My Last Baby Registry

So I’ve narrowed down my registry list pretty reasonably and I currently have it going on @ Amazon.com but I don’t particularly care for how it’s set up on that site.. Sometimes the pictures to the products change and sometimes, they don’t show up @ all - so this is what everything looks like..

Prices on Amazon also have a tendency to jump up and down all the time, and to sometimes crazy prices, but come back down a few days later so the prices below should be the real prices all of the time..

I’m expecting to buy 90% of this stuff myself since people have been so great in the past and have got me a few of these items already.. It’s just too bad I chucked everything I had away to the Salvation Army – Wasn’t predicting another wee one for a few years yet.. BUT, with that said, I’ll take anything tossed my way.. I’m not dense enough to be too picky.. HOWEVER, the good thing is @ least I know what I definitely need & DON’T need so, this list isn’t all-inclusive but maybe it’ll give some other moms out there a few good ideas.. I’m also a stickler for top reviews so pretty much every item on this list has had really great reviews or I’ve had/used the product previously and am making a repeat buy it was so good..



Travel/Logistics

Having trouble deciding between the Joovy Caboose Tandem Stroller in the older model **149.96 @ Amazon**



OR the new Joovy Ultralight (only weighs 21 lbs)



The price difference is about $70 **229.99 @ most retailers** and I’m sure either will be great.. I used to have a stroller identical to this and it is the perfect stroller when you have an older child that still needs to rest their legs on long outings.. But I know the Ultralight supports pretty much every major brand of travel car seat so that may sway me to fork over the dough..

Speaking of car seats.. For the first 6 months I’ll use this



Graco Snug Ride Infant Car Seat in Spring Meadow - Pretty simple and standard.. Nothing too glitzy as I’m sure I won’t get a whole lot of use out of it.. Also got great reviews and good for the money. Boy will there be some happy moms @ my garage sale though! **69.99 @ Amazon**

Kiddopotamus & Co Snuzzler Complete Head & Body Support – Head support is essential for those early months of car trips.. Soo snuggly! Isn’t that baby adorable?! **15.38 @ Amazon**



Fisher Price Rainforest Auto Mirror – For neurotic moms.. Strike that - ALL Moms (as we are all neurotic) will want this for a little reassuring peek while driving.. Also attractive to baby **24.99 @ Amazon & Target**



Fisher Price Rainforest Car Seat Protector Plus – Good protection for baby’s little mishaps in the car seat (aka – it’s a piddlepad). Also has attached toys so it’s a 2 in 1 product **14.99 @ Amazon & Target**



Graco Vinyl Carseat Cover – Babies are surprisingly good mess makers and your car seats will thank you for this little buffer here.. **9.99 @ Amazon**



JJ Cole System Diaperbag (in Pink Cocoa) – Seems sturdy and roomy enough for all my kids crap **60.83 @ Amazon & BabiesRUs**



JJ Cole Logic Diaper Bag – Slim line, great for rushed on the go and comes in more neutral colors so Daddy won’t have any hang-ups about wearing it.. Luckily mine doesn’t care too much on that note so I’m getting it in Pink Cocoa **29.90 @ Amazon**



Sunshine Kids Stow’N Go – My car is often chaotic.. I need something to help cut that out. Poifect! **14.38 @ Amazon**



Sassy Baby Catepillar Suction Mobile – Can be used on any smooth surface but makes for a really great car toy **9.99 @ Amazon & Target**



Feeding

Dr. Brown’s Bottles (wide neck) – I’ve had two colicky babies and these work wonders.. I want to try to nurse this go around so the wide neck with the more “natural” shaped nipples should help the weaning stage and also for when I’m not around.. I need these in both 8 oz and 4 oz **14.99 for a 3 pack @ Amazon & other major retailers** and also need the stage 2 and the Y Cut Cereal Nipples



Dr. Brown’s 4 Bottle Microwave Sterilizer – I don’t have a dishwasher yet, per se, so this is going to be essential.. I hate the bother of boiling bottle gear **29.99 @ Amazon**



Sassy Baby Formula Dispenser – I’ll eventually make the switch to formula if not right away and these pre-measured compartments make it a snap for quick bottle making.. Just get baby used to ROOM temperature water and you’ll have yourself a bottle within 30 seconds everytime.. **3.49 @ Amazon**



