Community Corner

Community's 1st Baby Of 2025 Surprises Mom And Dad On Quiet Evening

The little boy arrived a couple of weeks early at the Toms River hospital, his mother said, but was a welcome way to start the New Year.

Maria Hernandez Tecuani​ and Eduardo Vargas Anastacio welcomed Jehyden Ezequiel Vargas Hernandez​ at 9:03 a.m. at Community Medical Center in Toms River.
Maria Hernandez Tecuani​ and Eduardo Vargas Anastacio welcomed Jehyden Ezequiel Vargas Hernandez​ at 9:03 a.m. at Community Medical Center in Toms River. (Community Medical Center)

TOMS RIVER, NJ — While many folks were out celebrating New Year's Eve at parties and gatherings all over the Garden State, Maria Hernandez Tecuani and Eduardo Vargas Anastacio were spending the evening with a quiet dinner at home.

Their son had other ideas, however. Jehyden Ezequiel Vargas Hernandez decided to make his debut a couple of weeks early, arriving at 9:03 a.m. on New Year's Day, becoming the first baby of 2025 born at Community Medical Center.

Maria, 22, said her water broke shortly before midnight. But the couple did not head to the hospital right away because she wasn't having much in the way of contractions, she said through an interpreter. Maria and Eduardo, 26, arrived at the hospital about 1 a.m. and her labor progressed fairly easily from there.

Find out what's happening in Toms Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Jehyden is the couple's first child. He was due to arrive Jan. 16, Maria said, and checked in at a healthy 5 pounds, 15 ounces and 19.5 inches long, delivered by Dr. Wilhelmina Azu.

"We're very happy," Maria said, adding she and Jehyden are anticipating being released from the hospital on Friday.

Find out what's happening in Toms Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.