Any news on the slingmeet?

Sagan - I might take you up on the offer of the maclaren testdrive - mainly to find out if it fits in the tiny car. I worry that it might not, as even quite small strollers seem to be too long for the width of the boot when they're folded. The loola does fit in there but it's a bit of a bugger to push and awful up and down steps so I end up not wanting to take it anywhere.

Choices, choices...

Hello ladies. Alas I was not able to drive last week (had not yet been given the go-ahead post section by my GP) but hoping to make our next slingmeet. Mine's a Freedom sling- Murron's Pouch to be precise, and I love it- totally hands free except if I want to kiss a little face...

Oh you're nowhere near as bad as me
We have a Maclaren you're more than welcome to borrow for a weekend to try if you like? And a wrap
It's worth trying to get over to Jackanory in St Thomas if you can, she has lots of cheap Maclarens and my wrap came from there too, of all places.

Good to see you I'd be up for a slingmeet although I'm almost certainly going to be a purchase free zone (trying to convince myself here!).

Although I am sort of thinking about trading in the loola and getting something else, maybe a maclaren but maybe a sling - I might as well accept I am an addict

Tis a sheep in french clothing here
Drowning, we should try and make a slingmeet on another day so you can come along. I am loving my wrap. I have been quite drunk fairly recently in the Phoenix though so maybe somewhere else

Glad to see this thread is still going, I had given up on it a bit and forgotten to look out for any updates .

How is everyone?

I hope the slingmeet went well, not sure how you could manage to carry a baby as well as 9 slings!

Not going to make exeter today, but hope you have a nice time.

Yep, that and the shopping trolley pretty much give me away!

Loopy - that sounds nice I may well see you there. I shall look out for the pile of slings with some hands sticking out shall I?

Well, that killed off that thread then!

Just to let you all know if you are watching at all, Exeter Slingmeet Thu 24 Sep, Phoenix Arts Centre Cafe, 1300ish. I will be there with 2 of my DDs and possibly 9 slings... (I do not have a problem, I do not have a problem !)

drowning so sorry about 21st we were away 9-20th camping (no internet) and in all the tidying up carnage that Friday I forgot all about it

Sounds like we really should all organise getting together again soon as there are apparently lots of lovely Exeter ladies to meet

Bookmarking... what a month!!

Hello, I'm just wandering in off the street to introduce myself.
I used to live in Devon, then I didn't and soon I will be again. Well from this Wednesday to be precise. I will be in the East Devon, just shy of Exeter.

Hopefully by the time folk get around to meeting again I will have got to know some of you a bit better.

<sigh> Another thread I killed...

Just bookmarking. Can't make tonight but will do my best to make next meet up day or night and drag Momma along.

I'm afraid I can't make this Friday anymore either .

I think it was meant to be this friday but it looks like it's just me and loopy going now . Would it be better to re-arrange or is this friday still a possibility?

I'm happy to do days as well. I work fridays but mon and tues are good.

this friday?? i cant do that either

Glad it's not me!!!

I haven't had the chance to read all this thread, but are you all talking about meeting this Friday evening? 'Cos I can't make that now!!

I would love to meet up during the day though, it would be great to meet some other little ones to play with.

I am in mid Devon - I see from some earlier posts that others are around here too. Or, Exeter is fine too. Is there anything planned for a daytime meet soon? If not, shall we set one up?? [daring emoticon]. I can do most times during the day in the school hols, Mon/Tues or Fri best for me.

Hi Kirsty, please don't take it personally, this thread does keep going dead but I think it's just because local stuff drops out of active convos before most people have a chance to see it and it's easy to forget to check it. Would be lovely to meet you if you can make it.

Either that or I scared them all away when I said I was up for it...[random paranoia emoticon]

<pokes head in, realises no-one wants to be her friend, slopes off....>

Hello! I have been on MN for a couple of months, mainly buying talking about nappies but I am now thinking maybe it might be time to actually....meet some of you???

How scary are you in real life?! Not done this internet talking stuff for long and never met anyone I have talked to before so am a little bit shy....

I live about 10 miles outside Exeter, can I come and play with you lot? Not sure about an evening meet up but might be able to, depends when / where etc. Will be going back to work FT at end of Sept though so feel I ought to make the most of my time off...!

Oh dear, thought that might happen.

Where is everyone? [listens to echo coming back from empty thread]

Hi all, definitely still up for the 21st just haven't managed to get on MN much recently!

Hope that's not going to kill the thread again...

i'm here DAGTD lol, sorry was awol for a bit. 21st of what? august or september? oh and everyone should buy tickets for this www.exetercta.co.uk/giginthegarden

there is no promotion like self promotion lol

Hello ladylou Will the 21st be definitely not pg and therefore can get squiffy night, or a might be pg but too early to find out yet and therefore can't get squiffy night?!

