15! How the hell did that happen?

Where has the time gone? It feels like yesterday when she was brought into this world and looked up at me with those beautiful eyes and I was totally smitten. My daughter is a pretty special young lady that has gone through a lot of changes in her short life.

It wasn’t the smoothest of starts. We had a scare before she was born when we thought we were going to lose her. Even a few months into our pregnancy I had an attachment that was there for good. I used to talk to her, even sing to her in the evening before bed. So when this situation happens when my wife went to hospital you deal with it but deep in the pit of your stomach you are being torn in two. Thankfully we had the all clear and things looked good.

We had everything planned and organised for the birth but our destiny is usually fraught with challenges. A fire alarm went off during labour and I was asked to leave to which the reply was a resounding NO! (I may have used slightly different language) Then the surgeon couldn’t get the epidural to work and Jayne was in a lot of pain so I stepped in and did it for him! I’m joking of course but it felt like I did it for him. Then Jaime arrived and everything just chilled out.

She was placed immediately on top of my wife and when I said something and she lifted her head and looked up at me. Wow. Talk about life changing moments, a memory that will stay with me forever. She was beautiful and I helped make her. She was my single biggest achievement in my life and always will be.

Jaime as a toddler was just a walking bundle of perfect. She was a very good natured child and her enthusiasm was infectious. I’m happy to report that to this day people like her and are drawn to her. Her whole family adore her and on our travels she has made lots of great friends.

Now I’m not saying we have the perfect relationship but it’s pretty darn good. To be honest we are too much alike to have a smooth journey together. We bring the best and the worst out of each other. She has an independence and maturity that I never had as a child, hell I don’t even possess it now, but she has it.

Friction while learning to ride our bike! :)

Things have changed a little over the years. We have gone from princesses and adventures to social media and mobile phones but, fundamentally, my girl is still the same gorgeous person that I love beyond words. She is now a beautiful young lady.

Creating and bringing up a child is the biggest challenge that life can task us. Don’t be fooled because it is over a long period of time and must be simple. To do it properly takes every ounce of your soul and you won’t always get it right but to keep trying is to succeed.

Happy Birthday, Jaime. My amazing daughter. I love you very much.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers, Gaz.

Ps. Shout out to @corina for the birthday chocolate. It was most appreciated.