FIRST BABY: Young couple welcomes firstborn at Crossing Rivers
The first baby of 2022 born in Prairie du Chien was Layla Rose, born to mom, Phoenix, and dad, Cesar Espinoza.
By Correne Martin
Layla Rose Espinoza made her grand entry into the world on New Year’s Day at 8:55 p.m. at Crossing Rivers Health medical center in Prairie du Chien. She had a head full of hair, chunky cheeks and was a healthy newborn at 36 weeks, six days.
Layla was born to Phoenix, 19, and Cesar Espinoza, 24, of Boscobel. She weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 19.5 inches. On the day they were to be discharged to go home, Jan. 3, the new mom said Layla was already showing a little sass too.
Dr. Kris Huber delivered the baby naturally, with Phoenix surrounded by her fiancé, Cesar, as well as her mother, Sara Dotz, and Crossing Rivers nursing staff. All of her prenatal care was done with Molly Schlegel, certified nurse midwife at Crossing Rivers.
“It felt like one big dream. I still can’t believe it,” Phoenix said. “Everyone was amazing. They made me feel comfortable.”
Phoenix said she went into pre-term labor at 32 weeks. But, she was happy her little sweetheart waited nearly another five weeks before arriving as the first New Year’s baby born in Prairie du Chien.
On Jan. 1, Phoenix said her contractions began about 12:30 a.m., they went into the emergency room about 3:30 a.m. and were sent home. When the pain got worse about 10:30 a.m., they returned to the hospital, to find out Phoenix was ready to deliver.
The couple knew, since she was 14 weeks along, that their firstborn was going to be a girl.
“We just loved the name,” Phoenix said, of choosing Layla. “Her middle name is [Cesar’s] mom’s name.”
Grandparents are Rosa and Alfonzo Duran, of Donna, Texas; and Sara Dotz, of Prairie du Chien. Layla is the first grandchild on both sides of the family.
The family headed home Monday evening, to a nursery that they said is “packed” with adorable baby girl clothing, including her first pair of cowboy boots.
•••••
As the First Baby, Layla Rose Espinoza, and her parents, were sent home with a bundle of gifts from local businesses in congratulations.
Prizes included a free one-year subscription to the Courier Press, a piggy bank and $50 savings bond from Peoples State Bank, a one-hour reflexology session from Sole Serenity, a vehicle alignment from Pink’s Automotive, a $50 gift certificate to Moss and Fawn Photography, a bucket of chicken and dinner from Huckleberry’s Restaurant, the baby’s first pair of shoes from Panka Shoe Store, the baby’s first birthday cake from Café Hope, a gift certificate to Mississippi Meats, four free combo meals to Hardee’s, a gift card and onesie from Culver’s Restaurant, a $10 gift card from The Local Oven, and gift bags from Crossing Rivers, The Driftless Area Pro-Life Group and Trillium Midwifery Services.
