One of the traits my sweet little A seems to value above all others is a sense of humor. She actually demonstrated a very sophisticated one this afternoon. I know...all parents like to think their children are brilliant...but THIS made me laugh out loud!
Little A has two to three bowel movements (aka 'poopies') a day. Having just changed her diaper BEFORE lunch, I was surprised when an familiar and offensive odour assaulted my nostrils again, shortly AFTER lunch. Seems that there was another dirty diaper to be changed. So, I asked her "Did you do poopy?" (knowing that the answer was yes, as the olfactory evidence was overwhelming). She looked at me with her 'sly' look, where she keeps her face straight ahead and just tries to see you out of the corner of her eyes, and denied it. So, I repeated my question. This time, she moved away, and continued to deny the obvious. Once she was on the other end of the table, I mentioned that there had to be a poopy, as it was VERY stinky. She had her two favourite companions, red monkey and baby saury (reunited...not sure if I blogged about the reunion...but it was a sweet one!) in her hands. So, suddenly, she lifts up red monkey and red monkey says 'something is stinky.' Then she takes red monkey, and moves him/her down to the area of her diaper and red monkey states "A's diapey is stinky". Then, red monkey goes back on the track, and tells baby saury that 'something is stinky'. Like his friend, baby saury follows the smell, and proclaims the same findings: "A's diapey is stinky". This is when I had a big laugh, and scooped little A up, to take care of the smell (which had now been corroborated by two very reliable sources: red monkey and baby saury. You could tell by the look on her face that little A was very pleased with her own sense of humour.
Well..that's ten minutes of typing from me. New baby Lieu has been interfering with my sleep as of late. I find it very difficult to find ANY position that is comfortable to sleep in for more than 20 minutes. So...I have been pretty tired.
Today, we went looking for a new villa. P's employer finally tried to 'negotiate' with our landlord, and discovered that he doesn't really understand the concept. Though the rents, on average, for our style of villa are around 280K aed, it seems our owner would like to continue to receive 380K (which is what we paid last year...b/c the market had peaked!!). I find the timing of this whole thing to be horrific. Not only do I have a baby on the way...but my parents are coming on November 1!! It sure would've been nice to show them how 'settled' we are here. Instead, it's likely we'll be unpacking and trying to get curtains and landscaping done!!
Let's hope everything happens SOONER rather than LATER!!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Just a very nice (busy) day...
This evening we entertained at our house. Seven guests plus the three of us...I wasn't sure if we could pull it off.
We started the morning by putting up some shelving (which woulda/coulda/shoulda been done weeks ago) and decorations (to give the place a 'lived in' look). I feel this is likely to cause the god's of ARG to ensure that we get booted when our lease is up at month's end...but, P didn't seem concerned as he was drilling holes in the walls.
Next, began the food preparation. P had volunteered to cook the turkey left over from our friend's Christmas party (they didn't use it and decided to get the dinner catered instead). So, he spent the day making the turkey, stuffing and gravy. All of the appreciative moans and sighs indicated that the turkey was lovely.
I complemented the meal by preparing all the appetizers, the desserts and the accompaniments to the turkey (mashed potatoes, whipped yams, caesar salad). Although, a LOT of the work (including ALL the clean-up) fell to Malou. Today, she has worked like she's never worked before (at least not for us...she must be having flashbacks to her Singapore days).
Little A actually seemed to enjoy the company and attention for a change. She loved when one of P's work colleagues showed up with a teddy bear for her. This was our first time hosting any locals (two young Emirati men who work for P) and it was such a very enjoyable evening.
I am exhausted (in a good way). It has been too long since we entertained (and my feet say we should not do it again for a while), but I enjoyed it so. Time for sleep...here's hoping that I am not woken by bad dreams tonight (I have my trusted companion Phinn with me to keep them at bay).
We started the morning by putting up some shelving (which woulda/coulda/shoulda been done weeks ago) and decorations (to give the place a 'lived in' look). I feel this is likely to cause the god's of ARG to ensure that we get booted when our lease is up at month's end...but, P didn't seem concerned as he was drilling holes in the walls.
Next, began the food preparation. P had volunteered to cook the turkey left over from our friend's Christmas party (they didn't use it and decided to get the dinner catered instead). So, he spent the day making the turkey, stuffing and gravy. All of the appreciative moans and sighs indicated that the turkey was lovely.
I complemented the meal by preparing all the appetizers, the desserts and the accompaniments to the turkey (mashed potatoes, whipped yams, caesar salad). Although, a LOT of the work (including ALL the clean-up) fell to Malou. Today, she has worked like she's never worked before (at least not for us...she must be having flashbacks to her Singapore days).
Little A actually seemed to enjoy the company and attention for a change. She loved when one of P's work colleagues showed up with a teddy bear for her. This was our first time hosting any locals (two young Emirati men who work for P) and it was such a very enjoyable evening.
I am exhausted (in a good way). It has been too long since we entertained (and my feet say we should not do it again for a while), but I enjoyed it so. Time for sleep...here's hoping that I am not woken by bad dreams tonight (I have my trusted companion Phinn with me to keep them at bay).
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Happy Anniversary--One Year in AD
One year ago on this date, our plane was flying over golden waves of sand. I stepped off the plane (with a billion other brown people...most of whom were heading to India) and went to look for customs, and then my luggage. I loaded everything onto one cart, and then, after a prolonged wait for my stroller and car-seat, I strapped little A into the go-go babyz and headed out the doors of 'arrivals' to meet P (and our friend Pete) who were waiting for us. My first instinct, once I got outside, was to remove our socks, as it was very warm. Though it was just after 7 in the morning, it was already very bright and hot. Fortunately, this year is a bit cooler (it's true when they said last year was unusually hot for the fall I guess).
So...where are we one year later? Now 'settled' (I use the word lightly...as possibly we might be moving at month's end if the lease doesn't get negotiated...we have no curtains, no pictures up on the walls...) in our villa at Al Raha, we have made some friends and have a semblance of daily life and routine. Phinn is here, and doesn't seem to notice how different his new environment is; he has adapted to life here by locating all the windows where he can see the street and thus perform his sentry duties. Little A is growing and getting smarter everyday. As we've recently joined the Officer's Club, she is now able to swim regularly (though yesterday was not fun as she will tell you 'boy bite me'--and it's true...a three year old local boy--with terrible teeth--named Hamad, decided to greet little A with a 'love bite'. Fortunately, I was able to shove him off quickly and there was no skin piercing or tears. His mom was very apologetic and made him say 'sorry'...but he must've really liked little A as he continued to try and interact with her in the 'other pool' where little A wanted to go immediately after the incident, and then later in the locker area). She now sleeps in her own room, on her own mattress on the floor, all night long. She seems to show a limited understanding of the 'baby brother' on the way (thank-you to Blue's Clues for teaching her the words), and will occasionally hug and kiss my expanding belly. Although, at times, she mentions the 'baby brother' in her belly too...hence, the 'limited understanding' report.
Of all of us, I'm sure that P is the one who enjoys life here the most. Little A and Phinn are oblivious to the difference, and me...well...it's not somewhere I want to be long-term, but it's okay for this time in my life. P seems to enjoy his work and is always raving about the 'lifestyle' in Abu Dhabi (I, on the other hand, am obviously not the 'target audience' of said 'lifestyle').
Not only are we expecting a baby at the end of this year, but it seems we will also be welcoming our first family visitors. My parents will stop over on their way to and from India, and P's elder sister and mom will visit over Christmas. I am looking forward to the family visits.
So...where are we one year later? Now 'settled' (I use the word lightly...as possibly we might be moving at month's end if the lease doesn't get negotiated...we have no curtains, no pictures up on the walls...) in our villa at Al Raha, we have made some friends and have a semblance of daily life and routine. Phinn is here, and doesn't seem to notice how different his new environment is; he has adapted to life here by locating all the windows where he can see the street and thus perform his sentry duties. Little A is growing and getting smarter everyday. As we've recently joined the Officer's Club, she is now able to swim regularly (though yesterday was not fun as she will tell you 'boy bite me'--and it's true...a three year old local boy--with terrible teeth--named Hamad, decided to greet little A with a 'love bite'. Fortunately, I was able to shove him off quickly and there was no skin piercing or tears. His mom was very apologetic and made him say 'sorry'...but he must've really liked little A as he continued to try and interact with her in the 'other pool' where little A wanted to go immediately after the incident, and then later in the locker area). She now sleeps in her own room, on her own mattress on the floor, all night long. She seems to show a limited understanding of the 'baby brother' on the way (thank-you to Blue's Clues for teaching her the words), and will occasionally hug and kiss my expanding belly. Although, at times, she mentions the 'baby brother' in her belly too...hence, the 'limited understanding' report.
Of all of us, I'm sure that P is the one who enjoys life here the most. Little A and Phinn are oblivious to the difference, and me...well...it's not somewhere I want to be long-term, but it's okay for this time in my life. P seems to enjoy his work and is always raving about the 'lifestyle' in Abu Dhabi (I, on the other hand, am obviously not the 'target audience' of said 'lifestyle').
Not only are we expecting a baby at the end of this year, but it seems we will also be welcoming our first family visitors. My parents will stop over on their way to and from India, and P's elder sister and mom will visit over Christmas. I am looking forward to the family visits.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Oh...Sorry...
I am learning, through my daughter, that I am much too apologetic.
For about a week now, she has been apologizing for things...like if she's in your way and you have to say 'excuse me' to her, little A will say 'Oh..sawwy' and move. She's been saying it quite a bit lately...and I've been wondering where this apologetic turn has come from.
Then, the other day when I was in line at the check-out, I moved my cart over so the lady behind me could move forward. Without thinking (and really...without cause) I said 'Oh, sorry' as I slid my cart closer to me. Little A immediately repeated what I said (though it sounded much cuter) and EUREKA! the light bulb went off. It seems that I throw out apologies for no reason, other than to be over-polite and (possibly) just to have something to say.
Have I always been like this? Or is this a result of me being over-tired and not witty enough to come up with other conversational anecdotes? Regardless, I am now very conscious of my use of this phrase, and try to use it ONLY 'as necessary'.
P should be arriving at the AD airport in the next ten minutes or so. It seems that flights are one of the few things in AD that actually stick to any kind of universal concept of timeliness. He has been in Chicago 'on business' since Wednesday. I've had a surprisingly easy time with Little A, with the exception of her waking up for an hour in the middle of the night last night. Other than that, she has been wonderful and very content.
I wonder what age these little ones start noticing when their daddies disappear for extended periods of time?
For about a week now, she has been apologizing for things...like if she's in your way and you have to say 'excuse me' to her, little A will say 'Oh..sawwy' and move. She's been saying it quite a bit lately...and I've been wondering where this apologetic turn has come from.
