Arte, I'm thinking of you today. xxx
BTW I think the instant tanty upon hearing the word "no" has nothing to do with spoiltness and everything to do with a developmental stage. I always try to respond in such a way as to elicit cooperation, sometimes that means negotiating, but sometimes an outright no is needed and yes we get overreaction too (altho nowhere near as bad as with DD1 LOL). BTW - cutting your own hair is never a good idea . I'm guessing you didn't get to see the hairdresser yet? You might end up with a really snazzy style cut that you love!

MP - we're not really having any huge TT success. I've got E in pull-ups (found a cheap bulk source) and he happily goes to the toilet at the FDC but she's a bit resistant at home - I think it's because DH gets uptight about it - so we're holding on for the warmer weather and then I'll put her back into cloth training pants...in hindsight we were stupid to start when we did because she just wasn't ready. We don't really have any chores happening, although picking up toys and minding one's manners are expected.

Kate, :hugs: on your preggy crankiness...good sign you should be spoiling yourself I reckon!

Jazah, stop stressing, you will be just fine at your job! It's just beginners nerves. E goes to bed around 8 - 8.30, but I think that's gonna have to move forward when I start work and she has more early starts. She often stays awake and chats & sings in there, which I don't mind.
Cass - on your broken tooth. Dentistry is never fun. Last thing you wanna be dealing with preggy too. We have a huge tub full of bits we bought for H - some sets (house & furniture) and some random bits I've picked up 2nd hand (like an indian in a canoe LOL). E's just started playing with one set, it's got these tube bits that connect together, so you can make big long curly tubes and then roll balls thru them. She's fascinated by it.

Ginger what duplo did you get? We're big fans here too. I have a shop one in the cupboard for E's birthday.

Trill - love the idea of a giftless christmas and have seriously contemplated it in the past...also like the idea of a sustainable christmas - only recycled or handmade/sustainable gifts...but not this year. I still haven't made it anywhere near the shops/the catalogues...I'm suffering from a serious case of CBF'd right now...but I know a small amount of effort now will save me much effort later so I better get it sorted I guess (more for neices and nephews than for my kids, H is getting an ipod dock and we're repainting an old dollshouse for E so I'll probably kit it out with a wooden dolls house set (or similar).

My big news is...I got the job! OMG massive relief (saved from embarrassment that is)...still don't know what section I'll be in, so can't negotiate hours/times just yet, but sounds like they are totally flexible so I shouldnt be in a lather of anxiety about it (I am). I opened my big trap about having surgery on 3 Aug, is it weird to start work for a week, get all the admin/orientation stuff done, then take a week's sick leave? Given they *are* my current employer and I've got 3 weeks worth of sick leave accrued? Also, I'm freaking out about childcare (current FDC lady doesn't have a place on Wednesdays so if they want me to work a run of three days I'll be stuck), went to see a CCC that DD1 went to occasionally (it's a community one) and it's quite good as they go, and it makes sense to have her in there 1 day a week because it gives me a fall-back plan if the FDC (or kids) are sick, BUT I much prefer the kindy room set up to the toddler room (where she would have to go for a couple of months) and plus I really prefer the FDC setting BUT I know how freaking hard it is to get a place with a good carer and I've really only got a fortnight to get it sorted out.