The Week BEFORE EXAMS

During our end of class routine....

Me:  For tonight, your homework is to.....(big smile, lots of enthusiasm) STUDY, STUDY, STUDY, LET YOUR BOOKS BE YOUR BUDDY!!!!!!!

Boy in Class:  (no smile, not a single bit of enthusiasm) STUDY, STUDY, STUDY, LET YOUR BOOKS BE YOUR ENEMY.

Haha.  Today's mission is to make review FUN! 

A SERIOUS MISCONCEPTION.

Sometimes I feel like there are triplets in there.

How is it possible that I feel her here, there, and EVERYWHERE - all at the same time?!!!

What an athlete I'm growing!

I love you, BABY P!
XOXO

New Doctor, Round #2!

Yesterday we had our second appointment with the new OB/GYN at the hospital.  Let me tell you - knowing "the system" is much less frustrating than not knowing "the system".  This time, we went half an hour early to check-in and then enjoyed the luxury of the lobby until they called our mobile to inform us that the doctor was ready to see us (about 1 hour and 45 minutes later).

In the lobby, there was a beautiful lady playing some interesting instrument on a coffee table.  There was also really delicious lentil soup at the cafe.  And there was also a free, full-functioning wifi connection!  This experience was much better than sitting in a crowded room with other pregnant ladies that are tired, irritable, impatient, and staring at you.

The music, coupled with the nearby fountain, was so soothing and peaceful.

Phil enjoying a lemon juice with mint at the cafe!

As for the appointment itself, it went SUPER!  Phil took a video of the ultrasound this time and we got to see Baby P open and close her eyes!  The doctor said that her feet were way up by my heart which might explain the abnormal rhythm that comes and goes throughout the day.  She also said that everything is where it should be and all is going according to plan.

The next appointment is in three weeks - on December 30th! 

The FIRST of a NEW SPECIES!!!!

On Thursday, I wore these polka dot tights with a grey skirt to school.  While my students were lining up for class, this is the discussion that went on:

Student #1:  MISS!  Today you look like a dalmatian!!!

Student #2:  But also you look like you've exploded!!!!

Student #3:  Miss!!!!!  You're an EXPLODED DALMATIAN!!!!!

I'm pretty sure I'm the first ever exploded dalmatian.....................EVER!!!!!

No autographs please.

THESE.....

......are the reason I've been M.I.A. on the blog:

Well, that's a LIE. 

The real reason is this:  this week I was sleepy.  Sappy.  Overwhelmed.  And HOMESICK!  But that is all behind me now thanks to a long chat with Dad and some holiday festivities!

So - let's get back to these cookies:

Introducing my high maintenance, very fragile, but ultra-adorable peanut butter reindeer!!!!

The production line I orchestrated on Wednesday and Thursday night was quite something.  I had their creation down to a science and with Phil on dish duty, the two of us produced an entire North Pole of Rudolph's in record time!  It was EPIC!!!!!!

The purpose behind the mass production was our cookie exchange party, hosted by Emily and I this afternoon.  It was a wonderful time with a group of great gals (and BAKERS!!!!).  Check out all the different cookies we had:

With Saturday's appointment in mind, I limited my consumption to two cookies (can I have a round of applause, please?).  However, it was quite evident to Baby P that we were indulging in a rare treat because she had an instant celebratory dance party after a mere few bites!!!  I'm hoping this wee spike in my sugar levels is undetectable at the doctor's office tomorrow......

In addition to enjoying some YUMMY cookies, we enjoyed a holiday playlist prepared by Heather that had all sorts of hidden gems!  Each of the girls wore something festive too and we embraced the season of giving with a $140 donation to a local charity that provides relief to expat laborers in the area.  Here are the woman who made the day a SUPERB ONE:

Thanks to all of you for your Christmas cheer, delicious treats, and charitable contribution!  This gathering is exactly why I love this time of year.

XOXO

BOY, THINGS HAVE CHANGED!!!!!

And they are going to continue to do so!!!

