4 years...

I can't believe I'm actually putting some of these photos on. Looking back, I can't believe I was ever this chubby. Or unattractive. Besides the bump, of course. I loved that. But seriously, look at my cheeks. Ok, it was 5:27am on a Sunday morning and I'd hardly slept and I didn't even have my mascara on (I never go anywhere without mascara). What the heck was I thinking? That nobody would take photos of me?? Anyway, me aside. Today's Jake's 4th birthday. I can't believe how the time has flown by and when I look at these pictures, it feels like just the other day that he came into our lives as a tiny, helpless bundle.

4 years ago, at this stage, I was already well into my labour and probably enjoying a few moments rest as the epidural that I'd been given just after 11 worked its 2 hours of magic (yes, it was very short-lived magic, but it was nice for a bit). Jacques and I didn't know whether our baby was to be a boy or a girl and we were both just so excited when he popped out as a little boy. Jacques cried, I cried, Jake screamed. We phoned our respective families to relay the good news and our families rushed through to visit us. Jake was born at 17:40 and the hospital visiting time was at 19:00. It was really great that everyone could be with us right from the first moments of Jake's life. We were on such a high! Today is, naturally, quite a topsy turvy day for me, emotionally. I think one's children's birthdays just generally are. In amongst my own personal emotions, I'm also very excited to be sharing today with Jake and he is VERY excited about being 4. I'm not working in town this afternoon, so will be heading home in 15 mins to go spend some special time with my "baby" on his big day.

This morning, Jake was up at 6:15, with my parents singing happy birthday to him, as they used to do for my sisters and I. Jake thoroughly enjoyed his present opening and is very chuffed with his gifts. I'm not sure what we'll be doing this afternoon, but tonight we're having pizza for supper (Jake's choice) and tomorrow morning, we've got his party at 11:30. We've all be working really hard to make it extra special for him this year - there aren't many years when one can overdo it for them, so I feel I have to make it special while I can. Also, being my only child, I think I am entitled to overdo it. So, then just to say a very happy birthday to my darling big boy, Jake, I hope that you continue to have a wonderful time as we all enjoy spoiling you today. I love you with all my heart, Mommy xxx

Oh, also to Lee and Roo - happy birthday to you both. I hope you are both spoilt this weekend too. I'll definitely be having a drink (or 2 or 3) on you both as we celebrate this weekend! Quite a weekend for birthdays, isn't it??

And here are my photos for Jake's birthday today...

This is me 5 1/2 hours into labour (please, please, please don't look anywhere above my shoulders. And if you do, please don't judge me, I was in labour.)...

Out of the oven and into the bath. Sorry, it's a bit blurred, I didn't take the photos. Check how blue his hands and feet were. I didn't even notice, but he did go into an incubator over night...

This is probably one of my favourite photos from the day Jake was born - I could still just about eat that little face right up...

Our happy little family the morning after...

Jake opening presents this morning - check out those just opened over-excited beautiful eyes...

I took this yesterday of Jake looking after a baby one of my mom's customer's is caring for until he goes to his new adoptive parents. He's a HIV orphan, but is HIV free. Jake was quite keen to keep him...

This is what my mom and I were doing until just before midnight last night. Bet the kids won't even appreciate it... Lots of love and birthday wishes, Sue xxx