A welcome visit from the mother-in-law?

DOUBLE TROUBLE FOR A FIRST-TIME DAD OF TWINS

“MY MUM is coming to stay for a few days,” Victoria announced.

“Great,” I said, and what’s most surprising about my exclamation is I wasn’t being sarcastic. I was genuinely looking forward to Victoria’s mum spending time with us.

Although, I’ve always treasured any time spent with Eve, the twins’ arrival had made moments with my mother-inlaw simply magical.

Interestingly, I’m of a generation who spent their childhood watching obese comedians smoking, drinking

bitter and telling jokes at the expense of women on primetime television to entertain us.

A more appropriate reaction based on my upbringing would have been: “Marvellous, I haven’t said a word to your mother in years, I don’t like to interrupt her.”

However, times had changed and so had my level of responsibility. Victoria’s mum is another capable adult willing to share the burden of children.

For example, if Emma starts crying and there are two people, my odds of being forced to do something are evens, which implies activity.

If Victoria’s mum is present those odds jump to 6/4 and although still worth a bet, I stand more chance of remaining seated than having to jump up and change a nappy.

However, we’ve got twins so if they’re both crying, I’m a dead cert for activity. Victoria’s mum lowers those odds but not enough for my liking.

Better still if my mum is in the house and we’re 15/8. With those odds, you’d fancy my chances of reading the paper and stick some money on it.

Naturally, you can’t just apply this logic to any situation, as the people involved need a bit