Baby Checks-In At Check-Out

Mum-to-be Zoe Collins got much more than she bargained for when her waters broke during a shopping trip.

And another surprise was in store when Zoe's lovestruck boyfriend popped the question - while she was in labour!

Zoe was taken aback,but quickly answered yes and shortly afterwards son Daniel made his entrance.

Daniel had decided to check in three months early - while his mum was checking out some bargains at the shops.

One minute the 18-year-old was shopping,the next her waters had broken.

"I thought I was going to lose my baby" Zoe said."We rushed to the hospital.I was panicking and my whole body was shaking."

In hospital she was told they would have to delay the birth because the baby was so small.

Zoe said "The baby was not fully developed.They pumped steroids into me for 48 hours."

He weighed only 2lb 4oz when he was born and was put on a ventilator almost immeditaely.

"I could not believe how perfect he was" said Zoe."I thought something would be wrong with him because he was not fully developed.

"It was really difficult.It was killing me because I was seeing people take their babies home and I couldn't take mine home."

While she was in labour,her boyfriend Andrew Roxby,22,decided to propose to her.

He said "We have been thinking about it anyway.I just said 'I know it is not the right time to ask but will you marry me?'

"She was just finishing having a contraction and said yes.I am chuffed to bits.I was scared at the time,she was in that much pain."

Daniel is not expected home until around November 16 - the day he was due to be born.

Proud dad Andrew said "He's smashing.It is the best thing that's happened to me.He is a little miracle."