When DS was 11m old I told DH to take him out on the afternoon. That was the first break I had, aside from DH watching DS for 15 minutes so I could shower once a month (the other times DS was in with me and he HATES the shower). The only reason I did this was because I was going back to work and DH was going to have DS one afternoon a week so I could work.

Now I see work as my "me" time! I can sit down with a hot drink, have a laugh with the other lass in my office and not think about my DS, or how to keep him entertained. I also have book club once a month, two hours where DS is asleep and DH has him. But that has only been in the last two months.

I will be honest, nursery has been good for DS. Really good. He's walking more, interacting with other children more... he's not over-keen on it but he will be. And I need to work (money, not sanity!). If I'd had my way he'd be at home with me full-time still, but nursery has been good for him. Knowing this, I'd be at home full time with DS in a good nursery two mornings a week. NOT the volunteer-provided creche for an hour, because I want him to be (a) out my hair for more time than that and (b) properly cared for and stimulated. There's nothing wrong with needing me-time. Maybe you could swap with a friend once a week - you have her baby for a morning, so two together, and she has yours on a different morning. Free me-time and great social time for your baby!

HTH.