Anthony Stephens and Kirsten Walter of San Juan welcomed the first San Juan baby of 2022 to the world Jan. 7.

Baby Anthony Ray Stephens Jr, named after his father, came into the world at seven pounds and 6.5 ounces.

While Walter is new to the island, Stephens is a born and raised islander. Their brand new baby shares the same hospital birthplace as his father.

Stephens’ family has been on the island since the 1980s. He left the island in 2015 to join the marines and met Walter in her home state of Colorado.

After finding out that they were expecting, the couple decided to move back to Friday Harbor upon deciding it was where they wanted to raise their kids.

The new parents will receive gifts thanks to local businesses who donated to the Journal’s Baby Derby.

“We are pretty excited to have the first baby of the year!” Walter exclaimed.

Contributed photo Anthony Stephens and Kirsten Walter welcomed the first San Juan baby of 2022 to the world Jan. 7.

Contributed photos Anthony Stephens and Kirsten Walter welcomed the first San Juan baby of 2022 to the world Jan. 7.