candj

We did this last October half term with our two (almost 6 and 3 and a bit at the time) and me being 7 months preg. We spent 4 days in Marrakech and 5 in essouria then 2 back in Marrakech. Absolutely lovely and everyone was so friendly with the children. Essouria was really relaxing but very rural and it was lovely going to the deserted beach to collect sea shells. The place we stayed was very chilled with great food that my children gobbled up but might be more difficult for pickier eaters. In Marrakech a lot of restaurants have pasta on the menu. Frenetic city though and even in the medina where no cars are allowed you have to be careful with kids because the scooters are everywhere. The souk is great and the large square with its monkeys and snakes is a sight to behold. My children loved the markets with the chameleons which they were allowed to hold. Let me know if you want the names of the places we stayed (think they were both no 1 on trip advisor). Highly recommended and parents had a great time too! Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Morrocco!!! A week in Essouria, a week in Ouileda > and one night in Marakesh. Any tips?

I've gone there for birthday parties and haven't been impressed by it. I remember when it first opened it was much better, obviously, and I would think that vomit in the ball pit would be a health and safety issue!

We went ages ago when my eldest was just 12 months. From what I remember it was good fun and we enjoyed cycling around the grounds (she in the trailer). We had a two bedroom cabin with kitchen and spent most of the time relaxing and doing nothing!!! Daughter was a bit young to go on the massive rapids slide but enjoyed the pool and all the playgrou d facilities. Have fun.

I should add that they put on plays (my 3 year old had one of the leads in the christmas production) and do a Christmas service, harvest festival, Easter service which is all so lovely and they have singing with a fabulous music teacher. I'm sure there are other HH parents out there who could comment as well ;). definitely go with your instinct and visit other nurseries to make sure your child will be happy. Best of luck.

They say you can peel them off but we put ours on with a wallpaper scraper type thing and must say they look fairly permanent until we peel them off to paint Walls (in about 10 years time!!). They are really fun though and our chdren love them and husband is now expert in putting them up.

Hi Our two girls go to Herne hill. One started in reception and is in year 1 the other started part time in nursery and is now in kindergarden. They both love it. Up to reception it's very play based then in year one the work load turns up a few notches(weekly spelling exams, new books to read at home every day and cursive handwriting from the getgo) to get them ready for assessments the following year. The kindergarden class my youngest daughter is in is lovely and they do a lot of stories, dressing up, messy play, outdoor play so on and so forth and the teachers and aids are all lovely and nurturing. Yes they do letter formation by tracing letters with crayons and learning to write their names and they begin the the phonic sounds but I dont think that's a bad thing. Im not sure if you have a boy or girl but Our girls do love it and the school has a nice atmosphere. I'm not worried about assessments as we are moving abroad this summer but they do get really good results. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions. Sorry I could write loads more but it's difficult on an iPhone with a new-born!

Sorry to repeat but the list off the top of my head Cot or cotbed (with new mattress ;-)) and several changes of fitted sheets, mattress protector Changing table that sits atop cot (we've always used one of these and doesn't take up any space) Dresser/chest of drawers (top drawer with nappies, muslin cloths, and things you need to get to quickly) Wardrobe (not necessarily priority but you won't believe how fast baby clothes accumulate via gifts) Chair (can be any comfy chair not necessarily for breastfeeding but one that can be comfortable for bf) Bin Blackout curtains or blinds Bin/basket for toys No need to rush out and buy loads of toys as you'll get many as gifts. For stickers quickbrownfox.com have lovely ones or we got ours from the company rocketstgeorge.com. Have so much fun! What an exciting time!!

Ditto what sillywoman said but well done James it's very much deserved!

Love the Expedit, we had a huge one when we lived in Shanghai and I used to arrange the childrens books according to size ... I wish we still had one.

I have separate storage boxes for the sylvania families, the polly pockets, the barbies so on and so forth... There are days when i avoid the playroom because i know i'll collapse in a sobbing heap. My OCD has just been exacerbated, that's all. edited for ocd reasons

You're not alone Supergolden!!! I'm up every 3 hours in the night (and day) breastfeeding my 7 week old. Sometimes I get lucky and get a four hour stint of sleep, but rarely. In a few weeks, I'm going to start expressing and have husband top up the little lad with a bottle at 10.30 and see how we get on. I don't really mind as he's my third AND LAST child so I'm enjoying the newborn phase, plus I find the wee hours of the morning an absolutely superb time to catch up reading the forum on my iphone (but it is ruining my eyes!). I just don't like it when I hear the planes starting to come in as I know I'll need to be up soon to get other children ready for school!

Just to add my kids have used the "my tummy hurts" or "I don't feel well" line to get out of eating something...

Is she going to the loo more or less the same? She could have a bug if her tummy is hurting or she could be exerting her independence as a two year old would. Are you letting her feed herself or are you trying to. I think all toddlers go through this but if you're worried or it's gone on for a week maybe take her to your gp.

Ditto ditto the truckle option. Both our girls have them for their beds and they've come in very handy. We bought ours from Peter jones and they have matching bed guard/side rails to help with the transition from cot to bed.

We pay ?10/hr plus her tax (she's full time).

Ooops! Thanks Sean, haven't been paying close attention. Thanks.

Excellent thank you! Thursdays are perfect for us.

Where is this? The one at the ritzy in brixton was on Fridays I thought.

My two girls always liked the Heinz organic biscottis, not a generic brand but if you want to try something else. Although organic not sure how healthy as they are sweet (yes I've tried them!). Otherwise I'm sure Annabelle karmel or someone similar would have a recipe for a simple biscuit.

Sent you a pm Sophie !

Oh how exciting! Big congratulations to you all.

Unfortunately, I think Duo Dance are closed on Sundays.

Yes agree with pebbles, being pregnant with toddler was THE worst for me as I was really exhausted by the pregnancy that I got shingles (which to this day is the most painful thing I've gone through). Also, as pickle says, the sling is your best friend as your baby will live in it while you are trying to control your toddler - I even wore it around the house. I also kept to the routine that my eldest was on and gradually got the baby on the same schedule and went to a lot of play groups, friend's homes, and car rides! Because of the 2 1/2 year age gap, my eldest eventually went to nursery which also gave me some more time with the baby. And getting the buggy situation right is a big help. I never had a phil & teds because at 2 1/2 my oldest was a bit too big and old (I felt) for it so I had a Mclaren Techno XT with a baby bjorn and eventually a buggy board which just meant we were able to get out for walks to the park or to a cafe. I think the main reason why everyone is saying that three is easier than two is because your eldest becomes less needy and bit of a helper like mine who loves bringing me pillows, tissues, burping cloths, etc and will basically do anything I ask. Don't panic and good luck Clare!

ljs Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > > I also have it in my head that if we do go for > number 3 then ideally I'd really like to have the > baby in this year as the following year I am > turning 40 and I think that in it's self is enough > to cope with !!!!! It certainly is as I've had no. 3 at 41!!! Good luck to you and your family.

Piriton, calamine cream, baking soda for baths if it's really bad.