It took a few days into the year to happen, but the first baby born in St. Paul in 2017 has arrived, weighing 9lbs 12 oz, and measuring 56 cm.
Janika Erika Vallee was welcomed by her parents, Erika Turner and Aaron Vallee, and three siblings, Jenna (9), Jesper (7), and Joren (2), early in the morning on Jan. 4. By Friday morning, the family was back at their home in the Mann Lakes area, settling into their new life, and excited that Janika was dubbed the 2017 New Year’s baby.
Although Erika and Aaron joked about the possibility of having the New Year’s baby, the family didn’t think it would actually happen since Erika’s due date was Dec. 22.
Janika’s deliver went smoothly, and no complications arose, says Erika. But, it’s how and when Erika found out she was pregnant that makes the family’s story interesting.
“I didn’t even know I was pregnant with her until I was 30 weeks along,” says Erika. She added that it was when she felt the baby inside her move that she realized something was going on.
There was some uncertainly around Erika’s due date, and doctors had hoped she would go into labour naturally, when she was ready. But, with baby and mom growing, doctors decided to induce Erika a few days into 2017.
Erika admits it was surprising to find out she was so far along, but adds with a laugh, that after having a couple children, nothing is really surprising anymore.
With an estimated 10 weeks to prepare for their fourth child’s arrival, the family got busy voting on a name for their newest addition. Erika says she didn’t purposely name her first two children with coordinating names that started with the letter “J” but figured it would be nice to keep with that theme for the last two children.
“We voted as a family,” and decided on Janika’s name together. Although, when speaking of the process, seven-year-old Jesper pipes up, questioning his mom seriously on why his baby sister’s middle name wasn’t “Jewel” as he had requested.
The St. Paul New Year’s Baby received a selection of items from local businesses, including baby items, gift certificates, and items for mom and dad.
