spanners45

Aaaahhhaaa, we've got the EXACT same plan for Sat night (I'm silly excited!). I definitely second the reccs for Brixton village. Thai place is ok (I didn't love it but most people rave about it), Honest Burgers is good too as are French and Grace (simple food and short menu but lovely), MamaLan has delicious dumplings and soup-y bowls. You can't really book anywhere but you could walk around and see what takes your fancy. I think it's a brilliant place for a night out!

Hi all, thanks for the suggestions! In my research I also found this website www.champagne&lemonade.com, which seems good too. Right, I need to check all the options and see. Might even get a taste for it and start emtying wardrobes; which would actually be quite cathartic, I imagine!

Sorry Ottawa, of course I get that some dads might find it hard to adjust too; it's just that in my case, my husband's day to day hasn't been completely turned upside down. Saffron - the Manolos reference came about because I've seen a feature in a monthly mag featuring mums doing the "school run" dressed like they're just off to the catwalk in Milan/Paris and generally the media trying to make us think that we can have it all and do it all and look fabulous while juggling kids, relationships (partners and friends), keeping our finger on the pulse on current affairs and being a modern day reincarnation of Wonder Woman. Coincidentally, no Manolos to be found in my wardrobe! I wish! (although at this stage I'd probably just embarrass myself by falling flat on my face)

I was thinking the other day, what a great idea the Administrator had to come up with EDF. You have made me laugh out loud with your comments and they ring SO true to me. Only last night I was at one of my best friend's wedding with my hub and the kids and came back home a little sad as I realised my life is so damn different to what it used to be and that I have little in common anymore with my friend (none of them have babies yet). I used to work in corporate communications and be all "strategy and best practices", a bit glam and always in heels and nice clothes. Well, that life is no more, nor are the nice clothes and I feel quite uncomfortable in heels. I make an effort to read the e-version of The Week when I remember so I feel less awful about not knowing what is going on outside my bubble and even then I would rather watch bad tv. Why is it that smart (I don't know you personally but I get that from your posts), confident and work savvy women feel this different when becoming mums? Is it the lack of 'remuneration'? I am confident that my current job, being the best mum I can be, is without a doubt THE sole most important thing I will ever accomplish but it is difficult to feel like that along the way and not to feel like I've let part of my life succumb to mummy hormones. Is this because we are made to think we can do it all and have it all, look perfectly groomed, manicured and pedicured and of course do it while dressed in MCQueen and wearing Manolos?

My son was given a gorgeous toadstool night light by The White Rabbit company, which he absolutely loves. Gentle glow and also helpful for night feeds when he was a baby. You can find them online.

Hi Monique, Any news/update on the Spanish sing along activity? Muchas gracias!

I'm not sure this fits in here (or really, if it fits anywhere on the Forum) but I thought there must be a mum somewhere in ED who knows the answer to this. Long ago, waaaaaaaay before the kids arrived, I had the kind of job that required a lot of socialising/networking in the evening, award ceremonies, premieres, etc. So, I have a few designer evening gowns (inc some never worn) that I am looking to sell but I don't quite know where (they are not Ebay material I don't think). Does anyone have any idea how to go about this type of thing? Is there a reputable place/website for this? Thanks for any pointers.

Ladies, I am truly in awe of your organisational skills (I CANNOT, even if I really want to get up at 6am) so I try to make up for that by leaving things ready in the evening. I do have a cleaner who is a godsend AND a huge luxury. She will help me with the folding, ironing and of course cleaning. It makes a world of difference but I am very aware that it really is a luxury. Toddler boy is insanely active so I have to plan two activities per day. I like the idea of the sling, a lot! I definitely have moments where I could do with an extra pair of hands. On a positive note, he still has a good nap after lunch (can't imagine what I'll do when that stops) and most often than not, I manage to get the baby down at the same time so I get a little respite half way through the day. Fuschia, I am with you re baths. Baths every other day is just as good. I tend to bath them together but sometimes I bath the baby during the day if the toddler is at nursery (which is also a marvelous, if expensive, invention). I try to engage toddler with something arty after breakfast if I feel that I need some time to tidy up do extra prep. The one bit that is most unpredictable for me is bedtime. For the most part, it is fine and things go as smoothly as I can possibly imagine but sometimes it is the time my toddler decides to be 'jealous' of the baby for getting my attention when I put him to sleep, even though baby's bedtime is waaaaaayyyyy quicker than the toddler's ever was when he was a baby but I guess that is the nature of being the 2nd one. I usually let my toddler to play with the ipad or watch a kiddy film on tv but if he is in 'that' kind of mood, he will walk up the stairs and creep into the room where I am settling in the baby, which means it takes longer. Working on that one for now. Ah well, practice makes perfect, right??!!

I prep for any activities the night before. Swimming bag, refill nappy/wipes bag, spare clothes for puky baby, etc. Sometimes, I even put the bags/stuff in the car too so I won't forget it in the morning. I also always have a bottle of water and a snack box in the car. There is something about being in the car that makes my toddler say 'snack/water' repeatedly! Shower/bath at night is also a must (although it means I have crazy hair every day for lack of energy to do my hair 'pretty'). Playdates/outings morning and afternoon to make sure toddler gets plenty of opportunity to use up his energy. I have a food plan for the week (sometimes even for 2 weeks so I use up everything) including lunch and dinners. I've taken this a step further and acquired a second hand chest freezer so I can cook a few things and freeze them up.

Hi etta166, Thanks! maybe that is what I need then. Off to find these as soon as little one wakes up. Thanks again.

