Christmas is fast approaching and the magical moment has arrived… Lyla is to take centre stage as a star in her first Christmas Nativity. After much deliberation I have opted out of making her outfit *gasp*.  This is mainly due to my middle-of-the night panic about getting a suitably sensational costume ready in time and it not being made entirely from cardboard.  Thankfully I have been rescued by good old Sainsbury’s and their fantastic Nativity outfit range, with a star suit plus headpiece costing just £6. I suspect I may need some matching star print tissues for the big night.

Theo is reaching a different milestone as he turns one in a few weeks. This time last year I had a bigger belly than Father Christmas and was panicking about the possibility of eating Christmas dinner in hospital.

Since Theo’s arrival the ‘Out N About Nipper’ double pushchair has without doubt been the most functional baby item I have bought. In a market that is completely over-saturated, what pushchair choice to go for is often a difficult one, yet this model is both reasonable in price and ideal for my lifestyle.  As a person that walks a lot, the ‘Nipper’ has glided easily up many a hill while I have struggled behind it huffing and puffing like a militant mummy on an exercise kick. Having one of those days, I was therefore surprised when I became unable to manoeuvre my trusty buggy around the shops. I have recently been increasingly aware that Lyla is nearly too old to sit in it but I had no idea she was so heavy. This was before I noticed the puncture…

A lengthy and somewhat sweaty walk home ensued, while I attempted to push, steer and balance two tots and a three-wheeler.  But hey, a year’s use and one puncture isn’t bad going in my mind. I’d do it again just for the workout it gave my arms.

It was a very different kind of labour to the one I faced last December, and thankfully there’s no risk of me giving birth in a stable this Christmas. I think I too will work Lyla’s glitzy star look and leave the part of Mary to someone else this year.

Click here to see our roundup of the best children’s Christmas fancy dress outfits.