Regina’s first baby of 2018 is a girl

It’s a girl!

Regina has welcomed its first baby of 2018.

Ephina Maria Jean Verhaeghe was born at 2:59 a.m., weighing seven pounds to first-time parents Michelle and Josh Verhaeghe.

Michelle was in labour for 51 hours. “It was very long but very powerful,” she said.

She felt somewhat prepared based on her experience running in half-marathons.

“Lots of people compared labour to a marathon and so that made it kind of more manageable in that sense,” she said.

The baby girl was due on Dec. 28 and Michelle’s only wish was for her not to arrive on Christmas. While she was more than ready to have the baby when the due date came, arriving late made it extra special.

“My mom’s birthday is today,” said Michelle.

Ephina shares a Jan. 1 birthday with her grandmother, who cried when she found out.