PROUD Helensburgh parents Simone McGinn and Craig Cavana had a special start to the New Year following the arrival of their first child.

Ardencaple couple Simone, 30, and Craig, 31, became proud parents when their daughter Rosie was born at 5.56am on January 1, at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

Simone told the Advertiser: “It all happened really quickly and it’s still sinking in. I just can’t believe she is here. It’s an amazing feeling being a mum – my adrenaline is still going.”

Rosie was not due until January 7, but showed indications of arriving early when Simone was in discomfort on December 31.

Simone’s waters broke at around 9pm that night when she was visiting her sister Adele.

Delighted first-time grandparent Charlie McGinn, 55, said: “We got a call at around 10pm and rushed up to the RAH. Simone arrived just before midnight and all the staff were wishing each other a happy New Year.

“Simone was told she was only in the early stages of labour and that it could be another 24 hours before the baby arrived. She was advised to go home and relax and have a bath.

“We went back to Helensburgh and after a bath Simone went into full scale labour.”

Simone and partner Craig were with Charlie and Simone’s mum Jacqui and they all made their way to the hospital once again.

Dad-to-be Craig drove and Jacqui kept Simone calm, and they made it to the hospital just in time after fears of the baby being born in the car.

Charlie said: “Simone was back in the hospital at 4.45am and was taken straight into the labour suite and the birthing pool. Rosie wanted to be born in the car but they made it just in time for an exciting start to 2018.”

The parents had been for a scan just last week and were told to expect their baby to be around 8lbs.

The family had everything in place for Rosie’s arrival, but when she weighted in at just 6lb 13oz the clothes they had were slightly big.

Simone and Craig are delighted to have Rosie and are taking parenting in their stride. Simone and Rosie were home in Helensburgh by 7pm on January 1.

Charlie, 55 and Jacqui, 53 couldn’t be happier with their first grandchild and are looking forward to spoiling her.

Charlie said: “Rosie arrived in a bit of a rush but we are all delighted that she is here. We were ready for the baby and everything was prepared, we just didn’t expect her so soon.”

“Mum and baby are home and doing well and Simone and Craig are taking it all in their stride.”

Craig’s parents, Danny and Jean Cavana are also over the moon with the new arrival.

Simone added: “We are all doing really well, she is so content during the day but has us up at night.

“It’s all getting easier but I am so thankful for all the help I have had, from Craig, my parents and Craig’s parents.

"Everyone has been great at lending a hand, bringing food and letting us sleep.”