Jennifer Fortson's daughter Ellen Marie Fortson was the first baby born at Navarro Regional Hospital in 2004. Born Friday
morning, she weighed 5 pounds, 7 ounces. Daily Sun photo/SCOTT HONEA

--------------------------

1/3/2004 NEW YEAR BUNDLE: Ellen Marie Fortson welcomed as NRH's first baby of 2004

By RAYMOND LINEX II/Daily Sun Staff

Mom says "Ellie" is special, never mind her claim to fame.

Twenty-two-year-old waitress Jennifer Fortson of Corsicana gave birth to Ellen Marie Fortson at 6:23 Friday morning, making the 5-pound, 7-ounce little girl the first child born at Navarro Regional Hospital in the new year. An active child in the womb, her birth came a few days before her due date, and a little quicker than mom anticipated.

Jennifer worked at Bullfrog's New Year's Night thinking her contractions were nothing but ordinary.

"We've always called her Ellie," Jennifer said. "She has always moved; she was always sticking her feet out like she wanted out.

"She's hardly cried. When she was born, she opened her eyes and smiled. She's special."

Jennifer is the daughter of Tim Fortson and Emily Fortson and a 1999 graduate of Corsicana High School. Earlier in the week, her doctor told her to expect Ellie in about a week. The first-time mother went to work despite what she figured were just false labor pains two nights ago, worked her shift, then found herself on the third floor of Navarro Regional in intense labor by 11 that night.

Ellie had a shot at being a New Year's Day baby.

"At first, when we thought she was coming, my mom said she might come (Jan. 1)," she said. "I said, 'I hope she's OK with being a baby born on New Year's Day.' "

Jennifer said the pregnancy and birth were relatively burden free. She didn't even worry about going to work, because she knew if something were to happen, the people at Bullfrog's would take care of her.

She may not be expecting a burden free life for Ellie, but she thinks things are off to a good start.

"I was always real happy when I was pregnant," Jennifer said. "I never had morning sickness or anything; I felt good the whole time. ...

"I just want her to be happy. She already looks happy."

Notes:

• Corsicana Daily Sun