A week in the life of a nanniless working mum

Wednesday
Excited to discover that brushing my teeth while I’m on the toilet saves a whole thirty seconds!

1pm
Take the underground into the West End with Alex strapped to me. I have lunch with patrons of a Charity at the Groucho club. My first treat of the week is a couple of large glasses of wine.

4pm
Feel like going to bed, but looking around, I see that dust ‘elephants’ have replaced the dust ‘bunnies’ of last week. Roll up sleeves and clean.

7pm
Spend the evening on the Internet doing research. Alex’s dad looks after her.

Thursday
5.15am
Baby in bed with dad. I get glammed-up for a TV paper review on ‘Simply Money’ channel.

10am
At my wits end because two articles are due today. Rush to my friend, Alison’s, and push Alexandra at her with a quick ‘See you at three.’ The phone is ringing when I get home. It’s Alison, I forgot to leave the babies bag, and so she has no food or nappies for her. I pick Alexandra up and bring her home. I sit her on my knee and beg her to fall asleep while I try and write my column.

9pm
Alex is finally asleep. She sensed that I was stressed and whimpered for attention all day. What else could I do but play with her? Now I start working, it’s going to be a long night.

Friday
2pm
Playing the role of a newsreader in a promotional film for the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Alexandra sits sweetly on my lap as I practise using the autocue. She’s already unfazed by the studio’s bright lights. When it’s time to film, the producer kindly takes her into another room until we finish.

6pm
It’s the opening night of my husband’s play. This means I won’t get to bed until 1am again, and this thought makes me feel hysterical. Although my sister will baby-sit tonight, I realise this isn’t enough in the long run.