The maternity ward at the Westlock Healthcare Centre sprung to life in the early morning hours of Jan. 4 as the first delivery of the new year brought Phoemella Erin Sinamban into the world.
Parents Cheriebel Dizon and Donnie Ray Sinamban were able to hold their second child in their arms at 4:07 a.m. on Jan. 4. Phoemella weighed six pounds, nine ounces.
The pair, originally from the Philippines, lived in Westlock for six years before moving just this summer to Stony Plain. Dizon said she was so comfortable with her doctor and the staff in Westlock, she wanted to keep them for the length of her second pregnancy.
“Our first born son was also born in Westlock. He’s two,” said Dizon.
Dizon and Sinamban came to Westlock, and Canada, as temporary foreign workers and worked in the fast food industry for several years before gaining their citizenship. Sinamban was offered work in Stony Plain in June, so the couple left Westlock for the new opportunity.
“He’s my hubby, so we went together,” she said.
One may think a unique name like Phoemella might have a story behind it, but Dizon said there really is no back story, other than the first time her father held her, he wanted to name his daughter Phoemella. She’s not sure if it’s a family name or one he just made up on his own.
Dizon said she really misses the small town feel of Westlock sometimes and wishes she could have stayed.
“Everyone is so friendly. I really enjoyed living in Westlock.”
