Co-sleeping in our bed.

I see no reason why cosleeping is bad. Did you know 80% of the world's poplulation cosleeps? Yep they have also been doing it since the beginning of time. So when did it become a no no?

When my child sleeps well we all feel better! She slept 11 hours last night which was a first for her in over a week. She has been only getting between 7 and 8 most nights. Of course she started in her room in her toddler bed and then slept with us from about 3am on but she slept in because we were! 

So this might be the start of a beautiful thing. I mean if I get 9 hours then we will all be better cause that means I am getting enough to have energy through out the day. Plus the issue of her taking over the bed is null when I have my pregnancy pillow. She can't roll over it and it keeps her in the area we want her! Plus she is on a growth spurt and has molars coming in and having us with her makes it easier to fall back asleep when pain wakes her up.

Plus,  Avi has no problem sleeping in her own bed when she needs to.  I know that Going to sleep in her own bed and napping there is what she needs to know how to do and she does that great. But if she wants to sleep with us and our own sleep is not disrupted or if it can better like it was last night then I am all for it! Plus it we have spent the morning as family eating breakfast and hanging out together on our bed. It has let us have good family time as well.

So I say if sleep is what you need get it anyway you can! You will live longer and feel better. Take it from my happy and non cranky child sitting beside me munching on Cheerios.

Darling Daughter's Birthday!!

Yep my Oldest Daughter turned two today!! And what a great day it was!! First dad was able to get her to go back to sleep and sleep in until 8:30. Then we got the house cleaned while Avi watched her favorite video. Then after a full morning of cleaning and playing with our toys she took a nap. After nap we went and picked out her birthday cupcake. At home we blew up ballons and she kicked them around and loved  tossing them into the air. Then we got to open presents. She was thrilled!!! She played with every toy but when we introduced a new present she got really excited all over again.
She got duplos in a wagon that has wheels she can pull around. She got a musical piano. A bubble machine, a large blow up ball for the pool, a pool floaty, and a basket ball hoop! Every thing made her so excited. She is the type of kid that never expects anything and when you do something special for her she acts as if it is the coolest things ever!!!
Then we went to the pool. It was so neat because not only did our Philippino friends come but there was another group of Philippinos celebrating a birthday for one of their friends. They invited us to come celebrate Avi's birthday with them. So we ended getting to have a huge party for Avi without the hassle inviting people or paying or preparing food. We were afraid she wouldn't get anything special like that because we have so few friends and no family here but once again God made it special for her and gave her the best birthday!!!
She swam until she she could swim no more. Up to the apartment to play with our toys before bed. She was super tired by the end of the day but it was terrific birthday for her! Hoping next year is even better!

What Americans?

So we often find ourselves noticing other americans or people who look like they could be westerners. Its because it is so rare to find ourselves among them. You see it took getting up at 5 to discover where they all are. 
First to understand you must know there are two cultures in Kuwait. The Morning culture and the Night culture. The Morning culture consist of those who get up between 4 and 7 am and are done for the day and home by 3 or 4 in the afternoon. The night culture consists of the that get w between 2 and 5 p.m. and are done for the day by 3 a.m. 
Americans fall into the morning culture and tend to not only not waste their day with mundane things but are actually trying to get things done. The night culture consists of those who have lots of money and nothing to do. It is important to note that the morning and night do not often mix and you will find yourself falling into one of the categories depending on your lifestyle. It is finally nice to know where all the americans finally are. Either up getting things done or at home enjoying their families. As for us we can't decide what which culture we want to fall into. I am happy to say I am finally seeking the Americans here out, Yawn, even if it means getting up at 5 a.m!

Venus Transit

Yep we were some of those crazy people who got out of bed at 5 to see it. Craig was up and out the door by 4:30 to check to see if we could see it at all. He even got to see it with his naked eye. But It was nearly 5:30 by the time all three of us made it down to the beach park. It just so happens that the sun was too bright see anything with the naked eye but there was guy with a telescope and Mylar solar lens  so we were able to look through the telescope and get a close up view and also hold up the Mylar solar lens to see it clearly with our own eyes. So neat!!! Avi loved it cause she got to play on the equipment but after 3 rough and tumbles we decide she was too tired to make it work. So we headed home only to decide we wanted to go get coffee. So off we went to the local Mcdonalds. It was almost like something we would do back in the states. It was totally worth it to get up early for! Yawn, back to bed for me!!!

Don't drink that it's Cold!

Wait! What? Yep it is true. People here believe and will tell you not to drink anything cold or with ice in it especially if you are sick or pregnant. In fact if you want ice in your drink you have to ask for it. It is the strangest and most absurd wives tale I have ever heard. In fact I have people who think that they need to intervene for me if I am drinking anything cold. Its 111 degrees and I can't cool myself off because I might get sick? You know what I say... bring on the ice!

Royal Hayat Hospital

Got to experience my first visit to a hospital visit in Kuwait. I was having disabling pain in my abdomin. Due to my history I decided to go into the doctor. She was however gone so I decided to go to the Hospital instead. 


The Royal Hayat was wonderful. I was first upstairs with in the birthinn center. So I got experience that. Then I was sent downstairs to the actual outpatient clinica and was assigned a doctor. 


Her name is Dr. Nidda Bukadoun. I had to wait a little bit seeing as how I was squeezed in between appointment. Greatfully I was not in preterm labor which was my fear but having contractions without dialation like I had with my first daughter. They did ultrasound, Cassara is perfect and healthy by the way, and I recieved a shot to relax the muscles. I think we spent a total of 47 Dinar for all the services. 


I am definitely going to start going there and seeing Dr. Nidda. She will also be my delivery doctor that way! The Royal Hayat staff were helpful and it was a very nice hospital. I actual look forward to having Cassara delivered there and felt Dr. Nidda will be wonderful. I was comfortable and they listened to me and all my concerns. They never made me feel like was over reacting but were genuinely concerned and took great care of me!

The Pool

So we have a pool at our complex that is pretty nice. In fact we have started going there on a regular basis during the week. It's better than the beach cause we can all swim. Plus there are no rocks or sand, never anyone else there, the water is warm from the sun shining on it all day, and we don't have to go anywhere to enjoy it. Plus by 4 in the afternoon the sun has moved behind the building so we can swim without sunscreen. Avi is in heaven! She actually is an amazing swimmer and she is not even two yet. Today she finally figured out how to swim on her own. We bought her a really neat floaty that allows her to swim naturally. It is better than a life vest and safer than just arm floaties. I showed her how to flip over from her back to front and now she doesn't need us to swim. She just takes off! It is awesome. Plus she isn't afraid to get dunked or put her head underwater. We are trying to get her to jump in from the side but she still needs a little more encouragement I think. 
It is great to have a pool that we can enjoy and it is even better that it is easy to just head downstairs to enjoy it. I will say however that it is also great for me cause I need the exercise without the added strain on my already sore body. I have to say its a great way to spend our afternoons as family!