THE Bell family have a tradition of making sure that each newborn's first journey is made in style.

There was no exception when their fourth child Adrian Lawrence was ready to come home last week. Proud father Victor Bell had arranged for a horse and buggy to pick up mother Lauren Bell and young Adrian to make the journey from King Edward VII Memorial Hospital to the family home in Devonshire Bay.

Mrs. Bell had been through the same experience before, but this time the weather had been wet so she thought there could be no carriage. But the rain stopped, making it possible for her husband to surprise her.

"Yes, there were tears," Mrs. Bell said. "I felt very proud and very loved. It's a wonderful way to go home, very low key, and it gives you time to reflect on the baby's future and what a thoughtful and loving husband I have."

The fact that Mrs. Bell had been through the same experience with her previous children apparently made this occasion no less emotional for her.

It all started with the birth of the couple's eldest daughter Sierra, 11 years ago, and continued two years later when Ashton was born.

Three years ago, bad weather meant Bryana had to make a more conventional, motorised journey home. But she did not miss out ? she went for a horse and buggy ride a few days later, together with parents and siblings.

Mr. Bell, of Bell's Skyline Lifting and Excavating Services, said: "It's a nice way to bring home mother and baby. Everything goes so fast these days, but there are times when we should just slow down."

The carriage driver was Dee Charles, of Shilo Ranch, who said: "When I got home I told my husband that I'd delivered a baby today ? literally!"