melbourne groover

Ahh the Atomic Cafe...

I think the three's seem grim sometimes because all of a sudden you have to justify everything, nothing is simple. I think I may go for a new career as UN negotiator on the back of the experience gained in the year between 3 and 4. (although to my shame, am now quite shouty so probably not a good candidate)

I read something somewhere that the woman had said to her daughter where it comes out of (insert your particular word) and that it stretched for the baby and then went back to normal. I went with this explaination when the question arose and it seemed to be fine. I also said that it only happened when you were old enough to have babies - not something little girls had to worry about (in case of anxiety). Am now on the look out for a good explaination for how they get into your tummy so may have a look at the book Molly suggested...

Ha, I so know what you are going through! My son did the lying on the floor beating with fists when he was around 12 months, however has not continued really, he will shout and object sometimes (often, maybe) but mostly gets on with it (is now 20 months). I too, never had this trouble with my first but do think maybe the lack of time I have to do things at his speed makes it worse, so really, he just has to get on with it and it seems to be going ok... I do think my tolerance for shouty children has increased though :)

I don't know Headnizm at all but can't see it would be a major problem. Am sure it would not be the first time someone has brought their child in with them. It may not be the most relaxing haircut you've ever had but at 4 months you should be ok. Also am sure this does not plumb the depths of bad mothering... ;-)

Will pass the information onto my "friend"....

Is Laughing cow as bad as dairylea? Just asking, not confirming consumption or anything...

Sugar soap is genius for getting scuff marks off but do be careful as you can end up with extra clean patches. (Not insinuating you are grubby ;-)

Also be prepared to develop a good strong voice for instructions. I pull out the "back of the paddock" voice for just these moments STOOOOPPPP NOW! :)

Puddleducks used to be in St Johns Church but has now moved to the Nunhead location. Just the one is going. Most of the nurserys have waiting lists but always worth calling.

Hi there, I had a fab experience with The Lanes. Would highly recommend them. Everyone I met was lovely and I was very happy with it all. Kind regards, Amy

My latest favourite conversation: R: Mummy? Me: Yes Darling? R: Are boy ladybirds called Ladyboys? Builders on site we were walking past start sniggering... Me: Weeelll, no.... then cue 10 min conversation on why boy ladybirds might not be called Ladyboys...

Are you sure she is too big for a bouncy chair? My son was able to use his until he was at least 6 months and he is by no means small... We had a fisher price one I think. Once they have head control then those activity rings are great.

We found the old-school style "cans" worked really well for our 4 yr old because they cover her ears completely they are really comfortable - saves having to buy a new pair if you have them already.

Nice work, have signed up on the other thread!

May I have no. 1502 please? Thank you very much.

We had a close shave at the NZ customs going in, where they looked like they were going to refuse "Cat" my daughters most precious toy entry due to possible wheat in the paws. Cue iminent meltdown from exceedingly overtired 4 year old. Something to watch though, not one I had thought of. Luckily Cat passed the xray...

I tried a cat net also, but in the end just abandoned Moses basket (this was far too tempting for our cat and the baby hated it so seemed best solution for us). She never gets into the cot but I vaguely recall shouting if she ever looked inclined that way. I do think keeping the door shut when they are sleeping (at least until they are old enough to push the cat away, and by that time the cat most likely will be giving a wide berth...)is the easiest option.

My daughter has one on her back hip just below the waist probably about 2.5cm wide by 2cm high. She is nearly 5 and it is fading nicely. It sort of started fading from the middle out so the middle of it is pretty much normal skin colour now and there is a kind of ring effect but definately disappearing. I am not completely sure as seem to have developed the memory capacity of a goldfish, but I think it didn't really start changing until she was around 2/3? It was very red when she was a baby but kind of soft pinky red now. I just tell her it is her special mark, and we all have things that make us unique like freckles/moles etc (usually pointing out various things on self at this point...) and this is hers. She hardly ever mentions it but seems happy with the explanation. I am not sure of the exact type as the midwives just said it was a strawberry birthmark, until I asked a dermatologist and she suggested it would go around 5 or so. (Obviously we are running a little late on that)

Have a look on the Annabel Karmel website. I think she has good suggestions for that kind of age particuarly, however we parted company when she suggested creating an underwater scene with the fish fingers....(I may be exagerating but it was all getting a bit carried away for my liking later on ;-))

I am not sure about brilliant but have just bought a friend's little girl a pink bunny watering can (under influence from my daughter)from Mrs Robinson's for about ?6, they had dinosaurs also. Funky looking (for parents) and good fun for new walkers... I think cars for boys - my son now obsessed with tractors and diggers, boring but true...

It was open on Sunday. We were in there, so maybe Saturday was a mistake?

The kitchen timer is genius for these situations. They all understand the beeps and the 2 minute turns (or whatever appropriate). Ours took some heavy usage between 3 and 4yrs...

What I really liked also was that everything was contained, you could just put the bag into the bin easily, not then have to look for somewhere to wash out a potty or dispose of poo in the middle of a crowded place.

We have just gone with a smoothie for lunch, spoon, straw and cup involved. Messy but apparently enjoyable...