Back in 1979, I had no idea whether I was having a boy or a girl as there was no way of knowing in those days.  I told everyone that I didn’t mind what I had, provided the baby was healthy, but I desperately wanted a little girl.
 
It was the evening of October 9th at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, and as the hours ticked-by, we realised that if baby didn’t put in an appearance by midnight, he/she would be arriving on my 22nd birthday – October 10th
Fortunately, my bundle of joy made it into the world before the clock struck twelve, which ensured she had a birthday all of her own.
 
So, I spent my 22nd birthday in the maternity ward surrounded by Baby Congratulations cards and Birthday cards, cuddling the best present I could ever have wished for, my precious little girl.