Naval Hospital rings in the New Year with a new baby

The Ebilis welcomed 2009's first area newborn at 1:02 a.m. at Camp Lejeune's Naval Hospital, a place they hope to see a lot of.

One-day-old Evana Ebili's father, Navy Fleet Corpsman Patrick Ebili, is a student at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington expecting orders to the hospital as a nurse when he graduates in May.

"We're hoping and praying for orders here," Evana's mother, Melissa Ebili said.

Naval's executive officer Capt. Donna Styles said Patrick Ebili would make an excellent addition to the staff. He already has ties there.

Evana's mother was born in the old Naval hospital and Evana's older brothers, Austin, 13, and Elijah, 5, were born at Naval as well.

"She is a very good gift to have," Austin said of his sister as he held the tiny infant New Year's Day.

Patrick Ebili said all his two sons talked about for the last month was getting to meet their baby sister. Melissa said Elijah had been talking to the baby through her stomach for several months.

Evana means "God is gracious" in Russian, a name Patrick became dead set on using when he found it while searching for baby names.

While in the hospital, Melissa was reacquainted with a high school friend, Shantell North who is a registered nurse at Naval now.

"I couldn't believe it," North said when the two realized who each other was. "I haven't seen her since high school. It's a small world."

A tradition since 2004, members of the Oak Leaf Club presented a giant gift basket to the Ebilis for having the first baby born at Naval in the New Year.

"We just like to welcome the first baby with something special," said club president Nina Lafferty.

The Oak Leaf Club is a social organization made up of Navy officer spouses. The group purchases needed items for the hospital and dental clinics, host a cancer survivors luncheon, and contribute to the chaplains' Thanksgiving food drive, among other civic activities.

Contact reporter Lindell Kay at 910-219-8456.