No prizes for guessing the two proudest families in Bermuda on Christmas Day.

But perhaps Keshaun Majors and Tansae Simons had the biggest smile ? for their baby girl Keshenzae was born just after midnight. At 12.01 a.m. to be precise.

By comparison Ranganath and Asha Chitti Babu's baby was slow off the mark, arriving at 8.59 p.m.

Keshenzae, weighing 5lbs 6oz by a natural birth, was her parents' first child.

"I was shopping for a Boxing Day outfit on Christmas Eve when I went into labour," said Ms Simons.

"She wasn't due until January 11, so I didn't think that I was in labour. She came within three-and-a-half-hours ? I couldn't believe that she came so quickly."

Mr. Majors said he was ecstatic.

"I am relieved and excited that she is here," he said, as he cuddled her in his arms.

Ms Simons was sent home yesterday morning, as doctors and midwives at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital felt that she was doing well.

According to Indian custom, the Chitti Babus will not name their baby girl for a few days.

Mr. Chitti Babu, a chef at Swizzle Inn, said: "We have to wait until the names are selected, but the first baby is named from my side of the family. We have to also look at the time she was born."

Baby Chitti Babu was born by Caesarean section at King Edward because she was breached and one week late. She weighed 6lb 10oz.

Mrs. Chitti Babu had been in labour for 14 hours and was somewhat exhausted by the birth.

"We are happy that she is healthy," said Mrs. Chitti Babu, who is from Madras.

"It was difficult, I am tired and feeling a lot of pain, but I am relieved."

Last night both couples and their babies were resting comfortably.