The light bulb finally has light...

Now I know why I usually end up waiting an hour or more for appointments at SKMC (Sheikh Khalifa Medical City)!

SKMC is the 'elite' private hospital which services the 'local' Emirati population here. For the rest of us to use its doctors and services (which are generally agreed to be the best the UAE has to offer), you must have a doctor's referral, a Daman or Thiqa insurance card and OOODLES of patience (in order to get appointments and deal with staff while you are there).

Today I had two appointments (well--actually three--but N's pediatric neurologist resigned two weeks ago). My first appointment was at 8 a.m. (I find, despite traffic, it is wise to always try and get the 'first appointment of the day', as the doctor has a greater likelihood of being 'on-time'). We beat N's doctor in the door by about 15 minutes, and were in to see him shortly afterwards. Which was great--he checked him over, and requested a follow-up in four months (which we booked for MAY 3--earliest available). I also asked him to check the results of the blood tests (looks like Iron Man's hemoglobin is back up to normal range--yeah!!), and we were out of there by 8:40 a.m.

The problem that now arises: N's next appointment is not until 10 a.m.

Ever hopeful, I went to clinic 5, rebooked with a NEW pediatric neurologist (as N's 9 a.m. appointment had been cancelled--which is why we had such a long wait ahead of us), and was AMAZED when the receptionist told me there was only one patient in with our doctor now, and we were NEXT. And it was 8:45 a.m.--AND our appointment wasn't until 10!!

Seriously--we were already on the road home when the clock read 10 a.m.!!

But--now I know why I always have to wait when I have the 9 a.m. appointment--b/c somebody shows up and gets into the cue ahead of me--and the receptionists don't seem to be able to sort: appointments FIRST--drop-ins will be accommodated IF THERE IS TIME (although technically--I HAD an appointment--I did 'drop-in' a bit earlier than expected).

All-in-all, a good visit to SKMC. Doctor's reports for N were good and follow-ups were booked (both for May 3--which is great).

Is it the new haircut?

Today on our evening stroll, a security guard stopped us to take a picture of...PHINN!! At first I wasn't sure who he wanted to take a picture of, as little A was holding the leash (and she's pretty darn cute and gets her share of attention). But as he whipped out his camera phone, he assured us it was a picture of our pomeranian that he wanted.

Phinn is quite different from most of the dogs around here (most of whom are saluki cross-breeds and quite big). At one point, last year, one of the workmen guessed that he was a monkey, and then a cat, before being astounded that he was, in fact, a small dog (perhaps a grooming was overdue?). This was when he was perched on the foot rest of A's BOB stroller, and going for a ride (now that we have the double buggy, he just gets to have one seat--at least until the new baby arrives).

Here he is, for all of you who may not remember just how cute Phinn is.

Today we spent the morning in tears--baby N's physio, followed by a blood test (to check his iron levels--results of which should come in by tomorrow). It was a painful hour--with lots of screaming and crying. For some reason, they insist that N has fat arms (though I have seen MUCH plumper babies) with tiny veins--that actually MOVE once you find them with a needle. If any of my friends in the medical profession could shed some light on these 'moving veins' and how to keep them in place for blood tests, I would greatly appreciate it.

Baby N did his FIRST official crawling today (not 'commando' style, as our physiotherapist calls it...but real crawling--propped up on his knees). Unfortunately, I missed it, as it takes me hours to get up the stairs. But, I can believe it, as this was something he (tearfully) worked on in therapy today, and I've been watching his little muscles build to these movements. Dr. Anub will be so proud!

Little Ballerina

Thanks to my friend Helen for this picture from the girls' recital last term

Little A is starting her second term of ballet classes today at 2:45 (right now she is still asleep). We have limited choice over here, with respect to classes. She is currently taking classes through Arabesque Ballet Centre, and though I have wonderful things to say about her teacher Ms. Jesse, I wish that the organization itself was better run and more organized. Initially, I was very excited, as the director and dance instructor are both Canadians--I had high expectations! Plus, the time (not smack in the middle of toddler nap-times) was the best around. But--communication is a big issue--which hasn't improved much!

