Inova Alexandria Welcomes Hospital's First Baby of 2011

Sridhar Mudhagouni and his wife Doralize Lopez Aguilar welcomed their first baby, Sharini Mudhagouni Lopez, into the world Jan. 1 at 1:57 a.m., marking the first baby born in 2011 at Inova Alexandria Hospital.

The family resides in Alexandria on Duke Street near Landmark Mall.

"We are from two different cultures," said Mudhagouni, a professional engineer. "I'm Indian. My wife is Mexican. This baby is a sign of our love, and the love of our life."

Mudhagouni and his wife met in an airport in Houston, exchanged e-mail addresses and stayed in touch. He moved to Alexandria for a job with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Doralize followed him to the area. They got married in the Alexandria courthouse on Jan. 31, 2009 and later that year had a Hindu wedding ceremony in Maryland.

"The baby has brought us lots of joy and happiness," said Mudhagouni. "She's very charming. She's the princess of our life. 2011 is a very lucky year for us."