The North Shore's newest citizen - Calvin Michael Dhaliwal Messinger - arrived at Lions Gate Hospital less than three hours into the new year on Jan. 1. But as far as new parents Jenny Messinger and dad Dalbir Dhaliwal were concerned, he'd taken his sweet time getting there.
Calvin wasn't expected to be either a New Year's baby or born in hospital. But as most parents know, babies often have a tendency not to follow plans for their arrival.
Messinger went into labour late Dec. 29 - two days after Calvin's original due date. But by Dec. 31 - many tiring hours without sleep later - her midwife decided it was time to head to the hospital.
Messinger said she didn't really register it was New Year's Eve. She was more concerned that she might get sent to another hospital, because no obstetrician was immediately available when she arrived at Lions Gate.
"I remember that's not what I wanted. I wanted my baby to be born in the same hospital and the same city I've grown up in," she said.
In the end, she got her wish. round midnight, Messinger said, "I heard fireworks."
At the time, however, she was concentrating on more important matters, including the arrival of the anesthesiologist packing some big gun pain medication.
"It was the best New Year's toast I ever had," she said.
A few hours later, at 2:43 a.m., Calvin made his appearance, weighing seven pounds 11 ounces, with a full head of dark brown hair.
In addition to her husband and her midwife, Messinger's sister and mom were also present for the birth.
The family is now back home in the City of North Vancouver and adjusting to life with their newest member.
Both mom and baby are doing well.
