Katie Bowers knew she was due to welcome her baby on a special day this festive season and was preparing for the arrival on the due date, New Year’s Day.

But her little bundle of joy had other ideas and arrived early instead — on Christmas Day.

Little Sienna was born at Queen’s Hospital in Romford around 9pm for 33-year-olds Katie and partner Stefan Wyatt, almost a week early.

 “She was a very special gift who will be hard to top,” a delighted Katie said.

“We were meant to spend the day with family but didn’t even have time to wish them a Merry Christmas. My waters broke at 8.30am and we had to rush straight to the hospital.

“Now everyone is looking forward to meeting Sienna, so we’ll be seeing all the family over the next few days.”

Romford Recorder: Mirha with her new baby brotherMirha with her new baby brother (Image: BHRUT)

The couple arrived back at their home in Harold Wood with all their presents still sitting wrapped under the tree.

Another arrival at the hospital natal ward that night was a week late.

Baby Haidar was due on December 16, but turned up on Christmas Day instead.

His 37-year-old dad Salman said: “We were getting a little worried when there was no sign of him turning up.

“We went to see the midwife and my wife Aiman even swept up the place, which can help bring on labour.

“But it’s very special that he was born on Christmas Day.”

Romford Recorder: Haidar with his grandmotherHaidar with his grandmother (Image: Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust)

Salman’s mother came from Pakistan for the birth of her grandson and looked after the couple’s 22-month-old daughter Mirha at their home in Romford while they were at the hospital.

The family had a delayed Christmas dinner with friends after returning home on Boxing Day.

Sienna and Haidar were two of 16 babies born at Queen’s on Christmas Day, the first arriving 56 minutes after midnight, as soon as Santa had finished his rounds.