A weird ol' week

Take 2...yes this is the second version of the exact same post, why? I just re-read it and it read to me exactly how I have been feeling the last week. Just a little down and well,weird. 

I have sat trying to write posts for the last week but no matter how many words I typed all my mind was focused on was 'my return to work'! Yes that's right, I am now back in the office and officially an 'office working' mum! And last week I suffered the full effects of getting back into a routine that doesn't involve colouring, reading and bath time. Instead I was sent back 12 months to appeal hearings, computer systems and IT issues. 

Last week was spent squeezing every last drop of 'Finley Time' I could, every moment I captured and stored in my little mind memory box, we played with all his toys over and over, attempted to learn to walk and sang all our fave songs with Daddy.

Thursday loomed closer and closer and it just felt so surreal, ironing work clothes, getting my change together for the bus! How did this day come around so quickly, how will Finley manage without his Mummy there? Will I cope being away?

Well....it all went really well! My first day back was lovely, seeing all my friends, sweets, biscuits and a chance to sit down for longer that 10 minuets. I have the most wonderful team who knew I was a little nervous and after the first hour it was like I had never left. I text Matthew throughout the day and gave him a call at lunch and Finley did great, he had a fab day with his Daddy :D 

After what seemed like the quickest day ever I got the bus home and was met by a very excited Finley and possibly relived Daddy! His little face all lit up....for 10 minuets if that, once he spotted my work pass that was it, Mummy was relegated and off he went to sit twirling my pass around.

All I wanted to say is that it really wasn't as bad as I thought, it really was okay. Of course if I had the choice I would spend every moment at home but I think those two days at work will let me get back to 'Kayleigh' for a split second before I am back home snuggling and giving Finley his bottle. 

Please let me know if you are planning to return to work after your Maternity leave or if your a SAHM? Or how you found your return to work. 

Sorry for the absence, and I shall now be back on top form as usual! 

PS: the diet started today - thumbs up for losing weight - thumbs down for Twix and Crips cravings.

Maternity Leave Vs Work update

I have realised that since I updated to say I was popping back into work I have only done one post, don't panic I survived but I think it was a little bit of an information overload and my brain needed to settle down again.

So how did it go? Surprisingly very well, Finley was perfectly happy getting some Daddy time and from the sounds of things he didn't even know I was missing! I thought I might be this emotional wreck waving off my baby but I knew he was with his Dad and having loads of fun :) Perhaps if he was at nursery this would be a different story just because it isn't someone you know very well taking care of him. 

I walked into the office and it was the weirdest feeling, it felt like I had never been away but on the same hand when I look back it feels forever ago I was chatting to disgruntled managers about their problem employees! Everyone was coming over chatting to me and waving like I was some celebrity haha it soon wore off by the second day.

I wasn't doing 'real' work but some training that had been organised so I didn't have to use too much brain power. During the training little memories of past cases and policies were flooding back, one of the major things I was worried about was how I wouldn't remember anything and look a total douchebag but there was 'geek of the class' answering in detail why employees go to tribunals! I thought all that information had been crushed and overtaken by the sleepless nights and belly tickles. 

Finley wasnt fussed I was off to work yesterday :(

After the training I had the dreaded 'return to work' chat with my manager! 'noooooo' how can Finley be so old that I am even contemplating working properly again. Luckily work and especially my department are very flexible and are happy for me to return part time. I couldn't imagine working full time these days so I have settled on 16 hours a week. That's if nothing changes work wise before I return.

Quick tip here - before you return to work please check out your rights and also what benefits you may be entitled too or even what you may loose if you return. If you have any questions on why I came to my decision just ask :) I would also advise strongly if you are planning on returning in the next few months pop in like I have a few hours a week to get used to it. You will be entitled to get paid for this so definitely comes in handy when you hit zero pay.

From this week I am classed as back in employment but using my accrued leave until January, I have waved off my maternity leave and will miss it dearly but I knew that it would never last forever. I just hope these last few months I have off will go as slow as possible for me to capture Finley's baby-ness just that little bit longer.

I would love to hear if you have recently returned to work or if you decided not too and be a stay at home mum?

Love Kayleigh x

What do you mean my Maternity leave is over....

I cannot believe that the time has come to wave goodbye to my Maternity leave, well the paid part at least. In one respect I cant grumble too much as the company I work for are amazing with their Maternity pay package, we get a full 100% wage for 15 weeks then the standard SMP of around £135 up till your 39th week off. 

My 39th week finished yesterday *sob*

 I could take up till the 14th January off but it would be unpaid and I'm sure like the majority of families out there that just is not possible for us. However I have a plan of action to get maximum Finley time, whilst off on Maternity you still accrue your regular holiday entitlement 'yay' I plan to use up mine a few days a week so I'm still off but getting a wage. 

Even with all that in mind I am still going into work TOMORROW! My team is having a few hours of training a week for a few weeks so I'm popping in. I'm not sure I will even remember to use a pen let alone study the ins and outs of employment tribunals! yikes! 

All that in mind I haven't 100% made up my mind how many days/hours I will work or even if I'm going to go back. There are too many questions I still need answering about returning to work...plus the biggest questions ever are could I leave Finley and do I even want too? I don't know how I would concentrate knowing he isn't there for me to tickle and talk gibberish to.

*ahem* getting too emotional here

When I was pregnant everyone said time flew when you had babies but I never quite thought it would go this quick. I'm grasping onto those last few days of babyhood as they are slipping away quickly, every day Finley gets more and more grown up his characteristics are more of a little boy rather than a sqeauky baby. Another major reason for extending my maternity leave as far as I can stretch it. 

If anybody has any questions on Maternity leave, your entitlements and hints please ask. I work in HR and part of my job was advising mums daily on their rights :) I also might be able to get you a few extra days leave too!

I best go and get myself prepared for work tomorrow - it may only be 2 hours but my brain is in rusk and sippy cup mode. Wish me luck.

Love Kayleigh x