Ann Arbor's first baby of 2013 will soon be half a world away
He became Washtenaw County's first baby born in 2013 early Tuesday, but don't expect Lawrence Douglas Crawford III to stick around town for long.
Lawrence Crawford Jr. holds his newborn baby boy, Lawrence Douglas Crawford III, who was the first baby born in Ann Arbor in 2013.
Photo courtesy of University of Michigan Health System
"He came out 8 pounds, 15 ounces and he was 21 and a half inches," Lawrence Jr. said.
"I feel great, absolutely great. And surprised," he added.
Technically, Lawrence III is a little late. His original due date was Christmas Eve.
His father reports that he and his mother are both doing well and resting after a long day of labor. The parents arrived at the hospital Sunday afternoon.
"I guess I'm at the point where I'm just relieved and excited at the same time, so I'm kind of in-between both of 'em," Lawrence Jr. said of being a first-time parent. "I was really nervous last night."
Lawrence Jr., a 2006 University of Michigan graduate who works in sales and testing for a Japanese auto supplier, arrived back in Michigan two weeks ago and has been staying with his parents, who live in Rochester Hills. He flies back home Wednesday to Toyota-Shi, Japan.
Momma and the baby will stay behind until doctors give the OK to leave the hospital, then fly back to Japan to join him.
Lawrence Jr. said Krysta wanted to have a baby at U-M, and flew back to begin prenatal treatments and checkups several months ago. The two also wanted to let his parents see the baby.
"I really wanted them to see their first grandchild, and the university, we have a real strong tie to this university," he said.
For the distinction of being 2013's first baby, Lawrence III received a gift bag that included a stuffed Mott bear, a Hail to the Victors onesie and a photo package.
Meanwhile, St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospital was still waiting for its first birth of the year. Spokesman Kevin DiCola said two women were in labor Tuesday afternoon, with the first baby expected to arrive around dinnertime.
Comments
PformerPfizer
Wed, Jan 2, 2013 : 8:39 p.m.
I would love a deeper interview based on the sentence that reads: Lawrence Jr. said Krysta wanted to have a baby at U-M, and flew back to begin prenatal treatments and checkups several months ago. Japan has universal healthcare, IIRC. The US System is considered sub-standard by most American Media outlets. I find it amazing that someone would leave Japan to come here for healthcare. This angle needs to be investigated and reported.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jan 2, 2013 : 3:54 p.m.
If the little fella never sets foot in Ann Arbor again but becomes famous I'm guessing whatever form "Ann Arbor.com" takes in 30 years will still claim him as "ours". ;)
tdw
Wed, Jan 2, 2013 : 4:34 p.m.
Craig....I'm glad a few of us ( like Top Cat as well ) has a sense of humor
PineyWoodsGuy
Wed, Jan 2, 2013 : 5:35 a.m.
My Grandson #2 was born in Seoul, Korea (Dad is in the USArmy). I kid my daughter that he could grow-up to become President of Korea! "No, Dad," she says. "Alex was born in the USArmy Hosp on Yongsan Garrison and IS a U.S. Citizen!"Grandson #3 was born in Germany. Just goes to show how our younger generation has become "Global Citizens." When our generation was in High School, who would have thunk it that our children would have such a "Global View?" (Daughter is a Huron High grad). All Smiles about this news story of the new baby Crawford!
tdw
Wed, Jan 2, 2013 : 3:01 p.m.
That reminds me of when Bob Hope said " I was born in England and can't become President........but Alice Cooper can "
Ann English
Wed, Jan 2, 2013 : 1:05 a.m.
Toyota-Shi is hopefully a safe distance away (judging from the map link) from the coasts, where tidal waves and typhoons could threaten residents. Not too far from Tokyo, Yokohama or even Nagano to the north, where Winter Olympics were hosted years ago. Little Lawrence's first language may be Japanese.
Linda Peck
Tue, Jan 1, 2013 : 11:44 p.m.
Congratulations to the Crawford family! Such a beautiful baby boy!
RCDC
Tue, Jan 1, 2013 : 9:08 p.m.
Krista (first paragraph) or Krystal (9th paragraph) and a Hail to the Victors ones..or onesie?
music to my ear
Tue, Jan 1, 2013 : 10:45 p.m.
I mean sven I am old, its new years day.
music to my ear
Tue, Jan 1, 2013 : 10:45 p.m.
steve you are young new years day aahhh!!!! it ok buddy you still do a great job.
Sven Gustafson
Tue, Jan 1, 2013 : 10:03 p.m.
Thanks for pointing out. I fixed the errors.