Thanks everyone for your reassurance re the hand washing. I think it sounds more like normal behaviour but I'm just worrying more because of the childcare disaster and all the clingy seperation anxiety we're getting.

MP - chuck some petunias or nasturtiums or even some snap dragons, they are fun to play with and grow pretty quickly. If you want more edibles, you can't go past baby carrots or radishes (fun to pull out and eat) or snow peas/sugar snap peas. I've got a batch in that have just started to flower, can't wait for the peas to start.

JM, yep Missy E is on to me with the choices too. She just answers "nothing" (usually with arms folded and sulky frown on face LOL). Well done with locking yourself away with a book! Sounds like an excellent fall-back plan.

Cass, oooh definitely discourage the toilet paper wiping. Missy E wants to do everything herself but she is happy to lean over and let me wipe her...not that we've had any toilet poos. So you're still ahead of the game LOL. Excellent haul at the Target Babython. E has had a growth spurt and suddenly a heap of her clothes don't fit her anymore. Good excuse for a shop up!

Oz, wow that year went quickly!

Trill, enjoy your trip, jealous of your meetup after my recent failed attempts LOL.