Merced, Los Banos hospitals share credit for first babies of 2011

Merced County welcomed its first baby of the New Year at 6:39 a.m. Saturday with the birth of Sophia Lani McDougall at Memorial Hospital Los Banos.

Nearly 15 hours later, Merced's first baby of 2011, Angelece Messiah Delanda, was born.

She wasn't due until today but decided to make an earlier entrance into the world, coming at 9:24 p.m. Saturday at Mercy Medical Center.

Sophia weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 21 inches. Angelece weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 20 inches.

Christie Hermosillo was glad to see Angelece for the first time New Year's Day.

The 17-year-old carried Angelece nine months and had a long labor, lasting a little more than nine hours.Christie said she didn't shed any tears because she knew what to expect.

Angelece is the second child born to Christie and her 19-year-old boyfriend, Dillon Delanda. Their first daughter, Jenaveciah Delanda, is 11 months old.

Delanda was by Christie's side to provide support during the birth.

"I want to be there for them as they are growing up," he said with a smile, holding Angelece. "They grow so fast."

Both parents hope Angelece and Jenaveciah graduate from high school and pursue a college education.

"I want them to graduate and do something productive with their lives," Delanda said.

The young parents are planning to set the example. "I'm going back to finish school," Christie said.

Delanda said he plans to do the same. Christie must complete 65 credits to graduate from Valley Community School, and Delanda must complete 50 credits at the school.

They both plan to attend college after completing their high school credits.

"I want to be a nurse," Christie said.

The couple added that they plan to get married.

Christie's sister, Daisy Villafan, called the young couple's very responsible, considering their ages.

"They are going to be good parents," she said.

The McDougalls weren't available for comment Sunday.

Reporter Yesenia Amaro can be reached at (209) 388-6507, or yamaro@mercedsun-star.com.

This story was originally published January 3, 2011 at 12:35 AM with the headline "Merced, Los Banos hospitals share credit for first babies of 2011."