Happy Easter--Part 1

Shocked that mom almost forgot it was Easter!

We have had a wonderful Easter day. For us, (non-Christian, parents of three, living in the Middle East) Easter is less about the crusifixion and resurrection of Jesus, and more about a little a bunny that hops around and leaves presents for little ones. We do not have any extra holidays, and truth be told, I only realized it was Easter THIS weekend because Malou mentioned that in the Philippines they shut down internet use in the entire country, so that people can focus on the religious nature of the holiday. I knew Easter was on its way, but I hadn't realized that it actually ARRIVED.

This morning Peter took little A to the Kids Park Zoo. This is her second visit there, and she has been asking to go again for almost a month now. Little A came back home very excited b/c she had fed the goat all by herself (something she was scared to do last time we went). I was a bit worried about them, as I sat outside doing phototherapy with NB S and noticed that it was scorching (over 30 degrees easily by 9:30 a.m.). Peter is not a big fan of the heat. However, I had sunscreened little A, sent along a hat, water and a snack--it was all in Peter's hands (and what very capable hands they are). They both came back sweaty and happy, so it was a great morning.

Don't worry--there's glass there.

While they were away, I prepped for the Easter egg hunt, with baby N playing around at my feet. Last year was little A's first, and I filled little plastic eggs with small, magnetic alphabet letters for her. This year, as I have not left the house to go shopping, I was unable to buy anything to put in the eggs. So, I decided to put little clues (paper pictures) in the eggs instead, with the last egg leading to the Little Tikes Turtle Sandbox, where there were Easter presents waiting for all three of them. The first was a Dinosaur puzzle which I purchased a while ago for little A (as she is keenly interested in these prehistoric animals). Then there were gift bags for both little A and baby N, which were sent last year by their Aunt Cindy (however they arrived too late for Easter and so I decided to save them).

Easter baby

It was very enjoyable to watch little A find the eggs and follow the clues. At first, it was clear she did not completely understand the concept (and I'll be honest, my artwork could have been better). However, once she clued in (pun intended), she was flying and really enjoyed it. It was a bit challenging, as baby N could not really participate and NB S was howling for more milk. Also, as I had the video camera and Peter had his paparazzi camera--there weren't too many extra hands around for the other two. Next year, when baby N can participate, it will be even better.

Got it!!

Then we had some (on & off) fun making the Dinosaur puzzle. I am proud to say that little A put it together all by herself, with some verbal direction and encouragement from me. Peter had gone out for groceries and I was glued to the sofa nursing NB S again. Baby N watched from the security of his exersaucer (for everyone's sake).

Looking forward:

Tomorrow, we are looking forward to sharing a meal with Ajay and his parents. We are looking forward to their company, as his parents will be leaving the UAE soon. We are also looking forward to seeing if Ajay can make it to our place without any detours--so far he's managed to get close to Al Ain and head towards Dubai--I guess he hasn't gone out to Mohammed Bin Zayed City or Al Bahia...yet ;-)

Easter gifts (thanks, in part, to Aunt Cindy)

Happy Easter everyone!!

Just Call Me Angel of the Morning

It has been a bit of a challenge trying to get pics of NB S. She generally spends the majority of her time sleeping, eating or crying (because she wants to be sleeping or eating). However, this morning, as we woke up, and before we went downstairs, there was a brief minute where I managed to capture these three photos (on my Iphone--so not exactly top notch quality). However, I think they are absolutely beautiful. I had just opened the curtains, and the morning sunlight is shining on her head. She is getting ready for a morning top-up, but is still pretty content as her last feed was only two hours ago (around 5 a.m.).

We had a pretty good day today. As promised, we made our return to the Shangri-La for breakfast. Unfortunately, we are out of practice, and adding a new member to our routine. Whereas I normally handle everything in the mornings (feeding baby N, and getting him and his sister dressed), while Peter showers, this morning's schedule was thrown off as NB S and I didn't even come downstairs until shortly after 7. By that time, Peter was in the midst of feeding baby N and little A was just hanging out watching a show in her pj's. We ended up leaving the house pretty late (as we had to set-up the car-seats and arrange three of them together), and everyone still had to get dressed.

