So, the end of another festive season.
We’ve opened presents, eaten all the Quality Street, celebrated the New Year, had a few hangovers, eaten lots of sprouts, I’ve *shock horror* nearly finished reading my book, watched LOADS of films … and now it’s time to go back to reality.
School and work are looming large on the horizon, tomorrow in fact. The children who have had more late nights than I care to mention have been reacquainted with their early bedtime in the hope that it will ease them back into the school routine smoothly. Who am I kidding? As with every other ‘back to school’ week after a holiday my children will be little demons after school this week and I will tear my hair out. But today, which is Sunday, I am optimistically ironing uniform, packing the 3 year old’s lunch, writing cheques for the 5 year old’s school dinners and trying to remember where I put the 5 year old’s PE pumps two weeks ago.
It feels like longer than two weeks. I am actually sad that we won’t be spending all our time together, that I will be handing them over, once again, to teachers and childminders. As a working mother I feel guilt that I spend less time with the 3 year old than I did with his sister. I feel annoyed that during the working week I get the after school versions of my children which sees me sorting out reading, homework, tea and bedtime with often reluctant participants
Still, on the upside I won’t have to repeat myself over and over again at work. Choice phrases from this holiday have been … “You are too close to the TV”, “How long have you been playing on your DS for?”, “The dog has done a poo where!?”, “No, you have eaten all the chocolate coins”, “No, there are no more presents, this is it now”.
Only another 323 days till the next Christmas holiday
Now, where did I put those pumps?
15 Comments on "Back to reality …"
I can’t believe how much I’ve enjoyed having my boy at home these last 2 weeks. When he started school in Sept I had dreams of everything I’d achieve while he learnt stuff and his sister slept.. in reality I found that a 15 mth yr old, whilst lovely, isn’t as entertaining as a 4 1/2 yr old and I really missed him – and so did his sister. It’s been great not having to get out the door on time or structure the day around dropping off / picking up. Sure I probably just need to get better at making the most of what free time I have during term time. As my son told me yesterday (using his best Yoga voice), ‘ much to learn you have, mummy, much to learn!’
Our holidays have been manic and busy but boy have I loved been with the children and hubby for 2 whole weeks. Bliss.
Love the phrases you say over and over. We too have had the ‘how many days to next Christmas EVERY SINGLE DAY SINCE!
It’s been great and is the only time of the year when it feels so relaxed because most other people are off work too.
Even though Big E has only been at nursery since November, I’ve loved having him all day everyday for the last two weeks. Tomorrow is back to the crazy rusheing around routine for us too.
As for work, I really really wanted to be able to be a SAHM this time but we cannot afford it. I’m going to have to go back probably Feb or March. Problem is I don’t drive, have 2 kids to get to child care and my job is an hour bus ride away. Plus I like my job but cannot abide the people I work with anymore. I sent New Year messages out to them all only to discover that none of my colleagues could be bothered to return the sentiments, and the ones that did reply were ‘Who is this?’ texts. Totally demoralised I am.
I’d blog about it but fear one of them would read it
.
Waffling. Sorry!
Happy New Year Mrs! Hope its a happy, healthy 2010.
xxx
Oh Ellie. It’s so hard finding any sort of balance when kids come along. I have struggled with whatever choice I’ve made. Money/time/childcare Aaaaaaaaaargh, it drives me mad.
It is actually a blessed relief not to have to find things to entertain the small people & to have me day structured for me again. And yet, it is sad that to have to go back just at the point that I finally managed to chill out. Thanks for this blog post though – short, sweet & entirely to the point as always x
I must admit – having a purpose again is good. There’s only so many days you can do solely in pyjamas. But it was fun!
Well, we are in our “summer” holidays here, although, summer hasn’t been very obliging here in Sydney. Rain, rain and more rain. I hope it clears up soon, because we have about 3 1/2 weeks left and the cabin fever is most certainly taking hold. It’s times like this I wish for a rumpus room. Just feels a little too close for comfort with 3 noisy boys.
I’m always torn. I love having the boys around, and I love not having to run off to after school activities and the like, but I start to feel desperate for some time to myself. The peace and quiet. Then, as soon as I have that, I miss them.
Darn it. Hope the kids settle back quickly. x
This morning didn’t go too badly. It’s after school that I’m not looking forward to!
I’d prefer rain, rain, rain than our current snow, snow, snow!
3 and a half weeks … phew … see you on the other side of that one.
I love this blog – totally sums up the feelings of the holidays and the challenges of being a working mum.
Thank you! Hope you’ve had a good Christmas and New Year.
I’ve loved spending so much time as a family this past few weeks but it’s wearing thin now and i’ll be glad to wave goodbye to my big girls tomorrow at 9am – i’m counting down the hours as cabin fever has well and truely set in, It’s just a shame i can’t get rid of the terrible twins for a few hours – roll on next January
Oh and thanks for the reminder i too need to find Mia’s school pumps and PE Kit. Happy New Year x
It’s bittersweet isn’t it. Looking forward to eating my lunch without an audience but not looking forward to an early start and cajoling them into the car!
Happy new Year to you too. … and I found the pumps, hope you do too!
I am feeling really sad that the holidays are over. I love having everyone at home and really will miss them when all the things start tomorrow, even though I only actually get 2 hours without a child.
Being either a SAHM or a working mum are both hard in there own ways
Definitely, I’ve been both a SAHM, a WAHM and a working mum and have decided there just isn’t the perfect option for me. I think I could do with being with my boy a little more before he is eaten up by school. Unfortunately it’s not possible though.