Then, the other day when I was in line at the check-out, I moved my cart over so the lady behind me could move forward. Without thinking (and really...without cause) I said 'Oh, sorry' as I slid my cart closer to me. Little A immediately repeated what I said (though it sounded much cuter) and EUREKA! the light bulb went off. It seems that I throw out apologies for no reason, other than to be over-polite and (possibly) just to have something to say.
Have I always been like this? Or is this a result of me being over-tired and not witty enough to come up with other conversational anecdotes? Regardless, I am now very conscious of my use of this phrase, and try to use it ONLY 'as necessary'.
P should be arriving at the AD airport in the next ten minutes or so. It seems that flights are one of the few things in AD that actually stick to any kind of universal concept of timeliness. He has been in Chicago 'on business' since Wednesday. I've had a surprisingly easy time with Little A, with the exception of her waking up for an hour in the middle of the night last night. Other than that, she has been wonderful and very content.
I wonder what age these little ones start noticing when their daddies disappear for extended periods of time?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Just something funny I remembered...
Was watching Mad Men (season one) with P tonight. One of the characters (spoiler alert!!) suffers a heart attack, and the other characters are talking about the grey-ashy colour of his skin. This triggered a memory for me.
When we were living in the "Sakaw House", my dad suffered an angina attack. I got on the phone with emergency services, while my brother sat with him on the stairs, by the door. I believe this was before we had a cordless phone, as I distinctly remember being in the other room and having to call-out questions to my brother. One of the questions the operator asked me was "What is his colour like?". So, I repeated the question to my brother, as I could not see my dad's face (his back was to me).
In my mind, I can clearly see the expression on my brother's face. I'm not sure if it was the fear and stress of not knowing how to help my dad, but he looked at me with this mild confusion, shrugged his shoulders and said in all seriousness: "His colour? He's brown..." (I can still hear him say it..and it still makes me shake my own head and chuckle).
I knew this answer wouldn't impress the emergency operator, so I went with the appropriate answer of 'he's pale and grey' instead.
Fortunately, the ambulance came quickly and whisked my dad off to the Grey Nuns Hospital. Despite all the 'cut-backs' in health care, we were very happy with the service and care my father received.
"...he's brown..."....cracks me up every time.
When we were living in the "Sakaw House", my dad suffered an angina attack. I got on the phone with emergency services, while my brother sat with him on the stairs, by the door. I believe this was before we had a cordless phone, as I distinctly remember being in the other room and having to call-out questions to my brother. One of the questions the operator asked me was "What is his colour like?". So, I repeated the question to my brother, as I could not see my dad's face (his back was to me).
In my mind, I can clearly see the expression on my brother's face. I'm not sure if it was the fear and stress of not knowing how to help my dad, but he looked at me with this mild confusion, shrugged his shoulders and said in all seriousness: "His colour? He's brown..." (I can still hear him say it..and it still makes me shake my own head and chuckle).
I knew this answer wouldn't impress the emergency operator, so I went with the appropriate answer of 'he's pale and grey' instead.
Fortunately, the ambulance came quickly and whisked my dad off to the Grey Nuns Hospital. Despite all the 'cut-backs' in health care, we were very happy with the service and care my father received.
"...he's brown..."....cracks me up every time.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
First Contact
Granted, the bulk of my swimming experience with little A happened from January to March (her Starfish swimming class at the Kinsmen), I am finding that swimming in AD is a completely different experience. Not even taking into account all of the bundling up that used to happen before we left the premises...
In Edmonton, I used to pack up my little one, and head off. In the locker area, I was joined by all the other moms and their little ones (often more than one little one) and we all tried to get babies out of clothes and into swim gear as fast as we could. Then there was the cold shower (the ritual cleansing before the chlorine dip), and off to the warmed training tank for some fun in the water.
Pretty much the same here...except, no requisite cold shower, and instead of moms (or rather 'mums'), I am finding myself predominantly in the company of nannies. And this isn't the solely the 'locals' either. Today, I ran into three mums from little A's playgroup, all of whom were accompanied by their nannies. While the mums swam their laps in the Olympic size pool, the babes were trussed into swim gear and led out to the baby pool, by their nannies. By the time most of the mums arrived at the baby pool to play, little A and I were on our way out, as I generally keep our swim time to 30 minutes (that's enough to make little A's skin wrinkled and raisin-like). Just an observation...no judgements...perhaps one day I will show up at the pool with Malou. Only time will tell.
I did receive a very warm reception from a three to four year old local boy (today was obviously a busy day at the pool, as we usual have the entire place to ourselves). I have seen this little boy before (with his dad...on the 'ladies only day'). He has a younger brother (about a year younger I think...minimum 10 months!!). Well, as little A and I were about to leave the baby pool, he waded over to me, and...wait for it...extended his hand for a handshake. I was a bit shocked at first, as I think this is the first 'contact' I have had with a local...but within nanoseconds I regained my poise, and shook his hand happily. This apparently made his day, as he gave me a big grin and then waded away, with further hand gestures (which I took to be filled with kindness and love). I don't believe he spoke a word of English...but I'm sure we'll have more future interactions, now that the ice has been broken.
P came home from work with 'chills' and has been bed-ridden ever since. So, he's called it an 'early night' (I believe he's been asleep since 4:30 pm). After feeding little A her dinner (absolutely no fruit would go down tonight, no matter how much ice cream I tried to hide it under), I sent her off to bed. I believe she was quite tired from the swimming, so that likely helped to send her off to dreamland. Today, she sat on my dressing table stool, and sang a song about sweet dreams...it was very long--and absolutely darling. I hope she's having some sweet dreams (and continues to have them all the way to 6:30 in the morning).
In Edmonton, I used to pack up my little one, and head off. In the locker area, I was joined by all the other moms and their little ones (often more than one little one) and we all tried to get babies out of clothes and into swim gear as fast as we could. Then there was the cold shower (the ritual cleansing before the chlorine dip), and off to the warmed training tank for some fun in the water.
Pretty much the same here...except, no requisite cold shower, and instead of moms (or rather 'mums'), I am finding myself predominantly in the company of nannies. And this isn't the solely the 'locals' either. Today, I ran into three mums from little A's playgroup, all of whom were accompanied by their nannies. While the mums swam their laps in the Olympic size pool, the babes were trussed into swim gear and led out to the baby pool, by their nannies. By the time most of the mums arrived at the baby pool to play, little A and I were on our way out, as I generally keep our swim time to 30 minutes (that's enough to make little A's skin wrinkled and raisin-like). Just an observation...no judgements...perhaps one day I will show up at the pool with Malou. Only time will tell.
I did receive a very warm reception from a three to four year old local boy (today was obviously a busy day at the pool, as we usual have the entire place to ourselves). I have seen this little boy before (with his dad...on the 'ladies only day'). He has a younger brother (about a year younger I think...minimum 10 months!!). Well, as little A and I were about to leave the baby pool, he waded over to me, and...wait for it...extended his hand for a handshake. I was a bit shocked at first, as I think this is the first 'contact' I have had with a local...but within nanoseconds I regained my poise, and shook his hand happily. This apparently made his day, as he gave me a big grin and then waded away, with further hand gestures (which I took to be filled with kindness and love). I don't believe he spoke a word of English...but I'm sure we'll have more future interactions, now that the ice has been broken.
P came home from work with 'chills' and has been bed-ridden ever since. So, he's called it an 'early night' (I believe he's been asleep since 4:30 pm). After feeding little A her dinner (absolutely no fruit would go down tonight, no matter how much ice cream I tried to hide it under), I sent her off to bed. I believe she was quite tired from the swimming, so that likely helped to send her off to dreamland. Today, she sat on my dressing table stool, and sang a song about sweet dreams...it was very long--and absolutely darling. I hope she's having some sweet dreams (and continues to have them all the way to 6:30 in the morning).
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
"I love it...!"
This is little A's other newest phrase. She loves everything: her robe, her Phinny, her Dora, her play doh...she's all about the love.
Sigh...if only we were ALL like that!
Had a great visit with my friend Sharon, back from her three weeks in the UK, with the elder two back in school. Little A enjoys Grace quite a bit, so it's nice and easy to have 'play dates' with our girls (she is within walking distance).
Little A slept until 7 a.m. this morning, and was JUST waking up as I went to check on her. Unfortunately, she did not sleep for the rest of the day. After listening to 'mommy where ARE you?' for 20 minutes, I gave up and brought her back downstairs.
We went to Dubai this afternoon for my morphology scan. She had a little nap in the car, but woke up when we hit the city limits. We got stuck in some terrible traffic, which P insists no longer exists in Dubai. However, neither of us could figure what was causing the jam, as suddenly it just cleared and all the lanes started flowing.
The ultrasound was very exciting. So very different from back home. First off, my obgyn, Dr. Yuliya (the fetal ultrasound expert) performed it, and she showed us all of the items she was checking for. It's amazing how she could identify so many different things. Our little baby is so active and was moving and kicking the entire time. He also kept his face covered with either his hands or his feet quite a bit.
Dr. Yuliya did not see any soft markers for Down's, and didn't see any need for me to have an amnio done. However, she said that she would perform one for me, at my request, if I felt the need. Also no cleft palate or any other abnormalities. She says the baby is actually measuring 22 weeks, and pushed our due date to January 9, 2010. I feel that possibly this will be another small baby, and that we're still likely to have him in the end of December. But...I'm not the professional. And the baby will arrive whenever nature calls him forward.
Little A was excellent during the scan. She sat and watched Blue's Clues on my cell phone. She showed minimal interest in the scan, though I saw her watching the wand on my uterus closely. She was probably afraid that she had one of those 'babies' in her belly too!!
I really enjoyed watching the baby yawning. That was cute!
Unlike little A's 3-D ultrasound, where we could clearly predict that she would have her daddy's nose...this little guy is a mystery. We have received a cd with pictures and a full report (which we have not looked at yet). We will check it out tomorrow, when we all have some more energy.
Got home kind of late, and after a junky meal of banana bread, a few McD's fries, and then some pasta pieces at home, little A is done for the night. So am I. Just wanted to sit with my thoughts and memories for a bit before heading off to get ready to sleep.
Sigh...if only we were ALL like that!
Had a great visit with my friend Sharon, back from her three weeks in the UK, with the elder two back in school. Little A enjoys Grace quite a bit, so it's nice and easy to have 'play dates' with our girls (she is within walking distance).
Little A slept until 7 a.m. this morning, and was JUST waking up as I went to check on her. Unfortunately, she did not sleep for the rest of the day. After listening to 'mommy where ARE you?' for 20 minutes, I gave up and brought her back downstairs.
We went to Dubai this afternoon for my morphology scan. She had a little nap in the car, but woke up when we hit the city limits. We got stuck in some terrible traffic, which P insists no longer exists in Dubai. However, neither of us could figure what was causing the jam, as suddenly it just cleared and all the lanes started flowing.
