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Nearly nine months.... nearly time to go back

 Hey guys its Jess here, 

Today I just want to share a little about where we are now! 


We are nearly nine months old! This is very exciting, but very daunting as it also means it's nearly time to go back to work, I am excited as I am stepping into a new role, but also a little anxious, I've been out of the game for a little while, wrapped up in the cosy bubble of being a Mama, and now i need to tackle the challenge of learning to be a Mama AND a teacher. 

This week we have been doing settles at nursery, he has done so well, of course there were tears, its to be expected, its very different settling in to nursery, even if they have been to lots of play groups, spent time with family without you present or been around lots of new people. It can be a little overwhelming to be in a new place with new faces, smells and sounds and then to realise your Mama or Da isn't there? I would cry too! 

Saying that though, early years educators work really hard to help new little ones settle, find their


favourite toys, give them cuddles and make it a positive experience, so even though we had tears, I know he was okay, and I know he will be fine. 

The last 9 months have been a bit of a whirl wind, I had to learn to be me in a different light, and there was very little training before hand, and even with the info i had gained before bringing little man into the world i still had to learn so much on the fly! 

Navigating nap times, exploring new food, battling boob feeds and learning social skills, it's been a lot, and it will continue to be, just with a few more life balancing challenges thrown in. 

Here are some of my key things to take away from my maternity leave. 

1. As I transition back to work I do feel anxious, and guilty like I have squandered the last 9 months away because I haven't achieved something, but i also know I have achieved plenty, I helped a little boy grow into a little man, I kept him safe, I enjoyed learning with him, I made mama friends, I learned how to be a mama myself, I started to recover and I got some de-cluttering done in between.

2. Being a parent is hard, but so rewarding and so worth it! 

3. Paid maternity leave is not enough! I was fortunate to have enhanced pay at the beginning which gave a boost and hubby had 8 weeks paternity, something that isn't often found, but like many, I had built up a stash of savings to top up my statutory maternity pay to cover my monthly outgoings, and like many I do have to return to work when little man is 9 months because I cannot justify or afford 3 months unpaid leave. It would be nice in future years to see this change so mamas don't have to go back before 12 months without a mass of savings or making big sacrifices, and I would love to see more paternity leave that's longer than two weeks! especially when the first 4-6 weeks are the hardest! 

So here we are, coming up to Christmas, and getting ready to settle into a new year with a new challenge, 

I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy new year! See you in 2025! 

Scribble back

Lots of love

Jess 


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