North Jersey's first babies of 2023 are the 'perfect addition' for loving parents
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
PATERSON — Boy, oh, boy, was this a pleasant surprise.
Alexandra and Alberto Rodríguez were supposed to host a New Year’s Eve party for their family at their home in Belleville until someone had a better idea.
Their first child, Luca Adrian, came almost two weeks early after labor inducement and a 14-hour delivery at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center. His arrival at 1:38 a.m. on Sunday means that he is, unofficially, the first baby to be born in Passaic County in the new year.
And his prize? A life with adoring parents who love him so.
“He’s the perfect addition that we didn’t even know we needed,” said Alexandra, 34, a registered dietitian.
HEALTH:These North Jersey hospitals have a rich history
The newborn was 6 pounds, 4 ounces and 19.5 inches long. Alexandra, who was expected to be discharged with her baby on Monday, said she and her husband decorated his nursery in a dinosaurs motif.
Bundles of joy were being delivered in other parts of North Jersey on New Year’s Day.
The first baby to be born in Bergen County in 2023 was also a boy: Jared arrived at 12:45 a.m. at Hackensack University Medical Center. His parents, Edelmira González Pérez and Ronald Urizar Godoy, are from Paterson.
Hours later, at 6:25 a.m., another boy — Lucas Timothy — was the first to be born at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. Overjoyed were his mother and father, Brittany Ann and Timothy Wronka, of Wayne.
These baby Capricorns are in rarefied company.
According to a recent article from USA TODAY, which cited national health statistics, Jan. 1 is one of the most uncommon birthdates that one can have. The only birthdate more unique is Dec. 25, a major holiday for Western Christians, of course.
And if that did not make the little dudes special enough, consider with whom they will share their birthday.
Paul Revere was born on Jan. 1, as was Betsy Ross, who is credited with sewing together the first American flag. Grandmaster Flash, the famous DJ and hip-hop pioneer, was a New Year’s Day baby, too, in 1958.
But the Rodríguez family is not looking for reasons to celebrate its superstar.
“There’s just nothing like meeting your child for the first time,” Alexandra said. “It’s a great way to start the year.”
Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: devencentis@northjersey.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: North Jersey hospitals announce first babies of the new year
