2010's first baby family's third daughter

CNJ staff photo: Liliana Castillo Laura Larko and Chris Austin welcomed their third daughter, Aaliyah Lynn Austin, at 2:19 p.m. Saturday, making her the first baby to be born in 2010 at Plains Regional Medical Center.

Laura Larko has never had a baby on her due date. With her first two daughters, delivery was off by weeks either way.

Not so with her third daughter, Aaliyah Lynn Austin. She was delivered at 2:19 p.m. Saturday — her due date — making her the first baby born at Plains Regional Medical Center in 2010.

Aaliyah weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces and was 18.5 inches long.

Larko and Chris Austin, both of Clovis, checked into the hospital’s maternity ward about 6 p.m. Friday.

“I feel normal,” said Austin, the new father. “It hasn’t hit me yet.”

Both parents work in the medical field. She is a caregiver and he as a home healthcare worker.

“It’s exciting,” Larko said.

“We get to tell her (she was the first baby of the new year) when she’s older,” Austin added.

Larko’s stepfather, Charles Mills, and a host of family members were on hand to celebrate. Mills came in from Dallas to be with his family for the New Year.

“She had perfect timing,” Larko said.

Mills was glad his granddaughter was the first baby of 2010.

“It’s wonderful,” he said. “I’m so excited. I’ll be bragging about it for weeks at work.”

Larko said the family was glad the year started off the way it did.

“It’s the best way to start off a new year,” the proud new mother said.