You do realise that we will all moan about our DCs half the night and probably put you off...

Hi Ladylou,
Yes, do come and join us, the more the merrier

Do those TTC living in Exeter get to come out and play? Would love to meet local TTC & Mums who might be able to offer some guidance....

Well that was jolly successful in putting everyone off..

Yep, I should be able to make the 21st.

Ooh, me, me!!!! I can have a life that night!!!!

I had lost track of this one for a while, it has all gone a bit quiet.

So Fridays? Does the 21st work for anyone who's still here?

Bumping, bookmarking, watching the tumbleweed drift by...

Sorry, it is a bit vulgar. It's only for today. I blame Mitchyinge entirely!

Interesting alternative name !!!!

Ahh crap, sorry forgot to name change back- it's diedandgonetodevon

Right, where HAS phoenix gone?...
shall we try again to arrange something for next month?

Well, DH gets back on the 3rd, so my enforced isolation should come to an end soon I can't do Sat nights though, as I don't finish work in Oke till 1915 and DD3 waits up for her bedtime feed when I get in etc etc.

Fridays are good though, on holiday 14th but there are many others...

That sounds familiar, DS decided the 1/2 hour nap he had in the car was all the sleep he needed for the entire day. He was so tired he kept falling over and wailing but totally refused to go back to bed.

Am I right in thinking you're not available for evenings (without children and with wine) for the moment? It would be fun to get the evening do off the ground again but I'm quite happy to do days with children as well.

drowning lovely to meet you and yours too we had a lovely time and DD2 slept all the way home! DD3, however, was a pickle all day...

There's a very good FSOT section on natural mamas, and the yahoo group UKbabywearingswop is an other good place for secondhand slings. Both for buying now and for getting an idea of the re-sale value of what you end up with

We shall have to do it again sometime (and drag some others along too, been a bit quiet on here of late!)

When I did the soul searching before getting the patapum I eventually convinced myself that I would get better value for money by just buying the thing rather than spending days I could've been carrying DS around thinking about it.

It's probably not very good logic but it works for me

It was a tight fit drowning, but my arse has managed to ping back to its original enormous size, no problem
I have sling envy too. I am trying to convince myself that I need a wrap. My dad loved carrying ds in the stretchy wrap last summer and I know he'd like to have a go when he comes in a fortnight, and I'm sure I'd need the extender for the ergo. In which case, I may as well just get a wrap and get it over with
I don't suppose anyone wants to buy an energetic 5 year old? Going very cheap... I should use the money from the cage playpen really. It's only a tenner more than I got from selling that. I'm doing a very good job of convincing myself....

LM was lovely to meet you, I do have serious sling envy now but I'm really not sure I can justify buying more baby stuff. Maybe if I can find something to sell first...

LL hope you've recovered from being squashed into that 2 inch gap, I need a bigger car

Yay, my ds is much better too. I do think I just saw a flash of lightning mind you, so it could be an interesting drive...

Yay, see you later! Anyone know if the tiverton schools have broken up yet?...

We'll be there. DS is much better than yesterday and we're ready to play!

I've only been there once so can't be certain but IIRC they have quite an elderly till so I'm not sure about cards. I could be getting it confused with another of the numerous soft play places we've been though.

We should be there shortly after 10, the website doesn't say if they take cards or not, but I'm hoping so too!

Will bring wrap(s!)

We can stop at a cahspoint, we go past the Tiverton Tesco [showing off local knowledge emoticon].

Have just messaged you on fb for address!

cool. Don't worry if he's not up to it through. I'll text you my address when I have a hand free. Loopy can you bring a wrap so I can have a play? My finger is hovering over the 'buy' button but I want to make sure a wrap's going to work for us. Do they take card there? If not I'm going to need to find a cash machine as dd spent the last tenner in my purse in the hell hole bear factory

You're fine for a lift if DS is ok. If everyone else is hardy about germs then I'm pretty certain we will make it

If we're going to be in Tiverton for 10 (it was 10 wasn't it?), shall I pick you up about 9.30?

cool. Am I still ok for a lift, germs permitting? ds is a bit out of sorts too (can you tell i'm bf and typing with finger !)

I seriously doubt it's swine flu but it is a bit of an odd one, will make sure I get on with an update before 9.

I know but I do use it virtually every day so it's been well worth it. And the re-sale on slings is very good, too.

