Mellors

They still have to follow the normal catchment area rules, so you'd better make sure your find premises in your own street or you might not get in ;-)

I still can't think of anywhere big enough though?

My first thought would be where would you find the land to build one? Most of the existing ones in the pipeline are taking over old schools so don't have this issue. I also thought that Southwark Coucil had tried recently to scope out space for a new state primary and been unable to find any locally that would be suitable?

No, it weird, cause whilst I am pretty orgnaised about my own things, I chuck all the toys together in big boxes. Hence we never have all the bits for any of our toys, and boring small plastic things like lego are banned. Every 6 months or so OH finally cracks and sorts it all out, and chucks out all the halves of things that don't match. It lasts about 2 days...... Do you lot want to come round to mine? I will provide tea and cakes whilst you sort it all out for me? Please! I do have a very shiny sink though.....

I am with The Lanes, and also previous CS like you, although with intervening VBAC. I had 16 weeks, 25 weeks (although I understand this is not the norm, no idea why I did), and now 28 weeks and every 3 weeks thereafter (so there should be a 31 week as well?), dropping to every two at the end I think like yours. My friend who is due at the same time and is previous CS is also on the same schedule. I did hear the babies heartbeat at the 16 week appt, but I don't think its necessarily routine - they should definitely do it at 28 weeks and every appt after that. I have been told that if I don't feel enough kicks or am in any way worried I should page my midwife and/or go to the MAU at Kings for a trace. Also bear in mind you will get a thorough prodding/listen at 22 week scan. I also have to go for a VBAC consultation at Kings at approx 36 weeks, where they will go through my previous history, give me the same guff as you (which I will ignore!) and get me to sign relevant forms etc. I am expecting to go to 42 weeks (have with both of the others), so I will also have a post dates appt at some point as well (although I'm hoping just to tick relevant boxes at VBAC appt and avoid going back again at 40 weeks). In short, it sounds like you are roughly on track (maybe missing one appt) and hopefully all will become clear at 28 week appt. Feel free to PM if you want to chat/meet up/get moral support with VBAC!

I had a big fight with Kings last time as I wanted a VBAC in water with intermittent monitoring (which they can do, but try and put you off). They wanted me on the bed, which I am sure is what slowed my labour first time and ended up in all kinds of intervention and ultimately a CS. They were dead set against it (I got pregnant less than a year after my first CS), and tried everything they could to put me off, to the extent I felt my wishes wouldn't be listened to had I gone in in labour. In the end I hired independent midwives and did my own thing (pool birth, not in hospital, out nice and easy in 6 hours). I'm on No 3 and want a home birth again if possible, and apparently King's have said I just need to go in and "sign the disclaimer forms". My Lanes midwife is highly supportive of it. I think my feeling is a) I really empathise with you and b) stick to your guns - your baby, your body, your birth. Its hard to battle your way through it when pregnant and v emotional though! Feel free to drop me a PM if you want any more info.

What do we think about sugar free squash (diluted a lot)? Mine much prefer it (and I freely admit its my fault, because I drinks buckets of it). I am battling the thumb sucking nightmare re dental health at the moment, not sure I have the strength for Juice Wars too!

In my vast research (of my two children :)), somwhere between the 1 year - 18 month mark?

Its outrageous that more money is going to be going to already outstanding schools to the detriment of those schools in the borough who really need it (and will, likely as not, never be able to reach outstanding status due to external factors). Whilst I completely understand the financial reasons for conversion to Academy status from the school's perspective, the wider picture is that this will surely only lead to a greater divide between "good" and "bad" schools. Grammar schools by another name, anyone?

Thanks all, v helpful. I am going to give the task of sorting it all out to OH, so imagine I will be scrabbling round Halfords on my due date.....

I wish my kids would shut up!

Gussy - Flash with Bleach spray is the best I have found for getting rid of that horrid orangeness. Spray, leave, and rinse round. My sink is clean AND I have marmalade simmering on the hob *shines halo*

Hi, looking for some advice. I have a Vauxhall Zafira, and have only just realised that I don't think I can fit three child seats in the back when my new baby arrives. I'll have 1 x booster set, 1 x toddler seat and 1 x baby seat. Has anyone got any experience of fitting them in (narrower booster seats maybe?) or know of a car that would. Am loathe to have one in the boot seat as a) it doesn't look terribly safe and b) I use it for work/carting stuff around. Any advice appreciated!

