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Boy Timed Delivery Just Right For Couple

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By LISA A. DAVIS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 2, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Jose Morales awoke New Year's Day and rolled over to see his girlfriend next to him with tears streaming down her face.

Not exactly the way to kick off 2008. Or was it?

It seems Joell (pronounced like Noel with a J) Anthony Morales - all 8.8 pounds and 21 inches of him - couldn't wait to make his appearance in the world, and what a grand entrance it was. He was Pasco County's first baby of 2008, born at 1:34 p.m. via Caesarean section at The Birthplace at Community Hospital.

His mother, Christina Robles, expected him sooner than his Jan. 11 due date. In fact, a C-section was scheduled for Friday. But she was surprised when, hours after she and Morales rang in the new year with family, the mild contractions she had been having for days came fast and hard.

"I just couldn't take it anymore," the 18-year-old said of the pain.

So off to the hospital she went.

"She was contracting away, huffing and puffing," said charge nurse Kathy Gillespie.

There was no doubt. Her baby would come on New Year's Day. About an hour later, the high school senior met her second son.

"He said, 'Nobody's telling me when I'm going out,'" she said gazing at the newborn cocooned in a blue, pink and white blanket and matching hat.

Morales, 22, cradled the baby, rocking back and forth and beaming as he looked down at the rosy face.

The Port Richey couple was thrilled to learn their baby arrived with honors.

"I think that's cool," Morales said. "That's something we're always going to remember."

"Now we're going to say: 'Happy New Year. Happy Birthday,'" Robles said, her smile wide.

Even the nurses were happy to have the first baby in their care. Last year, the first New Year's Day baby didn't arrive at their hospital until 8:43 p.m. And it wasn't the county's first.

"We're excited," said Gillespie. "It makes it worthwhile working on a holiday - something exciting."

Only 2 hours old, Joell contently sucked on his wrinkly hand, eyes closed, as he rested in his mother's arms.

He'd already met his 2-year-old brother Jose III, and more guests were expected in Room 10, the only one occupied in the baby center Tuesday afternoon.

Occasionally, Joell let out a quick cry, probably telling his parents he wanted a meal, they guessed.

At least once, he gave a big ol' yawn. It had been a big day for the little guy, after all.

Reporter Lisa A. Davis can be reached at (727) 815-1083 or ldavis@tampatrib.com.

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