She is smiling her big, wide smile, because that is what Julia Roberts does. And the twins are asleep, because that is what babies do. This is the first picture of the Hollywood star with her twins Hazel and Phinnaeus (called Finn) since they were born nearly 11 weeks ago.

The photograph, one of a set shown on the Oprah Winfrey programme, was taken by Roberts's favorite photographer - her film cameraman husband Danny Moder.

He took the pictures at the couple's remote ranch in Taos, New Mexico, where Roberts has been staying for the past month. She did not actually appear on Oprah's show, but did the next best thing by sending in a set of photos and a personal letter.

In the pictures she looks happy, healthy - and perhaps just a little tired. As for the twins, they looked adorable!

Roberts's letter, read out on air as Oprah and her audience made all the appropiate noises of appreciation, showed all the pride of a new mother.

It said: "Dear friend, things here are terrific. Snow is falling as I write to you. Beautiful. As you may have heard on November 28 we doubled the citizenship of our family and life became more recognizable then ever before. "Oh, Oprah, the babies are amazing. The way they stare into your eyes, their exuberant smiles, how they begin each day all warm and sleepy, smelling of promise. "I suppose I never realised if before, babies aren't really born of their parents, they're born of every kind word, loving gesture, hope and dream their parents ever had. Bliss. "Can't wait to see you and fill your arms with our Phinn' and Hazel. Until then, just know there are two more Moders in the world who love you as much as Danny and I do. The warmest embrace from too far away. Yours, Julia."

A tearful Winfrey, referring to herself as AUNTIE O, cooed, "Aren't they precious? They are cute aren't they?" as she looked at the photographs, before stating, "Julia and Danny, your babies are beautiful... Welcome to the world little Moders."

The couple later released a statement saying they had issued the photos to protect their children.

It read: "We are releasing these photographs not only to share our happiness, but to ensure the privacy, safety and respect our babies deserve."

Phinnaeus Walter and Hazel Patricia were born on 28 November, five weeks earlier than expected.

Roberts, 37, who was confined to bed in October after experiencing early contractions, was not due to give birth until early January.

Hazel, who at 4lb 5oz weighed slightly less than her brother, was kept in an incubator for the first week of her life, after having breathing difficulties.

The twins, who were delivered in hospital in Los Angeles, are Roberts's first children. She had previously had fertility treatment.

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