Two children

This photo tells two stories: the biggest challenge and the greatest joy in the early days of having two children.

The toughest thing right now is the different pace each child operates at. Abbey is a blur of movement: she doesn't stop, from the minute she wakes to the minute she crashes into bed twelve hours later. Iris goes at the slow pace of a baby: a quiet feed, a nice long nap, some gentle play. My parenting is a confusion of the two, my mind never quite sure which one I'm at in any given moment.

The best thing, by far, is seeing the relationship between these new sisters develop. Right from the start they've had a real click. Abbey is nurturing; cuddling and singing to the baby and patiently trying to cheer her up when she cries. Iris's eyes light up when she hears her big sister's voice, and she looks around until she can see her. She reserves most of her smiles for Abbey.