Former Lion welcomes new cub to the family
Monday 16 May 2022
Retired Brisbane Lions player Archibald Smith and wife Sophie welcomed their very own cub to the family, just in time for Mother’s Day.
Montgomery Sebastian Smith (Monty) has been named after Mr Smith’s younger brother Sebastian who died by suicide last year, aged 21.
Baby Monty arrived by caesarean section at Mater Mothers’ Hospital on Friday 29 April, weighing a mighty 4.129 kg.
Mr Smith said while nothing could replace the hole in his life left by his brother, Monty’s arrival had made him happier than he had felt in a long time.
“After Sebastian’s death, I haven’t been this happy in a very long time,” he said.
“Without sounding too cliché, after what I thought were big moments in my football career, nothing compares to Monty joining our family.
“We can never replace Bas, but he’ll be a big part of Monty’s life growing up.”
Mrs Smith, 26, said the team at Mater Mothers’ Hospital had ensured Monty’s arrival and first few days were relaxed and joyful.
Mater Mothers’ Hospital Director of Clinical Services Maree Reynolds said Mother's Day was a particularly special time.
“More than 12,000 babies are born every year at our Mater Mothers’ Hospitals and every newborn is precious,” she said.
“A family’s first Mother's Day together is particularly special."
Mrs Smith said her husband was a doting dad.
“Archie was really overwhelmed with emotion at the birth - it was so beautiful to see,” she said.
“And now he’s a born dad.
“He’s so hands-on and willing to do everything. He’s up all the time with the baby and I have fallen more in love with him – I look at them together and I literally cry.”
Part of a tight-knit family of six children, Mr Smith and his brother Sebastian were inseparable growing up.
“I can’t wait to tell Monty all about my time with Bas when we were kids,” he said.
For now, Mr Smith said his life was revolving around Monty’s next nappy change and enjoying his new family.
The couple celebrated Mother's Day with their own mums at their family home at Greenslopes.