Actor Blair McDonough, and his wife Kristi, welcomed their first child on March 26 and have named their daughter Leni Rose [pictured]. Leni was born at Saint John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California. Blair first gained fame in 2001 as runner-up on the first series of reality TV show, Big Brother. He went on to have a regular role on soap opera Neighbours, and later on Sea Patrol and Winners and Losers. He and Kristi married in Hawaii and relocated to the United States last year.

Nova radio host Tim Blackwell, and his wife Monique, welcomed their son Alfie Hawthorn on May 2, a brother for their daughter Bo, aged 2; Bo’s birth was featured on the blog. Tim joked that the birth of Princess Charlotte on the same day as Alfie meant that they couldn’t get an exclusive magazine deal. Hawthorn is a suburb of Melbourne, and an Australian rules football club, giving this flower name a sporty boyish vibe.

Children’s television entertainer Jimmy Rees, and his wife Tori, welcomed their first child on April 7 and have named their son Lenny David [pictured]. Jimmy is the star of popular ABC Kids show Giggle and Hoot, where he plays Mr Giggle – his best friend Hoot is an owl, played by another actor. Tori is a schoolteacher, and the couple were married in 2013.

Lifestyle presenter Paul West, and his partner, Alicia Cordia, welcomed their first child in late April, and have named their son Otto. Paul is the co-host of River Cottage Australia on Foxtel Lifestyle, based on the UK River Cottage series with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Paul is a chef who now lives on and runs a small farm in Tilba for the show; he has written a book called The River Cottage Australia Cookbook, and also runs his own cooking school.

Cricketer Shane Watson, and his wife, former sports presenter Lee Furlong, welcomed their daughter Matilda Victoria on May 23 [pictured]. She is a sister for their son Will, aged 2; Will’s birth was featured on the blog. Shane had been playing cricket in the West Indies, but just made it home in time for the birth of his daughter.

Reality TV contestants Chris and Jenna Susetio recently welcomed their son Leezak Joshua. Chris and Jenna were the runners up on Channel Nine’s renovation contest, The Block: Glasshouse last year.

Australian rules footballer Jake Stringer, and his wife Abby, welcomed their daughter Milla around nine months ago. Jake has been playing for the Western Bulldogs since 2013.

Editor Jamila Rizvi, and her husband Jeremy Smith, welcomed their first child on June 2 and have named their son Rafi Fileborn [pictured]. Rafi is an Arabic name meaning “noble”, while Fileborn is also Jeremy’s middle name, and is Jeremy’s mother’s maiden name – it’s German. Jamila is editor-in-chief of the Mamamia website.

Perth socialites Sophia and Troy Barbagallo welcomed their daughter Madison Mia almost a year ago, a sister for Troy’s teenaged son Dom. The couple are expecting another child this year, and Troy predicts it will be a girl again – apparently he has some kind of gender-predicting superpower, as he is never wrong when he guesses. Sophia is a former Miss World WA, and she and Troy are the organisers for Miss Universe WA and Toybox International.

Councillor Belinda Murphy, and her husband Wayne, welcomed their son Liam last October, a brother for Madeline. Belinda is the mayor of McKinlay Shire, which is in north-western Queensland, centred around the town of Julia Creek. She became the shire’s first female mayor in 2012, and was elected unopposed. An experienced pilot, Belinda runs a cattle transport and earthmoving business with Wayne. She is currently taking part in a campaign to run seven marathons in seven days in six different states to raise money for Bravehearts.

Human rights advocate Gillian Triggs became a grandmother this year when her son, Paris-based lawyer James Brown, and his partner Marie, welcomed a daughter named Sia. A specialist in international law, Gillian is currently the President of the Human Rights Commission. She is married to former diplomat Alan Brown.

New Zealand-born rapper Fortafy (born Samuel Ratumaitavuki), and his partner Shana Evers, welcomed their daughter Egypt eight months ago [pictured]. Fortafy is an up-and-coming rapper, nightclub promoter, and business marketer who is an Internet sensation. Although very young, Egypt is also a bit of web celebrity, having over 200 000 followers on her Facebook page. Egypt’s parents are sometimes said to be modelling themselves on the Kardashian-Wests, and although they haven’t called their daughter North, they have given her a name from North Africa!

