By KERI CHAMPION

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE- Baby New Year arrived in St. John the Baptist Parish at 11:05 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1 at River Parishes Hospital.

The new arrival was a baby girl, with a head full of red hair like her mother. She weighed a healthy six pounds and 11 ounces and was 19 inches long.

The baby was eager to be the New Year’s first new face and was delivered by Dr. Stuart Schultz four days early. The original due date was January 5.

The name of the new bundle of joy is Zeta Raene Steele. She was greeted by father Christopher Steele, and mother Alicia Englade.

Zeta’s sister Kiaya was there too, and she seemed to be fascinated with her new sister.

(See BABY, Page 2A)

The entire time the family was being interviewed, Kiaya called to her new sister &#8220beba, beba,” she said.

Dad Christopher said that having two daughters will be a challenge that he looks forward to in the future.

&#8220We are planning on moving from Reserve to Hammond in the near future,” he said.

&#8220The delivery was definitely easier the second time around, but it will be harder now with two,” Alicia said.

She said that this is the second grandchild on her mom’s side, the other being her oldest daughter.

Stepgrandmother Susie Englade said she is excited about the new addition.

Alicia arrived at the hospital around 5:30 a.m. She started having contractions early in the evening on Dec. 31 and had pre-planned to have the child there.

To make the arrival a special event, the family was presented with a basket of gifts from the hospital and area businesses. It is a tradition at River Parishes Hospital to give the family of the first baby of the New Year a gift basket filled with goodies. The family received a $25 VISA gift card from Louisiana Federal Credit Union, a $20 gift certificate at Chili’s Restaurant, dinner for two at Bull’s Corner, $20 gift card at Italian Pie, a portrait package from Portraits by Susie, $50 Wal-Mart Gift card provided by the hospital, and $100 worth of baby items from the hospital gift shop.

Alicia wished to thank all the businesses that contributed to the gift basket.

&#8220Baby Zeta and I are feeling fine and we are happy to be home,” she said.