James Margeson welcomed as first baby of 2007
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

PHOTO PROVIDED Happy parents Hope and James Margeson of Bath share time with their new baby, James Alonzo Margeson Jr., at Strong Children's Hospital in Rochester. James Jr. was born prematurely on Jan. 1 at St. James Hospital in Hornell.

BATH - As 2006 drew to a close, Hope Margeson expected to deliver her first baby nearly two months into the new year. Her obstetrician at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell had given her an expected due date of Feb. 23.

Mother Nature - and the baby - had other ideas.

Hope, who lives in Chamberlain Trailer Park with her husband, James, went into early labor at about 7 p.m. Dec. 31. A trip to the hospital was inconclusive, and the couple returned home. Later that evening, Hope called her mother, Bonnie Gleason, in tears. It sure FELT like she was having a baby.

The second trip to the hospital was more productive, and at 12:27 a.m. Jan. 1, Hope delivered James Alonzo Margeson Jr., a 4 pound, five ounce lad measuring 17.5 inches.

Medical issues connected with his premature birth sent James Jr. to Strong Children's Hospital in Rochester, where he is expected to remain a patient until the third week of January. Meanwhile, the proud parents are staying at the Ronald McDonald House and enjoying visits with their newborn.

James Margeson Jr.'s timely arrival qualifies him as The Courier-Advocate's first baby of the year, entitling his family to a wide variety of baby products donated by area merchants.