Day 5
Ok, that's an insane amount of comments!! Thank you all so much for making my family once again feel so loved. I think the best way to illustrate how much all of your words means to all of us is to tell you that whilst I was in hospital my mother was texting me updates on how many of you were stopping by to wish me luck! (not in an icky, bizarro way, but in a 'look how lucky you are to have so much love and support out there' kind of way).
I'm going to print out all of the comments for Lily's baby book (must get one of those!) because I want her to grow up knowing that the world may be a big place, but that it's also a good place, full of people that care enough to reach out to us. So if you're thinking that being comment number 250 means that I won't even notice you, then you're very much mistaken - I will never tire of reading all the best wishes for Lily and love every single one of them. We are indeed the luckiest people I know!
Life here is good. We're all doing great.
Bella is handling the transition really well - especially since she suddenly has two parents telling her to stop it, shush, be careful and no! all the time. We are also telling her that we love her and that she's doing great but I think it's still a little unbalanced. She seems to be coping though and just isn't fazed at all by having a baby in the house. I'm pretty confident that she's going to be a fantastic older sister. She's already excited about all the things she's going to teach Lily. And she already calls her her little darling!
Lily is, of course, wonderful and has made herself right at home. I can't believe how worried I was about having a baby around the house when it just feels completely normal already. And I'm so relieved to say that it just doesn't knock you for six the way having your first baby does and that I'm already happy to think about the odd hour in the studio.
Like I said, we're good.
beautiful pictures of beautiful girls....
just beautiful!
many, many congrats
sending many, many hugs x
tracy x
Posted by: tracy x | February 26, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Ah... who's a cooot lil bubba den? Who is? Who is? YOU are. yes you areeee. Yes you are.... muwa.
Posted by: QALBALLAH | February 26, 2008 at 09:34 PM
Great Pics and glad Bella is enjoying the big sister role. That usually lasts till the little sister is mobile and into THEIR toys. Two girls are such a joy.
Posted by: sewstylish | February 26, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Who'd have though that two such gorgeous people could could create two such gorgeous little ladies, eh? Can't wait to learn all about Lily's personality as it emerges, Bella's sistering, and the adventures of your expanded family :-)
Posted by: Kim | February 26, 2008 at 09:43 PM
How cute is Bella holding her little sister! Glad things are going well.
Posted by: Lindy | February 26, 2008 at 09:43 PM
It is so delightful to see such sweet girls :-) It is so wonderful to see the unfolding of love.
Anne
Posted by: Anne | February 26, 2008 at 09:45 PM
I love those photos, when the big child is holding the new baby, looking soo proud, i have photos of my 2 boys like that and they are so cute, Bella and Lily and my two. glad it's going well. x
Posted by: dottydesigns | February 26, 2008 at 09:46 PM
how happy you girls look, mama too! my daughter is a lilly also. yours makes me want to have another. thank you for the inspiration on sooo many levels!
Posted by: michelle michael | February 26, 2008 at 09:53 PM
You're VERY good. I'm so excited you let everyone share these wonderful moments with your family! Big kisses from across the pond!
Posted by: Rachael | February 26, 2008 at 10:00 PM
wicked! that's ace. bella looks really proud in that bottom photo, one to keep for the album, methinks. so when do i get to come and squeeze the new one then? (not so subtle inviting myself round). i will bring supplies. xx
Posted by: hazeljoy | February 26, 2008 at 10:10 PM
I can't believe how grown up Bella looks already! What a gorgeous photo. Congratulations to you and Jim!
Sue x
Posted by: Sue | February 26, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Oh many many congratulations to you and your beautiful family. Lily is gorgeous it is wonderful that Bella is settling down to the role of big sister already. I really am over the moon for you all!
Posted by: Gillian | February 26, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Hi Manda
Glad that everything is going well. I love the photographs and glad that Bella is going to be a fantastic older sister.
Best wishes
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Smith | February 26, 2008 at 10:22 PM
LOL about Tracy X's post. I couldn't say it better myself.
Posted by: deirdre | February 26, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Wow - what a cute family and I think you are right - Bella is going to be a great big sister! Yes, I am sure there will be moments when you wonder - like my friends' parents must have when she smashed a plate over her big sister's head during an argument about dish washing, but there will also be the great moments of love and friendship!!
Congratulations to you and Jim!!! Enjoy every minute of it all!
Posted by: Di | February 26, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Dear Bella,
You look so sweet holding your darling Lily! Have lots of fun, listen to mommy and daddy and be sure to let us all know how you're doing.
Hugs,
eleny in Colorado
Posted by: Eleny | February 26, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Oh, those sweet girlies...xox.
Good for you Manda, like I said--an old pro ;)
Posted by: Toni | February 26, 2008 at 10:59 PM
is it not just perfect with two?
I recall that feeling of yes
two
now
perfect
they are brill!
thanks for the update
Posted by: amy | February 26, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Congratulations! Your two girls are just lovely.
Posted by: Jane | February 26, 2008 at 11:30 PM
so sweet, calling her darling!
she gets it from you, I guess. very sweet to let everybody know their comment was special to your family.
you get some rest, now
Posted by: j | February 26, 2008 at 11:31 PM
Meh! Calling the new behbeh 'little darling'....that is insanely cute! Everyone seems so peaceful and content!
Posted by: Creature of Habit | February 26, 2008 at 11:37 PM
Belle is too cute calling her, her little darling!! What a sweetie! It's been so much fun waiting with you for Lily to get here. I love seeing all the great pictures.
Congrats and enjoy!
Posted by: Monica | February 26, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Day 5 of the rest of your life as the mother of two. Sounds so nice doesn't it?
Posted by: Mama Urchin | February 26, 2008 at 11:52 PM
congratulations and welcome home Lily!!!
Posted by: amy | February 27, 2008 at 12:05 AM
wonderful wonderful news! great pic with your hand just there in case :-) sweet.
Posted by: Miss Dot | February 27, 2008 at 12:38 AM