This week was my first week back at university since I had Roisin. I was looking forward to it, as it was the first time I’d had to use my brain in ages, but at the same time I knew I’d miss the gang. I opted to travel to and from Lancaster everyday so I could at least see everyone for an hour or two – even if it was just putting them to bed or getting them up in the morning. I had the week planned – who was going where on which days, when Trent was going to nursery and all the meals and bottles were organised.

The week flew in, probably because by the time I got home, tidied up, got the following day’s things organised and put Trent and Roisin to bed, it was time for me to go to bed! I felt bad that dad got neglected and had to do a lot of running around and coping with both children at the same time. But at least now he knows what life’s like in a normal week for me when he’s at work! My mam and auntie are brilliant and give me loads of support, and dad normally takes Trent every morning so that gives me a chance to get organised.

I was surprised that although I missed Roisin lots, it was Trent who I really looked forward to seeing at the end of the week. I think it’s because Roisin is still so young, and as long as she’s fed, warm and dry, then she’s happy and doesn’t know any difference. But Trent is at such an inquisitive age and he’s learning so quickly. Every day he’s doing or saying something different and even in the one week I was away I noticed he’d grown up so fast. When I came home one night my mam had taught Trent to say ‘school’, so he knows where I go all week – he can also say ‘work’ because that’s where dad goes. I really enjoy learning and my job, and I need to carry on working because it keeps my brain going and it’s something I do for me. But I also love being a mam.