twin_butterfly | ExpatWoman.com
 

twin_butterfly

twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 00:43
Gentle bump, in the hope someone might have any tips ...
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 00:41
Nomad, once the eggs turn into hens and produce more little chicks, let us know if you decide to open a business ;)
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 00:39
I went through something similar with my LO for about 2 weeks about a month ago when he was 4.5 months, so we also assumed it was separation anxiety although I thought this happened later on. One day when DH got home from work and picked him up to kiss him, he went off blaring almost without breathing to the point where his face was near-blue. As soon as I took him he stopped. He did this for a few days on different occasions when DH picked him up, so he ended up swearing to me that he never hit DS :) So we thought it was something DH was wearing and he then changed deodorant (twice) without any improvement. Eventually we realised it was his beard ... DH only shaves every 2-3 days as he has very sensitive skin and apparently Mister LO does not like this ...
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 00:18
My part-vegetarian all-organic sister always tells me meat is 'poison' ... she may have a point :(
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 23:43
They are not cheap, but Avenue can tailor make curtains/blinds for you. We recently got blinds installed and I think the bill for 2 black-out blinds (windows are about 1.6 metres wide each) was about AED 2,800 with the installation.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 September 2011 - 23:41
Could you share with us at least a few letters of the name of this company or give us some clues on who it is? So that we can avoid buying it :) <em>edited by twin_butterfly on 14/09/2011</em>
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 13:54
You may want to do a keyword search on this section of the forum. Someone was recommending places a few weeks ago.
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 11:42
Have they been exposed to any TV for grown-ups? If so, could they have picked it up from the violence in action movies?
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 10:35
If you decide to go for the MaxiCosi summer cover, the ones you find at Just Kidding are their own (I think they re called Just Essentials) which have been made locally. I bought it without paying attention and it is really ill-fitting with lots of fabric everywhere which probably only makes poor DS even hotter. I later on saw the real Maxi Cosi at Bumble Bee's so you may want to try this if you end up not going for the sheepskin.
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 10:22
My personal experience (may differ from others but this has happened): DS was at the NICU in Welcare for 5 days. Out of all the nurses I only found a small handful to be really competent (mainly the South African nurses and an Egyptian lady). Beware: it is VERY difficult to find the neonatalist anywhere (there are only 2 of them who always seem to be 'too busy' for you to meet) if you have questions you want answered by him directly, although you are still charged AED 750 a day for his visit. Also, unless you specifically ask for details of the baby's progress, what exactly they are doing to him/her and question why he/she is being kept and how much longer he/she will need to stay on, they will keep him/her as long as they can (meaning if the do not need his incubator). I never got real feedback from the nurses or the registrars, other than 'it is just a matter of time'. The following day after being discharged (after a c-section) I spent an entire morning and the better part of the afternoon trying to find the neonatalist to ask him what was the next course of action with the baby and when would he be discharged. Only after this he said in a as-a-matter-of-fact fashion: 'oh, he can leave today actually' (this was said to me at 3pm!). The nurses and registrars had told me the previous day that he would need 'a few more' days at the unit (!). I am sorry, but when I pay AED 3,000-5,000 a day, this is simply not good enough. Sad as it is, when I met with the Director of Medical Services to give him my feedback on the unit and the neonatalist, he made it very clear that he runs his department as a business.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 12 September 2011 - 09:55
Amongst other books I got 'New baby care' by Miriam Stoppard. It shows you the very basics about the every day routines (changing nappies, positions for breastfeeding etc) without going into too much troubleshooting. It's good for first-time mums I guess but you will need to complement with the more advanced books like The Baby Whisperer etc although I agree with HAK in that not every baby will respond to that - mine luckily does! :)
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 15:46
Thank you Ladies! Shellly, we are doing the international legs with Cathay - is this what you did too?
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 14:12
Only just seen sydneygal's thread - very helpful too!
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 14:01
Thanks kiwi - he will be just over 5 months then and we will be away 3 weeks! <em>edited by twin_butterfly on 01/09/2011</em>
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 13:46
When go long haul with your LO's do you adjust his/her feed & sleep schedule to the new destination or do you continue with the ones from home? If you adjust, any advice on the best way to switch? We are leaving for Oz in a couple of weeks with a 2 day stopover in HK ...
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 13:29
Not sure if they sell without prescription but I would think they do - the pharmacy at Welcare should have decapeptyl as I had injections given to me at the hospital some time back.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 13:24
Fans are definitely recommended by the experts to reduce the risk of SIDS - we had once before our LO was born as hubby is a big 'fan' of fans :) and it does make a difference although I sleep better in a non-drafty room. We also got an air filter in the room which also creates circulation of air when the fan is off.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 13:19
Try the Australian International Swimming School http://www.aiswimschools.com/programs.php?id=0
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 13:13
Would love to join too ... although it will be a bit challenging with hubby being the biggest red meat-eater on this planet! Have tried to 'convert' him numerous times quite unsuccessfully ...
