Makeup by Madison Kilgour

6.8.26
This is ONE

Its an absolute honour to be your parents
What fast, challenging, love filled year.

Ive been your mum for 365 days. And we have overcome some of the most difficult days together.

I'm so proud of myself for listening to my gut and not giving up in those early days when I knew that it wasnt 'just a newborn thing' when you couldn't poo or sleep, For months. FOUR MONTHS of not sleeping more than two hours at a time, unless you were being held. We did not stop until we got answers, severe silent reflux. Seeing the relief you got after getting you on to medication was something I'll never forget. Watching you become a happy smiley baby again, absolutely priceless. I will forever advocate for you. Scream from the rooftops if I have to

Shortly after, I had my gallbladder removed. Gallbladder attacks are worse than labour in my opinion. Lets not forget not being able to eat ANY fat for weeks, while waiting for surgery, recovering and doing it all while breastfeeding, was one of the hardest things I've physically had to endure. Feeling my strength disappear from my body and still nourishing you.

Then, starting a new job. Putting you into daycare before we wanted to, but watching you absolutely thrive and grow there reminds us that it is the right thing for our little social butterfly.

At eight months old, a weight lifted off my shoulders. The clouds started to disappear and the rain slowed. The sun started to shine again. To say the four months that followed, flew by is an understatement

Ryan, my husband. Our anchor is rough seas. Ive said it a hundred times but I truly could not have gotten through this past year without you. You've caught every single one of my tears, held us both during the toughest moments and still manage to make us both laugh every single day

Oscar. You are such a happy little boy who brings so much love and joy to anyone who meets you, or even passes you in the street. I hope you carry that happiness with you throughout this life, thankyou for choosing us to be your parents

We'd do it all again for you. Every single part.

The last wedding in my calendar. Yesterday was another magical day but so bittersweet for me. Leaving with an empty brush belt and a heart so full. I'm officially not booked or busy and oh does that carry a range of emotions. I already miss the creative outlet but the extra time, energy and love I'll have to give to my family is priceless.

Thankyou everyone who supported me along the way, to the incredible people I've met and places this has taken me, I'm forever grateful

Just for now, not forever

To the little boy who made me a mum. Where have the last 9 months gone? I simply cannot put into words how much you have changed me for the better.

Happy Mothers day to ALL THE mums and a special mention to those who held me, stood by me and supported me through the hardest journey I've been through. Here to us

I love being your mum