They’re loading up the welcome wagon on Decatur Island.
Brigham William Jones, the island’s soon-to-be newest arrival, was born Jan. 3 at Island Hospital in Anacortes and is expected to be home on Decatur sometime in the next couple of days.
Weighing in at eight pounds, two ounces, Brigham is the son of William and Elizabeth Jones of Decatur and a fourth-generation islander.
He is the first child of William, 32, and Elizabeth, 31, and the ninth grandchild of William’s parents, Morris and Norine Jones.
“He’s grandchild No. 9 but the only one who lives on the island,” Norine Jones said, eager with anticipation. “I’ll really get to spoil him.”
Born at 7:23 p.m., Brigham will carry the distinction of being San Juan County’s first baby of 2011 and, as such, is the winner of The Journal’s 20th annual Baby Derby.
As Derby winner, Brigham and his family will be the recipient of the so-called “Baby Booty” — more than $500 in assorted gift certificates and prizes donated by 17 local merchants and businesses.
Born and raised on Decatur, William Jones is the nephew of Karen Lamb, who taught in Decatur’s one-room schoolhouse for more than 30 years before retiring in 2006.
Employed in the off-season at Decatur’s boatyard, William is also a commercial fisherman in Alaska during the summer and harvests crab in local waters in the winter.
Up until the last few weeks, Elizabeth, a native of Whidbey Island, worked alongside her husband in Alaska and in hauling in the local catch as well. She expects the newly-formed family of three will receive a festive and very warm welcome when they return home.
“Everyone is really excited,” she said. “He’ll have lots of grandmas and lots of grandpas waiting for him when he gets home.”
As far as The Baby Derby, here’s what Brigham and his family have won:
— $75 gift certificate from Roche Harbor McMillin’s Dining Room.
— $50 savings bond from Islanders Bank.
— $25 gift certificate from Be Chic Boutique, Friday Harbor.
— $25 gift certificate from Browne’s Home Center, Friday Harbor.
— $25 gift certificate from Friday Harbor MarketPlace.
— $25 gift certificate from Island Market, Eastsound.
— $25 gift certificate from King’s Market, Friday Harbor.
— $25 gift certificate from Lopez Village Market.
— $25 gift certificate from Osito’s, Friday Harbor.
— $25 gift certificate from Petro San Juan, Friday Harbor.
— $25 gift certificate from Post San Juan, Friday Harbor.
— $35 gift certificate from Printonyx, Friday Harbor.
— $25 gift certificate from Rich’s Cannery House Restaurant, Friday Harbor.
— $25 gift certificate from San Juan Jewels, Friday Harbor.
— A Twilight Sea Turtle from The Toy Box, Friday Harbor.
— New baby starter package, Friday Harbor Drug.
— One-year subscription to The Journal of the San Juan Islands.
