It's all fun and games...

...until someone loses an eye.

I'm sure we've all said that and laughed (especially those of us who have or work with children).

Today, I'm not so much with the laughing.

Today, baby N got cut on his eyelid. Though he seems absolutely fine now, it was a horrifying experience for me.

With a little veggie lentil in his teeth...

There is a play picnic table in our hallway, that little A uses for painting. He is drawn, like a moth to a flame, to this picnic table. He likes to climb up and onto the table and then sit there. I know this and have been meaning to move this table...but (like a few other things around here) I haven't gotten around to it.

Today, while he was on the picnic table, I was right there beside him, letting him explore his movement abilities. I had my hand on his back the whole time. When he stretched forward just a little too far and toppled, I caught him. But not before he managed to bang his eye on the corner of the bench that is right NEXT to the picnic table. He (of course) cried, and I (of course) comforted him ...and grew increasingly alarmed as I saw the blood on his right eye. If you recall from the last 'bonking' incident, I have little to no experience with toddler bumps and bruises (b/c little A was not an explorer).

Fortunately, my friend Brenda was over (just dropping off a toy for him) and thankfully she has TONNES of experience with toddler accidents and injuries. I just said "what do I do?" and she said "I'll get ice" and went to the kitchen. She met me at the diaper table where we compressed and iced (as much as we could) and baby N screamed (at least until we stopped compressing and icing). She talked me calmly through, and overall, it looks like he's going to have a cut and a bruise.

Still smiling...

The bleeding stopped quickly (which she said was good sign) and I gave him some Tylenol (which seemed to please him). After feeding him lunch, where he was more than happy to mug for the camera, he went for a nap.

You should see the other guy...

I should also be napping, but the adrenalin from this incident has just got me too wired and I can't sleep. I keep thinking about how lucky he was...just a little bit more one way and he would've banged his eyeball (and vitreous humour is one bodily fluid I can go my whole life without touching!!). Also, had he hurt his eye seriously, he would have to stay in this region long-term, as it's the only area I know where 'pirate' is still a viable career option.

Okay--now he's awake...I've got to go and assess him (again).

I promise to self-flagellate until all visible scarring disappears (and thereafter, whenever I look at the picnic table).

The Sunday Struggle

Papa's Famous Chinese Noodles for supper...mmmmm!!

This week I managed to get little A into bed and asleep by 11:15 a.m. Can you believe she STILL slept until 2:15 and had to be woken up to get ready for ballet (which of course, she didn't want to go to--she said "I'll go on Friday, okay mom?"). NOT okay little A. So, I told her we would go grocery shopping and just stop in and say hello to Ms. Jesse first (as we were both sure Ms. Jesse had missed her last week). Of course, once she saw Ms. Jesse and Ms. Jesse helped put on little A's ballet shoes, well...it was a done deal. The conversation turned from ballet shoes to the Winnie the Pooh clips little A was sporting (THREE colours--yellow, pink AND blue) as I limped and shuffled out the door.

This morning we had our third bicycling experience, and it was the best so far. I kept my hand on little A's back and she was so comfortable she even sped ahead of me a few times, laughing and screaming in delight. We went all the way to the end of the walking path, turned around and came back. There were a few 'tense' moments, (when little A dismounted her bike to inspect the ants swarming around the dead cockroach carcass, and when she stopped to pick flowers) where I was afraid that I would be pushing the bike home on my own again, but it didn't happen. Each time she hopped back up and pedalled through her tiredness all the way home. I was so very proud of her. She did not get 'fwustwated' once this time out, and neither did I.

Baby N is teething (again). Yesterday he had his hand deep in his gums and drool all the way down his face (to date, neither of my children have been droolers), so it was time to pull out the teething tinctures. Though I have noticed his personality is mildly more irritable than before, it's doubtful anyone else would know there was anything wrong with him, as he is still so cheery and playful.

Yesterday we had a lovely afternoon BBQ visit with Uncle Pete and our new friends, the Beresfords, who are moving back home to the UK this week. We heard that they were moving through our helper, who had her heart set on us buying some of their dressers drawers for her room. So, we went to check out what they were selling (and to make our helper happy) and hit it off with them. Though we have only known them for a short time, we really enjoyed meeting them and we hope to be able to meet up with them some time again in our travels.

It has already been suggested to us that we make an effort to get to know people who are moving IN to the country, rather than those who are on their way OUT.

