New Year's Baby Arrives a Little Late

Caption: From left, Mindy Suhr, Director of Maternal Child Health, with the Palacios family: J’Lynn 5, Mom Alicia, new born Javier, big brother Julian 8, and Dad Luis as they celebrate Javier being the first baby born in 2012. (Photo by CariSue Flores for the Sun-News)

SILVER CITY Javier Rey Palacios started trying to come into this world just a little too late to be born on New Year s Day, but the six-pound, one and half ounce baby boy made his arrival at 9:39 a.m. Monday morning Jan. 2 at Gila Regional Medical Center, the first baby born in Grant County in 2012.

Javier was expected to arrive on Jan. 1, his mother Alicia Palacios said, but she didn t go into labor until just before midnight. And while there was a tinge of excitement at Javier being the first baby of the New Year, mainly the family was grateful that he was healthy.

God bless that he was healthy, Javier s father Luis Palacios said. Nothing is more important than having a healthy baby. Having a New Year s baby is one of those side perks.

Javier is the third child for Alicia and Luis Palacios, both 32, and was much anticipated by their other two little ones, Julian, 8, and J Lynn, 5.

They couldn t wait for him to come, Luis said. My little girl wanted a baby brother - she wanted to be the only girl - and my little boy wanted a baby brother to play games with.

The couple, who are both successful business owners in town, have been taking some time to enjoy family, this holiday season. Luis and his father own Mi Casita restaurant, which has been in Luis s family for more than 30 years, and Alicia owns New Phaze Beauty Salon on Ranch Club Road. This year will be her fourth owning the salon.

We took some time out of our busy lives and waited for our new

arrival to come, Alicia said. She described the time around her son s birth as calm and relaxing.

Luis was there for the birth of his son, then went and brought the couple s other two children up to see their baby brother.

They were so excited, Alicia said.

The nurses on the floor said they were glad to be a part of bringing Javier into this world.

We appreciated everything the local businesses have done, Luis said.

Both AmBank and Western Bank donated savings bonds. Connors Jewelry donated a silver Bambi bank. Ace Hardware donated a gift certificate, as did a number of local restaurants, Luis said.

And the maternity ward donated a Graco baby monitor.

They did a wonderful job taking care of my wife and son, Luis said of the ladies on the ward, so did Dr. Nwachuku. I really appreciate him taking care of my wife for these nine months.

Christine Steele can be reached at (575) 538-5893 ext. 5802