"It would never have turned out this way without you."
Birthdays are an emotional and reflective time for any parent, but especially when you and your child have had to overcome something together.
Stacey Solomon has paid an emotional tribute to her eldest son Zachary for his 14th birthday, looking back on their years together since she became a mum at just 17.
Taking to Instagram to share a sweet Reel of home videos, the mum-of-four wrote about how her first-born "changed my whole life".
The adorable clips show Zachary being a proud big brother to his siblings while a voice over speaks about how the eldest child wasn't born into that role as a coincidence, but because they were meant for the caregiver role.
"It definitely wasn’t a coincidence," Stacey wrote, adding: "I could never have comprehended the light and love you would bring."
The Loose Women star explained that she had her fair share of doubters when she gave birth to Zachary at such a young age, but she credits him as the reason she is where she is today.
"At 17 years old the things they said about us, what they didn’t know was that you were my beginning, my reason, my sole purpose to get up and do my absolute best," she continued.
"And you’ve been by my side ever since. It would never have turned out this way without you."
She then went on to compliment the wonderful young man her biggest baby is becoming.
"Zachary I’m so proud of the man you are becoming and the kind, caring, amazing person that you are. We did it Zachy. 14 years my darling boy," she wrote, finishing with: "to the moon and back forever & always."
Stacey's
fiancé Joe Swash joined in the heartfelt messages, commenting: "Happy birthday son. Thank you for being such a special man. We love you."
Stacey is also mum to Leighton, 9, from a previous relationship, as well as Rex, 2, and
Rose, 5 months, who she shares with Joe.
The X Factor alum continued reflecting on being Zachary's mum on her Instagram Stories, sharing just how emotional his birthday makes her.
"The truth is every year on Zachy's birthday I spend most of the day welling up," she said.
"When I got pregnant at 17 I could never have imagined that a real life angel would be born into my life. Pushing me to try my hardest, never give up & always supporting me through everything.
"Zachary it wasn't a coincidence. You are so special and every year with you has been the biggest privilege I could have ever imagined."
The mum and son finished his birthday off by watching Friends and eating chocolate together after the other kids were gone to bed.
