Cheltenham

Another glowing review for t-shirt printing parties at Captured on the Rye. We had 8 x five year olds and 2 x three years olds (siblings) and Lou was fantastic in transforming their drawings into great designs to print on t-shirts. For the really little ones there are pre-cut designs so that everyone comes away with something wearable! The kids were so excited to see their drawings come to life and couldn't wait to ditch the party outfits for their homemade creations. The two hours was perfect for designing and printing the t-shirts, trying some spin painting and then having a snack and a bit of birthday cake. Many thanks to Lou.

We are looking to have an au pair join our family and as part of the interviewing process we are being asked about what English language course are available. I know there must be 1,000s in London but does anyone have any recommendations (or ones to avoid) - perhaps something closer to ED than central London? Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks.

We have used Brad and his team many times over the years on two different homes. Their standard of work is second to none. They take great care in the early prep work (sanding and filing etc.) so that the finished article is always excellent. Also, and equally important in our view, they treat your home with care and respect whilst there - ensuring everything is covered and dust free as possible (unlike other trades we've encountered!) Brad had just finished redecorating our front room and we couldn't be more happy with the results. We have also recommended Brad to friends and neighbours and they have all been equally pleased. As above - Highly recommended

I would love to meet up before we all have our babies but am tied up this weekend. Hope you all have fun and that we get a chance to meet up again soon.

For first-timers I can't second what prm says strongly enough! Sharing the experience with five other families going through the exact same things at the same time was a life saver! We also had our classes with Tess and she is brilliant. gebbjane - have also signed up for the refresher course in Herne Hill....but for the September one. It's only for one day and the fact that they cover coping with toddler and baby at the same time sealed it for me! Would be great for a forum get-together sometime and share experiences here too. Second scan next week - am very excited.

Hi helbel....The ones I were looking at were much shorter which is great (I didn't want to do a long course again either). It's one day (9:30 to 15:30) for the ladies only and then an evening session (20:00 to 22:00) for both partners a few nights later. They also organise a reunion session once all the babies have arrived (I think). Hope this helps.

Thanks gebbjane! NCT have got back to me too and the closest one seems to run in Herne Hill. One in July and another in September (the September one will be too late for you though I think?). She said those booked on the July one had due dates in August and September and that I should sign up for the September one as those already booked have due dates around mine in early October..... Hoping it won't be focussing on nasty birth stories though...urgh. I'm looking for tips on dealing with more than one and how to introduce the baby to a toddler without triggering all out war!

Hello Just found this thread and would love to join. I am expecting my second baby (due 10 October) by which time my first will be just over 2. I feel huge this time (sob)! I found this thread while looking for a pregnancy yoga class - I would like to go on a Sunday night so if anyone has had a good experience with the classes on at that time then let me know. Perhaps see some of you then too! On a different subject, I found the NCT course really helpful the first time round but don't remember anything (or of the birth itself to be honest). Any second/third timers considered or attended one of their refresher courses....any good?

My 10.5 month old now has eight teeth and I am worried about whether or not I should be brushing them. When he is teething very badly the last thing I want to do is add to the discomfort by adding a toothbrush to his stresses but I don't want damage to be caused by lack of brushing. How on earth do you introduce the concept of teeth-brushing to a 10.5 month old!!!! I also assume the pre-bed bottle will have to be moved pre-brushing - i.e. I will have to brush his teeth after the pre-bed milk and lose the calming effect of a bottle of warm milk? Any help and advice greatly appreciated! Alex

Not sure if this is in the right section but I am wondering if there are any Japanese speaking families in the East Dulwich area with young families? My sister-in-law is coming over from Japan with my 14 month old nephew because of the problems they are experiencing over there. Unfortunately my brother has to stay in Japan because of his job. She will be staying with us for two weeks and while I am really looking forward to seeing her and spending some time with my nephew I know she is very nervous about coming to stay without my brother and I thought she might like us to all meet up for a play date with another family who can speak Japanese (I'm afraid mine is non-existent). I also have a son who is 10 months old and I'm afraid his Japanese is as good as mine. If you know of anyone who would like to meet up with us then please get in touch! Many thanks, Alex

Many thanks all! I shall let you know if it turns out well. I have bought some GF lasagne sheets from Sainsburys - the first time I've used them though as GF not normally a problem in our house. Fingers crossed!

Hello, Bit of a strange one but does anyone have a recipe for making a white sauce (to go on a lasagne) without the use of wheat flour? Can I just use cornflour as a substitute and would I use the same amount? Better still, anyone know if I can buy a jar of gluten free ready-made stuff?! No luck in Sainos. Many thanks, Alex