Shawna White and Ishmael Grimwood are first-time parents to B.C.’s first baby of 2022.
The couple, who live on Salt Spring Island, had come to Victoria to prepare for the baby’s arrival when White’s water broke.
“The due date is actually January 7th, we’d just come over from Salt Spring to Victoria a week early just to be prepared and ready,” Grimwood said. “Then we were only here for one day and then Shawna’s water broke, so it was pretty good timing.”
The couple have not yet chosen a name for the baby boy, who was born at 12:04 and weighed 6 lbs, 6 oz.
“We figured we’ll just make sure everyone is healthy and then we’ll just see what name fits,” Grimwood said.
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Since the baby was a week early, Grimwood says the couple wasn’t expecting to have the first baby of the year in B.C.
“The most important part was that the baby was healthy and that we were happy to be parents and that everything went well,” Grimwood said. “But it was definitely a really good way to start a new year, and hopefully it’s a sign of good things to come.”
Grimwood says both mom and baby are healthy, and they will be staying in Victoria for a few days before heading home.
“We’ll stay in VGH for another few days,” Grimwood said. “We’re all set up at home, and we’re all looking forward to going home and spending some time together.”
He says he is grateful for the staff at Victoria General Hospital.
“I can’t speak highly enough about the staff here,” Grimwood said. “Even though this was unplanned and he came early, it’s been pretty amazing. I hear they’re understaffed as well, but they’ve been unbelievable and amazing.”
Photo credit/Shawna White and Ishmael Grimwood
Laura Brougham
