By Cecilia Nasmith

Northumberland Hills Hospital did not have long to wait for its the first baby born in its maternal-child care unit in 2019 – fewer than three hours, in fact, as young Robin Lyle was born to Lindsey Drake-Shalapata and Alex Shalapata at 2:56 a.m. Jan. 1.

Having the little guy turn out to be the hospital's official New Year's Baby was a surprise, the hospital's press release added, as his due date was not for another two weeks.

The Oshawa couple's new son (their second born at NHH) weighed seven lb. three oz. and measured 19.5 inches. He is welcomed by big brothers Ty and Aaron.

The couple said in the press release that they had really enjoyed the experience at NHH several years back when their second son was born, especially the teamwork and mutual respect that was evident among hospital staffers and their midwife, Kory McGrath of New Life Midwives.

It was the same story with Robin's birth, they reported.

“The nurses, our midwife, the doctor and the anesthesiologist – everyone involved was just amazing, and we're very grateful,” the mother said.