It's amazing - only a weekend has passed and its like we have two new ducks!

You should see the size of our babies now! They're huge! With the help of Paul, our Chief Exec, I've just measured their heights and Billy has grown by an inch and a half over the weekend! Ellie hasn't grown quite as much, but she's still an inch taller!

Not having any children myself, I've never experienced that pang that many parents describe when their children grow quickly and cease to be their little babies - until now!! They'll soon be independent adult ducks, out on the pond with no need for me! Meeting new ducks, making new friends - and where will that leave me? Abandoned - just like they were!

But while they're here we'll make the most of them and enjoy their company. It's been lovely seeing the expressions on the faces of the children staying with us when we have brought them up to see Billy and Ellie.

Last week's group were thrilled to be so close to these gorgeous little creatures. For most children, actually for most adults, the opportunity to see non-domesticated animals close up - and even touch them - is an amazing experience. But this becomes much more than fun for physically disabled and learning disabled children, it is actually therapeutic. The ducks really are a tonic to these young people who deal with difficulties most of us can't comprehend.

The ducklings are also developing their own little personalities. Billy is quite chilled and laid back, happy to be snuggling into his blanket or Man Utd hat. Ellie, on the other hand, is a little monkey! She is constantly on the go, and doesn't sleep half as much - I think she's scared of missing something!

More exciting news which I'll hopefully be able to update you on tomorrow - Billy and Ellie are getting a new home! Trafford Cats Protection League have very kindly offered us the loan of one of their pens, which will give the ducks much more room to run about. I should be picking this up some time today. I've told the ducks, they're very excited...