Indoor Rock Climbing

Before our Suhoor dinner we headed over to Times Square Center (yet another mall) so that Chris could check out a new indoor rock climbing and obstacle course facility. The wall and obstacle course are connected to a large outdoor/sporting goods store. The rock climbing wall had different levels of difficulty and the obstacle course is suspended from the ceiling so basically you are crossing hanging tires, bridges and climbing in rope nets from the rafters! Chris and another friend did this while Savannah and I watched, tested out the big beach tents and took pictures. There are some times I don't mind being the designated picture taker...

Suhoor Dinner

Ramadan is coming to an end which means that restaurants (and Starbucks) will be back to regular hours. We will also be able to chew gum, drink and eat in public! Before the holy month ends, we went out for one last traditional meal...a suhoor. The Suhoor meal is typically the meal enjoyed by Muslims in the early morning hours (before sunrise) and before the fasting begins. It is typical for fasting Muslims to eat an iftar meal (to break their fast), which occurs around sunset and then to have the suhoor meal late in the evening. This meal is typically heavier and is meant to help them get through their fast. Due to the late timings, this was our first suhoor meal (we were seated right when they opened at 9:30...a late night for Savannah). Most of the hotels in Dubai put on huge spreads for both the iftar and sohoor meals.We went to the Jumeriah Beach Hotel for our meal (although we are not fasting, we can still participate in the iftar and suhoor meals). This meal is served in an elaborate beach side (and air conditioned) tent. We went with friends from Chris' office and enjoyed many traditional Arabic dishes including hummus, fattoush (a salad with cucumber, tomato and mint), falafel (patty made of chickpeas and ground vegetables), tea, fruit, prawn kebabs (there was lots more...but honestly I have no idea what any of it was called. I love the hummus and stay away from the lamb.) We both continue to enjoy learning about new different cultures and traditions.

First Steps!

Savannah took her first steps yesterday! She can walk around the apartment really well with her push toy and can "cruise" along all of the furniture but yesterday she took her first independent steps...although only two or three she definitely attempted this feat solo and without holding onto anything. Savannah and I were "skyping" with my parents when she turned and took two-three steps from the chair to me! I have a feeling that full walking or running is just around the corner!

Birthday Party

Today we had a small birthday party for Savannah. We invited a few friends whose kids are about Savannah's age and a couple of friends from Chris' office. I made a Mexican meal and Savannah's birthday cake. We again tried the birthday cake, this time letting Savannah complete the taste test on her own. She liked squeezing in her hands but as a repeat of last night, tasted it and promptly spit it out and handed it back to Chris. Guess cake isn't one of her fruit, cheese or yogurt food groups! Our friends were very generous and it was a fun end to Savannah's birthday weekend!

Wild Wadi Water Park

To help

celebrate Savannah's birthday we went to Wild Wadi Water Park. The water park is located close to home and in front of the Burj Al Arab Hotel and Jumeriah Beach Hotel. It has normal water park rides and slides (which of course are the biggest and longest in the Middle East) but they also have three areas that are "little kid friendly". Savannah could utilize the wave pool, lazy river and the pool section of the family play structure. The lifeguards made her wear a life jacket in the wave pool and lazy river, which she did not like but she loved splashing and sitting/standing in the pool. It was so much fun that she fell asleep sitting in the inner tube on the lazy river and continued sleeping on the shaded lounge chair! Then it was off to lunch and more splashing in the pools!

One is Fun!

Savannah started her special day with blueberry muffins (which she didn't eat) and presents. She didn't really get the wrapping paper but loved the toys. She got a couple of Disney movies, a new chair, new swimsuit, a sit/walk ride, a car, a pair of shoes (which she seems to love...just like mom) and a few little toys and books...not bad for a first birthday!

Savannah is 12 Months Old

It is hard to believe that my baby girl is already a year old! We went to the doctor this week. Although, we are still struggling with Savannah's sleep habits and new found "pickyness" at the dinner table (she only likes to eat fruit, cheese, yogurt and goldfish...everything else gets thrown off the highchair or spit out) the doctor was pleased with her growth and milestones. She got a couple of shots and didn't even cry! Her weight is slowing down at 21 pounds (60th percentile) and just under 28 inches long (50th percentile).

She loves to stand on her own and climbs on everything! No independent steps yet...but I think we are close! I think I say this every month...but this is a great age!

Birthday Cake at the Atlantis!

Tonight we went to the Atlantis Hotel for a birthday dinner. Since it is Ramadan, it is actually called an Iftar, which is when Muslims are able to break their fast. This is also when the restaurants open during the holy month. The restaurant staff was great. They brought Savannah her own lchocolate cake and sang "Happy Birthday" to her. Much to Chris' disappointment she tasted the cake and promptly spit it right back out.

Indoor Fun

As much as I LOVE summer weather (and do not miss winter in the least bit!) this month seems to be dragging on...much like winter in February seems to last forever in Detroit. The heat and extreme humidity isn't bad if you can live in the pool but it pretty much rules out all outdoor activities with Savannah. I am looking forward to the days filled with runs, parks and the beach! To spend some air-conditioned time out of the house, Savannah and I met a friend from playgroup and her son at Mini-Monsters, the indoor soft play area. I have had to swallow my germ phobia of places like this and just let Savannah have fun, which she did. Today was the first time she really "played"...she was climbing, standing and crawling on any and everything!

Ramadan Kareem

Today is the first day of Ramadan. This is the Islamic month of fasting in which Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. The fasting breaks after their last prayer at sundown. This month is intended to practice patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness. Ramadan last 29-30 days and is based upon the Lunar Month and moon. The dates vary each year although the start of this holy month moves back about 11 days each year.

What does that mean for us? NonMuslims living or visiting Dubai are expected to be respectful of Ramadan which means no eating, drinking or chewing gum in public. You are also not supposed to listen to loud music and are encouraged to wear more conservative clothing (i.e. women should have their shoulders covered and avoid wearing anything to short). All of this just makes for a quieter city. Most restaurants are closed until sundown...this includes Starbucks. Many people also travel during this month so it seems much less populated when you are out and about. Most Muslims also work fewer hours during Ramadan but this doesn't really effect Chris, as he works in what is considered a "free zone".

Last year, we spent part of Ramadan in the hospital delivering Savannah so maybe we have forgotten but it is amazing how great a Starbucks sounds, when I know I can't get one at the mall!