Christmas bundles of joy for two Borders couples

Two couples from the Borders had the best Christmas present ever yesterday – their first children.
Michael Black with baby George and Peter Shearlaw with Ayla FrancesMichael Black with baby George and Peter Shearlaw with Ayla Frances
Michael Black with baby George and Peter Shearlaw with Ayla Frances

Neither were due to come along then, but both say beginning their families on Christmas day was something special.

First to come along by Cesarean section at 4.59am, weighing 10lb 2oz, was Ayla Frances Shearlaw, much to the delight of her dad Peter and mum Nicole Confrey, from Peebles.

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Peter, 31, a machine operator at Graham Irvine and Partners, told us: “It’s amazing, very surreal.

Peter Shearlaw with Ayla.Peter Shearlaw with Ayla.
Peter Shearlaw with Ayla.

“We were up and down all night, but we got there in the end, it’s all a bit overwhelming.”

Support worker Nicole, 26, said: “She was due on December 18, but it does make it that bit extra special she was born on Christmas Day.”

Peter, a former footballer for Peebles Rovers, Vale of Leithen and Leithen Rovers, added: “I’m absolutely buzzing, she is beautiful.

“Ayla is very chilled, she is amazing.”

Michael Black with George.Michael Black with George.
Michael Black with George.
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Next along at 9.49am, also by C-section, was wee George Black at 5lb 14oz, a delightful early Christmas present for first-time parents Michael Black and Sophy Jones.

The couple said they were “chuffed to bits”.

Switchboard operator Michael, 30, who works at the Borders General Hospital with support worker Sophy, told us: “George has decided to come along a wee bit early, as he was not due until January 17.

“It’s lovely that he decided to come along on Christmas Day.

“We hope to be able to bring George home on Friday.”

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