Top Mother’s Day present

It was an extra special Mother’s Day for one Safety Bay couple as they welcomed their first child to the world — 10 days later than expected.

Baby Cooper decided to make his long-awaited arrival shortly after midday on Sunday, to the delight of parents Courtney Nixon and Rob Byrne.

New mum Miss Nixon said the birth of the couple’s 3.85kg bundle was doubly special because of the date.

“I think Cooper was hanging on to be born on Mother’s Day,” she said.

“It was so special that he was born then — but he was so late we both just wanted him to come out!”

Miss Nixon said she had tried all the old wives’ tales which are believed to bring on labour in the days leading up to her son’s birth, including taking long walks along the beach at Safety Bay and eating spicy food.

“I tried everything to encourage him to come but he wasn’t having it — not until Mother’s Day,” she said.

“When I eventually went to the hospital about a day and a half after the contractions started, I was only 2cm dilated so I still had a while to go.”

New dad Mr Byrne said his son was the first grandchild for Miss Nixon’s mum Claire Briggs, and the third for his own mum, Kelly Byrne.

“It was really special for our mums too,” he said.

“My sister was in the waiting room as Cooper was being born – she couldn’t wait to meet him.”

“Courtney has already had some cards, gifts, flowers and all that stuff – everyone is so excited,” he said.

The new parents decided to find out their little one’s gender several months ago and knew they were expecting a boy.

“We’re really excited — I can’t wait to teach him all my bad habits,” Mr Byrne said.