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Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 09:16

The Body Balancers in JLT are fantastic, they take a slightly different approach and look at the problem as a whole, not just the one problem area. That's what any good osteopath does, in fairness.

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Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 08:46

Have you heard of baby led weaning (BLW)? There's is loads on info on the net and some groups of FB. Read up on it and see what you think. Just thought I'd throw it into the mix. I've followed it with my second and I've found it fantastic. yup, but BLW really isn't suitable for early weaners - they haven't got the physical control. I did do a kind of free-form version of BLW, but my two only got to that stage at around the 6 month mark (DD started solids at 4 months, DS at 5.5), where they actually demanded chunky bits and refused purées. Even I would say to wait until 6 months if you want to do full-on BLW (but imo, the term "BLW" is too prescriptive... any weaning should be baby led, and being baby-led, it doesn't have to only involve chunky finger-food. You look at nature and so many animal mothers pre-process their babies' food to make it more digestible)

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Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 08:35

For me, Lauren is the miracle-worker (at the same place) - fixed my completely crocked pelvis in 3 or 4 sessions.

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Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 17:48

Thanks HAK. Yep she is still having her main meals too!! I wonder whether its novelty for her as its a new taste!? I must admit, when i have a taste it takes me back to my childhood days and having some milk at primary school!! :-) well, it [i'>is[/i'> good for them as part of a balanced diet and at least she's hydrated! I b-fed, so I have no idea how much milk DD (or DS) was drinking, so it could even be the same kind of volumes! I love milk too and would drink a nice cold glass of milk over a glass of water any time. Can't stand room-temperature milk though... [i'>that[/i'> take me back to primary school!

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Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 17:42

well, apparently the bottom limit is 18 weeks (so the end of 4 months?)... anyhow, I kind of wasn't aware of that at the time and started DD on solids just short of that! She was a big baby too, showing all the signs of needing more and the final straw was going from a peaceful night to feeding every 30 minutes between 19h and 22h30 and then waking every 2 hours! Anyhow, so the first time she had solids, I tried baby rice as per packet and after the suggested 2 teaspoonfuls, she looked at me with a decidedly non-plussed look, so I made some more and she proceeded to eat a whole bowlful! But, with early weaning, it's important to go slowly and to try to get the healthiest stuff possible. My health visitor at the time told me that the studies linking early=weaning to obesity et al in later life were based on very early weaning (like 12 weeks) and children fed exclusively on jars of processed baby food, which is often laden with salt, sugar and additives. Don't feel guilty - I'm a firm advocate of the fact that the mums know their children best, but at the same time,. read up, inform yourself and make the best decisions you can.

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Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 17:20

the [url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Family-and-Friends/162991240436575?sk=info '> Family & Friends [/url'>centre has drop-in creche for 50aed/h, you just need to book 24h in advance.

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Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 16:52

she'll let you know if she's got a tummy ache! The only thing would be if she's replacing her meals with milk (so drinking loads and then declaring she's not hungry for her balanced meal). DD certainly drinks LOADS of milk, and would drink more if I let her help herself... at the height of her milk-drinking we'd get through a 2l bottle every day (including milk for tea/coffee)

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Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 15:23

It's often the frosting that is the big killer - my cupcakes are on average 250cals, but the cake itself is around 100, so by doing a drizzle icing or basically anything without the huge quantity of butter, then you can get a 150cal cupcake.... and that's not even going down the margerine and/or sugar substitutes route.

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Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 14:40

Jules - I cannot stress enough to NOT lock him in his room at night. In the event of a fire, you would fumble to unlock the door and maybe not succeed before you had to abandon the flat. Honestly, part of my (real) job is fire evacuation planning and I can tell you straight off that studies have shown that people who are panicked and disorientated due to the sudden wake-up/ smoke/ heat/ adrenaline will act impulsively like trying to pull open a door they know to have to push, trying to smash a door they know to be locked or to forget where they put their keys. It's "small" things like that the could mean life or death.

