'Roll with the punches': N.S. couple married during Dorian has baby during pandemic

Newlyweds Jillian and John MacMasterof Timberlea, N.S., could write a book about hittinghome runs when life throws curveballs.

Their story so far hastwodramatic storylines with touching endings.

The first isthewedding day that they'd planned for nearly two years. When Hurricane Dorian was closing in on Nova Scotia on Sept. 7, 2019, they didn't postpone their ceremonylike many couples had.

Instead, they moved up the time twice and said their vows hours before the post-tropical storm slammed into the city.

"We had those special first dances, and we got to hear the speeches from our wedding party," she said Saturday."It was still an amazing, perfect day."

They had their wedding pictures taken the next day, in the calm after the storm.

• Halifax couple ties the knot as Dorian pummels province

Now, it's the couple's baby story, and like their wedding story, it didn't goaccording to plan.

Their son, Vincent, was born in late March in the midst of tightening pandemic rules. COVID-19 had forced the IWK Health Centre to implement a no-visitors policythat imposed a ruleof one support person for women in labour.

Jillian had envisioned having a natural delivery with John by her side, and her mom and his parentsin the hospital waiting room eager for their first cuddle with Vincent.

Instead, shehad an emergency C-section in the middle of the night. With John next toher, they shared a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"Seeing his face when he got to see Vincent for the first time, there's a moment I won't ever forget," she said. "It was so heartwarming."

While it was heartbreaking not to have her mom, her best friend, with her in the hospital, they were able to connect on FaceTime right away.

The MacMasters are also making the mostof introducing their newbornto loved onesat a distance.

Family and friendshave shown up in their driveway to glimpse their little guy. With the help of video calls, they're watching him grow.

The pandemic has had somesilver linings.

AlthoughJohn, who wasn't at home to be interviewed Saturday, has been laid off from his job as a marine fabrication welder, it's allowed for quality time for the new family.

"We're all bonding together, we're all getting to spend extra time together," she said. "It's not ideal but, honestly, it's working a lot in our favour."

Jillian says the moral of their life story is simple.

"You have to roll with the punches, you have to work with what you've got," she said. "My husband and I have proven to be a really strong team through all of this."

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