Oh go on NJ, out with it on the MIL front . Mine is what I call 'passive aggressive'. Does things sneaking upstairs to clean my bathroom when she's here (not asking, just making it obvious she's 'cleaned', like leaving a cloth in the sink etc, and usually after I've actually cleaned it the day before!!!). The sort of thing most people say, 'send her over to mine!, but to me it's more about what it all symbolises? Does that make sense? (read, do are a dirty mare that isn't good enough for my son). She also does things like beg and beg to help out with childcare etc, but then when I do need her (on the rare occasion) says things like...well, I did have to do this/that, but...um..well I could maybe change it...but so and so will be upset...oh, go on then.... Gosh, don't know where all that came from!!
BEMY, think you're right that the job security issue is the thing for maternity leave, and not the fact that you're not eligible for maternity leave per se. The only stuff my place has written down refers to picking probation period 'back up' when you return from leave, if you are on ML when on probation. The thing is if I waited much longer, I would be pushing 40 when ttc, and really want to get itn all done before then!
NJ, wow 5 girls, that must have been fun! I am one of 3 girls (the eldest) and my poor dfad used to go and sit in the back garden and chat the the (male) rabbit! I rememebr as teenagers us all badgering him for money, and in the end he just threw the wallet at us, with cries of 'take it!' and headed off to the garden shed . Dh is already well versed in anything to do with High School Musical, and I heard him humming it to himself the other day when in the kitchen! Oh and think there might be soemthing in that gender thing NJ - miscarriages in my family (2, mother, sister) were male babies .
Right, will mark another essay then check back