Novice2 | ExpatWoman.com
 

Novice2

Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 July 2012 - 14:50
Have the visa applications actually been rejected Kitsune? I heard about this rule before and was really concerned about it when applying for my mother's visit visa a few months ago. I went to apply for her visa in person and took my newborn baby along in a sling, got a lot of attention and skipped a lot of queues... thank you baby. They did send me around to get a few signatures from captains etc but no one even mentioned the age thing to me... could just have been the cute baby thing... ... or perhaps it was approved by mistake because on the original visa they had her nationality wrong (my husband's nationality is different so that confused them). I had to go back to have the natoinality corrected but again, no one mentioned the age thing at all..... So there is hope! Hope you get it sorted...
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 July 2012 - 11:46
Tyrone, Aptamil is one of the most widely available formulas here, you can find it in any supermarket or pharmacy. I would still bring a couple of cans from home though if your baby has a sensitive tummy as the formulation here might be slightly different.
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 June 2012 - 18:38
I should also have said - having 2 has not been nearly as bad as I expected. Having to share his mummy does not seem to have emotionally scarred my son for life like I imagined during those 9 months of rolling around in bed all night. He is happier than ever and now that he is used to having her around, he seems to quite like her! Baby#2 is much easier to entertain than #1 was because big brother unintentionally provides hours of amusement. If I am busy with 1 child I try to include the second with constant running commentary etc and both seem to enjoy it & find the other quite interesting (my toddler is VERY interested in the contents of his little sister's nappy and insists on supervising each nappy change lol), Like JoyceB and flydiver11 said, try not to stress yourself out so much. It is difficult imagining having 2 when you are already struggling to cope with only 1 (which I was) but having 2 definitely isn't twice as hard! But do try to find help, either paid or family, for the first few weeks if you can. And do think ahead about how you will keep your toddler entertained when baby needs attention. I guess I could have coped without having a maid, the house would just have been messier, my husband would have eaten more pizza and my toddler would have watched a lot more TV - none of which would have killed anyone. And just like the first time around, the first few weeks will seem to pass in a flash, one morning you will just wake up and realize that you have all adjusted just fine to being a family of 4!
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 June 2012 - 19:38
I have a 4 month old DD and a 26 month old DS. I was so worried after giving birth to DD about DS at home that I asked to be discharged less than 24 hours after giving birth. This is not possible if you are having a Csection of course but for us it was the right thing to do, DD and I were healthy and happy and her being my 2nd I didn't need all the hand holding and baby bathing demonstrations I needed the first time around, I just wanted us to be together as a family. We returned to the hospital, with DS, a few times after going hom eto get the heel prick, vaccinations etc sorted out. I never had a maid before but panicked a couple of months before DD was born and was lucky enough to find someone quickly. She started just a month before DD's birth - just enough time to get settled in and DS used to her. She has been such a lifesaver. I honestly don't know how I would have survived these past few months without her. I take care of my children 99% of the time but am able to call her when I need DS to be distracted, so that I can put DD down for her nap etc (she needs a quiet room for her naps now and DS tends to run up and down screaming.... causing her to cry... causing me to tell him off.... then they are both screaming... you get the picture). It also allows me to go out with DD to run errands while DS is taking his afternoon nap for 2 hours. Believe me, running to the shop with a baby and a toddler for a loaf of bread and a litre of milk is not quick or easy ;) I would really recommend that if you don't want or cannot afford full time help you at least get someone to help you out a couple of times a week, and start NOW so that your child can get used to the person... My DS was extremely clingy at the time I gave birth and wanted me to bathe him and put him in bed every night, but I had to make a point of getting him used to DH doing it sometimes. A few days before his little sister I was born I just had a feeling that I should ask our helper to bathe him and put him in bed a couple of times just in case. In order to accomplish this I had to leave the house as he would NOT let her bathe him if I was around. Well, I was so happy that I let her do that because his sister was born at 8p.m. at night a few days later - his bedtime. Since DS and helper had practised just a few days before everything went smoothly and DH could be at the hospital with me for the birth. Like kiwispiers I also made a playroom for my DS and stocked up on toys before the arrival of #2 and it worked great. I went crazy at the ELC sales and on the classifieds and had everything gift wrapped, then hid the gifts in the storeroom. Whenever my DS was having a bad attack of the little sister blues I fetched another present from the storeroom and we unwrapped it together - sounds like a cheap trick but worked for us. And of course DD 'gave'him a big truck at the hospital lol. You only need to get through the first 2 months or so, after that your toddler will barely remember his days as an only child! I carried my DD in a sling a lot for the first couple of months, she loved it in there and that way I had my hands free when DS needed me - which was a lot ;) The other old trick that worked for us was choosing some books puzzles etc that DS liked and saved them for us to read / play with together when I was feeding DD so that he didn't feel left out. And if your toddler is used to going on lots of exciting outings every day, get him used to spending more time playing at home. Start organising playdates for your toddler at home because in those early weeks it will be very hard to take your eldest to playgroups, soft play areas, classes etc. This was one mistake I made, I took my DS out every single day until his sister was born and it was a difficult adjustment for us. Good luck ladies! <em>edited by Novice2 on 29/06/2012</em>
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 23:30
ladyluna, I may be interested in your car too, would appreciate if you could email me at [email protected].
