mich25 | ExpatWoman.com
 

mich25

mich25
242
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Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 20:44
we have maxi cosi Toby seats and are very happy with them. Both our girls sit happily in them in the car.
mich25
242
Posts
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Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 20:42
Lol this is me all over but we have taken the plunge. We have a 28month old and a 14 month old and I am pregnant again. My DH and I tried weighing everything up but what really swung it was me being an only child and my husband only having a brother who is estranged from his wife and has limited access to his children. I had a great up bringing and I am close to my parents but I yearned for a sibling and my husband who lost both his parents at a young age wants us to have a big family. I may regret this in 13 years when the teenage years begin. Being a secondary teacher I am very aware of the challenges ahead but we are both excited and have started to cut back so we will be more financially secure in the future. However, if my husband wasn't keen I wouldn't have gone ahead. Having three so young is going to be tough but roll on January! Good Luck I am sure that you will make the right decision for you :-)
mich25
242
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Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 14:37
Thank you :-)
mich25
242
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Latest post on 01 June 2013 - 21:07
NO! I have my own visa from work as my husband's company was based in Abu Dhabi. He transferred to a new company in Dubai so I tried to sponsor our new maid whilst his visa was being processed and there was no way they were letting me do this. If he stayed in Abu Dhabi yes it was okay!
mich25
242
Posts
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Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 21:09
I had my 2nd daughter here at Medcare with my Obs from the Cooper Clinic. I had a natural delivery and was very happy with the care. I had a similar birth in the UK so we were very pleased that things were kept stress free. There was never a mention of a C-section from day 1 of my appointments but it is important that you decide what you want from the birth. For me I prefer to go with the flow and keep an open mind but I know some of my friends have had very specific birth plans. Your Dr should be able to guide you and take into account your needs. Good Luck!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 29 May 2013 - 10:42
Brilliant - thank you :-)
mich25
242
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Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 21:07
Two hour lessons?!? I don't think anyone as a teacher would support this. I don't wing my lessons and 80min lessons are a struggle for even my brightest students. Parents will be paying for 45-60mins teaching and 60mins of study supervision. Not what I would want to be paying for!!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 22 May 2013 - 13:20
Blossom Nursery is great. Both my daughters are there and they are both extremely happy. They have great teachers and assistants. The management are at hand to discuss issues daily and I get very prompt replies to my emails. it makes my life as a working mum that little bit easier to leave them every day!
mich25
242
Posts
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Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 21:38
Both my DD's are at the blossom nursery and they are very happy. They have had a big change in staff but the transition seems to have been fine as both my girls enjoy their time there. The teachers and management are very approachable and they are quick to inform us about incidents and if the girls are sick.
mich25
242
Posts
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Latest post on 11 May 2013 - 20:21
It depends on the individual. My first DD was/is a nightmare with food but my youngest DD eats constantly and is very skinny.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 11 May 2013 - 20:18
My Quinny buzz could be moved facing me and facing out both up right and reclining. We have a city select double now which does both and the bugaboo I think faces in and out in all the different positions. I would go to Just Kidding and speak to them for good advice and then then shop around for the best price. A friend brought our city select in from the States for us.
mich25
242
Posts
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Latest post on 03 May 2013 - 20:27
Hi we're in a Mirabella 3 bed town house as well. We pay 90K for over 3000sq ft. Lots of room and great neighbours. The area isn't finished but everyone is very friendly and there are lots of children around. <em>edited by mich25 on 03/05/2013</em>
mich25
242
Posts
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Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 21:05
American Academy in Al Mizhar is all girls and a Taaleem School. It offers lots of opportunities for the students. There is a high percentage of local Emirati students and the girls on the whole are very polite and welcoming.
mich25
242
Posts
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Latest post on 30 April 2013 - 20:51
Dr Khan is great at the Cooper Clinic and Dr Gupta has now moved back to the Cooper Clinic from the Ranches. We use both and have no complaints.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 April 2013 - 20:23
Both my daughters are at Blossom and they love it. The eldest has been there for nearly two years. There has been a change in teachers recently which worried me but it doesn't seem to have phased either of them. I would go with gut instinct. I had managed to get a place in three very good nurseries and this felt like the right one for us.
mich25
242
Posts
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Latest post on 27 April 2013 - 20:03
Janice or Abigail for me. I have fine blonde hair and they have been brilliant with cuts, highlights and blow drying!
