Happy Half Birthday, Xavier

How I found him on his half birthday! It's his favorite way to sleep- at least its not a complete face plant that I have seen him do many times.

 

So Xavier is now six months old and it was a great day to celebrate his half birthday!

He is growing and learning things everyday and it is wonderful and fun to watch.

Gus is keeping guard as Xavier plays

Look Mom! I am so big! (6 Months- Jan. 11)

It's Cool, I have the Panda Power!

At his checkup he weighed 7.552 kgs and is 68 cm long with a head circumference of 43 cm.  He also had his vaccinations and took them like a big boy again. A few tears but settled down for a nap shortly after.
       

 This is shortly after we left the appointment. He needed his monkeys and a hand to hold.




He has begun to like more of his toys and is trying to chew on everything. We have learned that you cannot help him in getting something in his mouth or whatnot as this will make him more mad than he might be at the moment.

It's Rough being a cute kid!

Real Rough!

He is also starting to slither everywhere and he can go backwards at a great speed. He isn't crawling but he sure can go all over and quickly to boot. Recently this past week he is getting better at looking like he is crawling and can keep his legs under him longer but still goes backwards. :-)

Xavier in the last few days has now started to look like he wants to stand up or walk on all fours. He could almost get to a sitting position as well if he figured out how.

No teeth to speak of yet but he sure is working on them. I have determined at this point that he is going to get them in all at once. This hard teeth growing is making for some rough nights, so we are back to not sleeping through the night but this will change soon I hope - I miss sleep.

Booze and Baby, Sharq and Friends

So in December Qatar made a decision to revoke the liquor license to a man made island/port, The Pearl. It has caused a lot of debate on forums and on blogs. Yes, we are in a Muslim country and that means that alcohol is against their religion and so one can respect that. I think what sucks is a lot of the businesses were brought under the promise to be able to sell alcohol and now their business is suffering. It really sucks especially since the area was already hurting from low occupancy in the flats that were built there. The Pearl is a gorgeous place to walk around, get some dinner and enjoy some drinks (if that is your thing) with friends. Here are some shots of The Pearl when we went when Mom Renee came out to visit us!

The view of the other side of the Pearl

One of the many yachts that are docked at the Pearl..

Pampano's our favorite restaurant on The Pearl. It is an Upscale Mexican Restaurant

Mom Renee out with us to enjoy an Iftar Meal during Ramadan when she came to help after Xavier was born! 

Alright so I told you that story to tell you this story. We went out on Thursday with some of our friends to one of the few places where you can go get a drink; The Sharq, it is one of the hotels around town. We sat outside the Cigar Lounge since it was such a nice night outside and to not have Xavier near the smoke inside. Well after the waitress came by about the fourth time or so she was smiling and laughing and trying to tell me that Xavier and I couldn't stay. Due to language issues here you pickup on things a lot later than normal and I was confused since she was laughing. I told the guys what she had said to me and they were confused and told her that we had been there before which we had with no problem. She said if they came by to check he couldn't be there. I know he is under age and everything but really?? Plus I couldn't have a drink either which it was going to be the first time I ordered something, oh well. So we worked it out I could stay with him until 7 but it made me on edge because they could have kicked me out at anytime so it ruined the night for me. It was annoying since we weren't in the bar, they serve food and it took them a while to say something.

 These are some pictures from our visit before this one. It was our send off of our great friend Amir and a chance for people to see Xavier.

The fountain inside the Sharq

Sleepy Xavier and Denise

Amir, Jennifer and Zach

Tareq and Xavier

Zach, Amir and Paul

Amir and Xavier - Boys in Blue

Xavier and Mom

Christmas Time in Doha

Christmas time in the middle east is very interesting and a change from being in the states. We really missed the lights and decorations. I know that going through the stores and all the music and such is too much since they always start it too soon in the season but having all of that sure does help you get into the season.

We got a tree and decorations from someone leaving the country so that did help us get into the spirit. We also watched Muppet Family Christmas which is one of my most watch movie for the time of year. There are a few shops that have Christmas decorations and we picked up a few more to add to our collection.

             

 My handsome guys! Xavier isn't too sure!

 Santa Gus

 Xavier isn't too sure about the singing Christmas dog. 

Enjoying Aunt Dena's Christmas Card!

I tried a new recipe for easy cinnamon and sugar doughnuts from Little Bit Funky

Can of Biscuits (Not the flaky kind).
Melted butter (4 Tbls per 8 biscuits) 
Sugar & Cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

Heat up oil for your pan (about 1/2 in or so) for a few minutes on medium heat.

While it is heating up, cut holes in the biscuits with a cookie cutter or some other circular object

 I used a small star cookie cutter to cut out the center of the biscuits. 

Put a couple of them in the pan until one side is golden brown, flip with tongs.  When that side is golden remove from oil and place on a paper towel lined pan or plate.When the donuts have cooled enough to handle, use your fingers to dip one side in the melted butter, let the excess drip off, dip in cinnamon and sugar mixture.  Get it nice and coated.  Flip over and repeat for the other side. 

ENJOY!

 Xavier says, "I'm on my auntie's Good List"

  

 He loved the sparkly ones on the tree

I know its a little blurry but if you look closely he has his little foot sticking out of his sleep sack and he always did it- Just like his mom wanting mom foot out of the covers.

Sadie was being a party pooper all day! 

Merry Christmas to you and yours from the Kantolas