The number 20 must be lucky for the Rayner-Reekie family.

Judah Albert William Rayner, Chilliwack’s New Year baby, was born at 20:20 on Jan. 1, 2020.

As folks were ringing in the new year, Alana Reekie had just gone into labour with her partner Dennis Rayner by her side.

Reekie said she had a “fabulous” pregnancy, but it was a different story when it came to labour. She had complications after being induced 10 days before her due date, and when her labour did start, little Judah didn’t respond well to his mama’s contractions.

After hours of labour, doctors decided the best thing to do was to deliver Judah by Cesarean section. And so at 8:20 p.m. on New Year’s Day, he was welcomed into the world weighing a healthy eight pounds seven ounces.

“The team here is amazing,” said Rayner of the doctors and nurses at Chilliwack General Hospital. “Our heart definitely goes out to the team here, no question about it.”

Baby Judah is the first child for Reekie and Rayner, but not the first addition to their family. The two have several animals at home, and not just your typical ones. Along with two cats and two dogs, they have a bearded dragon, nine chickens, seven ducks and a miniature pig named Gus.

“Judah’s going to have a busy, busy childhood,” said Rayner.

The birth of Judah was actually the second special moment Reekie and Rayner shared over the holidays. The two got engaged on Christmas Day. They will be getting married in July.

READ MORE: B.C.’s first baby of 2020 arrives in New Westminster

READ MORE: Chilliwack 2019 New Year’s baby born after IVF journey

Chilliwack Progress