Xander Hill-Weston came into the world a little early.
His mother, Amy Hill, said Xander was due on Jan. 9, but Xander apparently had other plans. Amy said her water broke on Sunday, Jan. 1, at about 3 a.m. After 12 hours of laboring she gave birth to her son about at 3:16 p.m. Xander weighed 8 pounds and measured 19 inches in length.
He was the first baby born at the Monadnock Community Hospital after the calendar year had been turned to 2017 – a New Year’s baby.
Xander’s father, Todd Weston, Amy’s four other sons, and some relatives, were all at the hospital when the newest addition to their family arrived.
“It was very exciting, the kids were very excited,” Amy said of the birth, noting that the hospital room was full of people eager to welcome the newborn into the world.
Since Xander’s birth, the family has returned to their home in Antrim where Amy said she is resting after a long couple of days.
“I’ve been resting and taking care of the family and welcoming visitors as they come in and out,” Amy said.
On Wednesday afternoon, just a few days after they brought Xander home, his brother Logan, who is 12, rocked him in a recliner.
“It was too crowded there (at the hospital) so I waited until we got home to hold him,” Logan said.
Logan said he feels comfortable holding the newborn because he has a cousin who he has held before.
Xander wriggled in his brother’s arms, yawned and opened his eyes for a brief moment.
“Look mom … he’s opening his eyes,” Logan said with a laugh.
A comment was made about the size of Xander’s shoes and how they are slightly too big.
“They grow so fast, though,” Amy said, looking her two sons in the recliner. With four older sons aged 12, 16, 18, and 23, Amy knows just how fast it happens.
Abby Kessler can be reached at 924-7172, ext. 234 or akessler@ledgertranscript.com.