For example: today is the first day of class after the winter break. Despite asking several times, I do not receive regular email updates from the director. As such, I didn't receive any reminder email, or text message, to let me know that classes resumed today. Of all the moms in this group--I seem to be the most 'up-to-date' (sigh--a sad truth) and so the few texts I sent out this morning were unhelpful. The only document I have is a November newsletter (which I received in December, after requesting it), which states classes for Term 2 begin on January 2. I also have my (not-to-be-trusted) memory of a conversation with Ms. Jesse, where she told me she would be back for classes on January 2.

However, as Peter reminds me, Little A loves the classes (which she does without me) and she loves Ms. Jesse. As long as Ms. Jesse shows up regularly for the classes, then I should be happy. This term we are trying a new studio out, in Sas Al Nakhl (and I didn't forget the vowels by accident...they aren't there). Last term we worked out of the squash court in the Golf Gardens. The Golf Gardens and Sas Al Nakhl are rival compounds to Al Raha Gardens (where we make our home)--except they are better developed (and pricier) because they actually have FACILITIES: swimming pools, work-out rooms, grocery and coffee shops. Though Sas is a bit of a further drive (and has life-threatening power-lines humming all around--a big reason why we opted out of living there), we chose it this term so that I could do a Spinney's grocery run while little A does her jetes and pirouettes (although I don't think she is pirouetting quite yet).

Better run and wake the sleeping beauty--I HATE this part!!

Update: Waking the sleeping beauty was a nightmare! I had to drag her to the car in her giraffe pj's and change her into her leotard in the back. The only other child there was my friend's daughter (whom I had reminded about the class this morning). The studio is beautiful though, with lots of natural sunlight (although it was dusky today) and a view of the swimming pool.

New Year's Eve

The last two nights have been absolutely awful. Little A has been coughing all night long, and usually only falls asleep after 2 or 3 in the morning, which must be from sheer exhaustion. Now--pregnant ladies generally don't have very good sleeps as it is. Add to that, one coughing toddler (with an "on-again-off-again" fever), and the sleep goes down to nil. Tonight we have tried the vapor rub on the feet and a spoonful of honey--and I am desperately hoping that this might soothe her coughing somewhat. I feel that a good night's sleep is what she needs to get on the healing side of this cold we've all had.

Baby N is feeling much better. His appetite has returned (although you wouldn't know it from the uneaten bowl of cereal I found when i returned from the hospital this morning) and his nose is running freely. When he woke up from his afternoon siesta, he was all laughs and smiles--and despite the fact that I desperately needed more sleep--who could ignore such an endearing little fellow?

This morning started early for me (actually--it felt more like a run-on continuation of yesterday). I went for my glucose test at the hospital (Friday being their low-traffic day). I combined my 8 hours of fasting with the 8 hours that I generally don't eat while I am asleep, and just headed out to the lab (which is open 24 hours) as soon as I woke up. I was so early (shortly after 7 a.m.) that I even beat "Allah" (really...no joke) the receptionist, who was supposed to start at 7 a.m (inshallah). Fortunately, the lab techs are trained to process people, and Cherie got me sorted, poked and sampled. I even managed to snag myself a bed to lie down in for the three hours that I spent there (ahh--being pregnant has its privileges sometimes), and got free cookies and milk afterwards (you just have to know the right people to ask). This test was checking to see if I have gestational diabetes, and results should be available in three days.

