kpea | ExpatWoman.com
 

kpea

kpea
90
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Latest post on 02 June 2012 - 22:06
We've used someone called Javed (0501141986) to make extra wide stair gates. can't remember the exact name of the company - maybe something like Marwa Carpentry. They did a good job at fair price and he was very easy and straightforward to deal with. I'm not sure how they'd do on furniture but if I needed anything made I'd try them out. Person who recommended them to me also had furniture done and seemed happy.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 21:58
Think we got it at Toys R Us/Babies R Us, probably the branch at Festival City.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 21:52
We have a basic (no video etc) Lindam one in our villa and it works fine for our place, even reaches into the garden.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 14:19
We have IKEA cots and mattresses too - no problems at all. Think they have 3 or 4 types you can choose from.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 May 2012 - 22:20
Conrad rangali island (formerly Hilton). Expensive but gorgeous. Would go back in a heartbeat.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2012 - 22:52
Could be teeth for sure. However some babies just don't like being spoon fed. My DD ate pureed/soft foods from a spoon for a couple of weeks when she started solids and then just started refusing them. She only eats things herself (either scooping with her hands or things she can hold), even if it's exactly the same food as that being offered by spoon. <em>edited by kpea on 25/05/2012</em>
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 14:21
His Mum asked him to leave me be however he was adamant he would sit on my knee. It never bothered me one iota and to be honest it was lovely and tugged at my usually none maternal instinct. When we got off the plane he screamed his head off as he wanted to come with me :-) Well let me know if you're planning on traveling to Oz anytime soon! :-)
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 May 2012 - 13:57
Thanks! Wasn't thinking of taking a car seat as I wasn't sure how I'd be able to carry it as well in the airport... Re. CARES harness - it's good to hear. I had looked at it online on amazon but seen negative reviews about kids being able to slip out from under it so was a bit put off.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 13:59
Many thanks busybee2. Really appreciate the response/advice. Can I just ask how you managed toilet breaks - both for yourself and the children? Mine are both in nappies but not sure how it works having two in those plane bathrooms - and my 2.5 yr old would be way too big for the table. I guess you just have to ask someone to watch one for you?
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2012 - 22:23
Sima Hall , Dubai Physiotherapy and Family Medicine Clinic , Near Mercato 349 6333. Very nice lady. Second that. I take my son to sima hall. She was/is really good with putting him at ease (something the first therapist he saw wasn't at all good at).
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2012 - 20:58
As the others have said, pregnant women and cats can definitely live together. I had cats during both my pregnancies. Just wear gloves or wash hands well after litter changes if you're the one doing them and it should be fine. From what I was told, with toxoplasmosis usually you've already contracted it from the cat if it carries it (you wouldn't know - just mild cold symptoms if anything) and then you don't have to worry about it during pregnancy. The risk is if the cat(s) have it and you haven't had it yet (which is unlikely), but as they are indoor cats the risk is very low as it's usually spread between cats when they are outside through other cat's faeces. So definitely don't worry. Both my babies absolutely loved the cats from when they were extremely small. Congrats!
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 14:10
Not sure where you are, but when I got caught out a couple of months ago finally tracked some down at the pharmacy on the way into Geant from parking at Ibn Battuta.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 13:50
We moved into JI almost a year ago and still really like living here. No regrets at all. No issues with the villa, although Nakheel changing the AC chilled water supplier and resultant price hike might take the shine off once our bill comes in. So I think it certainly depends on the villa you end up with (e.g our neighbors had problems with water leaks and massive dewa bills until they realized what was going on). Also definitely depends on the cluster/position in terms of accessibility, what 'lake' you're close to (some are fine but some definitely seem to smell), and outlook particularly with all the new construction. We had to look at quite a few before we found a good villa.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 April 2012 - 15:17
We used them to find a live-in, paid the deposit for candidates. Biggest waste of money and extremely frustrating. Finally found someone through other means.Wouldn't have been so bad if we felt they were making even the slightest effort to find someone suitable, or provided any follow-up /basic service!
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 14:11
First couple of months no soap. Just a bit of bicarbonate of soda (stuff you use in baking...) in the bathwater. Makes the skin very soft, moisturised. My midwife told me about it and it was great. Almond oil for moisturizing if needed (not sure about the cost of that here). Then the Weleda calendula baby range. They get very high 'ratings' for baby friendliness in terms of no nasty products, chemicals etc. Not cheap e.g the baby wash is about 70 dirhams but lasts a really long time so in the long run it's not so bad.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 14:06
Be prepared for lots of mess! I did blw with my second kind of by accident (laziness....) but compared to more of a puree approach a meal definitely takes a lot longer. I didn't do the veggies first thing, but basically offered a variety from very early on. I guess we don't have family histories of allergies etc so I wasn't so concerned. Straight away meat was the biggest winner for sure. There is a lot more gagging and that's a bit of a scare but it eases up as they learn to handle the food a bit more, although some things that might seem good blw foods I stopped offering as they seemed to be a problem for my dd ( eg green beans) - guess it depends on the baby. Think overall the key is to relax - let them take their time, eat when they're hungry, and obviously also offer pureed food as well so they get to experience the sensation and tastes of things they can't yet chew. Good luck!
