Today marks the start of our Mother Daughter Date Week. Just Me and Erin, thick as thieves, out there against the world.

One of the things I was most worried about when expecting my second child was my Erin getting jealous. My best friend, my first born, and the sole focus of my free time was all of a sudden going to have my attention split between her and her sister. I had never spent a single night away from Erin, and as such, I felt such Mum guilt at the thought of her feeling even the slightest bit pushed out or neglected.

As it happened, Erin adapted to being a big sister better than I ever could have hoped, even faced with me being out the picture for 4 weeks after having a prolonged hospital stay.

Whilst I have loved being a Mum of two, I have definitely missed our one on one time. The craft sessions have dwindled to nearly non existent since Neve and her inquisitive hands made them near impossible, and the more active days out became somewhat limited with a pushchair in tow and daytime naps added in to the equation.

Last week we attended Erin’s preschool graduation ceremony. We said our thankyou to nursery as we watched her and her friends sign off their preschool years. She sang her heart out, danced with her endless energy and made me so proud when she shared that she wanted to be a doctor when she grows up (however this has now changed to lifeguard so her career aspirations clearly vary depending on her mood!!) 🙂

In just over a weeks time, I will be walking my daughter to school for her very first day and it feels like the last four years have simply been whisked away beneath my feet.

So this week is ours. Just mine and Erin’s. With Neve transitioning into nursery and her grandparents, I am lucky enough to have the whole week off with Erin – 3 days of which will be just me and her, to go out and do whatever she wanted!

We have a jam packed week planned including craft and pampering, afternoon tea in our party dresses and a trip to he theatre to name but a few. I can’t wait to have some proper conversations which aren’t stopped half way through by a distracted mummy. To give her my undivided attention, to play with her, to laugh with her, have cuddles, read books, hold her hand as we enjoy an experience together and to sit and listen to every single word that comes out of her little mouth. I want to absorb every ounce of her being and capture the special moments of how she is right now, in these moments. Erin, the preschooler.

These are the last week days I will get at home with my daughter, something I have till now taken for granted. This, coupled with my final maternity leave coming to an end, I am feeling a tad emotional to say the least!!

So, this week you can expect me to be a tad quieter than normal! My posts are scheduled, my phone will be on silent and my emails will wait till bedtime. This week is all about me and Erin, Erin and me – and I cannot bloody wait.

💕💕💕