While in the hospital, I wandered upstairs to the NICU, to see if the nurses had received the 'one year later' thank-you chocolates I dropped off for them. Though nobody answered the door (not surprising--the service in the NICU hasn't improved all that much in a year), I was satisfied when I saw N's sweet little face peeking out at me from the 'thank-you' board they had put up outside (probably to entertain people while they take their sweet time answering the door). On my way back downstairs, I ran into Dr. Basel, who was the pediatrician who was in the room when N was born, and whom we dealt with primarily in the early days. I have mixed feelings about this man. Though he seemed good-hearted and well-intentioned...his lack of experience and eagerness to poke and prod my tiny N, searching for answers at any cost, still doesn't sit well with me. He asked if we had any follow-up biopsies or EMG done on N. I told him that the doctors we were seeing did not feel it was necessary as N has developed so much, and that they are content to just monitor him. He wanted to know which doctors I was seeing...and once I dropped all the BIG names from the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (this is the 'elite' hospital in Abu Dhabi--generally its services and specialists are reserved for the local population, and we ourselves needed a referral and waited months for N to receive their services) on his lap, he didn't have much left to converse with me about. So, I wished him a Happy New Year and went on my way for my last poke.

We have spent just a lazy day at home with the kids--partly b/c they are sick, and partly b/c we don't have the energy to do anything else. We treated ourselves (again) to McDonald's for supper, and likely will not be awake to welcome in the New Year. Little A was so cute, as she expressed concern that we had not decorated the house for Chinese New Year yet, and it was already here. I explained to her that CHINESE New Year comes in February, and we would decorate after we took down the Christmas decorations. She's probably wondering how many 'New Years' actually happen in any given year, with the Islamic Hijri New Year, our 'Judeo-Christian' New Year and the Chinese New Year (thankfully, we celebrate "Diwali" as just "Diwali" and NOT the Hindu New Year)--probably pretty confusing for a three-year old (and frankly--also a bit much for a 35 year old). Maybe we need to lay off all this 'multiculturalism' in my house??

I don't have any resolutions to make (although, obviously, 'lose some weight' springs to mind). A friend, I can't remember who, told me this year, that 'God laughs when people make plans'. So, I think rather than making all these 'plans', that I will just endeavour to do my best to enjoy life as it comes. To not stress and worry about so many things, and just to be happy with what we have.

Last year, at this time, I had a tiny little baby who had just come home from the hospital--and his whole future was a big question mark in my heart. I was devastated and reeling. I distinctly remember taking a picture of him and A, with their "Happy New Year" noisemakers...and he was not too much bigger than the toy--so tiny and so fragile.

This year, I have a new picture of him, in my head and my heart: round and cherubic, full of mischief, chewing that same New Year's noisemaker with his 3.5 teeth. What a difference one year makes!

Wishing all of our friends and family happiness, peace and love for 2011.

93 Days to Go...

http://www.pregnology.com/faralong.php?month=4&day=01&year=2011

When it's the THIRD baby--you never remember how far along you are--at least I never do. According to this chart, I am almost 27 weeks along. So--almost 7 months...and now I don't feel so bad that a lady from Essex (we met at the breakfast buffet last Friday) told me that I looked really big for 5 months--which is how far along I told her I was.

For the first time I have received FREE baby stuff at the doctor's office here. Things like formula samples and diapers come out of your ears when you are pregnant in Canada--but here--with N, there was nothing.

SO, I was very surprised to receive not just one, but TWO 'Congratulations' baby packs when I went for my check-up today. Opening it up, I discovered three pamphlets (one from Pampers which was completely in Arabic), a sample of Sudocrem and Palmers Cocoa Butter. Now who doesn't like FREE STUFF?

I also had a discussion with the Doctor about this package, as it was a free gift from the Dubai Health Authority. I wanted to know where my free gift from the Abu Dhabi Health Authority was. He laughed and told me that in his mind he compares Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Canada and the United States. One is really flashy and showy (Dubai), while the other one is more quiet and stable (Abu Dhabi). In the interests of not offending any of my American friends and family--I'll end his analogy there.

Baby 3 appears to be healthy and active. We have been keeping an eye on one of the kidneys, as it seems to be filled with a lot of fluid--but the general consensus is that the baby has to pee. Baby was moving and turning quite a bit, which the Doctor was happy to see, as the experience with N is keeping him vigilant. Baby 3 has a habit of being very modest, and arms, hands and feet are generally always obstructing us from getting a good view of the face. However, Dr. Marwan is always happy to oblige me (and my Daman Premiere Healthcare) with a 3D scan (for 400 aed), and tries to 'jiggle' the baby around a bit. His efforts generally get results.

