THERE was cause for a double celebration for Murtoa's Watts family when baby Matthew Christopher Watts was born on New Year's Day.
Mum Joanna Watts said the timing of Matthew's 11pm birth, at Wimmera Base Hospital, could not have been more perfect.
"We were pretty happy he was not born on Christmas Day so New Year's Day is quite a nice birthday to have," she said.
"My husband's mum and brother were over from Adelaide, which was great.
"It is also perfect because changes to paid parental leave started on January 1 so now my husband can have some more time with the family.
"That has been a real blessing because otherwise he would not have been able to spend as much time with us."
Mrs Watts said the couple's 19-month-old daughter Rachel was besotted with her new sibling.
"She has been giving him so many kisses and she is already trying to say Matt," she said.
"She loves him and is very nurturing.
"We love our beautiful little girl but it is very special to have a son.
"He is just a gentle sweet little boy.
"Even in comparison to his sister, he is more content and quiet."
Mrs Watts said Matthew was bound to take after his paternal grandfather, who shares his middle name Christopher.
"You want them to take after special people so it is a nice remembrance and tribute to name the children after them," she said.
"My daughter's middle name is my mum's name so we have done it with both children."