Hey hey! Checking quickly while I had my coffee and though I'd shock you with a prompt reply hehehe

First off Dr T - big hugs babe I remember my first day back at work - it was really hard. I was in a similar position, hoping that our business would be able to pay me, but it couldn't. Though DD was 11mths old, not six. It must be so tough for you You're right, he will be fine. He probably will notice you leave (sorry to say) but take heart from the fact that he is such a happy little boy, once he realises all the exciting things and new friends for him to play with, he will have a blast and love it. Yes he might also get upset or cry when you get back but I'm sure that'll be put on He'll love it.

More hugs

WRT water: I'd try a sippy cup first - do you have one that they need to suck on still? Otherwise I found DD choked a little bit while getting used to a cup that the water just flowed out of, with no valve. She did adjust fine though, with her we just used Tupperware sippy cups. They have a great one with handles that's a perfect size. She also got her own pink Tupperware mini drink bottle (like Mummy's!) when she was maybe 9 months or so? Which she now knows is hers and carries around with her. I've got a green one for X for when he'll start using a drink bottle.

Hahaha rusks are teething rusks - they are a hard, biscuit like thing. But really hard - babies can't bite them, they have to gnaw on them, mush them up a bit and eat them. They are supposed to help with teething pain, the feeling of the hard biscuit thing rubbing on their sore gums. They're with baby food in the supermarket. They aren't biscuits though, they are pretty healthy I'm sure. X had another one this morning, he seems to love them. DD could take them or leave them and would often have a half-hearted chew and then drop them, but he seems to love them.

And no, X isn't sitting up on his own - he will sit unsupported, with me close by, for a few minutes, before sliding down to one side, or face planting He's fine in the high chair though - I have a really good one, its a Peg Perego Prima Pappa, which is really adjustable and has great straps. I've got the actual seat bit angled back so he's reclined slightly, so its quite supportive of him. I can say that my high chair is a really good one because I didn't buy it hehehe! My friend donated it to me when she was done with it and she only buys the best

So the chair helps him sit up properly. Its a bit more difficult in other, dodgier high chairs, that don't have the same straps - if we are out somewhere, often I'll leave him in the pram as the straps are better than most high chairs!

As for packing - I think I meant we were just packing to go out for the day from memory. With two kids its often a bit of a production!!

But YES - we did buy a new house!!!! We settle on Jan 14th! Very exciting!! So much more room, we won't know ourselves!

Anyway - you get back to your gorgeous little mischief maker before he finds something else to chew/climb on/suck/crawl into!!!