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 September 2011 - 13:11
If you like Thai, Sukothai at Le Meridien Dubai (the one by the airport) has got to be the best Thai in town and has a very nice cosy atmosphere.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 28 August 2011 - 16:01
Am not sure what sort of prices they would have for mattresses as we just bought the topper from them but may be worth having a look at Intercoil right in front of the Bur Dubai traffic dept as you come in from Al Quoz onto SZR.
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 22:58
Hi kiwispiers, your reply got me thinking and started to worry for a few nights so now have got him to sleep on his back which took a couple of nights, but he is very happy with this also and I sleep better too :) Thanks for pointing that out! I had read some on the subject but obviously not enough so got to read much more since your post and decided to go for the change :)
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 August 2011 - 22:44
Yey! Thanks Fairycakeyumm! :)
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 August 2011 - 14:19
He'd better bring you a decent pressie home :) My thoughts exactly :) Mmm wondering what I can ask for... what's nice in Spain that I can't get here? I heard that leather is great there, maybe leather boots? edited by candyfloss on 13/08/2011 If I were you I would ask for 2 things: Yes, shoes - most definitely! But he won't find boots at this time of the year. Instead, ask him for a sexy pair of evening shoes so that you can wear them when he can takes you out for a romantic dinner once he is back :) And secondly (provided that he is not Muslim, since you mentioned he is Arabic) I would ask him for kilos and kilos of 'pata negra' ... the best of Spanish ham ... make sure it is 'iberico de bellota' which is free-range type feeding on acorn. You will noy find anything like it out here. Finally, to address the point, I agree with many here ... a few days away will make him value you even more and that gives you some 'me' time! :)
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 16:08
I find the quality of fruits and vegs in general has really suffered in the last few weeks. We like to do weekly shopping trips and most fruits/vegs although they look good when you buy them, do not survive the 5-6 days. I am not talking about something as delicate as raspberries, I am talking about goods that in other countries where I have lived, easily last 1-2 weeks! It is the poor handling in this country aggravated by the hours they are left to stand in containers in the sun.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 16:01
If you want to have clean and new ones, apparently Emirates Post sell them - I guess that would be cheaper than buying them from the removals company.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 15:59
madolecow, I got my first license in the UK while I was a student there so I do not have any other license other than that one and the UAE's which I do not know if would be recognised back in Europe - need to check this when I go next but this is not til Xmas. In the meantime, I want to explore all avenues to renew the photo portion in it as the license itself does not expire for many more years!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 15:52
Re vaccinations see the thread http://www.expatwoman.com/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=155636 NinaSimone, do you mean your employer did not insure you? If they were and they have just laid you off, the insurance needs to be kept on until your residency is cancelled. Also, as M says, they should have given you notice. I would fight it out so you avoid all the hassle of arranging a new policy last minute, especially in your condition.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 15:05
Trendy Bee, there is a website with a wealth of info where you can also subscribe to their newsletters and they send you updates of what you should be feeling/experiencing during your each week of your pregnancy and into the baby's life too www.babycentre.com During pregnancy I read 'What to expect when you are expecting' by Heidi Murkoff which seems to be everyone's bible. Now that DS is born I also have read the Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg which seems to suit my LO perfectly well - it talks about how to deal with your baby through his daily routine and also from a psychological perspective. When he was born I bought New Babycare by Miriam Stoppard which is OK for the basics but doesn't address as many topics as Hogg's book. There are a few advocates of the Gina Ford books out there but after reading a few reviews I was put off as it seems too strict and guided by the clock rather than by your baby's and your lifestyle needs. We also have bought the Brilliant Baby series of DVD/VCDs which we are already showing our LO, not that he understands them but it helps him focus his eyes as it shows the simple shapes, colours, etc. A friend also recommended Baby Einstein. <em>edited by twin_butterfly on 11/08/2011</em>
twin_butterfly
574
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 14:17
Ayda, i had an emergency c-section at Welcare and they gave me an injection that is similar to epidural. Anaesthesist was fab and I did not feel a thing BUT you still have to sign a disclaimer that says it can go wrong.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 14:10
sydneygal, I stopped swaddling DS as soon as he started kicking the blanket and ending up unwrapped, just past his 2nd month. Also for the night sleep: have you tried putting him on his tummy? According to the Baby Whisperer at that age they should sleep 10-12 hrs a night with naps of 1-2 hrs during the day. I put mine on his tummy once he had enough strength on his neck to turn his head and he stopped waking up at night to sleep 8 hours in one stretch. Now he has gone into sleeping an average of 10 hours a night, as indicated by Hogg.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 11 August 2011 - 13:55
Thanks Genie. Problem is I am not a UK but EU national. Still have friends who live there (UK) but I know DVLA asks for proof of residency i.e. utilities bills etc I saw the thread talking about this issue but there was no answer for my situation ...
