County’s 1st Baby of 2000 Is Born at Ojai Hospital

Benjamin Esensten won the race to become Ventura County’s millennium baby at 2:05 a.m. Saturday.

And his parents weren’t even trying for the honor.

Tom Esensten, 48, didn’t believe his wife, Mary Thornton, 46, when she said she was pregnant last spring.

“Benjamin is one of life’s little surprises that changes your life and keeps you young,” Esensten said.

Benjamin, who was born at Ojai Valley Community Hospital, came in at 8 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 21 inches from head to toe.

Only hours old, Benjamin was already well known. Reporters and photographers visited throughout the morning.

But as he squirmed and stretched Saturday morning, Benjamin was comfortable, if impervious, to both his hard-won fame or to the fact that parents countywide were competing for their children to be the first baby of 2000.

He looked curiously at the visitors and nurses, and snuggled in his father’s arms. And with his wrinkled red cheeks and bright blue eyes, Benjamin looked like most newborn babies. A miniature blanket wrapped around him like a cocoon, and a striped hat covered his soft head.

Benjamin was scheduled to arrive Christmas Eve, but still hadn’t budged by Dec. 30. So the couple checked Thornton into the hospital at noon Thursday for induced labor.

At midnight, the couple weren’t blowing noisemakers or drinking champagne. In fact, they weren’t even paying attention to the New Year’s Eve celebrations throughout the world. Thornton was still in labor.

“We missed Times Square on the millennium,” he said. “We had a couple of more important things to worry about.”

After seven hours of labor, doctors decided to perform a caesarean section. Later Saturday morning, Thornton recovered in her hospital room, while Esensten cooed to his healthy son.

Esensten said his newborn son has made a New Year’s resolution: not to cry when he is in daddy’s arms. So far, so good.

“You were supposed to be born last year,” said Esensten as he stood outside the nursery holding Benjamin. “But now you’ll have football games and parades on your birthday.”

Esensten wrapped the blanket tightly around Benjamin and bounced him softly in his arms. Benjamin, who seemed to struggle to keep his eyes open, yawned a few times.

Esensten and Thornton are management consultants and live in the upper Ojai Valley. They have been married for six years. Benjamin is Thornton’s first child and Esensten’s second.

“We met in an elevator; it’s been ups and downs since,” Esensten said. “This is definitely one of the ups. But when it comes to late night feedings, it may be one of the downs.”