A Chicago woman’s childbirth turned into an unforgettable double celebration when her partner proposed just moments after their baby arrived.
Challis Bell, 28, had just given birth to her first child with her boyfriend, Denzel Kimbrough, 30, on Friday, Oct. 10, when she noticed a special message printed on her newborn’s onesie: “Mommy, will you marry Daddy?”
“I looked over and he was on one knee,” Bell told Fox 32 Chicago. “I was shocked.”
The couple shared a video of the touching moment with the outlet. In the clip, a nurse at Advocate Christ Medical Center dressed the baby in a custom onesie made for the occasion, then brought him to Bell. At first, she appeared puzzled by the scene unfolding around her.
Bell could be heard asking, “What? What does that say?” Moments later, Kimbrough—dressed in a gray suit—stepped up to her bedside, holding a ring box. He dropped to one knee, and it took a few seconds before Bell realized what was happening.
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A stunned Bell looked between her loved ones and her partner before finally saying, “Oh my god! Yes.” Kimbrough slipped the ring onto her finger as she admired it through happy disbelief, laughing, “What the heck?”
The nurse then handed Bell her newborn son, Ace, as family members laughed and cheered in the background.
Kimbrough told Fox 32 Chicago he had known for a long time that he wanted Bell to be his wife. The two first met over a decade ago in high school on Chicago’s South Side but lost touch after his family moved away.
They reconnected three years ago through mutual friends. “Since she came back into my life, I knew I wanted to marry her,” Kimbrough said.
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With the help of hospital staff, he pulled off the surprise proposal flawlessly. The couple expressed gratitude to the team at Advocate Christ Medical Center for their care and support during the big moment.
Now home with baby Ace, Bell and Kimbrough say they’re soaking up time as new parents and excitedly planning their wedding.
