First Baby of the Year Arrives in Marquez Knolls

By SARAH SHMERLING | Managing Editor

On Jan. 11 at 6:01 p.m., the Sampson family welcomed a new daughter into the world: Hadley Rosalind, Pacific Palisades’ First Baby of 2018—a local tradition honored by the Palisadian-Post since 1954.

She was born at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, weighing in at eight pounds.

“We’re thrilled to have both a son and a daughter,” Hadley’s father, Michael, told the Palisadian-Post. Hadley joins Michael, his wife, Jonelle, and an older brother, Archer, who will be 4 years old in March.

The Marquez Knolls family moved to the Palisades from New York about a year-and-a-half ago.

“We can’t think of anywhere better to raise [our children],” Michael shared. “The Palisades is such a wonderful community in terms of raising a family and feeling that you are in a safe environment.”

Michael went on to praise his neighborhood for how welcoming everyone has been. In fact, the Sampson family found out about the Post’s First Baby of the Year contest when a neighbor suggested they write in and see if they had the winning baby.

The father explained that he and Jonelle, who have been together for 13 years and married since 2011, have lived in many places before coming to the Palisades. He is originally from the UK and Jonelle was born in Chicago.

The family seems to be settling into the community well.

“We have an active-type lifestyle,” he explained. “We have Archer involved in sports, like soccer and tennis, so we are enjoying that.”

Michael shared that the Sampsons are avid music fans, so they often have impromptu family dance parties in their backyard with Archer.

“Enjoy the ride, enjoy the moment,” Michael said of parenthood. “Stare at your kids for as long as you possibly can because it’s a wonderful sight.”

Another tip he offered new parents was to make time for your partner. He and Jonelle make an effort to have date nights and spend time together when they can.

When asked what are some of the things he’s looking forward to teaching his daughter as she grows up, Michael said with a laugh: “How to stay away from boys. That would be number one for me.”

On a more serious note, Michael explained that the Sampson household tries to live by two principles: to be a contributor, not just a consumer, in this world, and to try your best and be a good person.

“If we teach her those two principles, everything else will fall into place.”

As part of the First Baby package, the family will enjoy a meal at Palisades Garden Cafe and Kayndaves, treats from The Yogurt Shoppe and Cookie Good, tips from LA Organizer, certificates to The Massage Place, Philip’s French Cleaners and Bambino, a gift basket from The Pump Station, and a giant stuffed bear from Puzzle Zoo.