When I left school I worked hard and qualified as a registered nurse. I was very proud to become one of the youngest district nurses in the borough, I continued to work hard and was able to gain further recognition when I gained another qualification in counselling.

When I had my first child at the age of 25 all the importance of my career paled into insignificance. I remember the first time I held her in my arms and suddenly all the pieces of my life jigsaw seemed to fit. I wanted to be a full time mother. I could not bear to miss a second of my daughters life. I loved the way this little soul relied on me to nurture and protect her from any harm. My husband was and still is a fantastic father and together we settled into a life of sheer bliss.

The sleepless nights did not bother me. Infact I enjoyed them because I was doing something for my child. The love I felt for her was like nothing I had experienced before. It touched my soul and exceeded any love I had ever felt for anyone. It was a different sort of love. Unconditional and heart melting.

After much discussion it was decided that I would go back to work part time. I was not wholly happy about this but knew that I had a good career and wage and if I wanted my daughter to have the best things then I would have to sacrifice some time with her.

I hated it. From the moment I went back that's all I could think of and yearn for was my baby. I know this may seem daft to some people. but I just couldn't justify the money I was earning for missing out on precious hours with my daughter.

After much thought I decided to leave my work and become a full time mum. And I have never ever regretted it and that was 8 years ago. I have the most amazing relationship with my daughter. We have a really strong bond. And are not only mother and daughter but best friends. She knows that she can tell me anything and I will always be there for her when times get hard.

Five years ago me and my hubby had another baby this time a little boy. And even though I idolise him now I have to be honest and say I suffered from horrendous post natal depression. It was the most awful time of my life. I couldn't understand how I had no feelings for this little baby at all. I remember my husband running me a bath and telling me to take the baby in the bath for skin to skin contact un yet I just didn't feel anything. Don't get me wrong he had the best of care. I went through all the motions of looking after him. It just felt like I was doing it for someone else's child.

After about eight months I remember vividly one day watching him on his playmate kicking his legs about the place and giggling and all of a sudden I just felt this overwhelming desire to pick him up and cuddle him tightly. I cryed and cryed and felt so relieved that I finally had realised the feeling for my son.

Now he is five and we have the most fantastic relationship. He is definitely a mammy's boy. Although he is so rough and ready and such a strong character. I sometimes look at him and think to myself how on earth could I have not felt anything for you. I idolise his every word, breathe and smile now.

I guess the most important thing about being a parent is learning to take the rough with the smooth. Understanding that it is a parents responsibility to teach their children right from wrong and good manners. It is indeed the most important and rewarding job in the world.

I'm often asked would I go back to nursing. But to be honest I just relish every second with my children. I love being the one to pick them up from school. I love being the one that makes sure that they are fed balanced nutritional meals. And I love hearing their stories about their day.

As a very special treat we are going to Lapland in two weeks time. We are all so very excited. When I told them they were both shaking with excitement and just could not believe that they were going to Lapland. After a while my 5 yr old son ran back into the kitchen and said to me jack Jones in my class has been to matalan. I cracked up laughing. Its these precious little things that keep you going and although we would have more money if I were working, we are richer than kings on love.