The Month in Review

Here are some highlights since our last post:

Thanksgiving
This was the first Thanksgiving Day that I actually got to spend not working thanks to Dubai winning the bid to host the World Expo in 2020.  We know the UAE folks REALLY like their days off and were so happy they announced a day off of school in celebration of winning the bid. The actual Thanksgiving day was spent resting and preparing for our visitors on Friday. We are so fortunate to have some friends from Idaho who moved to Dubai this summer!  So, on Black Friday, Dalila, Capri and I enjoyed a fantastic trip to the zoo with them while Jeremy stayed home to make our scrumptious dinner.  Lucky me, I know.

Making turkey centerpieces

Feeding the giraffes at Al Ain Zoo

Lila enjoying a swing with her buddy, Jackson

Capri is happy to chew on some sunglasses.

Our delicious turkey

Dubai Christmas Festival
Two weeks after Thanksgiving, Dubai held the annual Christmas Festival.  We had never attended before, so we decided to give it a try this year.  It was PACKED!  Not the easiest place to navigate with three adults and five kids, but we made it out alive, and with only a few minor eye injuries thanks to multiple "snow" balls in the kids' "snow" area nailing Dalila's little friend Kennedy right in the eye.  Fortunately, the mulled wine was delicious and I hardly even noticed the crowd or the plasticy snow particles after downing a few of those.  Perfect way to encourage the Christmas spirit ;)

Kennedy, Dalila, and Jackson

Little cuties dancing to Christmas tunes

Nailed in the eyes with "snow" balls - OUCH!

A Visit to Santa at Wafi Mall
Last year, we discovered the amazing Santa experience at Wafi Mall, so we were really looking forward to taking Capri there for her first Santa visit.  We were mildly disappointed to find that the ginormous Santa grotto of last year had been relegated to a much smaller, far less grand section of the upper floor this year, but we remained steadfast in our mission to give Capri the best possible first Santa experience.  While the location was not as awe-inspiring, we were still very pleased with Wafi Mall's Santa.  Capri stared at him doubtfully for a few seconds, but warmed up as soon as she saw older sister Dalila climb on the big man's lap like he was a long lost friend.  She even gave some of her best squeals and two-toothed grins to Santa, who was no doubt pleased to see an infant smiling rather than screaming in fear.

Doing some Christmas crafts outside Santa's Grotto

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Jeremy's cousin Josh, a very close friend of his since they were little babies, just moved to Abu Dhabi, effectively ending any excuse we've ever had to not pay a visit to the biggest tourist attraction in the city.  So, off we went for a photo-filled visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.  Honestly, I have no idea how we hadn't visited the mosque yet.  When we first arrived in Abu Dhabi - over two years ago - the mosque was the first amazing structure we saw just minutes from the airport on our 2 am shuttle to our hotel.  Even in a state of extreme exhaustion, the building struck a chord in us, and we knew we had to explore it.  Thus, I was happy to stop making excuses and finally pay this beautiful building a visit.  Of course, it's not the greatest place for a wiggly 7 month old or a rambunctious almost-4-year-old, so we didn't spend too long taking in the sights.  But our brief visit seemed to be enough to experience the amazing architecture and appreciate the deep devotion it must take to construct such a place of worship.

The family in front of the beautiful mosque

Dalila posing with her Uncle Josh

How a 4-year-old has fun at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Aside from all of these activities, we've done our best to enjoy as many Christmas-y things as possible in Dubai and all across the UAE.  We're always so pleasantly surprised to find a random Christmas display at a local store or a scheduled Christmas activity at a place where we would least expect to see one.  Our goal is to give our girls the best Christmas experience possible, and I think we're doing just fine.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ALLENS!!

The Worst Blogger in the World

Yep. That's me.  I'm terrible.  At this point, WAY too many things have happened since my last post...when we welcomed baby Capri, so I will just have to hit the highlights and call it a day.  Sorry everyone!  I will try to do better, I promise!!

