Happy birthday, you little rascal! Another year older, and hopefully a little wiser too. Although, from what I can tell, you’re still causing trouble like you’re 10 years old. Everyone’s journey through pregnancy and parenthood is different. Our letters are unprompted, allowing you to use the letter suggestions to create your own special memory capsule. They are cleverly designed and suitable for both boys and girls with a timeless retro feel, appropriate to gift to your baby when they grow up. Create your own letters to my daughter, letters to my son, letters to grandson or granddaughter, pregnancy journal or new mum journal. A beautiful and unique keepsake. Maybe it was my dad writing me letters as a kid – he always complained how we never got any “fun” mail and now that he's passed, I cherish those… or maybe it's living through entirely too much family drama that no one wants to explain, but I can feel in my body. Regardless the reason, I always knew I wanted to write a yearly letter to my children. If you feel nervous, don't be! You don't need an amazing sense of humor or the ability to write the most tender + emotional letter of all time. Just focus on writing a warm birthday letter that showcases your unwavering support and love of the person. Here are some sample birthday letters for you to read through:

As I wait for my son to arrive it's hard to remember exactly how I felt waiting for the arrival of my daughter, less than two years ago, but I know she changed everything. This past year has been such a whirlwind of events and emotions. It has truly been a honor to watch you grow, learn, and become Blair over the last year. But I must admit, I almost feel as though you have taught me more. I have learned patience, selflessness, strength, and you have softened me more than you know. I have learned how to be a mother; not a perfect mother, but the perfect mother for you, and you alone. Most importantly, you have taught me the true meaning of love. The bond we have already is indescribable and something that I will never take for granted. You’re my best friend and a living piece of me. After all, we had 9 extra months together that no one else had, and you are the only person who knows the sound of my heart from the inside. You encourage me to wake up every single day and be the best version of myself, so for that, I thank you. Baby Boy, you love the world. To crawl, to pull up, to look around. To babble away. To experience new things, to experience life. You have no fear, yet look for reassurance from me, from Daddy. That same smile beaming at us when you spy us across the room. Other digital options are to save them on your computer or in a place like Google Drive or Dropbox, again you may end up having to move the files at some point if these services shut down. Perfectly finding your role in our little family as the little brother, it’s like you’ve always been here. Yet it’s only been a year. A year in which you’ve grown and changed so much already. Developing your own personality, likes, dislikes. A year in which you (and your brother) have helped me to learn and grown.You started eating real food at six months and again you were hesitant and it took you a while to warm up to it but now you are a totally foodie and will happily eat anything. As long as you are feeding yourself! You have quite the independent streak! Getting your first tooth at 9 months was another exciting moment and now you’ve got a few more coming through!

You are capable of crashing — not falling — asleep at a moment’s notice. Oh child, how I wish that were me! As my busy mind races, I envy your softness of slumber. You sleep so well (I know, I’m not supposed to tell other moms that, but it’s true). I hope that no matter what life throws at you, you will somehow uphold that ability to find sleep when you need it. A tired mind is not capable of nearly enough to get through the day. Hope you are enjoying today and not sulking in your home alone. Enjoy this day fully as you are a year younger now. Happy birthday my dearest sister. You started to sleep through the night. I learned to appreciate the little things like getting a shower and a good night’s sleep. Exploring the world comes with it’s own challenges, nappy changes now you’re on the move is *challenging* and wanting to see everything means that sleep is obviously for the weak from nap time to bedtime. But when you give in and shut your eyes, relaxing your little body. You are still so small. So defenceless little man. As we’ve grown older, our bond has only gotten stronger. You’re the first person I turn to for advice, the first person I want to celebrate with, and the first person I want to share my life with. You’re my confidant, my partner in crime, and my forever best friend.You learned to lift your head and roll over. I learned to celebrate in silence so I didn’t startle you. Finally, my precious girl, I don’t want you to ever stop dancing. I don’t care if you don’t know the moves. It isn’t important how high your leg goes or if your head is moving to the beat. Music has a profound power over you already, I can see it. I turn on a tune and you instantly bust a move. I say the word “Dance!” and you start right up again, even if you’re sad or tired. I am writing this letter because you are very special to me and today, on your birthday, I want to let you know how much I love you. On this day, I wish may it be filled with all the happiness and enjoyment that you seek. You deserve all the worldly pleasure, my baby sis. You opened your eyes and started to smile. I learned what it meant to fall in love with someone at first sight. Growing older, facing our first plane ride together to escape the Dubai heat, just me and my boys. A summer in the UK, where you were introduced to the friends and family we don’t get to see out here in Dubai. You see Baby Boy, that’s one of the things being an expat kid, we live so far away. And I know that with technology these days you get to have a relationship, you get to see the familiar faces. But it’s not the same as real life cuddles. But Baby Boy, being an expat kid has meant that you get Mummy every day. At home. Which has meant that I’ve got to watch you grow every day. And that summer in the UK? We had a blast.

