Mellors

Re the sitting up - I can't say I've ever thought about it. The big one is generally in the bottom seat so he can get in and out, and the little 'un is in the top now (15 months) so she gets a good view. No complaints from them. Now they are a bit older I use a single Maclaren and buggy board most of the time though. Re the side by side - don't they fight? I have both of mine side by side in the trailer on the bike, and they are b*ggers for sticking their elbows in each others faces and generally annoying each other.

I agree its completely normal. It seemed to kick in at about 9 months with both of mine. I can't quite think when it passed, but lasting about 3 months or so seems right? My 15 month old is definitely well over it now. No need to be embarassed - its just a normal part of their development.

I work 3 days a week (more like 4/5 days by the time I've dealt with the infernal Blackberry) as a City lawyer, and have a 3 year old and 15 month old. The only way I can just about juggle it is by having a nanny - I simply can't get back in time to pick up from a nursery at 6pm, and really need somebody who can deal with any illnesses, and do extra things like stick on a load of washing, empty the dishwasher, cook food etc. I also think its too long a day for really little ones to be out of their home environment - if they are tired by 6.15 say, she can always put them to bed. I also think that which days you work is really important - ideally 3 days together, but certainly not the ridiculous Monday, Wednesday, Friday I have been forced into. A job share with another Mum would be ideal. I have to say that the fact that childcare costs mean I don't earn very much once I have paid my nanny mean I do question whether its worth me working, especially as it is such a nightmare to keep all the plates in the air. Its sheer stubborness, and overwhelming worry about what I would do once the children are at school that keep me from handing in my notice. I would be bored to tears at home if they weren't around for most of the day (I find it pretty boring when they are there to be honest - bad mummy!). I wish I knew the answer, it seems like an impossible conundrum.

Another vote for the P&T Vibe, for the same reasons as Pickle. Another benefit of the Vibe is that it folds with the second seat still attached, unlike the older versions. Its also small for the car boot (as far as doubles go).

Has anyone been to Costa Rica with children? I've always fancied it and am thinking of going there for a "big trip" next year?

The joy of second children is you don't have time to faff about with ruddy Annabel Karmel. I (like everyone else) sweated in the kitchen preparing organic purees and all the chicken balls etc with No 1. I even took my blender on holiday once! No 2 (now 15 months and still alive) has always just had to have a bit of whatever we're having, and is expected to feed herself or starve. She seems to be in one piece, and will always shovel down some cheese on toast (toast bread in toaster, cheese on and in microwave for 20 secs), or microwave scrambled eggs with butter if its something that really is unsuitable for her. I have so much sympathy though - I've had so many dinner times of having to leave the kitchen to cry when No 1 chucked yet another lovingly prepared meal on the floor....

I use a Bumper Duo trailer for my baby and toddler. They love it (they have a blanket inside and toys) and I don't find it too much heavier to ride with. Its bright yellow, and I have a safety flag and flashing light on it, and have never had a problem (although I do try and avoid very busy roads if possible).

We are awaiting my son's birthday cards and presents which were posdted first class last week from various family members :(

Not the new build Harris Boys! Yes Atticus I said exactly the same - we had playing "fields" when I was little at both primary and high school, and used to play rounders, hockey, cricket etc (and smoke at the bottom, obv). I think its an inner London thing - so move out or private are the only two options for that as far as I have worked out.

We went and were very impressed. The girls who showed us round (Year 6) were absolutely delightful and seemed very proud of their school (and quite rightly so). Its our nearest community school, and I'd be very happy to send my children there. Shame we probably won't get in!!

goosemum Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Then choose a good school hahahahahahahahaha!!! If only.

We go to Half Moon Lane Dental Centre in Herne Hill and they are lovely (you can park in the streets there as long as its not 12 - 2pm, or jump on the 37 bus).

Or the 3 year olds favourite new game - pushing the 15 month old face down onto the floor and "riding her like a horsey". Hmmmmm.

We also Waybuloo on Sky + and practice yoga together* *fall over/roll about on floor/tickling/get told I "look funny" upside down.

Note to anyone thinking of trying for another one - it was about this time of year I got preggers with my 30 August baby so hang on a few weeks :D

Ceebeebies! (or Nick Junior or DVDs in our house).

This is fabulous (but expensive): http://www.ickworthhotel.co.uk/

I know, but as an August child myself I always hated being the youngest/smallest, and as we are all titches in my family I was physically the littlest as well, as I am sure she will be. 4 feels far too young to go into a multi-class intake in a large inner city school with lots of bigger kids in the playground. Is it the same at private schools or can you choose there?

Villamoura. Its a bit "golf resort" but we just took the Rough Guide and headed off inland/down to the coast for some "real" Portugal during the days and stayed in in the evening. It weas just sop easy and I was desperate for some sun by then. I love the sardines, and the little custard tart things and the piri piri chicken. Slurp! We were endlessly stopped by old ladies amazed by the Phil & Teds & congatulating us on having two children (and asking if we were having more lol). Lovely.

We had a lovely trip to the Algarve, Portugal last March with our then 2 year old and 6 month old. Its a nice quick flight, they love kids over there, only an quick drive from the airport, and we got a 2 bed villa and flights for c. ?500. It was the end of March and the weather was a pleasant 23 degrees or so every day. I'm thinking of going back again this year.

You can park for free day and night further up Flodden Rd - drop her off and then move the car. If its the middle of the night you can park opposite the A&E in the aptly named Love Walk. I think the restriction kicks in at 8am.

My daughter is also 30 August, and I have been worrying about this. They are SO little at 4 and a couple of days to start big school (especially the very big London schools we have round here). I would love to delay her until she is 5 (I tried my best to cross my legs until 1 September, but she just wasn't having any of it!). I agree with the comments above on the January intake, that doesnt seem like a great solution either. I am interested to know if anybody has managed to delay until the following year's intake.

skidmarks Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I got shown around the Bernard Mathew?s abattoir / > factory quite a few years back. The mechanically > recovered meat process is an interesting > procedure??.. > > You can try it yourself. Get your pressure washer > you use to clean the patio from your garage. Get a > load of bones and carcasses from the butcher and > then liberally hose the bones down until they are > bright white and clean. Scoop up the resulting > grey-sodden-meaty-mush and place in a press to > remove as much water as you can. Chuck in some > food dye and form the meaty paste into any shape > you wish and cover in breadcrumbs. Enjoy Yum! I really fancy chicken nuggets for my tea now.

Michael Palaeologus Wrote: > > Where is this drugs field in Brixton? Many people > will want to know. > When I lived over Windrush Square it used to be there. ED hasn't got anything on two shootings on my doorstep in 6 months. We're just Brixton wanabees.

Well I'm not moving to Chelsea now I've seen that map. I just knew that Westminster was shady with its super high crime rate. All those theiving politicians. Bah.