Sunday 22 / December / 2024
MUSCAT: While many of us looked forward to the New Year with hope and a positive outlook, many parents across Oman had another reason to be cheerful on January 1, 2019.
Some 108 babies were born in seven hospitals between 12am and 12pm on January 1, 2019, and the first baby of the New Year was born at 12:40am at Jalan Bani Bu Ali Hospital. Little baby girl Zamzam brought immense joy and happiness to her parents, and several other births across the country brought equal amounts of joy to their parents and other family members.
Zahir Al Wahibi, the father of the newborn girl, spoke to Times of Oman about his feelings during that moment, “We are very glad to start the New Year with such happy news and a gift from God. Our baby Zamzam is in good health.”
Maitha, Zamzam’s mother, said: “The hospital expected me to give birth to Zamzam at the end of 2018. But I always wished to have my baby in the New Year and thank God I did, I’m very happy.”
Just like Zamzam’s parents, the parents of other New Year babies also could not contain their joy.
“My elder son was born at 12:26am on January 1 in 1989, while the Dhuhr Azaan was being sounded, in Sinaw hospital. The hospital staff and the people of Al Mudhaibi were celebrating, and that was the year when two holidays were declared. A nurse also got her promotion on that day. It was a big day of celebration, and it truly was a blessed day.”
“God be praised, may God always bless these little ones with good health and a happy life,” added Abdul Hadi, as Asif Gorsi said, “Thanks to God for these little bundles of joy. May they always be fortunate enough to be blessed with good health and a happy life.”
“It’s quite a big number,” said John Isaac. “What a lovely moment for all of these happy parents,” and Dinesh Thadani added, “May God always bless them. They are fortunate to come into the world on such a special day and make this day all the more special for their families.”
Carla Reyes was quick to praise the medical staff who were on hand to deliver these babies, having sacrificed their own New Year’s Eve celebrations so that they could help those who needed it at the various hospitals across the nation.
“The doctors, nurses and midwives are truly professionally dedicated to their jobs,” she said. “I want to thank all of them for their help to all of us.”
“Look at how beautiful these little ones are,” added Ann Fraider. “Such a special occasion for their parents and I am sure they will remember New Year’s Day in a more special manner than they previously did.”
“God bless all of them,” added Ashok Sethi, and Merlita Axalan said, “God, please bless them and keep all of them safe.”
Prithvi Sharma was one of those born on New Year’s Day, and he turned 30 on January 1, 2019. Speaking to Times of Oman, he said, “It seems like I was born only yesterday, and when I was little, my parents would organise two parties, one for the New Year and one for my birthday. I used to always look forward to it because people could not believe that I was born on the first of January. But now, it is a normal thing, and I am used to my friends and family wishing me the moment the New Year begins. Some of them are still surprised when I celebrate the New Year and my friends tell them that it also happens to be my birthday.”
American tennis star Serena Williams also put out a post on her Instagram account, celebrating all new parents and asking them to do the right thing for their children in 2019. The 23-time Grand Slam champion began 2019 in Perth at the mixed teams Hopman Cup, with baby Alexis Olympia in tow.
She posted a picture of herself and her daughter to her 10.4 million followers on Instagram, holding her child as she stretched her leg.
“It’s not about what we can do it’s what we MUST do as working moms and working dads,” she said. “Anything is possible. I was getting ready for the first match of the year and my dear sweet baby Olympia Ohanian was tired and sad and simply needed mama’s love. So if it means warming up and stretching while holding my baby that’s what this mama will do.”
“My fellow moms and dads working — or those staying home, it’s equally as intense — but you inspire me,” she added. “Hearing your stories makes me know I can do this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This year is to you!”
