Pickle

We used Toby a couple of years ago for a 5th birthday party, and I agree, he is excellent. From memory he was around ?150ish, but I could be mistaken. Nowhere near the Golden Hinde amount, that's outrageous!

Yes, definitely a drop off party, I can't be doing with entertaining the adults as well!

Ah, that's good to know, thanks. I'm a bit worried that having spent the last year at Gambardos parties, ceramic making, pizza making, bouncy castles, magicians etc etc the kids won't enjoy it - but hopefully they'll see that it can be fun without all the added extras! I did a DIY party for my daughters 5th birthday, but it was all girls, and I had lots of nice little craft activities which went down really well. This time there will be boys too, and being that little bit older I hope they're not getting too "cool"!

Our eldest turns 7 in January, and while he wants a party, he is struggling to think of what/where, and now we've left it a bit late to book any of the standard soft play type places. He's not a boisterous boy, much prefers sitting drawing pictures to running around. Am I mad to be considering a "like when I was a kid" type party at home for him? I know he would enjoy playing old fashioned party games, but would other 6/7 year olds? I'm thinking pin the tail on the donkey, the chocolate game etc etc, with around 10 kids (I don't buy into the invite the whole class way of thinking!). Anyone done this with kids around this age?

By far and away the best singer on the night, and very modest with it. Love that she seemed more excited about the fact she looked thin on her CD cover, than the fact she had a CD.

Hooray :)

My daughter goes to EOS Dance School - there are lots of classes during the week, and they are great fun.

Sam deserves it, an excellent singer. Nicholas, while gaining confidence, has become increasingly annoying as the weeks have gone by.

I saw some nice ones in the shop at the Horniman today

We have one at the moment, advertising our school fair. Generally it's a deal where for every board displayed the agent donates an amount to the school, so it's a good fundraising idea.

In the scheme of things, it's a nice little routine to be trapped in :) With a new sibling about to arrive, I wouldn't change things, as the last thing you need is the stress of trying to settle her as well as a new baby. We found two monitors really useful through the years. Good luck x

I remember once, in an attempt to "remotely" settle our eldest child, we switched on the lullabies. He went immediately quiet, we congratulated ourselves on our genius, then he let out the loudest screams I've ever heard :)

That's so cute! No advice, other than to say we had two monitors up until quite recently, and they didn't interfere with each other (both BT ones, one old and one newer model). Maybe that's the easiest option? P x

The one I go to is Wednesdays at Honor Oak Baptist Church (Forest Hill Rd). On Mondays I go to Tiddlers, which is a free music/story/singing session held at Christ Church, which is at the top of Barry Rd (the one with the Fairtrade Centre). It's just 30 mins, from 10:30am, and free to attend. I am one of the musicians that runs this, there are 3 of us and we do one week each so there's good variety for the kids. Both of these have their final sessions and Xmas parties next week, so probably not the best week to join as party food etc, has been arranged already, but both begin again from Jan 6th. P x

If the OP didn't have posting history, I would have taken this as a wind up. Seriously, and no disrespect, but you need to stop recording the "milestones" and sit back and enjoy your baby. I have no idea when my youngest did most of those things, and really couldn't care less. For me, 1. Are they happy? 2. Am I happy? If yes to those things, then all is good. Also (sorry), you need to think a little bit about those people reading who are not as "lucky" to be blessed with a genius milestone-beating child, and are potentially sitting at home feeling a bit rubbish right now.

Wow, I am quite amazed that a health visitor would give that advice :( There is no reason why you will not be able to provide enough milk for your little one yourself. As long as you are eating and drinking well, and feeding when he wants it, your body will produce the milk needed. Good luck x

I don't think any other scooter comes close in terms of quality and ease of use, unfortunately. As others say, there are other colours available - I ordered one a few weeks ago for my youngest from them directly and they had lots of options available in the Micro.

I've always used the lavender Johnson's baby bubble bath, with no problems.

I used cream on my first child, and he had all sorts of skin problems. With my other two I never used anything and they had lovely skin! I don't think creams are necessary at all, unless they have a diagnosed skin complaint.

The email confirmation?

Sweets, and something little. A book is a nice idea, or those little foil packs with Lego mini figures, Moshi Monsters etc seem to be a popular choice at the parties my son has been to recently. I have made hair clips for a number of party bags for girls, which I think is a nice idea as they're something they can keep. That said, no matter how many of those stretchy yellow people we end up with, the kids are always excited!

I used to use Lock & Lock, but recently have started buying the foil containers (like takeaway ones) from Farmers on Lordship Lane to use instead. I'm finding them much handier, as I buy a range of sizes, so can freeze in single portions, family size etc depending on what I'm making (I never seemed to have the right plastic container for the job when it came to family lasagnes etc). Best of all, no washing up :)

Kuki, they are brilliant. I mainly have my hair done by Shingo, but Pauline and Gemma are both excellent. The best hairdressers I've ever been to.

That's brilliant. I didn't look into it at all before booking, on the basis that the experience will be fun for the kids no matter what. I just booked last week and there were lots of tickets available. I paid ?60ish for 5 of us (youngest on my lap) for seats right at the front of the dress circle so the kids should have a fab view. Not too bad really, given we can catch a bus down there. Lunch at McDonalds beforehand will make their year :)

We are going to the one in Catford on Xmas eve. Chances are it will be rubbish, but the kids will enjoy it!