Three Hermiston babies beat long odds by being born on Leap Day

Published 5:15 am Saturday, March 2, 2024

HERMISTON — The chances of being born on leap day are about 0.06%, but three Hermiston babies beat those odds by being delivered Thursday, Feb. 29, at Good Shepherd Medical Center.

One of those babies is Calix Justin Sanchez, born at 3:12 a.m. on Feb. 29 to Jennifer Canchola and Tyree Sanchez. Calix weighed in at 6 pounds, 3.2 ounces and was 19 inches in length.

Canchola said Calix was not expected to be a leap day baby, or “leaper,” as they are sometimes known.

The mother of now four children said the baby’s due date was March 8. She was scheduled to be induced on March 1, but on Feb. 28, during a routine checkup, her doctor said her fluids were low and arranged for her to be induced that same day.

But Calix had other plans.

“It was 10 a.m. and we expected him to be born within a couple of hours,” Canchola said. “But he had other ideas and said, ‘I gotta make a big show and be a spotlight baby.’”

Canchola said they will most likely celebrate Calix’ birthday on March 1 in non-leap years.

Calix has a 5-year-old brother and two sisters, ages 1 and 11.

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