Theodore James Tranter was born on April 12, 2024, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London to Montana Gerry, 32, and David Tranter, 36
Theodore’s name means “gift of God” because that is what he is to his parents.
They took some time to conceive because Montana has polycystic ovary syndrome and had to go through several rounds of fertility treatments. “Our Christian faith is important to us,” says Montana, “and he felt like our miracle baby when he finally arrived. We want to honour that.” The couple are looking forward to introducing him to their church and he will be christened this year.
Raising a child “can feel a bit like Groundhog Day” says Montana — “eat, sleep, repeat” — but as first-time parents they are loving every minute. Theodore changes every day and it’s magical seeing his first smiles.
So far, there have been trips to sunny beer gardens and pub dates with friends. They’ve been staying with Montana’s parents, who live in the countryside, and he’s also spent time with his great-grandparents. Having four generations under one roof has been “really special”, says Montana, and since Theodore is the first grandchild on both sides he is getting plenty of attention.
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Montana and David call him Theo (though Montana’s father, James, who is American, wants to introduce the nickname “TJ”). His aunts call him Teddy.
David never had a father figure growing up and with Theodore he wants “to do things over”. “I want to be a good father — the kind I never had.”
The couple met nearly nine years ago at a wedding in Exeter, where they both studied (though they didn’t cross paths at university), and they are excited to show Theo where it all began.