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 15:18
It depends on your budget and her style ... if she is into exotic looking things for the house, I recently found out about a shop called the Antique Museum on the road behind the Gold & Diamond Park (when you take exit 43 on Sheikh Zayed Road, turn left at the traffic lights and then second right' the shop is behind the mosque) where they stock all sorts of Arabic/exotic looking stuff. You could also send her something nice from Marina which is also quite exotic. Otherwise, a nice silk scarf or Pashmina - this always works with my Mum. DSS has just finished so not sure what will be out there in terms of sale or special offers.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 15:09
@ Chocs01: do you know how it works in the UK when your photo bit has expired and you are no longer a UK resident? Everything I am reading on the DVLA website seems to be addressed to residents but does not say what happens when you no longer have residency or proof of...
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 15:06
:( :( :( Nicht good!
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 15:03
Why don't you try Beirut? Or you could also do Jordan, e.g. 1 day Amman which is nice and high so very pleasant temperatures, and 1 day Petra?
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 14:36
Best for travelling - the lightest and most compact you will find plus it comes with a bag to pack it into. Easy to maneuver and fold. Downside: basket - it comes without one, so you need to buy separately (AED 150). It has very little capacity + we had to wait for 3 months to get it as JustKidding did not have it on stock and noone else seems to have it. Other than that, I am very happy with mine.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 14:29
Same thing here: we have Cabriofix and use it with FamilyFix - so far it has worked wonderfully!! It sounds like some of the sales people in this country need serious training. I use my Cabriofix on a Quinny Zapp and another mum stopped me a couple of weeks ago in the mall to ask whether my pram was a Quinny Zapp as she had been told in the shop where she bought her pram that Cabriofix and Quinny Zapp were non-compatible. We found out from experience that it is best to visit a few shops before making a decision or buying.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 14:12
There are exercise classes in Dubai you can go to and take your baby with. Not sure of where/how, etc but if you ask on this forum I am sure someone will know.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 14:10
They do the Weekend Bonanza's every now and again. Sometimes hard to know other than through word-of-mouth but I saw it advertised on Expatechodubai.com so you might want to keep an eye there.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 14:03
That type of cushion are you referring to? The banana shaped ones? If so, I got mine at Mothercare.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 14:01
Mine (just like that!) stopped having his night feeds and slept 8 hours straight at 9 weeks, and never looked back. In fact, in the last couple of weeks he has started to wake up between 7.30 and 8 am which means he now sleeps almost 10 hours. His feeds now are 6am (or as soon as he wakes up), 10am, 2pm, 6pm, 10pm.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 13:54
Is there anywhere in Dubai where one can buy Thai aubergines (the ones you find in the Thai curries in restaurants) and Morning Glory? Also, we used to always buy AROY Panang paste which we don't seem to find on the supermarket shelves anymore. Does anyone know where (if) this is now stocked?
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 13:09
Christina, I didn't do it either and now have a beautiful and smart baby :)
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 13:07
There are velvety bits and cotton bits - it's basically 4 little animals strung and at each end of the string there is a wooden half-ball
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 12:54
Sooo reassuring to read this thread - also started loosing massive clumps this week :(
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 15 July 2011 - 01:10
cakes, it's exit number 103 on the Emirates Road. When you reach the sea, turn right and after some 3-4km you will see an old rusty Russian-looking plane 'parked' on the left side of the road - take the first u-turn right after that and the entrance is about 100-200 metres before the funny plane :)
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 17:49
Thank you Ladies for some brilliant ideas - noting them down now :) And JoyceB for the massive laugh! <em>edited by twin_butterfly on 14/07/2011</em>
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2011 - 17:13
Did this last Friday. Left Dubai at 9am and no traffic or queues anywhere. It is 4 stamps BUT Oman's visa now is AED 200 so I would suggest only the ones who need the exit/entry stamp get the visa (meaning if anyone in the car already has UAE residency they do not need to ask for the visa into Oman as the UAE authorities will not look for the Omani stamp in their passports, only for those without a UAE residency). You need to drive through the UAE border and into the Omani border a few kilometres down the road(large impressive building, as opposed to the UAE border prefab buildings). How long, not sure as we did stop a couple of times but max 1.5 hrs each way I would say.
twin_butterfly
574
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 13 July 2011 - 15:43
From what I understand they do bring their own products and charge AED 35 p.h. KB75, what is the name of your 'amazing' lady? :)
 
 
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