BILL MARTIN

surly, secretive and pretty annoying to be honest. But in the flash of an eye they are all grown, all lovely, and all desperate to take on the world.

Two of my closest (male) friends were late starters in the family stakes, and both have large clutches of tiny children even though they are in their early fifties. Oh how they love it when I tell them to “make the most of it” as they battle with the sleepless nights, the refusals to eat, the constant fighting and bickering, and the endless need for attention and entertainment.

I am sure I detect a glimmer of hope in their eye