Vickster

Thanks for all the comments, guess I just need to chill out a bit. It is hard because my family is so different, not just because my parents are divorced, bur we just don't make a big fuss about stuff, birthdays included. My father in law in contrast, had a huge celebration for his 60th, and then another for his 65th, which I found quite extraordinary. Womanofdulwich, not sure if they are paying for lunch, had assumed not, but fair point if they are.

Hello all I would appreciate some advice on whether I am being a grumpy old woman! It is my husband's parents' ruby wedding next weekend. I have no experience of the etiquette of such things as my parents are divorced. In the first instance we are having to slog up to Bedford for a family lunch. A fairly hefty round trip in one day, and very inconvenient as my little girl basically sleeps over lunchtime and is going to be a real handful. It is in a fairly un-child friendly hotel to boot. So far so ok, if a bit annoying. I was planning to buy a card and perhaps put together a little photo book for them. I have been informed today that they have requested tickets to War Horse for their gift. At ?110 for two, quite a pricey gift, albeit that it will be split with another sibling. So my question is, am I being grumpy thinking this is a bit much? Are presents expected? I thought our presence at the lunch was what was expected. And if buying presents is the norm, is specifying what you want a bit on the cheeky side? With the petrol to get there, we will effectively be shelling out the best part of ?100. I know in the grand scheme of things there are bigger and better things in life to worry about, but it is really winding me up! X

Sit it in hot water I think. Not too long though or the jelly will melt

My parents were concerned about my height when I was a teenager, so much so they took me to see a consultant (I am a fairly respectable 5'4" now thankfully). The consultant told us that periods of illness as a child can interfere with your growth patterns, and as I had a bladder problem which was corrected with surgery aged 9, this could have been a contributing factor to my slow growth. I found this quite interesting. I suppose it makes sense, as your body is busy trying to heal itself, and if this coincides with a growth spurt, that growth spurt may be compromised. While my height is now not a problem, I am a couple of inches shorter than my mum and sister so there may be some truth in this.

Oops good spot - I had read it as Rosemead, sorry.

Hi We looked round both (along with a couple of the other local prer schools) and went with Oakfield in the end. Our son starts in September. My gut feeling on looking round was that Rosemead was, despite being co-ed, more suited to girls. I am sure there are a lot of very happy Rosemead parents with boys who will reassure you that this is not the case, but this was my gut feeling. One of the other factors that influenced our decision was the larger outside space at Oakfield. No direct experience yet obvioisly. Good luck with your decision.

Hi We have flown with ours a number of times, we were never charged extra but were also concerned about the airline wrecking it, particularly as it is not attached to the frame, so got the Bugaboo wheeled transport bag. A bit pricey, but worth it, as they really protect it. You might be able to find a website that does next day delivery. Vickster

Hi Ruth Really sorry to hear you are having a tough time with sleep deprivation. I have no NCSS experience, but just wanted to say that daughter was also a nightmare (big shock after son who was amazing) and at about 6 months I too had pretty much lost the will to live. At about 7 months though, we really did seem to turn a corner. We weaned at 6 months, but I don't think the meals themselves made a huge difference, it was more that knowing she had been filled up a bit more during the day gave me the confidence to start being a little stricter with not immediately offering a bf at night wake ups. I thought it would be really tough and she would refuse to go back to sleep without milk, but was surprised that she settled pretty well (we obviously had the inevitable relapses from time to time) with a dummy (if that is something you can/would use) a ssshh and patting etc. My husband was instrumental in this though, as he would often be the one to go to her so that she could not smell the milk on me. Really good luck and hope things start to improve, and sorry if this is all really obvious and you have tried it all. Just wanted to give my experiences that a few weeks on from the stage you are at there really was light at the end of the tunnel . Xx

My daughter dropped a small brown teddy this morning, either at or on the way back from the toddler session at Dulwich library. We have asked at the library but so far it has not been handed in. The journey taken home was Etherow Street, Friern Road, Goodrich Road, Dunstans Road and up on to Underhill Road. Not holding out much hope, but if anyone has picked it up, please PM me. xx

Check out Villa Pia. Click here Slightly different proposition, but is fab.

Not everyone's cup of tea, but reward charts worked the best for us. A star for every poo and wee in the potty. 5 stars meant a treat after dinner ( fun size choc buttons in our case). As things improved, the treat became if he could manage to go the whole day without an accident, then it was given for poos/wees on the toilet rather than the potty. I also found the Pottette travel potty a godsend. Folds really small so you can chuck it in the bottom of the buggy, with disposable liners to deposit the contents once done. I think Soup Dragon sell them.

I was told by s policeman that a car has hit a house and they have some concerns regarding a gas leak. I think it will be closed for some time so probably best to avoid if possible.

I think Sainsburys sell them, at least they did when I was using them.

Thanks for all the suggestions, will check them out

My son had a ride on fire engine at this age which he loved, and used for ages.

My son is Theo, we also had Dylan and Oscar on the list. I liked Jasper but husband said no, apparently he considers it a dog's name! I also really like Fraser and Heath is fab.

Hi everyone We are having our daughter christened on 26th Feb at St John the Evangelist (Goose Green). Unfortunately, the Goose Green centre is booked that day, otherwise we would probably have held the after service get together there. Does anybody have any recommendations for an alternative venue? We will probably be around 50 Inc kids. Thanks in advance

Pebbles thanks very much for your comment. Good to hear some Dulwich Prep feedback. Macaroni, many thanks for your response. We do actually attend services at St John the Evangelist so will give the faith option some consideration.

Thank you both for your very helpful replies. DebbiM, that is very good news that your son is doing so well, and very reassuring. Macaroni, if you don't mind me asking, how long ago did your friend's daughter attend? My understanding is that there has recently been a new head who has made a very good impression, so hopefully this may have been one of the things that have been addressed. Any one with any Dulwich Prep (DCPS) views?

We are considering the above schools for our son who will turn 4 in April next year. I would be interested in hearing from past/current parents of your opinions and experiences in respect of either school. Many thanks in advance

Boden pretty good for wrap dresses and other jersey type dresses, but I find they come up quite long. Currently 25% off and free delivery and returns. Will dig out he code if anyone is interested.

Hi Definitely up for z November meet, if others are keen? Vickster

Was really lovely to meet everyone last night. Wish I hadn't had those last couple of glasses of wine though, urgh....

Pickle, if you don't track it down, I have an Avent electric one that you can have that I am no longer using.

Didn't see the sign, but went today about 11am and it was f***ing freezing. I was with my 3 year old and after 10 minutes his teeth were chattering so much we had to get out.