Following Matthew's birth, we received 56 presents from family and friends. Many people sent Emily a present, too, not wanting to leave her out.

Louise has spent the past fortnight writing thank you cards and enclosing a picture of Emily holding a sleeping Matthew.

Consequently, we've been keeping the Royal Mail very busy.

Louise went to Stockton Heath Post Office the other day to post a batch of cards plus a parcel for my cousin who has herself just given birth to a baby boy. Louise had Matthew strapped into a papoose and Emily was holding her hand.

The queue for the counter was snaking out of the door.

It was at this point that Matthew decided to start wailing.

Louise says she felt really under pressure and began to sweat.

And then the good people of Stockton Heath Post Office came to her rescue. One of the assistants let her jump the queue (probably to give everybody some peace), but it was certainly very much appreciated.