Stettler’s New Year’s baby didn’t arrive right at the dawn of the New Year, but was still the Stettler area’s first baby of 2014.
Saphira Nola Hofer made her way into the world one minute before midnight on Jan. 2. She is 7 lbs. 3 oz. and 19 inches long. Her parents are Margaret and Jacob Hofer of the Red Willow Hutterite colony. The labour was easy and uneventful. Margaret Hofer pointed out that nothing was really surprising, as she has four other children.
“I’ve had more kids, so I know,” she said.
Saphira joins big brother Jacob, 10, and big sisters Damaris, 8; Rebekah, 4; and Alana, 1.
The distinction of having the New Year’s baby didn’t seem to be a big deal to Margaret, who was still recovering in the hospital the day after giving birth.
“It feels normal,” she said.
Saphira arrived three days past her Dec. 31 due date, and when labour started, the 20-minute drive to the hospital in Stettler wasn’t urgent. Margaret was in labour for six hours and she, along with Saphira, is doing well.
“She nurses and she sleeps,” said Margaret, adding that she has been a pretty good baby so far.
Mom and baby got to go home on Jan. 4, two days after the birth.