The cost of childcare

Let me preface this post by saying that I don't think I could ever put a price on Liam's care.  I love the childcare centre that Liam goes to.  The quality of care is second to none and I totally trust his beautiful educators and how they have his best interests at heart.  Going back to work and having Liam go to childcare was without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever had to do.  What makes it easier for me is knowing that Liam loves his days at childcare and he has thrived and developed under their care.  By going back to work I am a better mother and I derive a huge amount of my self worth and identity through work.

Liam goes to childcare four days per week and on a Tuesday he stays with my mum.  The arrangement works well for my family now and I have a wonderfully supportive husband.

As most families know, childcare does not come cheap.  However, the Australian government will pay 50% of your out of pocket expenses either every quarter, or at tax time.  It is capped at $7000 per child. 

We pay $90 per day for Liam to attend his centre and today I was informed that there will be a price rise and the new daily rate will be $95 per day.  Ok, so its another $20 per week.  I understand that costs rise. 

What I can't seem to understand is why the government can't do this 50% rebate for families on a weekly basis.  Surely that would make sense?  It was after all, one of the reasons I voted for Tony Abbott, in fact pretty much the only reason if I am being honest.  Extra cash flow amongst families would help everyone with the rising cost of living.

Trying to work out the complex nature of the Family Assistance Office and the benefits for which your family is entitled to is a major minefield.  I know women who delay going back to work as they would be working to pay for childcare only.  Surely, in this day and age we could come up with a better childcare system to support women in their quest to return to the workforce.

I'm very lucky that my employer will have a new childcare centre at the bottom of our building that is due for completion at the end of next year and I will be able to take Liam to work with me.  However, I do feel for those families who will need to find extra room in their budget to account for a price rise in childcare.

Anyway, my child's happiness is paramount and I would hate to take Liam out of a centre that he feels secure and happy in, so price rise it will be.

New hair

Those closest to me know that my hair is my thing.  Over the long weekend I didn't get a chance to blowdry it straight or put my irons through it until today because I was just so busy.  It was left to dry naturally and as a result I just chucked it up in a ponytail and dealt with the frizz.

At the moment I am so over my hair.  After I had Liam I was shocked that so much of it fell out and I think now, two years later it has really just recovered.

I bought a voucher for a salon in the city at a discounted price but so did everyone in Perth and the appointments are taking so long to get I don't know whether to wait until August to get it done (too long) or just book another appointment.

Either way, I am going for the big chop and big colour.  I want a creamy, light blonde and a cut based on Gwyneth/Mariella/Victoria.  I'm sure the stylist will just love me when I present all these pictures and tell her to do something 'in between'.

Take Five

I was the kind of kid who...
Was the little mother and taking care of my brothers.  I used to love reading and would constantly daydream...about dancing on a stage, singing in front of a crowd or having my knight in shining armour sweep me away on his horse.

My mother always told me...
Good things happen to good people.  And she is so right.

The biggest lesson I learnt at school was....
To listen.

My first big crush was...
The teenager who lived across the road from me as a 5 year old.  He was called Rowan. 

I earnt my first pay cheque...
Babysitting for the neighbours in my street.  I loved it.

I really hate it...
When people are rude, arrogant and insensitive to others.

I'm very good at...
Striking up a conversation.

The hardest thing I have ever done...
Parenthood/Motherhood.

My proudest moment was...
Becoming a mother and a wife.

I am frightened of...
Fear.  Silly really considering I've worked through quite a bit of it in my lifetime.

My home is...
My haven, my heart, my place I worked so hard for but nothing without my husband and son.

The last book I read was...
Danni Minogue's autobiography.

I really need to start...
Saying no more.

I am happiest when...
Its just me, Richard and Liam.  Always.

I hope I never...
Lose all the things I have worked so hard for.

Life is...
Awesome, scary, beautiful and amazing.

Reaching out

I am taking some time off work this week to recharge before things get crazy busy again and spend some precious time with my bestie visiting from Brissie and our sons.  Today we went to the beach and it was so relaxing....aahhhh.  Liam chased the birds and waded in the water and it was so great to have that quality time with him.

This afternoon I also met with the CEO of the Spiers Centre in my neighbourhood about doing some volunteer work for the centre.  I was really impressed with what they do for the local community.  They get a massive bread delivery every day and have buckets of clothes for adults and kids, so families can come in and get it as they need it.  As I am somewhat limited in terms of free time and any time I do have is spent with my little family, there are probably only a few things I can get involved in.  They have a creche that needs painting and the front garden needs a good weed.  I could also help with pulling their newsletter together and self esteem seminars they give to mothers who may feel isolated, or want to meet new people or get back into the workforce.

