Hoody - Lucy too likes to fight the whole nap in the afternoon thing, but I know she needs it because when she does go down it's for two hours at home.

She likes to play in her room when I put her down for a nap. I have started going back in after a few minutes if she isn't settling (ie if she isn't lying on her bed chattering quietly, but is up and around), tell her it's nap time and put her back in her bed. I've repeated it a few times, usually there are a few tears and then she goes to sleep. She's been doing the same thing some nights as well, so I think it's a phase - testing me to see where the boundaries are when it comes to putting her down to sleep.

Jen - sounds like the girls are so cute together and good luck with you decision on TTC#3!

There are a few private preschools in our area that take little ones from the age of two, but not many. Most preschools have classes for 3-4 yr olds and then another class for 4-5 yr olds, before they start school. It is different to NQ (I grew up in Townsville, so know their system better and am learning about it down here!). I think preschool started because kids don't have to start kindergarten (first year at school) until they are 5. Whereas when I was in Townsville most primary schools had a preschool attached for the year before they started school that isn't the case down here. Kinder is a full day at school. I know it's changed up there and you now have prep as the first year at school, so it's like NSW & Vic. Hope that explanation wasn't too long-winded!

I wanted to send DD along to preschool rather than child care, firstly because it meant I could wait until after she turned two (I negotiated with DP to stay with her at home as much as I could) and secondly because I like the structure of the classes they have at the preschool. She can go along for three years until she starts school. It's got a very good educational program and it's so cute to watch them lining up like at school! Free play as well, but mixed in with set class routines.

Yesterday she didn't want to leave when I picked her up - said 'bye bye' and ran back into the cubby house when I saw her and chucked a tantrum all the way to the car 10 mins later! How unloved do I feel??

Lucy loves to help me too, aren't they funny! Altho atm she's going thru a period of not wanting me to help her with anything, she insists on trying herself.

Hope everyone is well.