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 April 2013 - 20:22
Some nurseries run 2-5/6pm sessions for this reason.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 20 April 2013 - 20:17
Decathlon MCC
mich25
242
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Latest post on 05 April 2013 - 20:35
Please could you email me as well. Thank you :-) trudgeonm at hotmail dot com
mich25
242
Posts
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Latest post on 05 April 2013 - 20:32
Most pharmacies tend to have them.
mich25
242
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Latest post on 04 April 2013 - 21:24
Sorry please mail me on my email trudgeonm at hotmail dot com
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 20:03
I registered my 1st DD at 5 months at a few schools but now the school I would like her to go to doesn't open it's registration for FS1 2014 until October. Have a look around and see. A few schools take your money but don't share that companies have debentures for most of the places so make sure you ask before handing over your money!
mich25
242
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Latest post on 17 March 2013 - 19:30
It depends on whether you want a private or state school. Lots of good preps around Esher, Chobham, Cranleigh, Godalming. Danes Hill, St Andrew's, Cranleigh Prep, Aldro nr Godalming, City of London Freeman's School. State schools I am not too sure of as I was teaching in a Private school and we had fixtures against prep schools for our Years 7 & 8s.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 March 2013 - 21:59
If not ask for it. You should get a good reduction if not. I work for another school and get two reductions for my children. You have nothing to lose by asking.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 March 2013 - 21:55
Try Abigail or Janice at Hairworks in Ibn Battuta. I have had a few expensive disasters but I am very happy both these girls. My hair is also very fine and they have both been brilliant.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 21:00
There are lots of good doctors here in Dubai now who are also pro VBACs. I have several friends who have delivered with Dr Yulia, Dr George and Dr Natalia and they have all gone for a VBAC. Admittedly not always successfully but a CS has been the last resort. Work out what is more important for you. Building up trust in a Dr was a must for me after a great delivery with my midwife who saw me right through in the UK with my first DD. Good Luck!!
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 February 2013 - 21:00
There are lots of good doctors here in Dubai now who are also pro VBACs. I have several friends who have delivered with Dr Yulia, Dr George and Dr Natalia and they have all gone for a VBAC. Admittedly not always successfully but a CS has been the last resort. Work out what is more important for you. Building up trust in a Dr was a must for me after a great delivery with my midwife who saw me right through in the UK with my first DD. Good Luck!!
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2013 - 08:38
We've been in JVC since March and we are very happy. It is quiet, the amenities are improving every week and we have a lovely house with lots of space for a reasonable price. The Springs villas for us were too small and our rent is just over half of what people were asking in the Springs. I know the rents have gone up now so it won't be as reasonable.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 February 2013 - 07:36
Why not get married here? My husband and I got married at Christ's Church, Jebel Ali. The Reverend Steve Wright was great and we arranged everything in less than a month. It was still a very special day for us. Getting married wasn't a priority for us when we were in the UK but we have no regrets doing it here! Good Luck :-)
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 February 2013 - 15:01
We live/d in Godalming before moving here. Anywhere along the A3 is great. There are loads of great prep schools around or very close to Esher, Cobham area eg Danes Hill, Downsend, Feltonfleet, CLFS plus lots more. Probably find an area where you are happy to live and I am sure there will be a good number of state and private schools in the area.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 February 2013 - 21:43
386dhs last month, 1200dhs the max we have ever had which was during the Summer. We are normally looking at approx 500dhs. It is very reasonable.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 19:49
Sorry have just logged on. I will photograph tomorrow night when I get back from work and send you an email. Will come up with a price as well then. You can remove your email if you want to I have it saved!
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2013 - 21:05
If you are still looking I have one in Rebel Red which has been barely used due to DD not settling in it at all.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2013 - 21:02
I had a very pleasant delivery at Medcare and would not hesitate to go back. My obs was from the Cooper Clinic though. A friend had the same experience a few weeks later. It was my second pregnancy and it was different to my midwife led delivery in the UK but I would happily opt for either one if I had another baby. Good Luck!
