suzannainthesand

I’m condensing four events into one post because they all ooze happy, happy, happy (and I’m lazy and super-far behind on everything.)

1. It’s raining again in Abu Dhabi, but not the wet stuff- just babies, babies everywhere! One of our co-workers moved to Dubai before her little guy was born, but I’ve been fortunate to meet the rest of the new Abu Dhabi newborn crew. They don’t have UAE citizenship, but I think they’re still higher up on the food chain than the rest of us.

Ben was born in February, so mama Dagmar has recently returned to work.

Her maternity leave was perfectly timed with Katie’s, who gave birth to baby Alya the week before Dagmar returned.

Our wonderful Maeve and Carl recently became first-time parents and lucked out with little Julia. Sleep-deprived and questioning everything they knew about life, they asked me if I had ever gotten rest when my kids were young. Not one to mince words, I spat out a definite “no.” I mean, maybe 18 years from now you’ll catch up, if you’re lucky. We live in the same building though, so if they’re smart they’ll call me to babysit sometime before mid-July, when the offer expires indefinitely.

Get this one: Forget about the woman who just pushed a baby out of her; the UK folks use the term “wetting the baby’s head,” meaning the birth is celebrated with a drink (how odd for these people). Once again, I’m the clueless American who went with the flow in the moment and Googled it later. I was like, “Why? Is it because the newborn gets spilled on?”
We all sent toasting pics to Carl & Maeve the night Julia was born and then met the proud papa out at The Tavern the following evening for an official celebration.

Sometimes this place is so indescribable that normalcy is a breath of fresh air. I’m thankful for social media, so even after we go our separate ways I’ll be able to watch these tykes grow up!!

2. Spring Break- Jenna was able to visit in late March. Since she was only here for a short time, we opted out of repeating the local attractions that we had hit the first time around. Instead, she was intent on frying herself on Saadiyat Beach; mission accomplished in about three hours. Another highlight was convincing her to come to work, her claim to fame being she’s the only visitor who has been able to share the school experience with me.

Kate & Brandon’s Engagement on 4/23/16

Brandon did a spectacular job with the proposal. A number of friends were in attendance, along with Jenna and three of Kate’s besties from home. I was Skyped in at 4:30am and was able to watch a small part of it on my phone. In this crazy world we live in, it’s comforting to know she is loved and respected by a wonderful man and that they’re ready to forge a path in life together. And the pictures speak volumes about their happiness level.

4. Kate’s Graduation 4/30/16

As I type, my sister has me Skyped into Kate’s graduation ceremony. Jackie, her husband John, and my parents are in attendance and I’m sure a good time was had by all at the celebration dinner last night. I’m so incredibly blessed to have watched my girl grow into a phenomenal adult and know that only good things are in store for her.

I’m beyond thankful for social media for keeping me connected to my world back home. I was actually going to get dressed and put on some makeup so I looked presentable at the ceremony, but Kate caught me off-guard a few minutes ago. So the tears have already begun to flow. I’m now quietly sobbing my way through Pomp & Circumstance and hope the connection holds up while she walks across the stage, not that I’ll be able to see by that point.

Congrats to all and thanks for making my world a whole lot brighter!