Little boys leap into Carson on special day

The world's Leap Day baby population grew by at least two Friday when Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center welcomed a pair of boys into the world.

Baby Boy Walsh wasn't expected until March 8, and his name was going to be Clare, but his parents think determination brought him early and brought him as a boy, neither of which was expected.

"We are without a name," said his sleep-deprived father, Dr. Tom Walsh of Yerington. Walsh's wife, Annie, went into labor Thursday night, and their son was born Leap Day morning.

Walsh said he and his wife were excited about the baby's birthday and their doctor was excited too.

"She was kind of chuckling and pushing for it. I don't think she's ever delivered a baby on Leap Day," he said.

The newest addition brings the Walsh children tally now to two girls and two boys. But the older children won't know what their sibling is until they meet him today.

"They really basically demanded that we not tell them the sex of this baby so they can look at him when we get home and see if they can tell," Walsh laughed.

As for the baby's birthday, Walsh said he was fine with it.

"We'll handle this. He'll get a birthday every year."

Sarah Henderson of Gardnerville said she teased her boyfriend, Justin Burks, that their son, Ethan Thomas - due on March 28 - would be born on Leap Day.

Ethan must have taken it as a challenge. He came into the world one month early just after 1:30 p.m. on a date that comes only once every four years.

"It was just kind of a pipe dream, and it completely came true," said the first-time mother.

She said the couple had already discussed keeping their little guy's birthdays in February, and every four years having a big party. The calculations mean that on his 4th, 8th, 12th and 16th birthday, Ethan can expect a blowout.

"We've already kind of planned it out. Every birthday will be special, but we can make those very special."

• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.