Little A is so very happy to be sitting next to NB S and was very helpful with putting her soother back in whenever it popped out. I am hoping that this will last, as it will certainly help me to have someone back there who can do this job. Baby N seemed thrilled to be leaving the house and was wearing his happiest face on the drive. Perhaps he has forgotten what a car is?

Andrea, as you can see, we managed

to fit all three in the second row.

Overall, we received a warm reception at the hotel. It seems many of the staff had noticed our absence (but sadly--did not seem to notice that I was much smaller than the last time they had seen me--maybe this belly bandit is not working as well as I thought?). You should have seen the waffle guy's eyes pop when I told him I'd just had a baby--I happened to have baby N in the stroller with me at the time, and he took a look at his size and was quite shocked. I had a laugh and told him that baby N wasn't the baby I JUST had--she was tucked away at the table.

We managed to sit at our 'usual' table, and ate all the 'usual' things: Earl Grey tea, poached eggs with hollandaise (made perfectly by my personal Indonesian chef!), and a waffle with strawberries, maple syrup and whip cream all on the side. Our friends (Sahar et al) arrived a little later than us, and sat at their usual table, and it was so nice to see them.

We're baaa-AAAACK!!

NB S's soother got left in the car, and so it wasn't as easy as it could have been (as I had to assume the role of the human pacifier). Half-way through our meal, we were joined by a small sparrow that flew in through an open door (I think) and sat next to Peter. The food was delicious though, and it was nice to be out.

Reflux?

"Mom--watch me!!"

When I breast fed little A (many moons ago), I had top notch support (via the nurses at the Bonnie Doon Health Clinic, various other lactation consultants and experienced friends). I even managed to switch her back from bottle feeding to breast-feeding--a skill she honed and utilized until almost two years of age. Baby N, due to his hypotonia, lacked the muscle-tone in his cheeks to breast-feed, and was an exclusively bottle-fed baby. NB S (appears to have) mastered breast-feeding on her own, with me as her only support, b/c quite frankly--that and Dr. Jack Newman's website were all that was available to her. Things have been going great, and she has even started putting on weight (Peter found she was 7.2 lbs the other day).

Unfortunately, for about the last week, she has also developed this new habit of spitting up (or 'sicking up' as my British mates call it) after each feed. It doesn't matter how long I burp her afterwards, I always find a small little dribble down her cheek, or a wet-spot on the bed. I have friends who have had babies with 'reflux' and I am just hoping that this is not what we are dealing with. I know every baby has some 'baby trauma' that causes his/her parents to grow exceedingly worried about his/her health (and lose many nights of sleep)--but seriously--Universe, I've had enough BT to last me a life-time. Let's keep this baby experience smooth and easy, shall we? Let's not have any hospital visits (particularly in the wee hours of the morning), or call in any 'specialists'. Let's just make this some routine 'baby gas' and call it a day.

Today I had a nice visit with my friend Yolande. I was going to invite a group of ladies over, but I realized after last week's 'event' that I am just not up to entertaining larger groups (yet). Plus, I have no baking in the freezer to fall back on. I learned that Yolande is following in the footsteps of our friend Deema, and is making the move to Dubai. I must admit, I am jealous. In my opinion, one could live long-term in Dubai, without ever feeling that you are in the Middle East. Yolande was kind enough to bring along some dessert (a custard slice I believe) and we enjoyed each other's company for a few hours.

The afternoon passed quickly. Naps and coffee-table play-time (the play-time that centres around the coffee table area--but no longer IN the coffee table, right baby N?--where I am generally glued to the sofa nursing NB), then supper and bed-time. Peter had a 'meeting' today and came home a little after 7, just in time to put little A to bed. The children (as always) were pretty great, and (with the exception of the reflux) nothing to moan about.

Crayola coloured scarves

I am VERY excited to be making my big return (well--it feels big to me) to the Shangri-La tomorrow. I have been missing the hollandaise sauce, the smoothies, the waffles--and basically someone else preparing and cleaning up all the food for me. It will be a bit of an adjustment, working NB S into our breakfast buffet routine, but, we've done it before and we'll do it again.

Yesterday and Today

Yesterday, Peter took advantage of the beautiful weather (sunny, no sandstorm in sight, 30 plus degrees) and took A & N for a swim. Thanks to the pool heater, he tells me it was like a 'warm bath'. I'm sorry that I am not approved for swimming as yet, as I would have loved a warm bath! NB and I sat outside, soaked up some vitamin D, and watched the fun.

