A baby who arrived much earlier than expected is ready to celebrate her first Christmas with her family.
Baby Dharci Angel Liddle was born on September 28, a whole eight weeks before her due date of November 21.
Weighing just 3lbs 6oz, Dharci spent the first three weeks of her life in Wishaw's Neonatal unit.
After a tough pregnancy, mum Alana Durnion was told just hours before Dharci was born that the baby was on her way.
First time mum Alana was worried about the complications of Dharci's birth but is now relieved that everything has gone well and that she can focus on celebrating Christmas.
She told Lanarkshire Live: "It wasn't the easiest pregnancy, I was ill quite a lot and didn't get to enjoy it the way I had hoped.
"It was a real shock to hear that Dharci was going to be born much earlier than we thought.
"The doctors had said that she was quite small at the growth scan and said that she had to come out now. When I first found out I didn't want to go through with it but my mum talked me around.
"They had warned me that she might not cry when she comes out but everything went really well during the C-section.
"She spent the first three weeks of her life in the Neonatal unit where the staff were absolutely amazing and so supportive and helpful.
"After that she was able to come home and I could spend more time with her."
Dharci's original due date was just a week before her cousin, Harleigh Hamilton.
Now the pair are looking forward to their first Christmas together
"Me and my sister both had our due dates within a week of each other but obviously Dharci ended up being born earlier.
"She is much smaller than her cousin Harleigh but she is doing really well with her growth and her last weigh-in she was 5lbs 14oz.
"I am just ready to celebrate Christmas with Dharci and my family now. I am so grateful everything has gone so well."
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Why not head to our page and give us a like and share.
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here .
