Six lockdown babies – some with siblings – were given blessings at a special Zoom event organised by an Irvine church.
And parents of the recent arrivals gave minister Rev Neil Urquhart a unique insight into the huge challenges of parenting during lockdown at the recent morning Fullarton Church service, which was streamed live on Facebook.
Hunter Benson, Luke Moiser, Georgia Turner, Robbie Bilby Kerr, Ozzy Theodore McEwan Urquhart and Lawson Purss were all born during the pandemic and have always been living under some kind of restrictions.
However, their parents look forward to eventually having the opportunity to take them to church in person.
Lawson’s dad Steven said: “For us, it’s been wonderful having a second, but it’s very different with a lot of the restrictions put in place which has prevented family from seeing Lawson grow.
“But we are introducing him to church through any means we can, including Facebook Live.”
Ozzy’s dad Sandy, who is son of Rev Neil, said: “Things have been good, we have been twice as busy and twice as noisy.”
The youngster’s mum Amber added: “It has been hectic.”
Georgia’s dad Thomas admits that, despite the challenges, pandemic parenting is rewarding.
He said: “It’s been great and we’ve been taking it as it comes. We’re a bit sorry we’ve not been able to get into church.
“But she’s full of energy and in a year when people have had nothing to do, we’ve had plenty to do so we’re thankful for that. It keeps us busy and been entertained that’s for sure.”
Luke’s mum Jenna said: “It’s been amazing and it’s totally turned our world upside down but for good reasons and it’s been tough and hard work, but we wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Becca, mum of Hunter, said: “It’s been different, especially as you’ve had a child who hasn’t been in lockdown before. It’s different from a socialisation point of view as Hunter has been at a couple of groups but other than that it’s just been our faces.
“We have loved every minute of it and it’s been brilliant as with Gary (Hunter’s dad) being furloughed he’s not had to rush off to work and has got to see plenty more of him.”
Christy, mum of Robbie, added: “It’s been a bit strange being in lockdown as we have some family who have not been able to spend as much time with Robbie as they would like.
“But it’s an absolute blessing to have the family are all at home again as they were in the first lockdown.
“We’re having lots of fun with Robbie and it’s non-stop at the moment.”
