ATTLEBORO, Mass. -- Ready or not, a Norton mother got the surprise of her life in the parking lot of a Friendly’s.

Her third child was on his way.

“She was attempting to go to the hospital on her own, however the baby had other plans in mind,” said Stephen Marcotte, an Attleboro firefighter.

The woman was at home when her water broke. She was just a few miles from the hospital so she and her mother got in the car -- but the baby wouldn’t wait. They pulled into a parking lot and called 911.

When help arrived, firefighters were stunned to find the baby was waiting for them.

“We saw mom had already delivered the baby by herself. The baby looked wonderful, healthy, beautiful. The mom was just holding the baby in her arms…still sitting in the car,” said Marcotte. “I think we were relieved that everything had appeared to turn out good and we were very excited to be a part of the moment.”

Firefighters then brought mother and baby to the hospital.

“I think mom kind of experienced a roller coaster of emotions, which I can certainly imagine and respect. She was initially surprised that the baby had come so quickly,” said Marcotte.

Friendly’s said they are sending the new mom and the firefighter free ice cream for a year. The restaurant is also supplying a sundae kit with sundae glasses, an ice cream scoop, sundae spoons and toppings.

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