Summer Vacation:
One word - perfect.  We traveled just days after Capri's passport arrived at the embassy.  Turns out you can find some fantastic prices on flights when you're able to fly the next day.  And how did our little 5 week old do with flying?  She was an absolute dream!  Capri slept almost the entire way and we only received a few ugly looks from people who thought she seemed too little to be on a plane.  Win!

Our visit with family was everything we hoped it would be and we got to celebrate the 4th of July at home in Idaho again - something we missed terribly the year before.  The summer was filled with bar-b-ques, camping, parties, late nights drinking on the patio, fires in the fire pit, family, and friends - exactly what we needed after a tough year away.  Summer was a smashing success!

New School:
I don't want to write much on this one.  Basically, the new school building is a dream come true...but the positive points end there.  We've combined our girls' school with the nearby boys' school and...it's horrible.  I have never seen such horrifyingly disrespectful children in all my life.  I'm disgusted by these boys daily and I don't even have to teach them.  I guess the best part about the school is that I've been fortunate enough to stay on the girls' side.  And I know how lucky I am to be there instead of with the boys.  The teachers who have to trudge over to the boys' side of the school every day deserve a medal...a million dollars...a free pass so they never have to work for the rest of their lives...something - ANYTHING - to show them how much they are appreciated and that we all know how hard they have to work just to keep their sanity every single day.  This new situation has completely changed my perspective on teaching in the UAE...and...let's just say any positive opinions I once held about the school system here are now completely gone.  Thankfully, I am able to focus on my students - my sweet, sweet Emirati girls - and know that at least I can make some difference in their lives.  They are the only part about that school that keep me returning every day, and, in that respect, they have their work cut out for them.  Fortunately, there's still the matter of:

Family:
Dalila is the best little girl in the world to come home to after a long day of dodging disgusting little boys at school.  She makes the world go round and she is my shining star.  She can make her little sister laugh with nothing but a smirk in Capri's direction...and she often has the same effect on me.  Thank goodness for my silly, goofy, darling little girl.  Every struggle I go through is completely worth it if it means I can give Dalila and Capri a chance at living their dreams when they grow up.  And, really, that's the whole reason we're here, isn't it?

So - let's just count this as the catch-up post and forget the fact that I've not logged on in...oh...five months?  Deal?  Deal!  To make up for my lack of focus, here are some cute photos!  Cute photos of darling little girls should fix everything!!

The Fourth of July!!

Enjoying the Menan parade with cousins - gotta love small town Idaho on the 4th of July!

Mommy and Lila in patriotic dresses.

Daddy and Capri playing horseshoes.

Dalila took swimming lessons while we were home in Idaho!

 

And here she is on her first tent camping trip.

Experiencing all there is to offer at the Bar J Ranch in Jackson Hole Wyoming

And her first ever haircut, too!

A fantastic time camping in Island Park

And her first time fishing - in a tutu, of course!

Plus - a surprise baby shower for little miss Capri

The sneaky hosts of our surprise baby shower!

  And the best Halloween ever, with these two little sweeties.

Our little Blueberry Muffin and kitty cat

There - I now declare this blog - UPDATED!!!  (that should make it official, right? Right!)

Welcome Baby Capri!

We are so happy to welcome our newest addition - Capri Patricia Allen!!

Aww - our precious little peanut!

 She was born on 20 May, 2013 at 11:12 p.m.  She weighed 2.8 kilos (6 pounds, 5 ounces) and was 52 cm (20.5 in) long.

The VERY proud big sister, Dalila.

A U.A.E. Birth Story:

I had Dalila when we were living in Idaho, so I thought a little summary about our experience having a baby here in the U.A.E. might be interesting to those who aren't familiar with the medical care in Abu Dhabi.  First of all, almost all of the medicines and techniques available in the U.S. are prevalent here as well, so there was no issue of insufficient medical care to worry about.  In fact, with doctors from all over the world coming to the U.A.E. to work, there may be even more options for different types of care and delivery available to pregnant women here - especially in comparison to the small, one-hospital town we come from.

