Ten years of chaos, cuddles, and cosmic sparkle 💫
The world got a little brighter the day my star arrived —
and she’s still stealing the spotlight.
Today unfolded like a story written in sunlight.
Matilda began the morning visiting my mum and the clan — more hugs, more laughter, and a little extra birthday money slipped into her hands (being ten clearly has its perks). She spent it exactly as she pleased — quick choices, big smiles, and that beautiful confidence that comes so naturally to her.
She’d asked to open her presents at her dad’s this year — her request, her day, and it felt right. So later, she sat surrounded by her little constellation — her dad, Lizzie, and me — tearing paper, laughing, and grinning from ear to ear. One of those rare, golden moments where everything feels balanced and whole.
Later, we headed to Golf 19 to hit some balls. Joel joined us there — it’s his day with Luca, but he made the effort to come along, and it meant a lot. Naturally, Tilly showed us both up completely. She’s the pro; we were just the comic relief. There was laughter, a few spectacular misses, and that feeling of pure joy you wish you could bottle.
Afterwards, her dad, Lizzie, Tilly, and I had a late lunch — easy conversation, warm food, and that lovely quiet pride of watching her glow in her own world.
Now the house is still again.
Tilly’s gone home with her dad and Lizzie, arms full of gifts and stories, and I’m left in that soft after-glow only birthdays bring — a little tired, a little tender, very proud.
In a while, Joel will come by for our Sunday film fest, and the day will fold itself neatly closed: a bright chapter tucked safely into memory.
Everlight dims, but never darkens.
She’s ten — confident, curious, unstoppable.
And I couldn’t love her more if I tried.
