THIS time last year Chris Meyerhoff was being laid off from his restaurant job – but what a difference a year makes.
The proud dad celebrated the birth of his son Thomas Jack on New Year's Day with his exhausted but delighted wife Gemma.
Mr Meyerhoff, 37, of east Hull, is about to start a new job later this month for Alpine Fine Foods to help raise his young family.
He said: "I got laid off this time last year so this is quite a difference.
"It was a bit of a rollercoaster in 2014.
"After losing my job my sister passed away but me and Gemma also got married on FA Cup Final day.
"But we couldn't have asked for a better start to 2015 – this is perfect. I am chuffed to bits."
Little Thomas was born at 7.10am yesterday at the Hull and East Yorkshire Women and Children's Hospital and weighed in at 6lb 8oz.
He is a little brother for Stanley, who turns three in two weeks.
Mrs Meyerhoff said: "This is a memorable start to the year.
"I started going into labour just after midnight and I think it was the fireworks that started him off.
"I feel tired but I am absolutely delighted.
"I am fine with him being born on New Year's Day, it is a cracking start.
"The due date was December 28 and I'm just glad it wasn't Christmas Day."
While revellers were watching fireworks, making toasts and supping champagne at midnight, several expectant mums were in labour at Hull and East Yorkshire Women and Children's Hospital.
But, by lunchtime yesterday, it had been a relatively quiet day for the hospital with just four new arrivals.
One of those was Kai, who was the second to arrive in Hull in 2015 at 1.04am, weighing in at a hefty 9lb 6oz.
His exhausted mum Jessica Budgen was relieved and delighted.
Miss Budgen, 26, of Paull, said: "Christmas Day was actually the due date, but I much prefer him being born on New Year's Day.
"This is my first child and I had been in labour since 4am on Tuesday.
"I will remain in hospital for a bit but we are fully prepared when we get home for our new arrival.
"I had to drag my mum away from her New Year's Eve party but she managed to see her new grandson."
Dad Ian Midgley, 25, of Bradford, serves with the Armed Forces and is based in Wiltshire.
"He has embarked on two tours of Iraq and has also served in Afghanistan," Miss Budgen said.
Mr Midgley said: "I am really pleased but I am dreading going back to work now.
"I have to return to Wiltshire on January 15, and it will be two months before I am next on leave but I will get back at weekends.
"I am already a dad but it is great to have another son."
Another proud mum and dad were Gemma Stanford and Shaun Wellington from west Hull on the birth of 6lb 8oz son Ryan Wellington just after 6am on New Year's Day.Christmas Day was busier for the staff at Hull and East Yorkshire Women and Children's Hospital with six babies arriving before 11am.
