missmack1981

Hi Nik Hope you're well. They used to meet at Horniman. Group is called SE london SlingMeet I think. There is a slingmeet website and you should be able to get info on there... There's a group for everything nowadays!!! Also was telling some of the girls about the NappyLady if you're interested in reuseable nappies. She does the same..m shows you the choices from an impartial view. She came along to a baby massage group I attended but disposable was the way forward for me I'm afraid!.. Daughter potty trained relatively early so that's my payback to my Carbon footprint!! I'm sure I've seen her post of ED forum if anyone is interested in her advice. Although these posts make it look like I'm an earth mother I'm excited to also add, I've just bought my 4x4, pneumatic, pavement rage of a double buggy and am tempted to borrow a child in order to take it for a test drive!!!

brill, I'll deffo organise something for half term then. I also wanted to share a moneysaving tip for newbies.... if you are deciding on which sling to buy, there is a sling meeting which happens regularly and locally where the woman brings along lots of different sling brands to try as all so different. I cheated with my sling... I bought 5m of jersey fabric for ?20 from Ebay. I cut it in half length ways (so had enough for 2 slings and gave one to friend) and used this as my sling. It is exactly the same principle as the Kari-me sling and their website even has wrapping instructions. My daughter was 10lbs3 at birth and this sling was by far the most comfortable sling I tried. I had her chest to chest for months then as she was bigger, turned her around to face out. I took her in the sling this way to the 'Mother and baby show' and was stopped by about 10 mums and mumstobe asking where I bought it from!! The website images does make it look quite hippy and earthmothery but I stuck to black fabric and it looked quite trendy! i would be happy to show anyone if interested. I know kari-me sells for ?60 for what is simply a sheet of fabric and lots of friends have bought expensive slings and found them not as comfy but it is deffo worth 'testing' as many as possible first to see what is comfy for you. Oh only drawback, my partner said he wouldn't be seen dead in public with my sling (although I did return home one day to witness him cleaning the house with daughter wrapped to his chest in sling) he'll kill me for mentioning that... Whoops!!

Hi all, Goldielab we are totally in sync as is Amydown!! My daughter turns 2 in Sept and I'm due again in Mid Jan! I would love to meet up during the day but as of Tomorrow I am back at work full time, booooooooo!! I am debating whether to start my maternity leave at xmas or work right upto my due day again. (I'll gain an extra 3 weeks maternity pay that way!) I am available for daytime meet-ups (and counting down the days) to the October half term so if anyone is around then I'm happy to organise a get-together for toddlers to play and mums to gossip!. (Oct 22nd- Oct 30th) I have my 22 week scan on Friday 9th and will hopefully find out the sex. I have crap intuition so currently have no idea... this time around it's so easy to forget I'm even preggo! I have signed up for the NCT refresher course in Herne Hill (only area this course is provided apparently) I like arming myself with as much information as possible, eventhough it does tend to all go out of the window during the labour! Just to let you know that on Sat there is the Peckham park traditional fete. When I was pregnant with daughter no1 I went along and signed my name up for Nousha photography. We won (and everyone else I know who entered) a free photo session and print. The framed family print was beautiful (although to buy prints was extortionate... but pressure free!) so deffo worth entering if they are there again this year! Here's an updated list with newer members... Again, update as necessary and edit too... this is by no means the 'final group' so don't be put off joining the 'Winter babies club' if you haven't already! Best wishes to all, babes and bumps. Anna x P.S Bellenden Belle... I have so far restrained from chucking inappropriate comments into the Drawing room.. but it's so tempting! i'll save them for here! Mum2besoon M Early Dec Mothercourage Emma Early Dec (2nd child) Dragon99 Suzie Early Dec (2nd) Bee74 Barbara 16th Dec (2nd) LillyD Lindsay late Dec (2nd) Mooncake Sara 22nd Dec (1st) Poppyshores Helen 23rd Dec (1st) Melanie 4th Jan (1st) Goldielab Steph Jan 13th (2nd) Missmack1981 Anna 15th Jan (2nd) Amydown 15th Jan (2nd) Mikandnik Nik 23rd Jan (1st) veryseriousgirl Victoria 24th Jan (2nd) Pickle Pippa 31st Jan (3rd) Littlemoo R 2nd Feb (2nd) Espelli Elli 3rd Feb (1st) Tomo Caroline 5th Feb (1st) Guest1 Caroline early Feb (2nd) Nabz 12th Feb (1st) Greidy Gem 12th Feb (2nd) KT4 Kate 13th Feb (1st) czosnck Di 14th Feb (1st) BellendenBelle Caroline 15th Feb (1st) MillyMoo Sal 18th Feb (1st) Jlai Julia 19th Feb (1st) Pinkhalf 24th Feb (1st) Midivydale C March

