We are loving getting to know this little boy. 6th time in and our eyes are opened all over again to what a miracle it is to see a baby breathe and be whole and live. I don’t think the full reality has sunk in yet for me, but it is beginning to. I’m just beginning to realise we get to keep him.
It was only really looking at this again last night that brought it home to me. I will never quite forgive the universe for what it put my children through; for my stoical little Maddy to be the one that broke down….
I’m prepare to forgive it a bit, now that we are here on the other side, but only just. We are a family of 8 who have to make do as a 7. That will never be okay.
Yesterday the girls got to cuddle baby Ben, something we never were able to give them with Freddie. It was glorious to watch.
I can see the strain and grief melting away from them. And there is nothing quite like seeing your husband being smitten by his son for falling in love all over again 🙂
Ben started to be more awake last night and he and I did the feeding and cuddling night that is the start of many. I slept upright him on my chest and it felt like I had been given my world back.
Oomph *and…. cry* 🙂
small sob on your behalf x you’re all gorgeous x
Beautiful, gorgeous, heart-melting pictures – savour every second xxx
My girls are much younger so yours may not react the same way but they requested a trip to the cemetery with their new little brother to properly say goodbye to Angel. It was hard for them to put into words but they felt almost guilty at loving their new little brother and letting him “replace” her, so we headed off to the little grave to leave her presents and toys too, to show she wasn’t forgotten.
I think everyone has mixed-up emotions for a while …. but the most important ones are absolute love and happiness – enjoy !! xx
Beaurigul photos and memories to treasure. Take it easy and be kind to yourself over the coming days, weeks and months.
what beautiful pictures, shows a loving, caring family, cograts to you and your new family member
What beautiful photos! So happy for you all xx
Congratulations Merry and a huge hug for you all for the rollercoaster of emotions.
That first photo has captured tremendous love and tenderness.
xxx
Oh man. Congratulations to all of you. These pictures bring such happy and sad tears. The first one especially, with Maddy’s face and her big sister’s arm protectively around her. It speaks volumes.
Ben is so beautiful. All of your children are beautiful!
Your family of 8, making do with 7.
Happy babymoon to you all. xxx
Many, Many congratulations to you ALL. Ben will grow up in a wonderful family xxxxx
“I will never quite forgive the universe for what it put my children through;”
“I’m prepare to forgive it a bit, now that we are here on the other side, but only just. We are a family of 8 who have to make do as a 7. That will never be okay. ”
This and this, and I’m yet again a puddle of tears for you and yours, and for me and mine, and for all of us.
Ben is beautiful and I’m so very very glad you get to keep him.x
**sniffle** this has made my cry. I understand. I am so happy for you all. It’s really all right there, isn’t it? etched on the girls’ faces.
xoxoxo
All the photos with the girls in keep making me well up …. it is so lovely to see.
Beautiful pictures. Many tears for you and your beautiful family. It is such a mixed bag of emotions, the joy and the missing, all mashed together. Enjoy your wonderful boy, I wish I could snuggle him.
Awww, sobs here too. Such beautiful, lovely photos and such a special, bittersweet time. (((hugs)))
You all look very happy – and it is lovely to see your girls cuddling their littlest brother. Sending you all many warm wishes for these first (magical) days and weeks with your newborn.
Just as an aside, I’ve got a Ben too (Benjamin) – and his birthday is Jan 26th. This week he turned 5 (which I am sure cannot be right, because it is – surely? – only a year or two since he was born. it doesn’t feel like that long…)
Just gorgeous. Look after yourself Merry and enjoy those wonderful newborn snuggles and feeding.
San xx
I’ve joined the ranks of those before who have cried for you all tonight…..happy tears and a couple of sad one too! So lovely to see your family happy, congratulations again xx
Such beautiful pictures, just so beautiful. Oh, I am just so happy for all of you.
Oh Merry, this is just so beautiful to see. That tentative look on your girls’ faces in the first photo. The universe has a lot to answer for, but then it turns around and does miraculous things like this. I wish Freddie had a chance to enjoy his sisters’ hugs. And I’m so glad Ben is here safe and sound to enjoy them, and to delight you and your family. So much love xxxx h
oh the sweet joy on all of their faces.. so precious!
Oh merry, he is simply stunning.
All my love
J x
Oh Merry what a gorgeous family you have. Those pictures of your girls holding their new baby brother are heartmeltingly beautiful. I reckon Baby Ben will be the most cuddled baby ever 🙂
Much love to you all xxx
Congratulations on the birth of Ben, I had a little cry for you all
What heart-warming and moving pictures. It’s lovely to be able to see them too. Had to have a small smile at a reference to Baby Ben: this used to be a type of alarm clock 🙂 Am sure you’ll not mind being woken by this version though!
So lovely….I popped here on my birthday to find this happy news. I think this is my best birthday surprise 😀
So lovely and yet so sad at the same time. I am just so glad that Benedict is here safe and sound. Enjoy! Much love to you and your family x
Oh you’ve made me cry again! Beautiful pictures, beautiful words, beautiful boy. I’m so pleased for you and your lovely family.
Oh Merry – I am crying for you – and for me. I recognise everything you say and I got a total jolt of recognition at your girls’ expressions – we had the same awestruck, relieved, bewildered, in love expressions here too, two years ago.
I love his name – we have a Ben too (a Benjamin) – and he’s wonderful. I have never met a Ben who wasn’t 🙂
Congratulations!! I am so happy for you that all went well.
So lovely to see your girls cuddle baby Ben. I’m so glad you get to keep him! xxxx
So happy for you that everything has gone well. He is a beautiful little one and has such georgeous sisters. Congratulations!!!!