Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Tiny moments


To begin this post I must share with you the amazing work of the talented Brandie from

Dilkarra Photography


Brandie, her partner Kasey and their two daughters have been dear friends to us since they found out about our beautiful girl Imogen’s battle. Brandie kindly donated her talent and time then and captured priceless photos of all of the Holmes Gang. Our friendship since then has continued to grow stronger and stronger. We are forever grateful for the beautiful captured moments, we now have always of us and Miss Immie.


This then leads to the natural conclusion of who we would get to take Mr Nic's first photos...Enjoy this one picture then go to her blog and enjoy more, though I warn you it is addictive, oooing and aaahhing over all those gorgeous babies : ).

Life recently at the Holmes Gang Circus, could only been described as a little crazy. Ok perhaps a lot crazy with small (ok very small) normal moments. Actually really could living in the house of where a 12 year old, 20 month old, 3 week old, a mischievous angel girl and two 32 year old reside ever be normal....: ).


Since Nic arrived the power balance for Ashton has of course been a struggle, once the centre of attention he now has to share his mum, dad and brother. Luckily for us, we have received the brunt of cyclone Ashton, and when it comes to Nicholas he smothers him with love, pats and 'aawww’s'.


I must admit during the last three weeks there have been many times when I have felt majorly out of my league. The incredible task of split myself in two (well actually four), is really hard with the 20 month gap. I applaud all who have walked before me on this journey. The addition of the hormones, b/feeding problems, lack of sleep, worry, the brief gap between Nics early arrival and Immies anniversary…well it’s been a challenge.


Though today I think I encountered my toughest occasion, actually I would probably rank it as one of my hardest moments since Immies passing. When you have had a child that passed, it is the smallest moments that tear your heart to pieces.


Today when I was finally filling in Nic’s paperwork, it occurred to me that -

1. When I receive my new Medicare card with Nicholas details on it, Imogen’s name and details will no longer be on the card.

2. That I had to check a box on Nicholas birth certificate paperwork that Imogen was now deceased and then I also found out that when I received his certificate she will be listed on there as deceased.

Finding this out just took my breath away, another reminder for us all of the fact Imogen is not here where she should be, a constant reminder every time I get that Medicare card out and an a everlasting reminder for Nicholas of the sister he never official got to meet.


So you can see it’s the little things, the new joy of a beautiful baby slightly shadowed by these never ending tiny moments. The moments no parent should have to wrap there brain around.


It is these moments that knock the wind out our sails for a while, but we then get back up and begin to walk again for our Imogen and for ourselves.


In addition, the last three weeks have bought us moments of pure love, laughter and giggles.

As Ashton continues to grow, his language development pushes forward. There have been lots of words he has picked up lately, though one that sticks in my mind is one he has perfected down to a T. Whilst trying to balance his plate of food to the four hundredth location it all fell on the floor..Ashton's word for this occasion "dodgy" : P. He is one whirlwind of a delight and terror to us all.

Kody continues to strive to be the best big brother, he adores he's siblings and takes it all in his stride.

Nicholas is the perfect time waster; gorgeous black plentiful hair; kissable lips and dark blue eyes, he is a placid and quiet snuggly baby.

And Immie well she has been sending us plenty of signs that she is all around us.


Blog again soon


Much Love


Fiona and the Gang

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Our Love Bubble xx


Over the weekend the most magical thing happened to the Holmes Gang,

Our love bubble grew just that bit bigger, I know, who knew that was possible : ).

I am of course talking about the almost three week early arrival of….

Mr Nicholas Jude Holmes.

Yes another little blessing in a rush to be here with us.

We are truly grateful to have been already at the hospital on Friday prior to my labour officially beginning, as this was my most intense and quickest birth.

39 minutes from start to finish.

Nicholas was born at 4.19am, on Saturday the 7th of May.

I am sure it was Miss Immie who made sure we were safely in the hands of the talented and capable Ossie Park Hospital midwifes and doctors prior and during that time.

Our family of five then became a circus of six,

Nicholas measured in at a sizable weight of 8 pound, 1 oz (3650 gms), 50 cms long, head circumference of 36 cms – our smallest baby to date.

We spent the required six hours at the hospital after birth, and arrived home around lunch. Even though I had been jokingly telling everyone for the last few months that I was definitely coming early, in honesty I myself did not believe it would actually happen. Even my doctor declared I would definitely go over my due date now because I had said it so many times.

Nichola's early arrival equaled a total lack of organisation…and a gobsmacked family, when trying to find super small (in our eyes) clothing and bedding for our little sunshine on a Saturday afternoon. A quick trip to Baby on a Budget by me and Kody ensured he did not spend his first night in a clothes basket masquerading as a bassinette.

Nicholas is now three days young, and is a very cute, content, placid and at times smelly, beautiful baby boy and brother to his three adoring siblings.

Kody has already been memorised by his brother’s cuteness and has been waiting on him hand and foot. Ashton tears up if someone should ignore his little brothers cries, peers constantly into the bassinette and gently pats Nicholas hair and I can imagine Miss Immie organising everyone when it came to Mr Nicholas to ensure she got the majority of the holds and kisses with her new little brother.

This Mother’s Day (and everyday) I felt like the luckiest mummy alive;

what more could I have asked for than to be surrounded by ‘my four beautiful children’

who choose me to be their mummy.