The baby is here!

 

 It's become a tradition that when a baby is born in our family, a ribbon is tied around the lamp post outside my parent's home.  It's also become a tradition that Jake's tied the ribbons announcing the arrival of his little cousins.  Jake takes this job very seriously and does it with a lot of pride.  Yesterday's ribbon was blue, announcing the safe arrival of little Rylee...

 After hurrying from school to tie up the ribbon, we raced through to the hospital to visit.  Rosie was a super star yesterday, she was induced at midnight and managed to get through a bit of labour on her own, before opting for an epidural.  At 4cm, the baby's heartbeat started to drop and they decided it was best to do a Caesar.  Born 2 1/2 weeks early, at 11:22am, Rylee weighed in at a healthy 2.97kgs.   

So, without further ado, I'm more than thrilled to introduce you all to my new nephew, and Jake's littlest cousin, Rylee...

 I snuck Jake in.  He looks 12 right?  He's nearly as tall as I was when I was 13 anyway.  Look how great my mom's got too!  And look at Rylee sticking his tongue out at Jake already - he knows...

 Jake even got to hold his new cousin...

 He's super proud...

 I know it's mean, but I just had to see the whole package!  There's nothing quite like a new, pink baby.  Rylee has VERY long toes...

 A little frown.  Rylee hadn't had his first bath yet...

 Jake thinks his new cousin pulls funny faces.  Rylee - this is the guy who's going to tease you for as long as he knows you...

 I love this photo - look how proud they look...

 And this moment just about melted me completely.  It's almost tempting to think about having another one (not really, just saying)...

 This is my favourite photo!  Jake is already crazy about his new cousin.  And look how tiny Rylee really is...

 A side profile...

Auntie Jo was there.  This is the first time she's been a auntie since Jake was born.  Well, not entirely true, but Paul's niece lives in Germany, so this is the first newborn...

I'll end off with some last pictures of Rylee.  Isn't he just perfect...

There's nothing like a contented, sleepy, newborn baby.  It's not an easy job, being a parent, but it's the most rewarding one.

To Rosie & Gareth, I know you guys weren't pregnant for long, but we've all waited for so long to meet this perfect little being.  And he's all yours.  I hope that you'll let us share in his journey.  Congratulations, he's perfect!

Rylee - I'm going to hug you and squeeze you and pinch you and kiss you and smother you with love for the rest of my life!  I can't wait to get to know you!  You're one of my new favourite things to photograph already.  I love you soooooooo much!

Hope you all enjoyed the photos.  How cute is my nephew????

Love,

Auntie Sue XXX