Hi there, I am having a day away from home this week, which means I'll have to express during the day. I have expressed before and usually at home I store the milk in bags and then in the freezer but I'm not sure how to keep the milk 'fresh' while I am out of the house. Anyone got any advice? Is there a cooler box thing for this? I have utterly no clue as you can tell. Thanks so much!

Hi there, We are going on a beach holiday with our kid and I wanted to get some recommendations on arm bands vs floats/suit thingy w floats in it. He is just over 2 and loves water so I have no doubt he will want to spend most of his time in it. Are arm bands better/safer? I.e. put them on and forget about it? If so, any particular brands? Is the little vest w floats a bit uncomfortable for them? Thanks for your thoughts!

Hi ladies, This is a very basic question but I hope one of you can share their knowledge. My little 3wk old boy has been 'diagnosed' with reflux just today - a lot of screaming, generally looking uncomfortable, kicking of feet after feeds and possetting. I was given gaviscon in sachets and I'm finding it hard to get him to take it and not dribble it all out. Any pointers there? I've tried feeding it to him very slowly with syringe, a little spoon and a cup but I'm almost sure most of it is dribbled onto the muslin square. Also, it is quite lumpy and not as smooth as the prep instructions seem to suggest. In short, any tips on administration of gaviscon to a little one much appreciated! I've got a long road ahead I've realised reading your comments but I can already tell your posts are going to be a source of encouragement and knowledge in the next few weeks/months. Thanks S

Hi there, We are thinking of gettng a fish tank and a few fishes for our godson's birthday but I have no idea where we could get them locally. Any suggestions? Thank you very much Spanners45

Tried a bike pump but for whatever reason it didn't work. Will try the local garage. Thanks everyone for suggestions

Hi there, I wondered if anyone had a Bugaboo wheel pump (I have a Frog) that they don't want anymore? Our buggy is fairly old so before I buy a pump (vs buying new tires), I thought maybe I could borrow one and make sure it does the job. Thanks

Easter plans not quite working out. Husband is ill with flu (real flu vs man flu; althought for other dads reading this, I totally get how hard that strand of flu is), I have an under 2yr toddler who is bursting with energy and I am due baby n2 in about 10 days. Does anyone have any suggestions for stuff to do locally tomorrow, Easter Monday? I need to get out of the house so husband can get some rest and toddler can burn some energy. Thanks in advance!

P&T's are good because of the slimline - i.e. they don't take masses of space (at home, on bus, in car boot). BUT, they are quite heavy and yes, little one will generally get relegated to the bottom seat - not a biggie when they are tiny but later on, toddler and baby could take turns to go on the upper seat. I have tried a Mini City Jogger side by side. Veeery easy to push, really good steering so you don't have to force your arms/wrists. It is great because you can use from birth also and the kids sit side by side so they both get to enjoy 'the views'. BUT, it is wider (although it fits through most doors/shops) so it might take more space in your car or hallway. That said, they fold incredibly easily. I'm not sure I'm helping much, sorry. I think it really depends on what you will be using it for mostly. If you have to go on public transport a lot, then I'd say P&T. If you have your own car, then maybe the side-by-side ones are more 'sociable' for the kids and you don't have to worry about who sits on top (which can get tricky with the toddler refusing to sit in the bottom bit. Also, think where the buggy will be when you are not using it and how much space you have available. Is your hallway wide enough for a side-by-side one or maybe you are lucky to have a cupboard where you can store it. Just another point of view.

Hi all, I'm Spanish and speak to my toddler in Spanish pretty much all the time since he was born and he is starting to say words (both in English and Spanish) but the great thing is that he understands what I say 100%. I know there is a Spanish group in Camberwell but have failed so far to check it out although I have it on the cards for next Thursday as I have heard it really is very good. MoniqueBello - a sing along Spanish group would be really excellent. I should be able to come along to the meet up next weekend. Only thing is my boy sleeps after lunch until about 2.30/3pm so could we maybe do a morning coffee/tea/hot chocolate instead? Does that work for anyone else?

Hi there, I've not been able to join the previous 'meet ups' but I should be able to join the Feb 1st. I'm not sure how to add my name to the list though. Looking forward to meeting some of you then! Maria

Hi All, Have been meaning to join this group for a while. Expecting my second in April 2012 so it would be great to meet other mums who are expecting aroudn the same time. Maria

Thank you all. I really appreciate you taking the time to write back. I'll ignore them then, as it seems to be the consensus. Sol - that was one of my worries. He'll start nursery in a couple of months and was wondering whether I should tell them about it or if it's not necessary since they are on his tummy (at least for now). It's probably a coincidence, but I think my boy also caught the virus in the swimming pool. Again, thanks all.

My little boy has MC. He started with only two little 'spots' on his tummy, which have grown over the last 4 months or so. I was feeling ok about it being just literally two but somehow he's now got a whole bunch (15 or more) little white heads scattered on his tum + two on his arm + one on his leg. I'm worried he'll end up covered in them. I know there isn't a medicine for this but wondered if anyone had any experience with natural remedies or if it's just a lost cause and I need to relax about it. Thank you Spanners

thansk all, much appreciate the suggestions. I've got some reading to do!

Hi Dragon99, I've no experience with potty training as my boy is still too young but someone recommended us using/reading to him a book called Pete The Pirate, which is about a little boy (a pirate boy) who is potty trained. It has a 'cheer button' that th kids can press. Anyway, it might be an idea and something to introduce him to potty training. If nothing else, he'll just understand that it's all normal and that it's ok to do a wee in his potty. The real reason for me getting in touch was that I've got some size 2 real nappies that you are welcome to have in case they help with the training. I have heard many times that real nappies are great to help along the potty training as the little ones can feel when they get wet. Let me know if you'd like them. Spanners