Never, ever, ever complain that YOU feel a bit tired, or we may hit you. Don't even think about going away with the lads for the weekend for, well, years really. Even a night out is pushing it.

I agree with the taking responsibility for the other children. Also - learn how to do the online shopping yourself, don't just wait until the fridge is empty then say "what are we having for lunch?". Don't try and engage us in any kind of serious conversation about politics, current affairs or the like for a while. our brains are mush, and it will only make us cry that we can barely remember our own names, let alone the name of the Shadow Under-secretary for Blah. Understand that sometimes new mums do just cry. Lots and lots and lots. For no reason, even if we were never criers before. We do not necessarily need solutions, or are depressed and need the doctor, we just need a hug and to be told things will be ok. Tell us we are more beautiful than ever (even though we know we are foul). Lying is not always a bad thing. Flowers are always good, even just a cheap bunch of daffs. I got a beautifully scented bunch after No 1 which I kept in the bedroom, and at least went someway to alleviating the constand pong of poo, milk and other grossness. Bring tea. All the time. And big bottles of water.

I was most disappointed when my cleaner (male, Brazilian) asked me to get some baby oil for him. And then used it on the stainless steel. I like the FlyLady thing though. I got quite excited about it last night. As a result of which I have just swept the leaves, filth and mud from my front path. Yes, thats me, 1950's housewife.....

Yes! I absolutely love it, and have left both of mine there since they were teeny. As my daughter, who is now 2, says "I love the Crechey Ladies!". The same group of (older) ladies have run it for at least the last 4 years when I started taking my son - they are like lovely grannies. They are happy to do nappies and give drinks, but no snacks. If the child gets upset they will come and get you, but are very sensible about it all. I can't recommend it highly enough, I think they are super (and were a godsend in the run up to Christmas when I dropped my daughter for an hour and did my Christmas cards etc in the cafe). You do need to book in advance though (3 days if non member, 12 days in advance if member).

I agree with whst the others have said - it depends on the child. My 2.5 year old girl will try her very best to get dressed, and will put her own shoes and coat on. My 4 year old boy always gives me the big "I caaaannnnnn't......." "You do it......." and I am constantly nagging him to try and get his shoes and coat on, the lazy little tyke. Your son definitely isn't the only one at nursery who can't/won't do it!

Oh boo, my next baby isn't due until May - can I borrow somebody elses?!

I also want to recommend Andy - he did my guttering (in the snow!) and sorted out some electrics and plumbing for me before Christmas. Reliable, reasonble and a very nice chap (even brough Christmas presents for my two smal children!). A big thumbs up from me.

Portugal? Will be nice and warm by end of April (Easter is v late this year). Cheap, quick flight, nice food, kid friendly.

I've been to The Narrow (Gordon Ramsey Gastropub by the river at Canary Wharf) with my two little ones of the same age and it was great - in laws liked it as well. Sun was shining on the river, and we were in the conservatory so lovely view, and apparently the beer was nice!). Could be fun to go up there on the boat too? Also like Butler's Wharf Chop House - they are good with kids, have high chairs etc. I am pretty robust about eating out with smalls, but always go for the early option if possible - 12 o clock-ish booking, eating by 12.30, out by the time the "proper" grown ups are in for the boozy session at 2ish. Take toys/get bread early to stuff in older one/be prepared for one of you to do a stint walking them about outside if they kick off. Fingers crossed 3 month old might sleep?

Crystal Palace for serious swimming (50m pool thats often empty, but not great if you don't swim well as its a bit deep and scary). Otherwise I'm also a fan of Beckenham - fab creche open every morning that takes them from 6 weeks (I think) and a good range of classes, plus a decent 25m pool. I'm a member for me and my little girl, and we get 3 hours free creche and unlimited classes/pool/spftplay etc for just over ?40 a month. Takes 15/20 mins on a normal run from Ryedale.

(tu) Fabulous!!! I had been wondering how you had got on - you've cracked it. Here's to a dry Christmas lol.

Its a Christmas Cracker of a thread :)-D