I have to head out just after 9AM, we're 'ard as nails and don't care about germs (unless you think it really might be swine flu which would seriously threaten me visiting my folks next week as my Dad has a weakened immune system!). We can re-schedule if you would rather, see how he is in the morning and post then to let me know

I'm not entirely sure what to do, DS is quite snuffly at the moment. Well enough that he'll go bonkers if I try to make him stay in all day tomorrow but ill enough I'm not sure anyone would want to meet us and share germs.

I'm hoping he's going to be a bit perkier by tomorrow .

£95 for a wrap! I'm not sure I should even be looking, I've already spent far too much on baby transport devices...

I have 7 seater and too many car seats, so if you wanted to get the train to Tiverton I can meet you at the station about 10 (though that does tie you to my timetable a little; I will have to get away a bit after 12 to be back in time for DD1).

Hoping you are still OK for tomorrow, drowning, I now have 2 lovely stripey wraps to show off as after last week I have bought another

You like the Hoppediz, LL, mama natura have a good selection and they are really good value wraps at £50 (My Didymos now retails at £95)

Would be more fun to have some adult company for the journey even if it's a bit of a squeeze , do you want to give it a try?

You underestimate the size of my ass
Had a lovely time today. Lovely to meet you Loopy, I am now trying to decide if I can justify getting a wrap. It did feel very comfortable having ds slightly higher up on my back than is possible in the ergo, and I like the fact that you can do carrier where the carrier doesn't give you a huge muffin top [vain emoticon]. I can't remember hte name of the one I tried on though, I think it began with H. I googled the zara ones, they are lovely. SOrry he was such a grizzler today, he's definately not himself, was asleep by 6.15 with no protest!

I have a feeling my car is too small to fit 3 carseats across the back but I don't think there's a front airbag [makes mental note to check] so a small person could go in the front. It might be a bit cramped but I'm sure you could get in the back along with a couple of seats. My car might be small but your ass is not that big

AFAIK the train station is somewhere out of town a bit but the buses go pretty close if all else fails...

That's kind drowning, I have carseats Just need room to fit my fat arse....
I was going to say i could catch the train, but I htink the station is far away from the centre? Never been to Tiverton in my life

It does have it's own parking but it's a bit strange, you have to go round the back and then keep going and going and going to get to the right bit. I'm sure there were some Tiverton people on this thread when it started...

LL if you were free I could probably give you a lift if we can juggle the carseats a bit? I have several but would have to check if they'd be quite the right sizes.

Not sure we'd got anywhere at all with the evening meet yet, need someone with some organisational capabilities

Right, I'm back on my feet again. Did anything get decided about an evening meet-up?

Sounds good, I don't need to do Exeter, and although I don't know monster's mansion it sounds like DDs 2&3 (3y and 19mo) would have more fun there than in Costa!

<<pause whilst Loopy googles Monsters Mansion...>>

Oh yes . Make a pleasant change to Waie to Play. Does it have it's own parking?

Anyone else fancy soft play Tues 21st July AM?!

I'm free 21st. I don't know if you have to be in Exeter anyway but if you need to be in Mid-Devon maybe we could meet at monster's mansion in Tiverton? DS is crawling rather than walking and there's very few places he can get out and stretch his legs in Exeter. Dinky's can't seem to decide if they're open or not from one minute to the next...

You know it Loopy And I've roped in Niche so she'll be coming with her impressive stash

Exeter Sling Meet - Thu 16 July 1PM Phoenix Arts Centre Cafe

You know you want to, littlelamb...

drowning, I can do Tue 21 about 1030 for a quickish coffee/cake/slinging? Have to head off from Exeter at 1200 to get back to deepest darkest mid devon to collect DD1 from playgroup

Exeter does seem to be a bit of a hot spot, although it's hard to tell whether it's worse than anywhere else as the testing and reporting seems pretty vague now.

I'd be up for a daytime meet if it's a mon, tues or wed .

Always happy to meet another time to show off my wrap

Makes it all a bit more real having it on the doorstep, doesn't it? I'm waiting anxiously for the first death of someone without prior medical conditions...

I should stop making jokes about swine flu now so many people are actually getting it .

<passes the tissues from a safe distance>

I work thursdays so I won't make the slingmeet

!! Hope you start to feel better soon

<<shuffles carefully away from diedandgonetodevon>>

Ok, the swine flu comment was a joke but back ache became everything ache and dizzyness and all sorts of other nasty symptoms. Been on phone to doctor and DH has been sent to get Tamiflu for me.

That'll teach me. Feel shite and too fevery to sleep. Meh.

