I didn’t know the new babies would be such hard work, Monty. I am just about at my tails end trying to cope with everything. I haven’t slept in nights! They don’t give me a moment’s peace – look at them! It’s bedtime now and they simply won’t settle down and go to sleep!

Don’t worry, Minty my sweetheart! I’ve just called Fairy and she is coming round later, as soon as she has finished her snacks. I am sure with her supreme diplomatic and organisational skills she will soon have everyone under control and life will be all hunky-dory again. You’ll see. If not, I have kept the receipt . . . Shh – she’s here!

Now then you three! Sit up straight and pay attention. It’s time we had a little chat.

No Marmaduke you can’t be excused – you should have ‘been’ at break time.

I want you to show your new mummy and daddy how good you all can be.

Come on now! It’s bed time. Settle down there. None of this shilly-shallying.

NO – I am not going to read you another story Mabel!

Well thank you, Petunia. I know you love me SO MUCH and a big hug is always lovely . . .

. . . oh! A very big hug it is then! These Cuddle Cup beds are not very big, are they?

4 hours later . . . that’s better – all that huggling has tired them out. I think everyone has nodded off . . . zzzzzzzzzzzz

The next night.

I brought one of my Baby Bowls around. I thought it would make a suitable bed!

In you get Petunia, there’s just enough room for a little’un!

What’s that, Marmaduke, you’re HUNGRY? You can’t be! It isn’t long since you had your supper.

No, I won’t get off until you promise to stop being naughty and go to sleep!

There – that worked! Good NIGHT . . . zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The third night.

This old packing case from my office (the kitchen) makes a jolly good bed too. But you will soon either outgrow it or wear it out. Particularly if you don’t stop all that wriggling about.

Hmmm . . . I’ve got my work cut out here. However, I think I have solved the underlying problem – we need some new, proper beds – just like Monty and Minty’s. The babies want to be treated as part of the family.

Mummy! Daddy! Get your credit cards warmed up, we’re going shopping!

The Next Night

There we are – Bob’s your uncle!

The kiddy-winks feel all grown-up and appreciated and have settled down a treat.

Mummy – does this mean I should have a brand new, super duper, luxury four poster bed with silk sheets and integral fridge (to help stave off night starvation) – just like yours? No!?

Hummph – one rule for mice another for Fairy! It’s so unfair!

Oh well, at least it looks like my work here is done. All’s well that ends well!

Good night, Minty – good night Fairy! Good night, Monty . . . good night Fairy! Good night, Mabel, night night Auntie Fairy . . . good . . . night, Marm . . . zzzzz