I was totally prepared for my birthday this year to be pretty low key. Being away from family, friends and any potential babysitters meant that the chances of doing anything fun were looking pretty low. Plus Jono is working very long hours and had warned me that Thursday was going to be a busy day. I was fine with that and had plans to hang out with a friend in the day so it wasn’t too bad.

Little did I know that my amazing husband was busy making plans to surprise me with the most lovely, thoughtful and special birthday.

I arrived at my friend’s house at lunch time to find her lovely Mum (who I have got to know over the last few weeks) making peanut-free cupcakes for my birthday! How amazing. I was so touched that she had gone to that effort just for me. Then my friend told me that her Mum was going to look after Belle for an hour whilst we went to the salon to get our nails done and massages – all arranged by J. He is so great. The last time I got my nails done was when I got married, so this was just the biggest treat. And to go and enjoy it with a friend topped it off.

We had planned to meet her Mum with Belle and her son at a playground after. Little did I know that we would walk past the playground into Central Park where all of my NYC Mum friends and J would be waiting with a birthday picnic party. The most wonderful surprise.

Turns out that J had got up super early to go and buy balloons, bunting and picnic bits for all of the babies and Mums. And then he had taken a half day off work to join us for the picnic.

I don’t know what was more amazing, the fact that Jono had planned such an incredibly special birthday or the fact that after just one month in this city, I have a wonderful group of women who I can call my friends to celebrate my birthday with. I am feeling incredibly blessed this birthday.

Also, look who helped herself to her first ever chocolate treat. Note to self, do not leave a big box of sweet treats unattended at a picnic. Belle will find it and demolish two faster than you believe is possible.

Thank you Jonathan for always loving me more than I could have ever imagined.