The happiest – and certainly the proudest – man in Libby these days could be Chris Goucher, who with is wife, Jennifer, welcomed into the world a son, Dale Williams Douglas Goucher.

Goucher’s pride was easily apparent when the Rosauers grocer walked with that little extra spring in his step this fall after an ultra-sound revealed this already-proud papa was going to have a son. Goucher, already was the proud father of three daughters, Alexia, 6, Leanna, 4, and Christine, 23 months.

“I’m going to have a son!” Goucher exclaimed in October when a shopper inquired about his and his family’s health.

Goucher was already on Cloud Nine with the revelation, but add to that, his son, little 8-pound Dale is the stork’s first delivery of 2014 to St. John’s Lutheran Hospital, and his excitement was unparalleled.

“I love my girls,” Goucher said. “They’re daddy’s little girls. But now, I’ve got a son. I can’t wait. Girls’ toys are OK, but boys’ toys are so much cooler. Also, my wife has her little momma’s boy.”

Obviously, Goucher is well, and so is  Jennifer, he assured.  

Dale made his entrance at 4:31 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, weighing in at eight pounds and measuring 20.5 inches long.  

Dr. Anne Camber of St. John’s Physicians and Surgeons Group was the attending physician.

“We think that all of our births are exciting here at St. John’s, and we look forward to each one, but there is something very special about the first baby of each year, and the way the whole community awaits the arrival,” said Margaret Dowling, RN, BSN, and medical surgical manager at St. John’s.

The New Year’s baby is celebrated throughout the community.  

In addition to St. John’s Lutheran Hospital, who provided the New Year’s baby boy with an Ergo Baby Child Carrier with infant insert and teething pads, other gifts to young Goucher included a baby quilt, and a professional photography sitting with picture and announcement packages at Libby Creek Photography — other area businesses joined in the celebration.  

Glacier Bank provided a Visa Gift Card.  The Northwest Community Health Center donated a baby bouncer and Libby Clinic purchased a pack and play for Dale.  

More than 100 babies are delivered annually at St. John’s.