Pickle

I've just finished using reusables, having potty trained my 3rd (and final!) child. I've used a mix of Itti Bitti and Blueberries on her from 6 months to now (2.5, so the same nappies lasted 2 years). I've used a mixture of nappies over the 7.5 years since my first child was born, but found nappies that don't need a separate cover the easiest by far. I'm going to be selling my nappies as a job lot, but could sell a couple individually if you'd like some to try?

My daughter has a "skort", got it from Sainsburys last year.

We participated in this study today and my kids had a great time. It also worked out that my 2.5 year old could take part in another study while we were there, and (despite refusing to speak) she had a lovely time too. Will definitely be signing up for future research studies, it was fascinating.

I regularly come across pavement cyclists on Barry Rd when I'm running - generally about 7pm, and a real nuisance as the paths are narrow due to the trees. It's happened twice since Sunday.

We notice when we visit family in NZ that the fashion for boys is to use surnames as first names. One of my friends has Hunter, Cooper and Fletcher.

David, our son was very nearly Hamish, it was one of the two names we had picked out.

I have a number 3, a 73 and one not on the list which surprises me (Kate - there's Katie, but not Kate). My Mum likes to joke that these days to name a baby you look at a list of recently deceased people in their 80's and older, and pick at random. She's not too far off if I think of names I hear these days, especially boys.

We waited until our kids were 3 and 4, then signed them up for lessons at Crystal Palace - they could be in the same class, and no parents required :) They are now (aged 6 and 7) in stage 4, and swimming in a 2m deep Olympic pool confidently. One of the girls in their class started lessons at 6 months old, and is at exactly the same level as my kids who started 3ish years later. There is a toddler class on at the same time as their lesson, and it's all about fun - singing songs, splashing, making it fun and building confidence. My husband takes our 2 year old for a swim while the older kids are in their lesson which works really well. Personally I'd save your money, and just make sure you take your little one for a splash about every now and then.

For the kids, I put oats and enough milk to cover (plus a cm or so) in a jug, in the microwave for 2.5 mins. When finished, I stir in cold milk to being it up to the right consistency. Very easy, and cool enough to eat straight away. For me, if I'm organised, I put oats and boiling water in a bowl before it go to bed. Microwave for 2 mins in the morning and stir in a little bit of milk.

You should try to limit her wearing a pull-up while she's awake. She's old enough to understand that part of it... teach her that when she wakes in the morning she should get up, go to the toilet, put some pants on, and then read in her room. There's a big difference between unconscious wetting while sleeping and knowingly doing it because you're too warm and cosy to get up :)

It is very, very common, but people don't talk about it. My son was 6 before he was dry at night, having been dry in the daytime from the age of 2. We tried lifting, it made no difference. One night he declared he didn't need a pull-up anymore, and he's been dry ever since. My nephew saw a doctor at 7 regarding his bed wetting, and the consultant doesn't want to see him again until he's 10 (he's 9 now, and gradually improving). The worst thing you can do is make a big deal about it. Let the child guide you, don't force it.

He used to be on Barry Road regularly, doing the same thing. A local character, harmless from past reports, but I agree it would be annoying at 3am.

I'm pretty sure that by 7 months you will be fine to express less frequently than you would normally feed if it's just for a couple of days. Just do it for comfort, as long as you feed again normally when you return your supply will be fine. I had a whole week away from my daughter when she was still feeding (15 months) and managed to pick it up again when I returned - I tried to express a few times without much luck (it was a very stressful time, so difficult to relax and express successfully).

Before our 3rd child came along we could fit an adult comfortably in the middle of the back seat (Jaguar XF). We now have two booster seats and a toddler seat across the back.

A decent pair of cross trainers will be fine, you can also use them for walking and other exercise (not jogging/running).

There's a climbing wall at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, I'm not sure what age it caters from, but you could call and ask.

You could do slow roasted pork shoulders? Serve with bread, salad, apple sauce etc (like the hog roast sandwiches at the North Cross Rd market). Marinate overnight then just leave on low all day, very easy. Or a massive tray bake, honey & mustard chicken thighs/wings? Once again with local breads and salad. Good luck!

A friend has just recommended this place to me, she spent 5 hours there with her 6 year old and said it was brilliant. Looks good for a range of ages. http://www.discover.org.uk

Further afield, Leeds Castle had brilliant play areas for both older and younger kids, right next to each other. Hall Place for lovely gardens to run around in and a nice cafe (they often run kids activities over the summer).

My oldest is 7.5 and youngest is 2 (with a 6 year old in the middle). I find most things are suitable for all of them really - soft play (although I hate going to them so it doesn't happen often!), swimming, parks, Horniman and other museums, sandpit by the Horniman etc. My youngest enjoys chasing her siblings around!

My little girl doesn't have bedtime milk anymore, which has sped up the process.

About half an hour from start of bath to bed for our 2.5 year old, although longer if she's having fun in the bath (and I still have energy). She has one story, I read it, then she "reads" it to me, and a cuddle, then bed. I actually cherish this time more than I did with my other two, as I know it won't be long until she is like her siblings (they basically do the lot themselves now, and I say goodnight and leave them with their light on so that they can read).

Agree - emotions have been running high in my daughters class (year 1). So much for them to take in, over-excitement coupled with insecurity, and hot nights meaning low quality sleep. Not a good combination!

We have two BT monitors, 7.5 years and 6 years old and still going strong! They have temperature, intercom, songs, and good sound quality.

The years all merge into one these days!