Preparing to go back to work – A Summer Bucket List Update

Last Updated on 21 February 2019 by Colette

My SMP (and therefore my maternity leave) officially ends in just a few weeks time – this coincides right with the end of the the Summer Term which is not really the best time for picking up supply work so we’ve essentially said I will be back to work in September.

Over the last few months I’ve had a few phone calls from my agency and one of my favourite schools catching up to check when I’ll be going back which, rather than making me feel pressured, has been lovely as it’s so nice to feel wanted!  I was concerned about having to “build up” my reputation again after the best part of a school year off work – I suppose I thought people would have just forgotten me and be out of the habit of booking me to work.  Thankfully not!

As a result of this I’ve been doing a few KIT days in one of my regular schools.  The first day was a bit of a brain strain – luckily Dave was at home to look after the kids so I didn’t have to worry about getting anyone else ready but after a tricky night with Amy it was still a challenge to get myself up and out of the house, looking presentable and ready to teach!  Once I was in school it was like I’d never been away, everyone was lovely and so welcoming which really made it much easier for me.  Amy and Dave survived their day together (despite her total refusal to drink from a bottle) and it was all good.

I worked again yesterday at the same school but this time Amy went to Ange for her first settling in day.  Now in fairness Amy has only ever been looked after by me and on a handful of days by Dave.  Whilst she sees Ange daily at school and she is used to being in her house when we collect the other two it was still a big jump to leave her there for a full working day.  I think it’s safe to say they both coped – I got a lovely smiley picture of Amy at lunch time which made me feel much better and I was glad that when I arrived she was playing happily and didn’t immediately notice me – though once she did got a bit frantic!  I was certainly relieved to be able to sit and feed her!!

I’m not sure if I will fit any more KIT days in now this term – I’ve already been offered one for next week but childcare is tricky when Dave is otherwise engaged with the extension!  We shall see.  At least I’ve done a couple of days to get myself back into the swing of things and it won’t feel quite so bad come September.  Amy will hopefully have a few more sessions with Ange over the summer too.

Here’s what we’re aiming for over the next three months on our Summer Bucket List:

1. Amy’s christening
2. Celebrate Chloe’s 3rd birthday
3. Get involved in some water play
4. Celebrate Ben’s 5th birthday
5. Lots of picnics!
6. Jurassic 5 gig
7. Make the house bigger!
8. Dave’s big bike ride
9. Get my back sorted
10. The lovely Cesca’s Hen Do
11. Take a trip to the theatre
12. Teach Ben to ride his bike without stablisers
13. Prepare for going back to work in September 18.06.14 
14. Find a sun cream which suits Ben’s skin but doesn’t ruin his clothes!
15. Keep focussed on that “Wedding Weight” target (this is continued from the Spring Bucket List)
16. Take a trip to Whitby & introduce Daddy to Magpie fish and chips as we didn’t manage it in the Spring