Taking leave...

... the maternity kind.

I had been dreading starting my maternity leave. I worried about how my position would be affected at work - I could already see things changing (necessary for cover but still it made me think). And as much as I was getting incresingly tired and uncomfortable and suffering with my hands (making working on a computer difficult) the thought of being away from everything was quite scary, especially with the rate of change in the world of work these days. So much of a person's identity is wrapped up in what they do for a living. So becoming separated from this (even though only temporarily) is quite a wrench. And combined with other identity issues a woman faces when entering motherhood it can all be a bit scary.

I am about to enter that favourite topic of the media - the modern woman wanting it all - career, family and personal identity!! It's a lot to take in. What would I normally do in these situations - to work through all my thoughts - I'd go for a run! Alas that is not possible at the moment. I was going to say that the only thing can run at the moment is a bath, but even that is a dubious claim becase my hands can get so sore that I need help turning the taps on! Ha ha. No morning baths for me, evenings are better as my hands tend to get better as the day goes on and the swelling goes down.

My current status as a temporary lady that lunches is actually going quite well. I've had a couple of days where I haven't felt too great but mostly I am managing ok for somebody who has a VERY heavy beachball in her tummy. Actually one of the hardest parts of the day is those initial few steps when you get out of bed in the morning. My legs seem to be in shock every single day when i ask them to hold up this insanely heavy body of mine. Sometimes it does feel like my legs are going to give way - it's crazy.

I am gradually working my way through my list of chores. That should keep me busy whilst OH is away at the Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra Championships. I am just praying that baby doesn't decided to come early whilst he is away. Plus my waxing appointment is not till next Tuesday!! Want to be presentable when I go into labour after all ha ha. Ah it's a tough being a woman and having to maintain your grooming regimes even when you really don't care!! ha ha.

September is provong to be a difficult month. So much happening. On top of other things I am gutted to be missing out on doing a 24 hour race. Tooting last weekend and the Commonwealth race this weekend. I couldn't run Tooting and Im too far gone to go and be useful support in Wales. Sucks! (I hate to use that term but it's the best my brain can come up with right now.) Maybe I will be fit enough again in 12 months to actually take part in 24-Hour-September 2012. If anyone else is tempted by a 24 Hour race I can whole heartedly recommend the Tooting Bec race. It cannot be beaten on race support and atmosphere. It's magic.

So fingers crossed for Team Scotland this weekend, especially for my OH. He'll be running for all 3 of us this weekend and I know I will be completely proud of him as always. Bump and I will both be proud. And hopefully we'll still be Vicky and Bump on Monday!!