Baby born at 8:08 a.m. on 08/08/08

By Abigail Curtis, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published August 8, 2008 at 8:57 p.m.
Updated August 8, 2008 at 8:57 p.m.

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Swaddled in pink and snuggled by her parents, Makayla Marie McReynolds had no idea what a lucky baby she is.

But everyone else did. Jessica McReynolds, 25, of Parker, had her new daughter via Cesarean section at 8:08 a.m. Friday - the eighth day of the eighth month of 2008.

Eight signifies wealth and prosperity to those who observe Chinese numerology. August 8 this year was considered a good day for weddings, the start of the Olympics in Beijing - and births.

"I should maybe go to Vegas now and play all eights," said her father, Keith McReynolds, 31, from the family's room in The Birth Place at Parker Adventist Hospital.

Jessica McReynolds looked tired but happy as she lay in bed, surrounded by her family.

"I feel good, a little sore, but other than that, I feel great," she said.

Makayla's birth had been a scheduled operation, but it originally was planned for 9:30 a.m. on Friday. But then the hospital had a cancellation and offered the McReynolds family the earlier slot.

"All the nurses are very excited, along with the patients," said Donna Pinson, director of The Birth Place. "We thought it would be cool to have the baby born at that time on that date. I think it's awesome."

But the McReynolds said that Makayla was lucky for other reasons than her auspicious birthday. When her brother, William, was born at the same hospital two years ago, he was in fetal distress and had to spend some time in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Watching his son run around his new sister's hospital room like a tow-headed, pint-sized dynamo, Keith McReynolds smiled. "I'm just glad she's healthy and her mom's healthy," he said of Makayla.

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