While Malta was celebrating the introduction of the euro, five women at Mater Dei Hospital were about to celebrate the birth of their child.

Born at 12.01am, Aleandro Abela was e-day’s firstborn child. Most probably, he managed to be placed in his mother’s arms before Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi managed to withdraw his euro notes. Baby Aleandro is the second child of Joanne and David Abela from Siggiewi.

The second child born at Mater Dei Hospital was Liam, the first born son of Lorraine and William Caruana from Birkirkara. He is also the only grandchild of his paternal grandparents who are to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary on Monday.

The first girl, Sophia Elena Jagals, arrived at 8.43am. She is the firstborn to Marita Cutajar and Simon Jagals. The new mother said Sophia Elena was a beautiful New Year gift, especially as she was expected a week later. She added that she very much enjoyed watching the euro celebrations on TV while in labour.

Another two baby boys were born in the morning at Mater Dei Hospital, the first at 9.25 and the second at 11am.

A baby girl, Asia Rain, was born at the Gozo General Hospital at 7.20am, while a boy was born around 2am at the St James Hospital.

Health Minister Louis Deguara and his wife Maria visited the proud mothers at Mater Dei Hospital yesterday morning.