Jods,

Well done. I too had the same worry when I went back to work full-time this year. I must say for the most part Anthony and Alexander have been fine but don't be fooled that it is all roses. I have found that I couldn't really work late (I used to have to work Wednesday nights) as a day dealing with bubby was often enough. Things were okay as long as bubby wasn't in a mood or teething or generally unwell but the days that he was a bit off I could hear the relief in Anthony's voice when I got home. Be prepared to be worn out because there are days when I literally get in the door and Anthony is quick to do the baby handover. I mean literally keys in the door!! That can be wearing if you have had a tiring day yourself, then you have to drive home and so the day continues. What makes it worse is that nothing will get done at home. Its like theirs cups are just too full and there is no room to even think of doing anything else.

Strategies that I put in place were to get Anthony to the grocery shopping or pick up what is needed for tea - if he is able to. I also try and get a load or two in the washing machine of a night and ask if he can hang that out for me during the day. Bubby goes into daycare one day a week, so Anthony has him two days, break, two days and then its the weekend. Oh and Anthony and Alexander have regular playgroup on Tuesday mornings - its been good for both of them. There are two dads and I think four women and kids who go. Its not so much of a drama at the moment as I am about to go on maternity leave again and am not planning to go back to full-time work. Also convince your husband to tell you if he is unwell so you can operate around that, otherwise you will just go to work stressed. Its a bloke thing I guess but he will probably try and convince you that he is handling it even if he isn't. Lets face it, toddlers are tiring creatures..........they just don't seem to have an off switch!

Sorry to put a dampner on your good news but they say forewarned is forearmed. Like I said, generally it has been okay but you will need to have some strategies in place to make it easier on you.