Going through iPhoto today, I noticed the following picture of us - taken last year at the exact same Christmas party.  Imagine, one year ago we were just dreaming of a Baby P....hoping that we'd someday get to have one! 

Christmas Party 2011

Christmas Party 2012

Fast forward to this year.  We are HAPPIER THAN EVER and I have the Santa-like belly to prove it!!!!  Baby P is a reality that we get to meet in February 2013!!!  AHHHH!!!!  We are so excited!!!!!

LIFE IS GOOD.

Day ONE with ALEX!

With so much to do in this glorious place, you're going to wonder how we jammed so many amazing activities into one day..................................(bahahahahahahhahaahhhahaha).........

We started the first day by heading to our only significant monument........the TOWERS!  Since the towers are currently closed for renovations, this trip lasted all of 10 minutes as we simply walked the perimeter, took some snaps, and laughed at the fact that he could turn around and fly back home.  After all, all of Kuwait had been seen as this activity concluded ;)

Following the tower tour, we got dropped off at the Scientific Center and walked along the corniche to Marina Mall.  It was FREEZING!  Alex enjoyed taking pictures of signage that listed rules of the area.......and then pictures of individuals breaking those rules.  Haitham met up with us at Starbucks and we enjoyed a BREEZY coffee date before leaving the area prior to the start of some organized protests.  (Didn't Alex pick a great weekend to come?! Haha). 

I think this picture is FRAME-WORTHY.  Put on the fridge worthy.  Blow up to billboard size worthy.  It is HILARIOUS.  Here are our two visitors outside a shop in the fancy new Phase 3 of the mall.  Honestly, this is TOO GOOD!!!!

After some wandering around the mall, we headed back to the flat for some relaxation before an exciting night out.  First stop - an art show hosted by a colleague in her home.  Second stop - a Christmas party hosted by another colleague and her husband.  Good times were had at both events!

MISTLE TOES!!!!!!!!

I got these little treasures in my advent calendar this morning!!!!  They are so COLOURFUL, FUZZY and WARM!!!  In fact, I may wear them permanently for the next 23 days.....

P.S.  Today I handed out all of my Christmas cards!!!!!  I LOVE DECEMBER!!!!!!!

The Tradition LIVES ON!!!!!

In the Hoit house it is tradition to have a "Polar Express" read-aloud the night before Christmas.  However with us staying in Kuwait for this year's holiday season, I was worried that the tradition would fall through and we'd be stuck dreaming of the story time an ocean away.

Well, sweet friends, FEAR NOT!!!!

Alex just gave us the best gift OF ALL!!!!  Our very own copy of The Polar Express - all the way from Canada!!!!!  He's eased my Christmas Eve blues and I can't wait until December 24th when we can read the story nice and loudly for Baby P to hear!!! 

Thank you ALEX!!!!!  You're a CHRISTMAS-MIRACLE-MAKER!!!!!!!

On this very jolly note, I am heading to bed.  Alex must leave for the airport at 5 a.m., which means a 4:30 a.m. wake-up for the three of us!  I will share our weekend adventures early this week!

XOXO

HELLO DECEMBER!!!!!!

There's a certain JOY that comes and stays during the next 4 weeks and it makes my heart feel HAPPY and FULL.  As my absolute favourite month, there is SO much to look forward to:

*  Holiday CHEER (singing, dancing, bouncing, etc.)
*  A Ladies-ONLY cookie exchange party!
*  The annual pantomime :)
*  My BIRTHDAY!!!
*  CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS!!!!  (and two weeks of some SERIOUS quality time with Phillip!)
*  Christmas (obvs)
*  Our 2.5 year wedding anniversary (yes, I count half EVERYTHING)
*  New Year's Eve (not that we stay awake for it, but because 2013 will welcome our baby girl!!!!)

My only sadness at this time comes from being away from ALL OF YOU.  I really wish we could fly home to Canada so you could see my Santa-style BELLY and feel our little miracle KICK!  At least we have this blog.  And Facebook.  And Skype.  And Facetime....

LOVE YOU'S!!!!!
XOXO