Helmsley family celebrates Christmas and New Year arrivals (From Gazette & Herald)

Helmsley family celebrates Christmas and New Year arrivals

THE two main days of the festive period turned into big occasions in more ways than one for a Helmsley brother and sister.

Annabelle and Andrew Otterburn both unexpectedly became parents on Christmas Day and New Year's Day respectively.

The whole Otterburn family were this week celebrating the good news.

Annabelle Otterburn, 31, who works at the tourist information centre in Helmsley, and her partner Simon Rivis, 36, a joiner, had expected their baby to arrive on December 20.

However, it was not until 4pm on Christmas Day that Betsy Belle was born at York Hospital, weighing in at 9lb 5oz.

Then Annabelle's brother, Andrew, a 29-year-old haulage contractor, and his partner Katherine Tinsley, 23, became parents on New Year's Day.

Cody John, weighing 6lb 13oz, arrived more than a week earlier than expected at Scarborough Hospital.

Nor do the coincidences end there. Annabelle and Simon already have a three-year son, Arthur, while Andrew and Katherine have a three-year-old daughter, Sky.

"It's been a big family celebration, especially as the happy events fell on Christmas Day and New Year's Day," said Annabelle, of High Street, Helmsley.

"I was unwrapping my presents on Christmas morning when my contractions started and I was rushed to York Hospital and gave birth a few hours later.

"I was convinced I was going to have another boy so it was a lovely surprise to get a girl".

Andrew and Katherine, however, had already been told that their new arrival was going to be a boy.

Andrew, of Carlton Road, said: "When Annabelle told me she was going to give birth on Christmas Day, it was almost like a challenge.

"I'm so proud. Just having a kid is marvellous, but for it to happen when it did makes it that bit more special."

Updated: 10:52 Wednesday, January 04, 2006