Expectant mother evacuates Napa home, gives birth at hotel

Photo courtesy: Neil Bason

NAPA COUNTY, Calif. (KTVU) - An expectant mother who evacuated in the Nuns Fire ended up giving birth to her daughter at a hotel.

Neil Bason and his girlfriend PJ FairBairn had planned on a home birth. When flames approached their home on Mt. Veeder they had to be creative and adjust their expectations.

Their friend, a manager at the Westin Verasa Napa, offered them a room. They felt lucky to have the room and that's where they welcomed their baby Elisabeth to the world. Their midwife was able to get to them in time to assist with the birth.

Elisabeth weighed in at 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 19" long. "We spent a long while going through a rollercoaster of emotions - but we're focused on the sheer joy of welcoming Elisabeth," said Bason.

Bason and FairBairn say they still don't know if their home is standing. They haven’t been able to return home due to road closures.  "We know that where we were the fire fully engulfed the area… we just don't know," said Bason.

They had set up much of Elisabeth's nursery but they aren't focused on "stuff." Instead they’re focused on their sweet baby girl. They said PJ’s friends from her hometown of Benicia pitched in together to give them everything they could possibly need for Elisabeth.

The couple says they are thankful for the thousands of firefighters who have been battling the flames and they are humbled by all of the support they've received. "The fire has strengthened the bonds between people - it's tremendous," said Bason.

The pair is staying positive enjoying their time with Elisabeth, "What more could you want - we have a room, and room service when we want it... what more could you need."