Time for the WHOLE Story

I am nearing the end of my second, and more likely than not, my last period of maternity leave, and am feeling somewhat emotional about life, as I know it, changing.

My youngest is starting nursery and turning one in just a matter of days. My eldest is starting school next week *sob* and soon I am swapping my changing bag for a handbag and returning to the office.

Last week, whilst at a play date with a friend I realised one thing that I won’t miss about maternity leave and time with my children.

The Half Stories.

Hundreds of the bloody things.

In the last month alone I must’ve heard at least 25 half stories. Stories with friends that began with good intentions only to be interrupted by a snotty nose, a bumped head, a little voice exclaiming they need a wee or a squabble over which one gets to hold the Pocahontas doll. A story which is listened to with one ear only, the other listening out for cries, incidents or potential hazards whilst you try and retain your focus.

A half story that gets halted when your Mum duty kicks in, only for you to do that thing your own Mum used to do when you were a child, and forget what it was you were talking about.

The half story then stops for a minor parenting interval, before the process repeats with the start of another story, which inevitably suffers the same fate.

My friends leave and I am left feeling frustrated – a bit like missing the last episode of a four part documentary, or starting a 4000 piece jigsaw puzzle only to find about 15 pieces missing just as the picture starts to come together.

I have heard everything but learnt nothing, and feel like I need another catch up just to get the Part 2 of every single episode.

So whilst I will miss the baby snuggles and playtime, the paddling pools and park visits, I will NOT miss the half stories.

In just over 2 weeks time I will return to the office and maybe, just maybe I will get to hear a full story, all the way from start to finish, in one sitting. No interval required.

Let’s just hope it’s a good one!!