my baby is 4

My baby turned 4 yesterday and as she likes to constantly tell me, she's grown up now!
 I can't help feeling a nagging sadness when I realise that her baby years are behind us all now, especially when I look at all the old photos and footage of her... the round little wobbly toddler, squeaking nonsense at me and reaching out to me for support. I am so glad that I recorded the details of our daily lives together, things that she did and said which were her "trademark" of being 1 or 2 or 3, things I would have forgotten if they weren't recorded.

I know that we are all changing and "growing up" all the time, which is unavoidable. I found motherhood such a shock to the system, it took a strain on me physically and emotionally that when I look back it is all a bit of a blur. I tried to make the most of every second, but I know there were times when I was knackered and stressed and wondered if life would ever feel normal again. Of course what I now know is that just when it starts to get easier, they aren't babies anymore! I know what I am saying is nothing new but I think at 4, she seems to have finally shed those last bits of "baby".  The fact that I am turning 40 this year is making me feel a bit nostalgic. But having her in my life is a complete privilege and I am grateful for every second I spend with her. I am incredibly proud and continually delighted by her. She is a sweet sensitive soul; imaginative, loving, funny, joyful and a little bit mad!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HESPER ROO!
X

WHERE

HAS

THE

TIME

GONE?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ME!

Today is my birthday and I just spent a lovely day at home with Chris and Hesper. I had a birthday breakfast of croissants and bucks fizz then basically spent the day opening presents, watching films and lazing around in front of the fire. Might not sound that exciting but after a week of illness and taking the dog backwards and forwards to the vet, it was bliss!

Jon Klassen

// All images via Pinterest //

birthday eve

morning

playing peekbo (not crying!)

opening an early present - her first baking set!