A Newcastle couple have begun 2025 “on cloud nine” after welcoming their first child together.
Natalie Hedley, 31, and Lance McGlen, 30, welcomed little Oakleigh McGlen in the early hours of New Year’s Day. After Natalie was admitted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary early on New Year’s Eve when her waters started leaking, her family had placed wagers on what time their newest member would enter the world that evening.
However, no-one won the wager, as he held on a fair while into New Year’s morning. After 14 hours of labour, Oakleigh finally made an appearance via emergency C-section at 6.13am, weighing six pounds and 15 ounces.
Lance stayed by Natalie’s side throughout the whole process, only nodding off for an hour in the small hours.
Natalie told ChronicleLive: “It’s a great relief, we’re on cloud nine, aren’t we? Our little baby bubble.
Little Oakleigh McGlen who was born on New Years Day to mother Natalie Hedley and father Lance McGlen at the RVI Hospital in Newcastle.
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
“We thought we were going to have him last night so we all had wagers on what time he was coming, and he didn’t come last night. But he came this morning.
“It wasn’t the plan, but we’re getting on alright to be honest. He could have been here a bit earlier!”
Oakleigh has already met his older siblings, Natalie’s son Tyler and Lance’s daughter, Myla; both aged six. They can’t wait to welcome their little brother home to Chapel House.
Natalie finished: “They’re so excited, they’re just hoping that we’re home tonight so we can all be together. They’re just dead excited!”