The retiring director of IPFW’s Community Research Institute received Indiana’s top honor during a surprise party Tuesday at Parkview Field, the university announced.Fort Wayne’s first baby of 2013 arrived almost in time to see the ball drop.
Alex Carmona was born at 12:02 a.m. Tuesday at Lutheran Hospital, weighing 6 pounds, 8 ounces and measuring 19 1/2 inches.
Alex’s parents, Nancy Puebla, 24, and Miguel Carmona, 28, were expecting him on Thursday, but they were happy to see him a bit early. Nancy said her delivery went smoothly and that she and her son were doing well.
On Tuesday afternoon, the couple’s family and friends were gathered in their room as newspaper and TV reporters came and went. Alex slept while his parents fielded questions. Nancy said she didn’t mind all the attention.
“It’s actually pretty cool,” she said. “He has a cool birthday.”
Because of Alex’s well-timed birth, the family received a gift basket that included a blue infant cap with “2013” stitched across it.
Since 2000, the city’s first baby has been born at Lutheran six times, according to the hospital.
Alex’s parents, who live in Fort Wayne, will likely be able to take him home today. He is the couple’s second child. They also have a 3-year-old son, Axel.
Nancy said she would like one more. “We’re hoping to get a girl next time,” she said.
