An Ipswich couple have celebrated the birth of their new baby girl on Valentine’s Day today – a year after their son was born on Christmas Day.
Karren Larter and Chris Woods, both 32, said they had joked with friends and family that their new daughter Karis would be a Valentine’s baby, but never thought it would actually happen.
“It is such a coincidence, I just find it bizarre, said Miss Larter.
“We had laughed about it beforehand, saying wouldn’t it be funny – and then it happened.
“My friends keep saying the next one will be born on Halloween.
“We had also joked it would make it easier for Chris to remember their birthdays.
“No one is going to forget their birthdays now.”
It was a special day for 13-month-old Oskar, too, born on Christmas Day 2016, who got to meet his little sister for the first time.
Miss Larter said Karis’ birth was much easier than her son’s, as she was in labour with Oskar for 19 hours and had to be placed on the special baby unit.
However, she said Ipswich Hospital were kind enough to let the family stay together on the ward so they could spend Christmas together.
She said: “I was lucky, I have a big family and they all came to support me.
“We got to spend the day at the hospital as a family at Christmas.
“It was a big surprise for everybody but we were just relieved when Oskar was born.”
She said Oskar was getting used to having a new sister.
“I think he knew something was happening, this is all very new to him,” she said.
“My mum and dad have been great support in looking after him.
“Oskar has taken to her really well. He can be a bit of a bruiser at home.
“I wasn’t sure how he would react to her but he has been very gentle.
“I’m really proud of him.
“Hopefully, we will get home soon, have an early night and get used to living as a family of four.”
Asked if they were doing anything to celebrate Valentine’s, Miss Larter said: “Valentine’s Day is usually the one day of the year that Chris cooks a meal for me.
“I think I am going to have to wait this year.”
A total of 11 babies were born on the maternity ward at Ipswich Hospital today, with Karis the first of the day.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here