The ultrasound was very exciting. So very different from back home. First off, my obgyn, Dr. Yuliya (the fetal ultrasound expert) performed it, and she showed us all of the items she was checking for. It's amazing how she could identify so many different things. Our little baby is so active and was moving and kicking the entire time. He also kept his face covered with either his hands or his feet quite a bit.
Dr. Yuliya did not see any soft markers for Down's, and didn't see any need for me to have an amnio done. However, she said that she would perform one for me, at my request, if I felt the need. Also no cleft palate or any other abnormalities. She says the baby is actually measuring 22 weeks, and pushed our due date to January 9, 2010. I feel that possibly this will be another small baby, and that we're still likely to have him in the end of December. But...I'm not the professional. And the baby will arrive whenever nature calls him forward.
Little A was excellent during the scan. She sat and watched Blue's Clues on my cell phone. She showed minimal interest in the scan, though I saw her watching the wand on my uterus closely. She was probably afraid that she had one of those 'babies' in her belly too!!
I really enjoyed watching the baby yawning. That was cute!
Unlike little A's 3-D ultrasound, where we could clearly predict that she would have her daddy's nose...this little guy is a mystery. We have received a cd with pictures and a full report (which we have not looked at yet). We will check it out tomorrow, when we all have some more energy.
Got home kind of late, and after a junky meal of banana bread, a few McD's fries, and then some pasta pieces at home, little A is done for the night. So am I. Just wanted to sit with my thoughts and memories for a bit before heading off to get ready to sleep.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Pappa eat some stinky fish
This is something that little A says, that cracks us both up. She says it whenever she reads her 'chinese noodle' (aka "Chinese New Year") lift-a-flap book. This is one of her FAVOURITE books! She is a very smart and funny little monkey.
Not sure if I've mentioned how she has developed a love for the 'sleepers'. It is quite painful, as she wants to wear them all day long--even when we go out. Also, because it is so warm here, she actually only has four sleepers that fit...so, they are all in rotation right now. Currently, she is sleeping in her 'red' sleeper (at her request).
This morning little A and I took Phinn out for his first 'fall' walk. At 6:20 a.m., the weather was actually nice, with a little breeze (about 30 degrees or so I think). We didn't want to wear him out (he hasn't been walking in months) so we brought him home about ten minutes later. I should clarify that I was the ONLY one who didn't want to wear him out...little A wanted him to walk around the entire complex with us...but I convinced her it was in everyone's best interest to take him home, give him some water, and let him cool down. After a few tears (not mine or Phinn's), we left him at home, and went for round two of our stroll.
It was nice to run into my neighbour, Shawn, in the park. We met, as most dog people do, through the dogs. Harry (Shawn's dog) is very well-behaved, and he takes him to play fetch in the park in the mornings. Although Shawn has been around all summer, I haven't seen him at all. This is what happens to 'neigbhourhood friendships' in the summer heat of Abu Dhabi. So, I have invited him over for a visit, once her returns from his safari to Botswana in two weeks.
We spent the afternoon at the pool again. I was happy to discover another route (thanks to my gps) to get to the Officer's Club, without having to contend with the major traffic of 'the island'. As usual, we had the pool all to ourselves. Unfortunately, they forgot to turn on the heaters in the baby pool (I minded more than little A...she couldn't have cared less), and as nobody had been in the pool all day, they hadn't discovered this error.
We are also still up in the air wrt our housing. I have put in a request with 'the boss' that we have SOME knowledge of what we are doing by October 1 (it's always good to have a deadline).
The newest Lieu is doing well (or so it seems). I have learned that he is not into 'late eating' and prefers for us to stick to our early dinner schedule. The last two evenings we've been invited out for dinners, which were later than our usual 5:30 meal...and I haven't slept well the last two nights. I am very excited about our ultrasound scan on Tuesday. It seems that they make a dvd of the entire scan, which is then ours to keep (it's common practice here)...I remember that sort of thing cost a pretty penny back in Canada. I'm praying that everything will look great, and there will be no need to follow up with an amnio.
Not sure if I've mentioned how she has developed a love for the 'sleepers'. It is quite painful, as she wants to wear them all day long--even when we go out. Also, because it is so warm here, she actually only has four sleepers that fit...so, they are all in rotation right now. Currently, she is sleeping in her 'red' sleeper (at her request).
This morning little A and I took Phinn out for his first 'fall' walk. At 6:20 a.m., the weather was actually nice, with a little breeze (about 30 degrees or so I think). We didn't want to wear him out (he hasn't been walking in months) so we brought him home about ten minutes later. I should clarify that I was the ONLY one who didn't want to wear him out...little A wanted him to walk around the entire complex with us...but I convinced her it was in everyone's best interest to take him home, give him some water, and let him cool down. After a few tears (not mine or Phinn's), we left him at home, and went for round two of our stroll.
It was nice to run into my neighbour, Shawn, in the park. We met, as most dog people do, through the dogs. Harry (Shawn's dog) is very well-behaved, and he takes him to play fetch in the park in the mornings. Although Shawn has been around all summer, I haven't seen him at all. This is what happens to 'neigbhourhood friendships' in the summer heat of Abu Dhabi. So, I have invited him over for a visit, once her returns from his safari to Botswana in two weeks.
We spent the afternoon at the pool again. I was happy to discover another route (thanks to my gps) to get to the Officer's Club, without having to contend with the major traffic of 'the island'. As usual, we had the pool all to ourselves. Unfortunately, they forgot to turn on the heaters in the baby pool (I minded more than little A...she couldn't have cared less), and as nobody had been in the pool all day, they hadn't discovered this error.
We are also still up in the air wrt our housing. I have put in a request with 'the boss' that we have SOME knowledge of what we are doing by October 1 (it's always good to have a deadline).
The newest Lieu is doing well (or so it seems). I have learned that he is not into 'late eating' and prefers for us to stick to our early dinner schedule. The last two evenings we've been invited out for dinners, which were later than our usual 5:30 meal...and I haven't slept well the last two nights. I am very excited about our ultrasound scan on Tuesday. It seems that they make a dvd of the entire scan, which is then ours to keep (it's common practice here)...I remember that sort of thing cost a pretty penny back in Canada. I'm praying that everything will look great, and there will be no need to follow up with an amnio.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Great Weekend...to old friends and new friends
We had a great (and busy) weekend. We caught up with so many people (and Little A managed to sleep til past 6 a.m.).
Thursday night we were off to Shahama to see Drica and Antonio. Friday we had Hope, Rob and Faith pop over for an afternoon of painting and play. It is so nice to see Little A not being 'shy' and sharing all her toys and paint. The only tears that were shed, happened when Faith left the house with the pink slippers we loaned her (they are beautiful, every little girl's a dream...a gift from Amara's Mammiji...sadly, just too small, though that didn't stop her from wearing them around). Saturday, I was reunited with my friend Farzana and her husband, back from her vacation to Scotland. Then, in the evening, we spent time with our friend Lisa (who is moving back home to Canada) and we were joined by our neighbours from across the lane, Michael and Sara (a young German couple).
Very busy, but also very fun weekend!! Kind of felt like being 'home' for once--sharing good laughs and conversation with friends!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
koo-koo very MUCH!
This is one of the new phrases little A has been using this week. I made her several play-do bunnies, and for each and every one, she exclaimed with delight "koo koo very MUCH" (translation: thank-you very much). The maintenance guys came to fix our port in one of our bedrooms and as they were leaving, you could hear a small voice singing out 'koo koo very MUCH', as the door was closing on them. It's just so darling!
Today's phrase (I believe the words are mine, but the tone is definitely her pappa's): "What are you talking about?". It is usually said with a furrowed brow (she inherited that from her dad and has been making the face since birth...it's genetic I think). She's been asking me and Malou this question all day, even when it is irrelevant.
Another essential conversational phrase in our home: "Phinny no wicking me" (see also "Phinny no kissing me"). Apparently Phinny is being overly affectionate with her, and gives her lots of licks, hence, "Phinny no wicking me".
We have joined the Officer's Club, and little A and I have been to the pool twice. We opted to go on "Ladies Only" swim days, in the case that my immodest swim wear may be offensive to the locals (it's a maternity swimsuit, topped off with a too tight swim cap...junior size...while I wait for my shipment from the US). It seems that the Club is not too strict on enforcing the "Ladies Only" policy, as both days we have gone, there has been a man in the pool.
Little A loves swimming and I'm glad to be able to take her regularly now. The baby pool is quite nice--the water is heated and the pool is indoors. Today we hopped around in the bigger tank as well (there was nobody there other than a lifeguard doing lengths) and she really seemed to enjoy it. She sat on the big red slide, and gleefully jumped into my arms.
We spent the first day of Ramadan (Saturday) eating all afternoon long (in the privacy of our friends' villa of course), at our friends Monique and Mark (an Australian-American couple, with two little boys), and watching a rugby final. It was Australia versus New Zealand, and they invited three other families: one Australian, and the other two from New Zealand. We, as Canadians, were neutral. P got into the rugby, and really enjoyed the action. I was very impressed by the fitness of the athletes...very big quads and pecs, but spent most of the time with little A ('home now' is also one of her expressions which she usually pulls out about two minutes after we arrive in somebody's home) trying to distract her (with food and toys). Everyone was so lovely. It was a great afternoon, and it felt very easy and comfortable...just like home. A great way to usher in the first day of Ramadan.
Last night P felt his son kick for the first time. I have been feeling it for quite some time now, and have been waiting for him to be able to enjoy it as well. I have moved down into our guest bedroom now to sleep. My hip has been giving me a great deal of pain (again), so a few nights ago, when I had to hold the banister to drag myself up the stairs, I decided I wouldn't bother and would just sleep on the main floor. The next morning, I woke up, and though the pain was still there, it was dramatically reduced. Then I remembered...I think the SAME THING happened to me during my FIRST pregnancy. We had just purchased the tempurpedic bed, and I began to experience extreme pain in my back and hips. Then, after moving to our old bed, with a firmer mattress, the symptoms were greatly alleviated. I think there is something about the tempurpedic-how it is engineered to fill in your curves...when your pregnant there are so many more curves...and so much more weight..that things can get out of alignment very easily if you don't get the right amount of support. Plus...now I don't get woken up when little A starts calling out for 'momma' in her sleep on the baby monitor (P just keeps on sleeping through).
Still really enjoying True Blood. What a great show...and each episode just leaves you hanging!! I wish I had the box-set of books...I could devour them so quickly. I wonder if we'll ever see an episode where Jason Stackhouse manages to keep his shirt on for the ENTIRE episode? Although..if you've got it...