Last night I created a 'to-do' list for myself (and my goal is to finish it all THIS week). I managed to cross off a few items today, one being to make the remainder of my obgyn appointments for B3. It is a little amazing (and scary) to think there are only three more appointments before we go in for the "big show". The date has been set as March 24 (although--I know a lot more about 'the best-laid plans' than I used to), and hopefully there will be no need for any 'emergency' visits or interventions this time around.

If it's possible, I am feeling even MORE tired and there is more discomfort than in the previous weeks. Breathing has become difficult, as has walking and moving. Thankfully, my cold has abated (yippee!!), so that's one less thing to be stressed about. I am actually giving up in carrying baby N around, and have accepted that I will have to have my helper carry him upstairs and bring him down again--though I still don't like it. Apparently, the elastic waistbands of all my pants have also 'given up' (I see it as an act of solidarity), and I now find myself sometimes wearing the 'cheshire grin of pregnancy' (kind of like 'plumber's crack', except it's a cute rim of round baby-belly) where my pants have slipped down and my top isn't long enough to make up the distance.

Little A would like to name the baby "Hugh" (which she pronounces 'whoo'), regardless of gender. Her friend Faith's little brother is named Hugh, and she is really in love with this name. Though we have not settled on a name yet, 'Hugh' definitely doesn't really match up with the names we have given our other children (which are Sanskrit based).

So...it's a cold...

...and not allergies as I had hoped. The snuggler was back in bed with me last night (as she assured me that I was getting better and she would not get sick) and I felt terrible for her. What kind of sleep could she have had with me getting up regularly to pee and then the sneeze-a-thons...10-12 in a row (a record even for me)?

Let's see...if the tickle in my throat started Monday(-ish), then hopefully it should be all mended by next Monday (so only three more days to go). Cross your fingers for me.

Despite my cold, we had a tasty dinner (or so I think as my tastebuds are not exactly at 100% with this cold) last night at Asha's restaurant in Khalidiyah Mall. Incidentally, 'Asha' was one of the names that I had liked for little A--but in the end we didn't choose it. I liked it for its softness and could already hear its pronunciation being butchered by so many back home (particularly those who ignore you when you tell them how something is pronounced and prefer to keep imposing their own interpretation of phonics on the world).

It was a 'bon voyage' dinner for Aunty Kathy, Charlotte and Steve, from Edmonton who were all flying out Friday morning to various destinations. Asha's is a popular restaurant chain, created by the famous Indian singer Asha Bhosle. We took along litle A (who resisted coming along until she was told she could wear her new 'plum velvet' party dress) and left baby N behind (as he usually eats dinner at 6 and is asleep by 6:30 pm). It was the second time we've eaten at this restaurant (the first time was with Kathy and Pete as well) and I remarked on how different the experience was, now that A was older. So much more enjoyable (she sat and almost ate an entire plate of pappadams on her own)!

Almost 'Asha'

We saw the plastic camel display that had been set-up in order to educate shoppers about improper usage and disposal of plastic bags. There has been a real push in the last year to switch people over from plastic bags to reusable bags. Eventually, all shops are going to be forced to use recycled plastic bags. However, the dates of implementation have continually been pushed back. There has been a lot of media attention of late, particularly when an art exhibit displayed a camel's intestine full of plastic bags (a leading cause of camel death). So now, they've launched a new campaign and are handing out free PAPER bags (although I noticed that the paper they've used is not recycled...and from what I have seen so far the 'paper and pulp' industry is non-existent in the UAE) to advertise it. 'A' for effort though--I applaud their attempts to make change for the environment.

Help Jamilah save our camels!!

Baby N: Petits Filous

When you're smiling...

Yesterday we took N to see Dr. Khalid at SKMC. If you remember, Dr. Khalid is the pediatric neurologist who is replacing Dr. Wasseem. As the appointment was late in the day, Peter joined us. Dr. Khalid was very friendly (perhaps he was warmed up as this is the second NS he has cared for in his career) and seemed positive about N's progress. He sent him off for some more bloodwork (to check C/K (creatine kinase) levels--if they are high, then it could indicate muscle deterioration), and fortunately it only took the nurses two tries (one on each arm) to extract the blood they needed. We will have results by Sunday.