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 March 2012 - 13:52
Geant at ibn battuta had it a couple of months back.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 February 2012 - 13:06
I didn't know the springs one was also Montessori. We are looking at sending our 26 month son to the Emirates Hills one. Anyone got any feedback on that one? I found it quite hard to get a clear impression when I visited as the 'feel' of it was quite different to other non-Montessori nurseries I visited. Thanks for any feedback...
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 10:58
We had an awful experience with nanniesdubai. Biggest waste of two thousand Dirham ever. Wouldn't recommend them myself unless you're absolutely desperate. oh what happened ? somone I know is just about to sign a contract with them. Hopefully they'll have better luck! I know that finding a maid or nanny in Dubai can be a headache so didn't have massive expectations. However we were willing to pay the registration fee in order to get CVs of people who had relevant experience, were serious about wanting the job, and had references. Maybe we were just really unlucky, but the vast majority of people never showed up for interview (even when confirmed by phone), many had no relevant experience whatsoever, quite a few didn't speak a word of English, and only one woman could provide a referee (personal, not work-related). we did offer a trial to one woman and she disappeared the next day with some elaborate family tragedy story. After a few times of nobody showing up for interviews I tried the manager but basically got nowhere. In the end we gave up and found someone through other means. Again, maybe we were just unlucky, but it was an extremely frustrating experience 'cos it was a waste of time and money - would have had the same or better luck going through the classifieds! I received an ad for a new (I think) agency called 'the helping hand' offering the same service as nannies Dubai except they were cheaper and also format cvs into a standard format for comparison. No idea what they are like but might be worth a look.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 December 2011 - 09:08
We had an awful experience with nanniesdubai. Biggest waste of two thousand Dirham ever. Wouldn't recommend them myself unless you're absolutely desperate.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2011 - 13:00
Mine pretty much weaned himself around 12 months. He always hated formula so never took any. He hated cow's milk straight up (which I tried around 1 year old) so I'd mix some in his cereal and then try and give him yoghurts, cheese, make a smoothie etc. He was fine with that. Sounds like your daughter is already able to go a day without breastfeeding without too many problems so that's good. I just dropped a feed slowly over a few days. The last one to go was the evening one, and I'd just give extra cuddles etc at the usual time and it seemed fine. When he showed he wasn't overly interested in that last feed then I just didn't offer and it just dropped off. So maybe try the 'don't offer' approach and unless she kicks up a real fuss a new habit is formed...I guess you could always have some pumped breast milk in reserve just in case.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 13:13
Yes, please somebody - we also need to know who can install & fix screens (ideally one that does the roller ones for doors).
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2011 - 13:37
Any luck finding someone? We also need some window and door screens but having a tough time finding anyone (and have searched old threads etc...) Need someone to come to house and do installation etc.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 November 2011 - 20:23
Two and a half weeks? She still thinks she's in the womb and is figuring things out...Both mine did exactly the same thing. I just found it easier to put them in a wrap/sling in the evening when they would fuss and cry if in their bed. They'd then doze and be quite happy until about 10 or 11 when they'd have a good sleep. And i think at that age and for a good few weeks the best thing in the long term was to make them feel secure. It also stressed me out so much more trying to settle them for hours on end than just accepting the fact that I needed to meet their needs. I think it was about at the six- eight week mark maybe that I was more consistent with sitting next to their bed/cot and soothing them to sleep with the shush/pat/ hand on belly routine when they woke up in evenings unsettled. It took about 2 weeks of going in and out, but then they'd be quite happy going back down if they woke up and our 'routine' was set (until the next glitch anyway....!)
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 13:56
Does anybody have any experience of this maid agency, either positive or negative? we paid the fee to receive CVs and have received a bunch (some good some not), but getting people to come to interviews or anything else has been such a waste of time and headache. not sure if it's just bad luck on our part or if we should just write the whole thing off. TIA
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 13:40
Also potentially interested. Katercu at yahoo com. Thanks
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 15:17
Www.passports.gov.au maybe
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 November 2011 - 15:11
Obviously depends on temperament, but in terms of whacking the new baby etc I was very very firm with my son that it was unacceptable, rather than simply trying to distract him or whatever. The gap between them is 18 months so he was/is essentially still a baby himself. what I found worked was a lot of praise and smiles when he touched her gently (I taught him how to touch her very gently on her belly or legs) so he doesn't feel left out and resentful and feel too tempted to take it out on her...But at the end of the day the first few weeks were tough, but he does now accept that there are times I simply have to concentrate on her. Except when I'm trying to settle her for a nap so he decides to sing and shriek loudly.....haven't worked that one out unfortunately.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 October 2011 - 15:31
Great - many thanks. Will try them in Dubai mall. Thanks again.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 October 2011 - 20:55
Thanks for the feedback - glad to know I'm not going completely nutty after having driven around IBM a few times!
