The First Week

[doodlebugg 10]

We had a thread like this a looong time ago and I haven't wanted to indulge in these thoughts since then but now I'm ready to bring 'em on baby!!!

What things do all of you folks recommend on doing (other than the obvious ) that first week? I've heard people that planned and planned for the first night and all they wanted to do was sleep and eat a good meal.

What's a good foodplan for the first week? Did any of your hubbies have tummy problems adjusting to the water/foods here?

[~Jackie~ 30]

I was just thinking of that thread today!

jJ

[doodlebugg 10]

I was just thinking of that thread today!

jJ

I believe that's where the term "doing laundry" came about!!

[~PalmTreeGurl~ 154]

OK I guess I will start Since Dec 31st I was having really bad migraines. He got his visa Jan 1st. Was flying here Jan 9th. So, my friends and I were at the airport waiting 3 hours for him. I was having the migraines REALLY bad again. Tried to drink juice and take excedrin, and eat chocolate. Nothing worked. Finally he stepped up the escalator and there he was !!! I was so happy but in alot of pain. My friend and her husband and baby was took us to a Greek Restaurant. We ate but then I got nautious and dizzy and almost fell against the glass door. Then as soon as we got home it started to thunderstorm. Got inside, it was late, I was in head pain and tired so we WENT TO SLEEP ! not exactly how I had been planning my reunion with my husband. then I had to be at work the next morning at 830am... so he came with me... There is a McDonalds in the walmart i work at so he was hungry and he went to them and asked for a burger but it was breakfast time so they offered him a biscuit (sausage) He ate a bite and ran to me at the service desk counter and said This is GROSS here EAT it! and Im like "If its gross why would i want to eat it ?" He said the meat tasted funny... then i looked at it and said NO wonder! Its pork! Everything he ate for a week tasted like that Mcdonalds sausage biscuit... It was hard to really feed him anything the first week ! -Tam

[m&n 0]

We had a thread like this a looong time ago and I haven't wanted to indulge in these thoughts since then but now I'm ready to bring 'em on baby!!!

What things do all of you folks recommend on doing (other than the obvious ) that first week? I've heard people that planned and planned for the first night and all they wanted to do was sleep and eat a good meal.

What's a good foodplan for the first week? Did any of your hubbies have tummy problems adjusting to the water/foods here?

My husband tried a calzone for the first time ever......with lots of cheeze, olives, and brocolli.......he LOVED it!!

He also tried Chinese food that first week........with exception to the white rice...........he HATED it!!

[LaL 418]

Best suggestion from me : do not overwhelm him.

[caybee 21]

The airport was about 4 hours away, and his plane came in late. I didn't see him, didn't see him... I finally saw an elderly woman descending the stairs, clinging to a man's arm, and it was him -- an Egyptian woman had asked him to help her. He saw me but didn't make any indication until he had escorted the woman to her family and shaken their hands, and then he ran to me. By then, I thought my heart would explode.

We were both sooooo tired. I parked in a rest area on the way home and we slept for more than an hour. When we got home, my sister had put a fresh veggie plate in the fridge along with olives and deviled eggs, bread, snacky stuff. I had just rented an apartment, so it wasn't completely in order yet. I did put a water filter on the kitchen faucet because I was so sure the tap water would bother him, but it never seemed to. I don't remember much else. I just remember preparing some "American" foods that he loathed in the beginning but likes now. I'd been planning to make lists of yes and no foods, but his tasted changed, and there isn't really a "no" list now (except for the obvious, of course). He met my family the next day, I think. We didn't try to do too much. Everything was such an adventure, even going shopping. The first trip to Wal-Mart, man, I think we were in there for two hours! I had a list of day trips, and we did a lot of exploring, but he asked me not to plan too much because we had plenty of time. The first few weeks were so special, and sometimes so stressful, but that's all part of the adjustment.

That's all that's fit to print. I'm just so tickled that you finally got the call. Best wishes for a beautiful reunion.

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

Best suggestion from me : do not overwhelm him.

I agree.

That first day/night, after being crammed into an airline seat on such a long flight, he'll probably just want to eat something easy-on-the-stomach, have a hot shower, and stretch out on the sofa.

So have the basic staples stocked and ready -- for my husband, that meant pita bread, olives, hummus, tea and Arabic coffee. I also had a couple of things for him like men's toiletries, flannel lounge pants, even a soft warm robe.

I wouldn't plan too many activities, or have too many people trooping in and out that first day. You can go introducing him around after that -- take a look around the city, do a little bit of shopping for stuff he needs, maybe go out to eat. But no marathon sight-seeing or visiting that first couple of days. Oh and have plenty of phone cards so he can call his family and friends and tell them he arrived safely !

Remember: it's not a 7-day vacation that you have to cram all these activities into -- you have the rest of your lives to enjoy ! Easy does it.

