While most spent New Year’s day relaxing with family and friends, Maria del Carmen Garcia Martinez was hard at work with one of life’s most demanding jobs: Bringing another human being into the world.
After a 10-hour labor stretching from Jan. 1 to Jan. 2, Maria’s son, Caleb – weighing in at 6 pounds, 7 ounces and measuring 18 inches long – was born at 1:47 a.m., making him the first baby of the year at Saint Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy.
“I was so excited because I never thought I was going to have a little brother,” explained 10-year-old Francy, a brand new big sister who has wanted a sibling since she turned 6.
As the family gathered around the newborn, Francy gently held Caleb’s finger, while Maria cradled the baby and watched. A fresh bouquet of flowers by the window and three bright balloons hinted at the celebration at hand.
Caleb is a quiet baby – a trait that apparently runs in the family, according to father Carlos Alberto Gonzalez Quintero.
“When she was born, it was the same,” Carlos explained in Spanish, gazing at his daughter.
It’s fitting that Caleb was born in Gilroy, a city where his family is deeply rooted. Maria has lived in the Garlic Capital for 15 years; Carlos for 20; and his sister is a lifelong Gilroyan.
As the family gathered around the rocking chair to adore the new arrival, one of Caleb’s yellow booties slipped off his tiny foot. Sister Francy swooped in to replace it.
“Oh Francy, you’re going to be such a little mother to this baby,” said Paula Baker, a sister at Saint Louise who was also paying a visit to the family that morning.
As Maria adjusted Caleb’s swaddling clothes, he opened his eyes, furrowed his brow and stared sleepily at his admirers before relaxing into a big yawn.
“This was a blessing that God gave us,” Carlos smiled.
Caleb shares the same dimples as his sister and father. He also sports a shock of black hair, which Carlos attributes to his own dad.
“We’re going to take care of him. An education, and…” Carlos trailed off, imagining the full life ahead of his new son.
