Excitement for new OB unit

GIBSON CITY — Just opened on November 24th, a lot of smiles surfaced in a hurry in the new OB unit at Gibson Area Hospital.

Three new babies arrived after months of waiting for the hospital's move into the new DeWall Maternity Unit. Hospital administrators and staff have waited to open the new addition, under construction as part of a major renovation since 2012.

Charlie Kate was the first-born in the new unit. The daughter of Brooke and Gordon Allen of Hoopeston actually started the labor process in the hospital's old OB unit.

Kristen Fredericks and Andrew LaMarr, of Piper City, also became new parents in the DeWall Unit. Their son, Layten Victor, was the second born that same day.

The honors for the third baby born were bestowed on Samantha Merrill and Ryan Mashburn of Fairbury. The Bloomington Pantagraph reports 'Baby Piper' is their second child.

Not to be forgotten however, is the last baby born in the old unit at Gibson Hospital. 'Baby boy Beau Fields' was delivered by hospital employee Rikee Fields and husband Casey. The Gibson City couple said they are not disappointed in their experience in the old unit because they were among friends and fellow co-workers who made bringing Beau into the world a special occasion.

Mom Rikee said, "We were excited at the potential to be the first birth in the new unit. But in the end, Gibson's OB is so remarkable it didn't matter—it was still a great experience. It is exciting to be part of history at this hospital that's growing and doing big things."

The Fields Family and the Allen Family were celebrated as parents of the "Last and First" babies. They received gift baskets a year's supply of diapers.

94.1 WGFA