Laurel’s Tv Birth Was a Dress Rehearsal for the Real Thing
Shortland Street star Laurel Devenie answers the door with a huge smile and her sleeping six-week-old baby Lyra strapped to her chest.
The actress looks absolutely radiant, despite operating on considerably less sleep than she’s used to. “I’m feeling really good. Right now, I’m full of energy – but wait until 3pm,” she says with a laugh.
She credits her family and friends with making her first six weeks of motherhood “a really joyful experience”.
“I’m just really loving this, although there are definitely tough times,” she confides.
“I’m certainly not saying she’s the perfect baby or I’m the perfect mother. It’s a big learning curve, but I think I’m just really enjoying the learning curve.”
Her partner Matt Keene, who has three daughters from a previous relationship – Kait (22), Sophie (18) and Finn (12) – has switched to working from home so he’s on hand to help with nappies and settling Lyra.
“I work in IT and I’m pretty flexible,” tells Matt (47). “I love that I can be here to help Laurel. I think people forget that it can be really lonely when it’s just you and a baby – especially when the baby is having a meltdown!”
Though it’s been 12 years since he was last dad to a newborn, Matt says it all came back pretty quickly.
“From the first time I picked her up, I went straight to the shoulder hold and the gentle pat on the back.”
Big sister Finn, who spends half her time with the couple, is also smitten with the new arrival.
“From day one, she’s been changing nappies and dressing her,” says Matt with a smile. “We call her ‘the baby whisperer’. She can just get Lyra to sleep. It’s really gorgeous.”
Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin July 15, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin July 15, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK