LucyInTheRye

Thank you forumites for the excellent recommendation. Aston assembled and hung two flat pack kids? bookcases for me, fixed a heavy mirror to the wall and mended some broken drawers which had been nagging at me for ages. He did everything with very good grace and to a high standard. He is also very nice and was kind to my toddlers. Thanks Aston.

Another glowing review for Billy from me and a thank you to the forumites who posted previous recommendations for him, he is a real find. He did a great job fitting a hot water cylinder, improved pipework and removed old water tanks for us as well as moving pipework around for our renovation. He obviously takes great pride in his work and we now have a seemingly never-ending supply of hot water which is wonderful. Billy is polite, tidy, helpful, trustworthy and a very nice man. Thank you Billy.

^^ what Cornelia said. You are such a big part of our FHR community and we will really miss you! Thank you so much Nilesh, Anita and Raj for always being so kind and friendly. My kids call the P.O 'Raj's.' It won't be the same without you, Best of luck to you all, Lucy, Cody, Pea, CB and the twins xx

I want to say thank you too. It was very refreshing to have an a readily contactable councillor who wanted to help and willingly engaged with residents. You have restored my faith in local politics and I really appreciate all the hard work you have done for East Dulwich.

Mine was smashed up too! :-( I didn?t realise it had happened to other people. So frustrating.

Lots of lovely Winter babies. I'm expecting twins in December and I have two daughters 4 and 2. End of October would be great for me too! Looking forward to meeting you all.

Seconding the recommendation for South London School of Ballet. It's excellent and DD(4) loves it.

Yes I've looked them up and it looks like they do good stuff. And I didn't mean I think charity is unimportant btw, my syntax was clumsy. Just if someone knocks that late I imagine it's urgent.

I'll send them round to yours next time, Alice ;-) Meh. Maybe I'm being precious. Didn't want to not answer in case it was something important. Just seems late.

There was a knock at our door at 9.20pm this evening. It was a man from a charity (Karuna Trust) asking for donations. It made me feel uneasy as I wasn't expecting anyone and deliveries always come before 9. Possibly irrational but when I heard the knock I thought it might be the police. Apparently he came by around 6/7pm earlier this week and my husband told him it was an inconvenient time (kids bathtime) so he (man from the charity) thought later would be better :-\ (DH didn't tell him to come back btw) Has anyone knocked on your door late and unsolicited? Is it acceptable?

The French dub EVERYTHING! This was a source of great annoyance to my siblings and me growing up in France. If you have Amazon prime video and the broadband is up to it you can watch some things abroad now, including kids shows. Otherwise get extra memory for your laptop/tablet and download as much stuff as poss before you go.

Yep. I really hate crossing here. Especially with young children.

Yet another wholehearted recommendation for Saied. He has transformed our overgrown front and back garden and chosen beautiful plants. He has cleared thousands of weeds, dug up tree stumps and made me feel proud of our garden instead of slightly embarrassed. He also gives excellent advice.

You poor thing. That would have really upset me, too. I don't think you were OTT in saying you would report the driver.

You're a very nice neighbour. What a lovely idea :-)

So pleased things are getting better for you. Lack of sleep is the worst. I agree it's lovely to read non-judgemental advice, or just hear from people who have been in the same boat- one of the great things about the Internet IMO.

So sad to hear this. It's also incredibly shortsighted given the economic advantages conferred by breastfeeding. This UNICEF summary policy doc is interesting for anyone who hasn't seen it: http://www.unicef.org.uk/Documents/Baby_Friendly/Research/Preventing_disease_saving_resources_policy_doc.pdf Their conservative estimate is that for just 5 illnesses, even moderate increases in breastfeeding would save the NHS 40 million, and true savings could be far greater. Breastfeeding may be natural but it can also be incredibly difficult, especially if you don't have access to specialised support. Really hope we can push back on this.

Aah! Congratulations, he's gorgeous! OC sounds scary, hope all is alright now. Not sure if there is a whatsapp group for first timers but you are very welcome to join ours if you don't mind some toddler chat too, just pm Alexia (Admin) and ask her to add you if you like.

We're still black on Dunstans.

Hope everyone with newborns is doing well and those still pregnant are not too fed up! We had our second little girl at home on Monday, she is divine and very chilled so far, although maybe we are in the honeymoon period and about to get a massive shock ;-) Jo completely identify with feeling like a cow! Kaz it sounds like you are doing brilliantly, 15 days early must have given you a shock, hope you aren't feeling too grotty. Lucy

We had ours on Monday too! (Apparently it was a full moon.) A little girl, born at home, we have called her Christabel. Pea is not 100% on board just yet, sure it will come. Was about a million times easier than #1 so keep eating those dates Ginny! Congratulations to H and Philippa, can't wait to meet your new arrivals and love to everyone waiting. Have pm'ed you Alexia! X

Aah brilliant. Thanks Harriet. Sorry, I am clearly not reading thread properly on phone. See you all then. Jo, that's wonderful news, and I'd say 8 hours is pretty decent going! Hurrah for you and Sienna and big brother Max! I've got two dates to go.

Mo just saw your post, sorry you are/were back at the hospital, that's rotten. Edward is a beautiful name. Excited about seeing everyone tomorrow. Where's good to meet? Park cafe? Cafe G as seems fewer toddlers coming? 10am work for all? X