Fisher Price Space Saver High Chair – Not a fan of full sized highchairs here.. This one doesn’t fold up or anything but it still relatively portable.. Looks quite cushy too compared to other booster seats.. **49.99 @ Amazon**



Boon Squirt – This ingenious little spoon has a squeezable handle that you put the baby food into.. then you screw the end back on and squeeze it a little bit to dispense some food onto the spoon.. One handed feeding! **7.99 ea. @ Amazon**



Munchkin Fresh Food Feeders – Great for giving fresh sliced produce without the worry of choking hazards.. **10.75 for 2 pack @ Amazon**



Sassy Baby 2 piece Suction Cup Gift Set, Multiple Colors – I’m getting a pretty plain highchair seat, so sticking these on there will take waiting for feeding time from torturous to “Hold the bananas sister, I’m playin’ here!” **11.99 @ Amazon**




Bathing/Hygiene

Baby Trend Diaper Champ – Newest model. Uses regular trashbags opposed to the Diaper Genie’s specialty liners so it’s better on the wallet and is less hassle from the Genie (I’ve had one before [Diaper Genie], not too crazy about it – kinda small too so hopefully this one is bigger) **29.99 @ Amazon & Target**



Summer Infant Bath Sling – For some reason the pink one is cheaper by $3 (it’s $16.99) and I have the old version & really loved it.. So this new model with the headrest should be very nice.. Folds up pretty flat and dries relatively quickly



Safety First Tubside Kneeler – With three kids to wash and chronic back problems, I’ll take anything that promises to help **14.99 @ Amazon & Target**



Boon Flo – Creates a waterfall out of your bathtub spicket.. Less noisy and scary for baby than the rushing onslaught of water **15.99 @ Amazon**



Burt’s Bees Baby Bee’s Getting Started Kit – All natural ingredients utilizing the wholesome goodness of the likes of buttermilk and apricots.. Who wouldn’t like their baby to smell like creamy fruit? Parfait baby! **13.99 @ Amazon & other major retailers**



Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Apricot Oil – Put a capful in the tub for a soothing, moisturizing, delicious bath **6.95 for 4oz. Bottle @ Amazon & other major retailers**



Shampoo Rinse Cup – My kids STILL don’t trust us to keep the water out of their eyes during bathtime so this might make it less scary for them and baby **8.99 @ Amazon & Leaps&Bounds.com**



Baby Einstein Bath Gift Set – I love BE products but any gender appropriate toweling set will be sufficient **16.99 @ Amazon & Target**



Summer Infant Healthcare and Grooming Kit – You get the most equipment for the price ($20), lots of great reviews (over 70) and it’s a reputable manufacturer



Basic Comfort Especially for baby Contoured Changing Pad – No changing table should go without.. **23.17 @ Amazon**



Boppy Changing Pad cover in Yellow – A little more plush than your average cover.. but a cover you should have to absorb any residual wetness from a bath or diaper change.. **19.99 @ Amazon & Target**



Playtime

Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo – In my opinion you should only need 3 major baby stations. Those would be 1.) a good playmat/playgym 2.) a swing and 3.) a stationary activity center like an exersaucer or this fabulous jumper! **69.99 @ Amazon & BabiesRUs**



Fisher Price Aquarium Take Along Swing – This is perhaps THE MOST essential baby activity toy one will ever buy.. It entertains! It lulls! It basically does everything short of washing your laundry.. I had the old version of this and it lasted thru two babies and a destructive toddler.. Take Along Swings are MUCH better than full sized ones cause they do the same job but they’re portable.. I’m a fanatic! **59.95 @ Amazon**



Baby Einstein Seek & Discover Activity Gym – Seen it in person and it’s very colorful – kinda on the small side but lots to see and do.. also has a little tummy pillow **49.99 @ Amazon & BabiesRUs**



Fisher Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker – Relatively cheap ($30) and you get a long shelf life out of it.. Going against my “3 station” theory but I’m gettin’ it! (unless someone else wants to for me – speak up now!)



