simonethebeaver

I have two children of similar ages. We have a nanny share with another family with a one year old. In September my three year old will be going to preschool for three days a week for free with her 15 hours, and for now is doing play dates when possible, plus playgroups. She is also a very maternal little person so enjoys spending time with the younger ones. It is MUCH cheaper than two sets of nursery fees would be. And the convenience of a nanny is great. We're very happy. We use one of the nanny payroll companies to sort the tax stuff out.

We're thinking about an au pair once our eldest starts school. But our 'spare' room is not enormous. It would fit a single bed, clothes storage, and a TV, but not much more. We'd be very happy to share the rest of the house, we have two bathrooms and three reception rooms, so there would be personal space if s/he needed it, but would the bedroom be a deal breaker do you think?

This is my favourite Mumsnet grey paint thread. http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/property/2024728-Grey-Hallway-MELTDOWN-Please-help?pg=1

AbDabs Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > simonethebeaver Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > The overdraft makes it much easier for those of > us > > who don't live within easy reach of a ticket > > outlet. If only they would make it possible to > > activate an online top up on buses somehow. > > I never go near a ticket outlet; I simply have > automated top up of my oyster card from a credit > card. I get an email from Oyster every time extra > money is transferred from my credit card to my > oyster card (using a standard amount that I set), > so there is no worry about not knowing where you > are financially. What functionality is missing > from the online system? Auto top up means Tfl permanently has ?5 of my money. I object on principle. I realise I am the only one who suffers from me taking this stance. If it topped you up when you hit zero, I'd be happy.

The overdraft makes it much easier for those of us who don't live within easy reach of a ticket outlet. If only they would make it possible to activate an online top up on buses somehow.

Hi I've had a great and supportive experience with Anna Cannon. She works within the NHS but also does private work. She is at the Milk Spots run by Lambeth, which are on this list: http://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/maternity/support-breastfeeding-lambeth-southwark.pdf And can also be contacted through her website: http://www.annacannon.co.uk/ I have a fairly complicated issue and needed long term advice and support, and she made it much easier.

But devdev, that only works if you're in a 'custody battle' with someone with a different surname. If you're genuinely concerned that your ex will take the kids out of the country against your wishes for nefarious purposes, you need a prohibited steps order.

I've taken my marriage certificate to show I'm married to someone with that surname, which has been accepted. I find it really irritating too - I look exactly like my children and our passport records show we have travelled repeatedly together. The idea that surname is so crucial grates.

We are currently considering a trip to Sandy Balls. Our attempts not to find it constantly funny were doomed once we found out that the local pub is the Fighting Cock.

Hi! BirneHelene and I had a very enjoyable meet up last weekend and our daughters had a great time together. We're definitely going to repeat it. I'll PM you.

I would really recommend waiting till your baby arrives and then going to the wonderful South London Sling Library and experimenting. You may find you like a different type of sling altogether, or want one for the first few months and a different one after that.

We are rebuilding a side extension and put in for PD, which we were originally told would be all we needed. When the planners discovered there was no evidence of the original side extension, they then required a full planning permission request. If you start building before you receive planning permission, you can be required to take it down, even if the permission is then granted. Also, our builder refused to do a thing until we had PP. Or, rather, he was happy to start pulling the old stuff down, but wouldn't even start digging for foundations until the paperwork was there.

Oddonos is great, but my favourite is Lab G in Brixton Village. Their gelato is just amazing.

Trinity in Clapham does amazing food and has friendly, laidback service. It's not even hideously expensive.

Habs Hatcham operates a sort of nodal point as admissions distance is measured from a spot between their two sites. The public meeting is their first big opportunity to hear directly from the community (although senior staff were at the Goose Green Fair) and the steering group has always been clear that admissions will be a major issue for the community!

St Faith's has a bar (that you stock yourself)!

No. My feminism isn't the topic of this thread.

Please answer my question.

I'm a feminist. You mentioned the Guardian, and I have no particular issue with its stance on feminist issues in general. You're ignoring the question of what sort of intelligent debate this question can engender. What's the difference between a facile, misogynistic generalisation, and an outright insult?

I'm a 'Guardian-style-feminist' quite proudly. Why does that preclude intelligent debate? But what intelligent debate can there possibly be in any case about the ridiculous question in the OP?

Absolutely. Why is this offensive rubbish still here?

Erk. Thanks for telling us that.

I called Thames Water and, as of 7.15, there's a recorded message about a reported problem. Hopefully we'll all be clean and watered by tonight...

2016 or 2015?

What a horrible situation. My heart goes out to you. I assume when you say you're not entitled to legal aid, you mean on income grounds? Legal aid is still available to victims of domestic violence, and I would think you would qualify on that basis. You may not feel able to do this, as I imagine posting this took a lot out of you, but the legal boards on Mumsnet have some real experts posting who I have seen handhold people through their options in very difficult situations. There's so much going on here that it might be helpful to see if someone can break it down for you. I also endorse contacting Women's Aid or Refuge. There are solicitors who will offer free 30 minute consultations too, who might be able to help you understand your options. You do need to be careful in what you do as it sounds from previous form as if your partner is ready to use the courts, and the law can be frustratingly not on the side of what feels 'right' - knowing where you stand legally would be very helpful for you.