It sounds so clichéd, but I distinctly remember the moments leading up to Ilan's arrival and his actual appearance (by virtue of an emergency c-section), as if it were yesterday. In fact, it was five years ago today! Where the time's gone, I don't know!

An incredibly funny, bright, enthusiastic, engaging, sensitive, caring and loving little boy, Ilan is inspirational to me, teaching me new things all the time, and pushing me to learn more for my sake and his (and Michal's). I hope this continues as Ilan develops and grows.

Inevitably, one of my friends reminded me today that "it's only eight years until Ilan's Bar Mitzvah"!! Well, I'll try not to let the time pass so quickly...after all, there's plenty of saving to be done in advance of then!

And finally, what is the sign that a five-year-old has really made it? When he gets his very own Oy Va Goy blog post, of course!!

Happy birthday Ilan xxxxx