My wife and I are both full time students. This leads to a hectic weekly schedule working around study, part-time jobs and of course the kids, says Christopher McQuade. 

Our twins have just recently started nursery, and it’s always a joyous occasion for any parent to see their children developing.

From their first wee noises that turn into words they will then begin to crawl. They can even stand up unaided, but only for a short while.

Ah, the patter of tiny feet will soon be echoing around the McQuade household and nursery is a big step.

Mothers always hate leaving their offspring especially when it isn’t in the loving care of a family member, but seeing the development of said child is worth the grievance.

Not only do they progress in their newfound playground, they bring back all manner of fascinating things for you.

I’m not talking about nice wee finger paintings just quite yet; they are only 11 months for heavens sake!

Oh no. I am of course talking about all the wonderful germs that they inhale and bring home with them.

In the first two weeks they’ve had sickness bugs, a cold and a chest infection – which all comes with double helpings thanks to the wonder of having twins.

They are even so kind as to share these winter illnesses with the rest of the family.

People say things like ‘it’s better for them to get these things just now’. Aye right pal, try telling me that at four in the morning when I’m covered in sick.

I’ll give you a little scenario of what I mean and remember this is at three AM when I’m half sleeping.

Baby Jo was coughing (thanks to said chest infection) so hard that she woke up baby Lucy, who herself had a nice little viral infection.

Hearing this, I jumped out of bed to see what I could do.

Bad mistake: I stubbed my toe on my dumbbells (the ones that I never even use) and then walked into the door.

I walked in and grabbed poor wee Lucy who then vomited straight down my shoulder – a thank you for me rescuing her. I quickly moved her over to the other shoulder where she repeated her gratitude by spewing down this one too.

I’m saving this column for them to read in a few years time. Coffee table cuttings that will be conversation pieces down the years. Bliss.