The mummy returns: part two...

So after quite a gap since my last post, I am back to writing on this blog. I may have disappeared from here and Twitter for a while; however, I did emerge briefly to write a post for the Reallife Fit on self-care and well-being before retreating back to life with a pre-schooler and baby and all that that entails (mainly tears - of laughter, joy, anger, sadness and frustration).

Reading back my post from the last time I returned from maternity leave I'm surprised at how raw it still feels.

I hadn't recovered mentally or physically when I went back and (I realise I am lucky compared to some countries who get no or little maternity leave - looking at you America) but I had little financial choice so it was the way it had to be. Luckily this child didn't have neonatal meningitis or reflux and while it wasn't a walk in the park - prolonged jaundice, scar infections etc - we're doing okay. This time taking a longer leave of absence has addressed some of those emotional and physical demons and laid them to rest. Some...not all.

This time I have two little ones at home being looked after by their dad during the week while we tag team childcare. I am returning to a job I am very excited about and I have recently found out I have been accepted on a programme to do a Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring qualification - which I am absolutely thrilled with. I've been trying to get on this course for YEARS - I may have mentioned it once or twice in my posts!

As the seasons shift...

It has been a bit of an identity shift moving jobs too. I will be spending my time with academic staff rather than students and I am no longer working in a library or employed as an information professional. While I am still a member of CILIP and therefore still a qualified chartered librarian, I am not sure how much longer I will retain that part of my identity. I will need to change the strapline of my blog - or do I scrap this one and start again? It seems a shame to lose all that content, especially as lots of it is still linked to what I do.

My path is now veering away from budgets and research databases and much more towards education, coaching and developing people - the element of all my previous roles I have most enjoyed and valued. A condition of my probation is that I will gain Senior Fellow status of the Higher Education Academy so I expect I will be busy this academic year.

I am considering blogging about both my journey to becoming a Senior Fellow and a qualified coach. If this is something you would be interested in please let me know via the comments.

The mummy returns...

A terribly dodgy title but it did give me a chuckle at stupid 'o' clock whilst trying to get the reason I've been away from work for 7 months off to sleep. So sod it - it stays!

I'd like to say I spent the first month of my maternity leave blissfully organising my baby's books and practising my downward dog. Instead, I spent it being tested weekly for obstetric cholestatis, which is quite scary and serious, as well as covering myself in calamine lotion whilst trying desperately not to rip my skin off (a side effect is intensely itchy feet - minus the urge to travel).

And so, after a crazy start to the year, I'm due back at work this week. Knowing I wasn't going to be away for very long, I didn't disengage completely from library world whilst away -  I read Update and kept up to date with up my favourite blogs via Feedly and Twitter etc, but even this proved tricky to do initially. I'll not lie  - it's been a very difficult and challenging six months. F was almost two weeks overdue and, when he finally decided to make an appearance, had to be treated for neonatal bacterial meningitis. Consequently, we spent twelve days in the hellish world of hell that is a labour ward while he had antibiotics. He then suffered  from severe reflux for five months which I wouldn't wish on anyone, not even one of those lecturers who ask you for a breakdown of your budget spending at five minutes to five on a Friday evening. Not even that person.

On my due date, with no sign of F!

Now things are more on even keel, I'm about to be back at work while my husband becomes a stay at home dad. I am going to find out how I can drive to and from work and deal with the usual manic-ness that is Term One with very little sleep and no happy hormones left. In addition, I'm going to try to express in between teaching and meetings *rolls on the floor laughing, but then can't get back up as had no time to do physio recovery exercises*. Seriously.

This is beginning to sound like quite a whingy post but it's meant to be quite hopeful. I have a beautiful little boy with the maddest, craziest hair. I finally have a permanent contract. I'm looking forward to lunch breaks and cups of tea like you wouldn't believe. I plan to re-validate my CILIP Chartership again. And I will, almost certainly, have some trials, tribulations and tales to blog about.