GREENFIELD — The first sunbeams of 2017 blinked through the blinds of a small room in Baystate Franklin Medical Center onto the face of Shea Aleksander Nicholas, illuminating his features and soft brown hair for the first time in his life.
Shea was born at 6:25 a.m. Sunday morning — a day after his Dec. 31 due-date — to new parents Kellie and Scott, weighing 8 pounds, 14 ounces.
Kellie Nicholas works in banking. Scott Nicholas works for a firms company.
Inside the hospital room Monday, Kellie and Scott held their New Year’s baby and shared their hopes and dreams for his new life. As they talked and Shea slept, the baby’s hands curled into tiny fists and sunlight fell onto a yellowing newspaper article that rested on a nightstand table.
“Zachary Ryan Lastowski was born at 11:27 a.m. on New Year’s Day to his parents, Kathleen and Richard of Turners Falls,” the story, written Jan. 3, 2000, began. The words are familiar to Kellie.
Zachary is Kellie’s younger brother, born on New Year’s Day 17 years ago at the same hospital. Kathleen and Richard Lastowski are their parents.
“He just wanted to be born on Zach’s birthday,” Kellie Nicholas said, looking down at Shea, adding that Zach “was here last night, and we had ice cream cake and sang ‘happy birthday.’”
“The whole time (Zach) was saying Shea would be born on his due date,” Scott Nicholas said, adding, “(Shea’s) very punctual.”
At the couple’s home in Erving, Shea’s room has been painted white and blue, featuring artwork of anchors to complement a sailor’s theme. Soon, they’ll bring Shea home to introduce him to the rest of their small family — two pit bulls named Daisy and Duke.
“It’s the best way to ring in the new year,” the new mother said, straightening out little Shea’s white shirt, which read “My first new year 2017,” to point out that he wore a little pair of black suspenders and a tiny red bowtie.
“Starting the year with Shea joining us is a great start. It’s going to be tough to make 2017 any better,” Scott Nicholas said.
Franklin County’s first baby of the year is “doing great,” he continued, “knock on wood, he only fusses when he has a dirty diaper and when he’s hungry.”
Later in the year, the couple has planned a vacation in Maine, where they’ll join a few friends who’ve also had babies recently.
“They’re going to be best buds at the beach,” Kellie Nicholas said, adding, “lots to look forward to.” She said she’s anticipating “just watching him grow up, and growing up with him. We’ve already learned so much.”
Scott Nicholas said he’s excited to “watch him grow into the person he’ll become.”
You can reach Andy Castillo
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