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 October 2011 - 14:06
Anyone know of a bike shop (that could help with repairs) near Discovery Gardens/Ibn Battuta or Marina? I only need a kid's bike wheel so don't need a high-end 'adult' bike shop. I saw previous threads talking about one behind Ibn Battuta mall but think it must have closed down (?) as the phone number is no longer operational. TIA.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 October 2011 - 10:11
I didn't have a vbac (but did go for a 'lite' epidural) - so I know it's a different scenario - however bear in mind that you can have the epidural put in/prepared, and then have the pain relief or not depending on how your labor progresses. At least that way you get to choose and it's there/ready for use should there be an emergency. Of course this requires that you trust your doc. to respect your wishes at the time.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 October 2011 - 20:58
Haven't been anywhere else here so not much to compare with...but I went to Hair Works at Ibn Battuta Mall and someone called Janice did highlights for me. She did a really good job and I'd go back to her.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 14:43
Great. Thank you lal1 - much appreciated.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 10:51
We just moved to Jumeirah Islands and so far we're really liking it. Yes, did look at a few villas with bad views, but managed to find one that's fine. Also found one that had been modified so really nice feel. YOu just have to look at enough places I guess. Also we're relatively near an entrance so don't feel like you're driving ages to get anywhere. Definitely get more sense of privacy than Meadows/Lakes but we wanted that. Also the finish (kitchen etc) is so much better quality than anything we saw in Meadows/Lakes. Although everyone is away now, does seem to be kid-friendly in terms of lots of kids in the 'cluster' and a good kids playground and little park (fenced in) just over the road (apparently there are a few of them - can't confirm). Pool really is more of a 'plunge' pool but that's OK for us. Garden not huge but plenty big enough for small kids. The Club (with big pool/gym etc) is open now. We also really liked Arabian Ranches, but couldn't face the drive into 'town'. Yes, the entries into Jumeirah Islands are ugly/awful now but at least it's a 5 minute drive to Sheikh Zayed so that's what we preferred. We might get sick of it but for now we're v. happy with the choice....
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 August 2011 - 19:26
Yes, probably being too 'fussy'. I was exactly the same & found it really stressful! My son has been through various no-eating phases and I've finally learned not to stress about it. He will eat when he really is hungry. Sounds like your daughter is actually eating a fair bit if she's having brekkie, fruit and yoghurts etc. They pick up straight away that you get stressed about it and it only makes it worse. But when I just really wanted my son to just eat something, using a toy/distraction while I fed him worked best - something relatively novel/or that she's not usually allowed to play with (yes, I know not good for eating habits etc but sometimes they just need nutrition...), offering out of the saucepan as if it's an afterthought (my son would sometimes refuse the food on his plate/bowl but would then chow it down from the pan....), and not sure if the novelty would work for a one-year old, but smoothies or veggie soup from a cup (and spoon) sometimes worked (smoothies with sweet potato, banana, some wheatgerm etc - pretty healthy) or soup with plenty of peas - nice and smooth. Sometimes meals in a no-eating phase would take aaages as he'd refuse at first, I'd start clearing up etc/turn my back, then he'd start eating (although I guess one-year might be a bit young for the 'ignore and come back tactic'....Assuming there's not a medical reason for it, and she's eating something (even if very little) just ride it out. Don't mean to put you off, but there'll be plenty more no-food/funny preferences/food aversion stages ahead!
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 August 2011 - 13:04
Definitely agree that 6 weeks is way too young (to leave for 20 minutes or 5 minutes). However with my youngest she seemed to need to cry for a bit before she could fall asleep - kind of like her baby version of unwinding stress-relief. If she was held, rocked, etc to soother her and stop the crying she would just get more and more tired and ultimately just cry more and for longer. So sometimes she would cry for a few minutes while I stayed by her and did the 'shush/pat' routine and then she'd fall asleep. Doing it this way also meant that she seemed to sleep better for longer (falling asleep without being held in her cot/bassinet). So I think that letting her cry for a bit while I kept contact with her/soothed her with voice and hand contact has definitely help her self-soothe now. But it took me a while to understand that just 'cos she was crying when she was trying to sleep didn't necessarily mean she wanted to be held/fed/rocked/'quietened' etc...
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 August 2011 - 13:49
Great - thanks a lot for the info. Seashell, are you happy with chubby cheeks? Haven't been to see it as for some reason their website put me off, but it would be convenient.
kpea
90
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 09:47
Would also really appreciate getting the agreement - katercu@yahoo dot com Many thanks!
 
 
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