With my first pregnancy I was so excited to be leaving work for a year. I’d worked for 9 years straight out of uni and I was in a role at work that needed a lot of commitment. I loved it to bits but I felt I was ready for a break. An entire year off work with a cute little baby to raise. I had never had either before. It was going to be fantastic. I was going to go for countless coffee and cake mornings, meet friends and maybe even take up an evening class in photography or baking. Things I loved but never get very good at.
I remember walking out of the office on the last day with a slightly surreal feeling. My bump told me it was real but 12 months off work didn’t quite register. I would come back and just pick up where I left off.
How I miss that blissful ignorance this time round. Apparently I will be much calmer and confident this time round and the sheer fact that we STILL have bits to get, a crib to build and possibly the car seat to swap with another one. It’ll come together in the end I’m sure so I’m not worried about that bit. This time I know a year is a long time. I won’t necessarily pick up where I left off at work which means I won’t necessarily see the same colleagues again. That bit feels a bit final. Although the nature of these places dictates these things and something else will come along to fill that hole. It’s something you get used to in that kind of industry.
I know the sleepless nights are coming but I am hoping my semi permanent insomnia post Little Z has armed me, at least a little bit,with a steely shield of round the clock alertness. And a teeny tiny deluded part of me is still hoping the baby sleeps through straight away. I could be like those smug mums who brag about it every chance they get and and who are obviously lying. They are.
Aren’t they?
It does feel amazingly good to finally put the work laptop away for a bit, as much as I’ll miss it. It’s one more big step to meeting the new baby and give us some much needed slow days to just potter about.
And of course there are plenty of people to sympathise, usually with something like…
“I wish I was having a year off work!”
(Week 8 of Project 52 and linking up to Sunday Photo)
Ah yes it is a year off but being a mum is one of the hardest jobs in the world, so you will go back to work in a year for a rest! Good luck lovely, fingers crossed for one that sleeps x
Nikki Thomas recently posted…Serenata Flowers Hamper Review and Giveaway
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:24 pm
Hehe I think i understand why mums go back sooner the second time round. I’ve said I’d like the full year though.
I cannot believe that you’ve packed up work already Tas, honestly feels like yesterday that you were announcing the pregnancy! Enjoy these next couple of weeks as much as you can lovely. So excited to hear your news xxx
Mummy Tries recently posted…On Going Against Mother Nature
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:24 pm
It really has flown by. Weirdly it’s felt longer but has gone in the blink of an eye. Xx
This is such an exciting time you are about to head into – and one I wish I could turn the clocks back and redo all again! Good luck and ENJOY x x x x
76sunflowers recently posted…Project 365 2015 #35
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:25 pm
Thank you, I can’t believe I only have over a week to go now.
Oh, enjoy these last couple of weeks and your special time with Z! And, I do love that, time off ‘work’… hmmm 🙂
Sara | mumturnedmom recently posted…Project 365: Week 35: 235-241
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:25 pm
Hehe I know. I was pretty delusional first time round.
You’re on the final straight. Good luck with it and hope you get time for some relaxation before your baby arrives.
Emma T recently posted…Project 365 2015 week 35
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:28 pm
Thank you. Resting has been a bit hit and miss but great to be off work now.
awwwww it is so close now Tas. i hope you get a few weeks to rest as much as you can and get as much sleep as you are able. Enjoy it lovely x x x
Jenny Paulin recently posted…Project 365 2015, Week 36
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:28 pm
Thanks Jenny, we’ve had a few lie ins this week so felt like I’ve had a good week off now 🙂
Maternity leave: yeah! Enjoy the next few weeks with Z. Exciting times ahead!
MEl recently posted…Feature My Food Friday: Introducing Cé & CatCat’s Paella
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:29 pm
Thanks Mel, it’s been great having a few pottering about days and just driving to random places!
Hope you enjoy your time off. That year can fly I know it has for my daughter in law who just went back to work. Enjoy the rest
jollyjillys recently posted…Silent Sunday :30/08/15
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:29 pm
It really does somehow magically fly by doesn’t it? I’m on countdown right now I think.
ive had the last 5 years off work and for the last 2 years there hasn’t been any kids at home, what lovely flowers you received and a year off work, isn’t actually that good, as it’s not all spa’s and nail bars and shopping and toddler groups, it’s work of a different kind and just as rewarding, if not more. All the luck and love in the world as you venture into pastures new with a family of 4
chickenruby recently posted…Week 35 – My Sunday Photo
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:30 pm
I do wish a lot of was spas but I think this time round I’m at least mostly aware of it. Mostly.
