Cortez’ first newborn in the New Year was Sam Leonard Alvarez. He weighed just four pounds, and was 18½ inches long.
Born at 9:07 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2, at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango, new mother Monique Alavarez said she had planned to give birth at her home in Cortez. Little Sam had other plans, she said.
“We went to Durango for a check-in with our midwife,” mom explained. “We didn’t know we wouldn’t be leaving.”
After reviewing Monique’s lab tests, midwife Carole Nighswander noticed some unexpected results, and she urged mom and dad, Derek Alvarez, to seek further evaluation at the hospital in Durango. After a thorough examination, doctors advised the couple to stay under supervised care, because the mother’s womb had no more room to expand.
“Despite the fact that Monique hadn’t reached her due date, it was time to bring Sam into the world,” said Derek Alvarez. “The calendar said it was early, but the baby said it was time.”
Sam Alvarez now shares a birthday, Jan. 2, with his proud father, Derek Alvarez.
“It was a beautiful miracle,” said new mom.
Grandparents are Dyanna and Vernon Hoffman and Debbie and Al Alvarez.
Monique Alvarez owns Cortez Yoga and Meditation, and Derek Alvarez owns CortezColorado.net.
The first newborn in the New Year delivered at Southwest Memorial Hospital in Cortez was Aerriel Watts. She weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces, and was 16 inches long.
Born at 3:10 a.m. on Jan. 3, baby Aerriel was the third child for Lorinda and Bentley Watts, Sr. of Towaoc. Older sister, Neshune, 15, and older brother, Bentley, Jr., 10, are excited about their new sister.
Aerriel’s grandparents are Renna and Leroy Begay, and Jeannie and Ben Watts, Jr.
Both mother and baby are healthy at home resting, said proud dad.
Heather and Layne Frazier also announce the birth of their son, Hudson Michael Frazier. Hudson was born Jan. 4, 2014, at 3:52 a.m. at Southwest Memorial Hospital. He weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces, and was 19.5 inches long. Also welcoming home Hudson was his big brother Landon.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com