Christmas.

Olive and Gaga.

 Olive, it's Christmas!

Your parents said no presents... well, we didn't listen. Everyone who loves you wants to spoil you for your first Christmas. You've had toys and clothes and cuddles. You've slept a bit and screamed a bit and smiled a lot. Your grandparents bought you a teddy that matches your mummy's... which is 30 years old.

We've taken you for a walk with the doggies; your best friend Nacho and Nacho's cousin Honey. It's warm today; the sky is white, but not with snow; just bright sunlight pressing against the clouds. We've all said it doesn't really feel like Christmas because the weather is weird, but it doesn't matter, because you're bringing all the magic.

In a few days, you'll take a trip to visit your grandparents' house in Upper Boddington for the first time ever! There, your parents will have a chance to relax and be taken care of; right now, they're putting all their energy into taking care of you.

Your grandad in Turkey and your Auntie in Australia miss you so much; they wish you a happy first Christmas and they hope to see you soon.

The world has changed. It all revolves around you, now. We are all so happy to have you here and we all want to hold you and rock you in our arms. You're the best Christmas gift and we're so grateful.

Love you, baby.

Olive.

07.12.16 - cuddles at mummy and daddy's.

Four weeks old. You! You little bundle of cuddles and big blue eyes and frowns, you're four weeks old.

Olive Bel, you've brought light to all our lives and we can't get enough of you. We know your mummy and daddy are tired and probably sick of us clamouring for photos and updates, but we can't help it. You're just so special.

In your short life, your mummy and daddy have taken you all over. You've met your big brother, best friend and fierce protector, Nacho the pug, you've made some friends and you've been out to see the Queen (at least, one of her houses). You've been to Costa coffee, the place I used to work and the place we all go to catch up and chat away while you snooze in our arms. You've been to baby sensory classes and you've been officially registered.

You've grown already, and you go through three baby-gros a day. That's okay, though, because we can't stop buying you clothes. Every time I see you, I fall more in love, and I can't wait until you have cousins to grow up with.

Olive, it's nearly Christmas! Last week, I bought you a decoration to hang on your tree for your first Christmas. It might not hang there in every year to come, but hopefully, it'll get tucked away in a little box of memories for you to go through when you have children of your own. Your mummy and daddy don't want us to spoil you for Christmas; you've got so many toys and clothes already. But there will be a bank account with your name on it, and we will build it for you as you grow, so one day, you can buy your own car, or go on your own adventure.

The day after you were born, I took pictures, real ones, and handed them out to your family. We carry you with us everywhere we go; you're our angel and the light of our lives, even when you wake mummy and daddy up, or won't drink all your milk, or won't go to sleep. Those big blue eyes - turning brown - are all we need to forget how tired we are and keep on loving you.

Keep being you, full of life and personality and curiosity and cuddles.

Your Auntie Emma.