I remember before email. I remember when there was no Facebook and not everyone had a mobile phone. But I can't remember life before babies. At least, not really.
I can't remember what it was like to be at a loose end, or to wake at night and not instantly strain to hear the sound of sighs from little people in their cots. I can't remember what it was like not to be tired and I can't believe a whole year has nearly passed since the big day of birth.
Maybe it's because a year is an obvious time for reflection, but looking back only enhances the feeling that someone hit the fast forward button on my life. No one warns you that time moves at a different rate when you become a Mum.
I faced the first of many annual dilemmas, should I bake one cake or two? Should I sing two renditions of Happy Birthday or one for both of them? Shared presents, individual presents, the same card or different ones?
The day was marked with jelly-fuelled fun and balloons and a double dose of nostalgia for me.
Despite all the new toys, inevitably the boys still chose to fight over the remote control and, yet again, when I played hunt the batteries after it had been flung on the floor I briefly panicked that one had been swallowed. What is the correct procedure when a battery may or may not have been swallowed by one or none of your children? As normal, before I really started to panic, the missing battery turned up underneath the sofa. Evidently my boys are powered by blueberries and cheddar cheese, not batteries.
March is birthday month in my house and next up was my big three uh-oh. I decided to remember the 'me' in 'mum-me' for one night only and held a decadent night off for Yummy Mummies in Mayfair.
The Breakfast At Tiffany's themed party took place in the cinema at Sanctum Soho Hotel, and my £25 charity shop dress looked a million dollars!
The vintage dress was discovered in the Thame branch of Helen & Douglas House and, in true frock fairytale style, the dress made it all the way to the ball!
Helen & Douglas House provides respite and end of life care for children and young adults from birth to 35 with life shortening conditions, as well as support and friendship for the whole family. I teamed my Helen & Douglas House find with some pearls and obligatory cigarette holder, and relaxed safe in the knowledge that no one else would turn up wearing the same thing!
It was fun to watch my favourite movie on the big screen while enjoying some beautiful glittery cupcakes from TUBS, The Ultimate Baby Shower company.
My Mummy friends were sent home with Barbara Daly make up to ensure that when they woke up the next day to change the first of many nappies they could paint on a little sparkle and know that they hadn't just dreamt a night of luxury.
Huggies made sure there was a little luxurious something for the babies too, their new organic cotton and vitamin E nappies were in keeping with the A List evening and guaranteed that babies would have a day of comfort following Mums' well deserved night off!
Katy Hymas - 30 year old Mum to 1 year old twins Bailey and Noah
April 2011
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