There were 12 deliveries of new babies on New Year's Day in hospitals and clinics across Belize. The first delivery was recorded in Dangriga at the Southern Regional hospital just 19 minutes into 2005 at 12:19 am. Deliveries followed in Belmopan at 2:35am and in orange walk at 3:38am. In the old capital Belize City, there were 3 births on New Year's Day but the first did not come until well into January 1st. First-time mother Janice Dawson went into labor at 6:30 Saturday morning and was rushed to the KHMH and two hours later, her first born was also the first of the year at the KHMH.
Keith Swift Reporting,
The first baby of 2005 was delivered 8 hours into the New Year at 8:47 am Saturday morning at the KHMH. Baby Lucio Briceno Jr. may have arrived fairly late in the New Year but he was nonetheless early for mother Janice Dawson and father Lucio Sr.. Early because Lucio Jr. wasn't due for another month.
Janice Dawson,
"It feels good. I am excited and everything because...to me I feel lucky and everything to have him on New Year's Day. It feels good."
KS: I know your son came a month early so it was an unexpected New Year's surprise.
Janice Dawson,
"Well I was supposed to start prepare this week but he just came and I am really happy I get it over with from now and I really look up to him and everything."
And Lucio Jr.'s early arrival is just one reason the couple who has been together for the past two years has to celebrate. He is their first child and his father almost wasn't here for his arrival.
Lucio Briceno Sr.,
"I'm still going right now and as soon as I am finished here I am going to the American Consulate to get my visa and I am already scheduled to fly on Thursday so it still will happen. But I am very happy that I saw my baby boy born before I even left and I think that he did it to see me, the dad. He wanted to know dad and I am happy for that."
Happiness which is how this story ended today as after a brief stay in the intensive care unit the 19 year old mother Janice and the 31 year old father were able to take home their new baby. For the mother her new son's name might be Lucio Jr. but he is really a miracle.
Janice Dawson,
"To me I said it's like a miracle or something but I am just happy that he is alright and everything. I just want to thank the nurse who helped me deliver him and everything."
KS: This your first child?
Janice Dawson,
"Yes its my first."
KS: Was childbirth what you expected?
Janice Dawson,
"Well me as I went in, I had my baby and everything; it was quick and easy."
Lucio Briceno Sr.,
"He's actually really doing great. Everything is okay with him so that's why they are letting us take him home earlier than expected and I say Thank God again for that."
Baby Lucio Briceno Jr. weighed in at 5 pounds 5 ounces. His parents received hampers from the Lions Club and from San Cas. The 12 births are broken down into 3 at the southern regional hospital, one in Belmopan, 2 in Orange Walk, one in Corozal, 2 in Cayo, and 3 at the KHMH.
7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited for the internet by Keith Swift
