Birthday Girl x

Yesterday, surrounded by wonderful friends and our loving families, we celebrated our baby Matilda turning 1, and a magical first year of parenthood.  Despite the wicked wind, we all gathered at a sweet country Teahouse for a birthday brunch and bubbly, and an afternoon frolic in the pretty garden.

It was a lovely, casual affair, allowing us time to catch up with treasured friends and marvel at how much our Little Miss has grown over the past 12 months - all of a sudden we have a real little girl tugging at our trouser legs, with a strong will and fierce determination (this one is all her Daddy!)...

I think she knew it was Her Day - after the initial overwhelming greetings as our guests arrived, Matilda quickly relaxed and busied herself with her baby mates, before swiftly turning her attention to the mountain of gifts with their enticing ribbons and rustling papers.

The wooden 'activity cube' from Grandma proved a crowd pleaser, as the bubbas tousled for prime position - and the new Teepee, from Daddy and I, became a hot spot for play and peek-a-boos.

Despite my doubts, Matilda beamed as everyone sang her "Happy Birthday", and clapped her hands with delight as we all cheered Hooray!  She showed her appreciation of my wonky, mumma-made cake by swiftly nabbing a cheeky marshmallow off the top, her Daddy helping her blow out the candle.

My heart was full as her Daddy did his best to deliver a little speech - he was so choked up with sudden emotion, the words getting stuck in his throat and his eyes glassy with tears.  We were both taken by surprise at just how emotional the day became for us - from reminiscing about our Birth journey a year earlier, to observing this perfect little person playing happily and confidently with her pals - happy tears welled in our eyes numerous times, and we squeezed each others hands more than once in recognition of precious moments we were sharing.
Witnessing so much love in the room for our daughter from all who were there, really filled us with such immense gratitude and joy - for we know that she will be shaped by all these people in some small way, and no doubt they by her...

So again, Happy Birthday to my darling daughter, Matilda - there is no greater gift than you my angel.  Thank you for the most incredibly magical, dizzying, wondrous adventure this past 12 months - I can't wait to see what the next chapter entails, as you officially become.... a Toddler - eep!!!