• CyberMummy 2011 - CyberMummy11 - maternity leave - motherhood

    Reasons to be cheerful

      1. This was meant to be my first week back at work after maternity leave but as I resigned it’s been the first week of my new role as full-time mum. I’ve had a few wobbles about my decision this week but I know it was the right decision for me and my family. I’ve spent a lovely week with my husband and son, the sun has been shining and I’ve felt very happy. 2. I’ve got a Cybermummy sponsor! Completely out of the blue but a great brand. More details soon! 3. Edward and I have been to…

  • maternity leave

    Returning to work – or not

    The last few weeks have been hectic, emotionally and physically. My little boy started to walk, turned 1, we went to Bruges for a couple of days and I celebrated my birthday. Then last week, just 2 weeks before I was due to return to work I decided I couldn’t. I’ve spent the last couple of months trying to decide what was best for us as a family – to return to work part-time or give up my job to enjoy watching my son grow up. With the deadline looming, nursery place sorted and a new set of work clothes…

  • baby - flexible working - maternity leave

    Operation back to work

    Today is the culmination of operation back to work. This afternoon I have a meeting with my manager to discuss my proposal for flexible working and I’m scared! A few weeks ago I prepared a document detailing how I could squeeze my full-time job into a three day week. I’ve been trying to anticipate the questions I’ll be asked but I’m so out of practice that my mind wanders off on other topics, such as the food order I really need to place, birthday cards to post and Edward’s first birthday celebrations. Since submitting my proposal I’ve got a sexy…

  • Christmas - clothing - maternity leave - NCT - shopping

    10 top tips for saving money whilst on maternity leave

    Whilst I love spending time with my little boy my maternity pay recently came to an end. I’ve been trying to save my pennies until I returning to work in a few weeks. I thought I’d share my 10 top tips for saving money whilst on maternity leave: Buy second hand toys Little ones go through toys quickly so buy second hand where possible. Ebay, NCT sales, charity shops and toy swaps are great places to find new to you toys. The toys are usually in great condition and your little one doesn’t care where they’ve come from. Make your…

  • baby - maternity leave - nursery

    What a difference a day makes

    Yesterday we visited a nursery and a childminder. Today I asked to return to work part-time. How did this come about when just a few weeks ago I had decided I didn’t want to return to work? After speaking to  friend I realised that it would be easier to return to work and see how I felt rather than not go back but have to find a new job if I was bored/needed the money.  I only decided this over Christmas so we’ve spent the last few weeks contacting nurseries and childminders who’ve all got long waiting lists. I wondered…