Long Island’s first baby in 2022 joined the world at midnight on New Year’s Day: Ashton Gabriel, born of Megan and Rosendy Gabriel, of Floral Park.
Young Ashton, born at Katz Women’s Hospital at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces and was 21 inches long. Mother Megan Gabriel described him as “calm and cool” and said they had spent much of his first day on the planet cuddling.
Ashton had an appointment on December 27, and then arrived in a hurry: “I was in labor at 3pm and we got to the hospital at 7.30pm because they were getting very strong,” Gabriel said. “Everything just went so fast.”
Megan Gabriel, 31, runs Wet Paws, a pet care service in Bellerose Terrace; Rosendy Gabriel, 33, works in finance in Manhattan and is a Marine who has deployed to Iraq and Jordan. Ashton has two brothers, Aidin, 8, a baby Christmas, and Gavin, 4.
Megan Gabriel said she had hoped to introduce Ashton to her brothers at the hospital. But both she and her husband were tested positive for COVID-19, so the boys and Rosendy Gabriel, who was present for the birth but had to leave after the birth, are waiting at home.
The boys are “very excited – they can not wait for us to come home,” she said.
But “to be here without [my husband] It really stinks, “she said.” I would love his help, and it would be nice just to have him here. “
Gabriel, who has received her vaccination and booster shots, said she apologized to one of the nurses who came into her hospital room.
“Since I’m COVID positive, I’m sure it’s scary,” Gabriel said.
“Don’t worry,” the nurse told her. “All are.”
Even Dr. Glenn Kaufman, the doctor at the birth was thrilled, she said, telling her that even though he had been on duty many times during the holidays, Ashton was his first New Year’s baby.
When a few years have passed, Gabriel said, Ashton’s birthday on New Year’s will be a “nice fact that he will be able to tell all his friends.”
She and Ashton are due to leave the hospital on Sunday, she said. She was happy, a little tired “and just asked that he have no COVID symptoms,” she added.
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