Newborn Dubbed 'True North Dakotan' After Mom Gives Birth Outside in Cold Snowy Winter
A North Dakota family welcomed their fifth son, who was unexpectedly born outdoors in cold, snowy weather on New Year’s Day.
Ben and Sara Bellah live in Williston, North Dakota with their four — make it five — boys.
The Bellah’s had every intention of delivering their newborn at the hospital, but their son had his own New Year’s Day plans.
It was around 11 p.m. when Ben and Sara decided it was time to leave for the hospital.
But as the couple walked outside, into the freezing weather, Sara couldn’t take another step.
She told the Williston Herald that she experienced a contraction so intense, she had to sit down on the steps while her husband went to get the car.
“And he was out!” Sara said. “(Ben) didn’t even get over to me from the car before he was out.”
Their “true North Dakotan” son, Declan Ryder Bellah, made his memorable entrance right then and there, at 11:10 p.m.
“He did not make it to the hospital,” Sara and Ben told KFYR-TV.
“He was delivered on the steps of our apartment complex on our way to the hospital,” they said.
“Yeah, true North Dakota baby, born out in the weather; born out in the snow and cold.”
Declan’s parents didn’t freak out, they simply walked back into their apartment, gave their baby a quick wash, and probably took a few deep breaths of relief.
Then they drove to CHI St. Alexius, where Declan was declared the first baby born in 2019 for the hospital.
The 7 lbs 7 oz baby was said to be in excellent health, save a few bruises from his rather rushed delivery.
The Bellah family did not know their baby’s gender prior to his birth, and said they are thrilled to welcome another boy into the family.
Declan joins siblings Eric, 14; Jessie, 12; Jayden, 10 and Tucker, 2.
The baby and his family received a special New Year’s Day welcome basket from the hospital for being the first baby born, which included a $50 gift card, clothing, diapers and teething rings.
The Bellah family has only lived in Williston for a couple of years, they said, but Declan seems to have North Dakota toughness running through his veins already.
“All I can say is that I’m glad it was at least 20 degrees last night and not the -20 that it was the day before,” Sara laughed.
The parents are thankful for their wonderful start to 2019.
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