Community

So it is yet another Friday night and I am waiting for Chris. He returns tonight after being gone almost 2 weeks. He is almost done with this project and we are so relieved, it has not been easy for anyone. One of the things that has helped get me through the past couple of months has been the amazing community of moms here in JBR. As we approach our third year in Dubai I can say it truly feels like home. I am attending a hen night and a baby shower this month and it is these rites of passage that really build friendships and the feeling of home. Tonight I participated in a very sad rite of passage. One of our neighbors lost their 11 month old baby to a tragic choking accident at home. It was a very everyday situation, one that could have happened to anyone and one that every parent fears. While this kind of grief is truly something I hope to never witness again it was a beautiful ceremony that really showed what an amazing community spirit lives here. It was moving to be allowed to grieve with the parents and a relief that we could be there for them in their darkest hour. A big group met on the beach for readings, poems and a candlelight ceremony. At the end we all released balloons and in what seemed like just a moment they were all gone. As I left I really wished Chris were at home (and I still do) but when I opened our door Alessandro greeted me with such glee. I took extra care in each bedtime step tonight, enjoying each moment and cuddle. He picks the bedtime books now, he tries to read them and he gives me a kiss each time I say kiss when reading the book "Mommy's best kisses". Well...what more can I say except goodnight and brush up on first aid if has been a while- a community class was put together this week so we could be proactive as a community to try to prevent future accidents and although it was a small thing it felt like it was something.

Another hug

Alessandro embracing Aisling at the playground this week! Now, I only get hugs once in a while but I have started getting kisses from Alessandro. After over a year and a half of the give-a-thon that is motherhood it is pretty nice to get a few kisses now and then!

Best friends

Cameron and Alessandro have a special bond and it is so exciting to watch their friendship grow as they do. One of Cameron's first words was Sandro (finally someone calling him by his nickname) and their faces just light up when they see each other. Tonight we visited and Alessandro had a tantrum when we left...it wasn't fun but was pretty short lived like all of his moods and although tantrums aren't cute seeing him form emotions and friendships is rewarding.

Big slide!

Alessandro can finally go down all slides without any help- playgrounds are a lot more enjoyable now!

Evenings at the beach

We go to the beach most evenings and it is just amazing. My favorite time of day no matter where I am in the world is just before sunset and the beach in front of our home is no exception. The evenings are getting hotter and hotter so we are trying to enjoy every last moment we have splashing in the waves and playing in the sand. Alessandro loves to collect shells, tear down sand art and sit in the gentle waves. The feeling of the tide pulling beneath you is a wonder I still remember from childhood and it is truly something to see him taking it all in. When my mom was here she built him a car out of sand, something I begged my parents to do each and every time we went to the beach...well he like it for about two seconds, it was just too stationary for him!

Busy at work!

This is Alessandro with his "girlfriend" Aisling. They met at a playground a couple of weeks ago and it was apparently love at first sight. Within moments of meeting they were hugging and running around together hand in hand. At one point I think I saw a kiss. What can I say- she is stunning...her mother Grace is from Kenya and her dad is from Ireland and both Aisling and her sister are just gorgeous!

Tuesdays

In the community that we live two women from Australia organized a group for parents, the JBR sandpit group and it functions purely on word of mouth (and facebook). It is truly amazing, everything is free and on a volunteer basis. Every Tuesday there is a meeting at the local Hilton playground. I used to go and have a drink and leave Alessandro in the stroller. Now it is all about him and the slides, the toy house, the other kids. It is so much fun and a highlight every week.