Speaking of books, I have just finished "The Holy Woman". It was heartbreaking (but with a happy ending), and I sobbed my way through to the finish. This book resulted in me losing hours of sleep (as I stayed up late to read and sometimes read during my morning 'nap time'). I would recommend it to anyone. I have heard there is a second book called "Typhoon"...I will have to try and get my hands on it. I have also been trying to read about the Mad Trapper, (apparently an infamous Canadian historical figure who neither of us had ever heard of until my friend Barbara told us about her new writing project...what ARE they teaching in schools these days??), but this has been difficult as P is also trying to read the same book at the same time...so it keeps disappearing on me. My friend Barbara also sent me her latest ghost stories book...but it freaks me out, so I never read it before bed...I can only read a few stories at a time before I have redirect my attention elsewhere. Malou, on the other hand, gobbled this book up (much like "Haunted Hotels"...she loves non-fiction...especially scary non-fiction).
Today's phrase (I believe the words are mine, but the tone is definitely her pappa's): "What are you talking about?". It is usually said with a furrowed brow (she inherited that from her dad and has been making the face since birth...it's genetic I think). She's been asking me and Malou this question all day, even when it is irrelevant.
Another essential conversational phrase in our home: "Phinny no wicking me" (see also "Phinny no kissing me"). Apparently Phinny is being overly affectionate with her, and gives her lots of licks, hence, "Phinny no wicking me".
We have joined the Officer's Club, and little A and I have been to the pool twice. We opted to go on "Ladies Only" swim days, in the case that my immodest swim wear may be offensive to the locals (it's a maternity swimsuit, topped off with a too tight swim cap...junior size...while I wait for my shipment from the US). It seems that the Club is not too strict on enforcing the "Ladies Only" policy, as both days we have gone, there has been a man in the pool.
Little A loves swimming and I'm glad to be able to take her regularly now. The baby pool is quite nice--the water is heated and the pool is indoors. Today we hopped around in the bigger tank as well (there was nobody there other than a lifeguard doing lengths) and she really seemed to enjoy it. She sat on the big red slide, and gleefully jumped into my arms.
We spent the first day of Ramadan (Saturday) eating all afternoon long (in the privacy of our friends' villa of course), at our friends Monique and Mark (an Australian-American couple, with two little boys), and watching a rugby final. It was Australia versus New Zealand, and they invited three other families: one Australian, and the other two from New Zealand. We, as Canadians, were neutral. P got into the rugby, and really enjoyed the action. I was very impressed by the fitness of the athletes...very big quads and pecs, but spent most of the time with little A ('home now' is also one of her expressions which she usually pulls out about two minutes after we arrive in somebody's home) trying to distract her (with food and toys). Everyone was so lovely. It was a great afternoon, and it felt very easy and comfortable...just like home. A great way to usher in the first day of Ramadan.
Last night P felt his son kick for the first time. I have been feeling it for quite some time now, and have been waiting for him to be able to enjoy it as well. I have moved down into our guest bedroom now to sleep. My hip has been giving me a great deal of pain (again), so a few nights ago, when I had to hold the banister to drag myself up the stairs, I decided I wouldn't bother and would just sleep on the main floor. The next morning, I woke up, and though the pain was still there, it was dramatically reduced. Then I remembered...I think the SAME THING happened to me during my FIRST pregnancy. We had just purchased the tempurpedic bed, and I began to experience extreme pain in my back and hips. Then, after moving to our old bed, with a firmer mattress, the symptoms were greatly alleviated. I think there is something about the tempurpedic-how it is engineered to fill in your curves...when your pregnant there are so many more curves...and so much more weight..that things can get out of alignment very easily if you don't get the right amount of support. Plus...now I don't get woken up when little A starts calling out for 'momma' in her sleep on the baby monitor (P just keeps on sleeping through).
Still really enjoying True Blood. What a great show...and each episode just leaves you hanging!! I wish I had the box-set of books...I could devour them so quickly. I wonder if we'll ever see an episode where Jason Stackhouse manages to keep his shirt on for the ENTIRE episode? Although..if you've got it...
Speaking of books, I have just finished "The Holy Woman". It was heartbreaking (but with a happy ending), and I sobbed my way through to the finish. This book resulted in me losing hours of sleep (as I stayed up late to read and sometimes read during my morning 'nap time'). I would recommend it to anyone. I have heard there is a second book called "Typhoon"...I will have to try and get my hands on it. I have also been trying to read about the Mad Trapper, (apparently an infamous Canadian historical figure who neither of us had ever heard of until my friend Barbara told us about her new writing project...what ARE they teaching in schools these days??), but this has been difficult as P is also trying to read the same book at the same time...so it keeps disappearing on me. My friend Barbara also sent me her latest ghost stories book...but it freaks me out, so I never read it before bed...I can only read a few stories at a time before I have redirect my attention elsewhere. Malou, on the other hand, gobbled this book up (much like "Haunted Hotels"...she loves non-fiction...especially scary non-fiction).
Sunday, August 16, 2009
My New Addressbook
I've spent an hour writing down addresses the 'old-fashioned way' in my new address book, which cost 21 aed. How can I STILL be missing some of my friends mailing addresses?? How is it even possible?
It's a thing of beauty, and unlike my palm pilot, it will never 'crash'. It might burn in a fire, or get soaked and all the letters might blur...but the day will never come when I will press the power button and nothing will happen.
Yes...too bad my back-up on the hard-drive was wiped out when the hard-drive crashed.
It's a thing of beauty, and unlike my palm pilot, it will never 'crash'. It might burn in a fire, or get soaked and all the letters might blur...but the day will never come when I will press the power button and nothing will happen.
Yes...too bad my back-up on the hard-drive was wiped out when the hard-drive crashed.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
And I thought I was past the 'smells make me sick' phase...
I was so happy with the passing of the first trimester, as I could welcome food back into my life (without throwing up at the smell).
Well...how wrong was I??
We came home this afternoon and were greeted by the smell of something seriously rotten throughout our home. Seriously, P noticed it first, and was disgusted by it. He immediately (and correctly) blamed Malou, and then it fell to me (as the 'ma'am') to 'speak to her' about it.
So here's the conversation:
Me: Malou, do you smell something?
Malou: Smell? You smell something ma'am?
Me: Yes, there is a very strong smell here. Did you cook something while we were out?
Malou: No. You smell something bad ma'am?
Me: Yes. Very bad. You didn't have any food while we were out?
Malou: Yes ma'am. You can smell it?
Me: Yes Malou. It's very strong. The whole house smells like it.
Malou: Oh. I just eat dried fish. The smell is very strong...?
Me: Yes Malou. Next time please turn on the fan and close the kitchen door. That's what we do whenever we cook food that smells strong.
Apparently, this extremely malodorous food was dried fish (apologies to any of my friends who enjoy this food...no offence intended but I'm sure you will agree...it isn't the most pleasant smelling food on the face of the earth). If you've ever smelled Chinese fish sauce and find the smell repugnant, multiply the smell by 12 and that's what our house smelled like. Otherwise, substitute in something you find extremely off-putting scent-wise, multiply it, and there you go.
This was sent to her from her mom in the Philippines, carried over in her friend's luggage (where I'm sure the environment was temperature controlled!) and then hand-delivered here, where it has likely been stored in her closet (in a room where often, the temperature often soars high above the 30's--my direct orders to keep the a/c to 27 are often ignored). So, I also had a word with her about how little interest I have in repeating the 'food poisoning incident' of last week (although, seriously, I cannot imagine that even listeria would want to live on that fish!!).
After much a/c, kitchen fan on high and then a spritz of odour neutralizer spray (which I hate to use...just more chemicals in the house) the house was just getting back to good.
That's when P decided it was time to heat up his goat/lamb curry...
Well...how wrong was I??
We came home this afternoon and were greeted by the smell of something seriously rotten throughout our home. Seriously, P noticed it first, and was disgusted by it. He immediately (and correctly) blamed Malou, and then it fell to me (as the 'ma'am') to 'speak to her' about it.
So here's the conversation:
Me: Malou, do you smell something?
Malou: Smell? You smell something ma'am?
Me: Yes, there is a very strong smell here. Did you cook something while we were out?
Malou: No. You smell something bad ma'am?
Me: Yes. Very bad. You didn't have any food while we were out?
Malou: Yes ma'am. You can smell it?
Me: Yes Malou. It's very strong. The whole house smells like it.
Malou: Oh. I just eat dried fish. The smell is very strong...?
Me: Yes Malou. Next time please turn on the fan and close the kitchen door. That's what we do whenever we cook food that smells strong.
Apparently, this extremely malodorous food was dried fish (apologies to any of my friends who enjoy this food...no offence intended but I'm sure you will agree...it isn't the most pleasant smelling food on the face of the earth). If you've ever smelled Chinese fish sauce and find the smell repugnant, multiply the smell by 12 and that's what our house smelled like. Otherwise, substitute in something you find extremely off-putting scent-wise, multiply it, and there you go.
This was sent to her from her mom in the Philippines, carried over in her friend's luggage (where I'm sure the environment was temperature controlled!) and then hand-delivered here, where it has likely been stored in her closet (in a room where often, the temperature often soars high above the 30's--my direct orders to keep the a/c to 27 are often ignored). So, I also had a word with her about how little interest I have in repeating the 'food poisoning incident' of last week (although, seriously, I cannot imagine that even listeria would want to live on that fish!!).
After much a/c, kitchen fan on high and then a spritz of odour neutralizer spray (which I hate to use...just more chemicals in the house) the house was just getting back to good.
That's when P decided it was time to heat up his goat/lamb curry...
Friday, August 14, 2009
Donut Peaches
When we lived in Canada, we were not able to afford the flashy and pricey 'donut peaches' which would appear seasonally in Safeway. Imagine my surprise when I discovered "Angeer Peaches" aka "Donut Peaches" aka "Saturn Peaches" being sold at my local Lulu Express for 6.95aed/kg (when the regular peaches were 10.95aed/kg. I picked handfuls of these peaches, popped them in my bag, and took them home where little A and I (and much later P) enjoy them by the mouthful. Now, I have noticed the prices have increased to 8.95aed/kg, but, nonetheless, for the amount of enjoyment we all experience when we eat them, the extra 2 dirham is worthwhile.
Just coming off day 4 of a miserable cold (the second since my return from England). Possibly the fresh British air has compromised my system, which at this point is only used to breathing in air conditioning. Whatever it is, I'm happy to have an appointment with (what seems on paper to be) a competent obgyn in Dubai on the 17th. I'm very excited to have a look at my baby, and make sure that everything is healthy.
P has been glasses free for a week now. Last Thursday he had the lasik procedure performed. Little A and I shopped (and got some great deals I might add) at the Next store, and then stopped in at the Rotana Hotel for some lunch, while P had the work done. Then we drove him home, and the stress began. It seems he had been prescribed three different kinds of eyedrops, and the pharmacy in the main floor of the building where the operation was carried out, was closed (Abu Dhabi split shift...very common). We stopped in at the New Al Noor Hospital pharmacy (trip 1), who carried two out of three of his prescriptions. Unfortunately, they had never heard of and did not carry the third (and all important) antibiotic eyedrop. Three pharmacies and two hours later, I learned that the ONLY pharmacy in Abu Dhabi carrying the eyedrop P required, was the one in the main floor of the building where the surgery happened. Since this would have been a 45 minute drive (each way...traffic), the pharmacist offered me the approved alternative (which, later on we found to be a much better antibiotic than the prescribed one).
