bkkmei

Hi similar incident to Pugwash's. My mum could not locate her bag when she got off the train to visit me. Whilst phoning to cancel cards etc. one of the credit card companies called her back to say somebody had contacted them cos they'd found her bag with my mum's credit cards. He left his telephone number and my mum managed to get her bag back with most items inside. This lovely guy saved my mum a lot of hassle by doing this and it was a big relief for us. He said he would've handed the bag into the police evantually, but just wanted to try this method first, and indeed it was much quicker.

This is all sounding so familiar (sausages / cheese / beans / bread)... My eldest boy gags/throws up when there is even a hint of green veg in his meal and only with extreme bribery will he eat anything vaguely healthy! But I have managed to introduce one or two things in by a) making them a bit sweeter, and b) involving him in the cooking process. For example: sweet potato scones, carrot & courgette muffins (I can cook recipe - we played the game first on the cbeebies website, then he wanted to make them), pizza rolls... Well he has just turned 4, so it is still an ongoing slow project! At the really tough times, I remind myself how much I hated tomatoes / lumps in orange juice etc. when I was small!

My 3 year old's first visit to the dentist was to Bunmi - she was lovely and he did everything she asked (quite a feat!). After that, I also went to Bunmi for my teeth :)

Cuppa tea has given some great advice above. My son is, well let's say he's regularly described as a 'live wire' by complete strangers, and has in the past thought it tremendous fun to knock smaller kids over for no reason. Effectively trying to discipline this in public (although of course discipline should be consistent wherever you are, but sometimes it is difficult) plus having a young baby in tow, is tough. So I have to agree: - somebody needs to keep an eye on what the kids are up to. It's very difficult to sit back and relax with a cup of tea! - mutual territory is helpful. My son got tremendously territorial over other kids playing with his toys. One of my friends would bring over one of her son's toys to any playdates, so that there would be a real 'sharing' of toys - a great idea. Also, if possible, diversion is a good way to defuse a situation if you see it coming. E.g. instead of being aggressive with your son, your friend's child could maybe mock-wrestle with an adult as an outlet. Or an adult suddenly switches to a stupid voice like a robot "Let's - play - a - game - now" "That - was - not - good" I have to say, I had no problem with another adult telling my son off if it was warranted, and sometimes he listened and obeyed more. We also put in a few simple rules down for playdates e.g. sharing toys, no pushing/fighting. We repeated them again and again, had to elaborate a bit, stuck to them and did naughty step. Think we're starting to see the benefits now, partly also as he is approaching 4. My son used to be very rough with his (smaller but same age) cousin, but they get on like a house on fire now. Hope it works out on the playdate!

My 3 year old got chicken pox a few weeks ago. When it was clear what it was, I got myself vaccinated as I've never had chicken pox. An ex-colleague of mine had chicken pox as an adult and was laid up in bed, miserable, for 6 weeks! Perhaps there were additional complications for her, but the thought of all that misery, and I was straight down to the clinic (I went to Samedaydoctor in Wimpole Street - GBP95.) So far so good, cross fingers I don't have chicken pox. My 10 month old has it now though!

Where we used to live, I was a mosquito magnet and got very paranoid about them. The best indoor solution was definitely an electric fan. The best outdoor solution was mozzie repellent and covering up. The best after-bite solution (as mine used to swell and itch terribly) was to cover the bites with plasters! Looks a bit silly if you have loads of them, but pretty effective.

Just wanted to add my thumbs up!

Yes, I also booked them at fairly short notice for my husband's delayed flight at Heathrow. Agreed, very good service!

I found it all a bit confusing. The first HV told me the check could take place any time between 8 months and 1 year and I should book it with my GP. But then another HV told me the check should take place now (at 8 months) and make an appointment at Townley Clinic. When she filled out the red book, it was all under the 1 year review page.

Hi 8 month check last week - managed to get a BookStart bag! As well as the checks described above, They also check the 'down below' bits for boys.

Hi I also had an elective at King's last year, and I agree, the care was very good. Personally, I didn't mind staying the recommended time bonding with my baby while hubbie looked after the toddler! When I did get home, I got pretty scared of my elder son running at my tummy though. I used to go around with a cushion over my tummy! But after careful explanation and many reminders he did calm down. I think if your elder one is 4 and is already minding your tummy, then hopefully it shouldn't be something to worry about. I took all the painkillers and asked for more whilst I was there. And although I was up and about the next day, I definitely took it VERY easy when I got home :) Bring some good quality ear plugs to block out peripheral night time noise, and some flip flops for use in the washroom. My bed in the ward was by a window overlooking the atrium and I think this helped give slightly more privacy than being stuck in the middle or near the corridor. Best of luck!