HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU KID (From Warrington Guardian)

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU KID

SHE'S started crawling, and even got her first tooth, but this time last year it was hard to imagine a Lowton baby, born three months premature, would defy the odds to celebrate her first birthday.

It is difficult to believe little Oceanne Worrall, aged one tomorrow, will be opening new toys and gifts, when only last November she fought for life, weighting only 2lb 12oz and required 18 hours of ventilation to breathe.

Despite a difficult 12 months, mum Tracey, aged 36, and dad Glenn, aged 39, are looking forward to their daughter's first birthday party this weekend, as well as the imminent arrival of their second child, due on New Year's Day.

Tracey said: "We're having a firework party on Saturday with family and friends, and setting off a rocket to mark Oceanne's special day.

"We've also got her a ladybird birthday cake, with a big smile and plan to buy her a rocking horse.

"Three mums and their prem babies, who I got to know in Warrington Hospital neo-natal unit, are also coming, they've been a great support over the past year, and know how tough it has been."

The couple said that they are excited about spending Christmas as a family, after Oceanne remained in hospital for 12 weeks until the end of January.

The Lowton mother went into labour on November 4, last year, after routine blood tests revealed an infection, which meant Tracey had to give birth as soon as possible.

Tracey told the Newton & Golborne Guardian: "Although we had a difficult start, particularly feeding, she's a really happy-natured and placid little girl, she claps her hands and said her first word 'baba' the other day.

"She makes up in personality what she's lost in size."

Now the family are hoping for a quiet few months of quality time before the arrival of baby number two.

Oceanne appears to have inherited a love of sport from her mum, who ran the Chester half marathon while she was two week's pregnant, as she splashed around the swimming baths on her first visit recently.

"What could be better than a Christmas child and a New Year baby," added Tracey.

"It's been hard at times, but we'd never change it."

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU KID