My doctor is a wonderful woman from Jordan who is extremely personable and loves to give ultrasounds. We were able to see our little peanut almost every time we went to the doctor - at no charge, as our insurance is AMAZING!!  Each appointment cost 30 dirhams (US $8.16) and we could have gotten away with paying ONLY that amount for the entire pregnancy (if I wasn't a wuss who insisted on an epidural).  So - an incredible doctor, numerous ultrasounds, and little money from our pockets equal positive experiences 1, 2, and 3.

In truth, most of my experience with the medical care during the entire duration of my pregnancy was very positive.  However, there were a few exceptions.  Due to the lack of doctors here, early labour in the hospital was less than pleasant.  Let me explain.  I came in to be induced and was sent up to my room where a drug was administered to help start contractions (NOT pitocin - yay!!).  The ladies who came in to administer the induction drugs spoke to me in Arabic and sighed audibly when I didn't understand.  Then, they spoke a total of about 4 words to me in English ("wait for 30 minutes"), carried on a full conversation in Arabic while their hands were in uncomfortable places and I had no idea what they were doing, then promptly left the room. They never identified who they were - midwives, nurses, doctors, random people off the street? - no clue!  So I proceeded to wait as ordered.  Thankfully, it was at this time we discovered another positive difference from my experience stateside - I got to eat!!  Remember those flavoured ice chips that make up your diet for the duration of labour in the states?  Not so here - I got a full meal for lunch AND dinner - and it was pretty tasty, too.

Our hangout for the first 11 hours.

Last belly shot!!

Soon, a much more informative nurse came in to see to my comfort and provide better instructions.  After waiting 30 minutes, I was to walk around and move as much as possible to help jumpstart my labour.  Ok.  I can do that.  I even got an exercise ball for bouncing on that Jeremy and I quickly discovered made a fun soccer ball (sorry to any patients next door!).  The nurse explained that the drug could be administered again if I hadn't made much progress in another 6 hours.  SIX HOURS!!!  Ugh.  We were ready to wait and wait and wait - certain at this point that we wouldn't get to meet our little girl until the next day.

Eventually, labour started to move along, and, after another 4-5 hours had passed, I was certainly starting to feel some pain.  A wonderful midwife came in next and identified herself plus gave an explanation of what she was there to do - check my progress and decide if I was ready to move to labour and delivery.  Her verdict was that I was at a 5 and could go to labour and delivery to have my water broken and get the epidural. Here is where another negative experience rears its ugly head.  The dynamic duo returned shortly after my meeting with the sweet midwife to mutter in Arabic to each other and speak 5 more words to me ("you are only a 4.")  HUH!?!  So they made me wait in my room to labour a bit longer.  But wait!!  Only 3 people checking me certainly wasn't enough - so along came ANOTHER pair of Arabic ladies to check me and give their verdict - 4-5.  Thanks, another set of hands was just what I was missing at this point.

FINALLY, things started progressing and I was feeling some intense pain.  I gave in and buzzed the nurse to let her know I'm a pansy and I REALLY want that damn epidural, pretty please.  And the most amazing thing happened - my own doctor came to see me!!  Hooray!!  So this is where things started to move much faster.  When she checked me, she was very surprised to find I was at a six.  She was just explaining that we can move upstairs to labour and delivery when, whooosh, my water broke.  OUCH!!  So, we quickly moved upstairs.  How do we move up to the labour and delivery wing? Riding on the nice comfy hospital bed?  Perhaps in a less comfortable but equally efficient wheel chair?  Nope!  I walked!  Hunched over every minute from wickedly painful contractions I rode that elevator and waddled down the hallway in my hot hospital gown.

