Thanks for all the good wishes. First day back was fine - really nice to catch up with everyone properly and had just the right amount to do so I felt useful without it being too hectic.
DH's refusal to take more than two consecutive days' annual leave this year has had the unexpected bonus of leaving him with enough holidays to look after N one day a week for a month, and it worked out brilliantly today. He apparently didn't get upset at all and settled perfectly well without milk. Luckily he did want a big feed as soon as I got home though, as it felt like my boobs were going to explode!
Utopian - I was still bf on demand when I got pg, but as DS1 was 2 it was at a much reduced rate (although we never did manage to fully nightwean until he stopped altoghether). My periods came back at about 14 months iirc so I'd had them for a year beforehand - only took 2 months ttc compared to 8 first time round though. Will keep fx it all works out for you.
Slugs have a habit of congregating near our doorstep in the rain too so I've had the odd squelch underfoot when putting something in the bin - Hales I feel your pain!