Well here we are with the girls fast approaching the terrible twos and don't we know it. Our angels have become strong willed, tough and stubborn at times. They are still beautiful and wonderful and their cuteness is still very apparent but they can also be demanding and stroppy and fight among themselves viciously. The fallow period has ended where it became a little easier and now we face the challenge of disciplining. I always thought my girls would be placid, calm and easy to manage and now I am finding myself frustrated at how little I can communicate to them and how rough they can be with one another. They bite and scratch and pull hair and push and shove and it is not just to each other but to other kids at the playgroups. They have learnt assertive communication from a young age and surprise us as they challenge children much bigger.

Please don't get me wrong. On the contrast of this, they can be delightful, affectionate and warm. They often giggle and laugh with each other, and with us. They dance in the most wonderful and unique ways and visually I think they are stunning. They have a mass of blond wild curly hair with wispy bits and bright blue eyes and their smiles are enough to light up my world. They often come and give us big kisses and cuddles too. Sometimes they embrace one another and when they all hold hands it is very very cute. They do care for each other and often help each other up after a fall and kiss and hug the wounded party. They run and jump and play and shout and sing together. It is fascinating to hear their language developing and the array of sounds that tumble out. They are bold, confident and adventurous.

In many ways being one of three is difficult as they are always in competition with each other and for us. When we spend time with one girl on her own they revel in having our undivided attention.

They are still not great sleepers and I know much of that is to do with us failing to establish a good routine but somehow we struggle on. Each day we go to various parks and one o'clock clubs in the area and Mila often jokes that they have a better social life than we do. We are very active with them which has been needed as constant stimulation seems to keep them happy and amused.

I still find it amusing when people ask me what else I do, wanting a grandiose list of my career moves. This still is a full time job and more and perhaps difficult for many, especially those with no children to comprehend. At the same time sometimes it feels smooth and easy and like caring for your own children is the most natural thing in the world.

As I write I am interrupted by a naked Tess and her poo on the floor beside me. Mmmm. Was I talking about the pleasures of parenthood? I pick her up, bung her in the bath and begin the process of cleaning up the mess before attempting to ramble again. She insists on taking her clothes and nappy off at any possible moment. Star likes to turn the TV off as she is delighted at the reaction.

So what is next for the Wild and Lynden- Bell family? Well we are off to Aus again towards the end of November just before the girls turn two and will escape the British winter or much of it as we did last year. We will continue to be full time parents probably until the girls go to nursery next year. In the meantime, we will continue to live with our girls and assist them as best we can and hope we get through the terrible two with our sanity.