Belle

I've been wondering about these, but had assumed my toddler would wreck my iPhone - does that not happen though? Love the idea of something portable I can use to entertain him on long journeys and waiting for doc's appts ..

Nothing to add other than that I could have written your post about myself, and am on the verge of doing exactly the same thing (i.e. pushing for a specialist referral, also on private health insurance) - mine is worse at the moment than ever before in exactly the way you describe. I had loads of food allergy tests but nothing showed up, and use eco friendly washing powder etc. I agree it's frustrating getting given various creams without a more tailored approach. From experience of specialist dermatologists with my son, it is really worth going for the more in depth approach if you can get it.

I know Franklins farmshop did last year - not sure if they are this year, probably.

Though cinema may not seem a cheap option, it looks like the Ritzy in Brixton offers some family prices/off peak reduced rates: http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Ritzy_Picturehouse/About_Us/Venue_Info/Ticket_Prices/ the new Narnia and Harry Potter films are both on at the moment.

Yep, have found this cold weather a nightmare in terms of options for a toddler! I don't think they'd be too old for the toddler group at St Faith's on Red Post Hill (?2, 10-11.30, Monday) - this coming Monday it's a Xmas party (some people are bringing picknicky type food) and there will be entertainment from Tin Pan Annie. Not sure if it's running after next week - will find out and post if so.

I think so - my m um took my little boy last year - sounded lovely.

i had no idea there was a loo there!

My little boy was almost 17 months despite what felt like ages of 'cruising' and I met/heard of many many people with children who didn't walk till anything up to about 23 months, all of whom were perfectly normaly. I know how frustrating it is but in the end I decided not to do anything different really (he also didn't want to walk holding my hand at all) and gradually (a step here, a step there) he did do it under his own steam. I don't know if you have wooden floors, but we do and we always wondered if that was a factor (i.e. maybe harder to get a grip/more risk of slipping).

Here's a nice snow baby story (Warning: this will make you emotional!) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-11926993

hmm - I don't agree that it's a selfish act, personally. My comment (not that you were necessarily responding to it, but just to clarify) was more meant to point out that how our children will get on with/without siblings is very hard to predict, and possibly not too much should be 'counted on'. I know someone who gets quite a lot of hassle and criticism for 'only' have one and I always feel very annoyed on her behalf about that.

I nearly posted a similar comment earlier, JCW. Although I have a brother I'm close to, it's a four year gap - yet I have friends who are not at all close to their siblings (seeing each other once a year at christmas, basically) and know several v happy only children too.

for anyone who gets a train in from denmark hill - my husband just tried, and no trains are stopping there.

My husband just got on a 40 on Lordship Lane so think yes they are (though he may have been lucky).

Oh - I'm glad I'm not reading this part of the thread, well new mother's post, circa 20 months ago as it would have been the last thing I needed - I'm with Mellors on how it felt to be deep in the throes of PND, and whilst your logical mind can tell you that of course you are a million times better off than many, many people, that is hardly a match for the deeply illogical power of something like depression. Realise that this thread doesn't just pertain to depression, but it does also cover those very common feelings of new motherhood: anxiety, nervousness, inadequacy. I think it's great that forums such as this exist to provide much needed support: hearing that others are going through the same thing surely makes us more, not less, likely to appreciate that our troubles are not insurmountable or so very great in the scheme of things?

I'm working today but was thinking we'd have stayed in if I wasn't - whilst I love the idea of fun playing in the snowy park, my little one went mental when out for 15 mins on sat, even in new fleecy snowsuit. He refuses hat, gloves and wellies which is a factor I feel...

read an interview with kirstie allsopp recently (oh alright in my mum's good housekeeping :-$ and it was refreshing to see her freely admit to the various types of help she has - housekeeper, nanny, both full-time. Doesn't mean she doesn't still juggle though - because the way I see it, once you're a mum, even when you're not physically in charge of your child, you do still have the low level buzz of anxiety, whether it's 'have I got enough nappies' or 'is he talking enough?' or 'am i up to date with vaccinations' or just general unspecified parental worry. I don't think you ever go back to the 'just one job' single mindedness of before.

oh my goodness Fuschia! You have had such an up and down time the last few weeks - good luck and keep us posted!! Hope all goes well.

I can understand why you'd be worried - it's the sort of thing you do think about - am sure Gina Ford has some scary anecdote about finding a toddler at the top of some stairs clutching their baby sibling, but it's reassuring to hear from others that this isn't the reality necessarily.

Yup, good idea. Need to get my assertive face on...

Getting so frustrated with the DMC phone consultation system - am sure people have said about it on here in the past. I'm trying to get hold of some test results for my little boy, and was originally asked to call in on Friday. Of course reception weren't having any of it and said I'd need to make an appt for yesterday from midday, which I did. Predictably, having kept the phone free for 3 hours, the one time I was on the phone (my mum ringing to say she's surviving the snow in Scotland!) the doc called, and when I tried to get her back on the phone I got stonewalled by reception again. Just tried them now and they can't do anything till Thurs, which is when he sees a specialist who will need to know the test results. I asked what I could do if I miss the call again, could the doc leave a message(literally I just need the results) - no, because of confidentiality. I do understand that it's just 'the system' but it's soooo frustrating. No real reason for this post other than to vent I'm afraid! But if anyone has any experience of this, let me know the best route - maybe go in in person on Thurs and demand the results?

think m&s might do them (out of stock in younger ages at moment): http://www.marksandspencer.com/Thomas-Friends%C2%A9-Thermal-Top-Bottoms/dp/B00425ONBQ?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_14&sr=1-14&qid=1290868602 need them at the moment!

I never thought of doing this - last winter my son wasn't walking, but could def do with another layer this year if we're not to go mad staying indoors. I've just bought a fleecy snowsuit for the same reason. Tights, yay!

Hi, I think there are two she might be referring to - there's Piplings, w hich certainly started off as drop off, but now might be more of a conventional nursery (I haven't been there so am just going on previous posts on here). There's also Magic Moments creche, which if you do a search for on here you should be able to find details for - have a feeling though that it's 18 months and up. I do sympathise - have been a full time mum till very recently, and still am most of the time, it's a nightmare when it comes to things like doctor's appts etc. Hope that helps. I have heard nothing but good things about Magic Moments, but as it happens my son is starting at nursery a couple of mornings a week from Feb, so am holding out for that. I don't think MM is a drop off per se, but others on here may be able to shed more light (or give you the contact details).

Hah Pebbles - I'm expecting to have a very tired husband for the next few weeks. Wish I'd timed it so the Ashes were on when my little one was a newborn, might have been a good way persuading him to get up in the night...

F - do you mean the bit above the sandpit?