Fisher Price Rainforest Peek-A-Boo Waterfall Soother – Good reviews.. Cute little crib soother. Hope it does it’s job! **31.44 @ Amazon & Walmart**



Sassy Baby’s First Toy Set – It’s got gross motor skills down pat.. also has more nummy, gummy, teething toys than you can shake a stick at.. Great value for **23.99 @ Amazon**


Baby Einstein Shape Set – Toy set that looks pretty cute and entertaining **14.99**



Baby Einstein Baby’s Photo Book – You can slip pictures of family members in this plastic book so baby can get acquainted with siblings and even grandparents.. They’ll be doing enough staring @ you to know who you are! – It also has a water teether binding for some chewing action **5.99 @ Amazon**




Random

Carter’s BodySuits – I’ll take these in any gender appropriate color and size I can get them in.. Bear in mind that for the first 6 months it’ll be summer time for us so baby will need breathable little numbers like this.. Pretty much what she’ll be living in while @ the house (which is where I’ll be spending 90% of my summer – I don’t go out unless it’s nighttime and it’s still balls hot..) **14.40 for this 5 pack on Amazon**



Seasoned mothers know the necessity of having no-scratch mittens.. They are a must for a beautiful scratch free baby face cause their little talons can get razor sharp! **13.99 @ BabiesRUs**



The First Years – Airflow Back Sleeper – For those of us struck by the paralyzing fear of SIDS, this should help ease your worries a bit.. Sleep positioners don’t work for long but I had this one and was happy with it’s performance.. Shoot, I might even still have it.. I’ll find out next month **12.99 @ Amazon**



Twilight Turtle Constellation Nighlight - Great little nightlight here.. I think there also may be a lamb version but this fits in perfect with my Hawaiian nursery **30.00-35.00 @ Amazon**



Fisher Price Flutterbye Crib Mobile – Cutsey simple mobile for good price (less than $20 last I saw) – Also would fit in with my nursery theme.. **22.00 @ Walmart.com**



Boppy Pillow Covers – I already have the pillow, just need new covers.. Very useful product for feeding and for baby’s tummy time or just a good spot for them to chill for a few.. The first cover, the giggle gadget, looks really fun for play and the second cover is just 10 bucks.. It’s much more useful to have two handy for in case.. **17.99 & 9.99 @ Amazon**




Coast Innovations Itzbeen Baby Care Timer – I think I’ll need this just because I have two other kids to keep up with and my housekeeper helping me throughout the day – so it’d be a good thing to be on the same page **24.99 @ Amazon**



Raz-berry Teether – Good reviews.. Only to be used as a teether, it’s not a paci **5.99 @ Amazon**



Baby’s Bliss Gripewater – With so many good reviews it’s gotta be good.. I’ve never had a problem with Mylicon drops or Hyland’s Colic Tablets though but I’ll try this stuff.. Every baby gets gassy from time to time so you’ll need to plan ahead.. **16.32 for 8oz. @ Amazon**



Infantino Shop & Play Tiki Time – Another great cheap ($20) and multi-use product.. Use it on shopping carts AND restaurant high chairs for a safe germ free environment for baby.. You can also lay it flat for some tummy time action! **19.99 @ Amazon**




Now I’m sure most of these items can be found @ other stores like ToysRUs, BabiesRUs, Walmart & Target so they don’t NEED to be purchased from Amazon exclusively, but I do know that all are carried by them.. Also, I have an Amazon Prime account (a real life saver when you buy tons of crap from there – like I do) so if you see an item that has free shipping on prime shoot me a line and you can order it under my username if you want..

Anyway, now that I have it all listed out it seems like a pretty extensive list but still – this is just the tip of the iceburg.. Many parents get buttloads more stuff than this.. Especially first-timers.. Not everything on this list is 100% essential but I think I’ve sussed out what has potential to be useful. Again, I thank everyone who helped me and Pedro out when we were first getting our footing as parents.. We had all the essentials thanks to great family and friends who chipped in, donated and gave freely.. I’m thankful that we’re @ the point where we can afford to get tiny luxuries, as not all of these are essential – but I’ll still be just as thankful to get anything at all, big or small.. Thanks for reading and hope it helps someone @ least

Maternity Expo @ The Royale Hayat Hospital

So I took Julie’s advice and dragged myself out of the house last night to go to this maternity expo that was happening @ one of the nicest hospitals here in Kuwait. Tatum’s teacher gave me an invitation so I also didn’t want to feel bad when I’d have to end up telling her on Sunday that I didn’t go.. I just wasn’t feeling so hot after my usual afternoon nap but I felt a lot better after dinner (which I made Chicken Salad sandwiches and home-made Minestrone Stoup).

