My niece is beautiful!

Well, here she is: Chloe Ann Stickels was born yesterday (Tuesday) evening Melbourne time, and this is herself just a few hours old. She was 7lb 10oz at birth and looks at this stage as though she'll have her mother's auburn hair. When I rang the hospital about 10 mins after her arrival I could hear her in the background - a fine set of lungs indeed! - and she seems alert and responsive in all the right ways.

My brother Justin was on hand right through Sue's long and tricky labour (there were forceps in the end - ouch!) and cut the baby's cord. Both parents are pretty knackered but resting comfortably at the Royal Women's in Melbourne. Because of the special needs of both Jus and Sue, they're living in at the hospital in a special unit for new parents, for at least 5 days. Mum says the place is excellent, and they have round the clock access to people to help them learn stuff. Then they'll go to my Mum's for 2 weeks before a further week of residential support - and then we'll see.

Thank you to everyone for your love and support through this slightly anxious pregnancy, and for your good wishes.

We're all a bit blown away that our 'baby' Jus is now a daddy himself. I'm wishing like mad I was home in Melbourne. But so far so good in these first couple of days.