The number 11 is seventh heaven for this family.
Back in 2011, Daniel Saunders of Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, UK, was due to be born on Nov. 17.
But he had contorted himself into a position that led the doctors to schedule a cesarean section on Remembrance Day, as Nov. 11 is known in the United Kingdom to honor soldiers killed in World War I.
His mother, Charlotte Saunders, 41, went into Addenbrookes Hospital at 6 a.m., but her delivery was delayed when her son was trapped under her ribs.
However, doctors were finally able to maneuver Daniel out — and he officially made his debut at 11:11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month.
And on Friday, he celebrated his milestone 11th birthday and received 11 presents to commemorate the occasion.
“I’ve been looking forward to this birthday a lot! It’s more exciting than any other birthday has ever been,” he told South West News Service.
“Eleven is a master number in numerology, and it means I have good potential in the future. It’s my lucky number, and it’s easy to remember,” he added. “Nobody ever forgets my birthday!”
Remarkably, the favored number is a generational affair.
“It’s amazing that he was born with all those 11s,” said Charlotte. “It’s been my lucky number since I was a young child. It’s very special to share that with him. And it does make Remembrance Day more special. You think back to the war and all those relatives that were lost, so you have an extra moment.”
The moment he was born, a poppy, which is a symbol of Remembrance Day in the UK, was even placed on the infant — and Daniel still has the same flower as an important keepsake.
“It’s brilliant! A real day to remember. There was no way on this earth we thought it would be possible for him to be born at 11:11 on 11/11 in 2011,” his father Jason Saunders, 42, told SWNS.
“This is a very important day now that he’s turning 11. The doctor said there was no chance he would be born at 11:11 but I think he was clinging on to his mum’s rib cage,” the proud dad joked.
In addition to his 11 presents, Daniel planned to spend the day playing soccer and then have pizza with his friends and family.
“We’ll be hoping for 11 goals at football today,” his mother quipped.