First Bunbury baby in 2016

The birth of Eaton couple Shanae Rabaud and Gary Tansell’s son Ruben was special for a few reasons.

The new year started with the birth of their first child but he also happened to be the first baby born in Bunbury in 2016.

The 3.7kg bundle of joy arrived at 9.57am at Bunbury Regional Hospital on January 1.

Miss Rabaud said Ruben’s birth on January 1 was a surprise because he was not expected until this Saturday.

“We were celebrating New Year’s Eve quietly at home and we had a paddle pool that I went into for five minutes and I think that got things started, ” she said.

Miss Rabaud said after she had contractions early in the morning of January 1, the couple arrived at the hospital at 6am.

“I suppose it’s a special thing that he is the first baby born in Bunbury in 2016 but it’s extra special because it’s our first child. I guess he is famous already, ” she said.

Mr Tansell said the couple agreed on the name Ruben after a process of elimination of other potential names.

“I quite like the name because it reminds me of Rubens Barrichello from F1 racing, ” he said.

Miss Rabaud said the couple were adjusting to life as parents and learning new skills but were coping well.

“It’s completely surreal the first time you get to hold your first baby, you say to yourself ‘what do I do’ but it’s amazing, ” Miss Rabaud said.