I’d love a girl to go shopping with

BecKy mccall, 42, is a full-time mum. She lives in amersham, Buckinghamshire, with husband richard, 43, chief operating officer of a london brokerage firm, and their four sons, noah, 12, ethan, 11, and twins Jacob and isaac, seven.

BECKY SAYS: When we tried for a third child, I did think it would be nice to have a girl after years of toy trains and cars, but Richard was sure it would be a boy.

He’s one of three brothers, and was convinced we’d only have boys, too.

Then we found out it was twins — and the shock eclipsed the news they were also both boys. I decided it was for the best after all, because boys are all I know.

Still, when Richard and the boys are huddled around their latest Lego creation, I crave female company. Someone to watch Mary Poppins with, or just browse the shops.

Instead I have spent a lot of time hunting for insects in the garden and watching sport. I realised early on you have to exhaust boys or they get up to mischief, and they rarely sit still.

I’ve lost count of the trips to A&E with broken bones and cuts needing stitches. While friends’ daughters will chat about their day at school, I’m more likely to get a grunt and a one-word answer.

But it’s totally worth it. Walking down the street surrounded by my handsome sons, I feel like such a proud mother.

I love that we can do everything as a family because the boys like the same things. HUSBAND RICHARD SAYS: I’d have loved a daughter. but it’s tougher on Becky. With a girl, the house would feel more balanced. But as a father to four sons I feel very lucky.