Anywho, REALLY glad I went! There were a lot of vendors @ this thing from specialty baby boutique stores in and around Kuwait that I’d never heard of. There’s also a new organic market that’s opening up next week that I got info on.. I got TONS of info on a lot of things.. I left that place with my arms full of magazines, catalogues, booklets and business cards..

They also had some displays for specialty bedding and nightware for post-natal mothers but it was all VERY Arabic in style.. Meaning too ostentatious for me.. It’s all very lush with lace and satin and sequence.. It all reminded me of Scarlet O’Hara’s bedroom and clothing from Gone With The Wind.. I had a good internal chuckle over it..

But besides all that, I did see a lot that I was interested in.. Next week when Julie is better (everyone round here is fighting nasty colds it seems) – we’re going to go to this one particular store, in the same mall that we get our nails done, to see about getting me a crib. I think I’ve actually found a decently priced one (although NOT cheap) that is in the style I like and am used to (being that it’s an adjustable bed – one that baby won’t fall out of once she starts to pull up). It’ll all going to be good research for Julie too as she’s planning on getting knocked up this summer..

And while the Expo was great, my attention was more taken with the hospital itself.. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Royale Hayat but I’d never checked it out for myself.. I’d convinced myself that I’m just fine @ Al Salam (which is still a stellar facility). HOWEVER, I was blown away by the grandeur of this place.. From top to bottom it looks like a 5 star hotel (which is exactly the effect they were going for). The interior is so rich and modern – the lobby ridiculously grandiose.. I asked one of the receptionists for a tour of one of the more basic post-natal suites and she was more than happy to oblige..

OMFG yall! That room was out of this world! Just the trip TO the room in the hallway and you really feel like you’re on a damn penthouse floor.. It’s huge for starters – lots of seating. The bed is sooo comfy! It has a 40 in plasma screen TV that also has hookups to a webcam in the nursery that keeps watch over your baby 24/7 so you can always see what’s going on with them.. The bathroom is redonkulously luxe. A sit down shower with the capacity for 4 people at least! It also has a fully stocked mini bar (no alcohol though ☹) AND it has a kitchenette! I was swooning! So on Saturday when I go back, I’m going to check in with the maternity department to see about switching my records and setting up my next appointment there..

And why will I be there on Saturday in the first place you ask? Well.. this HOSPITAL also has a full on luxury spa inside! And being that this is Hala February (sales time) AND that I attended the expo, I’m getting a 3 hour pre-natal spa session for %25 OFF! I am stupid giddy about that! They also have a “Spa Cuisine” restaurant, “Tamarind” so that’s where I’m headed for lunch.. Pedro’s being so good to me on this count, I’m going to insist he go ATVing again soon and have another boys day out.. He’s going to need all the rest he can get as well before it’s back to the baby grind..

Anyway, here are some links to the hospital and spa and such.. If anyone wants to come visit me in Kuwait, by all means.. I gots the hook up! ☺

www.royalehayat.com
www.banyantreespa.com

And for ATVing and a really nice dinner or resort stay here’s the site to the Kempinski – Where Kev & Julie had their wedding

www.kempinski-kuwait.com

Here’s also some links to some of the stores and products I viewed @ the Expo

www.cryo-save.com (for storing cord blood stem cells)
www.organicfoodsandcafe.com
www.jellybeanzshop.com
www.basketsmadeperfect.com (customized gift baskets for baby and any other occasion)
www.stokke.com (Norweigian made read: expensive baby gear products)
www.noppies.com (maternity wear)
www.mamasandpapas.com (a UK based babystore)
www.mothercare.com (another UK based general needs store for family)

Ain't No Other Man

Ain’t No OtherMan
Current mood: breezy
Category: Blogging

Brag About Your Man Survey

** What is your husband's name??- Pedro.. P-Diddy @ work

** When did he become your husband?? - November 15th, 2002

** When did you know he was the one??- When we broke up and he left for Afghanistan but STILL wrote to me and called me every chance he got.. He even sent me flowers and gifts.. For 6 months we still stayed in touch and when he came back it just clicked..

