Gazing into their baby girl’s eyes just hours after her birth, it’s clear by the gorgeous picture released by new parents Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell that the couple are “besotted” with little Grace Warrior Irwin Powell.
In a coincidence befitting of their romantic love story, their daughter arrived on their first wedding anniversary, March 25.
Sources close to the Irwins say Bindi was “able to have a little laugh” as it became clear she would give birth on the special date, and decided it was her late dad Steve’s way of “letting me know he’s here”.
Indeed, when the youngster made her entrance into the world, 22-year old Bindi was “so struck” by the fact Grace clearly has Steve’s nose.
“It really is perfect,” says a source. “Not a day goes by when Bindi wonders what life would have been like if her beloved dad was still with her.”
Bindi and Chandler were over the moon to welcome their new baby girl.
(Instagram)According to insiders, Bindi and baby are “beautifully healthy” and were able to return quickly to the family home at Australia Zoo, where Bindi and Chandler, 24, had spent the past few months preparing an animal-themed nursery.
“Bindi’s in a love bubble with her baby and her husband at the moment,” says a source.
“Grace is doing so well – eating and sleeping nicely, allowing her mum and dad plenty of rest. Bindi is tired – being such a young mum there’s a lot to get used to but she’s managing well.”
According to friends, Terri, 56, is “over the moon” about her newly gained grandmother status, and can often be found good naturedly scuffling with her son Robert, 17, over who gets to hold the new bub next.
Bindi’s little brother Robert is also chuffed to be an uncle.
(Instagram)“Terri is blown away by how much Grace looks like Steve,” says a source.
“It gives her a sense of peace that she not only has his two children but now his grandchild to remind her of him. She only wishes he could be here to see Bindi as a young mum – he’d be so proud.
“And probably an emotional mess, too – he always cried when he talked about how much he loved his kids. He thought Bindi’s birth was the biggest miracle ever, so she can only imagine what he’d be like as a grandpa to Grace.”
While Bindi and her mum have always been close, insiders say the pair are “figuring out the dynamic between them” now there are three generations of Irwins under one roof.
“Bindi’s so young and Terri is eager to help at every step of the way, but she’s also very aware of not overstepping the mark,” says a source.
“She’s trying to let Bindi and Chandler figure things out for themselves without hovering over them. She thinks it’s going well so far.”
Chandler is “the proudest guy ever” of his girls, according to a source close to his family near Tampa, Florida.
“He’s crazy in love and so proud of Bindi. He wishes his parents [Shannan and Chris] could be there with him for what he says is the most amazing time of his life. He’s taken to fatherhood like a duck to water.”
