Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Jumping for joy!

Gemma Rathbone
5/ 3/2008

SIX little bundles of joy had their parents leaping in amazement when they came into the world on February 29.

Although they may not have realised it, the new babies caused quite a stir when they were born on leap year day.

The first arrival of the day was Lily-Mae Marshall. She was born to parents Natalie Ladchenko and Jordan Marshall at 12.08am. Weighing in at 6lb 14oz, Lily-Mae was due to arrive on February 19 and Natalie was due to be induced on March 1, but the new mum says last Tuesday's earthquake got things moving quicker.

"The earth really did move for me!" said Natalie, of South Reddish. "I’m over the moon and I've been showing her off to everybody.

"She’s already a daddy’s girl and I’m an only child so she’s the first grandchild for my mum and dad."

Stockport Express sports editor, Simon Smedley, and his wife Jayne, are the proud parents of Joe Thomas Ray, who has become Stockport County’s youngest fan.

Simon said: "When we first found out the due date last summer we were joking about a leap day birth. I almost went to the bookies and put a bet on it. I wish I had now!

"He’s already got his first County supporter’s outfit - a little blue and white babygrow."

Samorn and Wayne Porter celebrated the arrival of daughter Jessica, who is the couple’s first child.

The 6lb 8oz bundle of joy wasn’t due to arrive until tomorrow (Thursday), but just couldn't wait that long and was born just after midday on Friday.

"I still can’t get my head around the birthday," Wayne said. "Everyone keeps saying we'll at least be able to save a bit on cards and presents!"

The new parents are adjusting to baby Jessica's night owl ways. "She sleeps through the day and wakes us up in the middle of the night."

Baby Sophie Jean spent the first few days of her life without a name, until parents Claire and Andrew Turnbull came to a decision yesterday.

She was born at 3.37pm and weighed 7lb 14oz and is the first child for the Cheadle Hulme couple.

"She was due on the 23rd so she was a little bit late," said Andrew. "She’s doing great.

"She certainly won't miss out on any birthday presents. It is an extra special day to be born."

Another new mum due to be induced on March 1 is Caroline Davidson, but after 16 hours of labour little Olivia arrived on February 29.

"The long labour wasn’t the best introduction to childbirth for my first one, but she's definitely worth it.

"When she arrived on the 29th it made it even more special.

"She’s absolutely amazing and my husband, Gavin, is a total natural at being a dad."

Olivia will celebrate her birthday on March 1 in three out of every four years.

New mum Emma Coffey has two reasons to celebrate this week. Andrew James was born at 3.04am on leap year day and she turned 21 yesterday (Tuesday).

She and partner Andrew Shannon have already settled into a routine with their first child.

"He’s really good, he has three feeds in the night with three hours sleep in between each one," Emma said.

"We’re quite lucky but I don't know how long it will last so we're making the most of it.

"He wasn’t due until tomorrow (Thursday) but my dates landed around the 28th.

"I had hoped he wouldn't come on leap year day but it's nice for him. It’s a bit quirky and different and he’ll get a birthday on the 28th most years, with a special one every four years."