When we reached the room, I was happy to find that nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is perched by each bedside to use as needed during contractions.  Hooray again!!  I happily (and quite greedily) partook as waves of contractions washed over me and a nurse chose to ignore my beautifully blue veins on my hand and jab my IV needle into a vein just below the joint on my right thumb.  Ouch again!  That was the part that made me the most angry - out of everything.  Really though, you should see these veins on my hand - a thing of beauty for most nurses, and they were passed up for a tiny little vein I couldn't even see in the most awkward place!  Then, I waited and waited for that epidural to come save me.  Another interesting note here that differs from my birth experience in the states was that we were required to pay for the epidural before it was administered.  This is not covered by insurance unless it's for a c-secton and it cost 1500 dirhams - or US $408.  Jeremy went to go pay the tab, but discovered that the administration staff had already left for the day.  Fortunately, the drug could still be given, but we did have to settle that bill before leaving the hospital.

When the anesthesiologist was finally able to administer my long-awaited savior, she began to express a bit of concern over how late the epidural was being given.  It took several contractions before it finally kicked in and we were all a little worried it was too late.  Her explanation?  "It's best to give the epidural when you are at a 4 or 5."  YEP!!  I knew it!  Those darn unidentified ladies who couldn't be bothered to explain anything to me must have had it out for me.  Oh well - I win - the epidural finally took and the rest of labour was a breeze.  When my doctor was finally free to come and check me again, she was shocked to find that Capri was ready to make her appearance.  I had laboured all the way to a 10 on my own before the epidural took!  I loved being able to laugh with the doctor and enjoy watching Jeremy be the best birth coach around, so I was very happy with my decision to get the epidural.  Jeremy learned to watch the monitor for contractions and instructed me on when to push even when the doctor was out of the room.  Best birth coach ever!

So - after a bumpy start and some irritating moments (all of which could arguably happen in any city, state, or country), we had our beautiful baby Capri!  Hospitals here can boast another positive over hospitals in the states in that they want to keep mother and baby for a full 2 days after birth!  I had to beg my doctor to let us go home to my soft, comfy bed after one full day in the hospital following Capri's birth, and she only agreed to let us leave because she said she knew that my wonderful husband would be there to help.  There you have it - a U.A.E. birth story.  Not so different from any story in the states and the end result was just as blissful!  But a WHOLE lot cheaper, too!!  I'm now home with my sweet little family enjoying my 60 full days of paid maternity leave - another perk that is practically unheard of in the states.

   

How to Introduce Friends to the UAE

This spring break made for one of the busiest, most memorable vacations we've ever had...and we didn't even have to leave the country!  We were ecstatic when we heard two of our very best friends, Jeremy and Ginny Croft, planned on hopping a plane from Idaho to come out and visit us!

My Jeremy started on the itinerary as soon as their flights were booked with the intent of filling every last minute of the Crofts' visit with something different and exciting, and he certainly didn't disappoint.  Here are the highlights of our spring break with our best friends:

1. Ras Al Khaimah
One of our favorite destinations when we want some time away is a short 90 minute drive into the Northern Emirates to a smaller city called Ras Al Khaimah.  We love to stay in a high rise right on the beach where a walk down to the water takes about 10 minutes and boasts some of the best seashell hunting you can find in the UAE.  An extra bonus is the sparse number of people occupying prime spots along the grainy yet natural sand.  When compared to a stop at Jumeriah beach in Dubai, where thousands of people flock to a small strip of sand that's been shipped in from elsewhere to form a man-made beach, the location in Ras Al Khaimah is far more enjoyable for our little family.  Our friends were in complete agreement and seemed to love our quiet hours spent at the beach.  Possibly the biggest highlight of this little trip was an unexpected storm the first night in RAK.  We all stayed up late to enjoy the howling wind, flashes of lightning, and booming thunder - a huge treat for Jeremy and I who hadn't seen a thunderstorm since we'd moved out to the UAE (they are extremely rare in this desert locale).  Top these highlights off with a short hike through some amazing ruins and an unforgettable dinner at a Leabanese restaurant where our little spotlight thief, Dalila, honed her dancing skills for an appreciative crowd, and our trip to RAK was everything we hoped for and more.

Loving her time with her Auntie Ginny on Ginny's birthday!