Ooo that's great, where is it arranged for? I'll see if niche can come too, she has a patapum and a mei tai at the very least

Sounds like I'm not missing all the fun after all then . I could do a Friday evening in August, BTW. Sats tricky as I work in Oke till 1915.

littlelamb yes of course . TBH I can't really answer your question about front carrying as I have pretty much permanently back carried from 5 months (with 2 others, she is just in the way in front). This means 2 things - 1) I am not very good at front wraps and 2) it always feels really uncomfortable!!

There is an Exeter slingmeet provisionally arranged for Thursday 16 July, 1PM. I am planning on going, complete with DDs 2&3 and sling stash Can you make that? If not I'm more than happy to arrange to meet up another time so you can play around with the wrap. SOunds like drowning had better come along too !!

If I don't have swine flu I can make it

Hope you're all better soon.

Does next Sat (12th) suit anyone better? I can't do the 2 after that so maybe Sat 1st August?

We'll probably all have swine flu by then...

I've just pulled muscles in my back so I'm afraid I'm out- pity party here too tonight.

Will be in if you rearrange.

I'm out too I'm afraid. The only party I'm going to is the pity party currently happening in my bed Am too poorly even for Pimms. Definately another time though

Best of luck with the packing.

Anyone coming?

sorry, i don't think i can make it.
i am exhausted from work and have so much packing still to do.
and tomorrow i'm throwing a party for the boys and their friends as a farewell, so I think i'll be getting everything ready for that.

<stares around at boxes overflowing>
i need to tackle the wardrobe today. I have no idea what's in there as all my clothes are on the floor.

Hope he is returning fairly soon but I'm going to have to try and make it to a daytime meet as well - I want to see the wrap in action too

So is anyone up for tonight? How are we all going to recognise each other? [remembers wandering round Haldon woods asking random strangers if they're mumsnetters]

Pimms in the sunshine

Come home soon, DH!!

loopy It doesn't do parent facing does it? I really thought when I got the patapum that I was sorted for baby carrying/ pushing devices but I have been totally sucked back in...

Were we going to start at wagamamas or go somewhere for drinks first?

If it is, I need to pull ym finger out. I also think I'm ill My head kind of feels like it's on sideways, I will be having an early night, ds permitting. If it is, I'll definately try and make it, I am well up for a bit of Pimms in the evening sunshine

Right, what's happening?

Are we meeting up tomorrow (is it tomorrow?)

drowning I keep meaning to e-bay my petite star zia as I never use it owing to presence of beautiful sling in my life Interested at all?

Ah, I love that you like her She lives on your road. Have you looked on stuff4sale? Click on the devon site on the left hand side. They always have cheap bugies. Or have you tried Jackanory across the river?

Sorry have been spending far too much time on ebay. I was meant to be looking for a cheap, lightweight stroller for my mum and somehow ended up perusing far too expensive loolas. Haven't managed to buy anything yet...

Do try and get her to come , MNer or not she's a good laugh!

<<tumbleweed>>

Ooo I hope I can get a babysitter
drowning, you would have seen my best friend on Monday- I looked after her dd while she volunteered at the baby clinic- blonde, loud, big boobs I'll have to see if she can come along. I suspect her to be a closet MNer

I'm definitely up for the 4th . Was it still wagamama or did that get vetoed as too messy?

Not at all DD2 has been talking about chasing the pigeons all day. Sorry I can't make Sat night, just too tricky with DH away ATM but hope all those who can go have a lovely time!

well that was lucky today i was very very late (sorry again lol) and it occured to me afterwards that DH may have caused some hairy handed trucker ideas when he ran up to you loopymumsy.

so now to organise the 4th. who is coming?

a little later is good for me loopymumsy. running late this morning. 11am in same place? i have to go out now, so hopefully thats ok.

Likewise on the tennis! What with that, then wet bed at half eleven and lost cuddly toy at 4AM, not a great morning......

I might be able to, am not too sure how our day is shaping up tbh. But the offer of a good ogle at the wrap may just clinch it I need to get to bed but am glued to the tennis

Shut? And I've never even been!

As meeting at R&B you might be better off getting there slightly late (if you see this in time of course!)- it is supposed to be a fit check visit only on this occasion, but having put shoes onto the two relevant DDs earlier today I am now wondering if I ma in fact going to get away with just fit checks... I might have to buy again

littlelamb are you able to come? I can show off my lovely wrap

*she

oh bum... and i still have some play vouchers left that MIL bought last time sge was here,

oh well loopymumsy, i guess we will go somewhere else, but i'll still meet you at 10.30 outside R&B.

anyone else coming?

Yep, we go there far more often than we should and it has looked a bit hit and miss for a while now but an electrical fault? Seems a bit suss to me

:O no! are you sure ll?