So, P was in recovery and out of commission on Friday and Saturday. On Friday, I was awoken from my nap to learn that Malou was experiencing extreme stomache cramps and would need to be taken to the hospital. Thankfully, my friend Louise was spending the night, and she helped get Malou into the car (where fortunately, she did NOT throw up) and accompanied me to the new Al Noor Hospital (trip 2), where Malou was determined to have food poisoning, as was put on an iv drip for glucose and pain killers. Though she claims she did not eat anything out, it was odd that none of the rest of us in the house got sick (as we've all been eating the same home-cooking all week--no kidding--I 'meal-planned'!!!). So, I left her there to get her drip (not wise for a pregnant lady to sit around in the E/R), and picked her up (trip 3) two hours later, all better, with three different prescriptions.
On Sunday, Little A had her doctor's appointment (trip 4 NANH), and we learned that she is a healthy and intelligent two year-old. She is small (5th percentile) but proportionately so, and the doctor felt this was of no concern. He feels that if P's genes kick in, she will be 5'4" (an average height) at best. At worst, she'll be as tall as me. But everything went well. He recommended that we get her Hep A shots (trip 5 NANH)and a chickenpox booster, as apparently those are the two most serious illnesses in this region. We got her the Hep A shot on Tuesday (after I conferred with my medical professionals back home) and will hold off on the chicken pox booster until I am no longer pregnant (probably get her and her sibling done together).
She didn't even cry when she got her needle!! She's so brave!! I told her it would be a pinch (and then gave her a little soft pinch) and she was just a doll!!
Personal goal for next week: do not go to the New Al Noor Hospital (not even once)
Just coming off day 4 of a miserable cold (the second since my return from England). Possibly the fresh British air has compromised my system, which at this point is only used to breathing in air conditioning. Whatever it is, I'm happy to have an appointment with (what seems on paper to be) a competent obgyn in Dubai on the 17th. I'm very excited to have a look at my baby, and make sure that everything is healthy.
P has been glasses free for a week now. Last Thursday he had the lasik procedure performed. Little A and I shopped (and got some great deals I might add) at the Next store, and then stopped in at the Rotana Hotel for some lunch, while P had the work done. Then we drove him home, and the stress began. It seems he had been prescribed three different kinds of eyedrops, and the pharmacy in the main floor of the building where the operation was carried out, was closed (Abu Dhabi split shift...very common). We stopped in at the New Al Noor Hospital pharmacy (trip 1), who carried two out of three of his prescriptions. Unfortunately, they had never heard of and did not carry the third (and all important) antibiotic eyedrop. Three pharmacies and two hours later, I learned that the ONLY pharmacy in Abu Dhabi carrying the eyedrop P required, was the one in the main floor of the building where the surgery happened. Since this would have been a 45 minute drive (each way...traffic), the pharmacist offered me the approved alternative (which, later on we found to be a much better antibiotic than the prescribed one).
So, P was in recovery and out of commission on Friday and Saturday. On Friday, I was awoken from my nap to learn that Malou was experiencing extreme stomache cramps and would need to be taken to the hospital. Thankfully, my friend Louise was spending the night, and she helped get Malou into the car (where fortunately, she did NOT throw up) and accompanied me to the new Al Noor Hospital (trip 2), where Malou was determined to have food poisoning, as was put on an iv drip for glucose and pain killers. Though she claims she did not eat anything out, it was odd that none of the rest of us in the house got sick (as we've all been eating the same home-cooking all week--no kidding--I 'meal-planned'!!!). So, I left her there to get her drip (not wise for a pregnant lady to sit around in the E/R), and picked her up (trip 3) two hours later, all better, with three different prescriptions.
On Sunday, Little A had her doctor's appointment (trip 4 NANH), and we learned that she is a healthy and intelligent two year-old. She is small (5th percentile) but proportionately so, and the doctor felt this was of no concern. He feels that if P's genes kick in, she will be 5'4" (an average height) at best. At worst, she'll be as tall as me. But everything went well. He recommended that we get her Hep A shots (trip 5 NANH)and a chickenpox booster, as apparently those are the two most serious illnesses in this region. We got her the Hep A shot on Tuesday (after I conferred with my medical professionals back home) and will hold off on the chicken pox booster until I am no longer pregnant (probably get her and her sibling done together).
She didn't even cry when she got her needle!! She's so brave!! I told her it would be a pinch (and then gave her a little soft pinch) and she was just a doll!!
Personal goal for next week: do not go to the New Al Noor Hospital (not even once)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
My Summer Vacation
So, we spent a month (or just a little under) in the United Kingdom: Loch Lomond, Edinburgh, Surrey, Farnham, Brighton and Central London. Though at times, travelling with a picky eating toddler was tough, we really enjoyed ourselves. The scenery of Scotland, particularly Loch Lomond, was amazing, and reminded me of our very own mountain range, the Rockys. We spent our days making short little trips out from our cottage, and little A was introduced to a new variety of cow: the highland cow. She also enjoyed seeing sheep, regular cows, swans and ducks, on a daily basis.
My little girl's language really took off on this trip. Starting with 'this one' before we left, she expanded her sentences all the way to include: "no papa, move feet, dirty" giving her daddy's feet a shove off of my lap, and making us both burst into laughter. She also regularly used 'I sigh' to alert me when she felt uncomfortable around strangers, and more endearingly "I sigh papa" when she didn't want to go to her dad. Despite her previously sleeping issues, and all the sleeping she had to do in different locations, she did a fabulous job sleeping on this holiday (especially in Scotland, which I attribute to all the fresh air and the time she spent in it).
There were some big things that happened while we were on vacation. Before I went to bed one night, P informed me that Farah Fawcett had passed away. When I woke up in the morning, he told me that Michael Jackson had also died. The second passing far eclipsed the first in my mind. Oddly enough, we had been discussing the set of concerts he had scheduled the day before, with P expressing interest in going. I shrugged off the question of whether I wanted to go or not, and said (in a pre-cognitive kind of way) that I didn't think Michael would go through with the concerts; I had already read he was extremely stressed about the prospects of performing so many in such a short period of time (I believe it was 50). I told P that it was likely they would be called off due to 'exhaustion' or some other reason. However, the death of the artist was not one of the reasons I considered.
Like most, I found myself deeply saddened by the passing. I have always felt that Michael Jackson was the only wealthy person that I could feel sorry for. He had lived this amazing life, created some of the best music in the history of the world, and done a lot of positive things for mankind, and yet, he was doomed to live an unhappy life. He could never really enjoy any of it, as all of the sacrifices he made to get where he was, extracted a great toll on him. We spent some time watching the memorial in Brighton, while little A slept, and I found myself deeply moved by the sentiments expressed by some (Brooke Shields, Smoky Robinson and finally at the end, Marlon Jackson). Obviously, I feel sadness and fear for the 'Jackson 3' that Michael has left behind...as messed up as they would've likely been being raised by MJ...I think the prospects of being raised by Grandma, without the anonymity they used to have, is far more frightening. I guess only time will tell...perhaps she will have learned something from the past, and will do right by these children.
Where ever Michael Jackson may be now, I wish him the peace that eluded him so much in this life.
There are so many more things to share about our holiday...but I am feeling a little tired myself now, and since Little A has finally gone to sleep (at least I hope that's what the 30 minutes of quiet is indicating), I think I might go and join her. Although there is so much I want to do in this 'me' time (while little A sleeps) I feel the best thing I can do is rest, for the little one that is growing and relying on my body to fulfill its needs.
My little girl's language really took off on this trip. Starting with 'this one' before we left, she expanded her sentences all the way to include: "no papa, move feet, dirty" giving her daddy's feet a shove off of my lap, and making us both burst into laughter. She also regularly used 'I sigh' to alert me when she felt uncomfortable around strangers, and more endearingly "I sigh papa" when she didn't want to go to her dad. Despite her previously sleeping issues, and all the sleeping she had to do in different locations, she did a fabulous job sleeping on this holiday (especially in Scotland, which I attribute to all the fresh air and the time she spent in it).
There were some big things that happened while we were on vacation. Before I went to bed one night, P informed me that Farah Fawcett had passed away. When I woke up in the morning, he told me that Michael Jackson had also died. The second passing far eclipsed the first in my mind. Oddly enough, we had been discussing the set of concerts he had scheduled the day before, with P expressing interest in going. I shrugged off the question of whether I wanted to go or not, and said (in a pre-cognitive kind of way) that I didn't think Michael would go through with the concerts; I had already read he was extremely stressed about the prospects of performing so many in such a short period of time (I believe it was 50). I told P that it was likely they would be called off due to 'exhaustion' or some other reason. However, the death of the artist was not one of the reasons I considered.
Like most, I found myself deeply saddened by the passing. I have always felt that Michael Jackson was the only wealthy person that I could feel sorry for. He had lived this amazing life, created some of the best music in the history of the world, and done a lot of positive things for mankind, and yet, he was doomed to live an unhappy life. He could never really enjoy any of it, as all of the sacrifices he made to get where he was, extracted a great toll on him. We spent some time watching the memorial in Brighton, while little A slept, and I found myself deeply moved by the sentiments expressed by some (Brooke Shields, Smoky Robinson and finally at the end, Marlon Jackson). Obviously, I feel sadness and fear for the 'Jackson 3' that Michael has left behind...as messed up as they would've likely been being raised by MJ...I think the prospects of being raised by Grandma, without the anonymity they used to have, is far more frightening. I guess only time will tell...perhaps she will have learned something from the past, and will do right by these children.
Where ever Michael Jackson may be now, I wish him the peace that eluded him so much in this life.
There are so many more things to share about our holiday...but I am feeling a little tired myself now, and since Little A has finally gone to sleep (at least I hope that's what the 30 minutes of quiet is indicating), I think I might go and join her. Although there is so much I want to do in this 'me' time (while little A sleeps) I feel the best thing I can do is rest, for the little one that is growing and relying on my body to fulfill its needs.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
long time no blog...
So...here are the few thoughts floating around in my mind that (if I had some extra energy) I might really sit down and ponder:
1. My mom's brother passed away. She is obviously devastated. It made me think about when her other brother passed away (also very unexpectedly). I had just gotten married and was coming 'home' to take Oliver for a walk (something I think I did every day until my parents moved to Red Deer and I took Oliver full-time). She was still very upset at me b/c of my marriage, and usually was very non-chalant whenever I came home. This time, she just kept following me around and staying close to me...and I could feel that something was wrong. Though she probably didn't even greet me when I arrived, I could tell that something 'heavy' was coming, and she just burst out with the story of her brother's death. I'm sure I was the last person she wanted to get support from at that time...unfortunately, b/c my dad was working in Forestburg, and my brother was in Calgary, I was all she had. So, I did the best I could. I am sad to not be able to offer her more this time.
