To our dearest Luca,

Today you turned three. In Bangkok. It was a bit different from your other (two) birthdays when you've had parties with your grandparents, godparents, cousins, aunties and uncles and friends all there to celebrate with you as you've blown out the candles on your (homemade) cake. But we all had a really nice day.
You opened your pressies from us over breakfast. You were delighted with them. And we felt humbled by your excitement. Then we went to see your first film in the cinema, Kung Fu Panda 2, which was preceded by the Thai National Anthem and a film about King Bhumibol Adulyadej for which we all stood. And in answer to your question - no, that doesn't happen in real life (i.e. talking, kung fu fighting pandas) but the film's message is sound - be good, be true and believe in yourself. We had a lovely lunch out after the cinema and then went to the playground nearby where you said that you had "really great fun". Then we came back to our hotel room for Skype calls to family and friends at home. And after that we had some birthday cake and candles. Sorry about only having two candles. You see, your Dad went to the local 7-Eleven to get candles, but inadvertently picked up a box of joss sticks with two candles on the lid of the box mistaking them for a box of candles. Maybe that kind of thing wouldn't have happened if we'd been doing our usual thing at home but these are the things memories and stories are made of. To add to your treasure trove of such from the past year.


You've grown up so much in the last twelve months, in so many ways and it's been our privilege and pleasure to have been with you to witness first hand every moment of it. You've seen and done so much. Your auld pair have, literally, pulled you across Europe and South East Asia (well your Dad did in your trailer). And you've made us so very proud of the versatile, adaptable, loving, adventurous and happy boy you've been throughout it all. You have had your moments, of course, as all toddlers do but when we've had trying times, where it's been just us three pitted against (whichever part of) the world we were in for whatever reason, you've always given 110%. Without fail. You've been good and true and believed in yourself. And in us. Just like any good Kung Fu warrior.

We adore you.

Your Mama and Dada.

A big Thank You to everyone who sent Luca birthday wishes and who Skyped for his birthday. It really meant a lot to all of us.