Juniper Wren Rivard welcomed to the family, March 22, 2026

On the cusp of the Spring Equinox and by the light of a fingernail moon, Juniper Wren Rivard arrived at 12:05 AM on Sunday, March 22, 2026 after three arduous days of labor.

“Ten fingers 10 toes, 21.25 inches, eight pounds, six ounces–the picture of perfection!” proud father Nicolas Rivard shared via the family text string shortly after the relentless birth.

Mom Mattison “Matti” Bills was still in surgery following 58 hours of labor followed by a Cesarean section at San Antonio’s University Health Children’s Hospital. “Mom, dad and baby all doing well,” Nicolas added.

Exhausted-but-undaunted Matti focused on the lengthy birth’s upside.

“Juniper waited 11 days past her due date to join us, giving us plenty of time to expand the garden before her arrival!” said the elated new mom.

A cherubic, angelic bundle, Juniper Wren has delighted the entire family since her arrival.

The child rarely cries, prefers feasting on her mother’s milk, sleeps profoundly and often, and only occasionally squirms or fusses.

“What a beautiful girl!” noted first-time grandpa, Bob “Pop-pop” Rivard, upon hearing the news. “Her wide eyes are taking in her new world. She seems so alive and at peace. I see Matti and Nick in that perfect face.”

Grandma Monika Maeckle couldn’t agree more: “Great job, ya’ll!  She is MAGNIFICENT!”

“This means Juni is a 9th generation Texan, good work y’all!” said grandmother Becky Bills, known as “BB” in Matti’s family.

Juniper’s uncle Alexander Rivard, was no less impressed.

“Wow! So special. She looks like y’all!” said Tio Alex. The nationally ranked competitive Scrabble player was pleased to also note that JUN is an acceptable Scrabble word. 

At the Bills-Rivard household, canine companions Maple and Trouble abided by new baby-friendly safety rules, such as traveling ONLY in the backend of the family’s Toyota 4Runner.

Dog cousins Cacteye, Chicabomba and Brisket, all sent best wishes to “Junebug,” and are looking forward to romping with her along the rivers of Texas.