Reality TV contestant Alana Wilkie, and her fiance, footballer Chris Billings, welcomed their daughter Alexandria Rose in early June. Alana was a finalist in the 2010 Miss Universe Australia contest, and also competed on last year’s series of The Bachelor. Chris, who plays Australian rules football in the WAFL, was initially approached by producers to be the bachelor on the show, but turned down the role. The two made a connection after Alana was eliminated.

Soccer star Melissa Barbieri, and her husband, Geoff Hudson, welcomed their daughter Holly in 2013 [pictured]. Melissa has been a member of the national women’s squad, the Matildas, since 2002, and was captain when Australia won the Asian Cup in 2010. She currently plays for Adelaide in the W-League, and in her first year with the team, won the W-League goal keeper of the year award. She is in training for the World Cup, which will be her fourth.

Basketball coach Sam Woosnam, and her partner Alex Vanrenen, welcomed their daughter Myah on Mother’s Day. A life member of the Women’s National Basketball League, and triple championship player, Sam is currently coach of Kilsyth in the South East Australian Basketball League.

Former athlete Amber Halliday, and her partner Mello Bouwmeester, welcomed their son Monty Rex on June 23. Amber is a three-time world champion in lightweight rowing who competed at the 2004 Olympic Games, before swapping to cycling in 2008. She won the Women’s Tour of New Zealand in 2009, but unfortunately her sporting career was ended after a serious racing accident. She is now a rowing coach and public speaker, as well as studying for her PhD in psychology.

Trainer James Cummings, and his wife Monica, welcomed a daughter named Adeline on June 30 [pictured]. A fourth generation trainer of race horses, James is the grandson of veteran trainer Bart Cummings, and works in partnership with his grandfather. Monica is racing manager at Gooree Park, and the granddaughter of Filipino billionaire Eduardo Cojuangco.

NRL footballer Moses Mbye, and his partner Maddy, welcomed their daughter Mya Kate on July 5 (a strong M theme!). Moses has played for the Canterbury Bulldogs since last year. Of Gambian descent, he is one of the few NRL players with African heritage.

AFL footballer Travis Varcoe, and his partner Kim, recently welcomed a daughter named Franki, a sister for Travis’ stepdaughter Olivia, age 11. Travis played for Geelong for many years, and signed with Collingwood this season; he has also been chosen for the national team and the Indigenous All Stars.

MMA fighter Robert Whittacker welcomed his son Jack at the end of May. Originally from New Zealand, Sydney-based Robert fights in the UFC, and holds the Super Fight Australia Welterweight Belt.

Reality TV contestant Dr Katherine Schmidhofer, and her partner Chris Jeffrey, welcomed their son Hugo Clifton on June 11. Katherine is a child psychologist who took part in the first season of The Bachelor; she has also written a book about her experiences as a breast cancer survivor.

Brisbane rock scene mainstays Kylie Lovejoy and Brendan Wright welcomed their son Phoenix Koa on June 9 [pictured]. Phoenix was born unexpectedly while Kylie and Brendan were on holiday in Hawaii, arriving three months before his due date. Phoenix has had numerous health issues as a premature baby, and will remain in a Honolulu hospital until September. The name Phoenix had already been chosen in advance, but now seems very apt, while the Hawaiian name Koa was chosen because of his birth place. Kylie is a musician and musical festival organiser while Brendan is a sound engineer. Phoenix’s surname is Wright Lovejoy – it is a growing trend for babies to have both parents’ surnames, but this is a fairly rare case where the mother’s surname comes second.

Exercise guru and businesswoman Emma Seibold, and her husband Matt Kane, welcomed their daughter Isla Rose in January, a sister for Xavier. Emma is a yoga and Pilates instructor, and a fitness coach who is the founder of juice detox program Urban Remedy Cleanse. She has also developed the Barre Body fitness training technique.

Actress Lucy Durack, and her husband Christopher Horsey, welcomed their first child on June 11 and have named their daughter Polly Gladys [pictured]. Lucy is a stage actress most famous for playing the role of Glinda the Good in Wicked, and Elle Woods in the musical theatre version of Legally Blonde, for which she won Best Actress at both the Sydney Theatre Awards and the Helpmann Awards. She has often appeared in other stage productions, films, and television, and has created a number of audio books, including for her own pioneering family story, Kings in Grass Castles, by famous West Australian author Mary Durack (no confirmation if the name Polly is a nod to Dame Mary Durack). Christopher is a choreographer.

