"mummy, when are you going to get another baby out of your belly?"

this has been a question that Caelan (7) has been asking me a lot lately.

at first i thought possibly a few of his classmates were expecting brothers or sisters soon, but Caelan says not.

then i thought maybe because they'd been doing a topic on 'welcoming a new baby'

but no.

it transpires his reason for asking this is a little more selfish.

at present all the boys have chores to do, they clean their own rooms and en-suite and assist in keeping the family living areas tidy, the older 2 do their own washing and take turns in emptying and stacking the dishwasher. Duncan also has a paper round.

so out it came the other day in the car as to exactly why it is Caelan is after having a baby brother or sister...

he's clicked onto the fact that within the next handful of years both boys will be moving out...

"and when the boys move out i'll have to do ALL the chores ALL BY MYSELF!" he says is exhasperation, throwing his arms in the air "AND i'll have to get a paper round! and that's just not fair!"

"we wont make you do both the boys chores, that wouldn't be fair.... and you don't HAVE to get a paper round, darling" i tell him

"yes I do" he replies " because i'll need to save up for a house and a car"

well... that'd be some paper round if he thinks he's gonna be able to save for a house and car from it, but at least it means he appreciates that you gotta work to get what you want, that stuff doesn't just drop in your lap.

i don't think he'll be getting his wish for a baby sibling... not any time soon anyway!