Vanessa Broadbent
Oliver Chronicle
Oliver’s newest resident is also its youngest. Madison Rose Powell was born at 8:19 p.m. on January 1 in the Penticton Regional Hospital.
“She’s been a very easy-going baby so far, and only cries when she’s hungry,” said mom Catherine Ellis.
Although Madison was expected to be born on Boxing Day, Ellis, along with her partner Paul Powell, were not expecting to have a New Year’s baby.
“I was standing in my kitchen making a list as we were about to head out shopping and suddenly my water broke,” she said.
“It took us by surprise. Even though we were expecting her any day, we definitely didn’t expect her to be born on January 1.”
The surprise was especially exciting for Madison’s big brother Dallas, 3, who is “ecstatic about having a little sister to cuddle.”
“Dallas met Madison in the car on our way home with her and instantly started to comfort her in a soft voice saying ‘my baby sister’ and when she cried he said ‘it’s OK baby sister, we’re almost home,’” Ellis said.
“He has been amazing with her and all hands on – by far her biggest fan.”
Ellis said that Madison is also welcomed by plenty of extended family “just waiting to get their hands on her.”
“Madison is the perfect start to our New Year. She is the perfect addition to our little family.”