Businessman and professional gambler David Walsh, and his wife Kirsha Kaechele, welcomed their first child on July 20 and have named their daughter Sunday. Sunday is named after the famous arts patron Sunday Reed, whose name has been covered on the blog. David and Kirsha shared a special moment at the Heide Museum of Modern Art co-founded by Sunday Reed, which seems to be the inspiration for her name. David is the founder and owner of the acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, affectionately known as MONA. Kirsha is originally from the United States, and is an artist, art curator, and founder of the Life is Art Foundation. David has two adult daughters named Jamie and Grace from previous relationships, who are Sunday’s sisters.

These are two lovely fashionable names that may appeal to artistic souls and free spirits. I note that this is the second celebrity baby on the blog who was named for Sunday Reed after a special moment at the Heide (Kate Langbroek had an epiphany with a rockmelon there, and doesn’t appreciate other celebrities or other parents using the name Sunday for their children). The Heide is clearly one of those places with a spot of baby naming magic!

Greens MP Adam Bandt, and his wife Claudia Perkins, welcomed their first child in late June and named their daughter Wren. Adam contested the seat of Melbourne in 2007, and was the most successful candidate from a minor party contesting a seat in the lower house, losing only very narrowly to Labor. He was elected to the seat in 2010, the first Australian Greens MP to be elected during a general election, and re-elected in 2013. Prior to his election, Adam was a lawyer in industrial and labour relations, and often wrote articles on legal issues. Claudia is a former staffer for the Labor Party.

(Wren’s name was announced as Wren Perkins: I’m not completely sure whether Perkins is Wren’s middle name or whether she has her mother’s surname. I’m putting it as her surname, mostly because Wren Bandt doesn’t sound right).

Liberal MP Kelly O’Dwyer, and her husband Jon Mant, welcomed their first child in late May and named their daughter Olivia [pictured]. Kelly became the member for Higgins in 2009, and is the first woman to gain Liberal Party preselection for a safe seat in metropolitan Melbourne. Before entering politics Kelly was a solicitor and bank executive, and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer last year. Jon is an executive director at financial services company UBS.

Actress Emily Symons, and her partner Paul Jackson, welcomed their son Henry Richard Francis on August 3 [pictured]. Henry was conceived with the help of IVF, and was brought home from hospital on Emily’s birthday, August 10. Emily has been a favourite on soap opera Home and Away for many years, first playing the role of Marilyn Chambers in 1989. She was on British soap Emmerdale during the 2000s, but is now permanently back in Australia, and back in Summer Bay as sweet bubbly Marilyn. Paul is the program director for DMG radio Australia, and has three children from a previous relationship.

Bookmaker Tom Waterhouse, and his wife Hoda, welcomed their son William on August 28, a little brother for their daughter Rose, aged 2 (Rose’s birth was featured on the blog).

Reality TV contestant Amber Nichols, and her husband Pete, welcomed their daughter Olive Eva in early September, a little sister for their son Charlie, aged 1. Amber was a contestant on The Voice, and continued singing even while heavily pregnant. She was eliminated a few weeks ago.

Former cricketer Glenn McGrath, and his wife Sara, welcomed their daughter Madison Mary Harper on September 4. One of Australia’s greatest cricketers, Glenn was regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the world, and holds the record for the most wickets in a Cricket World Cup. He was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2013. Currently he is the director of the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, India, and is the President of the McGrath Foundation, a breast cancer support charity he founded with his deceased first wife, Jane McGrath. Glenn has two children named James and Holly from his first marriage. Sara is an interior designer.

Former swimmer Libby Trickett (nee Lenton), and her husband Luke, welcomed their daughter Poppy Frances on August 31. Libby has won gold at the 2004, 2008 (twice), and 2012 Olympics, silver in 2008, and bronze in 2004 and 2008. At the 2006 Commonwealth Games, she won 5 gold medals and 2 silver. She remains the world record holder for the 100 metre freestyle. Luke is also a former swimmer.

