The First Baby of 2021 (Finally) Arrives!

posted on Thursday, January 7, 2021 in General

After a busy December in Spencer Hospital’s Birth Center, January started very quietly – so quiet that the first baby of the New Year didn’t arrive until January 6th. As long as the wait seemed for the birth center staff, it really felt long for new mom Patty Schulz and her husband Dave. Patty’s labor started Tuesday morning yet baby Reba Jayne didn’t make her appearance until early Wednesday evening, after 36 long hours of labor for her mom.

“We were really excited to arrive at the hospital to have her; I was so ready, yet I was also starting to get worried for her the longer labor went,” Patty shared. Fortunately, once Reba was ready, the delivery went smoothly and Dr. Hilary Kerrick delivered the healthy baby girl. 

Reba Jayne weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce and measured 19.25 inches long. Patty and Dave said they chose the name “Reba” because they liked that it’s a familiar, yet not a common name. After researching it in a baby names book, they learned it also means “fourth born” and Reba is Patty’s fourth baby. 

Grandparents are Paul and Linda Schulz of Hampton, IA, and Steve and Dodi Haugen of Slayton, MN. Siblings include Dillon (28), Owen (14), Kathryn (9), and Maverick (6).