Parents leaping for joy over new arrivals

Jake Walter Steel was expected to arrive on March 7, but after mum Kelly Forde, of Ashton, was experiencing health problems, she was induced and after three hours, he arrived, at 8.46am, weighing 8lb 13oz.

His birth was even more remarkable, as his cousins were due on February 29 four years ago, but couldn’t wait and popped out two weeks early.

Kelly, 28, who also has a son, Tyler, three, said: “I said to myself, knowing my luck, with the trouble I have been having in my pregnancy, this would happen.

“I have had a lot of health problems relating to my pregnancy and so I had to be induced. I didn’t really think about the date, as I was more focused on giving birth,

“It is funny, as my brother’s twin girls Summer and Tiffany Rose-Forde, were due on February 29 four years ago, but they came early.

“That date was clearly meant to be in our family.”

Kelly and partner Jonathan Steel 32, plan to celebrate Jake’s birthday on February 28 for three years out of the four.

Meanwhile Wigan couple Kimberley and John Baybutt were in debate over whether they would like a baby who would only be able to celebrate its “real” birthday every four years.

As Jessica took 16 hours to arrive, weighing 7lb 2oz, John, 29, said: “I wanted her to be unique.” But Kimberley, 20, said: “I wanted her to be born on February 28, but her dad wanted a Leap Year baby. I was worried about her birthday next year, but as family members joked, it would save money. We will celebrate her birthday on March 1 for three years and then do something special every four years.”

Proud grandad Chris Wadeson joked: “We have worked out that Jessica will be in her 70s before she can go to the pub.”

Jessica was due on March 16 but Kimberley had to be induced because of reduced baby movements.

She added: “It was a very long labour - about 15 or 16 hours, but she was worth it.”