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Dakota Villazon is 2018 New Year baby
Jesse and Alicia Villazon’s youngest son Dakota is the New Year baby of the CNMI in 2018. Also in photo is the Villazons’ eldest son Dylan. (Bea Cabrera)
The first baby born in the CNMI this 2018 is baby boy Dakota Villazon. Born to Chamorro/Carolinian parents Jesse and Alicia Villazon, Dakota is their second child, delivered at 4:49am on Jan. 1, weighing 5 lbs at 36 weeks.
The New Year babies in 2017 and 2016 were of Bangladeshi and Filipino descent.
Commonwealth Health Center labor and delivery nurse Shirly Ann Weilbacher said that waiting for the first baby to be born in 2018 was exciting.
“It was exciting this new year because in previous years, we had Bangladeshi, and Filipino New Year babies. This year, the boy is from Chamorro/Carolinian parents. You could say they’re native as this is their island and I am glad for them,” she said.
“Every time there is a baby, everyone is excited as a baby is a symbol of new life and new beginnings. We welcome each and every baby born in this world. Babies are precious,” she added.
Alicia Villazon, Dakota’s mother, came in the hospital at 3:30am and gave birth a little over an hour later.
“I didn’t expect that I will be the first one to give birth in 2018. I am happy that Dakota and I are doing well. I hope that he grows up to be a good child, finish school, and earn a master’s degree,” she said.
Jesse Villazon, Dakota’s father, was hoping for a baby girl since their first born, Dylan, is a boy.
“I was hoping for a baby girl but I am definitely happy with any gender. The important thing is that Dakota is healthy. I hope he grows up to become a judge. That is my hope for him, “ he said.
“Having Dakota in our lives is really special and having him as the first baby born in 2018 is indeed extra special for us. I feel proud to be Dakota’s father,” he said.
Dakota Villazon was delivered by Dr. Samauel Gordon with the assistance of CHC’s Labor and Delivery unit composed of Daisy Olanda, Shirly Ann Weilbacher, Maridon Binay-An, and Jevvifer Demapan and the OB Unit composed of Lovely Lopez, Belen Tolentino, Monique Aguila, Edna Abantao, and Jackyleen Kaye Benetra.
