Belle

Maybe I'm mixing things up, but isn't this the school we've known about for a while - just that it now has a permanent home as of next year? I'm no more a fan of Harris than most on here but I don't think this particular one is a new one as such, it starts on a temp site after the summer I think?

Just remembered - my favourite dress (not a v dressy one but smart enough for evenings out etc) is from Jaeger boutique, think is like their younger line (like NW3 is to Hobbs) - so sometimes seems to be cheaper than their normal stuff, and they do good sales. Worth a look. Also LK Bennett & Ted Baker for special dresses. Next is variable but you get the odd gem and very reasonably priced. Though I think their tops don't wash well, again. That's probably because I wash everything too hot and tumble dry way too much though. And sometimes worth looking in places you'd never normally shop - got some fab trousers in All Saints a year ago that I've worn to death, and that's coming from someone who a) would never normally go in there and b) HATES buying trousers.

I've heard good things about http://nelly.com/uk/womens-fashion?gclid=CJPR28KspLwCFSTkwgodNwUANg too though not really investigated it. H&M sizing is crazy, I agree! I don't think I've ever managed to buy bottoms there. have heard good things about me+em, must check that out again.

he he thanks crystal7, though I find this type of clothing (casual-ish,for school run etc) the hardest to source, always end up scrabbling around for something clean/that fits. For what it's worth (having had some good advice from the fabulous Queen Bee styling a year or so ago): Tops: H&M surprisingly good (and obv cheap) for your basic stripey tops (I find they don't have a long long life but will do you about a year with v regular wear), cheap and cheerful. Gap yes, but also Vero Moda/Vila (can buy their stuff in Oliver Bonas) have some nice slightly dressier options. As above, OB best in sale as their own brand of stuff has hiked up prices now, and in my opinion, though nice it doesn't wash v well. Knitwear - Gap but also Hobbs particularly in the sale do great knitwear - am a big fan of their little cropped cardies. M&S too. Slightly dressier tops/blouses - I love Massimo Dutti, similarish to Zara but less trend related. Have bought some really nice things there recently. Dresses: People Tree, Great Plains and Boden as already mentioned in sales, Zara/Mango and just discovered Mint Velvet - lovely. Although a while back I decided Topshop et al were too young for me, they have suprisingly got some good dresses, and I like Miss Selfridge from time to time too. Their stuff doesn't really suit me but the H&M owned Cos and &other stories, plus Banana Republic - all good again for the less trend-related stuff - I wouldn't say 'classic' because their stuff is more modern and you get edgy pieces, but just somehow seem good for our age range! Finally for online shopping you ASOS covers so many bases, makes life a lot easier, so I would def start there! Their own range stuff is pretty good and LOADS of dresses. sorry, not many new suggestions here! will post again if remember any more.

I'm past this stage, but for the purposes of feedback I know I'd personally have preferred to come without my baby to this...I guess it'll vary a bit.

we have ordered standard bunks from this website, recommended by friends who got mid-sleepers from them. They are very good at tailoring to your particular needs e.g. room size/low ceilings, and I think they are very reasonable. Ours haven't come yet so can't give you first hand experience, but my friend's ones are fab! http://www.pine-design.co.uk/index.html Warning: website has bizarre tinkly music, which when I posted it on FB a friend commented seemed to send the message 'It WILL be ok' :) I should say, if space and money were no obect, I love this one (locally made I believe too)- can be bunks or a mid sleeper with desk underneath: http://iokidsdesign.co.uk/the-bunk-pod

I did this at state nursery, didn't even occur to me to ask! Whole thing is not compulsory so just told them in advance. My son had peers who would take the odd day off if their parents felt they needed time out, was all very relaxed.

You could try http://www.onefinestay.com/

I know it's not on your list but I would love to live in Scandinavia! But mine and my husband's jobs rely on English speaking - and of course it's very much spoken there but I suspect we could only realistically work in the States/Oz. I would love to be wrong though! IN terms of what you've mentioned - I have a few friends who live/are about to relocate to the states. What I've learned is that the holiday allowances in the States are really mean, which can be a problem in terms of trips home to see your folks. And it's hard to get much space (or your own washing machine, it seems?!) in NYC - although that would be my first choice if money were no object! I have friends who live in New Jersey and commute in to NYC, seems to be a popular family choice. I have other friends moving to washington DC but personally I wouldn't be drawn to that location. Canada would be amazing I think - I have a friend moving to Montreal for a year with her family, also envious of her! Personally my main issue with Oz would be the travelling time in terms of visiting home/family coming to visit. I would find it very hard to be so far from friends and family, even for a year.

