Dad proposes two hours after Valentine's Day birth

Jamie proposing to BellaImage source, James Cook University Hospital
Image caption,

Jamie Taylor proposed to partner Bella Jenkins, which took her by surprise

  • Published

A couple have celebrated a Valentine's Day to remember as they got engaged just two hours after the birth of their baby girl.

Jamie Taylor and Bella Jenkins, from Middlesbrough, welcomed daughter Paloma into the world on Wednesday morning at James Cook University Hospital.

Paloma was born at 10:00 GMT and two hours later her dad, 34, got down on one knee and asked his partner to marry him.

The 25-year-old mum said "yes" while holding their daughter in her arms.

'Pure coincidence'

“I am extremely overwhelmed," she said.

"This was unexpected and I am still in shock.”

Paloma also played a role in the proposal, with Mr Taylor dressing her in a baby grow which read: "Mummy will you marry Daddy?"

Image source, James Cook University Hospital
Image caption,

Little Paloma helped with the proposal by wearing a special outfit

Mr Taylor said he had not planned to propose on Valentine’s Day.

"Paloma was due to be born on Sunday 11 February and I was waiting for her birth to pop the most important question," he said.

“However, her late entry to the world meant I had to ask the much-awaited question on Valentine’s Day which was a pure coincidence, but I am glad that it happened.”

Talking about his daughter's birth, he added: “I am just at the top of the world.

"There’s nothing more I would want now and feel everything is complete.”

Follow BBC Tees on X (formerly Twitter), external, Facebook, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.