<<pops into thread>>
I hate to be the harbinger of doom, but Dinkys is shut I was looking after my friends dd today and arrived to find it shut due to an 'electrical fault'. The same sign was up last Thursday, and there was a pile of post by the door. I know the Dinkys in Teignmouth shut down. It looks like our one might be headed the same way <ll wonders where ds is goign to get his ball pool fix now>

i'll meet you outside russell and bromley at 10.30 then i was thinking dinkys, ds loves it there, but if you would prefer somewhere else, im open to suggestions.

Yes, fine still. About 1030 OK? Where do you suggest? I have to dash into Russell and Bromley first, so I'll be the frazzled looking Mummy with a baby tied on her back and 2yo in hand

tuesday still ok loopymumsy? and anyone else of course

Just bookmarking

I think they just keep going through all the possible options until someone finally gets it right. Hopefully this time he's all sorted.

That almost sounded like exciting news for a second! And has reminded me how desperately our ceiling needs doing as well. DP started it while I was pregnant but only managed a small patch, which just highlights how terrible the rest of it looks. Now the small patch is starting to return to a mild grey it doesn't look as noticeable.

I'm free mon or tues next week if you're about on either of those?

Having read that back, I'd like to clarify two things. I am indeed an overuser of the smilies. And I would like to reassure everyone that there are definately no new additions expected here

It went really well His rash seems to be almost gone already,a nd the doctor we saw this time (is it the fifth or sixth one, I can't remember ) explained what she thought the problem was properly to me, and it's most likely a problem with ds's skin that needs to be kept under control rather than a recurrent infection iyswim. I didn't even see you coming the other day, I would have walked straight past you I seem to be in a world of my own recently, I think I've got some kind of horrible cold, my head feels very wooly tonight I am also going through a mad nesting phase which hasn't happened since ds was born a year ago I like to think that maybe a shock pregnancy would at least be an excuse for the impossible to shift podge I've had ever since . I've been scrubbing my kitchen floor and been up on a ladder scrubbing the ceiling this evening. I've lived here for almost 5 years and never had the urge to do that before. I was thinking, I have loads of work clothes packed away here (in much smaller sizes than I am now ) so if you want to come and dig through them at some point you're quite welcome

LL how did you get on at the dr?

30th in the morning with kids (well, definitely with mine anyhoo) and 4th in the evening for alcohol fuelled rampage civilised cocktails. Definitely no kids

<waves>hey! i lost this thread! so these meetups? can any ol trucker turn up? .

When? Give me dates, times, locations and I will try to be there!

Sooooooo good
I have never seen a museum so packed, you could tell the staff were genuinely taken aback by it. The whole concept of it is just amazing, he really has taken over the whole museum. We're definately going to go again in a few weeks, the guide we were talking to said things are constantly changing, he is going in and swapping things round and putting extra bits in every day It made me suspicious of all the men in hoodys around me . Dd didn't like the animatronic bits, and the museum is actually pretty badly lit inside which made her a bit scared but she has asked tonight to go again. I think she liked the dinosaurs

drowning just so you don't feel an outcast it won't let me register either.

I'd be up for a sling meet. I asked my HV when ds1 was small but they said there wasn't one in Exeter any more.

LL how good was the show?

It's mad isn't it. And ds's skin has flared up again so it's back to the doctors tomorrow for us So far so good tonight though, he's been down 2 hours and not stirred. I think we tired him out today. Would you believe that we got all the way to Bristol on the train without one person offering to stand up for us?? I had ds on my front in the ergo, and dd was sat on my friend's lap all the way while I stood. I'm certainly fat enough for people to see me. Maybe I should have sat on them. I so wish I was brave and could glare at people. Not one person <<shakes head in grumpy old ladyish fashion>>

I think we managed a similar number last night. DS didn't go to bed until 10 (we tried several times before then) and then he kept waking up. He is coming down with a cold which probably explains things but doesn't bode well for next week.

Would love to come to an Exeter slingmeet but I can't persuade the number recognition thing that I'm not a spam sending robot (the colours on this monitor are rubbish) so haven't quite worked out my registration yet, will have another go later...if I'm not called away upstairs.

Hope it goes OK for you at work drowning I spent my first day after dd looking soppily at the picture of dd in my purse but we soon got into a routine. I still can't imagine going back just yet. Certainly not to the hours I was working before. Ds was up 6 times last night
loopy, I thought I'd heard a rumour that someone was doing a slingmeet, I'll have a look at your link..

Splendid 30th it is then Just say where.

