December 08 ers still going strong.

[Vagolajahooli]

Hello ladies, can you believe we will be entering into a 6th year of this thread this year?

Hope it's Claudia! (My fav out of those)

I'm giving no further clues whatsoever

Heaven only knows what the poor child will be called in the end. Given that we haven't actually told our families (STILL!) I expect a few choice name suggestions from them. I will tell Mum when I see her next week in Italy. That's when I will tell the girls as well. I don't know when DP is planning to tell his mother. He said "Hmm...can't we just leave her to guess?"

DD1's school allows ear piercing. It has to as there are so many pupils from cultures were piercing at birth is the norm. Thats the problem, DD1 keeps pointing out that X and Y from her class have been pierced since Reception and its hard, and maybe not appropriate, to explain to her about cultural differences.

Lady, our niece has the middle name Seren which is popular in Wales and means star. Its similar to Serena.

My new role at work requires a full court dress with wig, gown etc. I'm sitting in a very odd shop in the City waiting for a wig fitting. Its like a set from Harry Potter in here . How do businesses like this still thrive?

I have been in those shops with DP. They are extremely weird...Wigs get a bit smelly and are hard to clean. DP uses handwash and a nailbrush...

That's hilarious Arti!!

Think I got my ears pierced at 10. Passed out after 1. Can't remember if I went back another day for the other side. Hopeless! Mum not so keen on early age piercing. Will try and put dd off for a long time but I can't imagine I'll be successful. I reckon 8 is fine.
I'm Gardening. Digging up every plant I've ever put in. Well theyre mine. And not on the inventory. Just hope some survive.

Not mum - I meant "I'm" not so keen

I got mine done at 14. Am also from the dark ages! But it's whatever is best for you. Just about to have spag bol. I'm v hungry. Yay!

I have rather normal taste in girls' names, but I like to think its more classic than boring. I love your DD's name, Rubes. It was on my list. And DH's. but T o r y won out in the end.

DH off to India again on Sunday, poor chap. But back Thursday.

DD3 up at 5am every day now. It's very very dull.

by the way london dwellers I shall be on my lonesome with dd and ds2 from around 12 noon sat 31st may. We found a serviced apartment thing in canary warf. No idea where that is. What shall I do and would anyone like to do it with me?

Hi there! Enjoying the name chat, though not much to add - I was hopeless at it.

Ear piercing - I think mine were done at 6ish (vaguely culturally appropriate). What I mostly remember is driving my mum crazy as I lost earring after earring and her continually replacing various little gold hoops. Probably best to wait a little later than that...

Lady, Arti - thanks for asking about my niece. All looks fine and healed at the moment, but they need to wait a few weeks to see how much the tear duct heals up. There is a fair chance it ends up a bit blocked and she winds up with a teary eye. The dog is to be spared I think, which seems right as I can't see how it was to blame.

Last week doing the Brum run next week (so no chance to meet I think Lady T). Its been interesting, but will be a relief being back. I think my comings and goings have been a bit discombobulating for everyone, especially for DS, who has been stuck to me like glue since I got home on Weds night. Cuddles are lovely, but there is a limit. I guess I did not help matters by going on an extended long weekend to Candada with my my mother to see my brother and family (including pretty new nephew). I'd forgotten how charming small babies can be - its always been a bit of a relief for me to have mine a bit bigger. Anyway, a nice trip, at a leisurely pace with the small people.

Lady - just read the newest Cazalet chronicles - I will always mentally thank you when I pick one up!

Arti - the new job sounds intriguing. Have been busy helping shepherd a bill through to royal assent (yesterday!) and it has given me a little glimpse into the world you inhabit. But I'm wholeheartedly persuaded by the saying that there are 2 things you don't want to see made - sausages and laws!

Indith - from Canary Wharf, an explore of the Thames! There are various options for a circuit that covers the DLR (fun if you sit in the front) boat ride on the Thames, ride on the cable car etc. Last time we did it this it turned into a glorious transport themed day where we took the tube from home, then DLR, then cable car, boat back down the Thames, finished off with a trip to the transport museum then home. Knackered out the DCs, but they loved it. I'd love to join you, but I think we'll be away that weekend - we have an early half term compared to other schools and it seems wrong not to take advantage. Though I have spent the evening scouring last minute holiday ideas. It is very tempting to do our usual run to cornwall, but I feel like we ought to strike out with something else for a change (especially as I know we will holiday in the UK over the summer). Bit overwhelmed by the volume of stuff out there though and don't really know what we want. Ah well.

I had my ears pierced at 11. In the summer holidays between primary and high school. Lots of my friends did too. I think that about 80% of the girls in DS2's class have them done. But I personally think 4/5 is too young.