** Does he have any brothers??- He has a little half brother and a much older step brother who are both gay.. not that that matters in the least but I just think it's ironic.. Given how much my Father In-Law hates gays and yet he's had a hand in both of these guys upbringing from early ages.. Pedro was already 9 by the time his parents got married

** Does he have any sisters??- He has two older step sisters and they're super nice

** What does he look like?

- He's not too tall but thankfully not shorter than me.. He has coarse black curly hair (that's where Tatum gets her dark curls but she gets the soft hair from me!), big chocolate-colored eyes, he sports a natural goatee and sometimes mountain-man scruff these days but if he shaved I swear he instantly looks 18 again..

He's not husky but has very broad shoulders for his size.. He's gotten just a lil' pudgy around the center since going civilian but I don't mind ;P.. Overall he has a soft handsome face and a really great goofy grin..

** What's his style?
- He is an avid polo and jean wearer.. always with dark timberland boots and his little raybans.. Still pretty preppy, as always..

** What are his hobbies?
- Well he doesn't get to do much of his two favorite things (go quading or shoot stuff) – so he spends most his free time playing MMORPG games.. he got me sucked into his twisted addiction too

** Are you happy??- With him? Sure.. He's given me a lot of freedom in life and I'm forever indebted to him.. He's also happy to let me be my sassy, bossy, witty, sometimes overbearing self.. He's never once asked me to change anything about myself and for me, that's big coming from a home like I did..

** What does he do for a living?
- He's a jack of all trades in the IT field.. But more specifically he's a Network Security Analyst and pretty damn good at his job!

** Does he sing to you?
- No cause he knows I'll just correct him when he uses the wrong lyrics..

** Does he dance with you??- We don't dance often no.. Not a lot of chances to. But I think the most romantic dance we've ever had was under the stars @ Chicago's Navy Pier

** Do you have children??- Do dogs like to piss on trees? We've always wanted children ever since our dating years.. We got our wish a little too early though :P

** How many??- We've got both kinds and another one of the sweet kind coming soon..

** How many do you want??- He wanted 2 and I wanted 4 so we've met somewhere in the middle

** Has he ever served in the military?
- 82nd Airborne Paratrooper - 33whisky – 525th MI Brigade - 319th Military Intelligence Battalion - Combat Veteran (as in, he was a part of a SF team that actually hunted down Taliban) - Sniper Qualified - SEREs Trained – Top of his class in PLDC – NCO/E-5 @ age 21 CERTIFIED BADASS – Does that about cover it? Lol – Delta Force tried to lure him to stay in the army but I was tired of military life.. Too bad those who shall not be named! Military wifedom is not for me

** Does he buy you flowers??- When he remembers that it's a special flower giving day.. At least he knows my favorites

** If yes, is it only for occasions??- Pretty much.. I think he's only brought me flowers as an apology twice in all the time we've been together

** Does he do any chores?
- Just your basic man stuff.. Garbage, dog poo, mowing and the like.. I love how the army taught him the value of doing his own laundry but I've never seen him do a single load!

** Does he write you love letters??- He wrote me one actual on paper, with a pencil, honest to god love letter 7 years ago that I still have in my possession

** Does he tell you he loves you or only says it after you do??- He tells me he loves me umpteen times everyday.. I think it's more to get me to say it back though.. he's such an attention whore :P

** Is he romantic??- It's within his capabilities but with 2 kids he can't always be rico suave.. I consider him giving the kids a bath alone or picking them up from school so I can get some free time romantic though, lol

** Does he tell you your beautiful??- Last thing he says before he leaves in the morning and at least twice more @ night while I'm making dinner and when we go to bed..



Now repost this for all your married friends to take and brag on (or bitch about) their husbands! Have fun

Wedding of The Year

I’ll get pictures soon, but K & J’s wedding was off the hook fun! It was held @ the Kempinski – a resort almost an hour out from Kuwait City..

