Mom of New Year’s baby grateful for much-needed gifts

For most expecting moms with a first-of-the-year due date, the possibility of delivering a New Year’s baby is an intriguing prospect – a lovely bit of happenstance that figures in somewhere between “wouldn’t that be nice?” and “I’m ready to have this baby!”

For Shawna Simpson, having Henderson County’s first baby of the year was, in her words, a miracle.

 For years, ETMC Athens has organized donations from generous businesses to be presented as a gift to the mother of the first baby born at the hospital in the new year. Two months ago, for lack of any other place to do so, Simpson stored nearly all of her baby items in her sister’s apartment.

“And someone stole all my things,” said Simpson in her quiet, unassuming voice. “The baby bed, bassinet, new clothes, unused bottles, practically everything I had for her.”

Simpson’s daughter, Ka’mya, was born Jan. 1, 2008, at 5:14 p.m., weighing 6 pounds, 7 ounces, 18-and-a-half inches long.

Along with the gift of a healthy baby girl with 10 wiggly fingers, 10 scrunched-up toes and a lovely head of strawberry-blond hair, Simpson also received the unexpected gift of some much-needed baby items.

 “I believe God knew I was struggling, and he gave it to me,” she said. “I was due to be induced (Wednesday), but I went into labor (Tuesday), so I believe it was a miracle that it happened to me.” Simpson quietly acknowledges she has a challenging road ahead. Ka’mya joins a 14-month-old brother, Shamarion, and the three will be staying with Simpson’s grandmother for the time being.

“I hope to go back to school when I can and get a job in the medical field,” said Simpson. She cradles her daughter gently, gazing down as she speaks. “I want her to have what I didn’t have. I had to grow up fast, and I don’t want her to. I want her to know I’m going to be there for her.”

The New Year’s Baby gifts presented to Simpson were:

• several items from ETMC Athens, including a diaper bag, baby blankets, towels, monitor, thermometer, safety materials, Teddy Bear and baby blankets;
• a glider rocker from Lakeland Medical Associates;
• a car seat from Dr. Elaine Shaw; • a gift basket with various baby items from Babies-R-Us; • a wreath from Pam Williams, RN, an OB nurse;
• a photo package from Robby Robertson Photography;
• a baby book from Mady’s Hallmark;
• a gown from Bullfrogs & Butterflies;
• a manicure from Star Nails; and
• dinner for two from McAllister’s.