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Hi Ho, Hi Ho...

Well, after sixteen months, twelve of which spent in the privileged company of my two most favorite little people, (the first four having spent way too much time in hospital with a pretty tricky pregnancy), I have this week darkened the doorstep of my place of work again and with a mixture of sadness and genuine positivity started the new 'normal' routine, working three days a week.

It's gone pretty well, the kids have settled into the new childcare arrangements brilliantly and my welcome back has been really quite lovely. I feel though, that the phrase 'work/life balance' is hanging over me ominously. I think this is pretty normal for any parent returning after a significant period of maternity or paternity leave. There's an adjustment period and there are weeks where it all runs smoothly and then there are the weeks where you're holding it all together with a diarrhea filled nappy and a Calpol syringe in one hand and a laptop, mobile and cannula pumping intravenous Espressos plugged into the other; one way or another you find a way to muddle through.

With A's asthma on top I must admit that there is a significant additional pressure, but I guess we just have to see how things go. Two winters ago, things were pretty difficult and it is stressful juggling the priorities at home with being the employee that you want to be (with an attendance record to match), but I guess all you can do is your best; and remember who and what are most important in life.

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