First baby of the year: Callahan Hargrove

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Callahan Argene Hargrove isn’t just the first San Juan Island baby of 2026; he’s also the firstborn of Jenna and Jess Hargrove and the first grandbaby on both sides.

“One of the reasons we were attracted to each other is because we both knew that we always wanted to start a family and have a lot of children,” Jenna told the Journal. “We both came from families of four kids and both enjoyed the relationships and chaos that came along with having a bigger family!”

Jess grew up on San Juan Island and Jenna is from Tacoma. Their paths crossed during their freshman year of college in Ellensburg at Central Washington University.

“We were both a part of a big friend group,” Jenna said, which seems like a pattern for these two, as one of their favorite parts of island life is their supportive group of friends. “We continued dating through college and got engaged a year after living on the island!”

Jenna had always pictured herself moving back to Tacoma near her family, but after some convincing, she agreed to move to Friday Harbor with Jess just after the COVID-19 lockdowns. They were married in 2023.

“Because of that [move], I have met some of my best friends and we have become a part of the best group of friends,” she said. “They are always supporting us through any ups and downs.”

It’s no secret that maternity care on the island is not easy to come by. Ferry schedules combined with unpredictable labor timetables make for interesting birth stories.

“We were really happy with our choice of hospital in Anacortes as it made the trip a lot easier,” Jess said. “We could just get off the ferry and drive 10 minutes straight to the hospital. They were very accommodating and understanding when it came to ferry schedules – making the whole process easier.”

“The added stress of the ferries can be one of the downsides of living on the island,” Jenna agreed, “but we are thankful for our friends and community for making it worth it to live here and deal with these inconveniences the best we can.”

Jess grew up on San Juan Island and always wanted to raise his family here. He called it an amazing and safe place to raise a child, and he knows from experience that his son will be able to learn and explore the beautiful island while being surrounded by a supportive and safe community.

Jenna said that the best way the community can support her family right now is to please slow down and drive safely up and down Tucker Avenue.

Baby Callahan, who will have the nickname Cal, has a middle name with a lot of meaning. Argene was the middle name of Jenna’s dad, who passed away from ALS right after Jess and Jenna met.

“There’s a little white patch of hair on the side of his head that he was born with,” Jenna shared. “We like to say that he was touched by his loved ones up in heaven before being sent down to us.”

Callahan is already a perfect blend of his parents, they say, and he’s noticeably alert and watchful.

“He loves to look around and observe everything. It seems as though he is trying to take everything in when he looks at you,” Jess said. “He’s perfect.”

The Hargroves, as winners of the Baby Derby, will be presented with a gift basket of donations, gift cards and gifts from our sponsors: Kings Market, Friday Harbor Drug, Toy Box, Island Petroleum Services, Be Chic Boutique, Hope Harbor Children’s Center and Tiny Tides Consignment. Thank you, sponsors, and congratulations, Hargroves!