Toni Nolan and Alex Pirini with their newborn son Riley Anthony Pirini-Nolan. Photo / Samantha Motion
Toni Nolan and Alex Pirini with their newborn son Riley Anthony Pirini-Nolan. Photo / Samantha Motion
Twenty-four minutes into the new decade, Riley Anthony Pirini-Nolan made a "chilled out" entrance into the world in Tauranga Hospital.
He was the first baby born in the new decade at either of Tauranga's two maternity facilities, though it's not yet clear whether he was also the first in NewZealand.
His doting parents, mum Toni Nolan and dad Alex Pirini, both 25, said Riley was "a bit unexpected" in more ways than one.
"I always wanted to [have a baby] but it was not in my five-year plan... but it all turned out well."
She graduated from university in 2017 and has a career as a social worker, while Pirini will soon be starting an apprenticeship as a diesel mechanic.
Nolan said Riley was 11 days overdue. He was born at 12.24am weighing 4.3kg (9lbs 7oz).
Riley Anthony Pirini-Nolan, son of Toni Nolan (left) and Alex Pirini, was the first baby born this decade at either of Tauranga's two maternity facilities. Photo / Samantha Motion
"We were sure he was going to be a Sagittarius [like both of his parents] but he ended up being a Capricorn."
She was happy with his January 1 birthday. "It will always be a stat day — and better New Year's than Christmas."
She was induced on New Year's Eve and had a natural birth - no epidural - after six hours of active labour.
He did not feel the need to announce his arrival, entering the world "completely chilled out, no dramas", she said.
Pirini said his son's silence ended briefly when he was weighed, but returned when he was given back to his mum.
