First Lee County baby of 2014: Rosabella Hines was the first baby born in Lee County in 2014. She was born to Lehigh Acres residents Lissa George and Decarius Hines at 4:02 a.m
Rosabella Belene Hines weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 21 inches when she entered the world at 4:02 a.m. Wednesday at HealthPark Medical Center in Fort Myers. For her young and exhausted parents, the little bundle was a godsend.
Rosabella is a name chosen for its sound as well as its meaning, “beautiful rose,” the couple said.
Her middle name “Belene” is a combination of two names. Georges’ Aunt and Grandmother, Yolene and Belzina, who helped raise her in her native Haiti, she said.
Both died in 2010 when a massive earthquake struck the island nation, causing widespread damage, especially in the city of Port-au-Prince. The name is an homage to them, she said.
Their first child marks a turning point for the young couple. They first met at East Lee High School and became friends. Their romance started after graduation and the couple will celebrate their two-year anniversary in February, Hines said.
Earlier this year, the couple began trying for a baby but gave up when Georges didn’t get pregnant. As a result, they couple didn’t realize she was expecting until four months in, he said.
Another anniversary the couple will get used to celebrating is New Years, which will hold a special meaning from here on out.
“She’s my little baby bear,” Hines said, holding Rosabella close.