Two months ago, Beyonce celebrated her 31st birthday on a luxury cruise with husband Jay-Z and baby daughter Blue Ivy. Now, she has released intimate snaps which showcase the loving little details that made her day special. The star is shown cutting her cake, which, although simple, was topped with a sweet message from her family: "Happy B'day Beyonce, Jay and Blue" it read, with an iced heart accentuating the point.
In another image, Beyonce is shown soaking up the atmosphere on the deck of her luxury cruise liner. The singer is seen at her most homely, with minimal make up and the glow that comes from the domestic bliss she has found since she welcomed her daughter in January. Although the Bootylicious songstress has never been one for spilling out of nightclubs in the early hours, now she's a mother, she is even less likely to be seen living the high life.
So it was natural that her September 4 birthday was a fairly sedate affair involving only her nearest and dearest. Despite the low-key nature of her celebrations, Beyonce's friends and family didn't forget. Her close pals Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin sent her a handwritten card, which was shown on the diva's website. Touchingly, the actress' children had signed their own names and Gwyneth herself had written: "For dear sweet BB on the occasion of her 31st birthday. We love you so very much".
Her mother Tina Knowles wrote: "God blessed me with one of the greatest gifts in my life on Sept. 4, 1981. Happy birthday." And little sister Solange said she was proud to be related to her famous sister and praised her "beautiful generosity". Shortly after turning another year older, Mrs Jay-Z announced her intentions to ramp up her work commitments. The mum-of-one recently confirmed she will entertain at the half-time show of the American Super Bowl next year. Beyonce officially announced the news herself with a post on her website. "Countdown to Touchdown" she wrote, with a glossy image of the superbowl's date – Feb 3, 2013 – daubed on her face. It's just the latest addition to a packed schedule as the Crazy In Love singer seeks to perfect the balancing act of juggling work and home commitments.
When she and Jay-Z welcomed Blue Ivy in January, the new parents described the birth as "emotional and extremely peaceful" and "the best experience of both of our lives". The proud dad also welcomed his new bundle of joy to the world with a song called Glory. Referring to his little girl, the rapper touchingly sings that "my greatest creation was you" before the track ends to the sound of a baby – thought to be his daughter – crying.