SINGAPORE - Right after the Tays watched the countdown to Chinese New Year on a hospital delivery room television, they welcomed their firstborn.
Alexander Tay was delivered in Mount Alvernia Hospital at the stroke of midnight on Feb 16 (Friday) - the first Singapore baby born this Year of the Dog through natural delivery.
The 2.8kg baby's parents - restaurant manager Claire Tay, 29, and her husband Mr Victor Tay, 35 and director of the same restaurant - met through a mutual friend more than eight years ago. They have been married for over two years.
Mrs Tay, who is Thai, and her Singaporean husband were not expecting to deliver Alexander until early March.
But on Thursday (Feb 15) afternoon, three weeks before her due date, Mrs Tay's water broke and the couple made their way to the hospital from Mayer Road, where they live.
"She spent seven hours in labour," said Mr Tay.
"We were quite anxious actually. But we are so glad that the delivery was smooth. We cannot ask for anything more."
The family received a $138 ang pao from the hospital, as well as hampers from Pigeon Singapore and Danone Dumex.
Correction note: This story has been edited for clarity.