferior behaviour?! Gosh, there's no need to give me a lesson in what being an expat entails in terms of tolerance and integration - I may refer to my past in the UK, but believe me, my life experience is far from limited to its shores. You weren't to know, of course, but please don't assume that I'm some kind of bright-eyed, bushy-tailed innocent that's never been abroad before and assumes that everywhere should fall into line with my own cultural background... whatever that might be nowadays. Frances, I'll narrow my statement then, hopefully to your liking. Of all my friends, family members and acquaintances, or indeed random people that I've met with my children in the UK, none of us would take a photo or give a child something to eat without first seeking the parent's permission.
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 19:58
It's well meaning, but maybe the turn of phrase needs tweaking. I had a similar issue with DD's nursery - her [lovely'> teacher had realised that DD loves her Daddy and was eager to please, so would kind of bribe her by saying things like "This will make Daddy happy" or, yes, "Be good for Daddy". I had to ask her to stop, because just as you do, I feel that "being good" should be in general, not a/ reward based or b/ for a specific person. I think your DH wants to help/support you and realises how challenging toddlers can be... not least because they seem to save all their extra-wonderful behaviour for Mummy... because we're just so spethial. DH gives DD a pep talk in the morning, but phrases it all quite well, imo... as in "I want you to be really good today and to listen to Mummy and do as you're told"... or if she tries the good cop/ bad cop thing with both of us present, we say "what did Mummy/ Daddy just say to you?" so that there's no interpretation and reinforces that when one of us says something, kiddo won't look to the other for confirmation, because it's just bounced right back.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 19:15
My DD self-weaned at 11.5 months and my son cut down to 2 feeds from about that time too. With DD, my supply dwindled to nothing to the point where she wasn't happy she wasn't getting enough... with my son, I still had milk, but he wasn't fussed! Your daughter's had 12 months of breastmilk, which is a huge achievement by anyone's books. Lots of paediatricians "would like" lots of things, but they're not the ones at the business end - you and your DD are, so do what you feel is required and what will make you both happy. Well done!
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 19:00
The Lakes is nice, it's true, and really quick and easy to get to SZR (the main drag in Dubai). Greens, Lakes, JLT, Marina (and Discovery Gardens) are all the closest to Jebel Ali. Be aware that the DEWA on villas is huge in comparison to apartments - we pay all of 80AED a month for our electricity and water, plus of course the housing tax - sorry, "fee" - which brings the bill up to 450AED. Villas often cost around 1000-2000AED a month, simply because you're not piggy-backing of the building's cooling system and irrigation. If you want a garden with some greenery in it, you have to water it like crazy... just to let you know, most of the greenery in Dubai is drip-irrigated all the time.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 18:11
bump ! Anz childfriendly towers in JLT? It seems to be cheaper which suits us more. TIA JLT is still very much work in progress in terms of pavements and there's a lot of road crossing to get anywhere. basically, it's not built for buggies (although I have to say, I managed to get around with minimal inconvenience). There's a little playground just opened up near cluster... er... E? No shade, mind, but hey. Also, if you just cross the JLT Metro overpass, there's another little semi-shaded playground right at the exit.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 16 February 2011 - 13:09
That’s what you think, but if someone like me forwarded ur LO pic unbeknownst to you to a friend of mine then how would you know where they end up, you can lock things down as tight as a vestal virgin........the truth is we have absolutely no control over it. It's require them to make a copy without my knowledge, knowing that I haven't consented to it, email it to the person and all that jazz, and being from the same cultural background, it's just not something any of my friends would dream of doing. We just don't. It's an unspoken rule. It's funny because the strength of this obviously isn't coming across - but in the UK, you wouldn't even dream of giving a child a sweet or taking their photo without first seeking permission from the parents, let alone touching them. You just don't... ever. It's not like it's really stand-offish, but for example, if a child ran up to a person in the park and asked to share whatever s/he was eating, that person would invariably say "we need to ask your mummy/ daddy first". Photos are a completely no-no... <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 16/02/2011</em>
