Thank you for you amazing support and your patience in regards to an update! I spent last weekend with Mands and the kids and it is beautiful to also see how friends continue to reach out and assist where possible and often simply in just knowing you're there for her. Please keep it up!

The first three weeks of Lydia, the au pair, being in the house has been a huge relief and taken so much pressure off; especially as Mands becomes increasingly pregnant with the due date now only weeks away. Whilst Lydia has a lovely nature, so helpful and genuine care for the kids, unfortunately her english was more limited than anticipated and this has proven a little too hard to overcome. Thankfully, there was another more suitable family for Lydia to transition over to and there was be a swift and mutually amicable parting of ways whilst we looked around. Luckily, we were able to meet a lovely Australian girl during my visit. Already living in Glasgow and with a passion for children and music, our new Aussie friend Lauren, has already started with a couple of days a week and teaching the kids some keyboard skills! Whilst she comes at a higher cost, which means a few less hours per week, her way with the kids is absolutely fantastic and now there's nothing lost in translation. Mands, Mia and Finn all seem more comfortable with these arrangements and the mum's at the school have also helped lighten the load with more shared pick-ups and drop-offs; another huge help.