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 May 2012 - 23:28
We actually paid a PRO service for advice and they told us that without a doctors letter OR work contract the chances were slim that we would get the maid approval. The doctors letter can state basically any condition e.g. having recently given birth, frequent headaches, insomnia, anaemia, depression as long as the doctor recommends that you need a housemaid. I HATED asking my doctor for the letter(since I'm in good health...) but our application was approved first time so I guess it was worth it.
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 14:05
No idea, but surprised. I also go to Dr. Sonya and she told me to come to her at exactly 12 weeks for the NT scan. I couldn't as I was travelling so she told me to make sure I get the scan done on the right date wherever I was. I did it back home along with the bloods. When I came back to Doha I took her the report and she said she was relieved I had done the scan and bloods already as she was about to send me for both? Hmmm she didn't even mention the 20 week detailed scan though. So I went to a Dr. Miriam who has a clinic in Abu Hamour which only does ultrasounds for my own peace of mind. You could try her clinic? Or if all else fails you can always try Al Ahli, I would be surpised if they don't do this?
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 January 2012 - 13:03
Do a search on qatarliving (you could also check the gulf times classifieds) and you will find quite a few semi furnished 3 bed compound villas in that price range, mostly in Ain Khalid, Abu Hammour and Gharaffa. Some of the villas are actually quite nice but they will tend to be in crowded compounds without greenery or community feeling. You may also find some nice-ish villas in that price range in brand new compounds or older, dustier compounds where a major corporate tenant has pulled out, or where there is some issue with the quality of the finishing / maintenance. Either way at that price expect to compromise! In fact, I am moving out of my QR9,000/month 3 bed + maids compound villa today which is near Villagio. It is a very nice and new (1 year old) semi furnished villa and we have been very happy here, no problems with maintenance etc. The drawback in this case (of course there is a drawback!) is road noise as it is near a busy road which is one reason why we are moving out (we also need an extra bedroom as I'm expecting a new baby soon!)- we had an outside area here which we were unable to use due to the traffic noise & dust. Also compounds in this price range don't generally attract many Westerners. In this compound I was always the only mum outside while all the other kids were played with only by maids/nannies even on weekends - cultural differences I guess. The compound has a small pool and gym which no one ever uses and the compound shop closed down after going bankrupt after a few months. If you post your e-mail address I could give you the landlord's contact details... :) After looking at many compound villas in the 9 to 11k price range over the past few weeks we decided to move into a freestanding villa as there is no benefit to living in a compound if you don't fit in there or use the facilities or otherwise benefit socially from "compound living". You have to ask yourself what you hope to gain by living in a compound. And unfortunately the compounds with any sort of community life tend to cost 12k to 18k per month. We could probably afford to pay a bit more but the difference will come out of our own pocket so we choose not to!
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 January 2012 - 12:59
Not recent I know but 2 years ago when I was pregnant with my son the window for registration was 16 to 28 weeks.
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 20:21
I buy clean sand at Qatar Nursery, located behind the live animal market on wholesale market road. It is only 5riyals a bag. We use it for sand pits at school. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Finally I can fill our sandpit.
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 December 2011 - 20:18
Just wondering if the powers that be at expatwoman are aware of this? Qatar phone numbers have 8 digits not 9 so the system keeps saying that the number is invalid (or am I losing my mind??). No wonder the Qatar classifieds section is so empty....