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 23:06
Choose a course that suits you and what you want to achieve - not the acronym! I'm currently doing an MA as none of the MBAs (I looked briefly) seemed to be of any benefit to my field.... so it offers far more value for money! Plus, MBAs are often dismissed as cereal-packet qualifications - every man and his dog seems to have one. Do it for yourself, because it interests you. This will be the decider as to whether you will succeed or not. Studying whilst having a full-time job (whether paid or not) requires lots of self-motivation and discipline and so if you find your interest waning, you will fall behind. Having your family's buy-in is important too because they will be your support team. You can either see it as a past-time or as an investment. Either way, you need to do the maths to see if it's worth it. At the end of the day, it's rarely a qualification in itself that will change your career... it does however, go some way to proving your intent, commitment and passion for the subject, which in employers' eyes, if far more important.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 22:56
I wouldn't actually say she's a musical genius - she's a very intelligent woman and as mad as a hatter, which makes for a very interesting mix. I sincerely hope she hasn't had these implants put in - you can get some pretty wierd stuff, like people wanting to transform themselves into cats and things. She's naturally pretty and I hope she hasn't tipped over the edge of edginess and has lost the plot [more than usual'>. Here's hoping it's just some very good stage make-up!
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 21:48
As someone stated, we put pictures of our kids on Facebook and we do not know where they ultimately end up. I know where mine end up... nowhere, because I've cracked down on privacy to that level. I also do this for myself, so it's not just the paranoid mum thing (which I'm not)... OK, so lets say it's a cultural thing. I only ask for people to respect my culture and not take photos of my children without my permission. There's no arrogant dismissing going on - it's about respect. If someone is polite about it, then they often get what they ask for (indeed a good lesson for the kids)... but if someone is disrespectful, then they get short shrift.
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 21:37
You'd have the pick of some really nice places for 160k... 3 beds in the better buildings. I was actually adamant that I only wanted a villa when we first moved out, but seeing what we could afford at the time made me cry, as it was a clear step back in terms of quality of life compared to our lovely cottage in England. My advice to anyone coming out it to keep an open mind and just visit places. Spend your first day driving around, exploring the various different areas, then look at a good few places, including some wild-cards. Agents won't hold a property until May - they want to rent them out within a couple of weeks, so this expedition will really be about honing down your search, rather than picking the exact property... unless you want to start paying rent now!
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 20:49
I think they are great (I recommended them in another thread for children) but they do treat you like a blank cheque IMO. X ray for each family member, another x ray to show potential cavities, another x ray for this and that etc etc. Check prices first and query each treatment. Like I said, what they do is very good but they assume we all have company dental policies and personally, I felt a little robbed last time I went there. Also, I don't really this the orthodontist there (should you need one) is the most child friendly one! Lovely and clean though and very thorough. We go to the Marina branch - both for GP and Dentistry - and they're really good. Dr Alexander (Dentist) is really lovely, exceptionally thorough, gentle and amiable, and he gives you all the treatment options so that you can make an informed decision in your own time. He's my new favourite dentist of all time!
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Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 20:34
I'm in the Marina and have a 3.5yr old and a 19 month old... and it's great. OK, it's apartments, but everything is now walkable, there are playgrounds, nurseries, indoor soft-play areas, dancing lessons, shops, restaurants, chemists, buses and the metro... everything. I've been here 2.5 years and haven't found the need for a car for my day-to-day stuff. There are also some of the most active mother and baby groups here. Some buildings have their own playrooms and children's pools - it depends what you're after. Alternatively, the Greens is very family-friendly - again, apartments. I would usually plump for a garden (have one in the UK), but here there facilities more than make up for the loss!
