dreamaholic

Hi PrivateBanking, thanks for your suggestion, I'll check out the website you suggested. Because my 2-day a week arrangement is only for 2 months, then I'll work 4 days a week, I didn't submit it as a formal request. I don't know if this is why my boss thought he could ignore me for 2 months!

My maternity leave is due to end in late August, and I can only find childcare for 2 days a week in August and September before increasing to 4 days a week in October. I have accrued 30+ days off throughout my maternity so my plan is to first use up those annual leave days before formally submitting a request to work 4 days a week from 1/1/2014, say. I have communicated my plan to my manager verbally back in mid May, followed by an email in early June after I got a formal offer from the nursery. I didn't hear back until today, almost 2 months after our chat, with an email from my boss saying me returning back to work for 2 days a week in September would be "a drain on the rest of the team", and his "preference would be for me to utilise your holiday during September" I feel very frustrated that they didn't let me know sooner (it's been almost 2 months since I told him the plan!!) and disheartened to see that I would be "a drain on the rest of the team". Had I known sooner that I'm not welcome to work for 2 days a week in Sept I wouldn't have arranged to start nursery in late July! (and saving me hundreds of pounds!!!) Will discuss with them... but just wondering what are my options? Can they force me to use up my holidays in September bcoz they dont want to see me? I don't want to use up the accrued annual leave that way! Thanks for reading and thank in advance for advice!

Thanks all for your replies. Our quote is very close to the 60 quid mark thankfully, but when I asked around on facebook my friend said 200 quid too, so quite a range!

And how often are we supposed to have these cleaned? (We haven't had our gutters cleaned since we moved in almost 2 years ago...)

How much does it usually cost to clean gutter for a 2 storey semi detached house? Thanks. (I have no idea about these things hence am asking to see if the quote I got is reasonable)

Thanks all for your suggestion! I'll try these out and see what my baby likes!

Thanks all for your reply. Guess I won't know until I try! Will try to get on a trial class.

I've taken my 9 month old son to Gymboree and Baby Rhythms at Dulwich Library and he seems to enjoy the music and the company of other babies. Just wondering if there are other ones that you'd particularly recommend? There're too many listed on EDtots so I feel abit lost! Thanks in advance!

Rocca is my all time favourite, lovely food too! There's also a new Gail's opened recently, yummy cakes!

Hi RebeccaC, hope pregnancy is going well for you. This is actually the 2012 Autumn baby club, you might wish to join the 2013 one to meet mum-to-be's expecting at the same time as you ;-) http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?29,1070182

I have been thinking about taking my 9 month old baby to sing and sign class, when I had a look at the website all ED venues are on waiting list only. (apart from Saturday class which I'm not too keen) just wondering if any one on EDF has done it, and what do you think of it? Would you recommend for a 9 month old baby, and did your baby start to sign soon after the class? Thanks in advance!

I'll read up on your blogs when I get a moment :) had a quick look at your toddlerstips, scareyt, very useful! and didn't know you're into furniture making, pebbles! impressive!! I started a blog about baby stuff, as quite a few of my friends are expecting their first baby and asked me about what products to get etc. Only manage to spend time to update it occasionally, wish I have spent more time on it as it looks like a beginners blog LOL. Anyway, here's the link: http://1209mama.blogspot.co.uk/

It's lovely to have met you all too! Kate, hope Charlie and yourself are used to you going back to work! We are back from our trip in the Far East, relatives and friends all enjoyed meeting Sheldon. I'm still on maternity leave, wonder if anyone is still up for coffee / park meet ups?

my delivery pass is due to run out soon, am quite tempted to try waitrose as delivery is free if you spend 50 quid. Has anyone tried waitrose?

I will be interested too, though I only do very basic knitting and crochetting. I have a three month old.

Hi Sian, welcome!!! These are the usual meet-up's Monday 11am Bread of Life cafe (in the church near Dulwich library) Tuesday 12noon Luca's on Lordship Lane (not sure if this is regular?) Friday 3pm at Dulwich Park cafe I probably wont be able to make the park tomorrow as am expecting some deliveries (and no idea what time they would turn up...) have a lovely weekend, everyone!

I am not answering your question here: have you considered costs associated with selling and buying? Eg lawyers fees, stamp duty, agency fee, survey etc. at the end of the day the savings may not be as great as you initially thought, and you are leaving an area you like. Just thought I'd raise this.

Catherine, we usually meet at the cafe. Kate, I only just saw your message. I can be at the cafe at 2.45 ish (need to change the nappy first!) See you all soon! Jenny

Sheldon just fell asleep in his cot so we won't be going to the gardens today. See you at DP on Friday 3pm and / or bread of life next Monday! Jenny

Carine I'll be going to dp. I shall be wearing a brown coat and my pram is red. See you soon! Jenny x

I'll be meeting Carine for lunch at Lucas on LL next Tuesday let us know if you would like to come too. I also just got back from our first ever session of baby rythms at Dulwich Library. It's good fun and Sheldon seems to have enjoyed it. It's every Wednesday at 11 for those who are interested.

How about the Luca's on LL? Anyone else wanna join? Do you wanna do 12.30 or 1?

How about lunch on LL? (Belleden is abit far for me!)

Hi Carine I was going to do the baby massage too but one class clashes with BCG so I decided to do it another time! Yes Dulwich Park on Friday at 3pm is a regular (unless it pours!) I'm trying to go to DP more often, like everyday, as it appears to help Sheldon sleep (he appears to only wake up once between 12-7 on the days we go to the park, but wakes up at 2, 4 and 6 if we don't!) I'm probably going today, let me know if any one wanna join me! I'll probably go after lunch.

Just a quick one to say my in laws are around tmr so can't make Dulwich Park at 3. will see you next friday! Jenny x