By Phil McLachlan
Fernie’s first baby of 2017, Jovianna Olivia Rose Anselmo was born at 9:56 a.m. on the morning of January 1, after a grueling 41-hour labour.
Jovianna is the first child of Alleine and Anthony Anselmo, who were also born and raised in Fernie.
“We didn’t know what to expect but 41 hours was a long, long labour,” said Alleine.
After 41 hours of work, an exhausted mother and supportive father agreed to a caesarean section, which allowed the baby to fully emerge into the world, at a weight of eight pounds, two ounces and a length of 51 cm.
The name Jovianna was formed in collaboration with Alleine’s love of Bon Jovi, and Anthony’s Nana, Anna Anselmo.
A couple for four years, the Anselmo’s lived in Calgary for a time, but moved back to Fernie at the end of October. Anthony works in the oil sands near Calgary; ten days on, ten days off. Alleine went with him to Calgary, and worked at a bank while he worked in the oil sands. Deciding to start a family, the two were drawn back to their support network in their hometown.
“With the shift work, we figured why not come back home where we have the strong family support network; her parents, my parents, aunties and uncles, instead of trying to do it in Calgary,” said Anthony.
Although they have only had the title of ‘couple’ for four years, the two have known each other since grade five.
“Alleine’s had a crush on me for about 30 years, and I finally said yes,” said Anthony with a smile.
“Pretty much,” said Alleine with a laugh, “We’ve known each other our whole lives.”
Engaged, married and with child within a year, the newlywed parents have accelerated into a new life and are excited for what the future holds.