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Meet Grey, the Interior’s first baby of 2022

Perfect timing for new parents

  • Grey becomes first newborn of the new year at KGH
  • Baby’s middle name has special significance
  • Dad makes 15 hour drive to be there for birth

Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) welcomed the Interior’s first baby of 2022 overnight.

Grey Ron Allison was born at 2:11 a.m. Jan.1, weighing six pounds, 13 ounces.

While he arrived on New Year’s Day he wasn’t expected until the middle of next week.

“We were expecting for Jan.5," mom Molly Smith, told Kelowna10.

“It actually ended up being the perfect time because my boyfriend works away. So, he got home pretty much just in the nick of time.”

When Kelowna10 called the new mother to congratulate her, baby Grey could be heard exercising his lungs in the background.

Molly explained how her boyfriend, Tyler Allison, drove 15 hours from his job in Grande Prairie to be with her. Shortly upon arriving her water broke.

Four hours later they went to KGH where she was induced.

“It was actually a really, really, really good birth,” Molly said. She explained how grateful they were that Tyler was able to be there for the whole experience given how far he drives for work.

This is the couple’s first child.

They were able to get a small amount of rest last night. They’ll remain at the hospital for the minimum 24 hours while nurses and doctor’s monitor the family’s health.

Smith explained New Year’s celebrations for the family weren’t really anticipated before the birth. Prior to this Molly had to quarantine due to COVID-19.

Another interesting aspect of the timing is Tyler’s mom’s birthday is New Year’s Eve so the family can celebrate two birthdays almost simultaneously.

Tyler’s mom was on the way to the hospital from Whistler to welcome her grandson.

Originally Grey was meant as the middle name until they fell in love with it as his first.

His middle name, Ron, has special meaning for the new parents.

“Tyler’s grandpa passed away this summer. And it was actually the last thing he ever got to say to his grandpa; is that we were going to name the baby’s middle name after him,” Molly said.

Once discharged from hospital, Molly explained they'll all head home for some much-needed rest and the baby room is ready.

Published 2022-01-01 by David Hanson

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