The Tree Stands Alone!

Many have asked and we are happy to report that our house in Houston weathered Hurricane Ike like a champ! We weren't really concerned to be quite honest. However it was like all of a sudden, Michael and I realized that we had a tree that has needed to come down and of course due to procrastination, hasn't. We were on pins and needles waiting to find out if the tree made it. I am quite certain our neighbor was sweating it as well. We heard reports that our neighborhood lost about 25% of the trees. Luckily...our sad looking pine was not one of them. This tree sits very close to the house and it would have been a disaster for it to have fallen. Thanks to Bree we now have visual proof that the tree is still standing!
Many of you have asked about Michael's family and they survived as well. They were without power for some time, but really they had minimal damage as well.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who did in fact lose so much.

Baby Macey

Macey is really enjoying all of HER new toys!!!

"Ramadan Kareem"

Yesterday was the start of the holy month of Ramadan! This is a very important time for Muslims around the world.

According to the US Embassy:

• Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan. As such, it is illegal in Qatar to eat, drink (even water), or smoke in public during fasting hours, i.e., approximately 5:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Approximate times for sunrise and sunset will be announced in local newspapers. If Muslims are present in the work place, they expect non-Muslims to respect their fasting and not eat, drink, or smoke in front of them, even in motor vehicles, or to prepare food that they can smell or see. As it is illegal to serve food or drink during fasting hours, restaurants will be closed during daylight hours, with the exception of a few hotel restaurants that serve non-Muslims only. Restaurants will begin serving food at sundown, but expect them to be crowded, especially during Iftar, the first meal immediately after sunset. If you are in a hotel, and they do not serve a meal at a time you require, you will find that room service is normally available or the dining room will have an isolated area where non-Muslims are served.

• While modest dress and respectful behavior between the sexes (even between married couples) are normal social customs in Qatar, this is particularly so during Ramadan.
  

• If possible, please avoid driving in the hour immediately before sunset. One should be extra alert at this time, as many Muslims will be rushing to family member’s or friend’s home or a restaurant to break their fast. Many accidents occur at this time, some very serious.

• Shops and markets are open in the morning, often closed in the afternoon, but open again for a few hours after sunset. Shops and stores will have extended hours into the late evening and early morning to accommodate Ramadan hours of operation.

Of course being pregnant makes me exempt from following these guidelines! ;-)

"Cat" Days of Summer

Well...I have been running around like crazy, trying to get back into the "Doha Groove"! As some of you may or may not have heard, getting back to Doha was no simple task. After canceled and delayed flights and an $80 cab ride from Washington Reagan to Dulles, I finally made it to the Qatar Airways flight and made it safely to Doha.

Macey ignored me for about 20 minutes! Michael had the house painted and now we have torn the house apart trying to make room for the baby. It is a disaster to say the least...and BTW-that would be by anyone's standards not just mine! ;-) So little by little, things are finding a new home...one day we will get there!

I of course started work as well which is why things aren't getting done as quickly as I would like. But they will sooner or later!

Oh, and yes, it is hot here!!!

25 Weeks

19.5 Weeks and Counting

We had an ultrasound this week. The baby is perfect! He/She had his/her hands in front of his/her face the whole time...of course!!! Enjoy the 4D images below!

Let the Fun Begin!

Michael and I have arrived safely in Chicago. We have been quite busy spending time with my family and of course shopping!

This week we went with my sister, nephews and nieces (though they brought friends so we didn't really see them) to Six Flags Great America. My nephew, Chase, was finally able to get on the roller coasters which he loved! We had a perfect day, the weather was pleasant and the park really wasn't crowded at all! I was the designated bag and refillable cotton candy tub and pop holder! We all had a great time!

Then we stayed overnight at an indoor water park and of course the next day it rained which was perfect! I am not sure who had more fun, Michael or my nephews!

Michael and I will soon be off to Houston!!!