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Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 09:34

don't lock the door (not safe in the event of fire because people tend to panic, even if they know where the keys are and know exactly what to do)... but a stair gate is always handy! How early is early anyway? my two will wake any time from 6h30 onwards and our thing is if it's dark outside, it's still night time... which comes back to bite me when we're in the UK and sunrise is at 4h30 and sunset at 22h30! I've also found that since when they're awake, they won't go back to sleep, it's about coping... so if they get up really early, I get their breakfast, set it on the coffee table, turn the telly on and go back to bed... that keeps them occupied for about an hour. We're in an apartment though, so I can still hear the screams, should they happen. In the UK, where we have a house, I do the same, but stay with them in the lounge (generally dozing on the sofa!)

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Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 09:27

oh, hun... what a horrid situation! One thing though - you know your baby better than any paediatrician ever will, and if you know that this is causing her discomfort, then that's that. I've never given formula to either of my two, so can't help on that front, but yes... you know what needs to happen. Tell the paediatrician that he needs to advise something else.

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Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 09:20

HAK...I was worried about losing weight, I take it its not unsafe if you lose weight during pregnancy? Your body will still give baby what it needs? I only seem to manage to eat Salt and vinegar crisps and was worried that I was giving my baby a terrible start in life! Always keep an eye on your weight gain or loss, but never obsess over it unless you're getting other, obviously related symptoms - all kinds of things happen in pregnancy and it all balances out... and to be honest, what advice can they give - if you're losing weight because you feel so nauseous you can't eat more than a nibble at a time, it's pointless saying "eat more"... and if you're gaining "too much" (wtf?!) whilst eating a normal, balanced, healthy diet, then any Dr who suggests "eat less" needs their head checked! As for what you eat... well, personally, I would avoid high salt stuff, but I'm coming at if from a healthy-lifestyle point of view - my diet is normally healthy and well-balanced and I'm of an average, healthy weight with no medical conditions, so eating burgers for a month or two wouldn't be toooo bad... which would be a different story if I were already diabetic, overweight or had a history of high blood pressure. Your body will look to itself and the baby - there's no question about it. It's exceptionally efficient that way. There's also a school of thought that argues that cravings are the body's way to balance out nutrient deficiencies - I couldn't get enough fruit in my pg with DD, literally eating 500g-1kg of it every day... with DS it was less pronounced, but definitely erring on the protein side. As for giving your baby the best start, well, yes, in an ideal world... but back in the real world, what happens, happens - with me, it was Christmas, I had miscarried in early December and had no idea I was pg with DD, and I spent the best part of 10 days in France drinking vast quantities of wine. She turned out fine...

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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 20:00

That's the problem: you guide them. Guiding them took all your life that you forgot to guide yourself to what you want to achieve for yourself. But it depends on how you look at it too. I guess if you'd been working for 10 years as a receptionist, you could say that you've wasted 10 years of your life just answering calls and looking pretty... or you could say that you were a fundamental part of the business, making a whole load of people's lives easier and more effective and left a mark that many people will remember... both may be true - it's just a matter of perspective.... and how you approach that is a direct consequence of [i'>you[/i'> as a person. Also, how [i'>you[/i'> guide them shapes the way they will guide their own children and/or anyone they are responsible for at work. We, as parents, lay the foundations for their whole lives, their whole careers... and wow, thinking of it like that, well, that's a pretty awesome achievement really. edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 26/09/2011

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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 19:51

breadsticks... keep nibbling. I guess dipping them in hommous or something equally yummy is not an option? :) Ill start munching, I feel better when I eat if I can keep it down but the thought of any food just turns my stomach to jelly. Hoping this passes VERY soon! Oh, I couldn't eat anything but the blandest of carbs... breadsticks, bread and maybe some mashed potatoes if I really pushed the boat out! Cooking for DD was a [i'>real [/i'>challenge! Lost 6kg in my first 14 weeks of pg!

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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 19:45

well, it [i'>is[/i'> an achievement, but a grossly undervalued one... even we undervalue it. I feel very proud when people comment on my children, but as a parent, you only guide them - they are their own people, just as you are yourself... and just as others shouldn't define children by their parents, I really can't let myself be defined by my children (that makes sense in my head!). You were you before you had children and have continued to be - it's up to you to find ways of realising that. Being a SAHM is a job. Think of it that way.