There's a neaely dead big spider in the hall lying on its back. I just went to pick it up in loo roll to put it down the loo and it waggled its legs. nearly shrieked and vomited. managed not to. what to do????

Yuck

Spider still there twitching.
Lady, our book club is doing a book that I am rather enjoying and the protagonist reminds me of you, v witty and writes beautifully. It's called The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Have you read it? I've only just started, but it's really rather lovely.

The leg waggling has virtually ceased. I now feel terribly sorry for the spider and want to give it a cuddle, if it wasn't so insecty. I should probably out it out of its misery, but can't find it in me to do it. Poor thing being alone for its final moments. I can't exactly hold its hand and talk to it as it passes on!

beans - vacuum cleaner?

Maybe sing it a song Beans. Incey Wincey? It might show it that there is always hope.

Indith, I agree with Invis that a boat down the Thames might be fun. Or explore the Olympic Park. Or a wander round Brick Lane market.

Man up Beans

Is the spider now an ex-spider, Beans? Poor fellow.

That's quite spooky about the book - because I am just reading it! Extra spooky because the friend who lent it to me said the main character was like me (I haven't read much yet but I'm baffled, not to say slightly paranoid! ) I have had it a while but started it in Jersey the other week but haven't progressed far - not because I am not enjoying it - I am - but I keep falling asleep reading in bed. So we can have our only little book group about it.

I am a bit disillusioned with our book group. I enjoy the evenings per se, because it's with local friends. But it's been going for over a year now and every book so far I have either read before, or else is a quite popular book that I have never read because I haven't wanted to, and not once have I been pleasantly surprised. To add to this, whilst I do not expect everyone to make like Gore Vidal, it would be nice if someone said something a little more penetrating than simply whether they liked the book or liked the main character. Our next book is We Need to Talk About Kevin. I read it in 2006 and I am sure it will be interesting to discuss but it's a massive downer and also it feels like old hat. I saw the film as well, which I thought was a good adaptation, but less powerful.

Invis, I am so glad you enjoyed the final Cazalet book. I have read mixed reviews and also - I've not read it yet! I am so looking forward to it but am wondering whether I need to re-read the other four first. What do you think? Such delicious books. I don't know if you've ever read Powell's 'Dance to the Music of Time' series or Galsworthy's Forsyte Saga but I haven't and have high hopes, and I am saving both of those for when I really need them (late pregnancy might be good). I am hoping for Cazalet-level comfort and absorption. Anyway, I do your niece's eye mends as nicely as is possible, and sorry to miss you in the Second Smoke. I did laugh about sausages and laws. What are you looking for in a holiday? Work out your top priorities and work backwards from there - that should thin the field out a bit!

Indith, if I wasn't just getting back from Italy when you're in London I may well have come over.

Sorry, 'comfort and absorption' sounds like a sanitary towel rather than a very fine and hugely enjoyable family saga.

Aww Beans. I'm very brave and can do the glass/card trick with spiders now but I've set the cat on spiders before which is awful really. Cats like to play rather than dish out a quick death.

LadyT Do people just choose things they have read? The Kevin book is v old. I found it very depressing. I've just read 'Love, Nina' which is a gentle, funny read. An ideal holiday book.

Dd2 has eaten 4 satsumas and lots of grapes. No chance she can withhold a poo today!

Beans that spider is tiny!!!

It didn't look mahoosive, Beans But I must admit I am not too good with spiders myself.

Hons - people choose ones they have read and liked, or ones they have always meant to read. in this case, the lady concerned has only just read Kevin. I read Love, Nina at Christmas and really enjoyed it.

Am looking forward to bed already. DP is out tonight I think so I can have whatever wacky supper appeals and then go to bed early with my book. Rock 'n' roll!

I promise it wasn't tiny, it had just curled its legs in on itself. and it just looked sticky. yuck. luckily MIL came over and removed it for me!! I am such a wet. weirdly, I can handle live spiders better than almost dead ones. who knew!?

just roasting a couple of spatchcocked poussin with garlic and onion roast sweet and normal potatoes. as you do after taking the girls to the school disco. why can't I just do something normal like beans on toast??!

my book club can be a bit like that, Lady. have you read Apple Tree Yard? v good too.

I grew up with huntsman's the size of my hand in Aust I guess. My kids are terrified of all insects. It shocks me and I have to stop myself giving ds a hard time. Tonight he said he didn't want to eat outside as there's too many mini beasts
I've just signed up to help with school trip to the beach. You'd think I'd have learnt after helping with their school swimming lessons!

how do I tell an 8 month old baby that 4.45 is not time to get up??? aaaagh! and silly me, there was I thinking 5.30am was bad this week!

tried ignoring her for a bit, but she just wakes up the big girls.