LL and drowning knowing you are both also babywearers (and other closet slingers I haven't identified yet) - somebody is trying to start up an Exeter slingmeet. Would you be interested? here

30th is absolutely fine loopymumsy i wont be able to do thursday though

LM We went to the one at Haldon racecourse but it was a very impulse, we've just been for a walk in the woods and ooh there's a sign for a car boot sale type visit. I'm not sure if it was because we got there slightly too late but it did seem to be more people selling rubbish they didn't want and no-one else would want either than some I've been to before. Also almost all the baby/ child stuff was pink (probably not a problem if you have 3 girls) but we did get a really nice playtable for DS.
I've heard the one in Bickleigh is better so might try that next time.

niche what a nightmare. Maybe they were being considerate by making sure you only had to nurse them one at a time?

Am very of everyone getting to meet up on Thurs, I'm going back to work. Not at all sure I'm ready for it yet.

Am ridiculously excited. Would love to meet on Thursday and gloat tell you all about it
I did find out of the name of the yucky restaurant in Teignmouth- the name escapes me now, but I will find out.

oh LL I soooo want to go to that show, looks fab.

drowning I was quarantined for ages with the dcs pox, they just wouldn't cooperate by getting it all together, nope it was fortnightly! Now I fear the measles going around ds1's school. Dt1 had her MMR last week and was miserable and not very sociable for days after, couldn't even be lured into town for play.

I'm taking mine to Dinkys on Thursday if anyone's around and fancies coffee? I noticed the Teignmouth branch has to-let signs up.

O yes coffee would be lovely. Am so excited, off to see Banksy in Bristol on Wednesday

drowning which car boot? I think DH could be persuaded that our girls are old enough for us to take them at last, but I don't know where the decent ones are.

phoenix I have finally looked at my diary, and though the 23rd is do-able, 30th would be better for me. Anyone else up for coffee that day (as I currently live a life that is far too restrictive to get me out on a Saturday night but WLTM ...)

Apparently Budleigh Salterton is the place to go for tip rummaging. Have heard good things about NA and I've got a bit of a soft spot for Tiverton.

I fear I'm letting the MN side down a bit, not much boden at the tip...

She was acting completely crazy. I've never seen her like it before. She was completely manic. Then got a bit quiet and withdrawn. Have always been a bit sceptical about it but now I've seen it with my own eyes I'll be much more careful about what sweets she has. Everyone I know has been to a carboot today. I have missed out . I did go to Newton Abbot rec yard this week though. My word, what a treasure trove. They had everything there. Even a grave stone

LL I remember speaking to someone once who could just eat a few sweets and be more wrecked than people who'd been drinking all evening. Tis a tiny bit scary. We've had a lovely weekend, did some impulse buying at a car boot sale. I haggled for pretty much the first time ever [useless at that kind of thing emoticon].

niche I was meaning to ask what your quarantine was for? Are you less housebound now?

I'm in almost definitely.

Naturally How are you? Dd had a few strawberry laces from a friend this afternoon and I've never seen such a sugar rush She was literally bouncing around the house and an hour later had a terrible come down Natural colourings my arse

And cocktails?

Ooooo wine

18mo and almost 3. Fortunately the biggest one is at playgroup Tue mornings (she is also the biggest handful )

sounds fabulous loopymumsy how old are your dc? i'll have a think about the best place.

DB the 4th is the evening meet

is the 4th a daytime meet or a alcohol fuelled evening meet?

4th sounds good to me , now all we need to do is get everyone else who said they were interested to look at the thread (unless they've gone off the idea now we've signed up for it)!

I've spent too many years working in the US so it's now imprinted on my brain.

Ooh, Phoenix, It's a good job you organise us all . Yup, 23rd is fine (she says, without actually bothering to heave herself off the sofa and check ....)

I don't know Exeter that well, being a west of Crediton country bumpkin, so shall also delegate venue to you . However is about 1030 OK?

lol i didnt realise how appropriate that was
diedandgonetodevon... independence day indeed

Yay! I'm not alone anymore. It was lonely on here for a bit .

4th of July suits me. Independence Day for mothers!!

ok just to throw a date into the mix, try and get this started again, how about saturday 4th of july?

loopymumsy (and anyone else) coffee on 23rd june?

Just you and me then DAGTD ?

<runs and hides>
<giggles and gives away hiding place>

I thought I'd already killed this one by asking if people preffered weekdays or weekends!

So weekend probably looking more hopeful? Which one?

<tumbleweed>

Oh lord, it has hasn't it!?

Oh dear, has the prospect of me turning up scared you all away? <shuffles feet and giggles nervously>

Weekend would be easier for me as DH doesn't get back from work until 7. But if it's a weekday I'll just have to be fashionably late and avoid the cocktails.

