WNC’s first babies of 2020

Press release from Mission Health:

As the final day of ticked away, Karen and Bryan Orenchuk, of Black Mountain, found themselves at Mission Hospital in Asheville early the morning of Dec. 31. Because Karen’s labor had started about 11 a.m., they were sure their daughter’s birthday would be 12/31/19; but instead she became the first baby of not only the year, but of the new decade at Mission Hospital.

Lilly Hope Orenchuk was born at 12:46 a.m. on 1/1/2020, weighing in at 7 pounds 5 ounces, 20 inches long. Mom and dad were surprised as she wasn’t due to arrive until Jan. 9, but “she came when she wanted,” said Karen.

Also a bit of a surprise was the gender reveal several months ago. Expecting a boy, when it was revealed it was a girl, the Orenchuk’s 4-year-old daughter Aria Grace had a king-size fit, saying through tears, “no pink!” She ultimately was fine with a little sister and is the one who came up with the name Lilly. The Orenchuk’s also have a 3-year-old daughter, Ivory Faith.

“With this being our third baby, everyone thought she would come quickly,” said Karen who experienced little pain with this birth and was surprised how long she was in labor. The long wait however, made Lilly the first baby at Mission for 2020.

Carrying on a tradition since she had the first baby of the year, the mother of the 2014 first baby brought gifts and a card for baby 2020, something that really touched Karen and Bryan.

Additionally, one of the nurses made a footprint keepsake for Lilly to commemorate her birth.

Dad, Bryan thinks it’s fitting that his new daughter’s middle name is Hope, “A new decade, a new year – there is reason to hope.”

Press release from AdventHealth Hendersonville:

The new year brings a new baby for the Casteel family and the first baby to be born in the new year at The Baby Place at AdventHealth Hendersonville.

Noah Tyler Casteel was born at 1:08 pm on January 1, 2020 at The Baby Place at AdventHealth. He is the first child for his parents, Amanda and Jordan Casteel of Hendersonville. Noah’s Father is an Army Specialist serving overseas. So, his first meeting with Noah came thanks to technology through a video chat.

Amanda’s sister served as her birth coach and says she was amazing through the entire labor and delivery.

Now the family says the next big event for little Noah is meeting his Daddy face-to-face, when he comes home on leave in a few weeks.

Being the first baby of 2020 means Baby Noah received a special gift basket from the team members at The Baby Place at AdventHealth.

On average, The Baby Place in AdventHealth Hendersonville welcomes about 700 babies every year. The care team gives moms a personalized birth experience that is one of the most inclusive in Western North Carolina, with all the mom-focused amenities to provide whole-person care – body, mind, and spirit.