JULIE GOODWIN'S BABY JOY: MASTERCHEF FAVOURITE WELCOMES ADORABLE NEW GRANDSON
Julie Goodwin has plenty to celebrate this week, with the much-loved MasterChef Australia star announcing she has become a grandmother for the second time.
The cook, author and broadcaster introduced her new grandson on Instagram on November 5, sharing a sweet reel of precious moments with the newest member of the family.
Meet Little Rex, Julie Goodwin's new grandson
The baby has been named Rexton Michael Goodwin, and Julie has already given him a nickname.
"Welcome to the newest member of our family, Rexton Michael Goodwin," she wrote, adding a simple Little Rex to her post.
According to Now To Love, Rex is the son of Julie's middle son, Tom, and his partner, Crystal.
Julie also told her followers that plenty of adventures lie ahead for the newborn, and it is hard to imagine a warmer welcome.
Rex joins his big sister, Delilah, who was born in January 2021 and made Julie a grandmother for the very first time.
New Idea reports that the baby has arrived safely, and that Julie congratulated the proud new parents in her post.
An insider told Now To Love that Julie is delighted and absolutely adores being a grandmother.
A family that has weathered plenty together
Fans have followed Julie's story since she won the very first season of MasterChef Australia in 2009, cooking her way into the nation's hearts with dishes that felt like home.
She and her husband, Mick, met in 1989 at a St Vincent de Paul youth group, and they have three sons, Joe, Tom and Paddy.
Julie has also been admirably open about her mental health over the years, and has spoken candidly about the difficult times her family has faced together.
In a Christmas feature with The Australian Women's Weekly, which the magazine republished on November 5 to mark Rex's arrival, she said she was in "absolutely the best place of my whole life."
That feature also revealed some of the family's cherished traditions, including an annual Christmas Eve orphans' dinner held in honour of Mick's mum.
Julie told the Weekly that a happy family Christmas does not need to be expensive, which feels like a timely message as the festive season approaches.
What Julie Goodwin's news means for new grandparents
If your own family is expecting a new arrival, Julie's joy is a lovely reminder of how special the grandparent role can be.
New parents often appreciate practical help more than anything, so a home-cooked meal in the freezer, a load of washing or an hour of babysitting can mean the world.
It is also worth asking the parents what kind of support they would like, rather than assuming, as every family does things a little differently.
For grandparents who live further away, regular video calls, recorded bedtime stories and little parcels in the post can help build a bond from the very beginning.
And if you are juggling your own wellbeing alongside a busy family life, Julie's openness is a reminder that it is always okay to ask for help.
Beyond Blue offers free support on 1300 22 4636, and Lifeline is available around the clock on 13 11 14.
A growing Goodwin clan
With two grandchildren now in the family, it seems likely that Christmas at the Goodwin house will be even busier and more joyful this year.
Julie has always made family and food the heart of everything she does, and Little Rex has arrived just in time for the season of big shared tables.
We suspect there will be plenty of cooking lessons in his future.
Congratulations to Julie, Mick, Tom, Crystal and big sister Delilah on their gorgeous new addition.
