Jo

I have nothing but praise for Chris at the LMB: He can come to your house, if you live locally. That meant he could sit at our kitchen table, and ask us for documents and we could go and get them, or print off statements, saving tons of time and hassle. He sent through three options based on his chat with us, and got us a really good rate, with the kind of risk we are comfortable with. He then switched us to a lower rate with the same lender when it became available, on his own initiative. When I emailed in a panic because our offer was expiring, he arranged an extension for us even though he happened to be on holiday at the time. He has just arranged a second extension for us, because our sale/purchase really is taking a long time (such a relief to know he's got it in hand). He's a really nice guy, answers emails quickly, offers sound advice, and provides a really good, personal service. I would go straight to Chris the next time we needed a mortgage, no hesitation. He's been brilliant, especially considering our move hasn't turned out to be straightforward.

Was just at the Goose Green tour this morning. The official distance from the head herself is 453m at first offers, going up to 1000m after appeals.

Do you need to book a place, as with some other schools?

Huge sympathy. I think the aftercare for assisted deliveries should really be a lot better. I couldn't breastfeed sitting up because of it, and was in such pain even when walking. I could see me on anti-depressants in a few years, but the NHS don't offer any treatment options, or an x-ray to see what is wrong. The advice I got was to sit on a circular cushion, as you would for piles (no help at all). I finally saw a chiropractor after 10 months, which I really wish I'd done sooner. I saw Michael Durtnall at the sayer clinic, and he was great. He took an x-ray so we could both see the problem, which is that the bone was stuck in the wrong position, and I had three treatments, although the first one was like a miracle. I used to be like you - awful pain, and now only have the odd twinge. I should really go back again, but I do admit it was expensive. Utterly worth it, not to be miserable. He says he sees a lot of women post birth with the same problem, so we really are not alone.

Second the Princesa Yaiza - had lovely holiday there last year. Beach right on the doorstep, kids clubs & pools, plus soft play indoors, which was v handy for tiring little legs out before dinner. Also a small supermarket right outside, with nappies etc. We had a one bed apartment with kitchenette, which was just a fridge & microwave (pay extra for a kettle) but as much as we needed. Stuffed ourselves at breakfast...

To follow up my husband swears it was a buzzard, not a kestrel. Far too big to be a kestrel, he says. I'd believe him rather than me, given how small I used to think badgers are.

We saw it too, circling & then diving for something (we presumed a rat) on the railway line. Think it was most likely a kestrel from the shape of the wings (thanks Sue!), esp since it had a black strip along one edge of the wings.

Judging by the number of views this thread has had I'm not the only one who has read it, nodded in agreement, and then felt far too self conscious to actually post a reply. The alternative to a badge is to carry around an open packet of biscuits at all times. The slight flaw being that I'd be far too nervous and end up scoffing the lot before we get to the swings...failing that my vote goes to 'I like biscuits', which currently doubles as a lifestyle statement. I'm glad you started the thread Ruth, even if I'm still far too shy to go to a meet up or anything, but I'll be much more confident about just saying hello, or even smiling at other mums when I'm out.

To the OP... I had the same questions about the NCT you did about a year ago. I did an intensive course with Sillywoman in the end and it has been worth every penny. There was no judgement about epidurals, or c-sections, and the possibility that you might end up with things you hadn't planned on was so well covered that when my home birth turned into a very drawn out affair that took 48 hours from waters breaking to baby arriving, and yes eventually an epidural having made no progress at all in god knows how many hours, I didn't panic or freak out at all. There is an ideal about having a good labour, and we'd all like to have it, but the best outcome is healthy baby, healthy mother in the end, however you get there. Another good thing was the session focused on what to do with the actual baby, which was v useful for my husband as he ended up changing every single nappy for the first two weeks. My NCT friends have also kept me sane(ish) and I would have paid twice the amount had I known how much I'd rely on them and how splendid they would be. Although, sillywoman, that is not a license to send an invoice...

We got our cotbed mattress from these guys Little Green Sheep, also organic. It's a very firm mattress, really well made, and I don't think it'll have any trouble withstanding bouncing :)

The Bee does this. We got one because of stairs & storage issues - it's light and folds up fairly small so it doesn't take up loads of room in the house either. No faffing when it comes to conversion one way or the other either. Love it.

I'd love to see her live again, so yeah.

had baby last month so this is all fresh. things I was happiest to have: - umpteen cartons of juice (freeze some so they are still cold) - flip flops - pillow - straws! vital for drinking during labour and even afterwards if you cannot be arsed to lift head from pillow - primark knickers. - boots maternity towels (v padded, v comfy) good luck!

I'd avoid Melbourne Grove if I were you - do a search on the forum to find out why. I'm with Dulwich Medical Centre on Crystal Palace Road and like it much better than MG. You can check their website to see if your street is covered by them.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm still undecided but think I'm more coming round to the idea of having something, especially since we have cats who can be persuaded to stay out of things, but find blankets/sheepskins irresistible. Might investigate a pop up travel cot instead if we'll only use a basket for a few weeks, because at least I know we'll have to do the rounds to relatives sometime in the next six months.