The 2021 New Year’s Baby, Xiomara Oleana Pérez, Arrives Bringing Hope for the New Year!

No one was more excited for 2021 to arrive than USMC Staff Sergeant Paul Pérez and his wife Michelle Pérez! They were expecting the birth of their second child and were grateful the plan was made for a C- section on January 1, 2021. Their baby girl was born at 8:46 a.m. and was surprisingly the first baby born in 2021 at the United States Naval Hospital – Okinawa. Xiomara Oleana Perez, Okinawa’s USNH New Year’s Baby of 2021, weighed 6 lb. 6 oz and measured 19 inches. She is the new little sister to older brother, Santiago Kenneth Pérez, who is two years old. When she was born the family was overjoyed. “Wow, she’s beautiful,” Michelle Perez, said when she first saw her new daughter. “My husband was speechless, really he was. It’s amazing how much hair she already has.” The Pérez family thought it surely must be joke when they were informed that Xiomara was the first baby of the new year. “I thought for sure someone else would have delivered before me,” Michelle Pérez said. “We were excited to receive a cute gift box from USO Okinawa full of thoughtful and practical gifts for our new baby. The Marine Gift Shop, Kadena Gift Corner, and the Fleet Gift Shop also gave sweet gifts and gift certificates.” “I would like to thank all of those who helped us, first and foremost my doctor,” she said. “Dr Espinosa not only tracked my high-risk pregnancy, helped me make it through all the adversities but most of all he delivered our most wonderful gift, our daughter. I want to thank HM3 Kenzy Gonzales for his ability to professionally handle the situations that arose during our time at MICC while providing a comfortable atmosphere. RN Riley Slack and HN Joey Estrada also provided top-notch care. LTJG Carlos Rangel helped ensure second time parents understood how to implement additional methods of care for both mother and child.” The Pérez family, from Tennessee and Florida, has been stationed in Okinawa for two years where Paul has served in Combat Logistics Battalion – 4 (CLB-4) and Michelle works as a hair and nail technician. “Being overseas away from family, receiving this kind of care and compassion, made our experience one that will never be forgotten,” Michelle Pérez said. “2020 was one of the most chaotic years with many unfortunate events,” Paul Pérez said. “Having this baby made looking to the horizon of 2021 both hopeful and optimistic for us and our family. There is nothing more positive than taking a step in the right direction and welcoming a new life into the world as we ring in 2021.” Congratulations Pérez family on your new bundle of joy and for bringing us all hope in 2021.