2. My friend Drica's baby Benjamin. Drica is the epitome of the relaxed Brazillian. She had an scheduled c-section and this morning at 6:00 a.m. went into the hospital to deliver Benjamin. I was at the hospital having a blood test when something clicked in my brain that today was the 28th...and the date Benjamin was going to be born. So, I popped up to the maternity ward, and there she was: a room full of people, her daughter Luz crying and screaming to fight to retain all that had been exclusively hers, and Drica lying in the bed, in the middle of it all...just relaxed and breast-feeding the new and tiny Benjamin. She had even packed 'gifts' for all of her hospital visitors...man...is THAT what an epidural does??
3. Housemaid woes. My friend Sharon is having them. She had a whopper of a story today that began with a trip to Dubai, and ended with her housemaid getting slapped in the face and thrown out. In the middle, there was a man hiding in her 2 year old daughter's bedroom, and a housemaid who entertained men in her free-time (read into that what you will...we're not exactly sure WHAT was going on...and we're not entirely sure we want to know).
4. Butterflies. Today Malou caught a beautiful black and yellow butterly for A. She put it into her bug-tent to show her. Little A. was delighted, but also scared (which she tells me by tapping her chest and saying 'Mama scared'). Sadly, the butterfly had a damaged wing (BEFORE Malou caught it, not as a result of) and is likely on her last legs. She also looks very pregnant...so, before we went to bed, we took her out of the bug tent and let her rest in the flowers...
5. The end of nursing. It's very hard to listen to your child screaming for her 'mama'...and begging for 'mewk'...and wanting to give it to her, but knowing the time has come for your wee one to start sleeping through the night. Everyone says I would just KNOW when the time was right...and I feel like it is...but the wailing and the cries...it's heartbreaking.
6. Summer holiday plans. It's too damn hot. We are looking forward to our trip to the UK in June. We've got house-sitting (and house-maid sitting) worked out, and now it's time to just tick off the days on the calender. We're heading to Scotland first (Loch Lomond) and then to England (where we will visit with my family and tour around the countryside).
And I think that's all I can think about thinking about right now. Still not really feeling 'settled' into this life. The heat makes me feel like a prisoner of the villa...but, I'm reserving judgement for a year (although P would tell you I have pronounced many judgements already).
Not sure if anyone is even following my blog anymore...it's been so long since I've updated it...I can see how even my '1 follower' (thank-you Cindy) may have fallen off to the wayside. But, as you can see...I'm still here.
1. My mom's brother passed away. She is obviously devastated. It made me think about when her other brother passed away (also very unexpectedly). I had just gotten married and was coming 'home' to take Oliver for a walk (something I think I did every day until my parents moved to Red Deer and I took Oliver full-time). She was still very upset at me b/c of my marriage, and usually was very non-chalant whenever I came home. This time, she just kept following me around and staying close to me...and I could feel that something was wrong. Though she probably didn't even greet me when I arrived, I could tell that something 'heavy' was coming, and she just burst out with the story of her brother's death. I'm sure I was the last person she wanted to get support from at that time...unfortunately, b/c my dad was working in Forestburg, and my brother was in Calgary, I was all she had. So, I did the best I could. I am sad to not be able to offer her more this time.
2. My friend Drica's baby Benjamin. Drica is the epitome of the relaxed Brazillian. She had an scheduled c-section and this morning at 6:00 a.m. went into the hospital to deliver Benjamin. I was at the hospital having a blood test when something clicked in my brain that today was the 28th...and the date Benjamin was going to be born. So, I popped up to the maternity ward, and there she was: a room full of people, her daughter Luz crying and screaming to fight to retain all that had been exclusively hers, and Drica lying in the bed, in the middle of it all...just relaxed and breast-feeding the new and tiny Benjamin. She had even packed 'gifts' for all of her hospital visitors...man...is THAT what an epidural does??
3. Housemaid woes. My friend Sharon is having them. She had a whopper of a story today that began with a trip to Dubai, and ended with her housemaid getting slapped in the face and thrown out. In the middle, there was a man hiding in her 2 year old daughter's bedroom, and a housemaid who entertained men in her free-time (read into that what you will...we're not exactly sure WHAT was going on...and we're not entirely sure we want to know).
4. Butterflies. Today Malou caught a beautiful black and yellow butterly for A. She put it into her bug-tent to show her. Little A. was delighted, but also scared (which she tells me by tapping her chest and saying 'Mama scared'). Sadly, the butterfly had a damaged wing (BEFORE Malou caught it, not as a result of) and is likely on her last legs. She also looks very pregnant...so, before we went to bed, we took her out of the bug tent and let her rest in the flowers...
5. The end of nursing. It's very hard to listen to your child screaming for her 'mama'...and begging for 'mewk'...and wanting to give it to her, but knowing the time has come for your wee one to start sleeping through the night. Everyone says I would just KNOW when the time was right...and I feel like it is...but the wailing and the cries...it's heartbreaking.
6. Summer holiday plans. It's too damn hot. We are looking forward to our trip to the UK in June. We've got house-sitting (and house-maid sitting) worked out, and now it's time to just tick off the days on the calender. We're heading to Scotland first (Loch Lomond) and then to England (where we will visit with my family and tour around the countryside).
And I think that's all I can think about thinking about right now. Still not really feeling 'settled' into this life. The heat makes me feel like a prisoner of the villa...but, I'm reserving judgement for a year (although P would tell you I have pronounced many judgements already).
Not sure if anyone is even following my blog anymore...it's been so long since I've updated it...I can see how even my '1 follower' (thank-you Cindy) may have fallen off to the wayside. But, as you can see...I'm still here.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter in AD
Yesterday we attended an Easter party in Shahama. My friend Drica, is a very pregnant Brazillian estate agent. I can't believe how she was hustling around in the heat (I believe 38 degrees yesterday around 3:30 in the afternoon). She also purchased two baby bunnies just for the occasion. Little A was thrilled and spent some QT with the little bunnies. Just before we left for home, Drica had arranged an easter-egg hunt. Litle A caught on quickly and enjoyed finding three colourfully foiled chocolate "andahs" (punjabi for 'eggs'). Fortunately, she doesn't know that the foil wrapper comes off...yet.
Today we co-hosted the playgroup at our house. Little A had a fever throughout the night, and we were up getting Tylenol, and taking temperatures. This morning we were both a little exhausted and out of sorts. However, with the help of Malou and all the mums who brought their inflatable pools, I think we celebrated a very happy Easter Sunday with friends. Little A flatly refused to enter into any of the pools (though, as we type she is happily taking an indoor dip in her round, red tub...used as an 'indoor pool'). I think that she gets a little uncomfortable when there are a lot of other children around (an ideal group size for her is probably 3 or 4).
New word of the week is 'num'-often accompanied by a hand gesture, 'num' is how she asks us to 'come' with her to do things
She was also pleased as punch last week, when she called Phinny to 'num' by bending down, slapping her knee, and beckoning him with her hand. To his credit, Phinn DID come (what a good boy!!).
We attended another birthday party, this time for our neighbour Grace. I had the opportunity to get to know Sharon (New Zealand), Erica (S. Africa), Ursula (Germany), Jeane (UK) and Maiko (Japan) a little bit better. It was nice to have some ladies to talk to about Abu Dhabi life a little bit more. Though we've all come from different places, it was nice to spend an afternoon having 'girl-talk' (even though there were also toddlers and children to be tended to).
Looks like another sandstorm is brewing. While little A was playing in her red tub, I noticed the window in front of her darken. In the seconds it took for me to get up and ask Malou to take down the umbrella...BAM! the wind and sand are going crazy.
Time to go now...Little A is 'all done'!
Today we co-hosted the playgroup at our house. Little A had a fever throughout the night, and we were up getting Tylenol, and taking temperatures. This morning we were both a little exhausted and out of sorts. However, with the help of Malou and all the mums who brought their inflatable pools, I think we celebrated a very happy Easter Sunday with friends. Little A flatly refused to enter into any of the pools (though, as we type she is happily taking an indoor dip in her round, red tub...used as an 'indoor pool'). I think that she gets a little uncomfortable when there are a lot of other children around (an ideal group size for her is probably 3 or 4).
New word of the week is 'num'-often accompanied by a hand gesture, 'num' is how she asks us to 'come' with her to do things
She was also pleased as punch last week, when she called Phinny to 'num' by bending down, slapping her knee, and beckoning him with her hand. To his credit, Phinn DID come (what a good boy!!).
We attended another birthday party, this time for our neighbour Grace. I had the opportunity to get to know Sharon (New Zealand), Erica (S. Africa), Ursula (Germany), Jeane (UK) and Maiko (Japan) a little bit better. It was nice to have some ladies to talk to about Abu Dhabi life a little bit more. Though we've all come from different places, it was nice to spend an afternoon having 'girl-talk' (even though there were also toddlers and children to be tended to).
Looks like another sandstorm is brewing. While little A was playing in her red tub, I noticed the window in front of her darken. In the seconds it took for me to get up and ask Malou to take down the umbrella...BAM! the wind and sand are going crazy.
Time to go now...Little A is 'all done'!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
My favourite sari...
Is it possible to have a favourite fabric?
Ever since I was little, my mom has had this sari...it's fire-red, with yellow paisley amoeba dancing around. I have no memory of her ever wearing the sari (it was the 1970's, in Grande Prairie...I think by being brown in Alberta, we were already standing out enough), but remember seeing little flashes of it here and there over the years, whenever she opened up 'the suitcase' (filled with all her Indian treasures: saris, bangles, suits). I believe there might be a picture of her wearing it somewhere in our old albums...but I can't be sure.
Over the years, the contents of 'the suitcase' have dwindled. Suits have been given away, and the treasures have mysteriously been disappearing. Fortunately, at some point in time, I managed to hide away the sari (and its matching blouse...which was always very elusive). My mom never could understand why I wanted to have it...and I'm not really sure why it was so important to me either. I think someday, I hoped to wear them both...and feel what my mom must have been like when she was young, before the years and time changed her. Surely, the person who wore THIS sari must've have been vibrant, and alive. A liver of life. Someone who laughed, danced, and thought that life was fun.
However, I have never tried to fit into the blouse of this sari...possibly because I don't want to know that it doesn't fit.
Instead, today, with the help of Malou, the sari now has a prominent place in my villa here. Just seeing it makes me happy ('happy' is also one of little A's new words...'lu-lu' is always very 'happy'). It is helping to fill my room with a warm light. The sari makes me remember only good things about my mom: her adventurous nature, wanting to move her family to a foreign land, making our family the most important family in her life; her courage, travelling with a 6 year-old, his bike, and me, then just a little over a year, on her own, with limited understanding of English; her love and commitment to my brother and I as we were growing up, always putting our needs ahead of her own.
