Christmas birthday girl turns 1

While most people were enjoying a relaxing meal last Christmas, Eaton couple Courtney Downes and Jeremy Gledhill were having one of the biggest days of their lives.

Ms Downes spent Christmas Day with her family while having contractions after being sent home from the hospital because the labour wards were full.

“I had my feet in the pool, and mum was rubbing my back,” Ms Downes said.

“It was a whole day event.”

The couple welcomed their baby girl Indiana at 11.17pm on Christmas day, just in time to join the ranks of the babies who arrive as special Christmas presents for their parents.

This year, as Indiana celebrates her first birthday, her parents will be enjoying Christmas with both families followed by a special party the next day.

“She’s having a birthday party on Boxing Day with family and friends and Dora the Explorer will be coming to the party,” Ms Downes said.

She said they had talked about how to handle Indiana’s birthday in the future to make sure she gets her own special day.

“We’ve talked about Boxing Day but we’ve also talked about Christmas in July so she can have a day with her school friends in the middle of the year,” she said.

Mr Gledhill said he was looking forward to a relaxing festive season compared with last year’s excitement.

“We’re looking forward to not spending Christmas in the hospital,” he said.

Ms Downes spent Christmas Day with her family while having contractions after being sent home from the hospital because the labour wards were full.

“I had my feet in the pool, and mum was rubbing my back,” Ms Downes said.

“It was a whole day event.”

The couple welcomed their baby girl Indiana at 11.17pm on Christmas day, just in time to join the ranks of the babies who arrive as special Christmas presents for their parents.

This year, as Indiana celebrates her first birthday, her parents will be enjoying Christmas with both families followed by a special party the next day.

“She’s having a birthday party on Boxing Day with family and friends and Dora the Explorer will be coming to the party,” Ms Downes said.

She said they had talked about how to handle Indiana’s birthday in the future to make sure she gets her own special day.

“We’ve talked about Boxing Day but we’ve also talked about Christmas in July so she can have a day with her school friends in the middle of the year,” she said.

Mr Gledhill said he was looking forward to a relaxing festive season compared with last year’s excitement.

“We’re looking forward to not spending Christmas in the hospital,” he said.