Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian have posted emotional tributes to their daughter Blake on her first birthday.
The couple welcomed their first child together via surrogacy last September – after Brian’s sister Aoife acted as their surrogate.
Taking to Instagram this morning, Brian shared some heartwarming snaps of Blake alongside a sweet birthday message.
He wrote: “Happy 1st birthday to our @gourounlian baby girl Blake. How are you 1 already. This has been the quickest year of my life & probably the most emotional. What a journey we had to get you here safely.
“It has been the greatest privilege of my life so far watching you grow daily from that little baby I held in my arms one year ago today to the little girl who is now constantly on the move & is 100% keeping Daddy on his toes. Especially when it comes to you wanting to grab everything on his drinks trolley 😜
“My love for you is so great & powerful that it actually scares me. It’s my duty to ensure you are loved & feel safe every day of your life.
“Also, Daddy & Papa feel super proud today. I feel we have accomplished so much in a year & are still relatively sane 😂 You are the light of our lives & we simply ADORE YOU ❤️ Happy Birthday baby Blake,” he added.
Arthur also shared a sweet video montage of Blake, and wrote: “It’s official: Our little Blake Maria Rose turns one year old today! It’s amazing how quickly 365 days have flown by.”
“Blake, Daddy @bprdowling and I love you more than words can express. You bring us so much joy and laughter, and everyone around you can’t help but feel the same way. Seeing your smile every morning gives me life 🥹 and I’m so incredibly grateful to have you in my life.
“Honestly, I don’t even remember what my life was like before you came along! But with you in it, life is definitely more EXCITING, and you are keeping Daddy and Papa on our toes 🤣 So please, don’t ever change.
“Be loud, be bold, and always be HAPPY. We’re ready for new adventures and can’t wait to create more memories with you. Happy 1st Birthday, Mon amour de ma vie,” Arthur added.
Brian and Arthur were inundated with lovely comments, as their longtime friend Nadia Forde wrote: “You guys are the best dads. Happy Birthday Blake.”
Pippa O’Connor, who is Blake’s godmother, also commented: “Ahh 1st bdays are so emotional. Well done Papa & Dada ❤️ Blake is so lucky xx.”
While Blake officially turned 1 today, Brian and Arthur threw her first birthday party last weekend at Barberstown Castle in Co. Kildare.
Check out photos from the bash here.
