Girls are giggles with freckles all over them. - anon.

Today is Harper Corley Barnes's second birthday. This is her Curious George cake, from her party last weekend.

A few days before my wedding in 2009, I was a stress case. I was getting over a bout with swine flu and was entertaining dozens of people who came from around the world to celebrate, and I was running on pure adrenaline. I grabbed the mail on my way out to do a million errands and there was a wee note, in my dear friend Ashby's handwriting. Inside were the sweetest, loveliest, most wonderful words. I stopped in the middle of the street and cried for a good ten minutes - two people even stopped to see if I was okay. From that moment I got to add a definition to my name: Fairy Godmother.

Why fairy? As Harper lives in Nashville, I'll always be flying in and out of her life. But knowing Ashby as I do, I know he also meant giving Harper magic. Inspiring her to be the best she can be. Encouraging her to strive and question and forgive. Turning up with glass slippers when they are needed most.

I get to meet Harper in August, and I can't wait. It's a good time - she'll be exactly the same age as I was when my little brother was born, incidentally my first memory. I would love for Harper's first clear memory to be meeting me - though it may well be hearing the noise of Matt on the bagpipes.

Happy birthday, my darling Harper.