New Year's baby arrives a little late

She was supposed to be a Christmas baby but Alejandra Mena-Escorcia had no interest in making her arrival that day, perhaps knowing that if she stayed put just a little longer there was a good chance she could be the first baby born at Georgetown Hospital in 2007. And that is exactly what happened for the little Georgetown girl who made her arrival at 12:17 a.m. Monday Jan. 1, weighing in at 7 lbs. 7 ozs. Her parents Jessica Escorcia and Ian Mena couldn't be more thrilled with the new addition to the family-- their first child. It was not an easy labour for Jessica who had to be induced Sunday morning. She thought labour would last six hours, but after it stretched to 17 hours her obstetrician Dr. Selvara Gunaratnam decided to perform a Caesarean section because Alejandra was not in the right position. "People were saying maybe you will have a New Year's baby," said Jessica, but she didn't really think it would happen. The couple, who have lived in Georgetown for the past three years, had some names chosen for their daughter but Jessica said they decided on Alejandra at the "last minute" once they saw her. "She's doing great," said Jessica who is looking forward to going home today (Wednesday). "I would like to say thank you to the nurses Constance and Muriel. They have been great," said Jessica. The birth was the first of the new year at any of the three Halton Healthcare hospitals, which also includes Milton and Oakville-Trafalgar.

Proud parents Jessica Escorcia and Ian Mena welcome daughter Alejandra Mena-Escorcia as the first baby born at Georgetown Hospital in 2007. Alejandra arrived at 12:17 a.m. New Year's Day.