North Shore's first baby of 2024 arrives early - on Jan. 1

The North Shore’s first baby was so eager to make his appearance that he decided to arrive 10 days early.

Gunnar Gordon was expected to make his entrance on a due date of Jan. 11, but parents Alex and Graeme Gordon got a New Year’s Day surprise when he arrived early at 3:54 p.m. on Jan. 1, becoming the first baby born on the North Shore in 2024 at Lion’s Gate Hospital.

The North Vancouver couple hadn't been planning much for New Year's except cooking a nice meal, said new mom Alex Gordon.

"We really didn't think we were going to have a New Year's baby. There were no signs," she said. But then contractions started around 8 p.m. Dec. 31.

Even after that, "It was a long labour and I didn't think Gunnar would be the New Year's baby, because he was taking his sweet time."

But when Gunnar was born weighing 8 lbs, 13 ounces, on the afternoon of New Year's Day, he turned out to be the first baby born on the North Shore.

The couple had hoped to expand their family for years, so are savouring every moment of new parenthood now they are back home together, said Alex - even with minimal sleep.

“He is healthy and we are just so thrilled he is here,” she said.

"Gunnar has been a great baby and really loves his snuggles."