Moos

buggie, have you thought about buying a pedometer? I'm sure you have a very busy and active work life, and it would might be useful to see how many miles you cover in the course of a working day, that you could then use to inform your off-work exercise plans. Lots of love and thoughts with you as you progress - lovely brownie and lovely and equally edible baby in your sights as reward for your efforts... just make sure you only nibble gently at the latter ...

Honaloochie has form on this, and to his credit issued a graceful apology when called on it.

prd, that's rubbish - I can't believe they just told you. I thought they were really strict about not mentioning the sex unless asked. And I also thought (but am not so sure on this one) that they couldn't be sure at the first scan anyway, so even if they thought they knew they wouldn't say...

I don't think they'd be eligible for their benefits after you'd shot them anyway.

Alternatively, there's a job called being a 'mother's help' - I think you can get these from nanny agencies. Usually these are girls training to be nannies/nursery workers (I got this from interviewing nannies a while ago) so they have a little childcare experience, but can also do some housework. Not usually qualified for sole charge, but could play with / feed / bath your toddler while you look after the baby, or hold the baby while you have a shower or something.

2/10. I really enjoyed the last one. What's happened, JR?

I think getting his feet measured sounds like a plan. My son's first shoes were called cruising shoes or something similar - sort of a cross between 'real' walking shoes with hard soles and the soft leather baby kind. They have thicker but bendy soles, and are very cute as well.

I think you should go instead, Narnia. You sound much better qualified!

Shades of David Thorne - nice one Ted.

He could either go without, find the Friends of Denmark Society or change his mind. Or all 3.

Interesting that no-one has mentioned classical singers. I'm going to go for Kathleen Battle, not least because my dad liked her and we used to listen together to her singing. As he used to say, she lands like a cat on the high notes, as though to show you how effortless it is.

Hilarious article. One of the charges levelled against London is that it is apparently Too Far Away From Some Other Places, with the result that "Those trying to run businesses in the north of England or Scotland have to incur serious expense to even make it to a meeting in the capital, leaving home at four in the morning to make it to London for 9am." What an evil place!

Don't tell your parents what you get up to? Only teasing... will try to think of more constructive advice and come back to you. Is he any good at cooking on a budget?

Not doing it myself, but I often see a family (usually both mother and father in the morning and just one parent in the evening) with a buggy of twins on the commuter trains. The trains are very busy at that time of day, but towards the back of the train there's room for a buggy. Not sure whether you could expect to sit down as well, though, you might have to stand with them in the doorway part of the carriage.

I think they've now finished the turfing and since last week added the bouncy play equipment replacing the weird old bull and pelican thingies. Really looking forward to seeing the playground in action!

HH, I'd forgotten your boy is still very little - I reckon the kisses and hugs will come.

HeidiHi Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > He IS a typical boy, rough, loud, not into kisses > and cuddles, very active , always pulling my hair > and being cheeky but I love him beyond words can > say... Agree with Narnia. But it's funny you should say about the kisses and cuddles - my friend who has 2 boys is convinced that they are cuddlier than girls. Certainly my son (when he's not killing dragons or thumping me) is very affectionate, loves to give hugs and kisses, and often tells his father and me that he loves us. I've no idea what's usual for boys, that's just my experience.

Hona, how very sweet of you. Just a small whisky with a splash, please. And how have you been keeping?

I believe my brother (although he is not a PUNK) relies on www.wickeduncle.co.uk and he has always come up with the goods for the Moosling.

Hi supergolden88 - don't think you're being silly at all. We're all encouraged to say "...as long as he or she is healthy!" but I think lots of people have secret wishes for one sex or the other. Maybe you need to have a good long chat with a friend or a parent and get your feelings out in the open without any guilt. Give yourself time to come around to the idea of your son. 4 months is a long time, and you'll get used to the idea of him gradually. Maybe you'll never be able to look at the sweet little girls' clothes without a sigh, but that's OK too! I'm sure as they grow up you'll find wonder and joy in the differences between your daughter and son - and in the things they have in common too. Best Moos

Damzel, thanks for the pic - not at all what I was expecting from the descriptions given so far. Quite cool.

*wipes mouth* How dare you.

Who's the rabbit, *Bob*?

???? Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > As I've said before, I have a sneaking and growing > regard for those mums and dads who stand in the > kids bits of the local parks puffing away, > apparently oblivious to the obvious and venemous > hatred pouring out of the eyes of the parenthood > of SE22/21/24 You judgmental bastard. We disapprove, sniff, roll our eyes and dislike people based solely on appearance in SE15 too, you know.

Can you stick one through the letterbox please, MP?