Here is a look at what we can see (for those of you who might be a bit squeamish around 3D ultrasounds-I -understand they are not for everyone--please look away now).

Please note: that is definitely Peter's nose (again)

One year later...

We had a great time celebrating baby N's first birthday on December 17. We kept the event low key, and had a good time. Little A was the best hostess ever, and helped out with everything, including decorations, loot bags and cupcakes. She greeted people at the door and also ensured that nobody left without a goody bag, a petunia and a 'thank-you for coming'. I was so proud of her helpfulness--the green eyed monster has made very few appearances at our home, over this first year. We are very lucky!

And what an amazing year it has been. I am finally at a point with baby N where things are feeling hopeful--all the fears that were stirred up with his 'condition' are starting to settle. Seeing him laugh, play, sit, bounce--and work his way around a room, like a wriggly worm--fill my heart with joy. All the fears I had about a baby boy--crazy and keeping me on my toes and running me ragged off my feet--are now my dreams. And slowly--I see them becoming a reality. I feel so very blessed and lucky.

After the party, Peter and I crashed pretty hard. We were supposed to head out that evening to a Christmas soiree...but I could barely keep my eyes open, and was so relieved when he told me he couldn't handle the drive into the city and back, and so he had cancelled. The next day, we were both hit with some kind of flu-bug. Peter was so sick that he actually came home from work (a first I believe) and then went to the local medi-clinic to get medication and a doctor's note (which are required here for sick days).

Although I was feeling pretty awful myself--being pregnant I made due with Tylenol and Fisherman's Friend. Plus, it's not likely my 'employers' are going to give me time off--doctor's note or not. I relied on Malou's help as much as I could, but mostly little A and baby N just played around me, while I lay in a heap, with my eyes open (from time to time).

Suffice it to say--I haven't had a chance to make up Thank-you cards for all of our guests nor even to send out a Merry Christmas e-mail to all of our friends!!

It took Peter and I about a week to get back on our feet (we cancelled a Christmas eve dinner engagement and decided to treat ourselves to McDonald's!) and even now, the sound of phlegm-ridden coughing can be heard echoing in our villa. Sadly--as we are recovering--little A and baby N seem to be just starting to deal with this miserable cold!! I hope they will recover quickly and just get a weakened form of it.

Last night, A woke up with a mild fever. Today, she perfected the 'vampire cough' and has been coughing diligently into her arm. As much as I tried to keep her home and resting, she insisted on accompanying me out for groceries, where she commented on how one of the workers at the store was not coughing properly (as she now expects everyone to use their elbow or shoulder). Like N, A deserves a medal for her spirit when she is sick. Both of them continue to be easy-going and just play through it. Instead of a medal, I decided to get A another beta-fish. I am hopeful this one will last a lot longer than the others. This fish is a beautiful red colour and she has decided to name it "Christmas Fish" (or just Christmas for short).

The third pregnancy continues--I am still in a lot of on-going pain (but only when I sit, stand, lie down, walk or cough). I have a lead on a chiropractor who may be able to provide me with some temporary relief--now I just need to make the time to call for an appointment. As I can't take anything to help with the pain, I try to just not think about it--but it can be pretty disheartening and depressing to not be able to move your body in simple ways (like climbing stairs or rolling over). The other day I was reading to A before bedtime, and she wanted to 'snuggle' in her bed with me (usually we read from a seated position in mine). All went well--until it was time to get up. I had to get Peter to help me--but the pain!! And nobody wants their little ones to see them cry now, do they?? On the positive side, this baby seems very active and healthy--so just a few more months of pain, and hopefully it will all disappear as the relaxin hormone leaves my body!!

Brothers and sisters...let us pray...

