Dutton Ray Eugene Black was the first baby born in 2024 at Blessing Hospital’s Blessed Beginnings maternity center. He is the first child of Brian and Brenlee Black of Pleasant Hill, Illinois.
Dutton was born at 10:59 pm on January 1, 2024. He weighed 6 pounds and 1 ounce and was 18 inches long at birth.
“It was unexpected but very exciting,” new mom Brenlee said. “Dutton’s due date was January 19. We knew he was going to come early, just not this early.”
First-time dad Brian added, “One of my favorite parts was the hospitality of everyone here at the hospital. They did a really good job for us.”
Dutton’s grandparents are Brian and Jennifer Damon of Pittsfield, and Kenny and Carla Black and Michelle and Ray Thompson of Pleasant Hill. His aunts are Madison Mountain of Milton, Illinois, and Macey Hanna of Indiana. Dutton’s uncles are Mason Damon of Pittsfield, Ian Damon of Quincy, Reese Thompson of Pleasant Hill, Jared Mountain of Milton, and Robert Hanna of Indiana.
Dutton and his parents received gifts from Niemanns Floral Department, Wellman Florist and the Blessed Beginnings staff. The staff designed and sewed onesies for all babies born at Blessing Hospital on January 1, 2024.
