This time last year… almost to the minute, I met my son for the very first time.

Exhausted (but no longer in pain) and scared beyond belief, I watched doctors lift him above the bloodied, green privacy sheet. My mum cried ‘it’s a boy!’ and seconds later I got to hold him.

He had such big eyes, so dark, yet so bright. I looked at him and felt my world shrink down to no bigger than the size of his face. He was beautiful and I knew I’d do anything for him.

A minute later I met my second son and I understood, in that moment, why I was put on this earth: to love and protect my boys.
Michael… Leon… Happy Birthday my darlings. This year has been the hardest, loudest, craziest, messiest, most knackering of my entire life. But I wouldn’t change a thing as it has also been the best.
Your smiles bring joy to my very core and your steps, gurgles and giggles make me so proud I could burst.

You won’t remember this day, but I will and that is just another of the many gifts you’ve given me.