Mother's column – talking to the doctor requires a lot of patience

Bedtime for Reinout. Before going upstairs, I give him a clean diaper. That may sound like a routine job, but it can be quite challenging to change a nappy. While holding Reinout in a vice grip, I shout: "Jan! I need the nappy wipes. And can you bring the pot of Sudocrem as well? And Reinout, please stay down for a while!"

"We are pregnant." I always found it a bit over the top to say a thing like that in the plural form. I thought even "being expectant" was something mainly for women.

One of the girls with whom I once lived together as a student, has become a mother. Planning a maternity visit does take some effort, as she now lives on the Dutch island of Texel, where you can only go by taking a ferry. That will make a nice day trip with the kids during the holidays.