A mum has written a moving letter detailing her child's challenging first year living in lockdown.
Jahlee, who has just celebrated his first birthday, has spent most of his short life isolating - and Michelle Daga says he has not even been able to meet most of his extended family.
Her words seem to have struck a chord with parents around the world as the nutritionist opens up about life amid the coronavirus.
Michelle, the tot and her partner Jahmin are all subject to some of Australia's strictest ever restrictions.
Melbourne has been in stage 4 lockdown since early August and that will continue for at least another fortnight, officials say.
They have no back garden to enjoy and the parent says her boy has yet to even play with another child.
The childbirth educator, who lives in a small apartment, wrote: "My baby is turning one this week, and he has spent half of his life in lockdown.
"Isolated at home with mum and dad, for six months now and counting.
"He has never played with another child, patted a dog, or had a chance to dig in the dirt.
"He is yet to meet most of his family, visit a shopping centre, or spend a day in the playground.
"The only other faces Jahlee sees are hidden behind masks.
"And he has no idea food grows on trees or sprouts from the earth, just that it arrives in bags and boxes, left by a man in a mask at the front door."
Michelle added that it is also hard for grandparents who have to watch their grandchildren grow up on FaceTime and Zoom calls.
"They know they can't get this time back," she added in her open letter.
"There is nothing normal about living half your life in quarantine.
"There is nothing normal about parenting in a pandemic. And although I'm well aware things could be worse, this is far from easy.
"Millions of others are sharing this strange new reality with us every day. And I'm here to remind you, you're not alone.
"Here's hoping we can all spread our wings, and teach our young ones to fly very soon. Happy birthday, my baby."
