It was a long wait - but he finally arrived on Christmas Day

Welcome to the world - baby Theo was born at Ipswich Hospital Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Baby Theo Leandro Edwards-Assuncao was due on December 15 but he kept his family waiting and finally made an appearance at 11.38am on Christmas Day, weighing a healthy 8lb 9oz.

“I was hoping to avoid Christmas Day,” said his exhausted mum, who gave birth at Ipswich Hospital.

The college student added: “I went into labour on Christmas Eve and it was quite a Christmas present when he finally arrived.”

She admitted she had been getting uncomfortable since reaching her due date so she was relieved to eventually meet her little bundle of joy, regardless of the date.

Theo arrived at 11.38am and was the fifth arrival at Ipswich Hospital on Christmas Day Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

The first-time mum is expecting to be released from hospital later today and is excited about returning home to Stoke Park, Ipswich.

She said: “I am looking forward to getting home and celebrating Christmas with my brothers and sisters. I have five brothers and four sisters aged between 20 and two, and this is their first nephew so we will probably be mobbed.”

The midwives at Ipswich Hospital had a busy shift with the first Christmas arrival, a baby girl, being delivered at 12,52am.

Another baby girl followed at 6,23am and a mum gave birth to twin girls at 11.03am before Theo was welcomed into the world half an hour later.

Senior Midwife Evelyn Lobley said: “It’s hard working on Christmas Day because most of us have families at home.

“Several of us started at 7am and will be here until 8pm at night. Tomorrow will be our Christmas. “But we are privileged to be there at such a special moment.”

By 1pm, four babies had been born at Colchester Hospital.