Over the next few weeks I became very, very aware that my time ‘off’ work was drawing to a close. In general I did feel far more confident about every area of my life and much stronger to cope mentally and physically with any knocks. I entered a ‘make the most of it’ period arranging most days to meet up with my old and newer friends who had children, plus Brendan and Annie, and we all got out and about to a variety of places. I guess that Dominic’s developing mobility, level of conversation and independent streak helped too. I did not feel I was leaving a helpless baby, but a boisterous toddler who definitely benefited from a wide range of company and venues. He had also begun to use a potty, very occasionally. I went into school to arrange with the head teacher about my return and it was decided that in the three weeks prior to the Easter holiday I would attend for three, four then five days respectively. It was sensitively pointed out to me that this, understandably, was my last chance – fail this time and I was out.