But with each new chapter we’ve opened together, I’ve somehow learned to love you more, and differently. I feel confident that as you continue to grow and learn, our bond will only strengthen as time and challenges try to tear it apart. My love for you, clearly, will expand as your personality and character develop. But that’s hard to believe now, as we’ve had 12 months both short and long. And in this moment I believe myself to be in possession of the biggest love that’s ever existed. Thus is the full heart of a mother. Don’t be a bully, sweetheart. Don’t give in to the crowd that makes you think it’s okay to hurt someone or put them down. Every person is special and should be treated with respect. If you see it happening, speak up. The only way to stop them is to confront them.Some families invite the child's grandparents, close friends, their favorite person or other important people in their life to write the kids yearly letters too. Having you has changed me so much as a person, I didn’t think I’d be a ‘mumsy’ mum but my love for you has meant throwing myself full throttle into motherhood and loving every moment of it! Some of my favourite days were early on, those quiet moments at 2am when it was just the two of us feeding and cuddling like we were the only two people in the world. Doing things with you just makes everything better and more special. It was the best Christmas we ever had, my favourite birthday ever and Mr S’s best birthday. Having you in our lives enhances every moment! On your special day today, I want to confess something. Sis, you are my strength, my pillar without which I wouldn’t be able to stand where I am and be the person I am. You have been a wonderful companion who is always on the lookout for me – if I have hurt myself or is anyone scolding me. You know when the boss sometimes scolds me, I remember you only. You have been a mother, teacher and guardian to me. Thank you for everything you did and are doing for me.

You learned to love baths and the ocean. I learned that it’s ok to get messy and (soaking) wet. Being the perfect mom isn’t about looking perfect. A perfect mom is a present mom. High school graduation is the first big right of passage so it’s a great time but you can also save them until college graduation, marriage, whenever you decide. On your special day, I want to wish you all the happiness and joy in the world. May this year bring you good health, success, and many more blessings to share with those you love.May your birthday be filled with all the things that make you happy – cake, presents, and lots of love. And may this year bring you all the happiness and success you deserve. I still have all your childhood and birthday memories fresh in my mind with all those funs and gifts. You always took gifts on everyone’s birthday and even on yours and I used to call you “gift monster”. Being an elder I was always held responsible for all the mischief you do and remember this time I am going to avenge you. When I come to your city, you will take me and see around the city with I “Driving” your car. But jokes apart, I miss you, baby sis. You always made my day when I was sad and always gave me a feeling of worthiness. Thank you, sister, for always being there. I hope you have a wonderful birthday filled with laughter, love, and maybe a little bit of mischief. Just promise me you won’t get arrested this year, okay? Ideally, this is a birthday tradition to start at 1 but it’s never too late to start; you can even make it a yearly letter instead of a birthday one! Each year by reading the letter to your child. You can save any more “advanced” bits for the actual letter which you store away for a later date. Or you can simply surprise them at one of these times: