Louis Smith cradles baby daughter Marley… three weeks after welcoming his first child

Louis Smith enjoyed some quality time with baby daughter Marley on Wednesday, three weeks after welcoming his first child with girlfriend Charlie Bruce. 

The former gymnast, 31, cradled the child while seeing out the final weeks of lockdown at home with his family.  

Taking to Instagram, Louis shared a snap of Marley – his first since her birth on February 14th -as she rested against his chest in a pink baby grow. 

Captioning the shot, he wrote: ‘I just love her so much.’

Louis originally took to Instagram to confirm girlfriend Charlie, 30, had given birth to a girl on Valentine’s Day.  

The retired sportsman shared a heartwarming photo of his other half cradling their newborn while Charlie also shared several snaps of the baby.

 He wrote: ‘What a 3 days it’s been. From Thursday night to Sunday morning. You women are incredible and the mother of my child is no exception.

‘So glad both ladies are doing well and healthy. Marley Valentina Smith welcome.’

Charlie shared a photo of her and Louis next to their newborn along with several adorable snaps of the tot.

The new mother wrote: ‘Welcome to the world Marley Valentina Smith. Born at 2.30am on the 14th of February & weighs a healthy 7lb 5oz.

‘I could not have done it without the love of my life @louissmith1989 by my side. What a journey we went through but we did it as the wonderful team we are!’ 

The couple announced they were expecting a baby girl after sharing a gender reveal video with their respective followers back in September. 

In a short clip the couple look ecstatic after popping a balloon filled with pink confetti, with Louis admitting he couldn’t wait to welcome their first child. 

Captioning the video, he wrote: ‘Doing life on my terms. A big surprise and it’s amazing to be having a baby girl with my women @charliebruce1990.  

‘In this crazy time and during a global struggle I wish everyone a happy life and a world of positivity. 

‘Find the light in darkness and the hope at then end of a tunnel. Life is full of ups and downs and right now we are taking an up.’ 

Louis, whose previous girlfriends include former TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh, formally announced his retirement from gymnastics in 2018 as he prepared to embark on a new career in London’s West End. 

Making an appearance on breakfast show Lorraine, he said: ‘I think I’m a baby in the grand scheme of things. It was a tough decision. Last year, I had the mindset that given the time around now, I was going to get back into training and push for 2020.

‘The whole qualification process has changed; there was a minuscule chance I would even qualify. I thought I would give it a chance. 

‘Then new opportunities come up and you have to make smart life choices, I can’t keep putting on a leotard!’