Hi all, lovely evening, Looking forward to next meet up. I will update list of names to include any newer members. But my OCD thought this might also be useful... Huge apologies if I get anything wrong, I can only blame the glass of wine and my baby brain!!! So from Bellendenbelle to her right as list of the people who made it... BellendenBelle Caroline. Mikandnik Nik. Mothercourage Emma. Pickle Pippa Mooncake Sara. Jlai Julia. Tomo Caroline. KT4 Kate. Poppyshores Helen MillyMoo Sal. Missmack1981 Anna I really hope I didn't miss anyone out...eek! And I hope I didn't freak people out with stories!! I know that after our discussions I have upped my bio oil applications and will try to squeeze my pelvic floor whenever I can!! (I bet you're all doing it again now!!) Have a good bank holiday. Good luck with impending scans and check ups.. Anna x

Hi Nabz, Congratulations!! Don't feel hesitant, everybody is going through the same thing no matter age or number of previous children!! I'm sure other existing mothers will agree with me that babies only have to be as expensive as you make it!.. I bought all the gadgets and gizmos first time around and soon realised you/baby don't need most of that stuff!! Come along to Green and Blues.. We're meeting from 7. These mum groups are often the best way to get practical advice and support! Looking forward to meeting everyone then. Anna P.s BAD nutritional day for unborn--- chocs, ice cream, pizza and general junk.. Cravings or just using pregnancy as an excuse to slob out??

Hi all, I've decided to be very OCD and organise a list of names and expected due dates... it's just with all these posts I was totally loosing track. This may also help when we meet up on the 25th... please disregard if you think i'm a total nutter with too much time on my hands and apologies if i get anything wrong or miss anyone out!! (please edit and repost with amendments) Mothercourage Emma Early Dec (2nd child) Dragon99 Suzie Early Dec (2nd) Bee74 Barbara 16th Dec (2nd) LillyD Lindsay late Dec (2nd) Mooncake 22nd Dec (1st) Poppyshores H 23rd Dec (1st) Melanie 4th Jan (1st) Missmack1981 Anna 15th Jan (2nd) Amydown 15th Jan (2nd) Mikandnik N 23rd Jan (1st) veryseriousgirl Victoria Late Jan (2nd) Pickle Pippa 31st Jan (3rd) Littlemoo R 2nd Feb (2nd) Espelli Elli 3rd Feb (1st) Tomo C 5th Feb (1st) Guest1 Caroline early Feb (2nd) czosnck Di 14th Feb (1st) BellendenBelle 15th Feb (1st) MillyMoo Sal 18th Feb (1st) Jlai Julia 19th Feb (1st) Pinkhalf 24th Feb (1st) Midivydale C March

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Hi all, Tomo and anyone thinking of the NCT classes, I found them great the first time round (I did the 3 day intensive course)Mainly because my partner came with me (against his will) and finally got his head around it all and much to his delight made some new dad friends. The support from the other ladies was invaluable for me (and still is) as although I have alot of friends locally, you really need someone who understands what you are going through. We made some great friends and even went ski-ing with one couple when our babies were 5 months old! (thinking about it again this year but newbie will be fresh out of the womb so hesitant to commit!) Saying that I didn't discover the 'winter babies club' first time around and it seems another great way of meeting mums-to- be. Meeting up with Mothercourage again today has cemented my daughter's love for her daughter and has made me feel reassured that I have someone remind me how this newborn thing works! BB- I have also been getting ligament pain (although less so this month) and have popped out a bit now.. so fear not, that muffin top feeling will soon grow into a beautiful bump you can flaunt proudly! I haven't told my work yet about my pregnancy but feel the time has come as when I return in Sept with a suspicious 5 month old bump, they might start wondering.... perhaps this rambling post is my way of avoiding drafting the email!! Anyway looking forward to the 25th! Anna

Hi all, Congrats on scans etc. Suzie.. I had my bloody car broken into on Friday so wouldn't have been able to make it anyway! the little BLEEPS took my sat nav and left me to clear up glass from my daughters car seat and toys :( Don't worry... car wasn't in ED! I imagine it was bored kids as there was a substantial amount of wine in the back from our recent visit to France and it was all left untouched! Plonkers! Anyway... Emma and Co.. deffo on for Friday this week.. Although Ava sleeps from 12:30 ish so she may be in buggy sleeping whilst I gossip and have cake! Shall we say 12pm and then agree a meeting spot with those who are interested? Caroline- I am also up for the Evening meetup. My daughter will be at nursery/grandparents for 2-3 days a week when the newbie is born so I will probably like to re-live all the activities I did when I was a first time mum... So would be nice to meet first timers too. We are around most days until Sept 1st (when I return to work full time) so would like to cram in as much socialising before I go back. So anyone who cannot make Friday or the evening meet up, let us know! Mums expecting in Dec- You must soon be approaching the 20 week scan. so good luck and let us know if anyone is revealing the gender!! Emma, although heartrate was fast again at midwife check, i'm still hoping for a boy! Anyway.. hope to see as many of you as poss on Friday. Anna

Morning all, Wow Belle, that's romantic... it's only right that bump has forum buddies then!! Suzie.. Shall we see how weather goes.. I'm optimistic! Will pm you my number. Anyone else around this pm then let us know too. Anna

