11 months on and finally life seems to be returning to some normality. Not only does my body start to resemble my former self but physically and emotionally I am starting to feel stronger. I feel like I have more energy than previously and have been doing all sorts with the girls that previously I wouldn't have managed. So anyone who has had two or more children recently and feel like their world has turned upside down there is light at the end of the tunnel and it does get easier. Sleeping more has been a huge plus for me although admittedly the girls are still restless at night. Andy and I take it in turns doing the night shift so at least one of us gets a good sleep. Often Andy ends up with the little monsters at night. However I did all the nights while breast feeding so it some how evens out.

I am no longer breast-feeding at all and feel delighted to have my body back. I do not envy mothers who still have there babies latched to their bosom and feel positive that this was the right move to make. The right time to stop that relationship. I am now free to go out and let loose. I have started to go out once a week with friends. This has also added to a sense of normality as I start to have a life separate from my girls. In the early days I didn't even contemplate going out. However, I realised that it is important for me to have activities that don't involve dome city or babies.

For the last few months I have been so responsible... Too responsible... I have cared for, fed, changed, cuddled, hugged, sung to, walked, occupied, pacified, loved, taken out, and struggled at times with three babies. I have been so adult that it has been weird. Looking out for my beautiful daughters.. and with this a desire has emerged in me to run wild... to go out, drink, dance and be merry. This I am doing and although it isn't quite the same as being 16 it is fun all the same. I take great pleasure in telling people who I haven't seen for a while that I am married with three children, much to their disbelief. I also use this line to fend off any unwanted male attention much to my amusement ( Not that this happens too frequently ).

So where have I been in the last 11 months? What has happened and how is it that I have difficulty remembering any of it? It is a burr of nappies, babies, feedings and cuddles. Particular moments stand strong as particularly difficult or delightful but all in all it is a haze. The girls are beautiful and continue to shine and strive forward with confidence and grace. They are developing quickly now and their characters emerging even more with their increased mobility. I am still transfixed by them and comforted by their uniqueness and yet I must confess at moments I have struggled to keep up with their demands. At times when I hear there meek little cries at night I wish to pull the blanket over my head and ignore it. But of course I don't. I get up reluctantly and look after my offspring.

I suppose one of the hardest things about having three babies is feeling that many people just can't understand the experience. A lot of my friends have not yet had kids and so although they can sympathise they can not fully comprehend the enormity of such a task. And yet I remind myself that the world is full of mothers who have had many many children and live to tell the tale. It is perhaps not such an odd thing. Motherhood itself is a phenomena that unites women the world over. I love this shared experience that does stem from childrearing. I enjoy my walks in the park where I meet other mothers and talk about child related things. I also find solace at twin clubs where we can share the ins and outs of having more than one. It is not such an easy ride for my husband who frequently finds himself in rooms full of mothers and babies. It is not a common thing to be a house husband and in some ways more alienating. Nevertheless, he does an incredible job. I know we are lucky to have him. I feel grateful that neither of us work outside of the home and are able to share the job of raising our babies. I can't imagine having to look after three babies alone and I take my hat off to any parent that does this.

So nearly a year on and life seems easier. Somehow Andy and I have both adjusted to our new roles as parents and life is less of a burr. We both feel more energised than those early months and we get out and about on a much more frequent basis. We take the girls out most days to various parent and baby things and are in the process of organising our first trip abroad to Australia. We still work very hard looking after Tess, Jade and Star and I have to say our house hasn't been tidy since we came home from the hospital. No sooner has one room been cleaned than its time for the next but somehow we have muddled through and lived to tell the tale. It is a magical thing to have more than one baby at once and their relationship is also very special. It is all worth it when you catch them laughing or playing together or you get a glimpse of their beautiful faces while sleeping. I know that they will grow up all too quickly and before long I will look back at this phase with part nostalgia and part relief.