Fabric of Abu Dhabi

Fifteen years after high school and an elective sewing class, I decided to brush up on my skills. After selecting the fabric for my Abaya I spotted this beautiful satin fabric with the colors orange, turquoise, and fuchsia. I asked my husband if he thought the fabric would match our décor, because the color scheme for our home is teal, orange, and silver. He wasn’t sure but I felt we could at least try since it was only 15 dirhams per yard.

When I offered to make decorative pillows for the sofa out of the fabric, Marshall gave me that Are You Crazy Look…lol! Granted I am not the most domestic wife but I can do a little something here and there. Being a sweet and loving husband he purchased the fabric and gave me room to work. Between taking care of Madisyn, writing, and completing other personal development projects I made time to make two pillows. I wanted to make two orange pillows, but we are on the Hunt for the perfect fabric. Marshall gave me compliments and was pleasantly surprised that I completed them. I’m still a little rusty so if you come to visit do not stare at the details (work in progress).

I plan to take advantage of the beautiful fabric we have access to here to make more things. Madinat Zayed Shopping Center is a great place to find fabric.

Checkout my efforts:

Where to Breastfeed in Abu Dhabi

After breastfeeding for the past 7 months, I have come to realization that mothers who breastfeed have an unspoken bond with each other. I have spoken to individuals who think the act is disturbing and others find it to be the most rewarding feeling in the world. Although it is time-consuming, I would not change the experience for anything in the world.

Initially I was a little shy about the entire process and would only feed my daughter in private areas such as in the home or in the car. However as time went on, all the shyness went away. I was feeding her in the food courts, graduations, and restaurants. If I had my nursing cover from Udder Cover and a chair I was good to go.

Unfortunately that was in the United States, so honestly I am a little apprehensive to be so free in a traditionally conservative Country. Below are a few places (courtesy of Arabian Notes) that are breastfeeding friendly in Abu Dhabi. Because I am a newbie here, I have only experienced one facility. As I experience them I will update the post. This is only only a guideline for those breastfeeding moms new to the area.

1) Ikea near Yas Mall

I've actually used this facility and it was really cute. Nice padded changing table, a comfy chair, and it was clean. The only issue I ran into was space, it was a little tight for my jogging stroller. 

2) Yas Mall

They have a private women's seating area outside the restroom which can be great to use. 

3) Babyshop (Inside of Yas Mall)

 Comfy chairs, footrests, and a changing area. You have to ask an associate about the room.

4) Galleria Mall

Large changing and feeding rooms with TV's. 

5) Mothercare (Abu Dhabi Mall)

Changing rooms can be used to breastfeed. 

6) Al Wahda Mall

There is a chair located in the restroom stall and a separate changing area. 

7) Mushrif Mall

Space to change and feed inside a disabled restroom stall.
 
In any retail space I find it convenient to utilize the fitting rooms in large department stores, if you find the restrooms to be uncomfortable.

Momma We Made It!

On September 10th, Madisyn and I began our journal to Abu Dhabi to join the hubby. Initially my anxieties about making the trip were traveling alone with a 7-month-old baby diva and packing our lives into 4 duffle bags. However, all in all everything worked our perfectly and was well worth the hassle because, now it feels like Madisyn and I are living on a luxurious resort overlooking a beautiful skyline every single day. 

I am going to walk you through my process of this magical journey with Miss Madisyn Renee. My mom, aunt and a family friend drove us to New Orleans to see us off early that morning. I knew my emotions would eventually get the best of me, I just didn’t know when. It wasn’t until I approached the ticket counter for our boarding passes that I looked at my mom and just started to cry. At that moment all the preparations became a reality. 

The check-in process was smooth, however they asked me a bunch of questions in regards to obtaining a VISA. Even after I told them my husband is working there and his company is sponsoring us, they still continued to interrogate me.  But after that  process we were all set to go.   

