PANNIQTUUQ/PANGNIRTUNG - Franco Young was both first and eight days late. He was the first baby born this year at Qikiqtani General Hospital, after doctors induced labour in his mom, Eva Young, who had been due to deliver Dec. 23.

Ken Eseemailie, left, and Eva Young show off their son, Franco Young, the first baby of the year for the Qikiqtani region. - photo courtesy of Eva Young

Young, 22, gave birth to Franco on Jan. 2 at 6:26 a.m. The eight pound, nine ounce baby boy is Eva's second child. Eva said she was induced on Jan. 1 at 9:30 a.m. and gave birth 21 hours later.

"I was surprised. I didn't think I would have the first baby. He was eight days late," she said. "It's a good story to tell him when he grows up."

Eva's children seem to arrive into the world on memorable days as big brother Marshall Nowyook, 4, was born on Christmas Day.

Eva was born in Nunavik before moving to Moose Factory, Ont., and later Pangnirtung with her family in 1998. She was in Iqaluit for a month prior to Franco's birth.

Both mother and child are now back in Pangnirtung and doing well. Franco was adopted by a cousin.

Franco arrived in a comparative lull at Qikiqtani General Hospital's birthing rooms following a busy period during the Christmas holidays.

"We delivered nine babies in 30 hours," said Cynthia Alexander, director of clinical services at the Qikiqtani General Hospital, who would not specify the 30-hour time frame. "We can deliver up to six babies in a day. It's not usual that we have done that in the past. It was a wonderful experience, I am sure, (for) the mothers and the families and the nurses and physicians who were part of that."

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