[Moe_lisa 0]

well my husband had a terrible time adjusting to the "new" environment. Because he had never traveled before i decided to drive to Chicago and meet him there. His plane was 2 hours late and by the time he cleared customs got his luggage that was another hour. it was almost midnight by the time we got out of the airport and to the hotel. so the first night we just got to the hotel and had a picnic on the bed of ordered in pizza. not the way I wanted our first night together but after driving 10 hours, wiating forever that was all we wanted to do. we did spend several days in the city sightseeing. that was a lot of fun. As for food and other things he was exposed to, yes it was a disaster. Moh got all these bumps all over his legs and arms for the first 6 to 8 weeks he was here. he broke out in this terrible rash and they itched a lot. they could not figure out what was causing them as everything he was exposed to was something new and different. Besides the food, soaps, hair products, clothes, carpets, material the environment such as trees and grass,etc. we have no idea what was causing the rash but finally, thank god they went away. it was not funny at the time! and very frustrating! he was quite upset by the whole ordeal. things never work out like you plan so you go to plan b....

hope you have a wonderful reunion!

lisa

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

Oh I forgot to answer about adjusting to the food. Mahmoud had absolutely no problems -- he's not a picky eater and he will scarf up just about anything put in front of him, with no ill effects.

One thing though -- he was not used to eating meat every day -- it feels heavy on his stomach -- so we have egg or cheese-based meals about 3 times a week. This suits me fine, too. When we do have meat, it's usually chicken or turkey or sometimes fish. I don't eat beef, but I will fix a beef dish for him (or he will cook it) maybe once a week or once every 10 days. Every once in a while he will want liver -- yecchh -- he's on his own cooking that ....

He had never eaten Mexican food, Italian food, Chinese food, or Texas barbecue before coming to the U.S. -- but he loved it all from his first taste. No problems with the water, either.

Is Usama especially particular about his food ? Some people are, and there's nothing wrong with that.

[KEK 0]

OK I guess I will start Since Dec 31st I was having really bad migraines. He got his visa Jan 1st. Was flying here Jan 9th. So, my friends and I were at the airport waiting 3 hours for him. I was having the migraines REALLY bad again. Tried to drink juice and take excedrin, and eat chocolate. Nothing worked. Finally he stepped up the escalator and there he was !!! I was so happy but in alot of pain. My friend and her husband and baby was took us to a Greek Restaurant. We ate but then I got nautious and dizzy and almost fell against the glass door. Then as soon as we got home it started to thunderstorm. Got inside, it was late, I was in head pain and tired so we WENT TO SLEEP ! not exactly how I had been planning my reunion with my husband. then I had to be at work the next morning at 830am... so he came with me... There is a McDonalds in the walmart i work at so he was hungry and he went to them and asked for a burger but it was breakfast time so they offered him a biscuit (sausage) He ate a bite and ran to me at the service desk counter and said This is GROSS here EAT it! and Im like "If its gross why would i want to eat it ?" He said the meat tasted funny... then i looked at it and said NO wonder! Its pork! Everything he ate for a week tasted like that Mcdonalds sausage biscuit... It was hard to really feed him anything the first week ! -Tam

Wow, your story sounds like something I would go through on that special day, lol. Well I thought you might like to know that chocolate is part of a group of foods that can trigger migraines. I used to eat a little piece of dark chocolate every day, until I discovered that it could be a reason behind my increasing headaches. Now I *try* to avoid eating chocolate around my period (since that is when I get them most often now). It has helped me a lot, although it's hard to fight the temptation sometimes.

Here is a quick article about migraine and food triggers - in case it happens to be a chronic problem for you: http://altmedicine.about.com/od/popularhea...igrainediet.htm

Of course the weather might not have helped that night... And all of the excitement... I can't imagine how I will feel to see my husband arrive here and know he can stay forever

Thanks for sharing your story.

KEKhan

[doodlebugg 10]

Oh I forgot to answer about adjusting to the food. Mahmoud had absolutely no problems -- he's not a picky eater and he will scarf up just about anything put in front of him, with no ill effects.

One thing though -- he was not used to eating meat every day -- it feels heavy on his stomach -- so we have egg or cheese-based meals about 3 times a week. This suits me fine, too. When we do have meat, it's usually chicken or turkey or sometimes fish. I don't eat beef, but I will fix a beef dish for him (or he will cook it) maybe once a week or once every 10 days. Every once in a while he will want liver -- yecchh -- he's on his own cooking that ....

He had never eaten Mexican food, Italian food, Chinese food, or Texas barbecue before coming to the U.S. -- but he loved it all from his first taste. No problems with the water, either.

Is Usama especially particular about his food ? Some people are, and there's nothing wrong with that.

