Dobbes is ONE....

365 days adds up to 12 months equals to 1 year. ONE. A number which may seems so small but mean so much, especially when it comes to me as Dobbes' Mummsies.

It is hard for Mobbes and I not to think of you as our little baby. In some ways, you will be my baby forever. Mobbes has an even scarier habit of saying to you (while hugging you tightly and burying his nose in your neckfolds): "Don't grow up, little Mini. Don't change. Stay the same!"

But of course, the changes come all too soon. It seemed like barely any time had passed since Dobbes could only lie flat on his back, limbs a-flailing. And now here he is, jumping, crawling, rolling around and defiantly trying to run before he can walk.

The party was a blast and more than that, a lesson in trying to do too much all by ourselves. I wanted Dobbes' party to be hugely fun for everyone who came, especially the kiddies. So I pulled out all the stops and wanted you to enjoy it, Dobbes. Your two bibiks cooked delicious food, Aunty Shila made an incomparable cake and Aunties Tjeannee, Kai and Sheena and especially Uncle Paul made the party so colourful and brilliant that guests asked, "Are these people professional party entertainers?"

No they weren't, Dobbes. They were my friends, and not "just", my friends.

Because although it was a nightmare carting things around from our house to the party venue, of course it was all worth it when you have friends to support your creative intentions and to celebrate with you joyously. You had plenty of presents: enough toys and books to last you at least a year if not more. You had good wishes drawn out and decorated colourfully in your very own scrapbook. And more than that, you had friends who played games with you and plenty of aunties and uncles who showered love and blessings upon you.

Not forgetting your beloved Atuk who shunned golf and his business trip just to get home early enough to help plan, prepare and be there on your special day.

So even though you will probably not retain the memory of your first birthday, do know this: on this day and all the days you have been in our lives you are so loved.

And personally from me to you: when you breathed, my life changed. There is no where else I'd rather be and no one else I'd rather be with than with you and your Daddy. For this year and all the years you walk this earth and ever after, I thank you for coming.