St. Croix woman gives birth to territory's first baby of new year
Published: January 2, 2013
Font size: [A] [A] [A]
The territory's first baby born in the new year was a healthy baby girl, born on St. Croix.
Senyra Stapleton was born at 1:57 a.m. Tuesday at Luis Hospital. She was 5 pounds, 10.5 ounces and 19.5 inches long.
Mom Josolyn Rodriguez was surprised to have a New Year's baby because her due date was not until Jan. 17.
"She was ready to come. She's a feisty little thing," Rodriguez said.
Senyra is Rodriguez's fourth child, and her other children are thrilled to have a baby in the house, she said. Senyra will be joining her two brothers, Emmanuel, 11, and Ezekiel, 10, as well as a sister, Senaya, 8.
"They're going to spoil her," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said Senaya is excited to have a real baby doll to dress up and carry around.
Although just a newborn, Senyra already has a flair for the dramatic. She came out with her hand on her head, her mom said.
"I said, 'Oh, this is Miss St. Croix,'" Rodriguez said.
The first baby of the year gets a goodie basket of much-needed baby supplies, donated by local organizations. Rodriguez said she got diapers, wipes and other supplies to get her through the first few weeks.
"I didn't know I was going to get such VIP treatment," she said. "If I had known, I would have tried to have my others on New Year's, too."
She said she was proud to bring the New Year's baby title back to St. Croix after two years of St. Thomas having the first baby of the year.
"I'm excited because at least I know she'll be remembered," Rodriguez said.
The first baby born on St. Thomas was not born until almost 3 p.m. Tuesday.
A healthy baby boy - born 8 pounds, 10.2 ounces and measuring 20.75 inches - was born at 2:59 p.m. to first-time mom Jolene Chanleverin. Chanleverin had not named the baby yet, because her husband had to fly to Miami on Monday and is returning Saturday.
Chanleverin said she wanted to wait for her husband to be home to name the baby. The baby's last name will be Toussaint, she said.
- Contact reporter Aldeth Lewin at 714-9111 or email alewin@dailynews.vi.
To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.
Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.