LL I'm not staying in much longer. I may drag dt1 out tomorrow if she's stopped crying about her sore legs. Must sort out my mum's gift. If I do make it into town I'll text in case you're free. Feel very at having to keep cancelling.

Are we any closer to choosing a date? I think happy hour might well be a weekday thing (would need to check), does anyone have a preference for weekend/weekday evening?

How's your quarantine going niche? It's really persuaded me to get my butt in gear and go and get ds's injections done. One day we will actually meet up. If it's for cocktails, all the better

I can do fri evenings or weekends without dcs, food and cocktails always a good combi in my mind, esp if there's a happy hour involved, sure my last food and drinking session was about 7 years ago. I might have to borrow one of dts bibs for wagamamas tho although I can manage chopsticks just fine.

wagamama and cocktails sounds good to me!

She does seem very sweet with him, this year she's probably getting more out of the birthday events than he is!

I think the loveliest thing today was seeing how much dd enjoyed seeing her little brother have his special day A year ago, I was sat worrying that I she would hate him But she is so proud of him, and he's been walking towards her again today so that she will clap for him <<melts>>

They have no sense of occasion, do they? And a determined interest in boxes rather than presents.

Most babies do seem to lose their first lot of hair. DS did apart from 2 'horns' which I had to trim eventually as they were making him look a bit wild.

He has been thoroughly unimpressed all day. We took him to Boston Tea Party for a plateful of cakes and that went down well
What puzzles me now is how he has more hair in the pictures taken a year ago than he does now?!

We don't get out enough , can't think what's been stopping us this last year.

And very happy birthday to the little man!

How have I never been in that place before?!

They do a happy hour

oooh cocktails sound goooooood

I do love a bit of wagamamas. And cocktails

How did everyone feel about wagamama? Good place to start or too messy? It's opposite Exeshed which would make cocktails an option...

I think we might need your firm hand phoenix
I don't mind which day it is really as long as there's wine

i'm just waiting for someone to suggest something. dont want to take over like i did last time lol

Everyone's gone very quiet about dates now. Has the idea of hairy truckers and stalkers been too off-putting?

Oh you'd better believe I'm watching
<<Peers out of curtains in a paranoid fashion>>

Small world!

I always think of MN when I see someone with a desirable sling/carrier but then I tell myself that not all baby-wearers are MNers. Maybe they are after all?

Ha ha just shows that MNers are always watching you

how weird!

Well, with 3xDDs I feel totally justified in going for pink, pink, pink now !! Yes, i do back carries by myself, TBH I am far more competent at getting them onto my back than I am into a front carry (even in my Ergo!) - just because I never use front carries. With the other kids to look out for, I find a front carry just means that DD3 is on the way, so back is much better.

Mine is a Didymos, but Storchenwiege are beautiful and a lot cheaper. They also use blue and red as their base thread in a lot of their designs. Mind you, there is a Didy for everyone, they do so many!!

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Was it really you??
Yes, it was pink stripes. The power of mumsnet eh??
I must look into woven wraps. Not sure ds would approve of a pink one though
Are you able to do back carries by yourself? I find hte ergo really easy to get onto my back, but was always too scared to try with a wrap (the one I had was stretcy so wouldn't have worked anyway)
Yes, we were walking towards tesco past the giant lemon squeezer, you were walking the other way [stalker emoticon]

It was me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Assuming of course you mean shades of pink in stripes, baby on back and 4yo scurrying along beside. There aren't that many other people I have ever seen in Exeter back carrying with an Eva Didy (like, none !) so, yup, must be me

Glad you liked it, I adore my wrap.

arf at littlelamb the slingophile.

i think you guys better just arrange for an evening that suits most. i have no idea really when i'm going to be free as now have 5 weeks before we move!!
i will try to make it whenever it is, but can't promise owt.

I can't make the 20th June but apart from that I'm free most evenings.

[no social life emoticon]

I'm in London with Marslady at a breastfeeding conference thingummy that weekend <preen>

Any other times / dates?

Noone?
Well it was beautiful whoever it was
So who wants to organise the meetup? Doesn't have to be that day if it's no good for everyone

Does anyone on here want to own up to being on the high street this morning with a beautiful pink woven wrap sling?? I saw a woman with a baby on her back and actually turned to have a second look
I carry ds in our Ergo but do miss wrapping, and this looked soo secure. Kicking myself for not just going and asking her about it

indeed dragonbutter

loopymumsy sounds good just let me know which tuesday is good for you. and of course anyone else too

I'd come to an evening meet up but can't do Sat 27th June.

