Stouffville baby boy claims honours as York Region's first child of 2019

At 9 pounds, 12 ounces Joseph DeRose, son of couple Danny and Amber came bouncing into world at 2:11 a.m.

YorkRegion.com
January 2, 2019
Tim Kelly

The first two babies of 2019 in south York Region didn’t wait too long before making their appearances in the world.

But in the end, it was Joseph DeRose, born at 2:11 a.m. at Markham Stouffville Hospital, who claimed the honours – by 16 minutes – over baby girl Martel, who came along at 2:27 a.m. at Mackenzie Health Richmond Hill.

The mother of the first baby born at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket declined to do any media interviews or share information or photographs of her newborn.

Joseph DeRose, of Stouffville, is the first baby born to proud parents Amber and Danny.
Father Danny, 40, a veterinarian in Markham, said seeing his son born was, “like no other experience, never experienced anything like it.”

The proud papa said his wife Amber, 32, a veterinary technician was “in great spirts,” despite what he said was a “long, difficult labour.” He said Tuesday afternoon that she was in “great spirit with a great mood and great energy.”

Joseph, who weighed nine pounds 12 ounces, produced a “a great mix of emotions,” according to dad Danny.

“We’re just overjoyed that he is happy and healthy,” he said.

Over at Mackenzie Health Richmond Hill, baby girl Martel, who remains so far without a first name, was born to parents Andrea and Derek of Toronto. Baby, mom and dad are doing well.