edanna

Would definitely second Molly's suggestion to have local friends on standby. My first labour went on for days but 2nd time was 90 mins from waters breaking (first sign) to baby out. My sister only had to come from earls court and we left for kings as soon as she arrived. But we had an agonising wait in the waiting room for about 10 mins and only just made it into the delivery room.

Well done and congratulations Little ED family! At my son's birth, the stereo in the delivery room was broken so all the CDs we spent ages choosing stayed in their cases! But no 1 then was Bleeding Love. Says it all really.

Try clear apple juice - lots of it. It's worth going back to the GP if she still has a problem. Hope she's better soon.

Why is it that everyone has a view on how big or small a lady's bump is? I guess that's another thread....!

Hi supergolden, I know you might not find some boys likeable - unless you're one of those people who adores all children no matter what (I know I'm not) then you will find some kids, girls too, a pain in the neck sometimes. It's different when they're yours of course. If you would like to meet a not-perfect but v sweet little boy, then let's have a coffee and you can meet my son. IMO you a really lucky to have one of each, the best of both worlds, and he will be gorgeous I'm sure.

James, Thanks for your speedy reply. On a separate but connected point, I've heard there are plans to pedestrianise north cross road on Saturdays and maybe also Sundays. Is this true? I think it would be great for the Market. But it would definitely have a big impact on parking in the nearby streets.

James, I think there are lots of people in the area who would benefit from residents' parking - I know I would. But as I'm sure you're aware there are also lots of people who see it as unnecessary, inconvenient and/or a cynical money-making scheme. It's particularly problematic when people at one end of the street feel they have a big parking problem, while people at the other end don't, so if you do a poll by street the idea of a CPZ could well be rejected, even though there are plenty of residents who are badly affected. I'm really interested to hear your views on this. Where we are, I don't think people who park are commuting - they seem to be visiting shops, Market, mosque. Also I know traders would be concerned about the impact on their business.

Thinking of you both. Ludoscotts, I know what you mean - you could cut the air with a knife in that early preg unit waiting room. And the trashy tv they insist on showing doesn't help (on one visit it was jeremy Kyle doing a show along the lines of 'which of these three men is the baby's dad?' with the guests learning the results of the paternity test on the show.) With my first pregnancy I had bleeding at 6, 8, 12 and 13 weeks. It was never explained but all was fine.

Wish I'd read this before calling Orange! Assumed it was a prob with my phone. The lady I spoke to said three masts were affected, two of which should be fixed by the end of today and the third by the 12th.

Wow mumra, thanks for such a terrific response! That's really helpful.

That's a shame. In the same vein, if you stir Philadelphia and some grated mature cheddar into hot pasta it's surprisingly tasty. Throw in some cooked broccoli if your little one likes it.

If you cook some salmon in advance and chill or freeze in small quantities, then you can just get a little bit out each time. Boil some pasta - sainsbury's fusillini take 5 mins - then when cooked stir in some cream cheese (those mini pots of Philadelphia are handy) and some flakes of salmon. Maybe a bit if black pepper, et voil?. You can actually buy cooked salmon but then you have to use a whole pack in a short space of time.

Hi everyone. My little boy is 2.5 and I'm not trying to teach him to read in some crazed pushy mum way - honest! But he is interested in letters, especially in his Thomas and Friends magazine! And I want to make sure that I'm saying them in the right way - I say 'buh' instead of 'bee' etc but am aware that what I was taught in the 70s and early 80s ('curly cuh' and 'kicking cuh' anyone?) may well be out of date. Can anyone recommend a basic resource that reflects how reading is taught in primary school these days? Thank you!

Ouch! They sell sweatshirts beloved by Sloanes. I think there's one on Northcote Rd in Battersea, where there is also a White Stuff and a Jo Jo Maman Bebe. It's only a matter of time until LL gets a Space NK!

Also I've heard that some of these companies come round early on days charities are collecting and take their bags. I've no personal experience of this but there's not much to stop them...

Yes it's ok if you defrost and reheat safely. See advice on www.eatwell.gov.uk/asksam/keepingfoodsafe/asksamstoringpreparing/#A410633 sorry I couldn't do a proper hyperlink on my phone.

Hi, yes, King's again. Not long now...

I found the Tens machine good for early stages. All I would say is do keep an open mind and don't be too disappointed if it doesn't go how you envisage. I delivered a 9lb baby and lived to tell the tale - I'm sure you'll be fine. Lots of luck to both of you katy and simone. Would love to meet you and your little ones. Anna x

Is there a bin nearby? This used to happen to me a lot when I lived in Wimbledon. When the council eventually installed a bin just outside it virtually stopped.

My baby no 2, a girl, is also due on 24 April.

Unlike helena handbasket, I've had a very positive experience of The Gardens. And the receptionists are nice to you!

Can I just ask what info is of use for identity theft? Obviously bank account numbers etc. But is name and address a problem - surely someone could find that info in lots of other ways?

I think it's about 3.60 per child unless they're tiny. It is good but personally I would avoid it in the school holidays if you have the option, just because it will be so busy.

No-one has ever attempted to nick my rather ancient Maclaren. But now I've got a brand-new Phil and Ted and I've seen combination buggy locks on sale I'm wondering whether I should be more careful about leaving it hanging around. I don't know whether it will be at the top of my list to lock it when dealing with a toddler and newborn and also the locks seem to be intended to fasten to something stationary and I'm not sure there would be something suitable in the places I'm likely to leave the buggy. Any thoughts?

I wouldn't bother with a really expensive pram if I were you. A Maclaren Techno or similar is light, easy to fold and get on the bus etc. You can get a cheap Moses basket to keep next to the bed - bear in mind that newborn babies need to lie flat so the car seat/carry cot option from travel systems often isn't suitable for anything longer than a short period of time. The disadvantage with the bog-standard pushchair option is that you don't have the option for the baby to face you, though I have seen some people with a carry cot that fits into the seat with the baby facing them - this wasn't available when I had baby no 1. That's worth a look. Most people I know who started out with a Bugaboo or similar system moved onto a Maclaren not long after because they are so much easier to fold/get around etc. The Bee does look good though - again this wasn't around when I had baby no 1. If you're hoping to have more than one child you could cut to the chase now and get a Phil and Ted's so you don't have to buy another when you have baby no. 2? Good luck with it all....