The sari makes me think of my mom, smile, and feel all the love the I grew up with.
The sari makes me think of my mom, smile, and feel all the love the I grew up with.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Mitt Guy...
I was reminded of my friend June, and her son Ronin the other day. I met them in a 'new mum's group', and June introduced her baby as 'the mitt guy'. Poor little baby had a severe case of eczema, and they had to keep his hands covered (maybe too much scratching?). Fortunately, they got control of the situation, and I believe his skin has cleared up (though, living in Abu Dhabi, I haven't seen them recently...but he was looking pretty clear before we left).
I decided on Saturday, that it was 'time' to finally bequeath all of my childhood toys to little A. Some of these toys I have had as long as I can remember (so, probably they've been around since 1977). I must admit it was quite a trip down memory lane, seeing ALL of my old 'friends' again. Little A's favourite (so far) has been a little baby toy who I had named 'Lou Guy' (prounounced: Lou-ghee). I have no idea where this name came from, but thanks to my sharp little baby teeth, Lou Guy is now missing most of his fingers and toes. Fortunately, at some point, my Aunty Baksh ('aunty' in the most Indian sense) decided to cover up his disfigurement, by knitting him a snow-suit, complete with mitts. Thus, he is my (now little A's) very own 'mitt guy'. He also, at one point, had a toque (which has gotten lost, I'm sad to admit). So far, Lou Guy has been showering with us, and made a trip out to Kindermusik too. Obviously, we're going to have to do something about the snow-suit...it's a little hot here for that.
On Sunday, I hosted the Al Raha playgroup over here. Hosting is so much more enjoyable when someone else (Malou) is helping with set-up, food prep, supervision (other people's children...not mine) and CLEAN-UP!! I must say, she is a wonderful helper! So hard-working, and never seems to tire-out.
Speaking of 'old friends', I am also thrilled to be back in touch (after a 15 year hiatus) with my childhood best-friend. Why the 'time-off'? Seems that back in our first year of University, there was a major misunderstanding, and since both of us were hurt by it, neither of us took the time to really look into it. I can honestly say I have been missing her friendship for a long time. I managed to get the courage to ask for some contact information (delivered by a dear friend), and then somehow found it in me to send out the first e-mail. I guess I figured I didn't have much to lose, being in AD and all. Even if I received no response...how would things really be any different? I was overjoyed (and deeply pained) when I got the first e-mail back. Where the happiness came from should be obvious. The pain however came from realizing how many years had been wasted...b/c it seems that the friend I had been missing, had been missing me too. So, after beating myself up emotionally for a few days, I decided to just get on with things, and be grateful that it didn't take 30 years (I've still got a few good years in me yet, I figure).
Little A continues to amaze us. Before P left for his business trip to the U.S. of A., she did her first independent jump (which of course P commanded her to do in the middle of the cobblestone road, so no big surprise when she landed on her butt...but she was okay). That same night she had her first 'skinned knees' (*no flesh was actually 'skinned' but little A cried, and there was a little bit of bruising the following day). She now has 8 teeth (and more coming), says the word 'yellow', can identify the colours: blue, yellow and purple and within the last week has become a bit of a biter (thankfully...she seems to be drawn to biting Malou the most...guess it's because P isn't home??). She also LOVES bugs and birds (which seem to be plentiful around here) and many a meal is interrupted by the screaming of 'buuhhhhhh' or 'biiiirrrhhhhh' (many times, not necessarily in that order), and has her very own 'cozy convertible' (ahhh...the ex-pat baby lifestyle).
Today, we joined Kindermusik. It's a 20 minute drive into the city...but seems like it will be a good thing to do once the weather gets unbearable. Everyone here is starting to talk about 'preparing' for the hot weather by finding 'indoor' activities to get involved in. Little A also seems to be a big fan of singing (among the songs she sings, we can easily pick out: pit-pat, what kind of day is it?, twinkle, twinkle, the alphabet song, and the 'hello' song from music with mummy...impressive...I know), so I'm happy to give her an outlet.
What else? Hmmm...I met a really nice lady in my complex, Neelofur. We managed to click instantly. We are the same age, and though she has two older children, her 'baby' is one month younger than little A. We've talked about friends, families, growing up, and have enjoyed several cups of tea together. The downside of this friendship is I met her b/c she is moving back to England with her family (and we bought a toddler bed from her). She just came over tonight too (she will be leaving the country tomorrow) and we had another cup of tea, and took some pictures. Sigh! Both of us keep saying 'if only....' But I wish her well back in her new 'old' life. Plus, I've got her contact information and have told her once she moves BACK to South Africa, we will all be coming to visit.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
You can take the teacher out of the classroom...
...but no matter where I go...the 'teaching' instinct continues to thrive within me. I'm also so pleased to report that I've been having some success here with my newest students (yes ladies and gents...the lightbulbs are going off).
When we first got to our complex, I was a little put-off by the number of male Indian workers...they are everywhere, doing all of the menial tasks that must be done. Like all Indian men who have been raised in the motherland, they have the inherent 'staring problem' (which really must be forgiven...as I believe that it's a dominant gene on the Y chromosome). They aren't staring because I'm 'hot', or because I'm not...it's just part of their nature to stare.
So, I have taken it upon myself to help teach these men, my 'homeboys' (seriously...if my parents hadn't relocated us to Canada at such a young age, my brother might be one of these guys working hard for the money to send home...and staring) if you like, to turn their socially inappropriate staring, into something socially acceptable. The last few days, I've started harvesting the fruits of my labours.
It all started with a wave. I would walk in the mornings, little A and Phinn in tow, and as soon as one of the workers would stare our way, I would just smile and wave. I repeated this smile and wave for every worker, every time we went out. Even if we were driving...just a smile and a wave.
A few days ago, I was so proud, when one of these same men saw us coming, and actually waved to us FIRST!! Then, the other day, another one of my 'students' actually called out 'Goodmorning madam' and waved, before we even had a chance to see him there (he was down in a hole...turning off the fountain so that it could be cleaned).
Progress...it's a beautiful thing!
I've just come back from a Khalifa Ladies coffee morning at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. It is so close to home, and I had the opportunity to meet several new ladies that live near by. The weather is 'hot' (little A's word), but there's a great breeze in the shade. Time to get some lunch and relax while my little one naps.
Malou (the housekeeper-formally-known-as-Rosemarie) is continuing to be hard-working and is fitting in well with our family. I'm starting to feel like this villa might be TOO SMALL for all of us...but I know in time, like many others over here...I will adjust. The pro's of having her here so outweigh the con's...I will just 'suck it up' (like I'm sure my friend Marci would suggest...though I know she would add a 'princess' to the end of it).
Thursday, February 19, 2009
"THIS is the good life..."
These are the words that my darling husband P has been uttering everyday, usually after he sits down in some chair (sometimes after dinner) and finds he has nothing pressing to do.
This is the impact that Rosemarie has had on our lives. Yes friends, we are now living la bella vita.
Little A has been sick since Rosemarie arrived. She has had what doctors here are calling a 'viral fever' followed by a 'viral infection' which caused a minor rash. Our medical experiences have not been so great: minimum 2 hour wait at the hospital AND the health clinic. Apparently the word 'appointment' means nothing to the local population. However, she is now on the mend. The entire time she has been ill, I have not had to lift a finger to clean anything around the villa, and the villa is the cleanest it has been since we arrived.
Rosemarie has been pretty much self-directed, and just busies herself with cleaning everything in sight. I must say...it is exhausting watching her...and she NEVER takes breaks (just to sleep). I try and try to get her to 'rest' but at this point, she says that as she is still homesick and missing her family. She prefers to work and keep her mind busy, so that she doesn't have time to feel sad.
I thought it would feel strange to have someone else living with us. However, perhaps it is her personality, but it's quite comfortable. I actually like having someone else in the house...it doesn't feel so big and empty, and I feel less like it's just me, a dog and a baby all day long. She does keep to herself quite a bit, and does her own thing in the evenings. She is pretty nervous about going and hanging outside (b/c of the number of male workers milling about...she's heard some bad stories about the population here, and the word 'rape' has come up several times in our conversations). I am going to offer her to take Phinn with her if she feels like going outside. Many of the locals are quite scared of dogs (even small rodent sized ones like Phinn...he does put on a good show) and so he would afford her a relative amount of 'protection'.
Tomorrow we are planning on participating in the Terry Fox Run (Little A too...she'll go in the BOB). P has a funny story about how his company won first place last year for largest donation (seems the bulk of the donation was actually made by the company). We're interested to see if they will be winning first place again.
The weather seems to be heating up again. We were out walking around this morning, and came back around 10:45...too hot for the chocolate pom!! Looks like it's time to turn the a/c back on!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Fab Tive
Yesterday A's fifth tooth erupted (top left). It's been coming for a while, but it finally poked its way out of the gumline yesterday morning.
Our landscaping is done...just waiting for it to dry a bit so we can get clean-up done.
Rosemarie should also be here later this week.
The sun is shining (after a rainy cloudy weekend, which I'm sure the grass loved). It should be a nice week!
Our landscaping is done...just waiting for it to dry a bit so we can get clean-up done.
Rosemarie should also be here later this week.
The sun is shining (after a rainy cloudy weekend, which I'm sure the grass loved). It should be a nice week!
Monday, January 19, 2009
OY vey! The screaming...
Little A has found a new way to use her voice: screaming. There are screams when she wants milk, and screams when she wants up on the couch. There are screams when she is pulling on Phinn's hair (and he's obviously disgruntled about it). The scream is used to express so many emotions: glee, impatience, mischieviousness, frustration...it's very multi-purpose.
It's a very primitive vocalization, and it seems to be her new favourite sound!
Suffice it to say, it's not MY new favourite sound. I prefer it when she sings.
Not very much on the agenda for today. Just finished my book by Irshad Manji "The Trouble with Islam Today". What an excellent read! P was VERY concerned that I was having this book shipped over here with Santa Kathy at Christmas...he told me not to talk about this book with ANYONE that lives in this country. Then...one day out of 'desperate boredom' he picked this book up....and then the fight began: we had to schedule who got to read the book and when. It helped generate a lot of dialogue between us, and I was thrilled that he enjoyed it as much as I did (so...we still have things in common 15 years later). I have just finished the book, and now P is free to read it whenever/whereever he likes (though assuredly he will never take it outside of the villa..someone might SEE him!!).
Yes..it has been 15 years...P and I started our relationship in the fall of 1993, back when we were both taking our undergraduate degrees at the U of A. It really seems a bit of a 'rip-off' to be celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary, when the actual time we've committed to each other is so much greater (and I'm sure the gift for 15 years is WAY better than the gift for five...).
Very gray and gloomy today. We were supposed to go to Marina Mall, but I think I got about four hours of sleep total last night, and didn't feel safe operating 'heavy machinery' with my 'baby on board'.
