First-time parents have first day baby
By Eileen M. Adams
Staff Writer

RUMFORD – Wyatt Raymond Carver couldn’t wait to get out into the world. He arrived on New Year’s Day at Rumford Hospital.

A few days earlier than expected, he was the hospital’s first baby born on New Year’s Day in many years.

First-time parents Ann and Raymond Carver of Mexico are thrilled.

“We’re excited,” said Ann, 31. “I’m looking forward to being a mom.”

The couple have been married for eight years, so they know there’ll be lots of changes at home. They’ve already decorated the new baby’s room in Winnie the Pooh style, and they have prepared their 9-year-old black lab, Buster, for the new addition.

Soon after the baby was born, the receiving blanket was sent home so Buster could get used to the new scent.

Raymond, a truck driver for MeadWestvaco, was working the 3 to 11 p.m. shift at the mill New Year’s Eve. When he got home, Ann was pacing the floor. They decided to head to the hospital, but it turned out to be a little early. Ann came home at 4:30 a.m., but at 8:30 a.m. she knew it was time to go back.

With the help of Raymond, who had gone through the Lamaze birthing method for six weeks with Ann, Dr. Rick Marden delivered Wyatt at 1:28 p.m. He weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 21 inches.

“Raymond did awesome. He cut the umbilical cord, he did great,” Ann said, still beaming, although she hasn’t slept in two nights.

Raymond picked out the name because he likes names from the old West.

Ann, a bookkeeper at Western Maine Supply in Bethel, and Wyatt are going home on Saturday. Raymond’s mother, Millie Carver, is expected to help out for a few days.

The couple don’t want to plan Wyatt’s life.

“We want him to be himself, and whatever he is, we’ll support,” said Ann.

The new baby and parents were showered with dozens of gifts and gift certificates from businesses in Rumford, Mexico and Dixfield.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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