Early in the day, Pedro took the day off and went with the Groom and a few other friends to go ATVing there (you can rent quads by the hour). Apparently a blast was had by all.. The then had snacks and changed in Rodriguezs’ room..

A few hours later I showed up and headed to the kitchen to stage the last part of my production, which was basically icing all the cakes.. The cakes turned out great.. It all tasted really good buy I was unhappy with my frostings.. And the sprinkles that I special ordered to go on the carrot cakes didn’t even stick! I did get them all done and arranged them on my cake stand with greenery so it still looked very nice in the end.. I even got loads of compliments for mediocre work and also two more catering requests.. (Think I’m done with catering though until after the summer.. my feet hated me later on). But it felt GOOD to be back in a real kitchen.. The Exec Sous Chef barked to everyone that whatever I wanted, they were supposed to supply me.. I got SO many startled looks (like, what is a WOMAN doing here.. pregnant.. and in a chef’s jacket!) but they were ALL very friendly and complying.. They all called me “chef” and wanted to know if I was to become a permanent fixture.. I was observed with great interest, as I was doing my production.. So all that was great for the ego boost..

After getting that done I got ready in the bridal suite with Julie and Phoebe, the wedding planner.. There was a fierce sandstorm out that day so that squashed their plans for an outdoor wedding but they set up the ceremony in an inside room and it all went off.. They were so adorable exchanging their vows.. When asked about honoring eachother in the future she said “we will” and he said “we do”. The minister then joked, “The Canadian said “we will” and the American says “we do”..” – lol.. I told Kevin he should of said “we does”.

Then after that there were mocktails and horsdeurves and then we all headed down to the little restaurant where the reception was to be hosted.. It had a show kitchen in it, so that’s where the entrée’s were prepared by a little team of chefs.. The food, start to finish, was amazing.. I think everyone was pretty impressed.. They even managed to scrounge up a case of bubbly so people were buzzedly happy later on on the dance floor.. Pedro was also one of 3 who were designated to give a speech and he did an awesome job! I was very proud of him.. It was a very sweet speech. He was also a little social butterfly all night.. bouncing from table to table.. I had a pretty great time myself, actually getting to talk to grown peoples.. And not about kids either! It was refreshing..

We had a really good time and I think that day was very rejuvenating for the both of us.. We need more time outs like that.. So here’s to Mr. & Mrs. H! You guys are one fantastic couple and I look forward to many years of friendship!

My Heartsy Hallmark Holiday

Valentine’s Day was pretty regular for me this year.. Except I spent the better part of it baking those cakes for Julie and Kev’s wedding.. My feet were throbbing @ the end of the day..

But I didn’t want it to be another lame day like it was last year (seriously, I don’t think we celebrated ANY holidays since moving to Kuwait). SO, while in TSC picking up my last minute ingredients for the cakes, I picked up some other little things..

Pedro worked late that night AND still went to the barber to get his wooly mammoth fro cut off.. By the time he got home it was 9:00, but, I had waiting upstairs a hot bath by candlelite, a chicken sandwich, a dozen chocolate covered strawberries, wine (for him – sparkling juice for me) and a racy little card.. He in turn produced his regular bouquet of roses and mega box of Lindt Chocolates (which he knows is my fave). I also got a mighty fine footrub afterwards so.. Cheesy? Perhaps.. But in spite of the passé reason for the occasion, we had a nice late evening..

Best Valentine’s Day yet! ☺

Children & My Veiled Sistafriends

Children and My Veiled Sistafriends
Current mood: chipper

**Warning: Long Blog Ahead**

So yesterday was a very busy, very interesting day for this (not so) lil' mama..

I took Drake to the hospital to update his shot records (he has to get a tuberculosis shot it seems.. It's pretty much eradicated in the US but is still very prevalent in eastern communities so it's better to do it than not..) – They are so vaccine happy over here.. they give so many.. Even to pregnant women! (I am, however, opting out). But he's healthy and normal (relatively) so 5 yr checkup all okay jumpmaster!

