Late on Saturday, Jan. 3 the Barrhead Health Care Centre celebrated the first birth of the New Year.
At 10:58 p.m., Jodi Arseneault and D.J. Keough, a young engaged couple, welcomed their newly born son, Keegan James Keough, weighing 8 pounds, 2 ounces into the world.
The couple said they never thought their baby would be the New Year’s baby.
“He was supposed to come Christmas Day, but he was a week overdue,” Arseneault said.
No matter when young Keegan arrived, Keough said, he is a welcome addition to their family.
“We are just thrilled to have him here and that he is healthy.”
The couple, who are from Swan Hills, wanted specifically to have Keegan in Barrhead, instead of going to Whitecourt, which is an hour closer or Edmonton, because of a family connection.
“Dr. Wray (Brent), was my mother’s doctor and delivered me so when I became pregnant I knew I wanted him to deliver my baby too,” Arseneault said.
As for Keegan’s name, Arseneault said the couple chose Keegan because it just sounded right.
As for his middle name of James, it is one he shares with his father.
In the immediate future, the trio will be staying at the Barrhead Health Care Centre for one more day, before returning home.
“I have taken some time off of work, so I can be home with my new family,” Keough said.
