Muswellbrook Lioness Club congratulate first 2017 baby

But, it wasn’t until the next morning that Nathan and Karen discovered he was the first baby born at Muswellbrook hospital in 2017.

Jesse arrived on Tuesday, January 3, at 2.53pm, weighing 3.73 kilograms.

Traditionally, the first local baby of the New Year received a gift from Muswellbrook Lioness Club, and Jesse was no exception.

Club members visited the newborn and offered their congratulations.

Jesse is a younger brother for Elijah, 5; and a grandson for Kathy and Wayne Standing, Peter and Marilyn Eivers, and Carolyn Welsh.

Previously from Singleton, the couple moved to Muswellbrook three years ago.

They were still deciding which name to give their youngest son, until they met him for the first time, and thought it suited him most.

Jesse’s middle name was officially chosen after he was born as well.

One of the options on his parents’ list was Alexander – which happens to be the surname of Muswellbrook hospital’s maternity ward manager.

When Janelle Alexander introduced herself, Mrs Brumby pointed out the name to her husband, and they finalised their choice.

“We were pretty impressed with the maternity ward at Muswellbrook,” Mrs Brumby said.

“I thought they were so lovely – we had a really good experience there.”

After Jesse’s birth, the maternity ward quickly filled with other newborns.