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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 19:25

breadsticks... keep nibbling.

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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 19:22

It's really tricky, Sandy... I mean, I purposefully changed DD's sleeping arrangements a couple of months before Ds's birth because I'd been warned to avoid change when the new baby was around to avoid the older one putting 2+2 together and resenting the baby even more. I know this isn't at all helpful to you, but basically, it looks as if you're going to have to either ride the storm until things seem to settle a bit or prepare for battle, so to speak (maybe literally)... Maybe you could try having #1 in his own bed beside yours as a transition, simply to have that bit of independence and so that your movements won't register as much. You mentioned that he refuses to go to sleep with anyone else? Does that mean that he also shares your bedtime? I wonder if he's just also overtired if that's the case. There are so many issues really that need to be addressed... I think you need to decide whether you want to cope or to crack it. From what you say, it sounds like he is really, really dependant on you, both day and night from a purely emotional point of view, which can only be knackering for you. Maybe start by stepping back and looking at how you've developed that relationship... maybe that will give some clues as to how to take small steps towards greater independence.

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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 18:24

We've been put in the travel cot twice since lunchtime for trying to climb on the coffee table and I'm not sure it's got me anywhere. He grizzled both times but when I looked over at him or went to get him out he grinned up at me and tried to make me laugh! I think that's the toughest thing at this age... because they basically have the attention span of a goldfish or rather... it's more like training a puppy. If you somehow miss the instant cause/consequence slot, then they just don't get it and move back to default bouncy waggy-tail-ness. So just like a playful puppy, if you tell it off, it may react by looking at you and wagging its tail, basically looking to appease you by showing you why you love it so.... and in the same vein we then have to pretend that that winning smile doesn't melt our heart and keep with the serious cross face. Some puppies instantly look devastated when told off and will do as they're told, others will take the lovable cheeky-chappie approach and try to win you round with their charm. DS does exactly the same to me whenever I'm angry with him... and the worst thing is that I really, really can't help but smile back!

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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 14:54

Aww, it sounds as if you're doing all the right things and during the day it's kind of working (I think there are always going to be jealousy issues at feeding time with children so close together - there were with my two and DD had stopped bf-ing quite some time beforehand)... the thing is, I can't think of any solution for your nights, because you're all co-sleeping (or at least sleeping in the same room) and so night-feeds are rather disruptive to all concerned... so with jealous toddler observing what was once his exclusive mummy-cuddles time, there's just no way it's not going to kick off. The only suggestion I could make is to think about separating them at night... or feeding elsewhere, so that no feeding happens in bed or even in the bedroom. I guess it would be less disruptive in general, but extra faff for you... and you'd have to hope that DS1 stays put in bed while you feed #2 in the lounge, or somewhere. It's either that, or stopping the co-sleeping, if you think that is the crux or the problem, or compounding it too much. I'm not saying it is or isn't, but sometimes circumstances or situations change, and we have to reassess things and objectively ask ourselves if that particular approach is still working. I think you also have to consider what's fair for both children and match your solution to their individual (real) needs.

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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 14:36

Clash of Kings by George RR Martin... second in the series following on from Game of Thrones (awww, Sean Bean!). Very good books so far... all 800 pages each! Oh, and I guess a few design management textbooks... edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 26/09/2011

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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 12:37

