Introducing Terence Bruce Rowland – Barrhead’s first baby of 2013.
Born at 1:54 a.m. on New Year’s Day, he weighs eight pounds and five ounces, and is 20 inches long.
“This was the best possible way to celebrate the New Year,” said proud father Brian Rowland last Friday.
As he and his wife Rachel showed their newborn to the Leader, Terence napped on mum’s arm, blissfully unaware of the fuss he had caused.
Nearby was a white teddy bear, a gift from nurses at Barrhead Healthcare Centre; it looked enormous compared to the sleeping child.
The liveliest one in the house was Terence’s two-year-old sister, Aubrey Jean, who danced around the living room in her silver-grey ballerina costume.
Was she twirling in joy at the new arrival? Perhaps, although according to her parents she is always a bundle of energy.
Asked to kiss her brother, Aubrey did so immediately, showing she is thrilled to share the limelight in the family. It is the same way she behaved at the hospital, running towards the baby and embracing him.
“She is very happy with everything,” said 29-year-old Brian. “She had her second birthday in November, so we’ve done a lot of celebrating recently.”
The latest family drama started at 11 p.m. on Dec. 31 at Rachel’s sister’s house in Barrhead, where the couple have been staying after moving from Vancouver.
When Rachel went into labour, it was hardly unexpected since the baby had been due on Dec. 31. As births go, this was a dream.
Everything went smoothly and the couple are thankful to Barrhead hospital staff and Dr. E. De Waal for their care and support.
“The nurses were really good and the doctor came in the whole time to check everything was fine,” said 34-year-old Rachel. “The hospital was great.”
Rachel also found Brian’s serene presence at her bedside a huge comfort.
“He was very calm throughout,” she said.
Not quite so calm was Aubrey after being driven to the hospital. Of course, she had been asleep when Terence arrived.
So did the couple know they were going to have a son?
“No, we wanted it to be a complete surprise,” said Rachel. “We really didn’t mind whether we had a boy or a girl.”
They called the baby after their parents’ names.
The Rowlands will be leaving Barrhead shortly for a new life in Calgary, where Brian already has a job lined up, working for an architect.
Barrhead, however, will forever be in their hearts. As it will for Terence, once he learns of his birthplace and what a special baby he was.
Among those who congratulated the Rowlands is John Whittaker, Barrhead’s fire chief. As the uncle of the “little fella” he shares the family joy.
“Mom, Dad, sister and baby are doing well,” he said. “They are excited to have the new addition to their family.”
In case anyone is wondering, further additions have been firmly ruled out.
“We both agree two is enough,” smiled Rachel. “Two is great.”
