It’s a Boy! LVMC’s First Baby of New Year

A 7-pound, 10-ounce newborn boy arrived on New Year’s Day — making him Lompoc Valley Medical Center’s first baby of 2018. Bryson Anthony Rangel was due to be born on Dec. 29, but the second son of Danielle and Ruben Rangel appeared to be perfectly happy to stay in utero for several days past his expected arrival.

Bryson, who was 21 1/2 inches long, was born at 5:07 p.m. on Jan. 1, delivered by a busy Dr. Rod Huss, who also had another laboring mother that evening. Bryson joins big brother Hunter, who turned 2 in November.

Danielle, who was born at the former Lompoc Hospital, wanted her son born at LVMC.

“I didn’t want to travel to Santa Barbara,” she said, cradling Bryson in her arms. “My family, everyone is here. It’s easier to have him here.” Danielle said she wasn’t “really shooting for” having the first baby born in Lompoc in 2018.

“I was!” chimed in Ruben. “It’s something to bring in happiness.” “We’ll have more reason to celebrate New Year’s,” the new mother said. “2017 wasn’t the best year for us. Having him on the first day of 2018 gives hope for the new year, that it will be a better year.”

The couple, who married in 2014, met in 2008 in Corning, CA. Danielle, who earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Sacramento State University, now works as a residential support staff for PathPoint. Ruben works in Pismo Beach.

The parents both spoke about their hopes for the new baby, with each agreeing the boys would play sports. “I want him to be healthy and happy, to have a good life and lots of friends,” Danielle said.