Phoenix (and anyone else who needs an excuse to get out [grin) a Tuesday would be lovely, thank you . Morning would be marginally better for me as DD1 can be at pre-school till one and she is by far my biggest handful

night night truckers laydeez

that was very good!

forking hell pavlov!
(like that Phoenix? )

I like wagammas. I have been known to make DH drive to Exeter just because I fancy some food from there!

i was going to say something about forking, but maybe not lol

I know, pride comes before a fall. You can all watch me drop food everywhere after a bottle glass of wine.

loopymumsy i'm free all day on tuesdays if you wanna meet up for a coffee or something some time.

O stop showing off. I will dazzle you with my ability with a fork

show off

sounds like an excellent plan

*twirls chopsticks at Littlelamb*

Maybe it should be nandos. We could all just use our fingers then. How uncooth

i'll be embarrassed to be in the company of fork users. oh the shame.

I'll get dd to give you some lessons I'm glad I'm not the only incompetent. I once ordered the soup thinking it woul dbe foolproof but then it came with the massive wooden ladel and chopsticks, so I was faced with the indignity of having to kind of just scoop it into my mouth, massive vegetables and all. Such glamour On the bright side, did you know you can get Wagamama takeout?? So you can eat in shame peace with noone judging yor chopstick prowess

I love wagamama but I have managed to catapault food at DP whilst attempting to be a poncy chopstick user .

Definitely available for a night out! [reminisces about Timepiece's grubby burgers]

I don't even know how she learned it. It certainly wasn't from me She just picked them up and got on with it. SHe even tried to show me where I was going wrong. SHe is 4 I was rather shamefaced using my fork

dont worry ll, i cant use chopsticks either... i dont even try anymore for fear of embarassing myself

<sighs heavily> no chance I can make a Saturday night but never mind I am sure one day I shall have a life again !!!

All sounds good.

then we will show you a good time db. As long as we finish the night with a Timepiece dirty burger I'm well up for it. Or we could actually start somewhere nice. Last time we had dinner at Nandos and we were already a leetle bit drunk before we left. Wagamamas also good, but more chance I will spill something down myself. I'm always the loser who has to ask for a fork. Even my 4 year old can use the chopsticks better than me

i never go out.

I have got far too used to them over the last month. When dd was on her little jaunt up country I had many willing volunteers to babysit ds and many friends willing to take me out and corrupt entertain me. Now I am happy sat at home with my pipe and slippers.

Wow, a night out and it's not even christmas!

Db that is a blinder of a date- It's dd's birthday party which means grandparents are here for free babysitting Hoochie knows all the dives classy places to drink

I'd like a saturday night out in Exeter.
What about Saturday 27th June?

so when is good for everyone then?

You poor cat, this sounds extreme Therefore, I pledge in advance to be overwhelmed by your stoicism in the face of adversity & care not one jot about fictitious ugly sticks

fran I shall pop over and <whisper> it to you .

My pukiness has been up and down, like my food fnar fnar! almost hospitalised, but managed to get the medication first and hold some liquids down. Better since then, marginally. So when we meet, ignore the fact I look like i been hit with the ugly stick k?

Doris, I confess: I find Exeter most civilised & would happy gatecrash the city meet up

Pavlov, I was thinking about you earlier as looked at my lonely Plymouth thread & wondered about your pukiness. Are you feeling any slight improvement since nibbling a little medicinal trifle? Would be delighted to meet you on Tuesday if you can do it. Please explain CAT on Plymouth thread. I am a dunce & do not wish polite Exeter society to know it

It's still not showing any sign of coming out soon <<<<hate pragnancy emoticon>>>

Yes, definitely.

Can do with or without children, very tempted by wine

I am up for it, definitely without child for me this time, given that DD has stepped up a gear and I would like to actually talk to some people!

Fran - as doris said we became hangers on in Exeter! I am about to post on the Plym thread...I will try to come to the Hoe on tues PM as not working if you are meeting with Claire, and if I am not puking! CAT me and I will send you my mobile if you want.

doris - aw, bring your newborn!!

19Fran76 There are quite a few of us Plymouth based, but we gatecrashed the exeter meet up last time

(think we're just too lazy to organise our own!!)

Ooo yes
And best make it quick before DB buggers off to another country. I hear she's rather fond of the wine and I bet she's a goer

Yes please. They're a bit sluggish on my generous offer to get acquainted here in Plymouth Dunno why

New to thread but whereabouts in Devon?

Good luck for Tuesday Doris!

Hi phoenix - think I might be a bit tied up for a few months (due dc3 on tues) but I hope you all have a great time!!!!

Didn't make the last one but might well be interested if we could make it. I would definitely be a with kids though as DH is away till August.

title says it all really, anyone up for it? perhaps without children this time, though whatever works best for the majority is fine by me.