Bryan Solomon is about to receive an unexpected phone message from his girlfriend saying their baby, who wasn't due until between Jan. 14 and 20, was born on Sunday (Jan. 2) at Squamish General Hospital.
Weighing five pounds, 9.7 ounces, the first 2011 baby was welcomed into the world at 9:42 a.m. after "only" 2 hours of active labour. She started into pre-labour just after midnight on Sunday.
As the first baby born in Squamish in 2011, Kayla Stillas's baby boy has been given the interim name Baby until Solomon gets Stillas's phone message and helps her decide on their son's name.
"Conor or Lucas," she said, visibly exhausted from labour but smiling nonetheless. "Those are both names his dad liked."
Stillas, Solomon and her other two sons lived in Williams Lake until a few months ago, when Stillas decided she wanted to be near her parents, who live in Squamish, when her third child was born.
Her two older sons will stay in Williams Lake with Stillas's family to finish the school year. The family will reunite this summer in Squamish.
"I'm looking forward to introducing him to my family," she said. "My dad spoils all my sons and with him as the youngest, I expect no different."
When asked what aspirations she could have for one so young, she said it was simple.
"I just hope that he remains healthy," she said, all the while gazing lovingly at his sleeping face.
For the full story, see The Chief print edition Friday (Jan. 7).
