Many welcomed the new year as a fresh start, a time to make major life changes. For two Turlock couples, the changes came hours after ringing in 2011 with the birth of their New Year’s babies.

Chris and Melissa Hennessy will always consider 2011 as the year of blessings, as they welcomed a new addition to their family — one they had been wanting for six years. Christopher Daniel Hennessy, Jr. was born at 3:25 a.m. on Saturday — New Year’s Day — at Kaiser Hospital in Modesto. Christopher weighed six pounds, 11 ounces at birth and was 20 inches long.

“We’ve been trying (to have a baby) for six years, considered adoption, and so this was definitely a blessing for us,” Chris said.

Christopher entered the world 10 days before his “due date” and was the third baby born in 2011 in Modesto. Chris was especially proud to have a son to carry on the family name, as he was the last Hennessy — until Saturday, that was.

Christopher’s entry into the world was not easy. At one point the doctors told Melissa the baby’s heart rate was slowing and they took her to have an emergency Caesarian section. Thankfully, the baby’s heart rate improved making surgery not necessary and 23 hours after her water broke, Melissa was able to have a natural child birth.

Four hours after Christopher Hennessy, Jr. was born, Carla Mills and Robert Medeiros welcomed their own bundle of joy at Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock.

Andrew Joseph Medeiros was born at 7:31 a.m. on Saturday, making him the first 2011 baby born in Turlock. Andrew weighed nine pounds, six ounces at birth and was 21 inches long. He will join big sister, Meagan, 2, at his new Turlock home.

The New Year’s birth was a big surprise for Carla and Robert, as Andrew was expected to be born almost a month earlier on Dec. 8, 2010.

“We were just waiting, and waiting, and waiting,” said Robert about the long overdue birth of his son.

Carla said having the first New Year’s baby in Turlock was very exciting.

“It was between me and another girl, who ended up having her baby a couple hours behind me,” she said.

Carla and Robert were also surprised to receive a large gift basket from Emanuel for having the first baby of the new year. The gift basket had everything a new baby would need — and a gift card to a local restaurant so mom and dad could get a little alone time in the coming months.

2011 is already looking bright for at least two Turlock families and a good way to start the new year.

To contact Kristina Hacker, e-mail khacker@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2004.