Welcome Lily Anne Fraser

On Friday 1st July, we welcomed Lily Anne into our family. Lily was born at 10.52 am, weighing 3.3kg or 7pound 4oz, and measuring 50cm in length. Marcus and I were overwhelmed by the feelings we had that moment when we saw her and knew that all was ok. We could immediately see similarities to Archie, though we were surprised to see such dark features- lots of dark hair, eyes and gorgeous olive skin. Whilst in recovery, Marcus made phone calls to all the family and waited patiently for us to return to the room. My heart skipped a beat as we came down the hall and I could see Marcus at the door, grinning from ear to ear waiting to see his girls. We had a few hours together, enjoying those cuddles and embracing Lily; oh how lucky were are to be blessed with 2 beautiful children.
Uncle Brent was the first visitor, as he was when Archie arrived. Then Mum and Jacquie arrived with Archie. It was a gorgeous moment when Archie met his sister Lily, he was pleased as punch! Lily was such a nice sister too, giving Archie a toy- Harold the helicopter. He was very happy with this treat! Jeremy and Carly, Murray and Shell also popped in and by dinner time, everyone had left and I was ready to chill with my girl. She seemed to latch on straight away and we had a lovely first night together. We had lots of visitors during my 5 night stay and with my recovery much better than with Archie, I was able to enjoy it a lot more.

Lily is 2 weeks old tomorrow- it's gone so fast! I love how Archie has been so good with her and adjusting to me feeding her and so forth, it's been such a relief for us all. I love how Lily snuggles up on my chest, like a little koala, probably as she did in the womb. I love her scent and her smooth skin, just perfect. I love how day by day, she is becoming more alert and eager to learn about the world that she has entered.
I also love how she sleeps so sound, totally oblivious to the drums Archie bangs, as she has heard his loud voice for over 9 months now. I love seeing Marcus and Lily having a moment together and the incredible support he has been for me, giving me time with Lily to establish feeding, whilst he has occupied Archie.
Life is precious and incredible right now; part of me wishes I could freeze this moment in time as it is just so amazing, but I know that it only gets better. So I will capture these moments on camera and film (taking way too many photos!) and welcome each new stage as we go along.

When 3 becomes 4...

It's Thursday 29th June and I have just woken up, ready to make the most of our last day with Archie before his world is turned upside down! I'm sitting on the couch, watching him play- he's "building a Cubby house with his Lego, just like Brent" he says... Then he goes on to describe in detail the door, walls, windows and oh... "I need stairs Mum!"
Maybe I'm emotional today, as I'm shedding a little tear as I write, but gosh I love him to bits and am so proud of him and the little man he has turned into. As Parents, we do what we can, to make sure they have the right food, experiences and happiness that will make them thrive and love life to the fullest. It is full on and very draining at times, but one cant put a price on uninterrupted 'time' with their child. It is harder than it sounds with all the gadgets we have, let alone daily chores, but I try to do this every day as I feel this is so important for his language development. Can I keep it up when number 2 arrives... I hope so!

It's nice to reflect on the growth he has made lately... Yes he still has a temper and has his 'grizzly bear' moments, but on the whole he is one happy boy. I love how he uses his manners and engages with all that he meets- I laugh as he chats to all the oldies down the concourse- he is best buddies with the fruit shop ladies, coaxing them into a free piece every visit! He has become quite independent now at playing on his own too, especially with his new cubby built by Uncle Brent- good timing buddy as there will be a lot of this in the next few weeks! We are sure you will be a great brother and look forward to our family of 4.

But of course as a mum sitting here watching him, I always worry about one thing or the other- do I play/read/cuddle him too much? Is that even possible? Is he getting better at playing with his friends and sharing at daycare? Why does mother's guilt follow me everywhere? Marcus has a chuckle when I tell him my worries as they are pretty lame, but that's just how it is, our motherly instinct is to love, protect and worry about our family.

I'm feeling excited about bub's arrival, nervous too but much more relaxed this time round.
We didn't find out the sex so that moment when we see bub will be amazing! I can't wait for
those first few hours of skin on skin cuddles with our newborn.
Next time I write I will be a mother of 2 and no doubt have a totally different perspective on life! 'Til then...
P.S. We have a teeny tiny feeling it might be a girl, let's see if we are right!