candj

I never had a maternity swim suit, I just wore a bikini and let the bump hang out - only time in my life where I wasn't desperately sucking my stomach in, and only time I ever wore bikinis ! I think if you can get away with a regular swim suit it would be better because you'd wear it again when not pregnant.

Good thread Molly, does that mean we can't comment on it as the questions are for dads only???

We often go to Italy (everywhere from the north to the south) with the children as it's close and very child friendly (2 hour flight). We use the service tuscanynow.com. Also, Greece is a good option for resort-type places with kids clubs, swimming pools and beaches (4 hour flight). We've stayed at one called the Sani Resort in Halkidiki which had a nice spa for the adults and a lot of restaurants in the harbour within walking distance. Haven't used babyfriendlyboltholes but their website looks lovely and easy to use. Have a lovely holiday!

Oh yes, I forgot about you W**f, you do post in the family room and very useful information too.

Loved that Cornelia Parker Charliex2, very surreal.

Righto then do you have the Justin Fletcher sings nursery rhymes DVD? It's like pantomime at its best and I'll admit that I used to love watching it.

Dear vhurleyp - Firstly, it's not a slanging match - someone asked for an opinion and I responded as I have personal experience with the nursery and it was not a snipey comment about something I know nothing about (to use your own words). My experience was, unfortunately, a negative one. I did point out that we have friends who have children at Asquith WD and were very happy there if you bothered reading. Secondly, I don't think there is a great conspiracy, but will note that it was Admin who discovered that the nursery themselves posted a fake post which made me suspicious. Don't you think that was a rather pathetic and deceitful way for Asquith to respond? These are the same people who look after your child. I'm glad that the nursery suits you and you are happy with them because childcare can be, as someone previously mentioned, a stressful process. I personally had the experience where the nursery staff did things I didn't like and didn't feel they nurtured my child and no amount of communicating with the manager solved the problem nor did it give me any more confidence with them. End of story - my experience and that is what the OP was asking for. Best, -C

Oh The Elephant and the Bad Baby, how we love reading that book aloud!

Yes that presenter on Ceebeebees, I can't remember her name, but remember there being a reaction by some thinking she would offend children because she was missing the lower half of her arm and how unfair it seemed. The funny thing is I watch Ceebeebees with both my children and neither has ever mentioned anything. Headmaster Keef - we love you in here, but sometimes I think you just like playing devil's advocate ;-). But I do understand where you're coming from as the other unmentionable thread did go a bit haywire much to the chagrin of most of us.

We found out both times too at 16/20 week scan because I like to be organised and in control wherever I can be! I think it's a surprise whether at 20 weeks or 40 weeks, at least I thought so.

helena - you forgot one adjective in the sentence 'ugly, eurotrash, skin-tight, sporty costume ...' !!!

The words to describe her actions were 'ill considered' and 'insensitive' - pretty mild considering what she said and doesn't appear to be a lot of bandwagon condemning (although the thread is young). Further, several of us raise the point of when our own children ask us questions about other peoples' differences. Good to know that others have this situation arise and how they handle it because it can be awkward. Edited to add - Keef you are the one who used the term 'nasty piece of work' not anyone else.

As I said, I think it is a valid thread and who is to say that someone cannot start a thread about a topic they wish to discuss?

I too wish we had more dads in the family room as it's great to get their opinions and it would be more balanced as everyone says. Big thumbs up to all the people who contribute in this room and even the non-family room regulars as sometimes we mums (and dads) can't see through our yoghurt smeared sunglasses. -C x

Rogue Apostrophe - Would it have been better to put it in the lounge with the other more pointless threads? To be honest, it is a valid topic and something all parents will have to consider at some point with children. In my humble opinion and sorry to contribute to p*ssing into the wind.

Agree with Fuschia. When my daughter asks why someone is, for example in a wheelchair or uses crutches I explain that some people have difficulty in walking, etc. Would never try to ignore the situation or try to shield her from it. Terrible for the poor child, but glad he seemed oblivious to the incident. Some people are incredibly insensitive.

Do you have family close by who could pitch in or come for a 'visit' when you are away? It could dovetail well with your husband's schedule so that they wouldn't have to be full time, but would get a break while he was home. My husband and I have had inlaws come for a visit when we've both been away on business and it worked out well.

Boo hoo, I'm away during half term. If you meet up in May I'd love to join you ladies. We might even have warm weather by then too! -C x Edited to add The Mag is a good venue if you're still looking for one as it's not too crowded and plenty of chairs/tables and sofas.

My point about first time posters was related to the fact that the nursery themselves had to post a fake post and it made me suspect they too were a bit dodgy, nothing wrong with first time posters. Pathetic response from the nursery really. It is a shame that the previous threads on Asquith were cleared as there were more posters contributing to it from what I remember. Best, -C

Two positive posts by two first time posters. Interesting.

I think Sillywoman was being facetious given the 'snarky' responses the OP was giving everyone.

My kids love all Dr Seuss (must be the yank in me). They are fun to read and some of them even have a moral to the story and not just silly rhyming words, eg, The Lorax, Oh the Places You Will Go, etc. Good thread, I didn't see your other one about the book club.

BTW, it's JAPS not JAPPS ... just so you know how to address the application.

I was trying to look for a few threads as there were some a while back but I think Admin cleaned house. We had our eldest at Asquith W Dulwich when she was 7 months old twice a week only. It was fine at first but I became increasingly unhappy with the place. A quick change of manager when we started followed by catching occasional glimpses of staff attitude I didn't like and a gradual overall impression that the place wasn't nurturing for our little one led us to take our daughter out after 6 months. On one occasion I went to collect my daughter and as I walked in unnoticed one of the staff members sat down abruptly next to my daughter giving her a fright and making her burst into tears. She said nothing and didn't console her which I was unhappy about. The final straw was the fact that they didn't even know our daughter had been walking and never encouraged her. Our friend went to collect his child and saw my daughter holding onto the gate terrified to move and called her name and she walked to him. We finally got a nanny and it just worked out better for us overall. We have friends who have had no problems and whose children were/are very happy there. To be honest, I found the place a bit filthy and didn't like the staff attitude. The Asquith in Peckham is supposed to be much better and we also have friends who have children there and very happy with them. I think for younger babies a nanny or nanny-share is much better than nursery as they are in their own environment and sleep in their own beds (my daughter NEVER napped at nursery although she was a very good napper). Hope this helps.

Okay, if we're on to hotel recommendations.... I vote for The Standard in West Hollywood on Sunset. Great hotel and the one in downtown LA has a fabulous roof top pool/bar (but wouldn't want to stay in downtown LA). I've also stayed in The Avalon in Beverly Hills when I moved to London and no longer lived in LA. Nice small hotel with cool, mid century modern decor and (of course) a swimming pool in the middle.