Happy birthday to my wonderful son

24 years ago today I gave birth to the best son a mother could ever ask for.

He was a wonderful baby (apart from the not sleeping at night until he was 2!); a gorgeous toddler, who coped really well when his baby sister came along; a loveable little boy who played nicely with Penny, enjoying dressing up as Batman and playing imaginary games with his action figures, his sister and friends; a teenager who was at times a bit gruesome, but on the whole not a lot of trouble (we won't mention the time Hugh had to go and collect him from Southend as he was too drunk to get up off the pavement - there is more to that story for another time!); and he has grown into the most wonderful young man, who is achieving everything he has set out to do.

He is working for his dream company (Microsoft) and almost has his dream job there! He has a lovely girlfriend, a great group of friends and is going off to hike Madagascar in two weeks' time (I'm hoping for some good photos to scrap!).

Yesterday we celebrated his birthday, and also that of my sister Pippa, my Dad and my niece, Emily as they all occur very close together. We were very lucky with the weather and spent the afternoon in the garden, eating, drinking and chatting. It was so relaxing and so lovely to have all the family together.

Penny made Ben his cake - a huge Cookie Monster cupcake! He was thrilled with it and took the half that wasn't eaten back home with him.

So, happy birthday my darling - love you loads and hope you have a wonderful day.