Because I was doing something for the boy, this obviously meant that Fifi had to interrupt every 3 seconds with a “Can I just tell you something?” and Ned had to be picked up and cuddled. Of course Ned only ever wants to have a cuddle when someone else is getting attention and the other two want you to do something for them when you’re doing something for the other one. The concept of waiting until it’s their turn or you’re finished doesn’t really seem to cross their minds.
This is why the terror of the dentist on Saturday (an hour and a half in the chair), was offset somewhat by an hour and a half of not having to simultaneously fulfil the needs and wishes of three children at the same time. And since I was having a jolly unpleasant time, I didn’t have to worry about not being their to give wifey a hand looking after them.