Hello everyone,

The transport is absolutely fine here, if i was traveling without a baby. I think that in city areas it's fine, but we are more in the country here. Most of the stations around here dont have lifts, just stairs. A majority of shops are 2 or 3 storey and only in the big chains (H&M, C&A) you are sure to find a lift. Although we do have trains that are okay for prams, we also get the older style trains that are a struggle. I hate the bus (always have since school days) - so i cant speak for the bus. i suppose most of the fear comes from having to ask for help. Although i could (in German) I still have a huge fear about speaking the language... and get panic attacks when i have to speak (long story, i need to work on it). I also suffer from mild anxiety, so that doesnt help either .

Lara - like i said, i live in more of the country area... I can't speak for the whole of Germany, but i think that Germany does well at looking after it's people. My husband is studying at the moment, and im a SAHM. Without the help that we get from the government we would be struggling to make ends meet. DH's wage isn't so great (yet). Child care is okay. Playgroup, preschool and kingergarden are free if you earn under a certain amount.
I was really suprised that Dh wasnt allowed Paternity leave. That was a huge problem for us. He had to take annual leave when Ben was born. He told me that fathers get about 2 days paternity leave.
I cant really say much, I've only lived here for 3 years. Snowy is German, so she can probably tell you more.
Ben is pretty clever when it comes from putting dishes in the sink. Every night before bed he has a drink of milk while we all watch a show together (in the night garden). As soon as his drink is finished he says "alle alle" (all gone), i ask if he is finshed and he says yes or no (depending if he is actually done). Then he turns the Tv off and then puts his cup in the sink and then heads towards his room. We love that he has such a set routine. It's brilliant.

OMG I havent even thought about Ben's birthday!! I'm not sure what we will do. Ben has a few friends at playgroup, but there are about 12 kids, and i wouldnt wait to invite a few and not the others. So i might not invite any of the playgroup kids. Plus, they all have birthdays around the same time.
We might just go with a few family and friends (+ bj's cousins baby who is 6 months younger than ben) to the local indoor playground.

We are looking at getting Ben a beanbag seat, or a kids couch or something. Im not sure what else. He got everything he "needed" for Xmas. I might tell people to put money in Ben's savings account instead of lots of presents.

Who is 2 first? Ben is on the 25th. I remember that he was the LAST baby to be born from Feb 06 bubs. 2 weeks overdue, hmpf.

Nadine - Ben is like that when I watch Neighbours (we get uk tv). He loves watching Neighbours with me because he seems really amazed that the characters speak "mummy language" haha.