First Baby of 2010

Alexis Skye Purdy is Putnam’s first baby of the new decade. The little beauty was born to Jessica and Matthew Purdy of Holmes at Putnam Hospital Center At 7:07pm on January 2. Dr. Janusz Rudnicki delivered the precious cargo, who weighed in at 8 pounds 7 ounces.

Eric Gross Mom told the Courier she was surprised that her first child was Putnam’s first baby of the year since “she wasn’t planned until later in the week. I was home when I started feeling contractions, so Matt and I took a slow trip to the hospital and we waited for about seven hours until nature took its course.”

Jessica, who grew up in Orange County, is employed as a medical assistant at Northern Medical Specialists in Brewster.

The proud dad, a lifelong resident of Holmes, said, “I am so happy. The baby is healthy. My wife is healthy. What more can a guy ask for?”

Grandma Mary Purdy was at a loss for words when admiring her first grandchild: “There is nothing like it. What makes this more special is that Alexis and I share a birthday. “

Dr. Rudnicki has delivered Putnam’s first baby of the year for the past four years: “I’m lucky and I’m blessed that I work on the holidays. Childbirth is always special—delivering the first baby of the year is the icing on the cake!”

Dr. Rudnicki apologized for not wearing his tuxedo. During the past New Year’s births, Dr. Rudnicki came to the delivery room in his formal attire since he and his wife were out celebrating the arrival of the New Year when nature called.

Mary Purdy shook Dr. Rudnicki’s hand. “Thank you for being there for us,” she said. The grandmother also reminded the doctor that he delivered her youngest son 23 years ago. “Wow!” was the physician’s response: “Truthfully I didn’t remember, but it’s wonderful to be a part again of this marvelous family.”