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 January 2013 - 21:21
A bit late replying but my DD's nursery stay open until 6pm and they run an afternoon slot - more guided play/exploration and children come from schools if they are in FS1/2. I am sure other nurseries do this too.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 October 2012 - 17:56
Wow what a post. The poor woman has probably taught 25 grade 5 students all day and then has 25 sets of parents to be diplomatic wit, before heading home. Teaching is full on and very rewarding but sometimes the added extras can just be a little too much. Principals do observe their teachers so I am sure your child's teacher knows her job. As everyone else has posted paying fees doesn't make you the boss. You just have the choice to accept the teacher orto remove your child who is probably very happy.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 20:29
We took all our guests 30 of them to the Al Qasr brunch. It was great. They gave us a slightly better deal than full price, we had to sign a disclaimer for our cake but that was displayed and cut for us once we cut the cake. Everyone had a great time and we were able to talk to everyone. Our family and friends from the UK still rave about the food, drink and entertainment.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 September 2012 - 20:21
Hi my mum and I went to the salon. The manicure and pedicures we had done were great but my mum had her hair washed and blow dried by the owner and it was awful. Another customer was waiting for a mani ped and she blow dried my mum's hair instead. You need to push for the prices on their price list as the owner makes it up as she goes along. A bit like Fawlty towers but it's handy for nails etc!! People do jog and cycle. I would love to join you but with working full time and having two under two I can't commit to regular times.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 22:27
We live in a Mirabella town house and we are very happy there. Lots of space, reasonable rent and low bills. Diamond Views are also very spacious.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 22:23
Hi, I have a 20 month old and 4 month old and i Would be very lost without my baby jogger city select. Yes my eldest daughter loves to walk and explore but she also still needs a ride when she's napping, eating or thirsty. Plus I need her in a pram in a busy mall, if I am short of time or in a place with traffic. A carrier has been great as an option but not ideal if doing a lot of shopping or out for a long day. Buggy board ? Never tried one! Hope that helps :-)
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 August 2012 - 21:42
We've just switched to a d- link camera. The picture can be viewed on your iPhone/ iPad etc anywhere. I spent a few mins watching my DH settling our DD whilst I was coaching at a school. Very happy with it after our monitor failed to cope with the cement walls in our new home.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 21:32
Hi sorry I haven't been on for a while. No a friend brought it in from NY. It's the same price in dollars as pounds. Worth looking into though as under $700 all in. It has made life easy for me when out and about!
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 August 2012 - 21:24
Allied Pickfords have moved us to Kuwait, Cairo, UK and Dubai. Service has been great each time and the cost has been reasonable!
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 August 2012 - 07:44
The pyramids in Giza are the main pyramids which are an easy taxi ride or hotel trip in Cairo. There are some other less popular but still spectacular pyramids in Sakkara as well which isn't too far out of Cairo. Most cruises go from Luxor which is an hours flight from Cairo. They cater for children but the stops are at the temples and other historic sites. If your children aren't old enough to appreciate what they are experiencing it could be a nightmare. The Hilton in Sharm is great and is near the main town so you can go out and wander easily. It has several pools, a beach front and a good kids club. In Dahab, the Hilton is a taxi ride from the town and there isn't a huge amount to do there. It's a beautiful hotel and setting though. You may find that after the elections Dahab has become more conservative with drinking etc. Sharm has a lot more happening which is more easily accessible. There are lots of good hotels so I would check out the rates. Hope you have a great holiday!
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 August 2012 - 22:32
Hi my birth was very straight forward and the hospital fees you have been quoted were exactly what we paid. Dr Yulia's fee was also 6000dhs. We had change from 10k. Extra costs - c-section, assisted delivery etc I think the max was approx 25000dhs. Your Dr should have an approx price list for different scenarios. Sorry we didn't keep our copy. Good Luck :-)
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 August 2012 - 22:07
We have the city select baby jogger which is great. It is easy to assemble, takes a maxi cosi, has a large basket underneath and there are lots of seating combinations. It is also a good single stroller.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 August 2012 - 06:54
Hi someone has mentioned Dr Ghada in another thread. I delivered at Medcare 3 months ago. It was fine. My Dr was from the Cooper ClInic. Good Luck!
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 July 2012 - 21:02
Hairworks is great. My stylist is going on maternity leave in a few weeks. Janice - I think that's how she spells it. She is excellent and I have been really put at ease with her after some very expensive disasters at some recommended salons. She has booked me in with Marika while she is away.
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 July 2012 - 16:01
I would keep your options open until you are giving birth. I had both of my DD's without an epidural but once my waters broke with both they were born very quickly. If you are in labour for a long time an epidural can help so i would recommend keeping an open mind. Good Luck!!!
mich25
242
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 July 2012 - 15:08
Ikea have a great plastic table and chairs to match which are sturdy and easy to clean eg crayon drawings come off with cif. They are perfect for arts and crafts, tea parties, etc. Ikea also have miniature rolling pins, cutters etc which are great for play doh and we have some for cooking cup cakes and cookies too. alphabet and no. square mats on the floor are bright and also a soft landing. My daughter who is 18 months loves her paddling pool which is full of balls. An idea I pinched off a friend. Baby shop is a good place to get the mats and balls. Hope that helps a bit
 
 
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