Margarita and Rogelio Castaneda with their newborn son, Jeremy. Photo/Provided

By Molly Hucklebridge Coolidge

When the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Day, Rogelio Castañeda and a very pregnant Margarita García gave a New Year’s toast with a glass of Champagne and a glass of apple cider, respectively. Three hours later, after a brief slumber, Margarita woke up in labor.

The couple headed to Barton Family Birthing Center and at 6:36pm on Jan. 1 Jeremy Nicolas Castañeda García was born. Jeremy weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces and was 20.5-inches long. He was named after his maternal grandmother Geremia, who passed away when Margarita was young.

Jeremy is the couple’s first child and the first baby born at Barton in 2016. Rogelio Castañeda who works at the Chart House, has lived in South Lake Tahoe for 14 years and Margarita Castañeda has lived in South Lake Tahoe for seven years.  The South Lake Tahoe couple met seven years ago while she was working at what is now Fitness Evolution, and he was a member of the gym.

According to couple, Jeremy was born one week earlier than expected.

To honor the first baby born at Barton Memorial Hospital in 2016, the new parents were surprised with a wagon and toddler sled filled with gifts. This year, local businesses and organizations donated baby items and gift certificates totaling nearly $1,800.

Molly Hucklebridge Coolidge works for Barton Health.