I then walked down to the dental clinic to see about getting him an appt cause his tooth has been bothering him lately (the one he rammed up back into his gums a year ago.. his one front tooth had to be pulled but he got to keep the other) – I talked to the receptionist a bit and admitted that even I haven't seen a dentist since I was 17! She was horrified and insisted Drake and I be seen @ once.. So we were ? (another thing I love about this place – you come early enough in the morning and you can be seen @ any type of clinic).

So we were seen.. I had my teeth cleaned first and yay! NO decay or anything else wrong for that matter.. Sugarcube did NOT like all the noise the dental equipment made and she took out her displeasure on my womb.. Then Drake got a quick look-see in that little cookie hole of his.. It seems as if that other front tooth is already loose and he has an abscess above it, so to prevent further spread of infection and more tooth pulling he has to get that tooth extracted.. it'll be a lovely look for him for the next two years.. front tooth-less.. I also don't even want to know how bad this is going to affect his speech therapy.. It's really the last thing he needs but trust I'm gonna keep up the prayer chain on that one..

After all that, Tatum had her speech therapy and Drake and I ran some errands while we waited for her.. She was such a good girl and is making great progress there (she's actually giving me simple answers to questions I ask her now – yay!). Drake didn't get to play like he usually does when we wait for her so I wanted to treat them to an hour on the playground.. Only problem is, is I can't really find an appealing, clean and SAFE playground here.. And if there is a good one it's always packed! I had seen a long string of playgrounds along 40 and always wanted to check them out so that's just what we did..

When we got there it was deserted and it's all fenced off (actually something I really like about it). I wasn't really certain we were allowed to be there but I found a gate opening and we went on in anyway.. It's actually pretty decent but the only interesting thing it had for my kids was a slide.. It's a great place to bring bikes and a soccer ball though!

Eventually people did start to trickle in (everyone must have been getting up from their 1 pm naps).. All the people coming in were like hardcore Muslim families though.. One family came in a made a little picnic spot under some palm trees while their nannies took the older children to play on the equipment ( and when I say family I mean a traditional Muslim family – one man, multiple wives and a plethora of children). After awhile the man got up to go play soccer with some of his older sons (funny to see a man do that in a dishdasha btw). My back had about had it and I think the kids were all slid out so we made our way back to the car.. In doing so we passed two of the women from that family and they called out to me "Hi! Hello! Come, come!" – and motioned me over. Now, these must have been Saudi women I take it, from the fact that they were wearing the full hijab that veils the face – so needless to say I was pretty damn shocked they were initiating conversation with my white Christian ass..

I was so excited so I shimmied the kids over there in order to talk to them.. Unfortunately they deceived me with their hellos and I quickly came to the realization that they couldn't speak English.. But they were so enthralled with us and asked (with lots of gestures) if it was okay to take pictures of me and the kids (something their culture is very touchy about but I think they knew since I was western I don't have any hang-ups on that note..). They took buttloads of pictures and rubbed on my belly, wanting to know how far along I was.. Then they gave Drake and Tatum their own bags of chips and sodas.. I didn't know what else to say except "Shukrahn" (thank you in Arabic) over and over.. I didn't feel right, them sharing so implicitly with us and not being able to give anything back but it's impolite to refuse things and I doubt they wanted the small pack of lifesavers in my purse anyway – lol! They also kept wanting to grab and hold Tatum (they LOVE children and white children are especially novel to them). But since they were wearing veils I think that freaked Tatertot out cause she kept clutching on to me and shrieking.. lmao – poor baby, she must have though she was in the twilight zone.. But when they weren't trying to grab her she was very friendly with them jabbering on with her hellos and munching on her chips..

I didn't want to stay too long incase their husband came back (that would be improper for me to be around then without my own husband) - and I had to get home to make dinner so I thanked them profusely and we made our way home..

It was really damn refreshing though and I think my heart softened a little bit right there on the spot towards Kuwait and the arab community as a whole.. I love it when people go against my expectations (most of the time). But I think that's what I've been missing here.. I really do need to make friends with some locals to endear this place to me.. I think it would make this place seem more personal and intimate, and I in turn wouldn't be so bitter towards it.. I'm also extremely interested in befriending people of different faiths.. I'd never push my own and won't tolerate pushing on me but a better understanding from the horses' mouth so to speak, would be immensely fascinating to me..

