(From left) Gail McLean, Prem Lata, Charles Bernard Anthony, Charlotte Charles and Shivangi Verma holding Caleb Charles.
After days of back and forth between their home in Tocumwal and the hospital in Deniliquin, Shivangi Verma and Charles Bernard Anthony finally welcomed their son Caleb Charles into the world last Wednesday.
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Arriving at 3.26pm, Caleb entered into the history books as the first baby to be born at the Deniliquin Hospital for the new year.
The couple had been anxiously waiting for the arrival of their bundle of joy and were over the moon when he finally made his grand entrance.
After experiencing pain for a few days, the Tocumwal couple made the trip to Deniliquin Hospital to await the pending birth.
But when labour did not progress, they were sent home to wait it out.
She presented again on January 3, and was told she was finally in active labour.
Shivangi and Charles were thrilled to finally hold their son in their arms.
As the first baby born at Deni in 2024, Caleb and his family were showered with gifts from Gail McLean.
Gail is well known for starting this tradition more than three decades ago when she had her own first baby of the new year.
She was underwhelmed by the lack of ceremony surrounding the event, and decided to create a special tradition that would celebrate the arrival of the first baby born in Deniliquin every year.
Caleb is the 36th baby to receive this special gift.
In a surprising twist, Shivangi and Gail already have a beautiful connection.
Shivangi is a nurse at Finley Hospital, where she has previously cared for Gail.
Now it was Gail's turn to return the favour.
The family was grateful for the warm welcome and the gifts they received, and they look forward to raising Caleb in their loving home.
Shivangi Verma holding her new born son Caleb Charles.