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 December 2011 - 11:06
Thanks JoannaS. I know my parents love my LO but just wondering how I will explain to my kids when they are older why they only receive gifts (or visits!) from one set of grandparents. I am not expecting them to physically buy a box of Lego, wrap and post it.... but wish they could at least make the gesture of sending a few dirhams or saying that they will buy him something for his birthday when we see them over the summer.... or... anything... even if they could just bring the subject up so that we can see that it has at least occured to them? Of course we would then tell them not to worry about it, but at least they would have made a gesture. At this point it is mainly my DH who is annoyed but would hate for this to simmer for another 5 years... :(
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 December 2011 - 18:33
There are 100s of baby games on the Babycenter website, I think 1 per week according to baby's age? E.g: http://www.babycenter.com/0_lets-play-peek-a-boo-picture-greatest-hits_1498492.bc ... have also seen a box of cards at Virgin Megastore called '100 things to do with your baby' or something like that! I agree with dramaqn, in your situation I would set up a detailed schedule for your nanny to follow with the baby, with specific times for sleeping, feeding, playing games, reading picture books, tummy time, going for a walk / to the park or whatever, if you feel comfortable with 30 mins of TV per day you could put that on the schedule as well in a specific time slot. I would also check up with unanounced visits to see if she's sticking to your programme and expect feedback at the end of each day about how your baby enjoyed the day's activities. And sorry to say it but if I discovered that my baby was watching that much TV I would also seriously consider getting a new nanny, maybe she's just not a natural with babies....
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 December 2011 - 11:51
We wil be eating at home tomorrow and haven't arranged to do a Christmas brunch or event at any of the hotels. Didn't expect my toddler to be interested in Santa yet this year but he gets really excited every time he sees Santa, even an ornament. Just wondering if there is anywhere we can take him to see / meet a live Santa on Christmas eve / day other than a hotel brunch? Thanks :)
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 December 2011 - 11:34
Everything? Christmas is not a public holiday in Doha so it will be business as usual.
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 December 2011 - 12:15
I also had a pedicure at Beauty Express in Landmark yesterday afternoon! It was a great pedi but very expensive in my opinion. I paid QR95 for the pedi + another QR13 for the polish! Their normal pedicure (QR45) includes only the toes & cuticles. You need to pay for a spa pedicure (QR95) if you want a heel scrub etc. And I was surprised to find that that the spa pedi did not include polish (and their nail polish selection is poor - all bright reds, bright pinks, there was a metalic emerald green polish but nothing subtle if that's what you prefer)!! At Nails salon all the above is included in the normal pedicure so its actually much cheaper, plus the atmosphere is MUCH nicer, less crowded and more relaxing and they have a huge polish selection. Another Nails fan here :)
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 November 2011 - 20:52
Does anyone know if there are any Clarks branches in Doha? I need some decent quality school shoes for my 12 year old, and I'm struggling. M&S no good Hush Puppies in Villagio - no good - they don't fit his feet properly, don't carry any of his size, and don't have a measuring thingy. which I find odd since they are allegedly a big stockist of children's shoes Geox in Landmark - no good. Not one single suitable pair in his size. Any other ideas? We are desperate! edited by EssexGirl on 29/11/2011 That is weird because they definitely measured my son's feet at Hush Puppies in Villagio! Perhaps you were just unlucky with a lazy member of staff.
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2011 - 22:14
I am ordering a City Select too, although it will come from the US as it is much cheaper. Looks like a great stroller I have my heart set on a City Select too, would love to know where you are ordering from and how much delivery would cost. I have never ordered a large item from abroad before and finding it a little intimidating, can only imagine that it would cost a fortune & need a dummies guide?! Has anyone actually tried / handled the Zoom from ABC design? I have looked at that one too and wondering how it compares to the City Select... Thanks!
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 November 2011 - 12:19
Hehe I can't resist asking: I also have an 18 month old and expecting the 2nd and wonder how you manage to visit a pool for more than 10 minutes? I couldn't manage an outing like that with 1 very active baby never mind two!! What is your secret? :) Will you take a nanny with you?
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 November 2011 - 14:21
Congratulations Dubaicat & family! :)
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 12:03
For the ladies with toddlers - I registered my toddler at Aspire a week ago after being told in August that the classes were so full there wasn't even space on the waiting list! Just so you know :)
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 12:01
I have a couple of recipes (for sauces / marinades) that require the mysterious onion powder. Also have never heard of it before in my life and don't know what it looks like. After reading this thread I went and stared at the spice shelves in Megamart and FFC Al Rayan but didn't see any. Perhaps because I don't know what to look for? Does anyone know where exactly it is on the shelf or what brand is available here?
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 11:57
We went there around 4pm a couple of months ago and most sections were closed. The assistant kept repeating again and again that it is better to come early in the morning....