I have been feeling a bit run down these last two days (it seems funny to write that--as I've generally been run down since last summer when I got pregnant again--or was it the April before that when I was pregnant with N...or was it....). Anyways, THIS TIME, there has been a mild cough that has been accompanying the tiredness. I was treating myself with just honey and juice and tea...and then yesterday, when we got home from the hospital, my body kicked things up a bit. I started sneezing and sneezing--my eyes puffed out of my head (or so it felt--but when I looked in the mirror I looked just fine) and I needed to constantly carry a tissue around to blow my nose (which was sometimes empty, although it felt drippy). So, it was either the mother of all allergic reactions OR the fastest acting killer virus (that I must've picked up from the hospital--probably from that kid walking around holding a cloth to cover his mouth and nose).

When you're smiling...

Peter helped out by taking the 'snuggler' to bed with him (and she helped out by cooperating), in the case that it was a cold and not an allergy. This morning I feel a bit better (much less sneezing) and I'm hoping that the Tylenol and tea combination will be enough to keep me going til the weekend (when I can rest without feeling bad about the little ones being without a parent). Today we only have one appointment to get through, with Dr. Anub, the physiotherapist. This will be our last appointment with him for a while. I would actually have cancelled it, but Dr. Khalid brought up a 'footwear' issue with us, and I want to check and see what Dr. Anub's opinion will be. Baby N (like his sister) is a devotee of the moccasin style baby shoe (to ensure proper foot muscle development) but Dr. Khalid thought he needed more 'support'. In my mind, more support means heavier feet and would make walking more difficult (not easier) for him. However, I will let the 'experts' weigh in (any out there?) and then try and make the best decision.

This morning, while little A had to pee (for some reason she is VERY reluctant to get up in the morning and pee in the toilet...she always waits until it is the most inconvenient time and then has to pee), I left baby N strapped in the high chair and helped her out. I ensured that all was out of range of his monkey arms, but apparently they go further than I think they can. He decided to release his 'tortured artist' soul, using the medium of greek yogurt and petits filous (raspberry). Mostly, he used himself as the canvas. The artworks are littered throughout this blog, for your enjoyment.

The whole world smiles with you!!

Just an update:

1. Dr. Anub feels strongly that baby N should learn to walk in bare-feet, as this is optimal for foot and arch development. He feels that we should not even consider any orthopedic shoes for him until he is at least 4 or 5 years old OR unless he presents some specific problem (which he is not currently doing). Baby N has normal baby feet and placement. He does not foresee any issues for him.

I am happy that my research on children's footwear is supported, and this is good news for my stockpile of boy's Robeez shoes.

2. Dr. Khalid phoned me (just now...and the test was yesterday--WOW!) and told me the C/K enzyme test levels have come back in the 'normal' range. This is excellent news as it indicates that we do not need to be concerned about muscle deterioration.

The ants go marching one by one...hurrah!! hurrah!!

We've had a problem with ants on our second floor for about a month now. It has been a real challenge to figure out where they are coming from (as usually they come in through improperly sealed doors). The ant bait that we've been using has been completely useless, and the sprays you can buy here are dangerous (most are not clearly labelled as to whether they are for indoor or outdoor use). Yesterday, there were more ants than I had seen before. Whereas there are usually only two or three meandering around on the landing, there were over twenty, and they seemed more purposeful and had a clearly delineated trajectory (or so it seemed).

So, as I was heading out for my ob appointment (and little A LOVES bugs), I asked my helper to try and track them to discover where they were coming from. We both suspected that perhaps the upstairs balcony in N's room was the source, and she was game to spray it (on the outside) for me.

I noticed that evening, as I was walking the upstairs hallway, that I was no longer sharing the space with tiny feet (so much more ROOM now for me to walk). After speaking to Malou, she told me she found the ant's nest. It seems they were coming from N's bathroom (aka 'storage space'). They had dug up the grout and were streaming out of the hole. So, she sprayed the hole and surrounding area, and VOILA!! No more ants!!

Now I have to follow up and have maintenance come and fix the hole, so that we do not have to use the insecticide regularly.

Just another example of how little things can make such a big difference !

Hot Wheels

Naniji, this dress is officially 'too small' now

We had a great time in Dubai on Saturday and managed to get in a full-day. Little A wore her 'yellow ballerina dress' (which is way too small for her, so she decided to compensate by adding pants), we shopped, N had his first taste of deep fried puri and A got to drive a green car around Ibn Battuta Mall. I remembered to take a soo-bee (pacifier) for the ride home, and so as soon as we started back, little A's eyes glassed over and it was a peaceful and quiet ride home. I was tired...but overall, it was a great day, and both our little ones were awesome.

