We finally had a party – at a social distance | Cheryl Gibbs

I can tell immediately what kind of mood Matt is in within seconds, I know if he’s trying to tell a fib and I know if he’s hiding something.

I, however, should have been a spy because I’ve got a great poker face and he rarely knows if I’m up to something which came in very handy last weekend as I organised him a surprise, and belated, 40th birthday get-together with some of our closest family and a few friends.

I also organised Matt his surprise 30th and seeing his face when he walked in this time was just like 10 years ago – total shock and he looked at me with that judgemental face he does when he knows I’ve got him once again.

Naturally given the current situation we all face, I couldn’t invite anywhere near the number of people who celebrated his 30th but what I wanted was for Matt to feel like he had marked his birthday.

We were in full lockdown when he celebrated it on April 16 and he didn’t get to see anyone but me and Harley and our four walls so to be out in public (oh my) with nice outfits on, hair all made up and make up perfected (for me, anyway) felt so good.

My auntie looked after Harley and thankfully she didn’t wake up after putting her down so my auntie got a quiet night – helpful for the next time I ask her.

We were all supposed to go on holiday in June for Matt’s birthday – something we do in my family to mark someone’s big birthday – and that, of course, got cancelled too so I’m just pleased that I managed to organise a little something for him.

My god, was he shocked! I hired two huge rooms that were adjoining and hardly invited many people at all so everyone had enough space to social distance.

Although after about 10 minutes of greeting people at a social distance, of course, he asked ‘where’s the dj, love?’ some people are never happy!

Happy belated birthday Matt!

You have seen me change, from clubbing to motherhood

When we were at the party, Matt’s uncle told me that a guy he works with – Richard Spencer – has read my column every week for the past 12 years.

He said that Richard says every Friday, ‘did you know Cheryl and Matt have been up to this…’, to which Neil replies that he didn’t.

Shame on you Neil – get the paper, you know it’s in every Friday. Just because we’re related does not get you off the hook!

I want to say a big thank you to Richard for being a loyal reader of The News and of my column. I can imagine you’ve seen the change in my column from ‘girl about town’ who went clubbing or travelling to now a mummy. I try to keep it interesting and I thank you all for reading.

I really enjoyed dressing up for the first time in months

Matt’s get-together was the first time since before Harley was born that I’ve actually got myself dressed up looking nice.

I ordered a new dress, curled my hair and actually wore make up (I just about remembered how to do it) and I admit Harley was giving me the most unusual looks as I was trying to put her to bed. I had rollers in my hair which made my head look a bit alien-like, bright pink lipstick and smoky dark eyes – she normally sees me with hair slapped back, zero make up, basically a plain Jane.

It felt good though – just for one night to go out feeling good again. However, come Sunday it was back to sweat pants, messy hair pulled back and ‘au naturel.’