The first baby of the year in Rockdale County wasted no time in the business of getting out into the world.
Presley Daye Parker was born at 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Rockdale Medical Center, less than two hours after her parents checked in. She weighed 7 pounds 9 ounces and measured 20.5 inches.
Her parents Kevi Parker, 28, a stay-at-home mother, and Patrick Parker, 32, whose family owns the Flooring and Tile Superstore at Salem Gate, marveled at how quickly the birth went. Presley’s due date had been Jan. 11.
“We were just sitting at home,” said Kevi. “It started at 8:15 p.m., getting contractions. By 11 p.m., I said ‘I think this is it.’ By the time we got here (11:45 p.m.), I was already dilated 7 centimeters.”
Kevi knew she was too far along to have an epidural. “I had to prep myself… I was nervous about doing it without an epidural, but you can’t go backwards.”
After the water broke, “two pushes and that was it,” said Patrick.
During labor, Kevi said they received calls from tipsy friends out for New Year’s Eve, urging her along, and she knew the midwives were keeping tabs on which baby would be coming first.
Midwife Ursula Brock of Dr. Richard Robinson's office delivered Presley. “She said ‘I’m sure you won’t appreciate this now, but you will later,’” recalled Patrick.
This is their second child. Presley’s older brother Trey will be 2 years old in March and was excited to see his baby sister.
“I don’t know if he really comprehends that she’s coming home and we’re keeping her,” said Kevi, laughing.
Kevi, a Heritage graduate, said she had always wanted to be a mother. Patrick graduated from Salem and played baseball and basketball during high school.
Presley’s name has nothing to do with Elvis, Kevi explained. “I don’t have anything against Elvis, but this is no relation.” However, Presley’s parents do know she’ll be raised as a Georgia fan – they’ve already picked out the gear.
But there’s plenty of time for that later. Mother and child are doing well, and Presley’s parents marvel at her long fingernails, full head of hair, and the squeaks and sounds she makes as she sleeps.
Patrick said he did think about missing the tax deduction for 2010. “But overall, having the first baby in the county is a little more rewarding. I would have forgotten how much extra money we would get back, but you never forget the first (baby) in the county.”
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(January 2, 2010, 11:58 a.m.)IN BRIEF: The first baby of the year in Rockdale County is Presley Daye Parker, born at 1:30 a.m. at Rockdale Medical Center, weighing 7 pounds 9 ounces. She was born by natural birth by mother Kevi Parker, 28, and father Patrick Parker, 32, of Conyers and has a nearly 2-year-old brother, Trey. The Parkers checked into the hospital around 11:45 p.m. on Dec. 31 and Presley, who was originally due around Jan. 11, was born just a short time later. She was delivered by midwife Ursula Brock of Dr. Richard Robinson's office.
Check back later to www.rockdalenews.com for a full story.
