I’m not sure where the year has gone. When we set off on this [url=http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2005933]journey[/url] I was apprehensive.

Not about the normal ‘baby on the way’ things; but more about what it would mean for “us”.

Living on the other side of the world has had some tough times over the past 6 years and I had no idea how we would cope with being just the two of us so far away from the normal support networks people rely on with children.

I need not have worried. My amazing [url=http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/175778]S1[/url] is never fazed by anything, taking the challenges of life in her stride with that soft calm smile.

A year on, we have an amazing little man. Full of character and personality.

I see a lot of S1 in him. Not just the looks, but the calm understanding when something new comes his way. That infectious giggle is hers as well.

One year on, we have learnt a lot. What is important to us both has been the rock which has kept us together for so many years, and with that in mind I can look back on the year and honestly say we did it alright. At times the chips were down and the going tough, but we made the best calls we could and wouldn’t change any decisions.

It’s been a year of the most amazing highs and the deepest lows for us; I wouldn’t have thought it possible a year ago, but a year on, I can honestly say, I love my S1 more than ever.

Her strength, courage and compassion.

Although it has to be said, S1 sure has some big competition these days with this blue eyed grin around.

I needn’t have been nervous a year ago…

I am loving being a family.