The mother of all get-togethers

I gave birth to my first baby in Hong Kong at the age of 25, which - given the average here - made me practically a teen mother. And although my husband and I remain among the youngest parents in our children's circle, I don't think we have ever had our age used against us.

So while I was busy getting pregnant and giving birth most of my friends were still building careers, moving from country to country and enjoying nights out past midnight and whole Sundays in bed.

For several years, every time we met for dinner or drinks, I was either pregnant, breastfeeding or mindful my helper would be going on holiday, leaving us with three little ones and a banging, wine-induced headache. I usually stuck to a soft drink and an early ferry home because I was racing to get back to my little ones snuggled up in their beds.

But six years on, things have changed. Many of my friends are settling down, getting married and having children.