A little girl who was conceived on Valentine’s Day has the look of love – after being born with a heart-shaped birthmark on her forehead.
Tiny Poppy-Rae was born last November healthy and happy, but parents Jade Sparham and Liam Scaife were stunned to spot her distinctive mark. Jade, 20, said that some quick maths revealed the day of Poppy-Rae’s conception.
The mum, from Skegness, Lincs, said: “I couldn’t believe when we spotted the heart on her head, especially after we worked out that she was conceived on Valentine’s Day last year. It was such a lovely coincidence. It definitely makes this Valentine’s Day extra special for us. Poppy-Rae is like our very own cupid baby. Now Liam and I can’t stop kissing her little face.”
Jade and partner Liam, a plasterer, were overjoyed by Poppy-Rae’s arrival at Pilgrim Hospital, Lincolnshire, weighing 8lbs 4oz.
And just a few hours after she was born, the first-time parents noticed a red mark on their daughter’s forehead. Doctors assured them it was simply a pressure mark which would fade within a couple of hours.
But two days later, Jade and Liam noticed the pink-coloured birthmark was forming into a love-heart shape and would turn an angry red when their daughter giggled or cried.
To rule out any health concerns, Jade took her daughter to see a GP, who told her it was actually a birthmark.
She said: “When I first noticed the mark on Poppy-Rae’s forehead turn bright red, I was a little concerned because I didn’t know what it meant. But we were relieved to find out that the birthmark didn’t pose any health problems for her.”
Now Jade and partner Liam embrace the uniqueness of their tiny daughter and her loveable birthmark.
Jade said: “At first we worried that Poppy-Rae would be bullied as she grew up, or struggle to find a boyfriend. But now, we’ve realised that her birthmark is what makes her unique and it makes her more beautiful to us both. We really believe that her little love-heart has brought us closer together as a family. If Liam and I ever have an argument or disagreement, all we need to do is look at Poppy and we’re reminded of how much we really love each other.”
The lovestruck couple recently discovered that their little girl was conceived on Valentine’s Day last year and are looking forward to celebrating this Sunday with their special new addition.
Jade said: “Liam and I only realised a couple of weeks ago after we worked out the dates from my scans. She’s so adorable, you can’t help but love her. Her birthmark becomes redder if she’s giggling, but also when she’s upset, which makes it impossible to get tired of her crying.”
“As soon as her love-heart becomes more prominent, it’s a reminder to Liam and me that she was born from our love and conceived on the day of love.”
The pair have been told by doctors that birthmarks like their daughter’s usually disappear by the age of four or five, but can also appear later in life.
Jade said: “I hope Poppy-Rae’s mark never disappears. It’s a part of her, and it makes her so unique. I wouldn’t have her any other way.”
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