Triplet's first birthday

Three wishes from three candles on three cakes were made yesterday when triplets celebrated their first birthday.

Identical boys Brody and Cody and sister Finlae, with huge eyes and cheeky grins, worked their charm as proud parents, Sharon and Gordon Sayle, took in the last year.

Sharon said: "I can't believe they are one. It's been tough but worth every second."

The longed for bundles of joy were born at the Conquest Hospital on July 29 last year after the couple, who had tried for a family for nine years, underwent their second IVF treatment.

When Sharon, 33, and Gordon, 37, were told they were going to have triplets they were shocked, scared and excited.

Sharon said: "I was worried about coping with three. In the beginning we didn't get much sleep and Gordon was off work sick for six months after their birth with exhaustion.

"But things have improved dramatically since then. We've been really lucky they aren't screamers. They only wake up once or twice a night now and the college send students Monday to Friday to help. It's been great and because there have been lots of different faces the children are not shy at all."

In fact the crawling tots have grown into little characters with outgoing personalities; Brody is the boisterous, naughty one who smiles when he gets caught - Sharon said he'll be the one who gets the other two into trouble; Cody is Mr Cool, laid back, calm and very patient, while Finlae is the true drama queen.

Sharon said: "They started crawling about four weeks ago and it's been harder since then. You can't take your eyes off them. Gordon and I have to eat quickly on the sofa with the trio at our feet. It's a constant cycle of nappies, feeding, sleeping, bathing and playing.

"We are moving house next month and then we have their christening in September so it's all go. Things can only get easier, but we wouldn't change them for the world."