New arrivals are the perfect Christmas gift

Dec 26 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

A WOMAN born on Christmas Day yesterday gave birth to her first child on the same special day.

December 25 will now become a day of triple celebration for new mother Kelly Murden, 29.

Baby Lily Murden was born at 10.52am yesterday, weighing 6lbs 9oz. She is the first child for Mrs Murden and husband Chris, 30, from Stakeford, Northumberland.

Speaking from her bed at Wansbeck General Hospital the letting agent said: “I just can’t believe it, we were told that we would be due today.

“But because she is my first I thought that it may have been in January.

“Having my birthday on Christmas Day is all I know, you just put up with it. We will be able to do things together when she is older, so it will be a really special day.”

Mrs Murden was admitted into the maternity ward on Friday and had to be induced.

Dad Chris, an accountant, was at his wife’s side when their daughter was born. He said: “It was very emotional, but very special. We will be celebrating when we get home with the family.

“The staff have been absolutely brilliant and we just can’t thank them enough.”

But the youngster’s birth wasn’t the only festive double. Only Four minutes later baby Ashton James Dunn was born to mother Emma Louise Swinney, who will be celebrating her 20th birthday today.

The hairdresser, from Pegswood, near Morpeth, had boyfriend Stephen Dunn at her side.

Mr Dunn said: “We couldn’t really stop him coming today, he was meant to be coming on Saturday, but she started having pains on Christmas Eve.

“Everyone was saying that he was going to be born on Christmas Day, a few people have been joking to me saying that it’s just like Jesus.”

Miss Swinney joked: “I hate my birthday being on Boxing Day, but I don’t know any different.

“It has just made it all extra special, though.”

The first baby born at the hospital at 7.01am was Pippi Wallace Mason to proud parents Jane and Gary, both 36, of Stobswood, Northumberland.