A Mother's Gift

Last week I spent my birthday busy preparing for my baby's first birthday. That, and helping my husband with his catering. It was a really busy day, made even more so because the boys' school was closed so all three kids were home with us.

It was the BEST day.

My friends thought I was crazy.

It's funny - a year ago this is exactly what I didn't want. My delivery date was in October, but we knew she wasn't going to wait until then. My husband held onto the hope that I'd go into labour on my birthday. I was absolutely determined not to.

I felt that if we shared a birthday, then it would forever be HER birthday. And it would never be mine again. Is that selfish? Maybe. But it's true. Every birthday would be about her, and it would never again be my special day. What kind of terrible mother would go have a girls night out on their daughter's birthday. And how bitterly disappointing to have to give up birthnight celebrations for the next eighteen years...

In the end, I went into labour on the day after my birthday. I got to keep my special day. But we're still so close, it may as well be the same day. Over the year, I've gotten to know this little girl with the big personality.

You could say she's won my heart.

At her party I watched her mingle with guests and take in the whole scene. She laughed with the neighbourhood kids she knew, and frowned at those she didn't. She discovered bubbles, which quickly became her new favourite thing. She took two tentative steps.

And all the while I had one recurring thought - best birthday present. Ever.