Donna--might you add hibiscus to your list of

favourite flowers if you lived here? I love them!

This morning I had to cancel plans with a friend, in order to go to the Canadian Embassy (again) and finish the application for NB's passport. Fortunately, we finished everything we needed to do (although there was a little 'discussion' about the passport photo, which I will admit is a very unflattering likeness), and this is the last time that we need to take NB there.

In order to make it easier for myself, I opted to leave the other two at home. Baby N went for a nap, and little A was painting. I was amazed to see the growth she has shown in this skill. She painted several pictures, but this one was her first. I asked her whether she wanted me to take it to Papa, so he could put it up at work. She said "No--I painted this for you, for your birthday card.". How very special and lucky I am!!

When I came home, I learned that there was a lot of fun had at Casa S-L, as Malou had caught a baby pigeon, and held it for both A & N to look at (although N is still learning how to be gentle and almost crushed its little head). We have noticed these pigeons in our backyard lately (enjoying the Cockatiel birdseed mix that I picked up at Lulu--bless the pigeons--they are the only ones who will eat it! Who knew birds were so picky?). I guess they have a nest somewhere, as this little fella has been toddling around our yard all day, being fed by mom and dad periodically. He finally roosted on top of a brick, and I believe he is bunkered there for the night.

When I am nursing, A & N have to resort to playing around the area where I am 'bunkered down' (with my nursing cushion). So, all the fun usually happens AROUND the coffee table--until Baby N decided to change things up a bit. I asked little A to check on him (b/c though I could hear him, I could not see him and am always worried he'll slam his fingers in something). She wandered around the coffee table and said "I can HEAR him, but I can't SEE him.". Until she bent down and found him IN the coffee table. What a curious george he is!!

Amar & Aunty Zana

Here we are on a Tuesday morning. Amarjit and Aunty Zana both came for a visit. Even though Amar lives in ARG, I actually have seen her LESS in the last year than Farzana (currently residing in Scotland). Amar is actually more like a half-time resident of the UAE, as she spends a lot of time back in Malaysia. I met her through Farzana, and wish that I saw her more than I do (but her trips back home keep cutting into our visiting time!!).

36

Family Birthday Photo (Phinn is under the table)

Yesterday, I officially turned 36.

I really enjoyed my day and even got a few surprises to make it very special.

In the morning I played basketball with little A outside. She has a great overhand shot (Uncle Chris would be proud). We collected some flowers from the yard, examined them for ants and pollen, and then put them in a vase inside. Little A has her own vase (a small glass yogurt container that we kept as a souvenir from our trip to Qasr Al Sarab).

As I was feeding baby N (after he woke up from his nap), there was a knock on my door. Still in my 'loungewear' (which I can wear day OR night--the new mom's clothing of choice), I was a bit surprised, as nobody was expected (and not many friends here know when my birthday is). It turned out to be a very pleasant surprise as my friend Farzana popped her head around the door and came bouncing in (literally) to wish me happy birthday. She had brought a present and another friend, Femme (who also brought a present). It was a very short (but sweet) visit, and I was grateful for it.

I managed to squeeze in a 'happy-birthday-to-me' shower in the morning, as I asked Malou to watch the babes for 15 minutes. Then we moved on to lunch and nap-time. Baby N was the first to wake up, and we enjoyed reading a book about farm animals together, while he had his milk. As we were playing upstairs, Peter came home from work. He took baby N downstairs (after fiddling around for a bit) and I was surprised when I heard what sounded like a very VERBAL baby N. I thought to myself that baby N doesn't talk THAT much with me--and found myself a bit jealous that he enjoyed 'talking' with his dad so much.

When I strained to listen in, I noticed that it wasn't actually baby N's voice I was hearing, but that of another child. I couldn't identify WHICH child for sure, but definitely not one that I had birthed. I was so pleased when I came downstairs to see that Peter had invited my friend Shariza (who brought her daughter Arysha) to help us eat a big tray of cupcakes!!

With Shariza and Arysha

We chowed down on some delicious cupcakes (though I maintain that my own red velvet are superior), and enjoyed some lovely company. Little A really got into playing with Arysha and they even exchanged stories about how they had each acquired various cuts and bruises. We followed up with an order of Sumo Sushi for supper, and an episode of Glee.

