Bonfire2010

Was in Just Willams the other day and enquired about this very thing. They have helium balloons for about ?3 which they fill for you, or they will fill your own balloons for 60p each.

Not quite at your stage yet, but we've had success with a Doidy cup. My son can't hold it by himself just yet, but will happily drink from it (with me guiding). It seems to be helping him get used to drinking from an open cup.

I'm after a good place to get a '1' shaped birthday cake. M&S do them for ?25 which seems a bit steep (but might be reasonable? No idea!). Anyone recommend somewhere local?

Thanks all - very helpful and much appreciated.

My son turns one in a few weeks and we'd like to get him some books/toys which he will enjoy but that will also help with his development... We don't want to go too mad price-wise, so I'd appreciate any thoughts on toys which your little one enjoyed but which didn't break the bank. Thanks!

Hi cmacnew My son is at Mothergoose Greendale (11 months) and is very happy there. The staff are really nice and the babyroom (where your son will go and where my son currently is) is very good - lots for them to do and lovely carers. They also have their own little garden which they make good use of when possible. There are quite a few posts on the forum about Mothergoose which you should be able to find via a search. Happy to chat more via PM if you would like.

Oooh - I agree with Otta, the afterlife does make it all seem a bit creepy. Plus, the thought of seeing Iggle Piggle et al on the other side does not appeal! I've also thought it's a dream-like place, as the child at the beginning falls asleep Iggle Piggle floats off on his boat into the night to the land of dreams. The solo at the beginning of 'Once in Royal David's City' always gets me as well. We watch 'Carols from Kings' on Christmas Eve and hearing it always makes me feel like christmas has properly started. Just thinking of watching it with my little boy for the first time this christmas is making me feel quite emotional.

Goose Green centre on Wednesdays. Info here.

Music for Little People is very good and Becky (who runs it) is lovely. My son (11 months) really enjoys it.

Happend to us too and I did the same as pripolla and went up a size which seemed to work. I also tried Toujours (from Lidl) after they got the 'Mumsnet Best' nappy award this year and have found them to be good. They go higher up than other nappies I've tried which seems to 'contain' things!

At the height of 'Fame' mania, everyone in my school had proper 'Fame' t-shirts (with the slanty writing), except me. My mum made me one by writing Fame in blue felt tip pen on a plain white t-shirt. I can still feel the embarrassment!

I had a one hour pregnancy massage at Therapy and it was fab.

Argh - I forgot adverts! I know the Google Chrome ad you mean Lochie, it got me as well! Also, that John Lewis ad (with the 'She's always a woman' track by Billy Joel) unfortunately worked its somewhat contrived magic and made me get a lump in the throat whenever I saw it.

Also, 'Three Little Birds' by Bob Marley - it was the first song mini-bonfire bopped to at his music group. 'Your Song' got to me even before having a baby!

Does anyone else find that certain pieces of music really get to you since you've had a baby? The intro music to 'In the Night Garden' just makes me want to pick up mini-bonfire and give him a massive cuddle (although the rest of the programme makes me want to bash my head off the nearest wall:) ). There's also a classical piece on his cot mobile (not sure what is is) which makes me want to wake him up and cuddle him. Has anyone else felt like this (not necessarily to ITNG obviously!), or have I just come over all hormonal and over-sensitive?

Hi Sally81 My son started nursery one day per week when he was 10 months old and I really sympathise with how you are feeling as I was very stressed out about leaving him. However, he's settled in well and really seems to enjoy his day. He is going to go full time in January when I have to go back to work full time (for the same reasons as you), and I now feel much happier as he'll already be used to the environment and the staff, and I've got my head around the fact that he's OK when I leave him there. Easing him in on a part-time basis seems to be working for us, and I'm sure it will all be OK for you too. xxx

Hi Caroline Not sure there is one in Greenland :)) but my son goes to the one on Greendale and he loves it. The staff are really nice and very caring with the children (and parents, as I recently found out when I nearly fainted on the premises). I visited Upland as well when we were looking and I do prefer the Greendale site, although I know lots of Upland parents have nothing but positive things to say about that site too. As you say, the best thing to go is visit and then go with your gut. If you want to chat a bit more about Greendale feel free to PM me. xx

I've been reading this and am really getting a lot from it. Thanks to sophiechristophy for the recommendation!

Dear All Please forgive me for posting a message on a topic that is not something that many people want to think about, but this is a subject close to my heart and a charity that I support. It's also a subject that all women should be aware of so please do take a few minutes to have a read and look at The Eve Appeal website. 'The Eve Appeal is launching September as Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month and encouraging women all over the country to get talking and be aware of the signs and symptoms of the five gynaecological cancers. The earlier a cancer is detected, the higher a woman's chance of survival. The Eve Appeal want to encourage women to get to know their bodies and be aware of what to look out for. See [the website] for the signs and symptoms of the five gynaecological cancers and share this vital information with all of the women in your life.' As I mentioned above, this is a very personal subject for me. My mother died from Ovarian cancer in May 2010 when I was 4 months pregnant with my son. She was only diagnosed 3 months beforehand despite having regular check-ups with her doctor in the preceding years. This type of cancer can be very difficult to detect but organisations like The Eve Appeal (and others such as Ovacome) are working hard to raise awareness. I'm not asking for you to donate or get involved. I just would not wish what my family went through on anyone, so please - make yourself and others aware of the symptoms. Thanks for reading, BF

Thank you both for your nice words. srisky - good idea, I'll post it in The Lounge now, the more people that get the info the better. xx

Hi all, I can't do weekends or Fridays so the 15th is the best for me. Please go ahead if it doesn't suit everyone else though, if I can stay on the 'mailing list' for dates I'll attend when I can. xx

Dear All Please forgive me for posting a message on a topic that is not something that many people want to think about, but this is a subject close to my heart and a charity that I support. It's also a subject that all women should be aware of so please do take a few minutes to have a read and look at The Eve Appeal website. 'The Eve Appeal is launching September as Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month and encouraging women all over the country to get talking and be aware of the signs and symptoms of the five gynaecological cancers. The earlier a cancer is detected, the higher a woman's chance of survival. The Eve Appeal want to encourage women to get to know their bodies and be aware of what to look out for. See [the website] for the signs and symptoms of the five gynaecological cancers and share this vital information with all of the women in your life.' As I mentioned above, this is a very personal subject for me. My mother died from Ovarian cancer in May 2010 when I was 4 months pregnant with my son. She was only diagnosed 3 months beforehand despite having regular check-ups with her doctor in the preceding years. This type of cancer can be very difficult to detect but organisations like The Eve Appeal (and others such as Ovacome) are working hard to raise awareness. I'm not asking for you to donate or get involved. I just would not wish what my family went through on anyone, so please - make yourself and others aware of the symptoms. I wasn't sure where to post this so have plumped for the Family Room as it's where I most often visit. Thanks for reading, BF

Very interested in attending too, and also willing to help out if needed.

Can recommend St Thomas More on Lordship Lane (as mentioned by dollydaydream). We had our son baptised there in June. We did (and still do) attend the church regularly though and I think this would be a pre-requisite. Would be worth having a chat to Father Gerry though.

I'm in Camberwell (but can travel on foot/bus). My flat is a bit small to host, but am happy to meet anywhere else and provide cake & biscuits!