Meet some of the borough's first arrivals of the new year (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Meet some of the borough's first arrivals of the new year
6:30pm Sunday 6th January 2013 in News
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Kate and Daniel Cooper with baby daughter Isabelle
ISABELLE Cooper has the honour of being the first new-born at Basingstoke hospital in 2013.
Proud mum Kate Cooper, 32, said that giving birth to Isabelle Esme at 2.25am on New Year’s Day was extra special.
She said: “It wouldn’t have mattered to us when she was born, but it does make it special to have her on New Year’s Day.”
Kate and her husband Daniel, 35, who works for Argos, were admitted to hospital the previous evening.
Weighing 9lb 6, Isabelle is sister to two-and-a-half year-old Oliver, the couple’s first-born.
The new arrival was actually due on December 30. Kate, a teacher, from Limes Park, Basingstoke, said: “We always knew there was a chance of her being born around Christmas or on New Year’s Day but it wasn’t something we were expecting.”
Alan and Donna Jackson were delighted to welcome their son Oliver Brian into the world at 8am.
Donna, 30, said: “We were just sitting at home watching the fireworks and Jools Holland on television, and we thought we’d go to bed at about 1.30am but my waters broke.”
The couple, who live in Orchard Grove, Marnel Park, Basingstoke, drove to Basingstoke hospital but were sent away as Donna’s contractions had not yet started.
Donna said: “We got in the door and had to go straight out again. It was really quick in the end, which was good.”
The proud parents gave Oliver, who weighed in at 7lb 8oz, his middle name as a tribute to their fathers, who are both named Brian.
Alan, 44, said: “He was early and we thought we had a bit more time but we’re delighted.”
In total, 16 babies were born at Basingstoke hospital on January 1, which added up to a busier than normal day for the maternity unit team.
