For Gemma Gay, there was no better way to start the year.
As those around her celebrated the start of 2018, the 39-year-old gave birth to beautiful Ralphie Ellis Gay at 1.11am, little more than an hour after the bells chimed for a new year.
The HR and payroll manager at Southgates Medical Centre spoke of feeling 'relieved, excitement and joy' at the birth at the King's Lynn Queen Elizabeth Hospital, adding: 'He was due the day before. I went into labour around 3.15pm so he planned to get here on time but I was induced.
'It was quite surreal having fireworks going off in the background and the staff bringing non-alcoholic drinks for all of us to celebrate the New Year.'
Father Danny Gay, 35, gave his son the name Ellis in memory of his father, who died last year on January 14 of motor neurone disease.
Mr Gay, a teacher at KES Academy and semi-professional footballer for Needham Market FC, said: 'It was the natural thing to do and it's very close to the anniversary.'
Mr Gay said Ralphie's older brother, two-year-old Henry John Gay, couldn't wait to meet his little sibling, adding: 'I think he is more excited to see mum.
'Gemma was outstanding and we'd like to thank the midwives and Lisa Barham.'
Meanwhile, over at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Yaoxi Li, gave birth to her baby boy Ding Ding at 5.40am.
The 29-year-old from Norwich, who was with her partner Xiaofeng Fang, 30, said her baby was 13 days late and weighed 7.2lbs.
She added: 'We are very excited about the birth of our beautiful baby boy.
'He was 13 days late and we think he wanted to wait to see in the New Year.
'We wish our baby boy the happiest life and want to thank the midwife and doctors at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital who supported us, we are very grateful.'
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