Baby joins the world two weeks early

Baby joins the world two weeks early. Michelle De Souza holds her newborn son Lucas Bernard Gonsalves. Lucas was the first baby of the New Year born at St. Joseph's Health Centre at 1:51 a.m. Jan. 1, 2012. courtesy photo

The first-time parents chose 'Bernard' in honour of their fathers, who both share the name. Lucas Bernard Gonsalves was the first baby of the new year born at St. Joseph's Health Centre, arriving one hour and 51 minutes after midnight Jan. 1.

"It's pretty awesome," said Gonsalves, 35, two days after his son's birth. "I'm just happy he's healthy."

Lucas was anxious to meet his parents, arriving two weeks ahead of his due date - Jan. 14. Instead, he made his debut after a labour that began around 5 a.m. on Dec. 30. De Souza weathered the pain throughout the day before heading to St. Joe's close to 11 p.m. However, doctors sent her home with medication to help her sleep before the couple returned at noon the next day. The labour went well, said De Souza.

"It was long," she said. "He took his time."

Since the debut of their six pound, 14 ounce bundle of joy, family and friends have continued to visit their room in the hospital's family birthing centre on the fifth floor. The couple grew up in Scarborough where most of their family still lives. The two met 14 years ago when they both worked at a pharmacy. They've called Liberty Village home for the past three years.

Lucas was a name they stumbled upon online and both liked from the start.

"It stuck," said De Souza, 32.

Born with a head of dark hair, Lucas looks like his father, she said.

Most of the couple's friends have children and Gonsalves' sister has two children so they won't be lacking in advice or support.

"The staff at St. Joe's are amazing - they're wonderful help. They're very attentive, they're fabulous, unbelievable," said De Souza.

So far, admitted the new mom, motherhood is everything she anticipated. She said she hoped to bring Lucas home Tuesday.