I was excited to learn I would have get my stroller back in NYC (after being told I would get in Abu Dhabi) and thank God, because I needed it. The flight from New Orleans to New York City was great, no complaints. Upon arriving in NYC, I received my stroller and Madisyn and I were off to catch our next flight. My husband warned me that it would be a slight hassle getting to the international side of the airport. I should listen to him more often, because it felt like we walked a solid 2 miles to the international security checkpoint. Once there we only had 30min before the flight began to board. The line was long, Madisyn was going into Maddy Meltdown Mode, and I was starving. The line was moving pretty steadily until it was our turn. TSA informed me my stroller had to be inspected by someone else and I had to wait. I waited….waited….and waited until it was 30min before the flight departed. I became impatient and vented my frustration only to be told they were short staffed and to pretty much just wait. Ten minutes later someone finally checked the stroller and I still had a ways to go to my gate. I really began to panic when I heard last call for Abu Dhabi. I was determined to make this flight! Finally…we get to the gate only to be informed we needed another boarding pass and to see the ticket agent. Could anything else slow us down?  As were one of the last ones to be seated on the flight, Madisyn decides she had to use the #2. That meant getting up and passing over someone to take her into the restroom. At this point I used the honor system and left my bags, because the space was extremely tight and I was already hot and bothered. When we settled in I realized my cellular phone did not have a signal, so I couldn’t inform my husband or mother we made the flight. 

Off we go on a 13-hour adventure. I figured Madisyn would sleep a good 7-8 hours on the flight. Man was I wrong. She only slept 2 hours the entire trip. She was up playing, talking and knocking everything over. Initially when a young lady next to me with a son one day older than Madisyn offered to hold her, I was apprehensive. But after 5 hours of non-stop bouncing around in a tight space I took the offer. Her mother traveled with her so she was able to get a break from her son and understood the struggle of traveling with an active infant. This break allowed me to get my laptop and Facebook Marshall and my family to inform them we were okay. 

All in all the flight was wonderful, the food was fulfilling and no turbulence. The flight attendants were superb. One attendant even sat with me to hold Madisyn for about 20 minutes to give me a break.  

After we landed, all I could say was Thank You God!!! We Made It! Upon arrival my husband purchased me a VIP concierge service to transport us through the Passport check-in and to baggage claim. It was easy to get transported around but the individual assigned to me was little lazy. She would not help with my bags, told me I didn’t have time to use the restroom after a 13-hour flight, and stopped to chat with everyone she knew. At baggage claim the first 3 bags and Madisyn’s stroller came pretty fast, but it was too good to be true. We waited for 45min and still no bag. So off to the lost baggage station we go to file a claim. The process was easy and they were very efficient. My bag arrived the next day. 

After it was all said and done walking to the transportation area and seeing my husband made it all worth it. Needless to say Madisyn was knocked out in the cab ride home.

Traveling from the known to the unknown can be frightening, but knowing God promises that he will never leave nor forsake us will always be my guide for anything I approach in  life.

“God is faithful [He is reliable, trustworthy and ever true to His promise—He can be depended on], and through Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” 1 Cor. 1:9 AMP

The Time Has Come.......

This summer has been hectic between moving from Georgia to Alabama, helping my little sister plan the wedding of her dreams, and also packing to move our lives to Abu Dhabi. Not to mention, all of this has to be completed with a 6 month old baby. 

My sister's wedding date was the reason Madisyn and I could not take the journey with Marshall when he traveled to Abu Dhabi. Now I can take a deep breath, now that the wedding is over. The affair was simply beautiful and I am fortunate I was able to stand by my little sister's side as she began a new chapter in her life. As you can see from the photo Maddy had a ball!

Moving forward I can place 100% of my efforts into preparing for our journey to Abu Dhabi. Our official leave date is September 10th.  I've began the packing process, but its proven to be slight challenging. Since we are flying Etihad Airways they charge a $100 fee for a lap infant, which works out perfectly because they give her 1 piece of luggage, thus we do not have to pay $175 for an additional piece. Fitting my life into 2-3 duffel bags is not going to be easy, but I am learning to part with the old. I still have clothes from college, so I admit I have some hoarder like tendencies. 

Another challenge is accepting my post-baby body. I have avoided purchasing clothes because I thought losing the baby weight would come easy, lies..lies..lies...!  Mobile is known for amazing seafood and home cooked meals that interferes with my diet. Therefore, I am having to purchase new clothing essentials like jeans, tops, and tees. I've decided to be happy with my new body and to be fabulous while I continue to lose the weight.  Due to the culture in the UAE, I have found many cute and conservative items at Old Navy, Gap, and Ann Taylor Loft.

My husband has been wonderful in supporting our family during this transition. Since I am not there, he had to find our new home and purchase furniture. He has successfully executed all tasks all while  allowing me to be a part of the decision-making process. Since there is a 9-hour time difference I am awaken with 4am text messages or phone calls with him sending me videos and pictures to ask my opinion on things. The Hunt's clan is all about Team Work....Making the Dream Work!

I anticipate the day to see my hubby!  The countdown begins to September 10th!