Former professional surfer Koby Abberton, and his fiancee, Olya Nechiporenko, welcomed their son Makua Sunny on July 22 [pictured]. Koby took up surfing as a way to escape a difficult home environment, and he and he and his brothers Jai, Sunny, and Dakota are all members of the Bra Boys Surf Gang from Maroubra, the inspiration for the fictional Braxton brothers and the River Gang in Home and Away. Olya is a Ukrainian-born model. Makua is a Hawaiian name meaning “parent, elder, ancestor”, while the middle name is after the baby’s uncle. Other ideas that Koby had for his son’s name were Wolfgang, Classic, Legend, Kaos, Ai, Storm, and Chrome – Wolfgang was vetoed, and Olya suggested Kainoa.

AFL administrator Andrew Fagan, and his partner Alana Smith, welcomed their daughter Giselle “Gigi” on August 12 [pictured]. Andrew is the CEO of the Adelaide Crows, and Alana is a former sports reporter for Fox News.

NRL footballer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, and his partner Chelsea Cormack, welcomed their daughter Zahli Rae on August 12. Originally from New Zealand, Jared moved to Australia as a schoolboy, and began playing rugby league in 2009. He has been with the Sydney Roosters since 2010, and has also been selected for the New Zealand national squad, and for the NRL All Stars.

NRL footballer Tyrone Roberts, and his partner Brittany Doran, welcomed a daughter named Leilani Blue Tayla late last year. Tyrone is with the Newcastle Knights, and is signed with the Gold Coast Titans for next season. He was selected for the Indigenous All Stars this year.

Former A-League footballer Clayton Zane, and his wife Cassie, welcomed their son Harry last year, a brother for Abbey. Zane’s playing career was from 1995 to 2005, and he played for clubs in Australia, Norway, and Belgium. He played for the Australian team, including at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. He was coach at the Newcastle Jets until recently, and still coaches their youth team.

Host of Channel Ten’s Family Feud Grant Denyer, and his wife Cheryl Rogers, welcomed their second child on September 17 and have named their daughter Scout Una. Scout is a little sister for Sailor, aged 4; Sailor’s birth was featured on the blog. Sailor had her heart set on a brother named Freeda, so had a bit of adjustment at first.

(Photo of the Denyers with Scout from Sydney Morning Herald)

Television presenter Tom Williams, and his wife, fashion designer Rachel Gilbert, welcomed their second child on November 10 and have named their daughter Sloane Ann Napier. Sloane joins big sister Storm, who is almost 2, and had her birth featured on the blog.

Actress Melissa George, and her boyfriend, French entrepreneur Jean David Blanc, welcomed their second child on November 3 and have named their son Solal Samuel Glenn. Solal joins big brother Raphael, aged 1; Raphael had his birth featured on the blog.

Actor Dan Wyllie, and his wife, director Shannon Murphy, welcomed their first child about four months ago, and have named their daughter Dylan. Dan has worked extensively in theatre, and appeared in major Australian films such as Spotswood, Romper Stomper, Muriel’s Wedding, Cosi, Chopper, and The Water Diviner. His work in television includes Underbelly, Love My Way, Puberty Blues, Rake, and most recently, drama series The Beautiful Lie. He has also been one of the bananas in Bananas in Pyjamas! Shannon has directed several short films.

Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Adam Giles, and his partner Phoebe Stewart, welcomed their first child on September 24 and have named their son Robert James Stewart [pictured]. Robert is named after two grandfathers, as both Adam and Phoebe’s dads are named Robert, and Adam’s stepfather is named James Robert. Adam has been Chief Minister and Leader of the Country Liberal Party since 2013, becoming the first head of government with Indigenous Australian heritage. Phoebe is a journalist at the ABC.

Indie pop singer Sarah Blasko and her partner Dave Miller, welcomed their son Jerry on July 1. Sarah began her singing career while still at school, and became a successful solo artist in 2002. She has released five albums, three of which went platinum, and her most recent album is Eternal Return, which came out a few days ago. She has won an ARIA Award for Best Female Artist and a Jack Award for Best Female Live Performer; her album What the Sea Wants, the Sea Will Have won an ARIA Award, and As Day Follows Night won a J Award. Dave is a musician, and Eternal Return is dedicated to him.

