roll call for any Aussie mums in London who want to meet up?

[quokka]

Been here 7yrs now have 2 ds's 2yrs and 6months and am married to a pom so looks like I'm here for the long run! The closest I get to an aussie now is watching neighbours (I know its quite pathetic). Anyway if there are any others who fancy a catch up, I'm in west london?

Hmmm, that's a tough one. Where is central for everyone? I guess the city but not sure what you had in mind. Do you normally go to a cafe or restaurant? Or do you go somewhere with more focus on occupying the LOs?

Covent Garden comes to mind with plenty of cafes/eateries AND the Aussie Shop to stock up on the odd snack from home.

I've done a search on family friendly restaurants and it came back with the following suggestions - My Old Dutch (in Holborn), Cafe Rouge (Covent Garden), Smollensky on the Strand (Sundays given over to families includes a clown), Belgo (Covent Garden) to name a few.

I was wondering about a childrens indoor play centre but I think the closet central one I found was the Blue Kangaroo in Fulham.

Another idea I had was to visit a farm but again they aren't in the city so to speak. Some I found were Hackney City Farm, Mudchute Farm (Docklands) and Spitalfields City Farm. All of these are further East than they are central.

There's always one of the Royal Parks as well - St James, Green, Hyde, Kensington or Regents Park/s.

Just a few ideas, what do think?

O2BMe, theres a farm in west London will ask my neighbour as they go all the time

Welcome 02bme! I am an Aussie with a 10 week old dd living in Fulham. Hubby is also an Oz and we have lived here for 6 years. From North coast NSW originally.

The royal parks are a good idea. Kensington gardens and hyde park both have cafes that are child friendly (baby change, kids food etc).

And Kaybee if you are worried about Zak screaming you can always take him for a walk outside in the park! I am always worried that dd will scream the place down when I go out but she hasn't so far, she saves it up for when she gets home!

Just found the royal parks website....
www.royalparks.gov.uk/parks/kensington_gardens/facilities.cfm

Sorry am internet tardo and don't know how to do tricky embedded links (and too lazy to find out how )

I think park and cafe sounds good, as ds1 can run around outside if he gets bored and we can chuck kaybee out if her ds gets too loud.

I used to worry about my lo's screaming the place down, but you will find there are other (and worse) ways they can embarass you the older they get

Hi Mellin. I love the farm idea but would be happy with going to the park as well. The Parks are free (except for refreshments) and as you say, there's plenty of space for the LOs to roam and exercise their vocal abilities.

Like hiding your wallet hey Quokka!

My poor DS, i am giving him such a bad reputation! He can be sweet really ( like when he's asleep )

Meeting at one of the parks sounds good to me, and perhaps when DS is a little more settled we could join you guys at a farm or something like that..

projectile vomit in public, doing a wee in the park (ds1 not me), tantrums, I could go on forever!

Kaybee I'm sure when we meet up your ds will be the perfect angle!

angel!!!!

Quokka your LOs sound like real characters. Life must never be dull. Can't wait to meet them.

We went to the health centre to get him weighed yesterday and he was perfectly behaved, just sat on my knee and looked around while we waited for the health visitor. Yet at home he won't do that!!
Freaky child. Its his 6 week checkup tomorrow so might discuss with doctor his constant crying......

My gosh my life just seems to be getting busier and busier! Not much time for mn's at the mo. Dh is away for a week so have to do the ironing today, and the mountain of shirts is huge!

poor you quokka, ironing sucks!

DS has been prescribed infant gaviscon, but now cant seem to suck the milk out of the bottle

tell me about it, still haven't manged to get the ironing board out! Anyway neighbours is on now

gaviscon, my firends baby loved it more than the milk!

I reckon dd likes infacol more than breastmilk. She always gets more excited at the sight of the infacol dropper than my boob!
Quokka how did you let dh escape without taking the kids with him?? You'll have to be faster next time. maybe sneak them into his suitcase

Mellin... great plan! Especially if he is going long haul. at yor plans for ironing Quokka. Luckily dh spent some time in the army so is OTT anal about his and won't let me near it.

Can't believe your wee man is 6 weeks already, Kaybee!! I am 34 weeks pg on Monday - so 6 weeks to go OMG!!!

Can't complain about the ironing too much as the cleaner normally does it but shes been away for 3 weeks - thank god she'll be back tomorrow!

Anyway dh has text me me from Hong Kong saying that he's bought 2 suits and some shirts! Next time I wont bother with the ironing .

I would love a cleaner
I did the ironing last night too, such a good wifey....

dh calls me trouble and strife .

How is ds doing on the gaviscon? You going to make it on Sun?

i'd like to come but don't know if i am ready to brave the tube with DS yet What time is the party?

starts at 3pm, don't feel bad if you can't come, its a long way with a little one. Also would be a good 15 min walk from the nearest tube.

Hi

I'm new to mumsnet (loving it!) and from Gunnedah in NSW. Been here on and off for 6 years and have a daughter Ella just under 5 months.
Have I missed this meet up? Would love to meet some other mums. I'm in Esher in Surrey.

Hello everyone
Sorry havent been around much. There just seems to be so much to do with two little ones. Especially as DS 2 is constantly on the move.
So hows everybody finding the weather. I certainly will be ready to move back to Australia, if this continues, its just so bleak.

Oh, I should introduce myself to the Newbies, I am 36 am from Newcastle NSW, DH is from Sydney have been here for over 10 years,met DH here and got married here. I have 5 year old DS and 8 month old, I live in Harrow and am currently on Maternity leave (until april)

Hi Rislip, Welcome.
I think there is a meet up being planned. Quokka will come along and tell us.