Former The O.C. star Rachel Bilson has melted hearts with a deeply personal tribute to her daughter Briar Rose, who just celebrated her milestone 11th birthday.
The 42-year-old actress took to Instagram to share a carousel of precious photographs documenting Briar's growth over the years, accompanied by an emotional caption that laid bare the joys and challenges of motherhood.
A Mother's Emotional Tribute
"Happy 11th birthday to my sweet Briar Rose," Bilson began her heartfelt message. "I can't believe it's been 11 years since you made me a mommy. You are the coolest, funniest, smartest girl and my best friend."
The actress didn't shy away from acknowledging the realities of parenting, adding: "Being a mom is the hardest job but you make it the most rewarding."
Rare Glimpses Into Family Life
The Instagram post offered fans rare insight into Bilson's family life, featuring multiple snapshots showing Briar's journey from infancy to pre-teenhood. One particularly touching image showed a younger Briar smiling while sitting on her mother's lap, perfectly capturing their close bond.
Another photo revealed the growing resemblance between mother and daughter, with Briar displaying the same captivating smile that made Bilson famous during her The O.C. days.
Co-Parenting With Hayden Christensen
Briar Rose is Bilson's only child with ex-partner Hayden Christensen, best known for his role as Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise. Despite ending their relationship in 2017 after nearly ten years together, the former couple has maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship focused on their daughter's wellbeing.
Bilson has previously spoken openly about the complexities of navigating motherhood in the public eye while ensuring Briar has as normal a childhood as possible.
From Summer Roberts to Super Mom
While millions still know her as the privileged Summer Roberts from the early-2000s hit drama, Bilson has gracefully transitioned into her most cherished role yet: devoted mother. Her social media tribute underscores how motherhood has become the central focus of her life post-The O.C. fame.
The birthday celebration comes as Bilson continues to balance parenting with her acting career, recently appearing in various television roles while prioritising her daughter's upbringing away from the Hollywood spotlight.
