We’re out of bed early on a Monday, because it’s the day we go to Hawthorn Family Support Centre.  (Erin is 6 months old and has Down’s Syndrome.  Hawthorn is a fantastic nursery run by Leeds Mencap).  I give Erin her breakfast, get us both dressed, make myself a sandwich, and ensure I’ve packed everything Erin needs in her changing bag. 

It takes about 20 minutes to drive there.  When we arrive I get Erin out of her car seat and carry her to the playroom, then if I’m lucky I can settle down in the parents’ room with a cup of tea.  Usually there are some other mums there to have a chat with, or I read a book.  Periodically I go and see what Erin’s doing – I may find her playing with toys in the playroom, or perhaps looking at the lights in the sensory room.  Of course she’s not alone – one of the lovely playroom ladies is looking after her.

Around mid-morning Erin will have some mashed banana, and then later on a pureed version of whatever the older children are having for lunch.  She usually only has a brief nap when she’s at Hawthorn, because there’s so much going on and she doesn’t want to miss anything.  It’s only later, when we get home, that she has a long sleep. 

That’s why Monday is my favourite day of the week, and I suspect Erin agrees with me.