Ohhh, DC - all pretty standard, I'm afraid. You're right, however, in thinking that a naughty step/corner is too mature for him. He won't stay, won't understand why she should and certainly won't feel any kind of remorse. Even DS (now 2yrs3 months) has only just cottoned on to it, but he won't say "sorry"! In any of these situations, step back and ask yourself what the actual problem is - is the behaviour dangerous? Is it purely annoying? Is it actually ok, but just inappropriate at that particular time/place? Your reaction should be appropriate to the issue - so for example, throwing a spoon at you after having asked for it, well, that's the end of that game. Full stop. I actually give my two a second chance, but if it goes flying again, that's meal-time over, regardless if they're still hungry or start wailing at me. I don't then have a guilt-trip and feed them snacks or chase them around putting spoonfuls in their mouths... nope, they wanted independence, made their choice and can live by it. Funnily enough, next mealtime, there's no throwing. For the bin, if the message isn't getting through, tape the bin up (still so that you can access it)... after a few futile attempts to open it, he'll stop trying, 'cos it's dull. You can then remove the tape. We had to do this with the floor-drain cover and bed-level light-switches. The dog's water? It's a bowl of water and that's just pure fun! It's like puddles - see a puddle, splash in it! So, either, when you see him wanting to play with water, set up water play in a place that you feel is appropriate or just move the dog's bowl from his reach. In the same sort of way (but not), I found I couldn't potty-train DD on a potty because of the unforeseen play opportunity for DS! Set out the boundaries, pick your battles and stick by your guns. Consistency - you know - is the bottom line.

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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 08:26

give him chopped up versions of what you're eating (like save a baby-portion from your previous evening's meal)... the end goal is for your child to be having meals with you, after all. Both my two were having non-baby food from, er, well, 6 months really.

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Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 08:21

yeah, and even if you were to attempt it, the paths aren't instinctive, so you may walk 10 minutes to only find yourself looping back in the wrong direction... or ending in 2 flights of steps... or just stopping. I'd estimate about 3 hours to get there by foot.

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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 22:29

I'll wave to you from across the water!

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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 22:27

MK, I know it's a tough one, but with that much milk, it's a possibility that he's filling up on milk, rather than food. DD is the same - if I cave in to her requests for milk (she loves the stuff) then she simply won't eat her dinner. Always avoid power-struggles - mealtimes should be social affairs - but also keep it in perspective - it's up to you as the parent to guide your children's nutrition and we (and they) are lucky to live in a situation where they [i'>do[/i'> have a choice and [i'>do[/i'> (sort of ) have the luxury to leave foods they don't like. I certainly didn't grow up in that situation - we had to finish everything on our plate, without question or compromise and rarely had a pudding, let alone ice-cream or treats (I was allowed 10p worth of sweets each week and never got to have a mars bar or similar until I was 10 and allowed to save the previous week's money... because at the time, they were 20p each!)

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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 21:56

ok... fruit and yoghurt are fine and healthy, right? So is there really a problem with him having them? No... as long as he eats the rest. A bit of bribery never hurt a toddler! Don't expect him to finish up a whole plateful, but think of it as a carrot ona stick... if he eats half, he gets what he wants. Always remember, that you are in complete control of his menu options - you're the one who buys the ice-cream and you're the one who puts it in front of him, so if you don't want him to have it, then just don't buy it. He'll be fine...

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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 17:44

no, we're not attached at the hip, after all! He's not in mine either... after all, one of us has got to hold the camera!

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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 17:15

Tea was never grown in UK and tea leaves came from the East, so I wonder what did people call tea (dinner) back then before tea was available or existed to them? Well, [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_(meal)'>\Wikipedia[/url'> saves the day again... afternoon tea started in the UK in the 1600s, there's low tea (the tradtional afternoon tea with sarnies, scones and trifle) and then high tea, which is more of an evening meal...

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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 17:08

yeah, of course it's safer to be rear-facing, but as to whether we will or not will largely depend on what car-seats are available - if you can't get them, then it's better to have your children in a suitable forward-facing than nothing at all. So, how many brands and models of rear-facing toddler seats are there... and how many are readily available here in Dubai? I really don't like the kind of guilt-trip scaremongering that goes on with all these new reports. We all want the best we can for our children, after all, but have to work within the parameters we're given.