Anu Dhabi--The Missing Year

So...it seems that a over a year has passed since my blog was last updated. I do miss writing, and feel maybe I just need to keep things a bit 'simpler' in my updates--so as not to overwhelm myself. With Hijri New Year celebrations just ending, and our New Year coming up, it's a great time to catch up this blog, with a quick "Year in Review" kind of posting.

October 2009: We moved from Al Raha Gardens, to the 'sandbox' of Khalifa City A. The compound where we lived had no facilities: no walking paths, no children's parks, no grocery stores, and we had to get in the car to drive for all of these sorts of things. Off-compound villas are more spacious and very much cheaper. Also, we were stuck with a landlord who didn't understand 'market value' and wanted to charge us about 100K more than our villa was renting for. For all these reasons--we called up Delight movers and got moving.

November 2009: The first of our 'family' visitors arrived: my parents. They came for a brief stay on their way to India. We managed to take them around to see a few sights. They became regular 'walkers' in the sand-box (too bad we weren't on the compound--as apparently walking paths were just being installed). They got to see the many struggles of living off-compound: a power-outage, 'maintenance' men who did not speak any English and who smelled about as bad as the sewage smells coming out of our bathrooms (and had no clue how to fix anything), and they got to experience the joys of 'Etisalat' (a telecom service provider that gives Telus a run for their money in terms of customer service nightmares). Additionally, for the first time in my life, I heard my dad tell someone (who obviously WAS from the Indian sub-continent) he was NOT Indian--but Canadian. This prompted the man to ask my dad how this Canadian man spoke such clear Hindi, my dad had to clarify and explain that BEFORE he was Canadian, he was Indian.

December 2009: It was the best of times--and the worst of times...as little N decided to make an early appearance via emergency c-section the same night that Peter's family was flying in. He was so beautiful and perfect: thick dark hair, long lashes, beautiful and smooth skin--the spitting image of his 'big sister'. Unfortunately, he was also just over 2 kg, and his hypotonia (a word that would soon get hours of google search time) would result in months of testing and heartache for us. After 12 days in the hospital, he was finally released home to us.

January 2010: Happy New Year! We managed to have an early 'first moon birthday' for baby N, so that Grandma and Aunty Chris could share in the celebrations. We celebrated with a few good friends and a feast!

Feb-July 2010: Let me spare you the minor details. Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on...these months can be summarized by saying: we worried about baby N--a LOT! Little A took to 'big sisterhood' and adored her baby brother. We watched him grow and miss milestones and worried...and worried. Four months after moving into our villa, we finally got internet. However, we soon realized that we were not going to be able to stay there another year. There was sewer gas seeping into our house through our drains (at times, when I opened certain bathroom doors, I expected the floor to be covered with fecal matter that had backed up from the drains---but it was always spotless). Additionally, our neighbours had moved in (it was an attached villa). They were locals and had four 'helpers' who often awoke us at 4 a.m., by yelling across the back courtyard to get ready for their day. We learned first hand how the local population keeps different hours than we do (house renovations often started after midnight--as we heard furniture being moved around and drilling in shared walls) and I didn't think it was something I could live with. Our landlord was very kind, and helpful--but that was not enough to convince us to endure the remainder of our time in Abu Dhabi, living off-compound. We gave our notice and prepared for another move in the fall.

July 2010: We celebrated little A's 3rd birthday in Abu Dhabi (for the first time). As she is an amateur entomologist, I chose butterflies to top her cup cakes--which was a big hit (and visually lovely). We also celebrated with a 'family' party--via Skype (now THAT was interesting--especially as we all sang 'Happy Birthday' and listened to the time delay

from the laptops!!). We went on a family vacation to Italy. We met up with Peter's parents for the first two weeks and rented a house in Menaggio. It was a beautiful location, nestled in among the hills) with breath-taking views. Baby N started to show some signs of

improvement (increased rolling and moving his limbs around more). He also acquired the nickname "Iron-man", as he began taking iron supplements. It was great to see baby N spending time with his grandparents--his hypotonia seems to extend into his personality--he is much more flexible and easy-going than little A. At our second stop, we were happy to spend some time with our friends from Canada (Raj and Patti). We were shocked and amazed to see little A take an immediate liking to "Aunty Patti"--within minutes, she was taking her outside and independently touring her around the gardens and alongside the brook. Our favourite new Italian word was: 'incinta' which means 'pregnant'.

