to let down DM re Tower of London poppies

[Dovahkiin]

DM really wants to see the poppies. She won't go alone and, having recently moved house, doesn't have any friends in the area. She's widowed and my DG's carer so a day out is a big deal for her. I initially said I would meet up with her on Friday with DD1 (just turned 2) and DD2 (6 weeks) but I'm having second thoughts having looked at the pictures of the crowds and the weather forecast. I really don't want to be standing outside for hours with the DDs. Am I being PFB? I'm sure DM would understand if I explained it to her but I don't want to let her down unnecessarily.

I bet your mum is really looking forward too it. I think you should just do it, it may be a fun day out! Go early in the morning.

Sofia

I am the opposite to you, I think. i look back at all the things I did with a baby and toddler and wonder how on earth I managed and why on earth I bothered!

An exception would be French performance artists who had an animatronic elephant parading through Hyde Park a few years ago.

I do understand the argument about wanting to support OPs DM though

Woowoo

I think it is a bit dismissive to talk about being PFB. People vary a lot in how they feel physically and emotionally with a 6 week old and a toddler

I can see that its a mission. But with planning, a sling, umbrella and some reins it will be ok i think. I think you should go if you're otherwise up to going out. Maybe your Dp could look after the toddler?

The crowds are better this week honest and have a Paddington art trail in London now with some of the statues are the Tower. DD1 would love her picture taken with them and they are tactile and not too big

Sorry train selling disaster. .. We Have a Paddington trail with some around the Tower. You can download a map

Oh I give up!!! Spelling not selling.

Great Paddingtons though

Good point yarp. I do regret some of the ordeals outings I put DS and me through when he was very young.
But this was a promise and if its possible to carry off I think it sounds important for OP's DM.

I would probably go in the evening tbh if you can. Leave toddler at home with dh, take baby in sling. Then can see poppies and go for meal with dm and just have baby asleep or feeding in sling

If you are coming into Charing Cross, can I suggest that you get off at Waterloo East and take the overland trains to London Bridge?

It's all pushchair accessible at Waterloo and London Bridge. It's an easy walk to Tower Bridge, along the river, and there is a lift on the far side up to the top (or the RV1 bus if it's raining).

Taking the tube from Charing Cross will involve stairs at either end, which is a PITA with a pushchair.

Woowoo I think it is a bit dismissive to talk about being PFB.

The OP used the phrase herself, and I was just responding to that. I wouldn't have used the term PFB randomly.

I would make the effort to go (especially if you can go with just the baby in the evening). It would mean a lot to your DM and it unfortunately is a time-limited event. I am conscious as I get older that I want to maximise the time and special occasions that I spend with my parents. It probably won't be as bad as you think and it will give your dm real pleasure

Definitely get the train to London Bridge, and walk from there. It's a lot easier than struggling with the tube, and the toddler will love walking over Tower Bridge.

Woowoo

Aah, so she did. My apologies

We went yesterday and it wasn't nearly as bad crowd-wise, as I expected. Yes there were a lot of people but everyone was being terribly polite ("no no, after you") and there was no jostling about or anything. There were plenty of buggies, wheelchairs and small babies in slings but they didn't seem to be having any trouble getting round.
Due to a train delay we didn't leave Brighton station until gone 10am so reached the tower at what was presumably the busiest time of the day and it was still ok. We even got a seat on the tube!

I went on Monday and got there early, there was only myself and three other people at 9am.

I think the crowds were worse the week before as was half term.

Go, if she wants to see it its a once in a life time opportunity for her.

I went to see it yesterday. It is a staggering display and anyone who can make it, should go. I've written about my thoughts regarding the poppies on my blog

Reflections on the Tower of London's poppies