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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 16:49

If lunch is dinner, then what is lunch? no longer exists, unless you are from Southern England! When all the proper words come into use:- Breakfast Lunch Dinner Is there any other way?! I would also add - elevensies (mid-morning snack) - tea (either a high tea style meal or an early dinner) - supper (a before-bedtime snack) So the tea vs dinner debate actually comes from timings... tea would start any time from 15h30 until about 17h, so if you're having your evening meal at that kind of time (my in-laws have theirs at 17h), then it could be called "tea"... just as kids would have "tea"... "Dinner" is a later evening meal (think dinner party), so kick off for that would be 19h-20h... Of course, if you've had "tea", then you'd probably not have "dinner", but would feel peckish at about 21h, in which case it'd be time for "supper"! HTH! :)

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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 12:39

Once DS stops bashing his younger brother sister over the head with whatever's to hand, that is. It's the headlocks you have to watch out for!

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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 12:03

I've got 2 and although I long for only having one (actually, I long for having none in terms of an easy life!), really, they are fantastic. OK, they play rough'n'tumble and I may as well have "leave him/her alone!" on loop to save my voice, but they balance it out with playing so nicely together, holding hands when they're walking, reading to each other... and getting up to mischief as a dynamic duo! It's a very personal decision and what's one person's ideal, isn't another's.

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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 10:06

This drives me bonkers. What is the logic in 2x 500g being cheaper then 1kg! :\: You have to be so careful here with checking prices. The other day I picked up a packet of birds eys fishfingers and nearly dropped when I saw the price... 49dhs for flipping fishingers? No thank you, I'll make my own then. It annoys me that I have to watch the prices as I would much rather prefer to race past the shelves and grab what I need. C4 takes away my will to live on a regular basis :( oh, it's full of it - Iceland £1 chips going for 26aed... or I remember when I first got here, a pack of 6 Organix toddler cereal bars for - 54aed! I was going to buy it too! And some organic cherry tomatoes that I'd been buying regularly as part of larger shops... just happened to have just them and a pack of bread and it turned out they were 29aed all on their own!

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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 08:45

It still says on the sign-in page that FB "is free and always will be"...all this messages about profiles turning blue...well... LOL !! http://www.snopes.com/computer/facebook/fbcharge.asp in fact, if you just put facebook into Snopes' search there's dozens of them... Am still struggling to get my head round it and i really can't see the point of the distracting updates in the top right corner but as my husband says, daresay in a few weeks we won't even remember how it used to be and will actually see the changes as improvements !!!.... (he's a glass half full type...lol) Well, it's trying to be a twitter feed, I guess. I'm just finding it slow to load and full of bugs (some friends lists don't load any content, etc...) and the plethora of notifications down the left-hand side as well as on top. It just feels as if the information is being doubled up and is bogging it down... They obviously forgot about the KISS design mantra!

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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 08:40

We were in the same boat and instead of looking purely at finances (of course we'd be hugely better off if I got a full-time job) we looked at it from an opportunity point of view because we too are chugging along just fine on one salary, but not raking it in. Anyhow, the conclusion was that Dubai offers the opportunity to be able to live well on one salary, which then opens up opportunities for me that wouldn't be available in the UK. In the UK, I would have to work, no question, and work is work. Here though, I can be a SAHM for as loong (or as short) a period as I want to... all my friends in the UK have had to go back to work but would love to spend more time at home with their children, if they could afford to. The kids' early years can't be repeated, so this is very much a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... again, jobs are jobs. Secondly, it gives me the opportunity to study for an MA too, which is something I've wanted to do, but have never had the time or money. Now I have, but I wouldn't (probably) were I working, knowing that when I return from work, I'd have the kids to look after too! I did, however, get to a stage where I needed to do something for myself, so before deciding to study, we did have the return to work or not debate. Childcare was going to be a problem, because we didn't want to compromise the kids well-being/upbringing for my own personal satisfaction. Yes, I'm a bit concerned with my return to work next year (when we go back to the UK), but with the studies and my general attitude to my career, I think I can prove I've kept on top of my game and not dossed around watching daytime TV! Not everything's always about the money, but I think you need to get to the bottom of what you actually need and balance that with what you have!

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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 08:15

I have way too much time on my hands. I will work out the price of washing powder, washing up liquis, fabric conditioner etc to see if the bigger packs are cheaper per kg/ml/whatever. Quite a few times I've found it to be cheaper to buy two 500g packs than a 1kg pack (as an example). Don't worry, I do that too!

