Baby of the Week: Grangemouth tot Dennis Randall

Mum Nicole Cochrane, 29, is a bookmaker, while dad Shaun Randall, 32, is currently unemployed. The family live in Grangemouth.

Mum said that she felt like she flew through the pregnancy, however her sciatica became worse in the January and by the end of February she had to finish work early.

After having reduced movements, mum went for a growth scan on the Monday - the day Dennis was due – and was told there was a dangerous amount of fluid left around him and she had to be induced that day. Her waters broke on the Tuesday. She was moved to the labour ward on the Thursday and after over 23 hours in labour Dennis was born by emergency caesarean section. Mum said she was told she couldn’t have had him herself as the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck three times. She said: "The full experience was filled with different emotions, but I’m just thankful Dennis arrived safely.”

For years dad had said that his favourite name was Dennis. Mum was not a fan of the name and said she wouldn’t use it, however during the pregnancy she couldn’t get the name out of her head and she ended up falling in love with it. She says she couldn’t imagine him with any other name. Mum never told dad she wanted to use the name and gifted him a blanket with the name on it, and that was how he found out that his son’s name was going to be Dennis Randall.

Mum said that Dennis is the happiest little boy who is always smiling and giggling and making little conversations with them. It’s never hard to get his attention, you just have to say his name and he will look at you and smile. He loves being around everyone and wants everyone’s attention. Mum added: “He is just the best little character ever. Dennis is just so clever and has been hitting his milestones early and we are beyond proud of him.”

Dennis is a first grandchild for mum’s parents, Nana and Pops, Donna and Robert. He’s a fourth grandchild to dad’s mum Wendy, who is also Nana.

Mum and dad would like to thank their families, especially Nicole’s mum Donna and Shaun’s brother Campbell who were over most days to help get their home ready for the arrival of Dennis as it needed so much work done. They would also like to thank their friend Jonny, who took the time to do the work that was beyond them, and for doing a cracking job. Mum said: “They really made a shell of a house the perfect home for me and my baby boy.” She added her thanks to her mum, Shaun’s mum Wendy and sister Tracey for being there for her during the pregnancy and giving her advice. She added: “I appreciate them all and will be forever grateful.”

*If you’ve recently had a new addition to the family and would like them to feature, please get in touch. Send us an email with your name, contact number and baby’s date of birth to [email protected]. Please note, babies should be less than six months old at the time of entering.