The Joy Of Jemima Simon's Little Girl Turns 1

The Bridges Mark A Special Milestone In A Year Of Firsts.

- Donna Fleming

Simon Bridges and his wife Natalie believe in never missing out on an opportunity to celebrate life’s milestones – no matter how busy they are.

So when daughter Jemima turned one on December 8, they dropped everything and pulled out all the stops for a birthday party that marked a year with a sweet girl they describe as their “icing on the cake.”

“I can’t believe she’s one,” says the Leader of the Opposition, who also has two sons, Emlyn (6) and Harry (4).

“Jemima, or JJ as we call her, is just amazing. She’s our pride and joy. We have the two boys, but she’s our special princess and she brightens up the entire family’s lives. I’m away a lot, but I was so glad to be there to celebrate her big day.”

Natalie adds, “I’m really big on making sure we mark these occasions and cherish them so that the children have lovely memories.”

For Jemima, the highlight of the day was possibly when she got to smash up her pretty lemon cake that Natalie made – and while the boys helped decorate it, the smashing was all Jemima, Simon (42) confirms.

“We’d been gearing up for her birthday for a wee while, and it’s been such a big year so we had to make sure we celebrated it in style,” he nods. “I was looking forward to a piece of cake, but after the damage inflicted, I was a bit hesitant. She was the destructor-in-chief!”

Jemima’s birthday fell on a Saturday, so Simon was able to be at home with his family for the occasion.

“I often get back on a Friday and to be honest, the boys are pretty nonplussed,” he tells. “They’re preoccupied with their cartoons or playing with a ball. But JJ gives me a big smile and she loves a cuddle. Her first word was Dada!”