August 2010: The forgotten month--hot, long and boring--Ramadan makes it even more of a challenge.

September 2010: Moving time (again). Back to the compound, this time with a pool. Seems that the compound was now equipped with walking paths, playgrounds (although we've already bought our own) and a small grocery shop. Despite the smaller size of

our villa, we were all happier with this move, as we decided it is 'the lesser of two evils'. Little A start baby ballet--the first time she participated in a class that wasn't of the 'mommy and me' variety. She is now into Barbie clothes--and seems to think that I can sew anything and everything under the sun. The 'hip pain' that was the TM of all my pregnancies returned--the most severe to date. Peter got a 'promotion' at work, doing the job he was initially recruited for (and has been doing since we first arrived).

October 2010: We celebrated a 'belated' Canadian Thanksgiving, with a few of our Canuck friends. I didn't realize how starved Peter was for turkey--it took him all of five minutes after I suggested a Thanksgiving dinner to come up with and invite guests. Baby N makes me thankful, by busting out the word

"mama" for our late turkey day. Little A makes

me laugh (and yes...I'll admit...proud) as she bursts out a loud and disgusted "EEEEEEEWWWW YUCK" when she sees Peter's turkey awaiting its demise on the counter (and my helper Malou will

back me up that I do NOT coach her to do or say these sorts of things). Little A also participated in her first 'trick or treating' experience. As this is mainly a North American activity, there are not too many people here participating, but she managed to visit about ten houses. Baby N also participated, piggy-backing on Peter's shoulders. Baby N started physiotherapy this month--and shows some signs of growth. His therapist is optimistic that he will outgrow this hypotonia.

November 2010: Peter flew off to Brazil in the beginning of the month and baby N chose these ten days to have a growth and developmental spurt. He increased his baby-babble, and started to bear weight on his legs, to the point that he could now stand upright in the exersaucer. He inaugurated his dad's return by popping his first tooth (bottom right). We purchased a new vehicle (Honda MRV) to accommodate our newest arrival, which helped us to settle in somewhat with the idea that we will soon have THREE children. I began breathing easier knowing that I would not be driving a mini-van. We were happy to host a mini 'ex-AimCo' club reunion (with the founder & president Rakesh), as he and his friend were in town for the F1. We read the newspapers with horror as relations between Canada and the UAE deteriorate (must hold onto Air Canada at all costs...). These news reports come out just shortly after I slap a rather LARGE Canadian flag sticker on the back of my new truck!

That's a little more than a year--but I've tried to keep it short and sweet. As December stands--we have marked our National Day celebrations with a good-bye dinner to our friends moving home (and taking the loooong way to get there via Thailand and Australia). Little A's first term of ballet is coming to an end, and she will be enrolling again in the new year. We will have to give serious consideration as to whether she will start school in the fall, as the application process begins here in January/February. Baby N now has TWO teeth (both bottoms) and is working on busting out the third (top right). He also seems to be much harder to hold these days--he is now able to sit up on his own, and though he is not crawling--he manages to get where he wants to go, by wriggling his way there. Baby 3 appears to be healthy and growing. I am seeing doctors in Dubai AND Abu Dhabi, and both are trying to be very vigilant (as baby N's hypotonia baffles all).

For all those wondering about Phinn--he is still enjoying life in Abu Dhabi. The other day I caught him reminiscing about this soft, white stuff that he vaguely remembers bouncing around in. He wasn't sure what it was (I told him we called it 'snow') but remembers it was deceptive--amazing to look at--but when you stepped into it--it burned your paws and often left you frozen mid-stream in the backyard.