With seven older siblings, the first baby born in London in 2018 will have to get used to big celebrations.
Leila Elizabeth Hare joined her five brothers and two sisters, in addition to the rest of the world, at 12:20am on Monday at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). She weighed 8lbs, 15oz, despite being born nearly three weeks early to parents Esther Varfee and Ian Hare.
As the New Year's baby, Leila received a large gift basket from the pharmacist-owners of London and area Shoppers Drug Mart stores. A teddy bear, a handcrafted baby blanket, and a certificate for a free photo shoot were also given to the family by the Children’s Health Foundation, the London Health Sciences Foundation, and the volunteers at Debut Baby Photos.
Roughly 5,800 newborns are delivered every year at the LHSC.