Finding my mum

59- Noah's birthday

Somehow, just like that today was Noah's first birthday. We were having a party at Janette's for him. Ashley and Chloe had been invited, even though she was heavily pregnant she wanted to come; Ashley and I had learnt not to argue with her. Some of the pros were coming as well. It felt like ages since I'd last seen them.

I'd stayed at Janette's last night so I could help set up or look after Noah while Janette and Aljaz set up. I heard Noah wake up so I got up to go to get him then took him downstairs. "Happy birthday monkey" He started smiling and clapping.

We sat watching tv until Janette and Aljaz came down causing Noah's face to light up.

Janette: "happy birthday"
Aljaz: "happy birthday. How long have you two been down here?"
Ava: "about an hour ish. I heard him waking up and wanted cuddles"
Janette: "he loves it when his big sister stays over"
Ava: "what's the plan for today? We haven't eaten yet"
Aljaz: "do you want to be my assistant chef again? Janette and Noah can watch"
Ava: "as long as I don't have to make the coffee"
Aljaz: "do you know who makes the best coffee?"
Ava: "who?"
Janette: "meeeeeee"
Aljaz: "she's right"
Ava: "Janette's on coffee duty then"

Noah just sat there enjoying everything. He especially enjoyed watching us tossing the pancakes really badly. He was still teething but he had most of his teeth now.

Once we'd finished breakfast, I helped Janette clean up while Aljaz started setting up for the party. I took Noah to get ready while Janette and Aljaz finished setting up.

Noah and I went to find Janette and Aljaz to make sure that everything was ready before everyone arrived. As soon as we walked in and Noah saw Janette he pointed to her and said "mama". We all stood there in shock and I could see Janette getting emotional. I pointed to Janette "Who is it Noah?" "Mama" Janette took him off me and hugged him. "That's right my little boy, I'm your mama"

Slowly but surely everyone started arriving. It was so nice seeing the pros again and of course Stacey.

When Ashley and Chloe arrived, I introduced them to the pros they hadn't met.

I could tell that Chloe wasn't herself as she was either with me or Ashley. I decided not to tell them about Noah saying his first word.

When everyone was there, we started playing games and eating. Then we sat down to give Noah his presents. He decided that I was the only person allowed to help him. Once he'd opened them, Janette and Karen went to put the paper in the bin. Noah decided that he wanted to play on the floor with his toys so I sat next to him. He took his cuddly monkey toy that I'd brought him over to the sofa and tried to pull himself up. I quickly yelled Janette to come and see.

Just as Janette and Karen entered, Noah had got the hang of it and let go to start walking towards me.

After a few hours of walking and playing Noah fell asleep in my arms so I took him upstairs and put him to bed. As I was walking down the stairs I looked around looking for Chloe who I hadn't seen in a while.

"Has anyone seen Chloe?" I asked trying not to sound like I was panicking. No one had seen her and I knew that this wasn't good.