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Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 12:37
And the touching - just think about it. Who knows where the people who touch your kids been before, what they've been touching, when they washed hands last time and worse, what disease they might have. So no, I don't think letting people touch our kids is ok. That had never actually crossed my mind... but yes. We discovered last year that DD had amoebic dysentery (can get nasty if not treated) and, as it's a water-borne parasite, the number one propagation here is via carriers not washing their hands properly before handling food or anything else!
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Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 12:29
Miscarriage is so devastating, especially when it's your first pregnancy. I've been there too. Take the time to just grieve in any way you feel necessary, but don't dwell on the "what-ifs" because there are none. There is nothing you did, or didn't do, that would have stopped it. It happened because it needed to - think about it this way: in the first few weeks of pregnancy, there are so many millions of things happening... connections being made, cells dividing, organs and limbs being mapped out and amongst all that, sometimes, something just makes a mistake... and sometimes it's just such a fundamental thing that it can't carry on. It brings home what a miracle having a happy, healthy baby is. You'll go on to have happy, healthy children in good time too. Let yourself heal first.
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Latest post on 14 February 2011 - 12:13
I think she just looks scared stiff... just found of her singing live in a far more intimate setting and she's just worlds apart... and rocks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmV6_oc2lwM&feature=related (ok, so posted in 2007... )
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Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 23:15
creams and stuff like that shouldn't effect your baby, or a medicated shampoo for that matter.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 12 February 2011 - 23:13
sprinkle the area liberally with bicarbonate of soda (dry) and leave overnight, then bung in the wash and it should be gone. Bicarbonate of soda also gets rid of smells in upholstery and carpets - sprinkle on a whole pot dry, leave overnight and hoover off. If the smell's not completely gone, do it once more and it'll be fine. I was amazed!
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Latest post on 11 February 2011 - 13:52
Here is what scares me the most, these thoughts induce crazy panic: Not finding adequate speech and language therapy assistance for my son when we finally settle down (doesn't affect when we move) DS going to nursery and under their care he eats something he is allergic to--and the epi pen i've showed them all how to use isn't used consistency of schools and their staff--will he just be ignored and left to 'get on with it' DS and sister going into the schooling systems and come out worse off then when they went in My sisters visa situation, her managing to get trafficked/kidnapped or worse fall in love with an idiot while she considers herself 'vulnerable' and absolves herself from most responsibility and common sense My husband is the most irresponsible man I know when it comes to credit cards/bank payments--- jail--- I don't want to go! We don't overspend, but *he* does get careless, so every month when I do have a moment spare I go through all the finances again. (it's usually his job)...sometimes though, there just aren't enough hours in the day. based on this I would not move I completely agree. Gosh, those are some pretty deal-breaker issues and to put it bluntly, you will not find nurseries or schools here equipped for providing for your son. I'm sure you've also gathered, if someone has difficulty being disciplined with money in the UK, then Dubai is going to be impossible. That's not an exaggeration either. I don't think it's the right moment for you. You have your whole life ahead of you for amazing experiences, but Dubai is not where it's going to be for the moment. Just as important as adding adventure to your life, is the ability to settle, take your foot off the pedal and find a bit of peace.
Hello.Again.Kitty
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 22:50
I'm sorry, but [i'>what harm is there[/i'>? Well, what are these people going to do with the photos? At best, are they really going to show their family members are go "oh, look, I saw this really random kid!", or yes, they could post them up on Facebook for all and sundry to ogle at... which could then move on to google and be in the public realm for anyone to ogle at and download copies. Sure, the name wouldn't be traceable, but funnily enough, I'm not comfortable with any images of my children being out there in the public domain. edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 10/02/2011 I appreciate that you didn't directly quote me, but given it was a misquote/inference taken from my response, I thought I should respond :) Again I say, what "direct" harm is going to come to my son. Absolutely none. So some strangers look at a photo of my fully clothed baby, a baby who, lets be honest, only your close friends and family would be able to pick out in a line up of similar looking babies. As I said below, my feelings will no doubt change as he gets older, but at this stage, I am an overcautious/paranoid mother when it comes to the safety of my child, and the last thing I need, is to add another thing to the list to keep me a awake at night, that I realistically have no control over. I've unfortunately had an incident here that was just a bit too chilling for my liking. DD, then 2.5yrs was wandering around while I and a friend were having a coffee. She was about 15 meters away and there was only us and a waiter from the coffee-shop next door. She's a personable little thing, but this chap swept her up and was cuddling, stroking and kissing her a bit too tightly for her comfort and mine. I was there in a flash, took her away and hissed to him never to touch her again, but hey... how do I know that he hadn't already taken a few souvenir photos of the cute little girl he seemed to like so much? You may decide to let it pass when they're still at an age when they're fixed in their buggies, but when they're properly mobile and have wills of their own, you'll see that they'll happily follow anyone who offers them a sweet.
