Mellors

You can buy packs of disposable mattress protectors from Sainsbury's as well. Its a bit nerve wracking going out for the first few times without anything with you, but definitely the way to go. Even if they do wet themselves its only a quick job to change them, and every other mother around will have lots of sympathy (in fact mine have never done it in public, so you never know). Lots of people swear by the Potette portable potty as well. Its v common to still want to security of having feet on the floor and a more comfortable sit down on the potty for a poo, so don't worry about that. They do stop it eventually (or you could just risk it and take it away). My boy was about another year before we stopped the night nappy - he eventually asked not to have one, so tried it and he was fine. My girl on the other hand (the newly trained one) is already desperate to get rid of it now, so will give it a go in the New Year I think. Check for dry ones in the mornings. I am a bad mummy, I bribed mine with Haribo :)

Hurray - have just done this for the second time with my 2 year old - here are my answers: How long is it suggested before venturing out into the big wide world again?(Really need to get to supermarket and we are both becoming affected with cabin fever and I don't think I can watch yet another Ice Age 3!) I would go now - I stayed in for the first day or so only. Just take a change of clothes, a carrier and some wipes in case of an accident. Introducing trousers! He has been in his pants inside and track pants in garden so any tips on types of trousers? Much easier (although not necessarily more stylish!) to keep them in track pants until they can get them up and down themselves. Can also chuck away in case of an accident. Otherwise be on hand to help getting them on and off. Nap time - he is becoming reluctant to wear a nappy and has woken dry the last 4 days so should I forgo this? I'm reluctant to as we have just managed to get him back into an after lunch nap routine and wouldn't want a wet bed waking him and deterring him from naps again! Ditch the lunchtime nappy. I got rid of all nappies bad the bedtime one on Day 1. I've had one wet bed in the first week, but none since then. I alwas make sure they wee before they go to bed, and have stopped the lunchtime milk (I give it after naptime if they want it). Nursery - as I'm off for 2 weeks from school this has been a perfect time but am hoping that once he returns to nursery it will continue as started. They had been introducing it there as we had morning and night here. Is the 2 weeks enough time to get him dry and ready for his return? Also they have lower toilets there so should I encourage him to use the toilet seat here which he has sat on in the past in the next week? Yes, he will be fine by then (although be prepared for a few accidents - they sometimes just get distracted at nursery and forget to go. Don't let it put you off though. I'd start sticking him on the toilet with a trainer seat and step in the next week or so. So much nicer than emptying a potty! The main thing for me has been once they have got the control and understanding to crack it, then never go back to nappies at any time (other than bed - I waited quite a while for that one) - just treat it as done and dusted and don't make a fuss if they have the odd pair of wet/dirty pants to begin with. And finally - WELL DONE :))

You don't have to put down six choices, you can put only two. However, if you don't get into any of the choices you have put down, you will be allocated the nearest school at which there is an available place (up to a two mile radius - and bear in mind that decent schools won't have available places!). You will be put on the waiting list for your two schools if this happens.

Pure class. I might get one for my sister's kid, just to see my sister spontaneously combust with indignation.

I've always paid my nanny a cash bonus and also got a small gift, although not at those levels!

Happy for you to drop off baby SB with me (for more telly) if ou want to go to Peckham/A&E. Have husband at home today to help. xxx

Yes, me too. Dying seems like the easiest option instead of a week of looking after both children in the house following by hours and hours in the car to the in-laws. If you discover a preg-friendly remedy then please do let me know. Am making do with paracetamol, squash and shedloads of moaning at this stage.

Pickle - I might put an order in - I am backed up with projects ;)

I would choose Fairlawn, I just preferred it. Short term pain, but they are there for years.

No advice, mine is foul too. The advice I had last time re face was actually to stop using product at all, and go back to basic water and wiping. They reckon its like that for girls though (was true with my 2nd - was fine with my 1st (boy)...... I feel your (spotty) pain xxx

Stocken Bridge runs at The Rosendale normally, but is closed now until the New Year. Andrew Robson bridge is in Fulham, so not too hideous to get to, but is also shut from 24 Dec - 4 Jan. You can find their websites if you Google them. I'm not sure how good he is, but if he has a fourth, he is welcome to come and play with me and my husband one evening. I'd say we are probably intermediate (at best!) though. We have all the kit here (ED). Drop me a PM if he fancies it?