What a great birthday!! Thanks to all who sent good wishes my way--you made my day!

36

The (Not Quite) One Month Party

The Chinese Symbol for Rabbit

We have been busy little bees the last couple of days, planning and preparing for NB's First Moon Birthday party. I have had TWO goals, with respect to this party:

1. To not leave too much food preparation for the last day. Usually we run ourselves ragged the day OF a party, as we have left too much food prep for the last day (in an effort to make sure it is all fresh).

2. To keep the party small. As NB is so young, I did not want her to be frightened or uncomfortable with a lot of people. Plus, as her immunity is still fragile, I did not want to expose her to too many foreign pathogens.

Making the red eggs with my best helper

(& now we don't have to dye Easter Eggs!!

I love two-for-one activities!!)

I managed to accomplish my first goal. Peter decided to use a local restaurant to cater his contribution to the event (the meat portion). So, basically I got to monopolize Malou's energies and got her to make a fresh fruit salad, and deep fry the green onion cakes and pakoras (yes--Punjabi Chef was in the house sans recipe--mom you would be very proud as the pakoras were delicious and many of my Indian contemporaries found them delicious).

Even with a last minute cancellation (party of four), number 2 did not happen. Though we did try our very best to keep the guest list small, we still ended up with a lot of people. We loved that we had such a great turn-out, and we really enjoyed ourselves.

Here are some memorable events:

*Little A was delighted that Aunty Zana (who surprised me tremendously by just showing up--she is in AD for a short trip from Scotland and I wasn't holding out much hope that she would make it as she'd only flown in that morning) remembered her in the form of a sticker book (a very ELABORATE sticker book--the most amazing I have every seen), and it did not leave her hands the entire time. In fact, we had a rather tough time prying it out of her hands at bed-time and even then, she kept it by her bed-side. Note to anybody buying a gift for an almost four year old girl--STICKER BOOKS!!

Mirha and the Rabbit baby

*NB S got so many lovely gifts, and was adored by all (whenever she took the time to peep her head out from under my nursing cover). She managed to get a few cuddles from few of the ladies, though the 'menfolk' seemed rather hesitant to approach--perhaps it was the nursing cover and what was underneath that held them back? I am actually feeling quite overwhelmed by the generosity of our friends--a thank-you card (which will likely be home-made, and which will likely take a LONG time to hand out) will not be able to adequately describe the thankfulness that is in my heart (but it will have to do).

Thanks Uncle Raj and Aunty Patti for NB's gifts!

* Baby N had a lovely time playing with anyone and everyone. How lucky am I (especially considering he is over my weight limit for carrying) that he is so friendly and goes to practically anybody? As soon as he woke up, he was passed from one person to the next, and spent a great deal of time joyfully playing with our friend Zee's older children. Peter has decided he needs to go to nursery, although I have clarified that N likes to play with OLDER children who actively engage with him (not ones his own age)...which can be translated to mean: 'over my dead body' (but who knows--maybe I'll feel differently at a later date and time?).

*I had a very embarrassing wardrobe malfunction (argh! stupid nursing tops!!) and hopefully my relationship with Mr. Ajay ("Uhhh-jay--NOT Ay-jay" as Little A will correct her dad endlessly) is not irreparably damaged. Ajay (who didn't quite make it as far as Al Ain this time, but still managed to take a more scenic route than he would have liked) had brought his parents along, and it was really nice to meet Jagjit and Nandini. I had to laugh when Jagjit told me 'after I saw the mosque for the third time, I knew we were a little lost, but I decided not to say anything and just let him find the way'. Ajay has very loving parents. I don't know many Indian parents who are able to refrain from telling their children what to do.

By the end of the evening (around 5:45 pm), we were all toast. Both A and N slept until 7 am (and they are usually both up by 6 a.m.) the following morning.

Shariza and family (with NB S)

**NB: The pictures I have included in today's blog are not necessarily from the party. We had only ONE photographer (who was also required to hostess, care for children, & nurse a newborn baby) and so we didn't end up with a lot of photos from the day. Too bad! We will have to take more on April 24 (the actual ONE MONTH) to make up for it.**