Early morning on 30 March 2009: the day three finally became four. Leah Michaela Grace Thomson arrived as it appears waterbabies generally do - without a murmur, gazing around and perfectly happy if slightly bemused. Dad whispered 'Oh, she's perfect' and Mum managed 'Is she ok'and 'Is she still a girl?' Leah focused her gaze firmly on her mother and issued a Pope-like blessing from the waters.
Only 3 hours later, Leah's dressed in a beautifully knitted jumper created by a loving adopted Nana in England and we are travelling north for a stay at the Warkworth Birthing Centre. A marvellous place where nurses take crying babies and let exhausted mothers sleep, where an abundance of food regularly arrives and the focus is entirely on learning about this new life who has so instantly taken hostage the heart.
Later that same day, two sisters meet. Instant adoration from one who has for so long been inconvenienced by the growing bump taking over Mummy's lap and sapping her energy for boisterous play. Mum watches silently, unable to believe it's really possible to be doubly touched by perfection.
Only 3 hours later, Leah's dressed in a beautifully knitted jumper created by a loving adopted Nana in England and we are travelling north for a stay at the Warkworth Birthing Centre. A marvellous place where nurses take crying babies and let exhausted mothers sleep, where an abundance of food regularly arrives and the focus is entirely on learning about this new life who has so instantly taken hostage the heart.Later that same day, two sisters meet. Instant adoration from one who has for so long been inconvenienced by the growing bump taking over Mummy's lap and sapping her energy for boisterous play. Mum watches silently, unable to believe it's really possible to be doubly touched by perfection.The next day, Mum and Dad learn swiftly how to put two babies to sleep at the same time. And shortly thereafter learn how to fit an entire family of four onto one double bed. Anything is possible if everyone is tired enough.
And then the comparisons began. At first we cannot believe that Ruby was ever this small, but photos tell the truth. Leah at 9lb and Ruby at 9lb 4oz, the only difference appearing to be an extra 4oz of baby fat.
Ruby as a little bubba...
And Leah doing a Ruby impression... All photos now have to be carefully named as it has become clear that confusion is going to reign after very little time has passed.