New Year's baby comes on strong

His name means strength and Okotoks’ first baby of 2012 is already out to prove he is a tough guy.

Talon Goldring was born at the High River Hospital on Jan. 4 at 8:28 a.m. and his parents say he comes by his name honestly.

“He can hold his head up already,” said proud mom, Taryn James.

“And if you hold his arms he pulls himself up,” chimed in dad Will Goldring.

The couple said they just wanted to find an unusual name they both liked and are happy it has resulted in a strong baby who weighs in at over nine pounds.

The pair said they weren’t even thinking about a New Year’s baby and were just hoping to get through Christmas after moving into their new home in Drake Landing earlier in the month. Little Talon gave them their wish, but then left them scratching their heads on when he would arrive after three bouts of false labour.

“We were in the hospital on Dec. 27th, 29th and 31st,” said James.

When they were sent home New Years Eve night once again, they thought having a New Year’s baby was not in the cards.

However, when she returned to the High River Hospital on Jan. 4 at 6 a.m. Talon was ready to be born and only an hour-and-a-half later made his appearance.

It wasn’t until Monday they found out he was the New Year’s baby for Okotoks, which came as a pleasant surprise.

“Its exciting,” said James. “Its cool.”

They said now that they are back at home the family is adapting well. Four-year-old brother Kaylen and seven-year-old sister Rylee love their baby brother, although Rylee was looking forward to a little sister, said mom.

“I told her now when we have mother-daughter day it will be really a mother-daughter day,” said James, adding Rylee has already come around.

“She likes to help when she can,” said James. “She likes burping him and holding him and playing with him.”

Dad has also been a big help, in fact he’s the only one Talon really likes to sleep for.

“He’ll be up all night and I’ll come get him and he’ll sleep with me for two or three hours,” said Goldring, smiling.

In the meantime, the family is just basking in little Talon’s greatness.

“You are famous,” James cooed to him. “You are a famous baby.”