He just says he'll eat anything from "my hand". I could take that literally but it means whatever I cook he'll eat. A few things I have shown him on the cam that I ate in front of him he said looked good but when I asked if he'd like me to cook it for him his reply would be "not every day". I think I read that it's sunnah for the husband not to complain about the food his wife cooks so I guess that's why he didn't outright say "no".

Fish is a big nuh uh but even then he says if i cook it he will eat it. He just tends to get sick from eating fish for some reason.

I'll have to find some place that has good pita bread 'cause the stuff at our stop n shop isn't even comparable to what he's used to in Egypt. There is a sub shop that bakes their own daily so maybe I"ll ask if I could buy a big bag of those.

I can't wait to cook for him!!!! I"m so used to cooking for tweens who barely eat anything and mostly only eat chicken fingers and fish sticks!!!

[MelindaandTarek 0]

Oh...so touching to read all of your stories and experienced..I can't wait to share the experience and the moment I see Tarek at the airport...all in good time....Bridget do enjoy and ty everyone for sharing!!!

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

He just says he'll eat anything from "my hand". I could take that literally but it means whatever I cook he'll eat. A few things I have shown him on the cam that I ate in front of him he said looked good but when I asked if he'd like me to cook it for him his reply would be "not every day". I think I read that it's sunnah for the husband not to complain about the food his wife cooks so I guess that's why he didn't outright say "no".

Fish is a big nuh uh but even then he says if i cook it he will eat it. He just tends to get sick from eating fish for some reason.

I'll have to find some place that has good pita bread 'cause the stuff at our stop n shop isn't even comparable to what he's used to in Egypt. There is a sub shop that bakes their own daily so maybe I"ll ask if I could buy a big bag of those.

I can't wait to cook for him!!!! I"m so used to cooking for tweens who barely eat anything and mostly only eat chicken fingers and fish sticks!!!

Yes "by my hand"... "by your hand" -- it's Arabic syntax translated literally into English

If you can find a good Arab market, that will help a lot. Our Arab market has a bakery, so I buy 6 bags of their fresh-baked pita every week and throw 5 of them in the freezer -- that way, we can pull a bag out as we need it (almost every day) and it doesn't go stale. Mahmoud also likes French bread (the very soft kind) and flour tortillas. The important thing is to always have some kind of bread -- he cannot eat a meal without it.

Haha my husband loves chicken fingers and fish sticks. And cheese sticks. And fried potatoes -- I swear he would have fried potatoes at every dayum meal if I would let him. Also anything with tomato sauce and/or cheese. And especially he likes anything chopped up real small and stuffed into something else -- he looooooooves stuffed macaroni shells, stuffed mushrooms, stuffed tomatoes, stuffed peppers, and of course anything ma7shi.

I am so excited for you, Bridget !!!!!! The happy days are coming !!!!

-MK

Edited to add: fresh fruit, milk and eggs disappear as fast as I can bring them home. And all vegetables are gobbled up, no matter how they're prepared.

Edited March 13, 2008 by wife_of_mahmoud

[caybee 21]

He just says he'll eat anything from "my hand". I could take that literally but it means whatever I cook he'll eat. A few things I have shown him on the cam that I ate in front of him he said looked good but when I asked if he'd like me to cook it for him his reply would be "not every day". I think I read that it's sunnah for the husband not to complain about the food his wife cooks so I guess that's why he didn't outright say "no".

Fish is a big nuh uh but even then he says if i cook it he will eat it. He just tends to get sick from eating fish for some reason.

I'll have to find some place that has good pita bread 'cause the stuff at our stop n shop isn't even comparable to what he's used to in Egypt. There is a sub shop that bakes their own daily so maybe I"ll ask if I could buy a big bag of those.

I can't wait to cook for him!!!! I"m so used to cooking for tweens who barely eat anything and mostly only eat chicken fingers and fish sticks!!!

Yes "by my hand"... "by your hand" -- it's Arabic syntax translated literally into English

If you can find a good Arab market, that will help a lot. Our Arab market has a bakery, so I buy 6 bags of their fresh-baked pita every week and throw 5 of them in the freezer -- that way, we can pull a bag out as we need it (almost every day) and it doesn't go stale. Mahmoud also likes French bread (the very soft kind) and flour tortillas. The important thing is to always have some kind of bread -- he cannot eat a meal without it.

Haha my husband loves chicken fingers and fish sticks. And cheese sticks. And fried potatoes -- I swear he would have fried potatoes at every dayum meal if I would let him. Also anything with tomato sauce and/or cheese. And especially he likes anything chopped up real small and stuffed into something else -- he looooooooves stuffed macaroni shells, stuffed mushrooms, stuffed tomatoes, stuffed peppers, and of course anything ma7shi.

I am so excited for you, Bridget !!!!!! The happy days are coming !!!!

-MK

Edited to add: fresh fruit, milk and eggs disappear as fast as I can bring them home. And all vegetables are gobbled up, no matter how they're prepared.

Oh yes, the flour tortillas are a favorite!