Shelagh woke to the sound of babbling coming from Angela's cot. She smiled, thinking no sound could be better to wake up to. Angela was typically a happy baby, but today was extra special. Today was Angela's first birthday.

Shelagh had pinched herself numerous times over this year still not believing that she was this precious girl's mum. Quietly she got up hoping not to disturb Patrick. She enjoyed her special time with Angela in the morning.

She waited until after she had changed her soggy nappy and they had entered the kitchen before she started singing 'Happy Birthday to you.' Angela looked up at her mum and touched her face as if to say 'I love you.'

"Today is a special day Angela," Shelagh told her as she set her in the highchair for breakfast.

Shelagh was just about to feed a spoonful of porridge to Angela when she smiled and said, "Dadda!"

Shelagh turned surprised having not heard Patrick approaching.

"Is someone having a birthday today?" Patrick asked.

"Dadda, " Angela laughed as Patrick kissed her loudly on her neck.

"Does mummy want one too?" he asked.

The answer came from behind him, "NO! It is too early for all this mushy stuff."

"T-t-t," Angela called.

"Happy Birthday Ange!" Timothy answered.

"Everyone is up so early...it is Saturday."

"But it is a very special day," Patrick said.

"I just heard everyone else get up. You are not quiet Dad."

"I did not hear him get up," Shelagh said.

"You were too busy singing. I woke to your rendition of Happy Birthday," Patrick said.

"Well I have a busy day. I need to make a cake…"

"Oh I was hoping Mrs. B would make the cake," Timothy interrupted.

"Timothy!" Patrick scolded.

"Dad, we all know no one makes a cake like Mrs. B."

"He is right Patrick. My baking does not compare to Mrs. B's."

After a family breakfast, Patrick went out on his rounds. While Shelagh cleaned up, Timothy played with Angela.

Shelagh finished her work and joined the children. She was planning to start the cake when Angela was napping. Angela who was not yet walking, crawled over to Shelagh who picked her up. Shelagh was tickling her and she was laughing.

"Mum, I am surprised she has any giggles left. We played peek-a-boo forever and she just kept laughing," Timothy said.

"I could hear you and I kept peeking in through the hatch."

There was a knock at the door.

"Did Dad forget his key again?"

"Angela and I will go see," Shelagh said as she picked the baby up and went towards the hall

To her surprise, Sister Julienne was at the door. "Hello Sister, do come in."

"I hope I have not come at an inconvenient time, but Mrs. B asked that I deliver this straight away."

In her hands was a cake tin. Timothy who must have heard 'Mrs. B' came running over to take the tin.

"Splendid!"

"Timothy was just saying this morning that my cakes do not compare with those that Mrs. B makes."

"She does have a talent with confections," Sister agrees, "All of us at Nonnatus wanted to contribute to this special day. It was Sister Monica Joan who suggested the cake."

Laughing Shelagh said, "That does not surprise me at all."

After Timothy took the cake Sister Julienne had taken Angela from her mother's arms and they had all moved into the sitting room. Sister Julienne put her down, but continued to hold her fingers allowing her to take some steps.

"Oh Shelagh, she will be walking soon!" Sister exclaimed.

"I know. She walks holding onto the rails on the playpen. I will be chasing after her soon."

"Mum's going to get a lot of exercise," Timothy said and they all laughed.

"Do you have a special celebration planned?"

"Not really. She is still too little, but we wanted a cake."

"Well you shall have cake and as a gift to you dear Shelagh, you do not have to spend your afternoon baking."

Their visit continued and Patrick arrived home.

"Dad, Sister brought a cake from Mrs. B!" Tim informed him the minute he entered the room.

Patrick responded while trying not to smile too much. "That was very kind of her. Hello Sister," he added looking towards their guest as he scooped the birthday girl up into his arms. "How is the birthday princess?" he said as he blew on her belly and she laughed.

"She is going to be worn out from so much laughing," Shelagh said.

"I really must be getting back. It is almost time for luncheon."

"Can I drive you Sister?"

"Thank you Dr. Turner, but stay with your family...I quite enjoy the walk."

She kissed Angela and said good bye. Shelagh walked her to the door.

Sister hugged Shelagh and said,"Every time I see you with your family, I am reminded that your life is exactly as it should be. You chose the right path."

"Thank you Sister."

When Shelagh walked into the kitchen Timothy was eying the cake tin.

"Mum can we have the cake with lunch or do we have to wait until tonight?"

"Timothy, you remind me of how much I miss Sister Monica Joan."