SAN ANTONIO – The first day of 2016 started with a big first for 18-year-old couple Michelle Salazar and Joe Gorria. In the first minute of the new year, their first baby was born: Serenity Joe.
"I'm just glad she's here," Michelle said.
Little Serenity came right on time. She was due Jan. 1 but no one thought she'd end up being the first San Antonio baby born in 2016. When Michelle was ready to give birth though, the University Hospital nurses talked her through it until the timing was perfect.
"They were looking at the screen keeping count and they were like, 'Midnight!' and you just hear one of the nurses, 'Push hard!' And I was like, 'OK!' and she just like shot out," Michelle explained.
Serenity was born at midnight on the dot, and mom hasn't stopped smiling since. There's a lot to be thankful for. The first baby of the New Year is always showered with gifts, and big ones: diapers, car seats, pack-n-plays, $700 from Jefferson Bank, and a $10,000 scholarship from the University of the Incarnate Word.
Meet the young couple that had a daughter right at midnight! Serenity is the 1st San Antonio baby of 2016 #KSATnews pic.twitter.com/eWzw9LsjuG
— KSAT Courtney Friedman (@cfriedmanTV) January 1, 2016
"It means a lot because it's really helpful," Michelle said.
Overwhelmed by support, love and a new sense of purpose, this family's 2016 is off to a very good start.