Calhoun County welcomes first newborns of 2024
Two families have an extra reason to celebrate as they begin 2024.
April Oliver and Randall Richardson of Castleberry, Alabama, welcomed their new baby boy at 1:37 a.m. Monday at Bronson Birthplace in Battle Creek, making him the first baby born in Calhoun County in 2024.
He weighed in at 6 pounds, 13 ounces and measured 20 inches long. The parents declined to release his name.
Later Monday, Jade Torrey and Jaden Coney of Albion became the proud parents to Clover Renée Coney, who was the first baby born at the Oaklawn Birth Center in Marshall in 2024. Clover was born at 12:21 p.m., weighting in at 8 pounds, 5 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches long.
The newborn is the couple’s third child with all three born at Oaklawn. Jan. 1 is also the birthday of Jade’s grandmother, making the day extra special for the couple.
“It’s a blessing and it’s exciting that we have something to look forward to every New Year,” Jaden told Oaklawn.
The hospital staff presented the family with a gift basket containing items for the child and family. Included were blankets, toys, an infant outfit, a winter-weather hat, a beanie and socks set, pacifiers, a book, a feeding set, a sound machine and a six-piece bath set.
“They were amazing,” Jade said of the staff. “They are so helpful and always made sure I was comfortable. I love the staff. If I have any other babies, it will be at Oaklawn as well.”
Oaklawn's renovated Birth Center opened in 2012. Staff expect to welcome nearly 600 newborns during 2024.
Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Calhoun County welcomes first newborns of 2024
