It's been a long, long time

The very shaggy dog taking up half a queen-size bed!

I started this blog last year and then in the haze of working nearly full time and raising a rambunctious two-year old it got left by the wayside. I kept telling myself I would get back to it once she was sleeping through the night and guess what? She isn't. 

We've now moved to a big girl bed and last night I found her curled up at the base of the armchair, crying. Fantastic.

In the last twelve months we've been busy. We've gone to France and the UK with an 18-month old. We've gone to Melbourne for our lovely friends' wedding, with no 22-month old. Oh the joy. I've taken up craft again and have made three patchwork quilts, wings, tutus and a play kitchen. We've cooked, we've cleaned, we've gardened. We've had our share of heartache with the passing of Nanna and our share of joy with close friends giving birth to delightful little boys. It's the circle of the life.

I'm posting some pics of my craft and cooking - these are the little things that drive me forward through my sleep deprived fog.

Coconut macaroons

Pasta making with bubba

Advent calendar - shocking photo!

Hattie's tutu - wonderful 2nd birthday present crafted by me and left glitter everywhere

The cost of childcare

Dandelion image via pinterest

Being a working mum has its challenges not the least of which is guilt, fear and anxiety. I now work three full days per week and one day from home and I count myself immeasurably lucky to have relatives caring for my bub. However, I still put her name down for the daycare centre attached to my work. I thought it would be easy both financially and emotionally for her to go there. When I put her name down I had no idea when there would be a spot and now eight months later I get the email. The email that gives me less than a week to make up my mind whether I want to send her to daycare. I'm torn, I'm uncomfortable and frankly I just don't know. My theory is that I could come to work for half a day and have an afternoon to myself. I dream that this could result in haircuts, dental appointments and maybe a visit to the gym. In reality I know that I will just keep staying later and later at work until suddenly I am at work four full days per week. And so now I am torn. I love spending time with my daughter and love the two full days I spend with her. I love catching up with my mum friends. I just love it and it makes me feel slightly (okay maybe a minuscule) less guilty about going to work on the other days.
If I send her to daycare what is the cost to me?