In a year of many surprises, there was yet one more in store for the Postnikoff family of Castlegar. As Amanda and Jake anticipated the arrival of the newest addition to their family, she entered this world earlier than expected -- on New Years Day 2021.

Poppy’s original due date was on January 29, but her parents and doctors thought she might arrive even earlier. Parents Amanda and Jake spent 10 days in Kelowna, to be closer to the hospital there in case the baby arrived too early. They weren’t able to spend the holidays with their seven other children in Castlegar. When Amanda still hadn’t gone into labour, they went home -- only for labour to begin. 

At the Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson, nurses told the parents that -- unless someone burst in already pushing -- theirs would be the first baby of the year in the region.

When they finally got home in Castlegar, Poppy was introduced to her seven older siblings. Her birth story is one that will be remembered for years to come. Her siblings were especially excited to be included in the local media coverage about the New Year baby.