The Arrival of Milla Mary

Back after a paternal break, we are proud to announce to the blogosphere (the facebookiverse is already aware...) the arrival of our darling daughter, Milla Mary McKelvie. Born on 22nd June at a healthy 7lbs 8oz by cesarean delivery. She has turned our worlds upside doon and we couldn't be happier. A recent picture of the little one in a wistful moment:



Many have asked us the inspiration of the name, Milla. Well I can reveal that it is of American Indian name meaning 'the little one who smells of milk'. The accuracy of our foresight is quite astonishing as everything in the hoose now smells lactic. My shoulder will now be constantly furnished with either the bairn or her signature dribble :)

We've been coping with the lack of sleep and constant requirement to do things pretty well, thanks to our friends and family. My folks have been over from Aberdeen for a couple of weeks and it has been great for them to spend some time with Milla and it gives us a break too. Its fantastic for me to see them too of course. Jo's family have been helping too with her mum Mary staying for a couple of weeks around the birth being a godsend to us with all her knowledge and hard work.

Thanks to everyone reading who sent us cards and gifts, we have been overwhelmed by your generosity. We feel very lucky to have so many friends and family supporting us.

So the birth was a bit of a whirlwind as we found out a few days after Milla was due that the little rascal was lying in breech position, so a cesarean was planned for the next day and our emotional journey began. I was excited throughout and only just before surgery did i begin to get nervous and a tiny bit scared, but the staff in the surgery at the Mercy Hospital for Women in Heidelberg were fantastic in making us feel at ease and helping us to enjoy the experience. Jo was an absolute star throughout, taking everything in her stride and gracefully stepping into motherhood with customary aplomb. I am a lucky guy to have two such beautiful girls in my life. Although I have since discovered that Jo has some way to go if she is to become a wardrobe adviser to infants. Many a day i unwrap the little duchess only to discover she is wearing purple socks beneath her green outfit. I mean I'm no Alexander McQueen but...

So it was Mummy's birthday a couple of weeks ago and to mark the occasion, last night my folks looked after Milla whilst Jo and I went out for some tucker. It was an opportunity to catch up on our 'us' time which was great, and whilst we missed Milla the evening also gave Jo the chance to have her first sample of alcohol in almost a year - and I could tell by the way she was looking at me that the light beer made her a wee bit giddy.

This was Jo just before she took her coat off... :) Happy birthday darling!

Well a test lies ahead for me this week as I return to work. On a bed of nae sleep I shall attempt to do what millions of fathers have done before me and pretend to be just as sharp and hardworking as ever whilst sitting at my desk with fake open eyes and an invisible muzzle to silence my snores. But seriously, I guess it's more of a challenge for Jo being left to her own devices without my stellar work in nursing a cute yet impatient baby to sleep. Thankfully we still have great support from our families, with Mary helping out and one of our favourite residents of Bendigo (I would say the favourite but I couldnt choose between her and the newly Bendigo situated Jan!) Lisa coming down tomorrow promising to cook us all a feast! Cannae wait.

Right well i think i hear a belly rumbling in the distance, so one of my darling girls must need fed. I'll bid you farewell for now and hope that it is not so long next time between blogs. But then i always say that and quite frankly I ain't making any promises.

Love you all

From Al, from Jo and from the magnificent little Duchess who smells faintly of milk

x