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 22:42
Try to work out what scares you - something defined is automatically easier to deal with. It's true it's sometimes easier to take the in-at-the-deep-end approach, but it's also true that whilst most people swim, some do sink. There's no use pretending that it'll all be easy, but again, your mindset will have a lot to do with how you deal with things. You need to be able to think clearly, so if you've got other, more unusual commitments (haven't been following your story, sorry), then maybe it's simply not the right time to move your family over.
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 20:05
well, he knows if he's hungry and is letting you know by wanting to feed - all babies are different and so some will feed slower than others. He's also waaaaay too young to be talking about "Bad Habits". He's still getting used to being in the big cold world after 9 lovely months spent in your warmth, so, well, it's kind of understandable if he likes to snuggle too... if that's what he's doing rather than feeding. You're doing really well - just don't analyse so much - and go with the flow.
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 18:48
Nope, you're not being at all irrational. Moving is a big thing and will involve a certain amount of stress and worry. It is a step into the unknown and to be honest, actually being here is a lot different to the image that you form before coming. It's normal to be worried, but I think it's really important to fully believe it's the right thing to do and to be genuinely enthusiastic to do it. I wasn't and spent the first 6 months of being here absolutely loathing the place and on really bad days, begging my husband to pack me back off home. It took 18 months for me to like living here more than "it's ok, I guess", but even now, I can't bring myself to call it home. This is my second time as an expat, by the way. Have you been here to see the place first? I would try to for a 3 or 4 week stint - get a proper feel for the place, meet some people and decide if it's for you. It may be or it may not, but only you can decide that.
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 18:03
save your money for when she's able to really get into it. Seriously! If you want musical stimulation, get a few shakers and/or musical instruments and team up with your circle of mums to sing some songs. I wouldnt mind if you did all the shaking and singing....want the job? ach, they aren't fussy and will always think their mummy's voice is the best thing ever... well, untill they're school-age and know better! Oh, and no, I'll pass on the job thanks... although, how much do they charge at Boogie Babies? ;)
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 17:39
I'm sorry, but [i'>what harm is there[/i'>? Well, what are these people going to do with the photos? At best, are they really going to show their family members are go "oh, look, I saw this really random kid!", or yes, they could post them up on Facebook for all and sundry to ogle at... which could then move on to google and be in the public realm for anyone to ogle at and download copies. Sure, the name wouldn't be traceable, but funnily enough, I'm not comfortable with any images of my children being out there in the public domain. <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 10/02/2011</em>
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:50
Chill. Pack light. Stick to your current routines. Go with the flow. There... all your questions answered! :)
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:49
go out! It's part of her learning process too and any mum with children your DD's age should have come across some of the joys of potty training. Just encourage her to go before you leave and take spare knickers, clothes, a roll of kitchen towels and make sure you know where the nearest loo is!
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:46
so your 4 month old is waking twice during the night for a feed? Perfectly normal... my then 11 month old was waking 3 times. Count yourself lucky!
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:44
It's actually on very few countries' "must have list" and is debatable both in efficiency and the reasons why it ended up on the US's "Must Have" list... something to do with the chap who held the patent being on the approval board but forgetting to mention the fact that he'd make millions if it got on...