We'll see.. @ the rate I'm going I'm expecting another random conversation with an Arab woman by tomorrow! Lol.. Speaking of tomorrow I am Uber excited about Kevin and Julie's Wedding.. I'm finished with all my cakes.. I made a pineapple upside down cake (Kevin's fav and it'll be their "cutting" cake) and then I made two dozen each of white chocolate carrotcake cupcakes with creamcheese buttercream and German chocolate cupcakes.. This is all going to go on my white wooden three tiered stand so I'm expecting it to look really nice.. Best part is, I was invited by the resort's Executive Chef to finish my production in a private room in his kitchen! I still have to ice the cupcakes so I'll need a space to do that in.. I'm super stoked about being in a "real" kitchen again.. And then, honored gal that I am, I get to get ready in the bride's suite so we'll be getting' purty together.. Yay yay yay.. Catch yall in a couple days! I am BEAT

Husbands Make for Grumpy All-Day Sitters

Husbands make for grumpy all-day sitters
Current mood: chill
Category: Blogging

Another up and down week here in the sandpit I call my life..

I blogged before about us gearing up to switch villas and last week, while Pedro was trying to get a contract set, some unexpected shit happened and he initially was told "No". He was told no because in some assbackwards way, even though this new villa has cheaper rent than the one we're in, it turned out being more expensive in the long run due to KRH tacking on all these rental fees.. The dumb betch who is Pedro's liason from KRH didn't tell him that they were adding all these stupid things like +100KD for furnishing the apartment and even more money to pay for the phone and internet (which we pay for here). He told her we didn't need furnishing - obviously that isn't in our current contract right? Look it up.. She's all "Oh....". Yeah bitch, Oh! I swear I don't know why people can't put two and two together these days..

So now that the rent is back to the same level we're expecting some approval this week and then hopefully I'll be able to set up house in it's entirety by the time sugarcube arrives.. I'm going to be a complete mess otherwise - once I hit that nesting phase (and it hits me pretty hard - I was a regular workhorse of my own account before Tatum came. And that was through excruciating back pain.. but Pedro couldn't move fast enough for me so I set up the crib :D).

On other notes, I went to Julie's pseudo-bachelorette party on Saturday. We ate @ the Peacock Chinese Restaurant @ the Radisson (John McCain's fav restaurant in Kuwait btw, lucky Jen got to meet him! She meets all the senators and congressmen that come through here). There were no strippers but one of Julie's arab friends offered to show up and take off his dishadasha.. That was a pass xD. I didn't really care too much for the food (it's all too cornstarchy for me but everyone else loves it there), but I made some new acquaintances.. Mommy types too so that's a start.. I've definately got to go to the next AWL meeting.. I hear they're trying to set up a playgroup this year so that would be perfect on my end.. I loved my old playgroup in VA..

Another interesting thing that happened to me was when I was out shopping @ the avenues on Saturday (Btw, Pedro took the kids for the WHOLE day AND night so I got a much needed/appreciated breather - he finally got a taste of what I have to deal with and let me tell ya, at the end of the day, he wasn't no happy camper! lol) - anyway, I was shopping and stopped to pick up some black glitter makeup to experiment with.. After stopping by the Benefit counter to see what was new I went around smelling perfumes and while testing out Britney Spear's latest some sales lady came up to me and just started a whole deep converstation with me about how sad the whole Britney situation makes her and that quickly jumped to love to men to dating and her dead fiancee.. This would have been weird just anyway, but I was just standing there kinda shocked cause this was a Kuwaiti chick who was talking to me.. I was like, "Oh muh gah, an Arab is actually talking to me! This is cool..". It happens occasionally but it just isn't common and I've never actually talked with an arab woman outside of business.. She asked me a bunch of questions, told me how beautiful I was and gave me a buncha free samples.. So that kinda made my already stellar day a little more awesome.. maybe I'll go back and ask if she wants to get some coffee.. She seemed pretty funny and she hates Kuwait so we might get along :P..

Anyway, the time is upon me to go get Tatum from nursery.. I'll return when I have something of partial interest to talk about.. Toodles!

PS - found my wallet so HUZZAH! I really did not feel like replacing all my cards and civil ID.. what a nightmare