Browncoffee

Hey All, Unfortunately Saturdays don't work for me but I'm keen to meet other mums, especially 2nd timers (with toddlers). I'm due 14th August and have a very active, jolly 19 month old daughter. I'm off work on Fridays and near Peckham Rye park so anyone up for a coffee/lunch, let me know. I don't visit EDF as often as I used to so will respond to PMs quicker. Look forward to meeting others! BC

You should also be entitled to unpaid leave, at least for a period of time? Take advantage of that, before you make the ultimate decision to leave. At least you still leave that door open. Bear in mind that lots of companies (including top investment banks) are leaning more and more towards direct recruitment, which saves on agency fees, so may not be a good idea to rely on the views on recruitment agencies who are seeing less business than they are accustomed to. Are you on LinkedIn? The bank I work for actively uses LinkedIn to source candidates. I would suggest making sure you have the best CV possible and get on the site. Not sure what your pay bracket is, but certainly worth registering with online recruitment sites such as TheLadders. I know they offer (or at least, used to) a free (and actually, very thorough) CV review. You then have the option of paying for a more advanced CV review, although I think you will get most of what you need from the free review. With a top notch CV & the right profile on LinkedIn, you can join a number of groups/forums related to the field you are interested (assuming you decide to leave the industry) and you should be able to make new contacts across various companies. I know from experience that working in IB can be torturous. If you do decide to stick with the industry make sure you're not dealing with a case of 'grass is greener on the other side'. I have worked for a number of IBs and there are 'things/issues' that are just part and parcel of the industry. Hang in there (if you can) and if you're truly feeling depressed, I agree with those that have recommended you see a doctor. Stress-related sickness absence is not rare in IB so I have no doubt you wouldn't be the first...or last to get signed off by a doctor. Best wishes, BC

Thanks again for all your fab ideas! Looks like we'll be heading to Florida. Means we can kill two birds with one stone and squeeze in a visit to my stepdaughter who also lives in the States. Really want to treat ourselves, as I'm due with number 2 in August and have a feeling I won't be braving another long-distance flight for a while after that:-o

The Beverly Hills Bakery new baby baskets make fab presents, especially for a new mother who is likely to have people dropping in and out ....and would clearly not be in the mood to think about what to offer them for tea. http://www.beverlyhillsbakery.com/london-basket_2

Thank you all for your awesome recommendations! I feel spoilt for choice and know what I'll be doing this weekend - checking out all your recommendations! @jollybaby: Not even a minute's nap after the day we've had and still stomping (not walking) around everywhere! Now, that'll be one flight to look forward to (not)!

Love the idea of Sri Lanka & Thailand but admit the thought seems slightly more scary than Florida. I'm glad I'm not getting responses from people recommending we postpone till she's older!

Thanks Prickle. I'll look into Florida as an option...

We switched soon after her 1st birthday and my daughter didn't notice anything.

My husband and I have decided to treat ourselves (and our 18 month old daughter) to a lovely holiday in April. We're thinking of places along the lines of Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, the Caribbean, Maldives etc, but have no experience of visiting said/similar locations with a toddler. Ideally, we would like to stay in a hotel/resort that offers babysitting/creche, so we can have some baby-free times as well. Any ideas/recommendations will be greatly appreciated!

Would swap my neighbour too! Maybe we can swap and have them live next to each other?

The judge prematurely closed the case, disallowing the future presentation of expert evidence which would most probably have resulted in a fairer outcome. Regardless of who is to blame - neighbours, TLERA residents that were involved or the judge, the point is this has all been unfair and we hope Piplings come out on top one way or another.

Just thought I'd add my view, given my daughter is at Piplings and will be moving to the ED one shortly. I second Laurence's comments and cannot rate Piplings highly enough. I spent a significant amount of time there, when I settled my daughter in late last year and most certainly didn't hear screaming children, let alone 24 of them! I have also not hear them at drop offs, pick ups etc, even on those occasions when I do them at the non-popular times. Having personally had experience of neighbours who have clearly nothing better to do with their time and are unable to mind their own business, I'm not overly shocked that the nursery (which is outstanding by all standards) has had to go through this unfair process. What I find ludricrous is that there is a judge out there that has allowed this closure to go ahead, despite lack of expert evidence to show that the children have been causing an "awful nuisance" to the said neighbours. As with other parents of Piplings children, I'm more than happy to provide any support that could help Piplings in this matter and continue to wish the nursery the best of luck, wherever they may be. BC

Hi Bea, This works! Thank you so much.... x

Sorry to dig this out again. I can't seem to open the attachment and would like to find out what's on for babies in ED on Fridays as I'm going back to work 4 days a week and will have Fridays with my LO. Anyone able to help...or send me their copy of the spreadsheet? By the way, here's one I found for SE23, in case anyone else is interested.

-- moved topic --

Thank you all so much for your responses. Looks like I'll be better off parking close to her nursery and walking down to the station. All good exercise;-)

Just finalising childcare arrangements for my little one and wondering if I'm being too optimistic in thinking that I can drop her off in the mornings and then drive down to Honor Oak Park station, and park around there. Is there generally parking around the station in the mornings? Forest Hill Station is another option, if parking is better near the station? Thanks, BC

I had ecv too at about 36 weeks and though uncomfortable, wasn't as bad as I'd feared. All was fine after that, and I went on to have a natural birth. It might be worth speaking to a couple of consultants about your fears and get as much of an understanding of the process as possible before you make a decision. I think it's one of those things that people have very different experiences of, so best to base your decision on your feelings about it after you have a detailed understanding of what it involves. Best of luck... BC

Weekend sessions would be great. It'll be great to have a broader range of activities that husband can take my 10 month old to on Saturdays/Sundays whilst I have my 'me time':-)

We also have the whole package and have only ever had problems with our Internet connection. Having had Sky tv in the past, I would have to say I prefer Virgin Media. I think their catch up tv is a lot more advanced & really useful for those good programmes you've missed. Not even sure if Sky has catch up tv? If you're happy to stick with their Internet service, then I agree you're better off getting the full package from them.

This sounds so moving, JB. Will brace myself (box of tissues in hand) & catch it on iplayer.

A few people have asked for more information: 'You will be working with top tier developers and architects and utilizing the latest technology to implement a system that is used by Portfolio Managers, traders, and credit analysts at major City & Wall Street firms. The position will include the scoping, implementation, testing, and management of new and existing client installations. This position requires specialized technology skills including SQL query writing, reporting writing, and a strong understanding of XML technologies.' Required Skills: ? Independent business analysis ? A self-driven, detail orientated person with strong work ethic and entrepreneurial instincts. ? Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal) and be adept at listening and soliciting feedback ? Knowledge of XML/XPath/XSLT ? Knowledge of SQL Server administration and advanced SQL syntax Excellent salary and benefits package offered. If you or anyone you know may be interested, please pm me... Thanks

I highly recommend Kas & Kalkan too. Went with husband and baby in April. Loved it so much, we went again last month:-)

Know any Business Analyst in the market? My friend runs a software company (servicing the financial services industry based in San Diego, CA, with offices in London, New York City and the Boston area) and has a vacancy for a BA. Applicants must have a 4-year degree in Information Technology, Finance, or a related discipline from an accredited university, and at least 3 years previous business analysis experience with demonstrable employment related successes. Anyone interested, please get in touch....

Same here. Have always found the staff friendly and they've always been keen to help with anything I need for my LO. rahrahrah Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I have been there a few times and found the > service really friendly.