Just want to echo Emily's sentiments - I don't know much about PND in dads, but agree it is amazing you've managed for 7 months in the circumstances. Difficult labour, new baby - that is hard enough - but as Emily says, living with someone who has depression is very hard even in normal circumstances. Christine's suggestions sound good, I h ope you find some support, maybe other partners of PND sufferers would be happy to meet and share experiences? Has your GP been supportive?

The Herne - if it still has the play area outside? Or the Clockhouse seemed quite kid-friendly when I was in for lunch on my own recently, and not necessarily a place you 'have' to eat at.

That's so kind - thankyou. I'll pop into Morrisons this week and give the phenergan a go.

Thankyou! that is really helpful. Yes, I have recently run out and the last few drives have not been fun - can usually get away with one 'leg' by convincing my son to fall asleep, but coming back is a nightmare. I will ask GP.

Anyone know anywhere local to get these? Recently I've found them increasingly hard to get hold of - have used both Joyrides and Kwells for my 4 yr old and both seem to work, but even the big Sainsburys in Sydenham yesterday said they don't have them. I don't find those bands make much difference...

I think there would be a massive demand for this. Little Rascals is great but the cafe shut some time ago, and Peckham soft play is also good - but you can't take drinks in etc. It would be nice to have somewhere closer, if you're based in ED.

My cousin has done this a few times and really rates it - think her place is listed on a site, I can find out which one.

We're really happy with Goodrich - it's a big school, but if you were to visit you'd see they manage the size pretty well, and my son has settled in very easily there. He also went to the nursery so we'd put it as our first choice and were really happy. The people I'm thinking of who moved did so for practical reasons (offered a school much nearer to their home). AS someone else says, all schools round here have a pretty good reputation, it's just getting in that's the issue, and as you say it will probably be harder at reception level. But places do surely come up due to people moving. I wonder if St Johns and St Clements also has spaces? I know people were being offered places in the summer there which implied they weren't full, but perhaps they are now - not sure if anyone here is on the PTA and can advise?

If you were to aim for somewhere near Lordship Lane then your husband would have access to 3 or 4 buses which all go past the hospital. Central ED is dear though, but would have the advantage of being near quite a few schools. My son is at Goodrich and I know at least one pupil has left his class since starting reception, worth ringing round I'd say to find out about spaces?

YES definitely midivydale, both mine were having tantrums from 15/16 mths if I recall correctly... number 2 def has terrible 2s, think number 1 was worse as a 'threenager' though...actually each age has had its challenges come to think of it! At almost 5 my first still has huge meltdowns. Love the turtle herding link btw! There is also a v funny Michael McIntrye sketch about this (don't normally find him v funny but the sketch is spot on)

we were in Peckham soft play today (at Peckham Pulse) and I noticed that the centre is open until 2pm tomorrow (might be worth a call to double check that includes soft play - can't see why not though). Again, pretty busy but exhausted my 2 nicely :)

We used to play it as the mars bar game - easier to chop!

is ?150 the going rate for an hour?? Not sure if it's my innate Scottishness but I'm finding it h ard to swallow! Planning on doing a home based thing similar to you Pickle but bit tricky as my son's guest list is running into 30s at the moment...

One o clock club at Peckham Rye (think is now called Peckham Play rooms) is good for some indoor activities. Or trips to the library? Trip over to the Dish & the Spoon - toys there plus nice food. I must admit when my 4 yr old was going ot school nursery half days we didn't do much wiht the rest of the day - occasionally a quick visit to one of the smaller playgrounds - but found it a fine line between a bit of extra using up of energy and tipping over into overtired/wound up. Oh - baking? There are those Crafty Cooks classes. Depending on if you have other kids/what ages they are, trip to the cinema could be good too.

the one we got for number 2 was a newer version. By the time we moved them in together #1 was less bothered (and I was less bothered about him being bothered, if you see what I mean - needs must!). as it happened he quite likes his little brother's lullaby of choice so it's never been an issue. It's funny though - that particular version of the tune, plus a lullaby from a music box we used when changing number 1's nappy as a tiny baby, have the ability to transport me right back to those early days. Emotional!

Yes, we had the 2 BT monitors too (now in same room so just the one) - I didn't want to but particularly in the house we were living in at the time my second was born, we really couldn't hear the oldest without the monitor. We had had the same thing - same lullaby even - with the oldest so a bonus was being able to just keep doing that with him, may seem like a little thing but at that point you do just want an easy life! Plus think it's nice to try to have some continuity for the older child. I did loathe the horrendous clashing lullabies but you can always mute them... Pickle - we routinely do the remote lullaby thing! I think number 1 didn't used to be keen but n ow we even tell babysitters to do it to settle number 2 if need be.