Banbury family celebrates son's first birthday after being born in lockdown

Shannon McNally shared a photo of her son, Ezekiel Pip McNally, celebrating his first birthday on Friday April 16 with Camila Machado, who served as the midwife who helped deliver him.

Ezekiel Pip McNally, from Banbury was born at 8.42am on Thursday April 16, 2020 at the John Radcliffe weighing 7lbs 7ounces.

Shannon, who is from the US but now lives in Banbury with her family, shared a thoughts reflecting on her son's first year after being born in the pandemic.

She said: "Can’t believe the year it’s been. Hard with lockdowns but special for being together.

"I went for a walk with Camila, his midwife this morning who I’ve kept in touch with. We have a special friendship now. I suffered a pretty severe haemorrhage and spent time in the hospital afterwards. It was hard as my husband wasn’t able to visit. Camila checked up on me during those days.

"Considering we aren’t able to meet new moms and share experiences because of lockdowns...my friendship with Camila has been so significant this past year being able to speak about that morning and all that happened after. She’s a gift to me and my family that I’m forever grateful for."

Ezekiel, who goes by Zeke or Ezekiel, woke up Friday to presents from his parents and his stepbrother. They had a few family friends over to the garden for birthday cupcakes later in the day.

Shannon added: "We’re thankful the rule of six in gardens has opened up and shops from this past Monday. It meant he was able to have a (one) balloon.

"We’ve had a lot of post and a lot of cards. We’ve had friends drop off presents from the doorstep."

Shannon also found herself reflecting on how grateful they are for their son after a year during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said: "We celebrate him for developing into a healthy thriving little man. We celebrate being mom and dad, and having to figure it all out considering it’s been such an isolating experience....particularly for me as it was his physical birth and my birth as a mother.

"We celebrate his relationship with his big brother Caden, who have an incredible bond between them. We celebrate his wider family that have yet to meet him, and the other side of the family that have seen him very little but love him from afar.

"This year no doubt has been tough, but It’s also been full of little unexpected gifts along the way. Like Camila. There's much loss, but equally there’s much to be grateful for."