By ANEEKA SIMONIS
IF the birth of their first child wasn’t special enough – it sure is now with baby boy Caleb having the distinction of being Victoria’s first baby of 2016.
Born to loving, first-time parents Emily and Rohan Pither, from Officer, Caleb’s grand entrance into the world at 12.45am on Friday 1 January set a record for the year of births to come – but it wasn’t exactly prompt timing.
“He was supposed to be a Christmas baby but he became our New Year’s baby,” said adoring dad Rohan of his son, who was due to arrive on Tuesday 22 December.
Caleb was delivered by caesarean, coming in at just over 11 pounds.
Smitten mum Emily said the birth was pushed back into the New Year after a number of emergency caesareans were fast-tracked ahead of her at Monash Medical Centre.
Though Caleb was miracle enough for the pair – his late arrival was made extra special when they learnt their bub was Victoria’s first for the year.
“He was worth the wait,” said Emily. “It’s really exciting. Something novel that we never thought would happen to us. It’ll be something we can share when he’s older at his 18th or 21st.
“We just can’t believe he’s here.”
Emily’s mother Wilma Raymond has not spent a day away from baby Caleb since he was born.
He is her first grandchild and she said the bond they already share is a special one.
“It’s like I am in love with him. I don’t just love him … I am in love with him,” she said.
The pair already sees parts of themselves in their son.
At only a few days old, Caleb already shares a near identical hair style to his dad.
“We bought a comb for him thinking we would need it in about six weeks’ time. I had to bring it to the hospital the day after he was born. He has so much hair,” Rohan said.
Caleb’s first taste of life was loving, surrounded by more than just his parents.
Rohan’s sister Merryn, who works in the hospital’s infant special care unit, was able to meet her nephew soon after he was born during their work shift, while Emily’s best friend’s sister made up the crib Caleb slept in during his nursery stay.
“It was special to be able to share those connections,” Rohan said.
