Gilroy couple welcomes South County’s first baby of 2006
Gilroy – It was the night of Jessica Santos’ 25th birthday and she got the best gift of all – her son Jose Angel – South County’s first baby born in the new year.
Santos had been experiencing contractions for about a week before signing into Saint Louise Regional Hospital Saturday night, just after attending her birthday party at her mother’s house.
Six hours later at 4:19am, she delivered the 7-pound, 9-ounce baby boy, who could be found snuggling in his mother’s arms Monday morning.
“Six hours in labor, piece of cake … Yeah right!” she said laughing. “My mother was like, ‘Oh! You’re going to have him on your birthday!’ I kept saying, ‘No, I want him to have his own birthday.'”
Last year, there wasn’t a baby born on New Year’s Day at Saint Louise. It took two days to claim the title Baby New Year. Three infants were delivered on New Year’s Eve this year, however, the Santos’ son was the only baby delivered in the hospital Jan. 1.
Jose Angel yawned up at his father – Angel Santos and it’s obvious he has a fan.
Angel, 28, held his son with pride, gently rocking him and cradling him close. His full head of dark hair was covered by a blue cap, and his tiny fingers, were protected by blue fleece mittens.
“He has my husband’s and my daughter’s nose,” Jessica Santos said smiling. “I knew it from the ultrasound.”
The Gilroy couple have been together for the past six years, and have known each other since their days as young teens. They spent time preparing their daughter for the new baby, giving her lots of attention so she won’t feel left out.
Every night before bed, Angel Santos would bless the family, drawing the sign of the cross over his wife, his daughter, and his son. The couple’s 2 1/2-year-old daughter, Isabella Trina ‘Bella,’ would sing her baby brother songs during her mother’s pregnancy.
“She would rub my stomach and say, ‘I love you brother,'” Santos said.
Early on, she knew the birth would be more difficult than with Bella. Throughout her pregnancy she cramped, and the contractions she experienced were stronger.
“It happened so fast,” Santos said. “I didn’t even think of (him being born on New Years Day).”
Bella sat at her mother’s feet combing her new doll’s hair – a present from the staff at Saint Louise. She is already taking her role of big sister seriously.
“She’s excited,” Santos said. “They should be a handful,” she said eyeing her two children.
Angel was quick to put down rumors that there would be another Santos baby anytime soon.
“No more, that’s it for now,” he laughed. “Next time (the birth) will be on Christmas.”