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 11:50
I'm looking for a cheap Halloween costume for my 18 month old as well. Will only be worn once so not keen to spend a fortune. Please let me know what you find :) Would even consider buying second hand!
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 10:11
My husband just had a suit made at Kashmir tailors in Al Sadd behind Royal Plaza and he was happy with it. Most expats seem to prefer Century Tailors near Jaidah flyover but they take ages to make a suit these days. We couldn't wait that long and had to go elsewhere.
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 October 2011 - 20:15
Goodmorning, are you exporting your car to the UAE? If yes I would love to hear the details as may be doing the same soon.
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 September 2011 - 15:11
I have an 18 month old and the 2nd on the way. I attend a playgroup or class with my little boy nearly every day, but have not established any real mummy friendships, nothing beyond baby small talk at the class/playgroup. I have noticed that many of the other mums on the "circuit" have become friends over the months and the other mums at our weekly playgroup are meeting up for impromptu playgroups on other days of the week and nights out, about which I only find out afterwards! I am not a "group" person or the kind to easily make friends, and it has never bothered me (well, not since puberty), I have always valued a few close long-term friendships rather than a busy social agenda and have never really enjoyed large gatherings of people, mingling, networking etc... used to really enjoy travelling on my own!... so would not normally feel a deep desire to be "included". But now that I'm a mum I worry about my LO missing out on opportunities to socialise and am upset by how upset I am about my social shortcomings! For now, I know my little boy is getting enough social stimulation just by being around other kids for an hour or so every day and beginning to recognise some of the kids that he sees regularly. But I guess at some point soon I will need to start helping him to build his first friendships, and right now I feel ill equipped to do so. My question is, how worried should I be? I am scared that my children will not be invited to playdates if I am unpopular with the mummies ;) None of my long time friends have kids of the same age as mine. At what age do children stop depending on the mothers for social opportunities? My two will be close enough in age to be able to play together at home (lets hope they get along!) and I plan to send them to nursery part time at the age of 2 or 3 years. Can I relax about this for now or should I worry? I am already dreading the daily chit chat with the other mums at the school gates in a couple of years, it feels as if I am doomed to return to the catty high school playground myself! Any all female environment like that stresses me out...!! Your wisdom please :)
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 September 2011 - 12:31
Difficult to answer as it would depend on the brand and condition of the stroller / car seat? E.g. Bugaboo much more expensive than a Graco? By the way I am expecting my second and interested in a 2nd hand double/twin stroller if anyone is selling?
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 22:16
My DS LOVED loved LOVED this cot mobile and never tired of it. And he was totally indifferent to all his other toys & gadgets in the first few months - didn't care for his play gyms, bouncy chair, activity arch, projector, rattles & stuff... ONLY the cot mobile was a hit with him. He still goes crazy with excitement when he spots it in the storage room (at 17 months). So I think he would definitely recommend it! http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Love-464-Classic-Mobile/dp/B002BSHTS0
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 13:10
Hi everyone, this thread seems to be very quiet compared to the other due date threads! I'm due on 16 February with my 2nd and it looks like a girl.... :)
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 13:06
Don't worry too much, just book a bassinet seat and hope for the best - I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised. They find the vibration of the plane very soothing and he will probably sleep most of the way, snug in his little bassinet! My DS also got bored easily at that age but I never had a problem flying with him - believe me, it gets harder as they get older! I actually think 5 months is a good time to fly as you don't need to pack solid foods yet, and they're not mobile yet! I always fly Qatar Airways with my baby but think the airlines are all pretty similar, if you have any specific questions about QA let me know and I'll do my best :)
Novice2
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 12:38
Don't give up hope yet, 5 days is a long time when you're 40 weeks pregnant, everything can change in a moment. I was in your shoes with my DS, 40+4 weeks pregnant with NO sign of any action and induction looming at 41 weeks... still hoping for a natural birth. Pineapple, hot curries etc weren't helping ;) On day 40+4 I went for accupuncture (Dr. Ou) as well as a sweep in desperation and baby was born at 3 a.m. the next morning, completely medication free birth. So based on my experience I would look into those two options. I have to add that my boy born at 40+5 weeks showed all the signs of being 'overcooked' - the placenta was apparently calcified and disintegrating, baby had dry skin and long nails etc etc. I was adamant that I didn't need an induction at 41 weeks as in some other countries they allow you to go to 42 weeks - but based on what I was told about the placenta I am very happy my son didn't stay in there another week - and this time (I'm pregnant again) I will not be complaining about the 41 week rule. Good luck!
 
 
How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing

6 Annoying Things Expats Hate Hearing