The county has two New Year’s babies this year: the first baby born in Wellington and the first baby born to county parents.
Baby Abigail Jean was a surprise to expecting parents Amanda and Matt Bartmann. For one, they were told they were having a boy up until a few weeks ago. Second, she came early.
In fact, the Atwood residents had scheduled a C-section on Jan. 5 at Palmerston and District Hospital but on Jan. 2 they made an emergency trip to Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus.
Born at 9:51am and weighing seven pounds, 15 ounces, baby Abigail was the first baby born in Wellington County in 2016. The Bartmanns also have two boys, Samuel, two years old, and Domenic, 12, who were very excited to welcome their new sister.
“It’s quite overwhelming. I wanted her to wait until 2016, but I didn’t expect to be the first … She’s a great surprise,” said Amanda.
Centre Wellington Welcome Wagon representatives Helen Marucci and Virginia Burns presented gifts from 47 local businesses to the family.
Hillsburgh parents Stephanie and Kevin Toering welcomed Logan Stuart at 7:16am on Jan. 1, making him the first baby born to Wellington County parents in 2016.
The seven-pound, nine-ounce baby was due Jan. 3, but arrived “early” after 40 long hours of labour, explained new mom Stephanie.
In fact, the Toerings almost missed ringing in the new year.
“We were in labour at the time, so it was kind of one of those things we weren’t really paying attention to,” said Kevin.
“And I remember we just looked up at the 24-hour clock and there was about 30-seconds to midnight … we did a little hurrah and got back to it.”
