edanna

My little boy was mad on jigsaws at that age. And we also got him a toy garage (not just suitable for boys!) that he still plays with nearly a year later.

I've never hosted a party for my little boy, apart from a few family members. He was ill when he was one and then when he was two we had a joint party with our NCT group. He'll be three soon and the idea of entertaining 10-15 3 year olds for a couple of hours is a little daunting. If you have any ideas, tips and thoughts on what has/hasn't worked for you I'd be so grateful. Haven't decided on venue yet (though don't think I could bear to have it at home) or whether or not to get an entertainer.

James, why haven't we had any info on the new rubbish scheme through the door? Those poor souls who don't read the forum aren't getting a lot of warning!

My friend writes one: http://web.me.com/amylturner/The_Contented_Maybe/Blog/Blog.html

Come on, it's just a bit of wee. What's the problem with that going on the grass? If she'd had a potty with her, she would still have needed to pour the wee out somewhere ( or carry it home?!) There's no excuse for the littering but public weeing is one of the unavoidable joys of having small children who have very little warning when they need to go.

A sweet book is No Matter What by Debi Gliori. It touches on death, so perhaps good if you need to talk about it. I've no experience of discussing this issue yet, but Im sure it's only a matter if time.

James, on the topic of trees, does the council consider which types cause least damage with roots?

Re rubbish, nappies do make up a lot of it. Tetrapaks are one of the things I'd like to recycle. They are not mentioned either positively or negatively on the blue bag but I assume they come under 'plastic-coated paper', which you can't put in there. Also some plastics say they aren't recyclable. Chicken bones, prawn shells, foil bags etc.

Re rubbish collections, I can't imagine many people being in favour of fortnightly collections and I think the council should have consulted, even if it is just a pilot. Even with full recycling of food waste and all the other recyclables currently collected I think we will have an overflowing bin by 2 weeks, with potential problems with odour and vermin. If we have extra bin bags next to the wheelie bin will they be collected?

I'm not sure but it may be to do with weight. Booster seats are not v safe though, according to Which?

Ps, rereading your post I now realise it sounds like you don't have kids yet. I think some doctors have a very different persona with adults and with children. Think before you leap because The Gardens is a million times better than my last practice. PM me if you want more of my view - I have a newborn and a toddler.

I'm v happy with The Gardens. Maybe just try different doctors. Not sure who you've seen but last time I took my toddler to see Dr Tran-Dinh he hugged her goodbye. She was marvellous with him.

We've had a big increase in fees and didn't see it coming but to be honest even after the increase it's no more than we were paying a childminder so since it's a really good place we are just paying up. We haven't really got a great deal of choice anyway.

I found a Sophie Giraffe outside the Arterie and put it on the windowsill. If you've lost her I hope you are reunited!

Hi Fidgetsmum, I've had two births at Kings and had excellent care both times. The first one was a bit traumatic, not because of Kings but just because of how it went - my little boy was in special care and I think if you've had an emergency situation somewhere you naturally get a bit of fear attached to the place. I was worried about the second time, not because of kings but because I didn't want to go through all of that again - I wanted a pink crying baby. And that's what I got. V quick labour, fabulous midwife, who was very kind and very reassuring about breastfeeding etc. We were home 4 hours later and I really found it healed my memory of the first experience. I hope it's the same for you. It's v likely to be quicker and better than the first time but if you or your baby need a bit of extra help I think you will have brilliant care on hand. Good luck!

I put my baby in the bottom seat at about 3 months. She is quite big for her age. She's fine in there, sometimes slumping a bit to the side but not forwards. I tried her on top and toddler in the bottom but it tipped up too easily. She hated the cocoon and was too long for it. Give it ago - you can always switch back.

Maybe she's playing you. Or maybe she is really having trouble getting off to sleep on her own. Maybe you need to reteach her how to do this. Or invent a new way - get a 'magic' sleep animal or blanket that you tell her will always help her sleep. Just an idea. And you could also say to her that she doesn't have to sleep - it's enough to rest quietly. That might take the pressure off. Or introduce a reward system for staying in bed and not calling out. If you're desperate the Millpond book is good.

Well done!

Luc, you could have got the bug from all sorts of places. As already pointed out it could be a virus. But if it was from food then it could be from something you ate a couple of days beforehand or even a couple of weeks depending on the incubation period of the particular bacteria. Often people assume it's the last thing they ate or the last meal they had outside the home but it's really hard to be sure without lab tests etc.

My little boy likes the Thomas app. Also you can buy episodes of tv programmes in iTunes or copy DVDs to your pc and then onto your iPhone. Watch your battery life though!

Do you have a dishwasher? Also are they the kind that you are supposed to reuse. The ones you get mineral water in are not designed for repeated use so there could be an issue with transference of small amounts of plastic into the drink - I'm not an expert on this though.

Anna, I was worried about going overdue with my second because of meconium and long drawn out induction the first time. My midwife referred me to see an obstetrician at king's just to discuss things. She referred me for a scan just to check all ok and when it was they were in no rush whatsoever to induce. I had another appointment booked for 41 plus 4 but went into labour at 41 weeks. What I'm saying is that you can always just discuss it without committing to anything. Fingers crossed you get a lovely speedy non- induced birth.

Kind and gentle with your baby sister. Kind and GENTLE!

I had a couple of drawstring linen skirts from H&M that weren't maternity but were brill for hot weather. Their maternity stuff is pretty good too.

I think the point is ATP that people who have lived on these streets for years couldn't have anticipated these problems. These are their homes where they have chosen to bring up their families. In this situation, especially if you own your house, moving is a very big upheaval, not to mention that it costs tens of thousands of pounds.