Artastic Art Club This was recently posted, sounds great - open day on Saturday. Come along and see what your child will learn when you sign up for a term at Artastic Art Club! Open Morning on Saturday 18th December 9.30-10.30 At the Scout Hut 212 Bellenden Road SE15 4DG Classes on Saturdays 9.30-10.30 for 3-4year olds 11.00-13.00 for 5-7 year olds 13.30-15.30 for 7-11 year olds Check out the website www.artasticartclub.co.uk or email me for more information [email protected]

SW that made me Heh! (esp as makes me feel a teensy bit better about my story) :)

Asking friends is really no prob. Odds on it will be the middle of the night, so they just need to come and sleepover at yours. I would happily do it for anyone in that situation (its not like its every week!), and am sure people would for me. Even a neighbour will do at a push!

This may be the reason why No 1 child lastest about a week in my bedroom, and No 2 didn't make it in there at all, and was dispatched to the farthest room in the house lol.

Hairdryer worked a treat for us too, but better for daytime sleeps! Vacuum also worked.

Here's what I did: 1. Tell husband that that bit is his responsibility 2. Husband goes out in town for the night when I am 14 days overdue 3. Husband fails to answer mobile cause its too loud in the pub 4. Start a complete panic because its a bank holiday weekend, and EVERONE even friends you wouldn't normally ring have gone away 5. Finally get hold of husband and tell him that no, he can't finish his drink, its really important he comes home NOW - contractions at this point 2 mins apart 6. Ring mother-in-law and ask her to get first train in morning from depths of East Anglia 7. Slap and scream at husband on his arrival home. 7. Ring taxi and send it to Central London pub to retrieve one of husband's drunken friends to stay overnight until MIL arrives mid-morning the next day. Ignore him trying to hand out drunken kisses and wishes of good luck when you are in nighty and screaming when he arrives. 9. Go to birth centre. Cry when you see midwives you are so relieved to have somebody sensible around. Have baby. Go home and find Child 1 blisfully unaware. However, I don't suggest you necessarily follow this.......

I always agreed a certain number of days/weeks paid holiday a year. The deal was that we could chooser when to take half and she could choose when to take the other half, although in practise we agreed the big ones at the beginning of the year and all took them at the same time. If I then took other odd days off that exceeded the agreed leave, I paid in full on the grounds its not their fault I have decided to have more time off, and they have their bills to pay.

It completely depends on the wording of the contract which you should have signed before your child started nursery. they are allowed to charge for closure days due to snow, but only if they have stated this up front. If they did, and you signed it, then you are screwed.

Toddler trampoline takes up loads of room and they get bored of it really quickly - defo try and get one second hand/borrow one off here if possible. Mine was passed round and round until I eventually got shot of it! Its a bit of a 5 minute wonder (or was for my kids).

Congratulations! I was heavily pregnant with No 2 before my son walked, and I have to say it was really hard work, but the bottom line is that you just have to get on with it, so you do. My tolerance for just sticking him down on the floor no matter where definitely increased (e.g. park cafe by cash desk when trying to pay), and I also roped in friends with no kids/family/a walking kid to help where possible. It will be fine!

I have to say that schlepping around a massive non-toddling toddler was wearysome indeed. You have my sympathy!

Should be fine, I've taken my P&T Vibe to the gate with BA, but you can always email them and check if you want to be sure (and have a piece of paper to waft at anyone who says otherwise).

No nifty tricks, but I just wanted to reassure you you're not the only one. My son didn't show any signs of walking at all, then one afternoon, age 19 months he got out of bed after his lunchtime nap and took about 5 steps. By the end of the weekend he was running up and down. My daughter also din't walk until post 18 months. Just runs in the family I think.

Ah, I hadn't realised that it was next Monday. I'll be there (with both children in tow) :)) thanks for that.