Eighteen

It's nearly nine years since I first started seeing The Minx, which means that the miniMinx must have just turned nine a couple of months before I first met her.

Initially, I was a presented as a friend but when the Minx finally announced I was actually her boyfriend, the miniMinx performed just about the politest eye-roll in history. I remember just how much that made me laugh; she was way ahead of us.

She already had a dad, of course, and I already kids of my own, but, looking back on it, we easily found ourselves a step-daughter/step-dad groove that worked for both of us without any fuss or bother, and I've come to love her very much.

I've enjoyed watching her grow from a happy go lucky innocent into a savvy and talented young woman, her innate joyfulness and fantastic sense of humour remaining constants throughout.

Today was her eighteenth birthday, which the Minx had organised with a great deal of love, ensuring that all parts of Mia's life were represented and welcome. The party was at The Foundry in the Northern Quarter, which turned out to be an excellent choice and I'm happy to report that a good time was had by all!