Doha Baby Shower - April 28th

My Peruvian, American, El Salvadorian, Uraguayan, Costa Rican, and Canadian friends put on a beautiful Baby Shower for Dan and I. Dan was in on the know, but I was completely surprised. Dan woke me from a nap and said that we had to go to a friend's house for him to install something on the guy's computer. I didn't want to go and couldn't figure out why Dan was "making" me go. Well, it turns out I was so thankful I did go. I am not sure what he would have done if I refused!! I will try that one next time! But really, it was such a nice time, and we received a lot of warm blessings and beautiful presents! Our baby is really spoiled to have so many people care about him already!

Beautiful Switzerland...

Don't we just suit the Swiss culture?
View of Zurich from the Limmat River.

For our last trip together before the baby comes along, we went to Zurich, Switzerland. We have decided that this country would be the perfect place to settle down and retire. What a beautiful country, so green, so relaxing and such fresh air. No one seems to be in a hurry, yet everything gets done on time and very organized. It was so nice to see a place where the people truely take pride in where they live and strive to keep it clean and ultimately spectacular! Here are a few shots of us and some of the things we saw on our way...We travelled from Zurich to Luzern and then on to Engelberg, a town at the base of the Alps. At Engelberg we got on a rotating gondala that took us to the top of the mountain. Amazing view, but REALLY cold!!!

In the Swiss Alps

The revolving gondala to the top of the Alps.
At the top...and freezing to death!
Kissing in a cave in the Ice Palace.
This picture is dedicated to Grandma B...we found a Swiss Chalet Restaurant!

Camel Races

Where are we supposed to go??? The starting line....
A very determined camel trying to please the master!

Last week we went to the traditional past-time of camel racing here in Doha. I really don't know how to begin to explain how it all works, or how unbelievably crazy it is. But I will try....First we drove 30 km out of Doha to a little town we like to call Camel Town. Everywhere you look you see camels and hundreds of them. All year round they are roaming around and are also rode to keep in shape for the up coming races. The race track itself is relatively normal, like a horse track. You have a line up of 20 or more camels and instead of a jockey riding them, they have been attached with a little robot that sits on top. This robot is remote controlled to whip the camel for faster speeds! On the left side of the track you have the trucks with the cameras and camera men and along with them you have the guys controlling the robots in their Landcruisers. All are moving around the track as the camels are running. Then on the right side of the track you have us, the spectators. Now imagine this, 40 - 50 Landcruiser SUVs driving around the track, weaving in and out of each other trying to keep up with the lead camel. Luckily the speeds are only 40kph or else it would be life threatening. We went around for about 6 races and made it out with no scratches. Though we did see a few bumps and a fender ripped off of another guys SUV. When it was all over and we decided to go, we were all exhausted (the camels probably more considering it is 40 degrees out) mostly from the adeneline rush you get from the other drivers! It is a must see if you come to Doha! And mostly because you would never believe or understand fully without seeing with your own eyes!!!

A local camel trainer, Dan and Amy hoping the camel doesn't spit on us! Nice airconditioning while watching the camels racing!

"So when are you coming to watch us race??"

Danielito at 29 weeks!

Here is Danielito's picture. I forgot to add it! If you can see what is happening, he is actually trying to suck on his little hand! Also looks like he is running out of space in there. It is neat to see how they grow. It was only a couple months ago where he was doing summer saults. Not anymore!!!

29 Weeks

Here I am at 29 weeks already! Time is sure flying! I have some pictures of the hospital where I have been going. Eat your heart out ladies! It is a pretty sweet place to go for appointments. Feels like a fancy hotel! And not because of the nice hospital decor, but I am having mixed feelings about having my baby in Canada. It will be weird to have to see another Dr. after having the same one for 7 months and then get used to some of the different techniques that go on as well. I am happy to be close to friends and family though. That will make all the newness well worth it!

Here I am getting ready for my ultrasound, my bigger belly and my little boy's squished up face. He was so cute this morning. He kept moving around and trying to get his little hand in his mouth. We were able to see him move his mouth with sucking motions too....really cool! Everything is good, he is healthy, has all his fingers and toes and other important parts. His brain and heart look good and he is normal for size and weight gain! Also my placenta has moved up into it's proper location which has been a bit of a concern for awhile, but now we are all good and ready to have this baby!!!

Red Bull Air Races - Abu Dhabi, UAE 2007

This weekend Dan and I just fulfilled a dream of ours. We flew a 40 min flight to the United Arab Emirates to watch the Red Bull Air Races. We have enjoyed watching the races on tv, but now we were able to go and see them live. The Red Bull Air Races are similar to equestrian horse jumping shows, but all is done in an airplane. It is incredible the agility of the pilots and the airplanes as the fly through the courses at 400 kph, pulling 3-9 G-Force, and are less than 100 feet above the water.(Formula 1 race cars only pull 5.5 G-Force) Here are some pictures that Dan took with his new camera. The first one is the race course and in RED you will see where we were sitting to get such great pictures! The next one is the control tower that was controlling all the aircraft and judging the pilots. Then there is a pic of us. Don't forget to look in the background and see the plane....even though we are so cute to look at!! After that are more pictures of some of the planes. Dan took 378 pictures in one day, so they are not all here, but you will be able to get an idea of how crazy spectacular it was.

Red Bull Air Races - Abu Dhabi, UAE 2007

Red Bull Air Races - Abu Dhabi, UAE 2007

Our home in Doha.

Finally I have gone around and taken some (not so professional) photos of our home in Doha, Qatar. It is a simple place that was fully furnished, and we have not really added to much of a personal touch except for a few little things. But we are mfortable and we have a room for the baby. That room will be kept secret for now, until we are finished with decorating it!!! So here goes the tour.....ps. you might need to wear your glasses to read what all is written on the pictures. Sorry it is so small....I am too lazy to resize. Youco can click on the picture though and it will get bigger.

24 Weeks

Here is a with and without clothes shot. I am for sure getting bigger and I am not too sure how I am going to be when I am 8 or 9 months along. Going crazy I am sure!!! I am still able to sleep, which is good, though I do have quite a baracade of pillows all around me. Dan is jealous that I get all the pillows, but when I remind him why, he is glad that I am carying the baby and not him!!!