Dancing with her Uncle Jeremy

A lovely impromptu ballet routine on stage

 And here is where Dalila got REALLY confident with her dancing:

2. Numerous trips to Dubai

A visit to the UAE could never be complete without lots of time spent enjoying all the glitz and glam Dubai has to offer.  Our first stop was at the Atlantis on the Palm Jumeirah.  While we weren't committed enough to spend a whole day there at the water park, we knew the Crofts would love the beautiful drive to the hotel and a stroll through the property there.  So the problem became...how do we sneak into the hotel with all of the security stationed around the perimeter.  Leave it to my Jeremy to arrive prepared with a fool-proof plan.  He ripped a coupon for a restaurant at Atalantis from our Dubai coupon book (BEST investment when showing friends around the country!) and flashed it to the security guard standing at the garden entrance to the hotel with a very confident, "We have reservations."  The guard immediately let us through and we were free to explore the magnificence that is the Atlantis hotel!

Enjoying the beautiful fish in the aquarium

Sitting by herself like a big girl!

The next stop in Dubai was the Dubai Mall complete with a trip to the top of the Burj Khalifa and a visit to the Dubai Aquarium.

Taking the elevator up 125 floors to the top of the Burj Khalifa is an absolute must when visiting Dubai.  

A view of the famous fountains from the top of the Burj

Hard to believe the Dubai Aquarium is all located inside of the Dubai Mall!

Dalila found the penguins at the aquarium!

 Poor Dalila and I had to skip the boat ride since I was pregnant and she was only three.  This left Mommy with a very grumpy girl who just wanted a boat ride!  She cried about the injustice of it all for the entire time Ginny and the Jeremys were on their 10 minute boat ride around the aquarium.

 ...So, how did Uncle Jeremy and Auntie Ginny make it up to her?  By booking a Dhow cruise around the lake in front of Dubai Mall to watch the famous dancing fountains from a VIP perspective!  Dalila - you are so loved!  And this was a fantastic experience that I highly recommend!

Enjoying the view from the dhow boat.

Dalila finally got her boat ride!

4. A Desert Safari!!

By far the most tourist-y event on our itinerary, this was the only part of our planning that Jeremy and I had never experienced personally, so we weren't sure what to expect.  Staying true to his label as the expert planner, Jeremy researched different safari companies for weeks before finally selecting what he thought was the perfect group.  They offered off-roading in safe and well-maintained vehicles, camel rides, sand boarding, henna, shisha, a delicious Arabic meal and a show with belly dancing.  I was skeptical about the off-roading portion and had decided I would just skip it and head to the camp to meet up with the rest of our party later until we met up with our driver.  He rolled up in a big black Hummer and stated that his wife was also 8 months pregnant and I would be fine.  I trusted him and I'm SO glad that I did.  We were the only ones in our group of 50 vehicles with the Hummer and the envious stares we received from the rest of the safari goers certainly proved that we were the lucky ones on this trip!  The off-road trip itself was a blast!  Our driver was clearly well-trained and explained that he drove this route 7 days a week and loved his job.

The convoy of white Land Rovers dune bashing

Here's a little video I shot of our off-road adventure.

When we arrived at the camp, the only disappointment we faced was the sand boarding...which was slightly less than exciting.  Due to the rain soaked sand, the boards hardly moved, but they made for some great pictures.  Dinner was fantastic and the show was better than I ever could have hoped for.  Diving into a tourist trip that we never thought we would do ended up being my favorite part of the vacation with our friends.

A clever solution to the disappointing lack of speed.

Slow sand meant I could try it out - pregnant and all!

A view of the camp

The Jeremys and their manly henna

Jeremy and I have lived in the UAE for nearly 2 years now and may have started taking for granted all of the amazing opportunities for unforgettable experiences we have within hours of us now.  We're so grateful to our good friends the Crofts for letting us show them our new home and being so open to all of the incredible adventures the UAE has to offer.   We have the Crofts to thank for helping us remember how to live and love life in our new home!