Washougal couple welcome Clark County’s first baby of the year — and decade

Evaine Josephina Purviance just couldn’t wait to be born, coming two weeks earlier than parents Tia and Kyle Purviance expected.

But at 4:41 a.m. New Year’s Day, Evaine entered the world at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center’s Family Birth Center, making her the first baby born in Clark County in the new year, and the new decade. She was born at 7 pounds, 13 ounces, and is 20 1/2 inches long.

The Washougal couple, both 29, had even joked about this happening, said Kyle Purviance. He wanted his daughter to be born on New Year’s Eve — you know, for tax reasons, he said — and Tia Purviance wanted her born on New Year’s Day for the novelty. Mom won that battle.

“We’re pretty excited,” Tia Purviance said as she recovered.

Evaine is the youngest of four children, joining Taylor, 12, Emeri, 7 and Allie, 5.

“The baby has the hiccups,” observed Allie, moving close to her mom to twiddle her baby sister’s tiny feet.

Kyle Purviance admitted he’d already cried twice that morning, and who can blame him on seeing that pink-faced, button-nosed newborn?

The pair grew up in Clark County and knew each other for years, but it wasn’t until several years ago when Kyle Purviance, a mechanic, was working on his future wife’s car. He was smitten, and insisted she return for another round of tinkering on the vehicle.

“I made her come back,” he said.

The rest, as they say, is history.

The couple were joined in the room by Kyle Purviance’s parents, Steve and Laurie Purviance, and his sister, Krysta. Tia Purviance’s mother, Yolanda Morgensen, was also there to welcome the new granddaughter.

“She’s our little new year’s gift,” said Steve Purviance, beaming around the room.

When asked about their hopes for this new baby, Tia Purviance offered what every parent wishes.

“To be happy and healthy,” she said.