rebeccaben

Thanks so much for all of the recommendations - looking at them all now!

Thanks Clare! I didn't really think about the logistics about be confined to our bedroom once we put the babies to bed. So maybe it is better to do a villa than a hotel. We've never been to Paxos - if you would recommend it, could you post or PM me the details of where you stayed?

I am due with my second child in March and my husband and I are trying to figure out where on earth to go on holiday next summer (pref end of June, beg July...before it gets even more expensive with school holidays). We will then have a 3 month old and a 2 year old. I have always avoided package resort type places in the past, but almost wonder whether a decent resort with a kids club and a creche might be the most sane option. Last summer we rented a lovely villa in the south of France with extended family but I don't think that will work this time (when both children are a little bigger it would be perfect). So, if anyone has any suggestions of somewhere to go that is a short flight, has sun and sand, and is not too cringeingly 'Brits abroad', please let me know!! Thanks, Rebecca

We went to the little photo shop on Lordship Lane when my baby was 1 month old for her UK passport photo. The guy laid her on the floor and took it from above and she looks really strange in the photo! I had to get another pic for her US passport when she was a year old and went to Snappy Snaps in Peckham and had to hold her up on the stool. Again a strange photo. Poor little mite now has two passports with bad photos!

I am 22 weeks pregnant and put my back out completely a few weeks ago. I was recommended to an osteopath by a work colleague and he was AMAZING and sorted my back out in just a few appointments. I have been to an osteo in the past as I have always had back problems and no one has ever managed to 'fix me' so quickly. He has lots of experience with antenatal and postnatal women and works from The Birth Centre in Harley Street. His full details are on his website www.bonifaceosteopath.com. By the way, I went to a physio first (recommended by BUPA) and it was really pointless. He practically didn't touch me because I was pregnant. I think a chiropractor is the American version of osteopath (but I could be wrong about that). Good luck!

So sad to have missed the first meeting but with the gorgeous weather we decided to head out to the country for the weekend. Would definitely like to join the next meet-up to meet everyone! Nov 3rd evening works for me. Rebecca x

Oct 1st at 11am is great for me too. will also have my 16 month old in tow so The Gardens would be perfect - they have a room in the back with a huge table and a little play area for the bugs. Countjc - it's not in the park, it's the one on Peckham Rye facing the park (184 Peckham Rye). Rebecca x

i think you are now off the idea - but whatever you do, please do NOT bring a side by side double buggy to manhattan! the city is just not that baby friendly and you will struggle on crowded sidewalks and shops with small aisles, plus the natives will have no patience. i'm from NY originally and a friend who is still there who just had a baby made a hilarious observation - she said that NY was so un-baby friendly that people looked at her pushing a baby in a pram like she was wheeling around a bomb in a shopping trolley! that's a little exaggeration, but just accept that it's a busy, crazy city with more people than space. that said, there are loads of great places to go with kids (all comments posted above are great). definitely get one of the many NY city guides for kids...the advice and tips of the best spots to visit with your bubs will be priceless (just search on amazon for 'new york city guide kids'). have a great time!

I'll start! I'm due with my second baby in the first week of March. Also have a little girl (now 15 months). Would love to meet other mums who will also have babies at the same time as it will be nice for the second one to have his/her own little group of friends too. Rebecca

The new Italian restaurant that is opening on the site of the old Piaf (opposite Pizza Express).

Anyone know?? There's nothing on their main website about the Dulwich branch and it seems like they have been renovating for ages.

We have had the Independent delivered for over a year and it's super reliable - always through the door by 7am. And they often run great deals - when we first signed up we got a John Lewis voucher (can't remember the amount but it worked out to have practically paid for the first few months of the subscription). KalamityKel - the reason why we get home delivery instead of going up to the shops is that then we can read it in our dressing gowns over breakfast. Mornings are enough of a rush without a special trip to the newsagent! http://www.independent.co.uk/independent.co.uk/editorial/web/subscriptions/subscription.html

Thanks so much everyone - super helpful! x

I really must find better things to ponder over - but I was wondering whether it would be better to bring a buggy bag to put the stroller in when we get to the gate (to protect it in the hold). But I wasn't sure if you're allowed to put it in a bag or if they just take it as it is. It's a Maclaren (but a shiny new one). Can anyone who has done it before let me know the procedure? Thanks!

I am just starting to draft a nanny contract and have found a number of sample contracts online. However, most of them are pretty flimsy or just badly structured. Does anyone have a link to an actual good one? Thanks!