when one thinks of New Year's babies, it's normal to assume they were born on Jan. 1—or maybe even Jan. 2 or 3 (if you're really pushing it).
But this year's New Year's baby, for Whistler, wasn't born until Jan. 7. Named Archibald Wilfred Swinton, the child was born at 10:32 a.m. at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver.
"We're just kind of looking forward to getting to know the little guy, and having the adventure of being new parents," said the child's father, Ross Swinton, adding that he was grateful that Archibald was born before a snowstorm hit metro Vancouver last weekend, causing significant traffic problems in many parts of the city.
"We just missed the snowstorm, so it's good timing."
Swinton also joked that perhaps Archibald "brought the snow."
That could be taken as a good omen for the family, as both Swinton and his partner, registered physiotherapist Allison Schneider, are avid skiers.
The new dad said he thinks Whistler will be a great place to raise Archibald, citing the wide range of outdoor activities available to the family, from mountain biking, to camping, to adventuring.
"Those are all the reasons we've stayed," he said. "We want to share [our passions] with the little guy."
Swinton works as a mechanic for Whistler Blackcomb, and is also paid on-call with the Whistler Fire Rescue Service. While he took the week of Jan. 13 off, he said he is planning on taking his paternity leave in the summer "once the little guy is a little bit active."
"We will get exploring, once we find our groove," he said.
Swinton added that the medical team at Lions Gate was "wonderful" and walked the couple through the pregnancy process. (Archibald is the couple's first child.)
"Everyone's been so great," he added. "You know, we're in a rural community and I think everyone kind of banded together ... Once they knew [about the baby] everyone was happy to help."
