Photos of Emily and our new house!

I'm sure I've got some decent toys in here somewhere!

Its a hard life being Emily Jude

Learning to put sunglasses on part 1

Learning to put sunglasses on part 2

Daddy's teaching me football! I'm actually quite good

The lounge!

Downstairs

The kitchen

Our little backyard

Main bedroom

Dining area

Downstairs

Outside our new house - we move on 17th Feb! 3 bedrooms so plenty of room for visitors!

View of the compound

Swimming pool and play area

Late nights and zoo trips

On Thursday night one of Andi's colleagues threw a party at her house for all the staff. We didn't know whether it would work or not taking Emily but gave it a go. The villa was lovely and we sat outside in the  garden by the swimming pool. They'd got a local restaurant to cater and the food was amazing. When we arrived our host introduced the maid - on hand to look after Emily. I explained that it was Emily's bedtime and I'd just introduce her to a few people and then take her upstairs to bed and give her some milk...that was plan anyway. There was no way that Emily wanted to sleep with so much going on! I took her downstairs thinking we'd have to leave but the maid took her off me and ushered me outside telling me she'd come and get me if Emily got upset. Nearly 3 hours later and Emily was having the time of her life running round and playing and we got to socialise! We left at about 11pm with a very tired but very happy little girl! Next on the agenda was a trip to the zoo - photos below! It cost £2 for the whole family to get into the zoo!! Its only 10 mins away from our new house so Emily and I will be frequent visitors as there is a great shaded play area there. Great fun had by all and Emily's first trip to the zoo. 

Not sure who is having more fun!

This week has been quite quiet so far just trips to the park and soft play. On Tuesday Emily and I went to our first kindermusik class - a music and movement class which Emily enjoyed. She is struggling with sharing at the moment and wasn't too happy when it came to passing along the musical instruments! She continues to enjoy life in Qatar although is losing some of the independence she gained through nursery and is becoming a bit clingy. Her new favourite word is also 'no!' Hopefully the more we socialise and the more friends she makes this will get better. She is probably still adjusting to her new life. Andi is continuing to be busy at work and the hours are quite long so roll on the weekend when we're planning a trip to the zoo. Prior to that one of Andi's colleagues is having a drinks reception at her house tomorrow evening and we're going along to socialise. Emily is going to sleep upstairs (hopefully!). Next Tuesday the Emir has announced a national holiday and Andi's work are organising a picnic at the park - it seems like a friendly work environment. Andi is enjoying life out here and is plotting kite surfing lessons. We had a panic at the weekend that the Emir had permanently banned the sale of alcohol in Qatar (nearly booked flights home!) but it turns out it was just banned for the day as it was a significant religious day - phew. We've also found out that if you run a red light or your car is over the line at traffic lights its an automatic £1000 fine - my driving has improved rapidly on finding this out. We've signed and sealed the deal on our new house today and we move on 17th February when I'll post some pictures of our new home. 

Me and my dolly at the park

My favourite park

Sand sand and more sand

Hello Everyone!

Friday morning walk in Doha

Emily enjoying the supermarket trolley! 

Blending in (and soft play!)

I'm trying hard to fit in with the locals and not to appear like some silly western tourist but something always lets me down! Today it was my petrol cap! Andi offered to fill up the car last night and I thought no I need to do these things myself so this morning Emily and I trundled off to the petrol station confidence high about tackling another new thing. You don't get out of your car here the attendant fills you up and the petrol station this morning was full of locals heading out to work - how embarrassing then that I held everyone up whilst I tried to figure out how to open the petrol cap! Silly small hidden button! Oh well - moving onto more interesting things.....the shopping centres here all have soft play areas for children and over the last few days Emily has experienced 'Ray's Reef' - an underwater themed play area and 'Fun City' - great fun had by all and photos below. I have met a few other mums to chat to at these play areas and even swapped numbers with someone today - progress!!! Andi is getting on well at work and seems to be enjoying the job and says his colleagues are a nice group of people. Tomorrow we're heading to watch the Golf Open which is being held in Qatar and we're going with someone from Andi's work and his wife. Andi's a bit worried about Emily's ability to observe course etiquette! 

Making tea for mummy

My and my wendy house

Beep Beep

So many balls!

Its the start of the weekend - daddy ordered a fruit cocktail in the souk - he didn't get a look in!