Pleasant Hill couple welcomes first baby born at Blessing Hospital maternity center

QUINCY, Ill. — Dutton Ray Eugene Black was the first baby born in 2024 at Blessing Hospital’s Blessed Beginnings maternity center.

Dutton was born at 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, according to a press release from Blessing Hospital. He weighed 6 pounds and 1 ounce and was 18 inches long at birth. He is the first child of Brian and Brenlee Black of Pleasant Hill.

“It was unexpected but very exciting,” Brenlee said. “Dutton’s due date was Jan. 19. We knew he was going to come early, just not this early.”

“One of my favorite parts was the hospitality of everyone here at the hospital. They did a really good job for us,” Dad said.

Dutton’s grandparents are Brian and Jennifer Damon of Pittsfield, and Kenny and Carla Black and Michelle and Ray Thompson of Pleasant Hill. His aunts are Madison Mountain of Milton and Macey Hanna of Indiana. Dutton’s uncles are Mason Damon of Pittsfield, Ian Damon of Quincy, Reese Thompson of Pleasant Hill, Jared Mountain of Milton and Robert Hanna of Indiana.

Dutton and his parents received gifts from the Niemanns Floral Department, Wellman Florist and the Blessed Beginnings staff. The staff designed and sewed onesies for all babies born at Blessing Hospital on Jan. 1.