Guy Quenneville
Northern News Services
Published Friday, January 4, 2008

YELLOWKNIFE - Zoey Grace Goolia Jaeb is the NWT's first baby of the year.

Julie Rogers and her fiancé Daniel Jaeb, both of Yellowknife, welcomed their first child together at 9:23 a.m., Jan. 1.

"It's a nice treat. It's a nice way to start the year," said Rogers, cradling her seven-pound, three-ounce newborn in her room at Stanton Territorial Hospital in the waning hours of daylight Wednesday afternoon.

Proud parents Daniel Jaeb and Julie Rogers welcomed their child, Zoey, into the world at 9:25 a.m. Tuesday - making Zoey Yellowknife's 2008 New Year's baby. - Guy Quenneville/NNSL photo

"We joked about it (giving birth on New Year's) but I never thought it would actually happen."

While the delivery itself was smooth, getting to the hospital was slightly complicated.

The couple celebrated New Year's Eve at Jaeb's parents' home. Rogers - who was already feeling contractions - went home at 2 a.m., while Jaeb caught up with some friends at his brother's home.

At around 3 a.m., Jaeb got a call from Rogers - a call he'll never forget for the rest of his life.

"I remember the urgency in her voice. She called me and said 'Get your butt home!'"

"I was crying," said Rogers, laughing.

A lineup of people waiting for a taxi at his brother's house held Jaeb up, prompting Rogers to say to him over the phone, "Tell them they'll have to wait. You're getting into the next one!"

Says Jaeb: "I felt like running home, honestly, because I just couldn't handle waiting."

The couple eventually arrived together at the hospital at 4 a.m.

This is Rogers' second child; her six-year-old boy, Jayden, is from a previous marriage.

Roger's mother was there for Jayden's birth but could not be in Yellowknife for Zoey.

Rogers stayed in contact with her mother over the phone, however.

"I talked to her just before I started pushing and as soon as the baby was out," she said.

"My mom is my best friend. It was really hard not having her here. But I had good support in the delivery room."

This is Daniel's first child - and a dream come true for him.

"I've always wanted children," he said, his words coming out slowly as he struggled to convey the enormity of his emotions.

"My family's side - we have such a huge family. I've seen my uncles and aunts having kids and experiencing such joy. I wanted to join in."

While the couple is engaged, they haven't begun planning their wedding yet, said Rogers.

"We've got our hands full right now," she said.