THE newest citizen of the North Shore made her entrance just two and a half hours into 2013.
Acacia Dawn Langley, North Vancouver's New Year's baby, was born at 2: 32 a.m. Jan. 1 to parents Danielle and Shawn Langley of Deep Cove.
Acacia wasn't due to make an appearance until Jan. 3. Her mother was hoping she'd hold off a couple of days as well, as the whole family was still recovering from the flu.
Acacia had other ideas. Danielle Langley, 29, said she had a feeling early New Year's Eve it might be an especially memorable evening.
After a long labour with her first child, however, she wasn't sure how things would unfold. Turns out, it was quick.
By the time the couple had called Shawn's parents to come and look after their 22-month-old son and had driven the 15 minutes from Deep Cove to Lions Gate Hospital at around 10: 30 New Year's Eve, events were well underway, with Danielle's contractions only two minutes apart.
When the couple arrived at the hospital's labour and
delivery ward, staff told them, "You're contenders for the New Year's baby," said Langley, although she admits that wasn't uppermost in her mind.
Several other women had already been admitted earlier Dec. 31.
Four hours later, after an uncomplicated delivery, Acacia was born, weighing in at an even eight pounds (3.6 kilograms).
Back home Wednesday, Langley said the newest addition to the family is doing well.
"She's got cute little dimples," said Langley. "And she has her dad's nose."
Acacia Dawn Langley was the first of five babies - four girls and one boy - born at Lions Gate Hospital Jan. 1.
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