That last sentence made me laugh!
It’s nice to be going in with your eyes wide open this time and, fingers crossed, this baby may sleep better than Z did!
Enjoy your last couple of weeks as a one child family.
Sarah MumofThree World recently posted…Silent Sunday 30.8.15
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:31 pm
Hehe yes definitely. I did offer to share it with my hubby and he looked thoughtful, then politely declined.
Yay the start of a whole new chapter, enjoy these last days before life changes!
Coombe Mill recently posted…Weekly Farm Photo
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:32 pm
Thanks Fiona, feels slightly daunting but we’re excited too. And it definitely feels surreal!
I can remember looking forward to my first maternity leave like you did, thinking it would be nonstop coffee mornings etc. The reality was somewhat different, I’m half looking forward to this maternity leave but sad to say goodbye to work for a year
Polka Dot Family recently posted…How did you choose your children’s names
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:33 pm
Ah yes I know how you feel. It’s nice to be leaving on a good note though isn’t it?
We are so unorganised this time around too. I am sure these babies are going to be very easy for us though. I have convinced myself that this one will enjoy sleep. He can’t be any worse than Bob. Happy maternity leave! Enjoy the ‘rest’. 🙂 xxx
Charlotte recently posted…Silent Sunday
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:33 pm
Haha I know!! Hopefully we will have two babies that like sleeping at least 10pm to 6 maybe??
it may not be any consolation to you, but the sleep deprivation with the first child does set ypu up a bit better for dealing with the second one. I hope the rest of teh pregnancy goes really well for you and that you get your crib sorted, etc. Good luck!
#mysundayphoto
Fionnuala from http://www.threesonslater.blogspot.com
Fionnuala recently posted…My Sunday Photo, 30th August
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:34 pm
I hope so, thank you for the comment, that’s really made me feel a bit better 🙂
Oh how we laugh! A year ‘off’!!! Enjoy your few weeks before the baby comes.
Babyfoote recently posted…A Walk along the Waggonways
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:35 pm
Hehe thank you. I will be a bit more realistic about this years free time I think!
Oh yes, ‘a year off’….as if! x
Iona@redpeffer recently posted…My Sunday Photograph
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:36 pm
Ah if only eh? I’d happily fill it with tea and lots of chats with friends!
Heheh if only it was a year off work! What lovely flowers! Just beautiful!
LauraCYMFT recently posted…Enjoying the Quiet and Missing the Noise
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:37 pm
Thank you, they’re drying nicely now. And I didn’t kill them before time. Which is pretty good 😉
What lovely flowers they bought you! Never understand how some people have babies that sleep and I never managed that nap when they nap thing.
Erica Price recently posted…Week 35 of 2015
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:39 pm
Yeah this time I might aim for the sleep when they’re sleeping but I think chances are slim to none!
Oh enjoy every moment – as you know, the time flies by. I have always been self employed so never had the ‘work farewell’ thing. Kaz x
Ickle Pickle recently posted…My Weekly Photo 30 August 2015
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:39 pm
Thanks so much Kaz. Feels all a bit surreal right now but we’re on countdown now.
Ahhh how exciting for you – it is definitely a different feeling second time round. Enjoy your last few weeks with Z I hope bubba doesn’t come too early as spending those last days as a family of three are precious. (My second little monkey was 10 days early!) #MySundayPhoto
Maria @ Suburban Mum recently posted…The great british weather
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:40 pm
Thank you, we’ve been loving all the naughty late trips out and squeezing them in as best we can!
I remember leaving work before having S and saying “yeahhh, day time telly, lie ins, not getting out of my PJs, it’s going to be great!” Then S came along and … yeah, not so much!
At least second time around you know what to expect. And this one might sleep through the night!
Incidentally, my nephew slept through from a young age, but now he’s 2 and making up for it big time. Which I believe to be sleep karma.
