DS2 was also 15 months before he'd walk alone (he'd been walking with his push along thingymebob, and doing one or two steps on his own for a long time before though.) I have taken him, without the buggy, this week to get DS1 from school, but he won't walk holding my hand, everytime I hold it he sits down! So have ordered some reins (which I don't like the idea of - dog lead anyone? ) but I can't let him just toddle along on his own, aside from the fact that he is still getting used to his proper shoes, the way people drive/park at home time, even I don't want to walk alone!!
Good points about the soft play/swimming Cal If the weather is nice (and it is bloody beautiful here at the moment, not a cloud in sight, and although it's a bit chilly in the shade, you can already feel the heat of the sun ) how about doing something outside? Maybe a petting farm (stay away from the lambs though!) or play park/picnic? Both the DS's love nothing more than just being free to roam for a while
Cal, not really sure what to say about the job situation, I suppose it is one of the drawbacks of being a working mum, and since I have never done it, I have no practical advice. It's no good even suggesting to start a thread, because it will just turn into the same old pointless argument those sort of threads always do. And I can imagine that it is even harder with having no one to look after DS in an emergency. Hopefully your boss will continue to be understanding, do you feel you could talk to her about it, explain how you don't like to just be flitting off when he is ill but you have no choice? Might be worth a go. Is there much chance of being able to move more of your work so it can be done at home?