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:40
Why don't you start calling them at 6am Dubai time? And persist... call and call until they answer the phone. And then say that the reason you called was to make sure that everyone is okay and you were missing them so much. That should put a stop to it (hopefully!). Oh do that and say "Oh, I just wanted to let you know that I'm awake now, so you can call me if you want to..."
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 15:30
find a way to send a fax call to their landline at 3am their time. Nah, that's too evil, but yes, it's completely out of order. I would unplug the phone.
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 13:40
save your money for when she's able to really get into it. Seriously! If you want musical stimulation, get a few shakers and/or musical instruments and team up with your circle of mums to sing some songs.
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 13:37
yes [sigh'>... more so with my DD when she was little, but after being flattered, I had had enough. I have a sunshade now for the buggy that I call my "buggy burqa" so that people can't see in and be tempted. It's pathetic really. I've had a woman try to pull my DD out of the buggy to give her a kiss, people walk past and as they do so, take a photo over their shoulder with their phone, other blatant in-your-face-photos, lunatic finger-clicking in their faces and, well, everything. Just last week a chap with a semi-pro camera took a photo of DD as she went past on her scooter without asking, so I told him that he should always ask permission and demanded that he deleted it... and waited until he'd done so, which seemed to surprise him. You know, it gets me all the more that one of the rules of the UAE - that's perfectly acceptable in my mind - is that we aren't allowed to photograph local women without asking their permission... so why on earth should that courtesy not apply to our children?!
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 13:26
Thank you! I have the book here...I'm just not familiar enough with what restaurants are in the Marina to check to see if there's a coupon in the book - and even though the book is much better this year at breaking down the location of the places with coupons, the Marina is not in there. The potato one? I'm terribly geeky about it and go through backwards, sorting them by whatever address is on the back of the voucher and grouping them in envelopes by location, that way, if we're going somewhere, we just take that particular pack. Anyhow, in the Marina there's Siamin, Stephano's, Salso Dubai, Mir Amin, French Connection, Adrenaline, 25-55 (Yacht Club), MDP (seems to have closed)... and that's not including Marina Mall <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 10/02/2011</em>
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 13:16
Your husband is also part of your family and as Sue said, he was with you long before children made their appearance. Realise too that there are only so many hours in the day and only so much you can cram in, even with the best will in the world. You mentioned priorities - maybe it's a good time to reconsider your own and try and find a new balance that works for everyone.
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Latest post on 10 February 2011 - 13:07
the Rupee Room and Royal Orchid are in the Fine Dining, but there are a good few others in the Family... Stephanos springs to mind, but also Siamin (Radisson Blu) and the GBK in Marina Mall... there are far more... about 10, I think.
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Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 15:50
- sugar-free calpol/ ibuprofen and bonjella - cough mixture if you use it (it's not packed full of anti-histamines over there) - clothes (Tescos/ Asda/ Sainsbury's/ Primark for cheap'n'cheerful) up to 2yrs (or 2.5yrs cos it's not going to go to waste - swimwear (again, Tescos) and sunhats - pants (again from the supermarkets) for just in case you start potty training in the next 12 months) - Pjs - crocs/ shoes in the next size up. Get your crocs from SportsDirect (online prices are cheaper still than in-store) - I got my son's next pair for £5. - Books... just hoover anything up! He'll start liking more story-based books, so anything (and everything) by Julia Donaldson, for example, will be a hit... - Toys, well, again... anything is cheaper over there, so if you have any favourite sets, like the ELC Happyland lot, then grab it. Check out Friday-ads (like Dubizzle) for second-hand stuff. Wooden train tracks are often a bargain second-hand. If you're doing a large amount of shopping at Boots (they also stock ELC stuff), then do get their Advantage card... it's just points, so not a store card, but you can redeem those points to pay for more stuff - and they're very generous.