Single Mother Ahoy recently posted…My Sunday Photo 2015-08-30
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:41 pm
Haha I like sleep karma. That would mean mine should sleep through the night but I’m guessing its probably going to be up a fair bit!
I hope you get to enjoy the last remaining days before the next chapter begins
Thank you for linking up
OneDad3Girls recently posted…#MySundayPhoto – Lake Side
Author September 7, 2015 / 8:42 pm
Thank you D, I think we’re not going to get chance to register what’s happening with so much happening at once.
how wonderfully exciting for you! do indeed have a great year off.
sherry from sherrys pickings recently posted…My Sunday Photo 30 August 2015
Thank you, it feels like such a long time right now but I know it’ll soon fly by x
Notmyyearoff recently posted…Starting school and things my 4 year old says
I’m going to whisper this but some babies do sleep well, honestly some mum’s are not lying – fingers crossed you get lucky. Hope you have a peaceful last few weeks and that everything goes according to plan. Take care x
Lisa@intotheglade recently posted…My Sunday Photo!
Hehe I reeeeeally hope mine might be one of them, I would so love that.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…Starting school and things my 4 year old says
You’re right that the second maternity levee is not *quite* the same as the first. Enjoy nonetheless! xx
Suzanne3childrenandit recently posted…Photo of the week 35 / A Quiet Life
Thank you 🙂 I’m hoping my much more realistic expectations make it a whole lot more bearable.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…Starting school and things my 4 year old says
Have a wonderful break from work! Welcome to your new normal.
HelpfulMum recently posted…30.08.15 Silent Sunday
Thank you, that feels a bit momentous but an exciting kind of momentous 🙂
Notmyyearoff recently posted…Starting school and things my 4 year old says
Sounds like an exciting future! #mysundayphoto
Merlinda Little (@pixiedusk) recently posted…Moments
Thank you Merlinda. I’m hoping I find it the tiniest bit easier this time round.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…Starting school and things my 4 year old says
Isn’t it funny how you think that first year off will be. I don’t think I ever got to a coffee morning! In-fact I have been working from home for over two years now and have never been to a coffee morning! I hope the change from three to four goes well for you x
Jane – Our Little Escapades recently posted…Me & Mine August 2015
I’ve never been to one either. My friend does them really well but I’m not sure I’ve even ever heard of a coffee circle I could join!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…Starting school and things my 4 year old says
Enjoy lovely, it feels like forever but really does go so quickly. I hope you take the time to rest and keep well my lovely x
Susan Mann recently posted…Sibling Love – #SilentSunday Week 35
Thanks so much S. Resting has been great with the lie ins in the morning. We’ve started school week now so think I’ll have to say goodbye to them for now x
Notmyyearoff recently posted…Starting school and things my 4 year old says
My favourite was when people called it a ‘baby vacation’. Obviously they had never been pregnant, gone through childbirth and then taken care of a baby.
Californian Mum in London recently posted…My Kids Love…
Oh wow baby vacation to me would be someone sending me to a spa…or maybe abroad.. All by myself!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…Starting school and things my 4 year old says
That moment where you walk out of work is pretty strange feeling, like you the first time round I had ideas of leisurely coffee mornings, ha! Enjoy this time before baby comes, and enjoy your ‘year off’ xx
BloggerMummyLauren recently posted…My Sunday Photo – 30/08/15
Ahh if only eh? I would love the odd coffee morning but I think I know what’s coming this time x
Notmyyearoff recently posted…Starting school and things my 4 year old says
Wishing you a fabulous year off… it’s not going to be easy – but you’re so much wiser this time around! Good luck x
Izzie Anderton recently posted…The Week That Was – August 31st
gorgeous flowers.
Yes the mummies who say their baby sleeps through from early days are defo lying!! Liar Liar, pants on fire..
I was very lucky and both slept through from around 6 weeks. (if you count midnight to 5am sleeping through)!
Su Tyler recently posted…Week 35 Project365 – 2015
What a lovely photo which says a lot! Good luck with your ‘year off’! I remember both my maternity leave’s well! x
Jo Laybourn recently posted…The Little Boy Who Lost His Name – Book Review
You manage the sleep deprivation better the second time round I reckon!
Sooo exciting!! The final countdown is here!!
Foz recently posted…Eid Giveaway: Eid Cards