It pains me to think there are families out there really struggling, who don't know where their next meal is coming from or need clothing for their kids.

With household living costs on the rise and the GFC hangover still looming, more people need help now more than ever.

This year I would like to donate some of my time to Spiers and I will go back and do Telethon again.  It was so much fun and when you become a mother yourself, there is nothing worse that having a very ill child.  These hospitals need all the support they can get and Telethon is a fantastic charity.

Dear Liam

Dear Liam

I just wanted to let you know I love you so much.  It is such a joy being your mumma.  In the last month or so I've felt a shift.  I can't quite explain it or even put my finger on it, but I am just having so much fun with you.  I love our relationship and how close we are.  Your dad thinks you are a mummy's boy and I would have to agree. 

I love that you are my son.  Growing up with three brothers I really wanted a sister but now I see my brothers taught me about boys and I'm putting it all into practice now.

You and me have competitions on who can be the loudest.  And you win all the time.  We chat and talk and when you hold my hand, I feel so proud of you.  You really are becoming my big boy and I love teaching you about life. 

Even though I work full time and life is ridiculously busy, I think of you every minute of the day and I work so hard because I want to give you the best of everything.  You love your house and I am so happy we have that garden for you to play in and a special room for all your toys.  Your dad and I I really wanted that for you and when I feel like I am going to collapse with tiredness after a big week I only have to see you zooming around in your toy car to know that moving to Perth and buying this house was the right thing for our family.

Today we went swimming at the local leisure centre and I really enjoyed that time together, just you and me.  You even told me you wanted a baby brother when you spotted all the other kids with their siblings.  I must admit that since you turned two, I have been thinking about it more and more.  I think you would be an amazing brother and your dad and me are in discussions.  I'll let you know :).

Liam, every day you fill our hearts with joy.  We are so lucky to have you in our lives and I can't wait for the future to unfold with you in it.

We love you.

Your mummy xxx

Love notes

Nothing can quite prepare you for when you go from twosome to threesome.

I remember lounging around in bed until 11am, lunch at 1pm, lazy afternoons in the pub reading the paper and talking to the early hours with my husband.  We could do whatever we wanted when we wanted.

All that changes when you have a child.  We don't mind that now of course, but in the beginning it really did take some adjusting.  Our marriage went through a period of adjustment.  Suddenly its not all about you, or him, and there is this little person to consider.

Fast forward to the toddler years.  I know its only February, but how did our lives get somuch busier this year?  Once that alarm goes off each morning at 5.45am, the race is on.  Attempts at a conversation with my husband are interuptted within about 2 seconds.

Mummy...
Mum.
Mummy...
Mum...
MUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Too bad if we were talking about something important.  Liam needs to be acknowledged and NOW.

Kisses and hugs with my husband are grabbed when there is a spare moment. 

Imagine my pure delight when I opened up my lunch bag to find a beautiful handwritten note from my husband to let me know he loves me.  My heart just sang.  This was something we did for each other before parenthood.

How beautiful of my husband to remember those days.



Gratitude



It is so easy to become complacent and take for granted for what we have in this life.

I don't know about you, but sometimes I can wake up in the morning and my mind is racing.

It never slows down.  At night I get into bed and it seems I will spend a good half an hour doing my worrying for the day before I drift off into the land of slumber.  Did Liam eat enough dinner tonight?  Did I return that phone call I was supposed to make?  Did I spend enough time with my husband when Liam went to bed?  Why haven't I called that friend I should have called two weeks ago?

There comes a time when I have to stop.  And breath.  And look around at what I have.

I have an amazing life compared to most people in the world.  I have enough food in my fridge, a home, clothing and my family has access to leading edge medical treatment.  I am earning an income to provide for my family and those I love.

Each morning at work I receive an email from a website for working mothers.  This is something I look forward to every morning.  Today's email was quite inspirational.  This is what I am going to be grateful for and give thanks for every day:

Give thanks for the love in my life – for my family and for being able to have a child and look after my son – many people can’t.

Give thanks for my career and employer for the opportunity to earn income and support my family and my aspirations in life.

Give thanks for the food in front of me – the roof over my head – the clothes on my body – the health I enjoy – for this glorious, abundant, safe country that I live in.

Give thanks for ALL I have in my life – however small or insignificant I think it is. Many people in the world would LOVE to have what I have.

And then focus on what else I would LOVE in my life – what would I really LOVE? And then believing it will come to me….

I hope you are able to dream about what you want.  And what you deserve.

I love the feeling of gratitude.  Sometimes it only takes a moment to appreciate what we have.