FORT SILL, Okla. (Jan. 16, 2015) -- Born Jan. 1 at 6:21 p.m., Wesson Henry Wells was the first baby born in 2015 at Reynolds Army Community Hospital on Fort Sill.
Weighing in at 8 pounds, 4 ounces, Wesson made his debut a day earlier than expected giving mom, Jessica Wells and dad, Sgt. Joseph Wells a New Year's Day to remember.
"His actual due date was Jan. 2 and we got to the hospital on New Year's Eve, our (wedding) anniversary actually, and were induced due to minor complications," said Jessica. "We thought he'd come on his due date or later, so it was a shock when the doctor said they would keep me there."
When Jessica and her husband went into RACH for a routine appointment early Dec. 30 they were asked to come back the next day for additional testing. Joseph had the feeling the moment had arrived so he packed up the bags and had them ready in the car as they headed to labor and delivery Dec. 31. Jessica was admitted for observation and induced later that evening.
As new parents, Jessica and Joseph said that not much has changed besides the lack of sleep.
"Joseph has been pouring orange juice in his cereal we're so tired," said mom. "I've been mailing off letters without addresses. We're learning, but nothing really is changing too much."
"It's a lot less sleep," said dad. "Honestly, I've always been a dog person and I never thought I could love anything other than my wife more than my dogs. But that little dude right there has opened up my eyes big time."
Joseph said he is grateful for the extra leave his unit (Headquarters Service Battery, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery) gave him.
Jessica and Joseph said choosing the baby's name was a bit of a task.
"Well, he had just purchased a new Smith and Wesson," said Jessica. "I wanted a unique name. He wanted a name he knew how to spell. We were talking about it and all of a sudden I thought, how about Wesson. Joseph said, 'I like it.'"
Wesson's middle name, Henry, is named after famous gun maker, Benjamin Tyler Henry who patented the first .44 caliber rimfire, lever-action breech-loading rifle.
Wesson isn't the only one with a birth story to talk about, mom made headlines when she was born.
"I was born in an ambulance on the side of the road in my hometown of Haskell, Oklahoma," said Jessica. "I was late, but when I came, I was born fast. My mom said I was definitely ready."
Plans for the new family include celebrating a happy and healthy new year as well as taking Wesson to meet friends and family. Wesson was one of four babies born on New Year's Day in Lawton.
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