Monkey

The Polka theatre in Wimbledon is magical there's also the Unicorn in Londn Bridge. Otherwise my little one loved the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London but she was about 8 months older than yours when we went. I send The Discovery Centre mentioned above.

My daughter is five and I have been back full time since she was four months old. It's really hard. I miss her like mad and I am constantly exhausted. The time when it worked best was when I was compartmentalising work and home as mentioned above and had lots of help: cleaning lady twice a week and was using an ironing service too. Not sustainable as very expensive!!! But it worked - the idea being that the time spent with them is quality time. Good luck!

My plan is to retrain as a teacher - primary or secondary, not sure, in the next five years. Currently working in pr and lacking a sense of purpose.

Agree. i have had gems from Sainsbury's. The huge Sydenham shop has had a revamp lately and it's got plenty of choice. Thanks for all your suggestions!

Will check brand alley. I had never heard of it. Thank you. Good idea re: M&S! Thank you!

Darling daughter turns 5 in August and is tall for her age so I can't dress her in Jojo Maman Bebe any more (bar the few items available in 5 to 6). End of an era. Where do I go for similar clothes? Thanks.

Agree in Texasatthemoment. Same with pushchairs!

Nanny bashing is pretty common in my office. generally comes from women who see their babies once in a blue moon but would do things soooo much better.

Absolutely perfect. I had never seen those. I guess I have only been looking at picture books for the past 4 years. Thank you!

My daughter told me tonight that she wants longer books "such as The Lorax" to be read to her. The type of books I have been reading to her are "too easy" apparently. Any ideas as to what I could now read to her? Thank you.

Whistles and reiss (sales only!) for dressy stuff. For casual, it's good old Gap.

I have indeed been in there more than once to find the place completely deserted. I have raised the issue so many times. Nothing ever seems to get done. This is outrageous.

No. August 28 2009, when very ill after daughter's birth, no answer for 4 hours. You have another 3 and a half hours to go before you beat my record.

From Southwark Coucnil's website: How to report a dangerous structure Please call 020 7525 5397/5582/5596 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm or 0845 600 1285 outside normal working hours.

We're taking our 4yo there this weekend. Will let you know.

What sunbob says. Good luck!

Well said, CK, HP and Jeremy.

Fascinating indeed. But why are we so obsessed with the "milestones"? Why do we want them to grow up so quickly? It's really getting on my nerves. Mother in law at the weekend: "If she had not gone to nursery, she would have spoken earlier." Why the hell does it matter?

A good school and lovely neighbours. Feels very rooted.

I agree Cora. They served me the same excuse last year.

They always have staff issues. When I complained to them last year they blamed the poor service on having a number of employees on maternity leave, which I thought was a lame excuse indicating lack of planning. I am now at the gardens surgery. My calls are always answered promptly, getting appointments is not a problem and I get to see the same gp without a problem. Goes to show that it's not so difficult!!!

My daughter, 4, wants an alarm clock from Santa so she "knows when it's morning". She can't tell the time yet though. Is there a cool clock for this age group? Any ideas welcome. Thanks!

You could go for the small Corolle dolls, which Jojo has in stock at the moment. http://www.corolle.com/poupees-141/les-mini-poupees-142.html

Just a quick post to let everyone know that the lovely Tales on Moon Lane has reopened. It is even lovelier than before and the Christmas window is magical. They've been closed since Herne Hill flooded back in August. Let's show them some love!

Yes, we are going on Thursday. Can't wait. We also very much enjoyed Dora at The Unicorn today. It's in London Bridge, so easy to get to.