Today was a very special day because it was my first birthday.

I knew it was special right from the beginning because both Mum and Dad came to say good morning when I woke up and were very smiley and nice and gave me lots of kisses. My friend Flint came over to visit with my first birthday present — some great blue paper which I had lots of fun tearing up and waving around.

Mum took me to be weighed and measured by the Plunket nurse Faye, who also said I was very clever because I was standing up so well and talking a lot.

The official statistics of Jay Pelham Harland McElwee aged 1:

• weight: 8.91 kilos
• height: 74 cm

That night, Nana and Grandad came over to play with me. There was lots more paper to rip and play with from Aunty Cathy, Uncle Andrew, Nana Jan, Uncle James and Uncle Duncan (and Mum and Dad of course). And we then had some yummy lamb shanks for dinner.

The most exciting part of the day was after dinner. Mum made me some raspberry jelly to try for the first time. It was great, though a bit slippery to hold. And the best thing was a wonderful chocolate cake in the shape of a number one which Mum made just for me! It had colourful spots on it and I knew it was special because everyone was looking at me when Mum placed it on the table in front of me. The number 1 candle was lit, the lights turned out and everyone sang happy birthday. Mum helped me blow out the candle and then gave me a big piece of cake to eat all by myself. It was so delicious and lots of gooey fun to eat.

It was such a great day. I don’t know if I can wait another whole year for my next birthday!