Stacey Solomon has used this Mother's Day to reflect on the judgement she faced when she welcomed her first child at 17. The Loose Women star is now a happy mum-of-five after welcoming her second daughter, Belle, into the world last month with her husband Joe Swash.
Their little girl is the loved-up couple's third child together, their first since tying the knot last summer in an intimate ceremony in the garden of their home, dubbed 'Pickle Cottage' due to Stacey's nickname of 'pickle' for her children.
Stacey, 33, and Joe, 41, also share 17-month-old daughter Rose and three-year-old son Rex together while Stacey is also a doting mum to older sons Zachary and Leighton, and Joe is a proud dad to his teenage son Harry with his ex-fiancee.
Taking to Instagram on Sunday (March 19), Stacey couldn't have looked happier as she got her adorable brood together for a group snap. The beaming mum could be seen surrounded by her children, with her cradling her newborn, who was born on February 7 at home, while eldest child Zachary held on to a sleeping Rose.
"I’ve been a mum since I was 17 years old," Stacey started the caption of her post to her millions of followers. "I barley remember life before becoming mum. I do remember all of the looks I’d get & all of the things that people would say when they saw a “child raising a child”. I can’t believe I am now a mummy of 5.
"And all I can say is, not one of those judgments or opinions back then were true. No matter how real they felt I look at each of them now and I have never felt so proud."
The Sort Your Life Out host went on to say: "They are the kindest most amazing people and I was a part of that. Zachy, Leight, Rex, Rose, Belle You are all my biggest blessings. My greatest achievements. Every single one of you have made me who I am.
"I’m so grateful for you all. And it’s the biggest privilege raising you all. Forever my little pickles. To the moon and back always. Happy Mother's Day to all of you mum as out there. Sending lots of love to all of you who find today extremely difficult."
Stacey's dad, David, was among the first to send a gushing message to his daughter, writing in the comments: "How you have grown how you have sown and most of all your an awesome Mummy who is loved more than can ever be told.
"I'm the most Humble Dad to have the most Humble beautiful gorgeous loving caring and talented mummies children and a Dad can ask for @labellady your both my inspiration now as I was yours. Words can't describe how much I love you all."
Stacey was also flooded with messages from other mums who gave birth to their first child as teenagers while others wished her a lovely day and showed their support. @pretty_little_home said; "Someone as happy and kind as you could only raise happy and kind babies."
@mrs_adair84 commented: "Such a brilliant mummy and amazing family you have. Peoples opinions are just that opinions they don't define you, and you have proved all those opinionated people wrong! Go you! Inspirational women to many."
@flutterby_colour replied: "Such a blessing and made you the person you are today! Shame on those who cast a judgment." @lisashotton17 added: "I was a mam at 17 and definitely felt guilty but 33 years later I have raised a strong independent woman. You and your family are beautiful and a total credit to you. Happy mothers day."
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