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Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 08:12

I can't get my head around the new facebook and am soooo not happy about people being able to see stuff that doesn't concern them (and also being able to see stuff that doesn't concern me!)... anyhow, that aside... Facebook will always have to have a free basic package - most things do, otherwise you just simply won't get the leads-ins to new users who want to try before they buy. Whether or not there'll be a premium content version at some point, who knows (but tbh, I've always been happy with a simple version and the new FB is way too complicated)... also, they get money through clicks of advertising, so the more all-encompassing and fundamental they make themselves, the more they make. As it is, they pretty much have the market share for social media and I'm interested to see how Google are positioning themselves to knock them off that slot (Google won't be settling for second best because they too are engineering themselves to be pretty much the only internet platform to do anything... seen Google Books recently?! Ho ho, niiiice!)

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Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 22:06

Also hate to see ONE POUND printed on boxes - that are selling for 20dhs plus......:( Yeah, especially when it's obvious some dude has just taken a trolley round Iceland and brought it over to sell here - not entirely sure Iceland and Tescos would be happy about Al Maya selling their own-brand products for 3 times the price! Anyhow, yes, I always check prices too... once bought a product that was marked 7.50 (bargain) and it was 11.50 at the till, so I took them up on it and they reduced it - go back a few days later to get more and they'd repriced them all on the shelf at 11.50! I also don't believe for an instant that there are any savings on bigger packs here, nor on the x% extra free. The only thing that's special about most special offers is that someone's gone mad with the sellotape.

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Latest post on 24 September 2011 - 18:05

We've got [url=http://www.toysrus.co.uk/Babies-R-Us/Travel-and-Pushchairs/Car-Seats-and-Boosters/Group-1-2-and-3/Beline-SP-Plus-Car-Seat-in-Glacier(0083658)'>this[/url'> one (or something very similar) for both of our two now - just simple, but still has the 5-point harness... but we got them from ToysRUs in the UK - you should have said and I would have checked today when I was there (in ToysRUs, not the UK) edited by Hello.Again.Kitty on 24/09/2011

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Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 16:55

Your baby's/toddler's foreskin should never be forcibly retracted to be cleaned by you or by a Dr and I have heard horror stories of Pediatricians doing so without warning as part of medical examinations so be careful! Oh my! That actually has made me feel a bit queasy!

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Latest post on 23 September 2011 - 16:46

In the Marina and Downtown areas, which buildings are most toddler-friendly?! Marina-wise, there are a good few developments that have playrooms and/or specific kid's pools. I haven't been to all of them, by any means, but I know that Marina Promenade and the Damac buildings (Waves and Ocean Heights) have nice facilities for children. This is assuming that all buildings have a pool and gym. There's a little park and playground (very small "park" - more a large patch of grass, but still enough to kick a ball around) by the JLT metro stop and the other playgrounds are in JBR - Amwaj and I think Murjan. Marina Promenade has a little climbing frame to itself. JBR has a fair amount of safe graasy areas at plaza level, but then, imo, the rest of the facilities aren't as good. Anywhere along the marina side is nice because you can easily access the marina walk, which is very pleasant and safe, so the kids can run, scooter or cycle to their hearts' content.

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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 20:48

Stay 'n play as in you go there, the wee ones play supervised by someone else or by you? And they do a drop-off creche without you having to book a whole term? This sounds interesting! yeah, I've been making use of the stay'n'play with my little group of mates - you go along, the kids go and play in a supervised area, while you sit on the sofas drinking tea and doing your best to ignore them... just like at home really, but less clearing up! Yup, creche is on a phone up and see basis. 50aed per hour. The Stay'n'Play is 40, I think, but they've got half price septemer offer!

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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 20:20

I'm sorry to hear so many of you are struggling to feel right in Dubai. It took me no time at all as I loved Dubai straight away. I've honestly not met the sort of superficial people that I see mentioned on here a lot. Kind of missing my friends back home now though as I'm going through real turmoil in my personal life :( It's not the superficial people (I'm sure there are still some around, but your friends are invariably like-minded), but the superficiality of the [i'>place[/i'>. I could write loads about why and how I feel it's like that, but I haven't got time right now!

