We are doing well and mostly coping. The night time runs are a struggle for us and perhaps the hardest part of this parenting lark. We are very sleep deprived at times and this is challenging. I am breast feeding mostly which is demanding and a pleasure at the same time. It has been a big mission and has taken determination and dedication to keep going with it. And of course wouldn't be possible without the support and encouragement of Andy. We were particulary keen to give them breast milk for the early weeks as they were so small and needed the best possible start.

We are very much consumed with babies as you can well imagine. It is a delightful period for us but can be exhausting also. They demand so much attention and we often miss having our own spare time and relish the rare moments to ourselves.

We have had an abundance of help. Andy's mum Jan was over from Australia and helped us a lot as did Andy's sister Jo. Of course many others have been helpful over this time and we continue to be grateful for all the assistance and gifts that have come our way. We have been amazed at the support that we have received.

The winter has been a cold one and we have been hybernating in the house a lot, but spring is coming and the days are becoming lighter and sunnier so we are looking forward to coming adventures. It has been wonderful for me to be around family and friends here in England but I know Australia will also play a large part in all of our lives and Andy is keen to get back. Rosie, Saturday, Febuary 24th