Reality TV contestants Bec and George Douros welcomed their son Archie Nicholas on October 30. Bec and George took part in Channel Nine’s The Block Sky High in 2013 and were named the audience’s Favourite Couple. They returned in 2015 for an All Stars series of The Block, and now develop properties, while Bec has her own interior design business.

Artist and designer Prudence Olivieri and her husband Damian welcomed a son named Teddy a year ago. Prudence also found popularity after appearing on The Block in 2013, and has recently released her own brand, Myne by Prudence Caroline. Damian owns a construction company, and built the house the family have just moved into.

Wealthy businessman Justin Hemmes, and his girlfriend Kate Fowler, welcomed their first child early this month and have named their daughter Alexa Merivale. Alexa’s middle name is in honour of her grandmother, as Justin’s mother had the unusual name Merivale.

Justin is CEO of Merivale (named after Mrs Hemmes), which was originally a fashion house owned by the Hemmes family. It is now a thriving concern in the hospitality industry, with a portfolio of more than fifty restaurants, bars, pubs, hotels, and function centres. Kate is a New Zealand-born model who is the daughter of Australian golf veteran Peter Fowler. She and Justin have been dating for a year.

Golf champion Jason Day, and his wife Ellie, welcomed a daughter named Lucy Adenil on November 12, a sister for their son Dash, aged 3. Lucy’s middle name is in honour of her grandmother, Jason’s mother. This year Jason won his first major tournament at the PGA Championships, scoring a record 20 strokes under par. In September he reached Number 1 in the World Golf Ranking.

Hockey player Glenn Turner and his wife welcomed their son Harlen on September 17. Glenn is a member of the national men’s squad The Kookaburras, and has won bronze at the London Olympics, gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and gold at the World Cup last year. Glenn has played for the Mumbai Magicians since 2012.

Former Olympian swimmer Brooke Hanson, and her husband Jared Clarke, welcomed their daughter Matilda Brooke in August [pictured]. Matilda has three brothers – Cooper, aged 5, Billy, aged 1, and Jack, who passed away in 2012.

Former cricketer Michael Clarke, and his wife Kyly, welcomed their daughter Kelsey Lee on November 17. Michael was one of Australia’s greatest batsmen, and captain of the Australian cricket team, before he retired earlier this year. Kyly (nee Boldy) is a model and multiple pageant winner who owns her own interior design business.

Rugby union footballer Dean Mumm and his wife Sarah [pictured] welcomed their son Alfred William Henry on September 24; Alfred Mumm is known as “Alfie“. Dean was born in New Zealand and has been playing rugby in Australia since he was in high school. He currently plays for the New South Wales Waratahs, and has played for the national team, the Wallabies, since 2008. Dean became the captain of the Wallbies the same day Alfie was born.

AFL footballer Jimmy Bartel, and his wife Nadia welcomed their son Aston James on November 27. Jimmy plays for the Geelong Cats, and is one of their star players, having won both the Brownlow Medal and the Norm Smith Medal. Nadia (nee Coppolino) is a fashion blogger.

Rugby league footballer Darius Boyd and his wife Kayla welcomed their daughter Willow Kamila in late September. Darius currently plays for the Brisbane Broncos, and has also been selected for the Queensland state team, the national team, and for the Prime Minister’s XIII. Kayla is a blogger and stylist.

Channel Nine newsreader Wendy Kingston, and her husband David Thompson, welcomed their daughter Mia Rose on December 2. Mia joins big brothers Joshua, aged 3, and Sam, aged 19 months; Sam’s birth was covered on the blog.

(Photo shows Wendy and David with Josh and Sam)

Model and actress Erika Heynatz, and her husband Andrew Kingston, welcomed their first child on December 7 and have named their son Charlie.

Erika has hosted Australia’s Next Top Model, and been a guest host on America’s Next Top Model. She has taken roles in several films, including starring in Gabriel, and guest-starred in TV series Farscape. Her album Sweeter Side was released in 2010, and she has appeared in the musicals Legally Blonde and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Most recently, she has been on Home and Away as teacher Charlotte King – not sure if that helped influence the choice of Charlie, or is just a coincidence.

Andrew is a finance broker, and he and Erika were married in 2007.

(Photo shows Erika and Andrew on their wedding day)