Congrats tomo... Just had midwife appt and held my breath until I could hear heartbeat... There's not one stage during pregnancy when I feel relaxed about it all! In fact it takes along time after they're born not to keep checking them and poking them to make sure they're breathing!! It looks like weather might be dodgy tomorrow.. If it's not is anyone up for 3pm in the enclosed picnic part of peckham park? Toddlers can play and any first time mums could come along and chill in the sun (?!) Next Fri sounds like a good plan. We went to the play scheme at goose green on monday and was good. I think it's the same in peckham on fri? Emma, you could try pay as you go with jennifer at dulwich leisure centre but you'll have to go to day time pilates as always spaces then. 9:15 mon and creche is good or mother and child pilates at 10:15 on Mon... I managed to get a little workout as daughter did Waybuloo yojojo next to me! Tres cute!! Have a good week all and maybe see some of you tomorrow Anna x

Hi Pippa, Thurs pm would be good for us. My daughter usually sleeps until 2:30pmish so would 3pm be any good? The more the merrier so if anyone else would like to join then please do. Then maybe the following week, a friday meet up as that seems to be a good day for most? Emma.. I went to pilates then came home and ate a box of cadbury's roses!! I probably would have done it anyway so I'm glad I made the effort to exercise first! Good luck to those awaiting scans... Anna

Hi all, We're back from hols and pleased to see weather is looking good!! Amydown... We have same due date and toddlers 22 months old... Strange. We're in sync! Congrats to all first time mums to be... Very exciting times ahead and to Pippa!! Emma/Bea maybe we can arrange another meet up this week and others can join in if free too? I am on school holidays so am desperate to make to most of It before I go back to work full time (albeit temporarily!) Oh also if anyone is interested, I'm going to mum and child pilates at east dulwich leisure centre on Monday morning. I usually go to the instructor's monday and wed evening pilates and she is fantastic!! It's not a 'serious' class on mon am... Just good fun for under 5's to join in too while you can do a bit of exercise... I'm determined to make my labour easier this time around!!! So.. Up to suggestions about day for meet up... Goose green was good and maybe toddlers picnic too if sunny?? Anna

Lovely meeting Emma and B today (and of course toddlers). We're away now until next Sunday 31st so have a good week and hopefully meet up again in Aug... It'd be nice to have a park/ picnic gathering if summer ever arrives! It's so reassuring to meet other mum's to be who are going through this all again!! Anna

Hi all, Weather pending, I will be at Goose Green swings tomorrow too. B, I have PMd you my mobile so just send a text if you'll be there. I hope everyone is feeling well and those who can't make tomorrow, I look forward to a meet up in the future!! Anna

As a teacher, we have been taught, never to ignore concerns regarding a child's welfare. If parents are willing to behave in a way which might cause concern to others, we always then question what might be going on 'behind closed doors'. I am definitely 'firm' with my own child (and class!!) But not to the detriment of their emotional well being... But who knows?!? Trust your gut instinct. Get advice from child protection. It sound like these parents just need advice about behaviour management strategies, which wouldn't go down well coming from a neighbour.. However, if my daughter was being treated in a way which caused concern, then I would expect and hope that the people concerned would not turn a blind eye!

Hi all, I would definitely be up for a meet up. I am a teacher, so break up on Tuesday. Then away for a week from Friday. No other plans this summer but returning to work, full time eeek, from Sept. B, Happy to meet this Wed morning if you fancy... And obviously anyone else who's around...We can start the ball rolling!! Hopefully if the weather is good we can take toddlers to park?? I hope you all have a good weekend... Mine now consist of napping where possible!! -- roll on that 'burst of energy' I vaguely remember kicking in about now!! Anna

Hi Lilly and Bee, Yes, similar situation for me. Daughter will be nearly 2 and a half on due date which is in mid Jan. Daughter is good as gold so am hoping will adapt easily. Although we have such a good little family unit I'm worried about upsetting the balance! Had invaluable support from NCT mums 1st time round so am glad this forum is here as a way of sharing advice this time round. I feel like I cannot remember the routines and rules for newborns... So it's back to square one!! Congratulations on your pregnancies by the way... It's just about sunk in for me!! Anna

So... Scan is all good. Baby due on Jan 12th (although by my dates this is impossible and more like 28th). Daughter nearly 2 years old and I'm trying to get my head around dividing myself between two of them!! Eeek- Anyway, would be interested to hear the experiences of other winter babies' mum's...

I was waiting by the cashpoint when incident happened. The car must have been travelling at about 60MPH as it took out the metal bollard at entrance to Tesco, went through the barrier and was stopped by the wall and a car! The couple hit were thrown into the air, it's actually amazing that not more people were hit/killed. I don't understand how the driver was driving at such speed, must have sped through the junction. There were so many people around and lots of people 'helping' injured but they moved them out of the road, which is not a good idea with that kind of impact. I just think everyone was so shocked. The injured seemed to be talking and moving, one def more injured than the other, my pregnant instinct was to get out of there as quickly as possible. If any one has news of the injured please post. I really hope they are ok.