I dedicate my 1000th post for Charlotte Olivia-

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So, after nearly 4 years of blogging, lots of different topics, friendships that have come and gone, seeing blogs come and go, seeing trends come and go...I've hit #1000!  This is officially the longest I have ever managed to keep a diary or journal going. It beats my previous record(when I was 16) by 960 posts. Woot!

So of course, it needed to be a big post. I had a few ideas. I thought about doing a tribute to my Mum, as she's the entire reason this blog started. I thought about an update on my family, but we've had some of those recently. I thought about just talking about how I feel about blogging, how much has changed in the past 4 years. I very nearly dedicated this post to the 4 bloggers who have been there for me since my very first post. (That one's coming). And I thought I would do what I really wanted - which was to write another piece of flash fiction. It's been a while. Far too long.

But I realised, a couple of weeks ago that something wonderful was going to happen this week. Something that is only positive. Only happy and wonderful and joyous and hopeful. And it had to be her.

On Thursday, 20th October 2011 (only 6 days before my birthday..couldn't convince Tam to wait.), at 9.58am my sister in law Tam and her husband Josh welcomed their second daughter into our family. Charlotte Olivia was born at a hefty 9lb2oz (she still seems tiny to me) and is a squishy, pink, squeaky bundle of love.

She turned my beloved niece Madeline into a big sister! Watching that moment (albeit on video, as Sam was too sick to take to the hospital) made me actually cry.

I love her. Already, I love her. It's not about newborn smells or squeaks (she's so squeaky!). It's not about clucking - newborns don't do that for me. It's about the bond between our two families. It's about the fact that this little person will grow up as a huge part of our lives. My sons will adore and protect her. I will be privileged enough to be the Aunt she can talk to about anything (well, it is my fondest hope, for both of them).

It's the love I see in the eyes of my beloved sister and brother in law. The un-shed tears, the look of wonder and awe - as though they have beheld a miracle. They have. She's perfect. It is the excitement in the voices and eyes of my sons as they realise they have a brand new cousin to love. One who will stick around this time. They've lost so many, due to their mother's problems with me; Tam and I don't have these issues. Our two families are bound so tightly and with so much love, it feels like our lives have changed as well - not just Tam & Josh's.

Alexander meets his newest cousin. Reminds me of a similar photo just 3 years ago..

We are all blessed to welcome another into our family. Welcome to the world, Charlotte Olivia. There is no one in your life that does not adore you already. May your life be blessed and peaceful, full of wonder, excitement, learning and love. May we always be lucky enough to be a part of it, solid, loving figures for you to turn to.


I love you, Principessa.  Can't wait for more cuddles.