Being my sole motivator and supporter, I felt it only apt that my first post be about him, so…

To my husband on your first birthday as a father x

Over 11 years, we have weathered many storms together and watched several rainbows appear following but I think it’s fair to say that this past year has been our most eventful.

And I’d do it all again, as long you are right where you are, beside me.

Becoming parents has been both the hardest and best thing we have ever done. Over these last few months, no one forgets to ask how I’ve been doing or how Sophia is or even how Oscar is! But not everyone remembers you, the Geneva to the international crisis behind our front door.

So this is my way of saying, I remember. And thank you, for all these things and more.

Dear S,

Happy birthday daddy!

A year ago today, I had just told you our big news! Procrastinating from revising for a fairly important exam, I found out something that would and has changed our lives forever. Our happy accident.

I was blessed with a pretty wonderful pregnancy and I’d go as far as saying I enjoyed it, hell I kinda miss my bump a little. Reflecting on this past year, I know I enjoyed it because of you.

So here lies a multitude of forgotten or ‘not said nearly enough times’ thank you’s x

When I was with bump:

Thank you for entertaining my promise to not fall asleep after starting a movie when the pregnancy tiredness was too much to go out.

Thank you for not being mad when I did anyway at 7 minutes in.

Thank you for taking over with feeding/walking/washing Oscar when I couldn’t stand the smell of him.

Thank you for letting me nag you with no complaint when my nesting monster reared her ugly head.

Thank you for helping me create a beautiful nursery and patiently putting up the wall decal despite my dictator-esque direction.

Thank you for all the foot rubs, bubble baths, delicious homemade meals, breakfasts in bed and constant fetching of my mislaid phone/charger/laptop/remote control.

Thank you for never judging my frequent need for an Oreo milkshake and making them at home for me.

Thank you for laughing with me as I danced with Oscar to Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake it off’ at some ridiculous hour of night, just because!

Thank you for holding me when all I wanted to do was cry. And I had no real reason.

Thank you for never doubting my ability to be a mother whenever I questioned it.

During labour….

Thank you for not making a fuss when I asked for my mother to be there when that wasn’t the original plan.

Thank you for trying to feed me and keep me hydrated and play our favourite music to keep me calm.

Thank you for not taking it personally when I told you how stupid it was to try playing a Kevin Hart movie while I was in the pool.

Thank you for encouraging me to use the gas and air. And knowing when to duck when I threw it back in your direction.

Thank you for allowing me to push and pull you when the pain was too much.

Thank you for asking for the wheelchair when the midwife thought I could walk down the corridor to the high risk room fully dilated and contracting.

Thank you for never leaving my side and for welcoming our daughter into the world with me.

Thank you for giving her the most impressive head of hair and longest eyelashes in the world ever.

Thank you for being so proud of me.

And now…

Thank you for staying up countless nights with us and helping me stay calm when Breastfeeding wasn’t going very well.

Thank you for taking those beautiful and precious newborn photos of our little girl.

Thank you for looking after Sophia in the mornings so that I can shower – and for letting me have ridiculously long ones (I now live for these).

Thank you for daddy, mummy, Sophia and Oscar walkies.

Thank you for pointing out subtly that my ‘things I will get done today’ lists are unrealistic.

Thank you for not saying ‘I told you so’ when I don’t even finish point one on said list.

Thank you for never saying no when I ask for your help even when you’re busy.

Thank you for always making me feel like I’m doing a good job. Especially when I’m not.

Thank you for pretending not to notice my unwashed hair or my unthreaded brows.

Thank you for making me feel beautiful despite the above.

Thank you for always smiling and for always making Sophia smile whenever she sees you.

Thank you for making this the most wonderful chapter in our story.

Thank you for being an amazing husband, a phenomenal father and my best friend.

Happy birthday. I love you more than I ever thought possible. Here’s to even more incredible memories x

Everloving x L