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Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 13:14
Clearing up puke that is not mine. nice. Is that just in-house, or do you travel? ;)
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Latest post on 09 February 2011 - 12:36
procrastinating... ... and looking "in control" when I'm blatantly just flying by the seat of my pants... oh and hatching mad plans "for a laugh" and them actually working out well! It was all part of the plan. <em>edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 09/02/2011</em>
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Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 22:37
lol HAK, hope for me then eh?!!! hehe - indeed! Go bag yourself a toyboy, lady!
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Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 22:34
Thanks ladies I'm just having a moment where I'm not getting any younger. Met my ex when I was 18 and was with him for 22 years. I am so out of touch with it all! Oh, don't worry - 80-something gran is happily cohabiting with a 70-something toyboy!
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Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 22:28
I've seen gluten free cake mixes (nice ones) in Al Maya actually.
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Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 22:25
Azure doesn't have a ramp up to the main entrance though - you'd have to walk the buggy through the car park. Big fat FAIL for us.
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 22:18
Yeah, of course it makes sense... everyone needs a certain amount of companionship, whether it's through pets, a close circle of friends or an other half! But you've answered your own question - it's not a chore and so if you feel that it is, then don't do it. Life's too short. Get a cat int eh meantime! ;)
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 22:16
can't say definitively Nifaoilean, but I'd be surprised if paint for general use like that is still being produced with lead in it. I don't think you should be concerned. If you still are, google up a few questions about lead paint and it's uses. Baby's probs just having an off day. Lead-based paint was still being used in the UK in the 1990s, so here, well, yeah, I'm pretty sure they still are! Paint crumbling off the walls is probably more to do with application and what's underneath than the paint itself. Lead poisoning generally happens after a long exposure to small amounts being ingested (like drinking water that's been circulating through old lead pipes, or small amounts being plastered over your face as make-up in the 1600s...), BUT if your son is "not right" then take him to the Dr straight away... there are plenty of other things in paints that aren't very nice to ingest. I hope he's OK.
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 February 2011 - 21:56
Hallo Again Kitty, if you would let me know your email I could forward you organizer's info... hi! If you could drop me an email on hello.kittydxb At gmail dot com, I'd be very grateful!
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 21:09
I'm due this month, and Dr. Elsa has assured me that I can pop anyway I want, as long as it doesnt involve anything crazy that could endanger me or the baby.. I told her I wanted to go hands and knees and she seemed ok with it... time will tell :) Fingers crossed! See what works for you at the time. I found that squatting really helps you bear down and push... couldn't do it standing cos my legs were giving way, so ended up on my knees beside the bed! Fingers crossed that you have a swift and easy birth experience!
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 21:05
DD hated me nagging her and treats/rewards only worked for about a week at a time. The best/worst incentive fail we encountered was an apparently failsafe "one sweetie if you do wee/poo on the loo, and if it's in your knickers, mummy gets the sweetie"... cue DD proudly announcing that I could have a sweet! Anyhow, she also went through a phase of "helpful" informing. I did several things - 1 was to lay it on thick as to where wee/poo belongs (in the loo), another was to constantly (when she was on the loo) reinforce that grown-ups/ big girls/ mummy & daddy did ALL their wees/ poos in the loo and lastly, made getting tot he loo a bit of a game... well, sort of. She'd shout "NEED A WEE WEEEEE!" and I'd drop everything I was doing and shout back "quick quick quick run to the loo quick quick! and we'd both scuttle off as fast as we could. Honestly, 8 long months and every trick in the book... if only there were medals!
Hello.Again.Kitty
1861
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 February 2011 - 19:56
Hallo Special, a few weeks ago there was a thread inquiring as to what is going on at JLT. Well, one party in cooperation with the DMCC Freezone Authority organized a community market that now will take place every Friday from 10 am to 4 pm between Cluster B & C. Everyone welcome to participate or visit... Last Friday was a great get-together and meeting the neighbours... come and join! who would I need to contact in order to participate?
 
 
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