We've also put our landscaping 'on hold'. We dropped in on Urooj last night (the first time I formally met her...she's Z's wife...Z is this high-powered attorney who works til 8:30 or so at night...and who NEVER has any free time to visit, as we've discovered being his neighbour for three months now), and as we have the same style villa, she invited us to have a look at her landscaping. She mentioned to P that Total (who we had booked for this morning) was a rip-off, and she highly recommended these other fellows (Abu Dhabi Landcaping) who are about 4000AED cheaper. Not only was there a price differential, but apparently the plants you get from these second guys are larger, and seem heartier (as evidenced by others we know who went with Total and are having grass-growing issues). So, we've got the Total guys 'on hold' while we get a quote from ADL this afternoon. Too bad we didn't drop in on Urooj sooner!! I even got invited over for COFFEE!!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
And it's only 2:15...
We had so much fun with our dinner guests last night. This is a family that we hope to spend much more time with! A and little Daniel had fun running around (and let me tell you...Phinn slept like a log!) together. Stress did arise whenever the need for 'sharing' arose...neither of them are really at an age where that concept is too favourable, but all in all, a very enjoyable night.
Our evening made us realize two things:
1. dinner parties will be so much more enjoyable when Rosemarie arrives and can do the clean-up for us.
2. we will be completely happy if baby #2 happens to be another girl (seriously...I think P will be just slightly relieved!!).
Obviously, no offence intended for my friends, and parents of boys (and any little boy I might have in the future...I love you...really, truly I do)...actually, instead of offence I am offering accolades and reverance to you. Little boys seem to have an energy and need for speeed that is unequalled by (most) of their female counterparts.
This morning, my 'not a breakfast person' little A had her light meal of fruit and egg whites (why can't I eat like that?), all the while entertained by the two houseflies we caught and placed her bug observation tent. Then we got ready for our first forray into the world of Al Raha Mums "movers and groovers", hosted by...(wait for it you 'SATC' ladies)...none other than Samantha Jones! Samantha is a brilliant Brit, and mother of two (twins). We got many compliments on our banana bread (thank-you) and A actually was a little more adventurous today. I guess with every outing, she will become a little less shy of others. There was another 'sharing' incident. A decided to bring along her white bear and her Maya Persian cat. She did immediately forget about them, but became quickly aware of them again when her newest little friend found them. Lucky for us, Erin is better at sharing than little A.
We met so many lovely mums (from our neighbourhood too) and are looking forward to next week. After having a big lunch (spaghetti, yogurt, applesauce and bananas) little A is having a siesta, and I'm headed off to spend time with my literary friend, Irshad Manji (LOVE HER!).
Tomorrow: landscaping and Marina mall (coffee morning...will I actually get up the nerve to drive all the way into Abu Dhabi city??...stay tuned).
Saturday, January 17, 2009
True Friends...
Obviously, friendships are something that are precious to me, and important in my life.
We are having dinner with Fadey, Lisa and their son Daniel tonight, at our place. They are Canadians, like us, and we met them for the first time at the Thanksgiving dinner at the Sheraton. They invited us over to their place for Christmas, and we saw them again at the Canadian Christmas dinner. Originally from Nova Scotia, Fadey is working in banking, and Lisa is teaching. Suprisingly, it was her job that brought their family over here. They seem to be a very nice family, and A enjoys spending time with Daniel, who is 3 years her senior. P has charged up the remote control race car, so that the two of them can 'play' together.
I found this link, to youtube, with a great video on friendship. Please watch it if you have some time. It warms the heart.
Another weekend is almost over. They seem to go so fast. We did manage to pick up my VISA (yeah!) but are still waiting on my ATM card (which we eventually decided to talk to the bank manager about, after waiting again for 45 minutes today for it). Mr. Rajkumar Bhatia (one of my peeps from the homeland) was very attentive...more so when he found out P worked for government and not for Carrefour (which is like Walmart). We should be getting our card couriered to P's office later this week.
In other exciting news, landscapers are scheduled to come on Monday. No sign of Rosemarie...but the agency claims she'll be here next week.
Little A now has a molar (on the right) to go with her front teeth, which puts the total at four, and counting. She has also added the words: haht (heart) and atta (airplane) to her vocabulary. She is becoming a little mischief-maker and directs most of her energy to getting Phinn in trouble. Today Phinn was napping under the bed in the computer room. A took her little "best mum" bear (hey...she picked it...not me) and set it right in front of his muzzle. Then she turned to me and let out the pitiful "Waaah! Phinn has taken my bear/block/monkey/shoe/etc." wail. When I looked over, Phinn just raised his eyebrows, and snuffled out a sigh. I swear I saw him roll his eyes too. What he was NOT doing, was touching her bear...not even slightly interested in it...All I could do was laugh...she thought it was pretty funny too, when she realized the gig was up. Guess it's onto bigger and better things...
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Pit Pat Pit Pat...
Woke up at 4:30 this morning...not feeling so hot...or rather, feeling too hot. Then, with my sneezing, I also managed to wake up little A. P has been sleeping in the guest room so that he can sleep (as A has been tossing, turning and waking frequently with her teething). Since he's been gone, she's actually been sleeping a lot better! So, at 5 a.m., I decided a little 'daddy-time' was called for, and P had to amuse her while I got another hour or so of sleep.
Not sure where I've gotten this cold as I've had so little contact with other people. I guess there are advantages to being socially isolated...
A decided around 8 a.m. that she was exhausted (no surprise there) and decided to catch another 45 minutes of shut-eye. This was a sound decision on her part, as this was our first morning of music class.
Surprise! Surprise! We were late. We left the house with 7 minutes on the clock left to go, and then I decided to take a 'shortcut' which resulted in me having to drive all the way back to the one road I knew, and then follow the map. When we got there, we had missed 1/2 the class.
Clare, the teacher, was lovely. Nursery rhymes sound just so much more lovely when they are sung with a British accent. We were in time to go around the mulberry bush, and to lament the pit-pat of the rain (and yes, there actually were gray skies in Abu Dhabi and bits of rain this morning). My daughter, who loves to sing and dance, sat mutely on my lap and refused to partake in anything. However, she vigilantly observed anything, and made some notes for next week.
On the drive home, A resumed singing. At home, after lunch, she began mimicking Clare's loooooooooooooong and short sounds. Hopefully next week, she'll appear more alive in class, and feel safer to unglue her cute little buttocks from my lap.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Announcing the newest arrival....
Don't get too excited. Although many of the moms in my Bonnie Doon mom's group seem to have had baby number two, or are in the process of...we are still not in 'that' place.
However, we would like to welcome A's THIRD TOOTH into this world. The top right tooth made its way out of her gums sometime between the hours of 1 and 5:30 a.m. on January 4th....I know this b/c I was awake all those hours as A tossed and turned with discomfort. THAT'S when it all began: January 4th...if it's even possible, A's sleeping took a turn for the worse!!
Only one day earlier, we were at the Al Noor Hospital getting A's 18 month vaccination shots. I was asking the doctor whether we should be worried about these 'late' teeth. She told us we don't worry until the children are 2. Then we test for calcium deficiency. So...we don't worry, and out pops a third tooth!! Isn't life great?
The Al Noor Hospital was an...experience. Clean, beautiful, new, private, and very inefficiently run (at least on the weekends). We had booked an appointment with one doctor, and were ushered in to see another (which was apparently a mistake). Locals were showing up and getting appointments with 'our' doctor (which is probably why we got bumped). They were running the facility like a medi-clinic (although we got better, faster service at the 'medi-clinic' hospital we went to before so...hmmmm). Maybe that was just a weekend phenomenon...who knows. I am also questioning the health care system here a wee bit, as although A was measured and weighed, nobody did anything with the data other than to record it in her file. Is she overweight? Underweight? Too short? Not growing properly?? These are things new moms need to know. The doctor didn't even physically touch her. No checking out her heart, or examining her limbs. Nothing like our experiences with our dear Dr. Kantoch at the Allin Clinic back home. Sigh....we miss you Dr. Kantoch!!
We spent the weekend on a private island in the gulf, as part of P's company's team-building activities. Apparently, only the Shaikhs and their families are allowed on this island. I was very nervous about going for a full-day event with little A (especially with the teething and the lack of sleep) but she was marvellous. We had to get up very early (7-ish) and be at the boat launch for 8 (but we actually didn't leave until 9 am...apparently this misinformation was a way to insure that the locals would all be there on time...so we, timely Canadians that we are had to sit around for an hour...grumble! grumble!). The boat ride was smooth, short and sweet. We travelled through multiple activities: camel riding (yes...I did it), horseback riding (no, I did not), shooting (you couldn't hold P back from this event!!), boat tour around the island (which I skipped in order to feed my daughter lunch), lunch (pretty so-so for me, the vegetarian), and then volleyball (chose to sit that one out too). The weather was perfect, and we got a bottle of honey as a parting gift. All-in-all, a very generous event. A was delighted to see the camels, and even got a picture on one. She loved the horses too, and was awed by the ostriches and emus (birds!birds!) we saw (although I think she got a bit nervous when that one ostrich almost broke our camera!!).
I have signed up A for a 'mommy and me' music group which is near by. I am trying to make an effort to get out with her more during the day, and to meet more people. There seem to be a lot of young moms in our area, but it is so hard to see them behind these seven foot high concrete fences we all have around our yards. That will be starting later this week.
Today's big event was 'coffee at Sharanis spa'. I was amazed to find a very modern and very western feeling spa in the midst of all this 'Arabia'. Sharon, the owner, has used Asian influences to build her wellness spa, which is 5 minutes away from my house. They offer a wide range of services: massage, ayurvedic treatments and mani-pedi's. She took a 12 bedroom villa and converted it into this luxurious day-spa. A and I loved our short time there, and we met some very nice ladies. I would like to go through all of the treatments...sort of like a menu...one a month or something...going to have to look into buying a membership.
This afternoon I am meeting another lady (who I've chatted with in an on-line forum called 'abudhabiwoman.com'). She's going to be giving me some 'housekeeper keeping' advice. You'll notice that ours is not here yet...apparently you MUST go through an agency to get a housekeeper, and so all of our hard-work and time...is just going to make less work and time-wasted for the agency we hire. Soon....hopefully she'll be here by month end.
Before I end this posting, I just want to say a special heartfelt thank-you to all of my friends who have made the effort and stayed in touch. Although I am working hard to make new friends (and yes...it is really 'work' to try and find venues to meet people when you are a simple 'housewife' like myself) my current friends, though very far away are so dear to my heart, and seriously irreplacable. I hope you know just how much I have loved every e-mail (even just the quick and short "thinking of you, busy as hell, miss you loads" ones) I have received from you. I cherish all the photo-updates (old-fashioned and on-line) and anybody who has had the time to 'chat' or 'skype' with us...well...you just make it that much easier for P and I to be here, so far away, and trying something new. I could go on and on...but...to those of you who have kept in touch (sniff!sniff!): thank-you!
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