A charming story contributed by Marietta, about her own experiences of motherhood.

Mama's little hearts began to beat within two years of each other. Two little boys, as different as chalk from cheese, ironically share the same date of birth. Needless to say they turned Mama's world upside down.

She changed not just dress sizes, but her entire way of dressing. Slinky evening dresses and spaghetti straps made way for the more comfortable, salwaar kameezes. Easier to run behind children in! She promised herself she would get back into shape one day. She has kept the promise to some extent, but not to the extent she would have liked to. She's always too tired to exercise, but still does not seem to lose weight! Mama stayed awake devouring not her favourite author, but changing nappies and rocking babies to sleep. Telephone conversations were punctuated with a "Hold on" while she attended to a piercing scream or ended abruptly, with "I will call you back" or "talk to you later". She watched with bated breath and relief as the loves of her life said their first words and took their first shaky steps. Running noses, spotty skin, trips to the doctor, she learned to take it all in her stride, to take one day at a time.

She played peacemaker during their, hair-pulling and screaming matches. They emptied drawers and gave the walls a whole new look, fed their bodies, clothes and furniture at meal times, yet when they smiled, she was putty in their hands, her cares and woes forgotten. She played with them, cuddled and hugged them, tried to remember that a child needs hugs more than he needs things, she read to them, their favourite fairy tales, over and over again till they were telling her what came next. But there were also times when she was screaming louder than the two of them put together. (Not a good habit, she learned later.) Some days they drove her bonkers, and on other days, her heart simply swelled with pride. When they got interested in watching television, she cautioned them that too much of T.V. would ruin them. There were of course fireworks, the fireworks continue, but she remains firm.

Time flew and soon she could hear the school bell ringing in her ears. How would they cope? Would they mix? There were a few hiccups initially, but gradually they settled down. Hiccups will always be there.

They are now seven and five years old respectively. They still have a long way to go. She wonders about them. What they will make of their lives, she wants the best for them. The older one, whom she nearly lost at birth, but who with some very good medical attention miraculously came back to the land of the living. The younger one who has a penchant for decorating anything that he lays his hands on… Que sera, sera...