Diary of an (ex)London mum

Perhaps I am imagining this, or perhaps I am more aware of all things to do with babies because I am pregnant,  but there seems to be an awful lot of fly-on-the-wall programmes, TV series, etc on the box about having children and parenting.  Currently in the news, rising childcare costs in the U.K. is also taking up much column space in the daily press.  It seems procreation is taking center stage, or nearly center stage, in these times of economic turmoil. Yesterday an article in the Guardian looked at the implications of the 5.8 and 3.9 % increase in childcare costs in 2009- 2010 and 2010-2011, respectively, in relation to the 0.3 % increase in salary over the same period, and the changes in tax credit, for working parents.  The title and punch line were slightly irritating but the article itself was interesting; well worth a read. Childcare is of course a concern for us at the moment.  I will be returning to work after six months of maternity leave...

Two weeks to my due date and one week of work left.  Can't wait to meet Sprog after months of incubation and preparation.  So far its been relatively plain sailing- no major health issues, interesting commute to work with some good experiences and some not so good , preparations for work (or rather stopping work to go on maternity leave) have been relatively smooth- and I have enjoyed my time with Sprog as a constant companion.  He has certainly developed more of a personality as he has grown and the last few months have been quite good fun.  Being generally well and relaxed probably did help; having a partner that encourages and supports me to stick with my usual routine as much as possible certainly helped.  Life has stayed normal.  I have been almost militant in my desire to stay as independent as possible, especially at work.  So far my only allowance has been a slight change in my work hours to avoid the worst of the rush periods, i.e. I ha...