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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 18:45

awwww ul be leaving :-( Best wishes 4 u . Will u let us know of the sale here on EW? well, only next summer, so hopefully I'll only have about 5 cake bases left by then, after having made so many that I'll never want to see another cake again!

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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 18:39

Where and when is this event? Thanks. 29 September at al Fattan in the Marina per the flyer. No idea where that is. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=136116933152539&set=o.247427925293147&type=1&theater it's actually int eh new Al Fattan Office building which is on the marina side of the really tall Al Fattan Towers (where Frankies, Wagamama's et al is). It's the huge rust-coloured building you see from the road (the marina road, not The Walk road). 1st floor. It's actually a great place to go have a reccie anyway - holds a nursery, creche (24h advance warning drop-off) and stay'n'play (so you stay, while the kids play) and then afternoons and evenings are handed over to classes - DD started Kids Kung Fu there yesterday and I've been trying out their intensati and tai chi... oh, and they do kids birthdays (there, that should get me a free pass or 5!)

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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 10:11

I have no clue but I'd like to know! Mind you, a few of the things I was planning on selling are new because I (ahem) underestimated the size of my butt. lol! [sorry, shouldn't laugh - we've all been there!'>

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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 09:42

It took me about 18 months to feel merely indifferent about this place (leagues ahead of the first 9 months of hating everything about it)... and now, 3 years on, yeah, it's ok. DH and I were talking last night and we both feel that if we had to leave next month, we could both do so without feeling any kind of pang. Don't get me wrong, I've got great friends here (/waves), have met some interesting people and seen some interesting places and like the perks, but there are so many frustrations that just don't need to exist in my life and so many underlying issues that I'm conveniently just blanking out (that's me having found out how not to hate the place)... and ultimately, I don't want to live like this. I've somehow managed to survive 30 years without cheap mani-pedis, brunches and buffets and if I ever get to the stage where superficial things like that are the main drivers for staying in such a place, you can officially come and shoot me. As CT says, the big change is in your mind. I wanted to desperately find... something... roots, integration, cultural understanding... I don't know. Flitting around in an expat bubble wasn't what I'd hoped our move to be about... but then, I accepted that Dubai couldn't give me those things, but could give me a swimming pool, cheap mani-pedis and buffets... along with travel opportunities. Basically, make the most of what Dubai has to offer and try not to pine after what it can't. Treat every week as if it's your last because we are all transient, so go explore the region, do stuff... all that, really!

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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 09:29

Depending on when in October, a park might be nice... but yes, it's just for the photos. Your daughter will have no idea what a birthday actually is, let alone that she has one (the excitement and anticipation only seems to kick in at 3 or 4 years old!), so get a pretty setting, a couple of balloons with "1" on as a backdrop, a pretty dress for the pair of you and a cute cake. Take along a blanket and some toys and the kids will just sit and play like normal while the grown-ups fuss and coo!

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Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 09:25

Maybe I'm completely wrong on this, but what kind of prices do second-hand clothes command here? I'm too used to 5-25aed per item in UK charity shops!

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Latest post on 21 September 2011 - 23:41

So I delivered ladies !!! And it was nothing like what I thought it would be !!! I was so sure I would have a normal delivery. My due date was today !but my water broke on 11th , rushed to the hospital , wasn't in any pain and after 2 hours of walking to get the contractions started they decided to induce me . After 4 hours of that and minimal result , they diagnosed foetal distress, Ds heart rate was dropping . Turned out my pelvis was too narrow, poor Ds was pushing but to no luck .so emergency c section it was. Funny how things never turn out the way you expect them to !! Anyway we re back home now and I'm a zombie from the sleepless nights and the feed clean cycle. Oh, but congratulations are sooo in order! Well done! Few things to do with babies and children turn out as we expect... even when they go to plan! It just gets more random, the older they get! lol I'm glad you're doing well and that you're both safe and well. You sound happy, for all the sleeplessness, which is really good too. Welcome to motherhood!

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