Today, on the other hand, has been very rough.

Thanks for the helmet Andrea.

I think she likes it more than the bike!

After taking little A out for a spin on her new 'Hot Wheels' bike (why are the boy's bikes so much better quality than the girls?) and having to push her all the way back because she was 'tired and fwustwated', I collapsed on the sofa bed. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of lying down on my back (and I should know better). On a good day, it is hard enough for me to roll from one side to the other. On our sofa bed, it is impossible--for some reason my hips tend to lock into position and I deal with excruciating pain when I try to move. SO...I tried for about 20 minutes, and then gave up. I asked our helper to take little A upstairs, and once she was gone, I cried my way through the pain and rolled over. Lesson learned (at least until the next time I am exhausted).

I had a lovely visit with a new neighbour (and hopefully a new friend). Sally and her family (Eric, Joss, Niels and Lotta) have just moved here from Ireland. We first met at a book-swap a few weeks ago and she remarked on our common families (three children within a similar time spread). However, Sally's family is about seven years ahead of ours. Interestingly, I learned that she feels her middle child is hypotonic (like baby N), and that she has just found ways to build muscle tone into his regular activities (small things like using a straw to build his mouth muscles, as she says his speech is sometimes difficult to understand). She seems to be such a lovely lady, and I hope that I will make time to get to know her more (although once B3 arrives, I know that my life outside of these four walls will cease to exist for a time).

Little A's favourite 'doll' for the stroller

Like many, we have been following the news about all the troubles in Libya. For those who may be worried (like my parents), I assure you that none of this violence or chaos is trickling over into the UAE. Through friends, we met a Calgarian family who had been living in Benghazi. We were quite relieved to read that they left Libya on February 19. The next day, our newspaper reported that Benghazi had been taken over by protestors--seems they got out just in time. For those that are still there, we hope that this violence will end quickly (and that MQ: (a) finds a bottle of Clairol that is a better match to his natural shade and (b) crawls back under that rock he's been hiding under for the last 20 years or so.)

Surly Mama...

So...it seems like we're in the 'home stretch'--just a little over four weeks to go.

This morning I was feeling a bit 'surly'--grouchy...pissy....hormonal...assertive--call it what you will. This morning our favourite breakfast joint had 'high security procedures' in place, for the IDEX show (military conference). Usually their 'high security' is just a scanner, which my children and I just walk around (due to my pregnancy and their tiny bodies).

TODAY, however, I was directed behind a 'curtain' where I was greeted by three Emirati (I'm assuming) ladies. They didn't really seem to know why I was there, so I reminded them that they were supposed to pat me down. What seemed like hours later (remember: 8 months pregnant and hungry) Number 3 stood up and gave me a nice little pat on the back. She held baby N (probably more because he's so cute and she wanted to give him a snuggle) under the pretense of 'frisking' him. When she passed him back to me, Number 2 decided it was important to tell me how to hold my son 'the right way' (and honestly--her suggestion was to put him on my hip, which is exactly where he was to begin with). Seriously--how else can you hold a baby if your belly looks like THIS:

Belly feels the home STRETCH more than anyone...

Will you believe what popped out of my mouth??

I icily replied: "This is my THIRD baby" (pointing at my belly), "I think I know how to hold him properly".

ROWR!!!!

Where did THAT come from?? Normally I just smile and nod politely when I get unsolicited parenting advice (I have LOTS of practice).

She looked a bit confused, and then Number 1, who was sitting closest to me 'translated' my words. As I promptly (carefully) turned on my heel (flat, birkenstock orthodpedic shoe) and stormed (shuffled) out, I saw her nodding in understanding (but understanding exactly WHAT I wonder??).

Hmmmmm....what could have put me in such a 'mood' this morning??

I've had a LOVELY week. I've visited with friends, had a pedicure (my toes look GREAT!), watched an episode of Supernatural (love!love!love! those Winchester boys!) and we have a LONG weekend. I've even been shopping and found some great sales (all stuff for the little ones). We've had some great 'family time', and we are all getting very excited and eager to meet our newest addition (although a name is still eluding us...we are VERY close).